Jan's Plans & Pans - July 21, 2025

Dear John xxxxxx,

It has been a very busy time for me, both in the 9th Congressional District and back in Washington, DC. The phones in my office have been ringing off the hook, and I have visited with countless constituents in Illinois’ 9th Congressional District who are fearful of what is going on.

Under the guidance of President Donald Trump, Congressional Republicans were able to pass their Big Ugly Bill. This legislation will gut Medicaid and rip health care away from more than 16 million Americans. On top of that, this legislation will result in the closure of hospitals and clinics across the country, defund Planned Parenthood, cutting off millions from access to cancer screenings, birth control, and reproductive health services, slash food assistance programs for families and children, harm the future of renewable energy, and raise energy bills by hundreds of dollars every year — all to give a massive tax cut to billionaires and big corporations, and to benefit polluters.

The American people will not forget, and these lawmakers will not be able to hide from the consequences. The fight goes on, and my top priority remains protecting the health and dignity of every American. If you need assistance, or have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact my office.

Be well,

Schakowsky Rallies with SEIU Workers

I joined hundreds of SEIU members on a sweltering DC day to make our voices heard loud and clear. Medicaid is a lifesaver. The GOP's Big Ugly Bill will rip away health care from millions to give tax cuts to billionaires. The power of the people is greater than the people in power.

Schakowsky Introduces Resolution to Protect Our Climate

Climate change is real, and as this crisis grows, our kids are increasingly paying the price. We as leaders have a duty to ensure that all people, especially our young people, are protected from the existential threat of climate change. I am partnering with Rep. Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) and Rep. Jamie Raskin (MD-08) on the Children’s Fundamental Rights to Life and a Stable Climate System Resolution.

Schakowsky Stands Up for Reproductive Freedom

The Supreme Court ruled that states can cut off Medicaid funding to Planned Parenthood. People all over will be cut off from their breast exams, vaccines, mental health care, and so much more. I joined protests outside the court because health care is a human right.

Schakowsky Joins Local Leaders for Reopening of CTA Stations

All aboard! Next stop, a modernized CTA. The grand opening of the Argyle, Berwyn, Bryn Mawr, and Lawrence rail stations will make our transit system more accessible and will keep our communities connected. Thanks to all the federal and local partners who made this possible.

Schakowsky Attends Fourth of July Festivities

I hope you were able to enjoy the wonderful Fourth of July celebrations in our community. There is no better feeling than being out and about in the 9th District! It was great to see so many smiling faces!

Follow Me on BlueSky

During this fraught time, it is more important than ever that we stand together and stay connected. Follow me on Bluesky to keep up with my latest work on behalf of the 9th Congressional District of Illinois. Click here to follow.

Colonel A.W. was a C-130 pilot in the Afghan Air Force. He supported the efforts of U.S. troops in Afghanistan in this capacity for years. As the country was falling to the Taliban in 2021, Col. A.W. risked his life countless times by working tirelessly and covertly to evacuate U.S. service members and Afghan allies to Kabul for evacuation out of the country.

On his final mission, after the country completely fell, his plane was shot at by the Taliban as he flew the plane, full of passengers, in the dark through the mountains. He completed every mission, including this last one, without a single casualty. He was commanded to leave with American service members out of Kabul, with the promise that his wife, daughter, and son were going to be located, taken to the airport, and evacuated on subsequent flights, which, unfortunately, due to the difficult circumstances that followed did not happen. Since then, Colonel A.W. has been working tirelessly to complete the needed documents so he can be reunited with his family. However, his reality is now very different, and because of the new administration’s policies, he does not know if he will ever be able to reunite with his wife and two children.

The man who evacuated thousands to safety could not evacuate his own family, and he and his family now live with the uncertainty and sadness of being separated from each other for years to come.

Since his 2021 resettlement to Chicago, Col. A.W. has been working, and he has dedicated his new American life to helping refugees lead fulfilling and successful lives.

Passport Renewal

Remember to check your passport validity before booking any 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.