Updates from Washington

Gun Violence Bill Passes Congress

Last week, we passed the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act. This groundbreaking legislation is the first major gun violence prevention bill passed in nearly 30 years. The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act includes my work to prevent gun trafficking, measures to expand background checks for gun buyers under 21, establishes red flag laws to keep guns away from those who should not have them, and invests in mental health services and community violence intervention.

Voting to pass the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act was one of the most important votes I have taken in my more than nine years of Congressional service. This long-overdue legislation will keep guns out of our communities and save lives. I’m honored that my work to stop gun trafficking, which plagues not only Chicago but cities across the country, was included in this legislation. There is more work ahead of us, but this is progress.

Statement on SCOTUS Roe v. Wade Decision

I am outraged that the Supreme Court has overturned Roe v. Wade, erasing 50 years of women’s right to abortion care. This reckless decision will negatively impact millions of people in our country and will lead to the deaths of countless women and girls. I will continue working with my Congressional colleagues to determine a legislative path forward to enshrine abortion rights into law.

Abortion care remains legal in Illinois. Our state and local leadership is working to ensure Illinoisans continue to have access to this lifesaving care, and we will continue welcoming women from other states in need of care. I will support measures to invest in Illinois’ abortion care and women’s healthcare more broadly.

Biden Administration Takes Historic Actions to
Bolster LGBTQ+ Rights

On June 15th, President Biden signed an Executive Order that builds on the historic progress he has made for LGBTQ+ people. During Pride Month, we not only celebrate the LGBTQ+ community, but honor those who have fought for LGBTQ+ rights and recommit ourselves to the fight as allies.

I commend President Biden for signing this Executive Order to advance equality for LGBTQ+ people across the country. No one should face discrimination because of who they are. We are a nation comprised of diverse individuals and should celebrate and protect that diversity.

Updates from District

Mobile Office Hours

On July 6th, I will be hosting my Mobile Office Hours at Alderwoman Susan Sadlowski Garza’s 10th Ward office where representatives from my office will be available to assist you with issues regarding numerous federal agencies. The Mobile Office Hours will be on July 6th from 10am-1pm at 10500 S. Ewing Avenue, Chicago, IL 60617. No appointments are needed!

The following Wednesday, July 13th, I will have Mobile Office Hours at State Representative Marcus C. Evans Jr.’s office. These Mobile Office Hours will be on July 13th from 10:30am-1:30pm at 8500 S. Stony Island Avenue, Chicago, IL 60617.

Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony

On Saturday, I attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the newly renovated Amtrak platform at the Homewood Station. Commuters in the South Suburbs deserve safe, accessible and well-maintained public transportation, and this project does just that. Thank you to Mayor Hofeld for having me and to everyone involved in completing this incredible project.

HIV Testing Day

Yesterday I made sure to get tested as part of HIV Testing Day. Knowing your status gives you powerful information to help stay healthy. Learn more about HIV testing options by clicking here.

Constituent Success Story

It is an honor to serve the people of Illinois’ Second Congressional District. It makes me so proud when constituents contact my office to thank my staff and I for the work we’ve done.

“I had applied for Public Servant Loan Forgiveness a few times since I began teaching with Chicago Public Schools 22 years ago. Each time I was turned down. I then reapplied in January, 2022, and, after not receiving a response for multiple months, reached out to Rep. Kelly's office for support. They contacted the U.S. Department of Education, which finally reviewed my case and offered forgiveness of the remainder of my $36,000 in loans! I greatly appreciated this support in honoring my years of service as a public school teacher!

Sincerely,

Donald”

Has my staff helped you deal with a federal agency? If so, I’d really like to hear from you! Please take a few minutes to fill out my Constituent Testimonial Form.