Jan's Plans & Pans - February 6, 2023

Dear John xxxxxx,

Committee hearings are back! In the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Innovation, Data, and Commerce, where I serve as the Ranking Democrat, we held a hearing where experts emphasized the importance of passing the American Data Privacy and Protection Act, a bipartisan bill that I introduced last Congress that would protect consumers’ online data privacy and ensure America’s global competitiveness. It is my hope that this Congress, we can work together again to advance this crucial piece of legislation.

Do not be fooled, Medicare Advantage is not Medicare. I am extremely concerned about the deceptive advertisements that Medicare Advantage plans are using to trick older Americans into signing up for plans that may not cover the care they need. Not only are Medicare Advantage plans denying requests for much-needed care, but they are also falsifying medical records to make seniors appear sicker than they are, so the plans can line their own pockets with taxpayer dollars. The Save Medicare Act, which I was proud to introduce last week with Congressman Pocan and Congressman Khanna, will help us put an end to the false advertising.

During Black History month, and every month, let us celebrate the invaluable contributions of generations of Black Americans and recognize the heroes who have fought so hard to make our nation a more equitable place. Tragically, we continue to see the death of young Black men and women at the hands of police abuse. Tyre Nichols’ killing by Memphis police is another example of the deep-rooted injustices in our criminal justice system. At his funeral, Vice President Kamala Harris called on Congress to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act. I could not agree more, we need accountability. Justice must prevail for Tyre’s family and our nation. We also cannot succumb to the far-right extremists who are turning a blind eye to our nation’s disturbing history of oppression and brutality by prohibiting students and teachers from talking about issues related to race. Shockingly, the College Board, who administers advanced placement courses, purged the names of many Black writers and scholars. Black history is American history, period.

As you may be aware, district boundaries have shifted for the 118th Congress. To check and see if I am still your Representative, please click here. If you are in my district and need any assistance from a federal agency, whether it be a Social Security problem, an immigration case, or a postal issue, just to name a few, my office is here to help. Head to my website for further assistance and information.

Have a great week,

Schakowsky Talks with CNN's Anderson Cooper About Rep. Omar's Removal from Foreign Affairs Committee

As a proud Jew and proud friend of Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, I do not need any of my Republican colleagues to defend me against anti-Semitism. Ilhan Omar should not have been removed from the Foreign Affairs Committee. The Republican Party is the party of insurrectionists and ‘Jewish space lasers.’ They have not once apologized for their actions. There is absolutely no comparison.

Only Medicare is Medicare!

You have probably seen the TV ads about Medicare Advantage plans. But, these plans are not Medicare. So Rep. Mark Pocan, Ro Khanna, and I introduced the Save Medicare Act to stop private plans from using the term Medicare and made our own infomercial video.

Free COVID-19 Tests Available

Thanks to the Biden administration, you can now get four more free Covid-19 at-home test kits delivered to your door. You can order online via the federally run website COVIDTests.gov. Orders will be mailed by USPS, starting this week.

To receive the kits, you only need to provide a U.S. residential address when ordering. You can register your email address for delivery updates, but that is optional.

If you cannot access the internet or need help placing an order, call 1-800-232-0233 to get help in English, Spanish and more than 150 other languages. Call between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. CT, Monday to Friday and between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. CT on weekends.