Jan's Plans & Pans - December 21, 2023

Dear John xxxxxx,

To finish out the legislative year in Washington, the House of Representatives voted on the Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This bill authorizes a staggering $886 billion in new spending for the Department of Defense. Our greatest security threats have no military solutions, and it is time our budget reflected that. Therefore, I could not, in good faith, support its final passage.

The legislation also includes an extension of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. This section has repeatedly been abused to conduct millions of invasive searches for Americans’ communications, including those of protesters, activists, campaign donors, journalists, and even members of Congress.

The NDAA does not reflect the best interests of our nation at this moment. Instead of giving the Pentagon nearly a trillion dollars, we should make the investments in health care, education, housing, diplomacy, public transit, and the environment that Americans deserve.

While there are some provisions in the bill that I support, like a 5.2% pay raise for both military servicemembers and the Defense Department’s civilian workforce and increased housing and health care support for our military personnel, I could not support the bill in its entirety.

It is great to be back home and I look forward to seeing many of you as I travel throughout the district. To all those who will be celebrating Christmas and Kwanzaa, I am wishing you a joyful time with loved ones!

Happy holidays,

In Washington D.C.

Schakowsky Pens Op-Ed - The Helms Amendment: 50 years of Blocking Safe Access to Abortion Overseas

For 50 years, the Helms Amendment has barred US foreign assistance from being used for abortion care, even in countries where abortions are legal. The US should not stand in the way of bodily autonomy around the globe. Abortion is health care and health care is a human right.

I am proud to lead the bicameral Abortion is Health Care Everywhere Act, which would finally repeal the Helms Amendment and ensure that US foreign aid can be used for safe, legal abortion care overseas. To read my full op-ed, please click here.

In the District

Schakowsky Visits Westminster Place to Discuss Efforts to Protect Older Americans

In Congress, I am proud to serve as a Co-founder and Co-chair of the Democratic Task Force on Aging & Families. We are committed to expanding earned benefits like Social Security and Medicare. It was great to join Westminster Place residents this week to discuss our efforts to protect older Americans.

Constituent Casework Stories

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

Government Resources

Inflation Reduction Act Consumer Energy Benefits

Winter is here, and so are the colder temperatures. It is time to turn up the heat, which will inevitably lead to a higher gas bill. But there is good news: the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which Democrats in Congress and President Joe Biden passed last year, has made cost-saving benefits available right now, including:

30% back for the cost of many clean energy upgrades to your home, including solar panels, water heaters, and battery storage, no matter the price.
Up to $1,200 to add insulation, install new exterior windows and doors, or other improvements that increase the energy efficiency of your home.
Up to $2,000 for a new heat pump (which can provide efficient air conditioning and heating) as well as a heat-pump water heater.
30% off the cost of installing a new electric vehicle charger if you live in a underserved community.

Starting on January 1, up to $7,500 in savings will be available right at point of sale when you buy a new electric vehicle and up to $4,000 for a used one. You will be able to get these credits at your car dealership, which means the discount will come right off the sticker price when you buy your EV.

You can visit this site to see a full list of benefits and find out which are currently available to best help you and your household.

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: 6-8 weeks for routine and 2-3 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.

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