Jan Schakowsky

Americans already pay far too much for prescription drugs. Now, Trump is making it harder for people to access lower-cost medicines from Canada and other countries. I’ve heard from many constituents who are deeply concerned about what this could mean for their ability to afford their medications. @RepMarkPocan and I are leading 71 Members in calling on the administration to keep these affordable options available. https://t.co/pwAd1g9k6X

Full Text of Letter (PDF) WASHINGTON – U.S. Representatives Jan Schakowsky (IL-09) and Mark Pocan (WI-02) on Thursday led a letter, signed by 71 Members of Congress, to Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) Robert F. Kennedy, Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) Markwayne Mullin, and the commissioners of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP), urging that the agencies ensure that Americans can continue to obtain genuine, non-controlled prescription medicines from outside the country. New CBP procedures for international mail shipments, taking effect October 22, could disrupt 2.3 million Americans’ longstanding ability to obtain lower-cost prescription medicines from Canada and other countries for their personal use. “For years, our constituents who have struggled with high prescription drug prices have obtained their medicines from pharmacies outside the United States, especially from Canada,” the members wrote. “We support CBP’s goal of using better data to identify and intercept high-risk shipments. However, we are concerned that the new process could be implemented in a manner that prevents personal-use prescription medicines from being shipped to the United States or results in their routine refusal, including medicines Americans have long obtained from licensed pharmacies abroad,” the members continued. “Greater visibility should instead improve the government’s ability to distinguish dangerous products from lower-risk prescription medicines and preserve appropriate enforcement discretion.” “We urge HHS, FDA, DHS, and CBP to delay any implementation of new procedures with respect to prescription medicines unless you can provide clear assurances that your agencies will not prevent genuine prescription medicines clearly intended for personal use and not appearing to present an unreasonable risk from entering the United States,” the members added. “Americans should not lose access to affordable medicines simply because the government has better information about packages entering the country. We urge your agencies to use that information to focus enforcement on where the risks are greatest while preserving appropriate access to safe and affordable medicines for personal use,” the members concluded. The letter is endorsed by the Campaign for Personal Prescription Importation, Just Care USA, National Association of Letter Carriers, Prescription Justice, and Social Security Works. The full list of signers (71): Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), Becca Balint (VT-01), Nanette Barragán (CA-44), Brendan Boyle (PA-02), Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), Janelle Bynum (OR-05), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), André Carson (IN-07), Greg Casar (TX-35), Judy Chu (CA-28), Yvette Clarke (NY-09), Steve Cohen (TN-09), Sharice Davids (KA-03), Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Diana DeGette (CO-01), Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Chris Deluzio (PA-17), Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10), Maxine Dexter (OR-03), Lloyd Doggett (TX-37), Veronica Escobar (TX-16), Dwight Evans (PA-03), Lois Frankel (FL-22), Maxwell Frost (FL-10), Robert Garcia (CA-42), Sylvia Garcia (TX-29), Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04), Jimmy Gomez (CA-34), Adelita Grijalva (AZ-07), Val Hoyle (OR-04), Jonathan Jackson (IL-01), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Robin Kelly (IL-02), Timothy Kennedy (NY-26), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), Greg Landsman (OH-01), Rick Larsen (WA-02), George Latimer (NY-16), Teresa Leger Fernandez (NM-03), Sam Liccardo (CA-16), Stephen Lynch (MA-08), John Mannion (NY-22), Doris Matsui (CA-07), Kristen McDonald Rivet (MI-08), Morgan McGarvey (KY-03), Jim McGovern (MA-02), Joe Morelle (NY-25), Seth Moulton (MA-06), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-01), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), Chris Pappas (NH-01), Chellie Pingree (ME-01), Mike Quigley (IL-05), Delia Ramirez (IL-03), Emily Randall (WA-06), Andrea Salinas (OR-06), Brad Schneider (IL-10), Adam Smith (WA-09), Marilyn Strickland (WA-10), Thomas Suozzi (NY-03), Mark Takano (CA-39), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Jill Tokuda (HI-02), Paul Tonko (NY-20), James Walkinshaw (VA-11), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), and Frederica Wilson (FL-24). ###

Full Text of FTC Autonomy (PDF) | Full Text of 21st Century FTC Act (PDF) WASHINGTON - As new technologies, business practices, and online marketplaces create new ways for companies to take advantage of consumers, U.S. Representatives Jan Schakowsky (IL-09) and Kathy Castor (FL-14) are introducing legislation to ensure the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has the tools and independence it needs to protect consumers in the modern economy. The FTC Autonomy Act, introduced by Rep. Schakowsky, and the 21st Century FTC Act, introduced by Rep. Castor, would strengthen the FTC’s ability to respond to unfair and deceptive practices and hold companies accountable when they harm consumers. “Companies are constantly finding new ways to take advantage of consumers, and the FTC needs the tools to keep up,” said Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky. “I’m glad to be in this fight with Congresswoman Castor to make sure the FTC has the authority and independence it needs to protect consumers. We need an FTC that can keep pace with the modern economy, not one held back by outdated rules and unnecessary barriers.” “The current economic pain being inflicted on hardworking Americans shouldn’t be exacerbated by fraudsters and corporate wrongdoers. It’s imperative that corporations be held accountable when they take advantage of consumers,” said Congresswoman Kathy Castor. “The FTC is key to accountability, and the 21st Century FTC and FTC Autonomy Acts will strengthen the ability to act and restore civil penalties for first time offenses. I’m committed to restoring the FTC’s autonomy and authority, and I urge Congress to pass this important legislation.” The FTC is the federal government’s primary consumer protection agency, but outdated procedures and restrictions on its enforcement authority can make it harder for the agency to respond to emerging threats. The FTC Autonomy Act would allow the FTC’s own attorneys to bring cases seeking civil penalties without first having to enlist the assistance of the Department of Justice. Removing this procedural barrier would allow the agency to pursue enforcement actions more efficiently and hold companies accountable. The 21st Century FTC Act would give the FTC streamlined rulemaking authority under the Administrative Procedure Act and allow the agency to seek civil penalties for first-time violations of the FTC Act. These changes would help the FTC respond more effectively to emerging consumer harms and deter companies from engaging in unfair or deceptive practices. Together, these bills would give the FTC the modern tools it needs to protect consumers in a rapidly changing economy. As technology and business practices evolve, consumers should not be left vulnerable because federal consumer protection laws have failed to keep pace. The FTC Autonomy Act and 21st Century FTC Act would strengthen the FTC’s ability to set clear rules, respond to new consumer threats, and hold companies accountable when they cross the line. ###

Companies are constantly finding new ways to take advantage of consumers, and the FTC needs the tools to keep up. I just introduced legislation with @USRepKCastor to make sure the FTC has the authority and independence it needs to protect consumers. We need an FTC that can keep pace with the modern economy, not one held back by outdated rules and unnecessary barriers. https://t.co/htNCoY21mq

Thousands of immigrants in Illinois who are here legally will lose their Medicaid coverage tomorrow because of Trump. That includes thousands of Ukrainians who fled Putin’s war and came to Illinois seeking safety. The cruelty is the point. We must speak up, stand together, and fight back.

For 50 years, the Hyde Amendment has denied low-income women the freedom to access abortion care simply because they can't afford it. The Hyde Amendment is discriminatory, period. No one should be denied the health care they need because of their income. Health care is a human right. It’s time to repeal Hyde.

I’m proud to be in this fight with @SenBooker, @RepDianaDeGette , @RepPressley, @NormaJTorres, @RepStricklandWA, and over 80 House and Senate Democrats. For more information, read our release and make your voice heard as we stand up for abortion access everywhere. https://t.co/AScW4g2yJY

Full Text of Bill (PDF) WASHINGTON - Today, on International Safe Abortion Day, U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (IL-09) and Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) reintroduced the Abortion is Health Care Everywhere Act, legislation that would repeal the harmful Helms Amendment and ensure U.S. foreign assistance can support comprehensive reproductive health care, including abortion care. Representatives Diana DeGette (CO-01), Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Norma Torres (CA-35), and Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) joining Schakowsky as House co-leads of the legislation. More than 80+ House Members have joined the effort. “Abortion is health care, no matter where you live. For over 50 years, the racist, harmful Helms Amendment has blocked U.S. foreign assistance from supporting abortion care, even where abortion is legal. That is wrong,” said Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky. “Today, on International Safe Abortion Day and every day, we must stand with people around the world who deserve the freedom to make their own decisions about their bodies and their futures. The Abortion is Health Care Everywhere Act will repeal Helms and help make reproductive health care accessible to everyone, everywhere.” “For more than 50 years, the Helms Amendment has restricted the use of U.S. foreign assistance for abortion care, with real consequences for women around the world,” said Senator Cory Booker. “Women are turned away from safe care and denied information and counseling about their options. Providers are forced to treat abortion differently from other essential health services. That is not a policy grounded in science, compassion, or dignity. The Abortion Is Health Care Everywhere Act would end these restrictions and make clear that U.S. global health assistance can support comprehensive reproductive health care, including safe abortion care.” "The right to decide what is best for your body, health and family should not be dictated by borders," said Congresswoman Diana DeGette, Co-Chair of the Reproductive Freedom Caucus. "The Helms Amendment is a draconian policy that has blocked access to essential health care for far too long. It's time that Congress acts and ensures that no matter what community she calls home, every woman can access the full range of health care she needs — including abortion care." "For decades, the reproductive health of millions of people—especially those in developing nations—has suffered as a result of the Helms Amendment barring U.S. foreign assistance from going to NGOs and clinics that provide abortion care," said Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, Co-Chair of the House Reproductive Freedom Caucus. "U.S. foreign aid to support health care in other countries falls desperately short by excluding reproductive health, and reinforces the criminalization and stigmatization of abortion care and reproductive health at home and abroad. This Administration’s cruel approach to gutting foreign aid has cost people around the globe their lives. The United States must reverse course, reinvest in foreign aid, and treat reproductive care as essential care.” “Health care should not depend on your ZIP code, your income, or the country you call home,” said Congresswoman Norma Torres. “For more than 50 years, the Helms Amendment has denied people around the world access to comprehensive reproductive health care. The Abortion is Health Care Everywhere Act is important because every woman deserves the freedom to make decisions about her own body, health, and future.” “As MAGA extremists unleash their assault on women’s rights, it is imperative to ensure reproductive health care for all,” said Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland. “The Helms Amendment makes it impossible for millions of women across the globe to seek reproductive care – including routine preventative screenings – barring economic mobility and worsening the maternal health crisis. I am introducing the Abortion is Health Care Everywhere Act with Representative Schakowsky and over 80 of my colleagues today to repeal Helms, ensure equality, and continue the fight for women’s rights worldwide.” The Abortion is Health Care Everywhere Act would repeal the Helms Amendment and replace it with language authorizing U.S. foreign assistance for comprehensive reproductive health care services, including abortion services, training, and equipment. The legislation is endorsed by leading reproductive health, global health, and human rights organizations. “With the Trump Administration undermining foreign aid for sexual and reproductive health care, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Repealing the Helms Amendment, which has long prohibited U.S. support for abortion services around the world, is a critical step toward ensuring people everywhere can access safe abortion care,” said Kelly Baden, Vice President of US Policy & Communications, Guttmacher Institute. “We thank Sen. Booker, Rep. Schakowsky and their co-leads for introducing the Abortion Is Health Care Everywhere Act. Guttmacher’s research makes the impact clear: ending Helms and supporting health care systems around the globe would avert 19 million unsafe abortions and 17,000 maternal deaths annually.” “For more than 50 years, the Helms Amendment has denied people around the world reproductive freedom. It undermines global health and human rights. It’s an archaic remnant of U.S. abortion politics that has always been completely divorced from the reality of the lives of the people it harms,” said Brian Dixon, Sr. Vice President, Population Connection Action Fund. “It’s long past time to repeal this disgraceful law and we are grateful to Senator Booker and Congresswoman Schakowsky for introducing this important legislation. We look forward to its passage.” “Everyone deserves to be able to get the healthcare they need when they need it,” said Alexis McGill Johnson, President and CEO, Planned Parenthood Federation of America. “For over 50 years, the Helms Amendment has put safe abortion care out of reach for people around the world served by U.S. foreign assistance, including global health, gender-based violence, and humanitarian programs. As we continue to fight back against abortion bans and restrictions in the U.S., we must also work to expand access and eliminate barriers abroad. We’re thankful to Rep. Schakowsky, Sen. Booker, and their co-leads for their leadership in expanding access to essential healthcare.” “Comprehensive abortion care is health care. That is not a political assertion, it is a public health reality,” said Nabeeha Kazi Hutchins, President and CEO, PAI. “When safe abortion care is not available, abortions do not stop. They become more dangerous, contributing to preventable maternal death and morbidity. For more than 50 years, the Helms Amendment has restricted U.S. foreign assistance for this care, putting women’s health and lives at risk. U.S. global health policy should be grounded in evidence and focused on preventing needless maternal deaths and illness. It’s time for Congress to pass the Abortion is Health Care Everywhere Act and repeal Helms.” The Helms Amendment was first enacted in 1973 and restricts U.S. foreign assistance from being used for abortion as a method of family planning. ###

Abortion is health care, no matter where you live. For over 50 years, the harmful Helms Amendment has blocked U.S. foreign assistance from supporting abortion care, even where it is legal. Today, on International Safe Abortion Day, we’re fighting to repeal Helms and make reproductive health care accessible to everyone, everywhere.

It’s always so good to see my good friend @morethanmySLE! Peter is a tireless advocate for patients and for making sure everyone can get the health care they need. I’m grateful for his friendship and for all he continues to do to make our health care system work better for patients and families.

Health care isn’t a game. Health insurance costs are going up again, and millions of Americans are going to feel it in their wallets. Democrats are fighting to make sure families can afford the care they need. Trump and Republicans are making that harder. https://t.co/8OeGdtu0Qh

As Yom Kippur comes to a close, I’m thinking of everyone who spent today in reflection, prayer, and renewal. From my family to yours, G’mar Chatima Tovah.

EVANSTON - Today, U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (IL-09) released the following statement in response to reports that a U.S. citizen was mistakenly detained and injured by federal immigration agents in Evanston on Sunday: “I am disgusted and outraged by reports of what happened in my hometown of Evanston on Sunday. A U.S. citizen was mistakenly detained by federal immigration agents, injured, and taken to the hospital. “This is unacceptable. For over a year, Trump and his cronies have been trying to terrorize our communities, leaving some of our neighbors afraid to go about their daily lives. No one should have to fear being detained or harmed by their own government. “My team and I are continuing to monitor the situation and working with local authorities and partners. We must get to the bottom of exactly what happened, and those responsible must be held accountable. “Our diversity is our strength. We will not let Trump or anyone else get in our way. Our neighbors have come together and fought back, and we must continue to stand together and stand up for one another. We cannot let fear win. We are stronger together.” ### *By appointment only

Taxpayer dollars should create good jobs and strengthen communities, not reward corporations that cut corners at the expense of working people. @RepCasar and I just introduced legislation to ensure federal contracts go to companies that respect workers, protect their rights, pay their fair share, and invest in their communities. https://t.co/dnIc9374sH

Full Text of Bill (PDF) WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Representatives Jan Schakowsky (IL-09) and Greg Casar (TX-35) reintroduced the Patriotic Corporations of America Act, legislation to ensure federal taxpayer dollars support companies that treat their workers fairly, respect workers’ rights, protect the environment, and pay their fair share. The legislation would establish high-road standards for companies seeking federal contracts, requiring contractors to meet baseline standards on wages, workers’ rights, and environmental responsibility. It would also give preference in the federal contracting process to companies that demonstrate strong records on collective bargaining, retirement benefits, CEO-to-worker pay ratios, and diversity in leadership. “Taxpayer dollars should help create good jobs and strengthen communities, not reward corporations that cut corners at the expense of working people,” said Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky. “If a company wants to do business with the federal government, it should be held to a higher standard. Our legislation makes clear that federal contracts should go to companies that respect their workers, protect their rights, pay their fair share, and invest in the communities they serve.” "Taxpayer dollars shouldn't bankroll corporations that bust unions, dodge taxes, and replace workers with AI," said Congressman Greg Casar. "The Patriotic Corporations of America Act sets a simple rule: if you want a federal contract, you have to do right by working people. Anything less is not patriotic, and not acceptable." "The AFL-CIO welcomes the introduction of the Patriotic Corporations of America Act of 2026 that would guarantee that U.S. taxpayer dollars go to employers that are headquartered in the United States, play by the rules, ensure fair wages and treat workers with respect," said AFL-CIO Policy Director Candace Archer. "We applaud Representatives Jan Schakowsky and Greg Casar for introducing this important legislation that will promote family- and community-sustaining jobs right here at home." Under the Patriotic Corporations of America Act, companies would be required to meet standards including: Pay Fair Wages: Pay workers at least $15 per hour or 110 percent of the federal minimum wage, whichever is higher. Commit to Unions: Agree to remain neutral during union organizing campaigns and not hire replacement workers or close a business in response to a work stoppage. Respect Workers’ Rights: Demonstrate that the company has not been found in violation of, or settled claims involving, workers’ labor rights. Protect the Environment: Demonstrate that the company has not paid a penalty or settled a claim involving an EPA violation in the previous five years. The bill would also give preference in the federal contracting process to companies that: Maintain a CEO-to-median-worker pay ratio of no more than 100-to-1. Contribute at least 5% of payroll to a portable pension fund. Have a collective bargaining agreement with their workers. Have women and people of color make up at least 40% of top executives and board members. ###

We should be making prescription drugs more affordable, not putting lower-cost options out of reach. My legislation would allow Americans to safely import lower-cost prescription drugs from Canada and other countries where the same medications cost less. https://t.co/4rRtHtckvh

Happy National Voter Registration Day! The Supreme Court just blocked Trump’s attempt to impose new restrictions on mail-in voting. Voters can continue using their state’s existing mail-in ballot system. Your voice matters. Your vote matters. Make sure you’re registered and ready to vote. Register or check your registration: https://t.co/bEj1LroLLY

Americans can pay two, three, even four times more for the same prescription drugs than people in other countries. Now, the Trump Administration wants to make it nearly impossible for Americans to access lower-cost medicines from Canada. I've heard directly from constituents who have shared how this could affect their ability to afford the lifesaving medications they depend on. https://t.co/iGH9ui0nVV

As we welcome the Jewish New Year, I’m wishing everyone celebrating a happy, healthy, and peaceful Rosh Hashanah. From my family to yours, may the year ahead be filled with joy, love, and blessings. Shanah Tovah!

This morning, I joined @RobynGabel, former Evanston Mayor Steve Hagerty, and community members at Firefighters Park to honor those who lost their lives on 9/11 and the first responders who continue to serve our communities today. https://t.co/dND8HKr7qs

Let us honor and mourn the thousands of lives we lost that horrific day, and all those we have since lost to 9/11-related injuries and illnesses. We may come from different backgrounds, nationalities, and cultures, but we all call this country home. Twenty-five years later, let us remember that unity is what carries us through our darkest days.

EVANSTON – Today, U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (IL-09) issued the following statement on the 25th anniversary of the September 11th attacks: “Twenty-five years ago today, I watched in disbelief with the rest of the nation as two planes struck the Twin Towers and our nation came under attack. Later, from my office in the Capitol, I watched smoke rise from the Pentagon. I remember the fear and chaos of that day, but also the extraordinary courage and sacrifice that followed. “I remember standing on the Capitol steps with my colleagues singing 'God Bless America.' I remember learning about the heroes on Flight 93. I remember our Solidarity March down Devon Avenue, where more than 100 people walked arm in arm, carrying American flags and declaring that we would not let this tragedy divide us. “Let us honor and mourn the thousands of lives we lost that horrific day, and all those we have since lost to 9/11-related injuries and illnesses. “We may come from different backgrounds, nationalities, and cultures, but we all call this country home. Twenty-five years later, let us remember that unity is what carries us through our darkest days.” ###

Twenty-five years ago today, I watched in disbelief with the rest of the nation as two planes struck the Twin Towers and our nation came under attack. Later, from my office in the Capitol, I watched smoke rise from the Pentagon. I remember the fear and chaos of that day, but also the extraordinary courage and sacrifice that followed.

I remember standing on the Capitol steps with my colleagues singing “God Bless America.” I remember learning about the heroes on Flight 93. I remember our Solidarity March down Devon Avenue, where more than 100 people walked arm in arm, carrying American flags and declaring that we would not let this tragedy divide us.

Costs are sky high, and Trump and Republicans have made them worse. Families are feeling it every time they fill up their tank, buy groceries, or pay a health care bill. Democrats are focused on bringing those costs down. Republicans have no real plan to make life more affordable. https://t.co/oxslIUtKim