Jan's Plans & Pans - December 14, 2023

Dear John xxxxxx,

I had a big week in Washington! I am thrilled that my bill, the bipartisan TICKET Act, unanimously passed 45-0 out of the Energy & Commerce Committee. This bill will transform the experience of buying event tickets online. It ends practices that frustrate people who simply want to enjoy a concert, show, or sporting event and will restore fairness and transparency to the ticketing marketplace. This bipartisan achievement is the result of months of hard work and I will continue my efforts to ensure that it is signed into law.

Further, I introduced legislation with my friend Senator Elizabeth Warren, which would establish an Office of Drug Manufacturing within the Department of Health and Human Services responsible for manufacturing generic drugs, lowering prices, increasing competition, and addressing drug shortages. Did you know that the five largest pharmaceutical companies raked in nearly $80 billion in profits last year? Meanwhile, many every day Americans struggled to afford their lifesaving medications. It is time for Big Pharma to face real, honest competition that will lower drug prices for people across the United States. 

I am looking forward to being back in the 9th District to celebrate the holidays with my friends and family. Wishing you all a joyful holiday season.

Be well,

Schakowsky Stands with Advocates in Support of Drunk-Driving Prevention Technology

Every day, 37 people die in drunk-driving crashes. Thanks to the tireless work of advocates and survivors, President Joe Biden's Infrastructure Law will soon require drunk-driving prevention technology in all new cars. These deaths are preventable, and this technology will save lives.

Schakowsky Meets with Arts Alliance Illinois Members to Discuss the TICKET Act

My District Office helped a constituent receive his I-131 form to travel to Mexico to visit his sick grandmother

"I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Rep. Schakowsky's office for their invaluable assistance throughout my green card application process. Their unwavering friendliness and willingness to help have been a constant source of support. Having spent five years in the USA without the ability to reunite with my family in my home country, today I can do so, thanks to the instrumental aid provided by Rep. Schakowsky's office. 

I want to express special appreciation to Liliana Callahan, who was consistently helpful from the inception to the completion of this journey. Now, being able to work and contribute in a country that has offered me tremendous opportunities is both a privilege and an honor. I sincerely thank Rep. Schakowsky's office, along with Liliana Callahan, for their outstanding assistance and unwavering support throughout this significant chapter of my life."

-Alek Johnson De Moura Rocha 

Sign Up for the Affordable Connectivity Program

Thanks to President Joe Biden's Infrastructure Law, families are gaining access to the broadband they need for work, school, healthcare, and more. Eligible households can receive a monthly discount for internet service and a one-time discount for a personal tech device.

The Federal Communication Commission's Affordable Connectivity Program provides eligible households $30/month off internet bills, in addition to a one-time discount of up to $100 on personal devices.

To find out how to take advantage, visit GetInternet.gov.

Passport Renewal

Current processing times for passports are: 7-10 weeks for routine and 3-5 weeks for expedited. These times are subject to change and are posted on the Dept. of State Website.  Please apply well in advance of your travel date – if your travel date is sooner than the current processing times, you may not get your passport in time for travel.

Please remember that emergency in-person appointments at the Chicago Passport Agency are intended for emergencies and availability is not guaranteed unless it is a life or death emergency! These appointments are not and have never been intended for routine renewal. If you have upcoming travel you should NOT plan on receiving an appointment at the Chicago Passport Agency. Passport renewals are intended to go through the mail. 

Did you know that many countries require your passport to be valid for several months beyond your date of travel? Depending on your destination, validity requirements can vary from 3 to 6 months beyond the date of travel! You can check the requirements for your destination on the Dept. of State Website under "International Travel" and "Country Information".

If you have planned travel and have a pending application that may not arrive on time, or if you need an emergency appointment at the Chicago Passport Agency, the Constituent Advocates in my District Office are happy to help! Please call the office at 773-506-7100, or you can open a case with my office online.