Jan's Plans & Pans - December 24, 2024

On Friday, I voted in favor of a continuing resolution to keep our government open and funded. While the continuing resolution did not include everything I had initially wanted, we could not let the government shut down. A government shutdown right before the holidays would have forced our troops to work without pay, harmed small businesses, risked air travel disruptions, endangered access to food assistance for millions of mothers and their children, and so much more.

It is so great to be back in the 9th Congressional District! To say the least, the 118th session of Congress was anything but ordinary, but I am proud of what my team and I have been able to accomplish. This year, my constituent service team assisted nearly 2,150 residents of the 9th District and returned or saved constituents $1.4 million. I am also ecstatic that President Joe Biden signed my bipartisan bill, the REEF Act, into law. This legislation will now help over 200,000 railroad workers access their unemployment and sickness benefits. As we prepare for the 119th Congress, I vow to continue fighting for a more equitable and just world for all.

Happy holidays from my family to yours! With so much going on, it helps to take a step back and reflect on all the good things in the world. This holiday season, may the chairs around your table be filled with those you love, may your plates be full, and may your blessings be bountiful. Thank you to our health care workers, military personnel, first responders, airport workers, delivery drivers, janitorial staff, hotel workers, and other essential workers. Your sacrifices help ensure others can have a safe and happy holiday season. We are grateful to you!

Be well,

Schakowsky Invites Rabbi Andrea London to White House Hanukkah Party

I was so excited that I got to bring my Rabbi, Andrea London, to the White House with me for the annual Hanukkah party! The best part of the entire event was when President Joe Biden took a selfie with us on Rabbi London's phone!

Schakowsky Fights Back Against Cuts to Vital Programs

We are in a fiscal crisis because of the tax cuts that were given to the ultra-wealthy, and now some of my colleagues want to make devastating cuts to our vital programs. They never discuss the morality of these cuts. The Affordable Care Act and Social Security are lifesaving programs. We must keep fighting.

Schakowsky Stands in Solidarity with Striking Amazon Workers in Skokie

I continue to stand in solidarity with the Amazon workers in the 9th Congressional District. Their hard work and sacrifices cannot continue to be undervalued. All workers deserve a safe workplace, strong benefits, and good pay.

My district office helped a constituent obtain an expedited apostille in order to apply for a student visa to study abroad:

"I am so grateful for the invaluable assistance I received from the Office of Congresswoman Schakowsky. I requested help fast-tracking time sensitive documents for my student visa application and the staff very kind and understanding of my situation. They quickly reached out to the Office of Authentications and advocated on my behalf, communicated in a timely manner with relevant updates, and soon after, I received great news.

"Thanks to their invaluable help, I was able to obtain my documents on time, and now, I am so excited to start my study abroad program soon. The Office of Congresswoman Schakowsky played a critical role in making my dream come true, and so I am super grateful! Thank you so much!" - Lilian

Passport Renewal

Remember to check your passport validity before booking any summer travel plans! Current processing times for passports are: 4-6 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.