Jan's Plans & Pans - August 8, 2024

We got some great news last week! Thanks to the hard work of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, three Americans were released from wrongful detention in Russia. Evan Gershkovich, Marine Veteran Paul Whelan, and Russian-American radio journalist Alsu Kurmasheva are now back in the United States, returning home after unimaginable suffering. The Biden-Harris administration has now brought home over 70 Americans who were held in captivity. I’m grateful for their commitment and dedication to bringing Americans home. 

Further, I was glad to hear President Biden’s plan to reform the Supreme Court. Americans’ approval rating of the Supreme Court is nearing a historic low. The current Supreme Court, composed of a far-right majority, has overturned long-established legal precedents protecting our fundamental rights. At the same time, recent ethics scandals involving some Justices have caused the public to question the fairness and independence of the Court. President Biden’s proposal would ensure that nobody is above the law, not even former presidents. In addition, it would establish a code of ethics as well as place term limits on Justices. Together, these measures would restore trust and accountability. 

I hope you all have been enjoying your summer! As always, do not hesitate to contact my office if you are in need of assistance. 

Take care,

Schakowsky Seeks to Codify the Right to IVF

I signed a discharge petition to force a vote on legislation to codify the right to in vitro fertilization (IVF). We must empower women, doctors, and families. This fight is more than just policy and politics; it is about human dignity and justice. 

Schakowsky Celebrates District Interns

I had a wonderful time at Will’s Place in Skokie with my district office summer interns! We talked about all the work they do supporting the residents of the 9th district, and the issues that matter most to our constituents. I am so grateful for their contributions to our office and look forward to seeing the amazing work they do going forward. Thank you, Mae, Ngone, and Aidan!

My district office helped a constituent obtain a travel document to visit family during an emergency:

“We want to express enormous gratitude for all the support provided by Rep. Schakowsky and her team. We were in a very complicated situation with the loss of a family member, and they gave us their help to obtain a permit to travel to support our family in such a painful moment.

"We were in a moment of great sadness as a family, and we wanted to be close to them. We thought this was going to take a long time, but thanks to the help and concern of Rep. Schakowsky's office, it only took one week to be reunited with my family. We will be forever grateful for all the help provided.”

Michael & Geraldine

Passport Renewal

Remember to check your passport validity before booking any summer travel plans! 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.