Danny Davis

Washington, DC: July 15, 2026, Representative Danny K. Davis introduced legislation to compel the Trump Administration to hand over all relevant records relating to the five-state freeze on the State-based Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF), the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and the Social Services Block Grant (SSBG) funding. If adopted, the Resolution of Inquiry would require HHS to transmit to Congress information related to the freeze, including internal communications about the real cause of the freeze, the various contracts that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is violating in addition to the statutory provisions, and how the freeze is being implemented. Multiple Democratic Representatives from Illinois co-sponsored this important oversight legislation, including: Nikki Budzinski; Sean Casten; Bill Foster; Jonathan Jackson; Robin Kelly; Mike Quigley; Jan Schakowsky; Eric Sorensen; and Bradley Schneider. In January 2026, the Trump Administration withheld $10 billion in federal funding – over $1 billion for Illinois alone - for essential services that support millions of Americans served by the CCDF, TANF, and SSBG in five states – California, Colorado, Illinois, Minnesota, and New York. HHS has no statutory or constitutional authority to prevent states from accessing these funds. Importantly, in February 2026, a federal judge granted a preliminary injunction to block the Trump Administration from withholding the funds to the five states until the legality of the freeze is decided. This injunction was fundamental to preventing harm to children, families, the elderly, people with disabilities, community organizations, and businesses that will occur without the court’s injunction. According to court documents filed this week, HHS conceded to reality and rescinded the freeze. As the senior Democrat on the House Subcommittee with jurisdiction over child care, welfare, and social services funding, Rep. Davis and his Democratic colleagues on the House Ways and Means Committee have repeatedly requested information about the freeze. HHS has refused to provide information about any legal basis for the freeze, evidence of the so-called “fraud” listed as the pre-text for halting funds, and other basic facts about the stopping of funds. The ROI directs HHS to transmit copies of any document, audit trail, record, audio recording, memorandum, call log, correspondence (electronic or otherwise), written agreements, report, study, contract, staffing assignment, legal analysis or other communication in their possession, or any portion of any of these items related to key elements of the freeze. “Allowing the Administration to proceed without Congressional intervention sets a dangerous precedent of letting the Executive Branch ignore the laws Congress enacted governing guaranteed funding streams for all states,” said Rep. Davis. “This legislation would compel the Trump Administration to give Congress all relevant information related to the freezing of child care, social service, and welfare funds for Illinois, California, Colorado, Minnesota, and New York. Given the Administration’s recent $1.8 billion slush fund for President Trump and HHS’s recent politization of vaccines and other health initiatives, now more than ever, it is essential that Congress plays an active role in oversight to ensure that the Trump Administration is operating appropriately without political motivation and that this abuse of power does not occur again.”

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move to strike the last word, and I certainly appreciate Dr. Murphy’s skill, passion and interest in healthcare and healthcare delivery. But one year after Donald Trump and the Republicans cut over $1 trillion out of health care to fund tax cuts for billionaires and big businesses, millions of people have lost health insurance. Millions more are crushed by exploding health care costs. Hospitals are closing and cutting services and staff. People face the impossible choice between seeing a doctor, paying rent, eating, or getting gasoline. Yet the Republican leadership is moving a bill that does absolutely nothing – nothing - to lower health costs or stabilize hospitals. More than 175,000 Illinoisans have lost their Medicaid, CHIP, or ACA coverage after the GOP’s Big Ugly Bill. Premiums for Illinois receiving ACA tax cuts increased by an average of 144% this year. Illinois hospitals alone are expected to lose just under $31.3 billion annually. With 26 health care providers at-risk now for cuts, closing or have closed, including one across the street from where I live. At a time when we should be helping hospitals after we cut $1 trillion from health care, the GOP solution is a bill with additional paperwork rather than tax credits to help people buy health insurance and rather than funding to help hospitals hire health professionals to care for people. I just happen to have more hospital beds in my district than any other Member of Congress. My professional work background includes working with health centers to provide low-cost health care to people in need. I co-led the bipartisan Rural and Underserved Health Task Force where we recognized that rural and underserved hospitals face similar challenges as urban hospitals. This bill is an offensive answer to the urgent health care crisis facing America. The bill does absolutely nothing to lower cost of patients. It does nothing to help hospitals provide low-cost care. It does nothing to push Pharma to lower drug costs. The bill rejects the needs of hospitals in urban areas by carving out protections for certain rural hospitals, ignoring the very work done bipartisanly by members of this Committee. It unfairly targets hospitals solely on the basis of their size without accounting for their unique cost structures, especially for academic health systems and teaching hospitals who invest in their communities and ensure access to care for patients with complex, highly acute care needs - such as transplantation, Level 1 trauma care, neonatal intensive care, and burn care. These health systems and hospitals train tomorrow’s health care workforce and invest in medical research. Rather than helping health systems and hospitals focus on treating patients, train future health care providers, conduct cutting edge research, and serve their communities, this bill forces these health entities to divert critical funding to administratively burdensome requirements. So, I strongly oppose the Tax-Exempt Hospital Transparency act for its abject failure to meet the health care crisis facing Americans, hospitals, and communities. And Mr. Chairman, I ask unanimous consent to submit to the record statements by the American Hospital Association, the Association of American Medical Colleges and, America’s Essential Hospitals voicing their concerns about the Tax-Exempt Hospital Transparency Act.

The Supreme Court’s latest decision is a step backward for voting rights and fair representation. Every American deserves an equal voice at the ballot box. I stand with civil rights leaders calling for action to protect voters and uphold our democracy. Read: https://t.co/baq6K0Kctr

Today, I proudly celebrate the 50th anniversary of Prison Fellowship, Second Chance Month, and the introduction of the Second Chance Month Resolution. Second chances help individuals rebuild their lives, strengthen families, and make communities safer. https://t.co/DEoFDPQRqk

2159 Rayburn House Office BuildingEmail Me202-225-5006 Subscribe Washington, D.C. - U.S. Representatives Danny K. Davis (D-IL) and Darin LaHood (R-IL) introduced the Fresh Starts for Foster Youth Act (H.R. 7529) to help foster youth transition to adulthood by resolving legal issues affecting housing, education, employment entry, and family conditions. As the top Democrat and Republican on the Subcommittee with jurisdiction over child welfare, Reps. Davis and LaHood have heard from foster youth and advocates about ways to improve the John H. Chafee Program for Successful Transition to Adulthood program, which provides $143 million a year in flexible funding to states, territories, and Indian tribal entities to support older foster youth as they exit care. Leading advocacy organizations have highlighted that foster youth can experience legal needs that often are acute and time-sensitive, threatening a young person’s housing, educational goals, income, and family stability at a time when they have the least support. For example, in 2020, the National Foster Care Youth & Alumni Policy Council listed quality legal representation as one of its four Youth & Alumni Priorities to help older foster youth. Similarly, since launching its Virtual Support Services program in 2021, Think of Us reports that 18 percent of all requests from transition-age youth relate to legal services. A few of the most common categories of legal need include: housing stability and eviction defense; guardianship and custody, especially for youth informally caring for siblings or relatives; and access to vital records. The Fresh Starts for Foster Youth Act would improve access to legal representation and counseling to help foster youth transition to adulthood by resolving legal issues affecting housing, education, employment entry, and family conditions. Specifically, the bill would amend the Chafee Program to require States to consider legal issues affecting youth as part of case planning and to provide States with the option to use funds to support access to legal representation and counseling. “Foster youth face numerous challenges as they exit care,” said Rep. Davis. “I proudly join with Chairman LaHood to help older youth transition to adulthood by improving access to legal representation and counseling. I am grateful to the current and former youth who have used their lived experience to share how legal assistance could help young people secure stable housing, resolve guardianship and custody issues, remove barriers to employment, and pursue educational opportunities to thrive.” "Youth aging out of foster care are one of the most vulnerable populations in our country,” said Rep. LaHood. “One of my top priorities as Chairman of the Work and Welfare Subcommittee is to ensure every child has a chance to thrive and a pathway to success. I thank Ranking Member Davis for his leadership in introducing the bipartisan Fresh Starts for Foster Youth Act to build on our Subcommittee’s work to modernize the Chafee Foster Care Program. It is critical that we continue our work to expand access to education, housing, and employment opportunities to help foster youth successfully transition into adulthood.” The Fresh Starts for Foster Youth Act is supported by numerous foster youth, child welfare, and legal advocates, including: Brightpoint; Child Welfare League of America; Children’s Advocacy Institute; Foster Care Alumni of America; FosterClub; Juvenile Law Center; National Foster Youth Institute; Think of Us; Youth Law Center; and Youth Villages. “Ultimately, this bill is about believing in young people and not giving up hope on them, nor allowing them to give up hope on themselves. We applaud Reps. Davis and LaHood for working together on this important bill that ensures a brighter future for our youth aging out of foster care.” Mike Shaver, president and CEO of Brightpoint, which has served Illinois children and families for more than 142 years “Young adults transitioning from foster care to adulthood often face obstacles and barriers to establishing independence and security. It is incumbent upon the agencies and organizations serving these young people to help them access resources and navigate the relevant systems, including the legal system. The Fresh Starts for Foster Youth Act will give child welfare agencies additional flexibility to help youth in foster care address pressing legal concerns, allowing them to build a steady foundation for their future. CWLA applauds Chairman LaHood and Ranking Member Davis for their introduction of this important legislation.” Linda S. Spears, President and CEO of the Child Welfare League of America (CWLA) “Foster youth face unique legal barriers that can derail their journey to adulthood. This bill ensures Chafee funds can be used to quickly resolve those challenges so young people can stay on track. We’re grateful to Representative Davis for listening to young people as his ‘North Star’.” Celeste Bodner, Executive Director of FosterClub, the national network for youth in foster care “Through our Virtual Support Services program, Think of Us has worked with thousands of transition-age foster youth across the country — and legal assistance consistently ranks among their most pressing needs. Young people come to us facing eviction proceedings, benefit denials, and guardianship filings with no one to help them navigate these systems. These barriers do not disappear when a young person leaves foster care. They follow them into housing applications, job interviews, and college enrollment. Access to legal representation should be part of how we prepare young people for adulthood, not something they have to fight for on their own. We are proud to support this legislation, and we are grateful to Representatives LaHood and Davis for their commitment to listening to young people and advocating on their behalf.” Sixto Cancel, CEO, Think of Us The legislative text of the bill is available HERE. A summary of the bill is available HERE.

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January isn't just a new year; it’s a time to prioritize our well-being. This month, I’m highlighting: Cervical Health & Glaucoma screenings, Birth Defects prevention & education, Stalking awareness & survivor support the urgent need for blood donors. https://t.co/DPvWRQrRsC

2159 Rayburn House Office BuildingEmail Me202-225-5006 Subscribe REP. DAVIS AND ILLINOIS DEMOCRATS DEMAND THAT TRUMP ADMINISTRATION COMPLY WITH FEDERAL LAW AND RELEASE $1 BILLION IN CHILD CARE AND SERVICES FUNDING Washington, DC: Representative Danny K. Davis, Senator Dick Durbin, Senator Tammy Duckworth, and Representatives Jan Schakowsky, Mike Quigley, Bill Foster, Robin Kelly, Bradley Schneider, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Sean Casten, Chuy García, Lauren Underwood, Nikki Budzinski, Jonathan Jackson, Delia Ramirez, and Eric Sorenson sent a letter to the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Assistant Secretary of the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) demanding that they comply with the law and immediately release the $1 billion in frozen federal funding for essential services that support hundreds of thousands of Illinoisans served by the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF), the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and the Social Services Block Grant (SSBG). “As the senior Democrat on the House Subcommittee with jurisdiction over child care, welfare, and social services funding, I know that HHS has no statutory or constitutional authority to prevent states from accessing these funds,” said Davis. “The statutes governing these funds outline clear, specific processes for how to identify and sanction noncompliance, and the Administration followed none of them. I strongly support the Illinois lawsuit against ACF and HHS because it is fundamental to preventing the harm to children, families, the elderly, people with disabilities, community organizations, and businesses that will occur without the court’s temporary restraining order.” The lawmakers wrote, “Under federal law, the State of Illinois is entitled to receive TANF, SSBG, and CCDF funding, and your letter provided no evidence of any failure on the part of the state. If HHS does have concerns, federal law provides a specific process in each program for it to bring concerns to the state’s attention and give the state an opportunity to address them. Federal law outlines penalties if the issues are not resolved and describes in detail the data states must provide to HHS. However, HHS made no attempt to communicate with us or our state or to follow the law regarding alleged operational failures and is now demanding that the state provide them with individual, personally-identifiable information for our constituents that is not required by the law. We demand that you immediately release the funds Congress appropriated to Illinois children and families.” “Disruption to this funding will have substantial, immediate, and destructive consequences to Illinois children, families, businesses, and communities,” they continued. “Withholding both CCDF and TANF funding will cripple child care for low-income families in Illinois, threaten child protection services, and undermine the economic well-being of children and families…In addition to the substantial harm inflicted on vulnerable Illinoisans by halting funds for these three programs, the ACF’s action will devastate several hundred nonprofits and small businesses in our state.” “Government has a responsibility to protect its citizens while ensuring appropriate use of federal funds,” the lawmakers closed. “However, halting all federal CCDF, SSBG, and TANF funds to the State of Illinois without any legitimate basis will dangerously cut child care, child welfare, and health and well-being services, making the lives of children and families worse, not better. We expect that you quickly will release the funding our state is entitled to so that hundreds of thousands of Illinoisans do not suffer.” The lawmakers’ full letter to Secretary Kennedy and Assistant Secretary Adams is available HERE

Rep. Danny K. Davis joined Illinois’ Democratic congressional delegation in demanding the Trump Administration immediately comply with federal law and release $1 BILLION in frozen funding for child care and essential services. https://t.co/MYn2lHSKln

Today, we honor Dr. King not with words, but with service. As we face renewed attacks on our democracy, we remember that progress is never inevitable. Let’s organize and recommit to the "Beloved Community" he envisioned. https://t.co/vLb3Il0dbq

This week, I fought to hold HHS accountable for illegally halting $10 b for child care & services in IL, MN, CA, CO, & NY and child care funds across the US. The GOP rejected my effort to penalize HHS’s illegal actions. Thank you AG Raoul for suing to stop the cruel GOP efforts. https://t.co/uG32JwsSh7

Thousands of children and families are being harmed out of political revenge. It’s unpresidential and un-American, yet HHS has illegally stopped $1 b of our funds. HHS must immediately release the $1 b in child care and social services funding that our state is rightfully owed. https://t.co/0b7fUVNqrv

2159 Rayburn House Office BuildingEmail Me202-225-5006 Subscribe Today’s victory proves a simple truth: when Democrats stay unified, listen to the people, and remain focused on results, we win. A people united will never be defeated. Democrats are on a roll, and this vote shows exactly why. We are fighting for ordinary, everyday Americans—not billionaires and trillionaires who already have more than enough power over our economy and our democracy. I commend House Democratic leadership—Hakeem Jeffries, Katherine Clark, and Pete Aguilar—for leading the successful effort, alongside 17 Republicans, to pass legislation restoring Affordable Care Act tax credits and preventing millions of Americans from losing their healthcare. This was a necessary and overdue action to protect working families and seniors from skyrocketing healthcare costs. Let’s be clear: while Donald Trump and far-right Republicans talk about lowering the cost of living, their actions repeatedly undermine healthcare access for working- and middle-class Americans. House Democrats are doing the opposite—lowering costs, fixing what is broken, and standing up for the fundamental right to affordable healthcare. Now the Senate must act. The American people cannot afford delay or political gamesmanship. We will take the House back this year, put America back on track, and ensure that decisions in Washington are made by and for the people—not a wealthy few at the top.

ACA Extension: Today’s victory proves a simple truth: when Democrats stay unified, listen to the people, & remain focused on results, we win. A people united will never be defeated. Democrats are on a roll! We are fighting for ordinary, everyday Americans. https://t.co/N1GNsNnmKe

2159 Rayburn House Office BuildingEmail Me202-225-5006 Subscribe President Trump’s actions with respect to Venezuela raise serious concerns, not only about his apparent tolerance for authoritarian behavior abroad, but about his willingness to disregard democratic norms at home. I join with millions of people and elected officials who believe that the principles of democracy are relevant and essential for all people, not just the powerful, but also the most vulnerable. I have no respect for President Nicolás Maduro. I agree that drug trafficking originating in Venezuela must be addressed, and that the Venezuelan people deserve competent leadership and a stable, functional system of government in which the people, not force rule. However, for the President of the United States, acting as Commander in Chief, to invade another country, attempt to impose leadership, and unilaterally determine that nation’s future is wholly unacceptable and has no place in our constitutional system. Congress, not the executive alone, holds the authority over acts of war. For that reason, I join my colleagues in calling for immediate briefings from the executive branch to fully inform Congress of the nature, scope, and objectives of this action. At a minimum, these events raise profound constitutional concerns. At worst, they represent a direct violation of the separation of powers that underpins our democracy.

Congressman Danny Davis: I have no respect for authoritarian rule, anywhere. President Trump does not get to decide war, choose foreign leaders, or bypass Congress. That’s not democracy. That’s executive overreach. https://t.co/v3LEwijbnN

January is #NationalMentoringMonth. I’ve always said that our youth are the best of who we are. To everyone in the 7th District who takes the time to guide, teach, and inspire a young person: Thank you. You are building the future of Chicago. #MentorshipMatters #BeAMentor #IL07 https://t.co/FP5gYzN4La

As we enter 2026, I remain more committed than ever to fighting for our youth, expanding healthcare, and creating opportunity for all. Wishing you a year filled with peace, health, and progress. Let’s keep moving forward together! #HappyNewYear #Chicago #Service https://t.co/XSkPeRxbgs

Wishing all my constituents a peaceful holiday season. It remains a distinct honor to serve as your Representative in Congress. May the spirit of community stay with you and your families throughout the coming year. https://t.co/X0K836vIK7

2159 Rayburn House Office BuildingEmail Me202-225-5006 Subscribe Chicago, IL — Congressman Danny K. Davis issued the following statement today in response to the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Legal Counsel opinion declaring key Minority Serving Institution (MSI) programs unconstitutional, prompting the Department of Education to halt or curtail their operation: “Today’s action by the Department of Justice denies both the constitutionality and the necessity of targeted, compensatory efforts designed to expand educational access for Black, Hispanic, Asian American, Native American, and other historically marginalized communities. This decision wipes away formal recognition of the very real and well-documented legacy of racism, slavery, Jim Crow segregation, systemic poverty, and structural barriers that continue to shape educational opportunity in America. To suggest—by any stretch of the imagination—that the playing field in education is equal is simply false." Minority Serving Institutions educate roughly five million students—nearly one-third of all undergraduates in this country. These institutions are not symbolic. They are proven engines of economic mobility. They meet students where they are, support low-income and first-generation students, and strengthen entire communities. When President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Higher Education Act, he made clear that no student should be turned away from college because their family is poor. Today’s actions are deeply at odds with that promise. Background:Following the DOJ Office of Legal Counsel opinion, the Department of Education will no longer operate or will significantly curtail several programs, including: Developing Hispanic-Serving Institutions; Hispanic-Serving Institutions–STEM; Native American Serving Non-Tribal Institutions; Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions; Predominantly Black Institutions formula grants; Alaskan Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions; the Minority Science and Engineering Improvement Program; and Native Hawaiian Career and Technical Education programs. Components of TRIO programs, including the Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program, are also affected. Congressman Davis has long championed policies that expand access to education and confront structural inequality as essential to economic mobility and a healthy democracy.

I’m joining my Democratic colleagues to demand House Republicans vote NOW to extend ACA tax credits. GOP inaction means health insurance premiums will skyrocket on Jan 1. We need a clean extension today to keep healthcare affordable. 📉🏥 #Healthcare #ACA https://t.co/PvJXSDwrJ1

The U.S. Department of Justice's opinion declaring Minority Serving Institution programs unconstitutional denies both the constitutionality and the necessity of targeted efforts designed to expand educational access for historically marginalized communities. https://t.co/lKl99SEvjj

I am very honored that the American Ambulance Association presented me with a beautiful award for my strong support for emergency medical services. These wonderful professionals do amazing work for our communities. https://t.co/PCLLgP4FZ1

I am deeply honored to have received a Hill Champion award from the National Minority AIDS Council. We must continue to sustain and grow federal funding for HIV prevention, treatment, research, and community engagement. https://t.co/Lmt2Uuzp6B

2159 Rayburn House Office BuildingEmail Me202-225-5006 Subscribe D.C. — Congressman Danny K. Davis (D-IL) today issued a strong condemnation following the horrific antisemitic terrorist attack at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, and the tragic shooting at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island. The attack in Australia, which occurred during a Hanukkah celebration, resulted in the loss of at least 15 lives and left dozens more injured.1Hours earlier, a separate mass shooting at Brown University shook the academic community, highlighting the ongoing crisis of gun violence in our educational institutions. “I am deeply saddened and outraged by the senseless violence that occurred this past weekend,” said Congressman Davis. “The targeting of Jewish families in Australia as they gathered to celebrate the first night of Hanukkah is a chilling reminder of the persistent and dangerous threat of antisemitism worldwide. Hatred and bigotry have no place in a global society, and we must stand united against those who seek to divide us through terror.” Congressman Davis, a lifelong champion of civil rights and human dignity, emphasized that these events underscore a disturbing rise in hate-based violence. “My heart goes out to the victims, their families, and the students at Brown University who have been forced to endure the trauma of gun violence. Whether it is in our houses of worship, on our beaches, or on our college campuses, no one should have to live in fear. I join my colleagues and people of conscience everywhere in rejecting antisemitism, racism, and all forms of intolerance. We must double our efforts to protect the vulnerable and hold those who perpetrate such acts accountable.” Congressman Davis remains committed to legislative efforts that strengthen civil rights protections and address the root causes of violence both at home and abroad. He calls for a thorough investigation into these incidents and urges continued international cooperation to combat the scourge of hate. About Congressman Danny K. Davis Congressman Danny K. Davis represents the 7th Congressional District of Illinois and is a senior member of the House Committee on Ways and Means. He has long been recognized as a national leader in welfare policy, civil rights, and social justice.