Press Releases

WASHINGTON—Today, Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (IL-14) supported the bipartisan passage of the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act (S. 937) to address the rise in hate crimes and violence against the Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) community and more broadly. The legislation will help combat the growing and grave crisis of anti-AAPI discrimination, violence, and bigotry made worse by the COVID-19 pandemic. The legislation passed the Senate on April 22, 2021, and now heads to President Biden's desk to be signed into law.

WASHINGTON—Today, Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (IL-14) delivered a speech on the undemocratic efforts to delegitimize 2020 elections, including an effort by her 2020 opponent to contest her own election without credible evidence. The speech follows the House passage of a resolution dismissing the election contest of the 14th District of Illinois. Underwood thanked the House Administration Committee for its bipartisan, unanimous rejection of her opponent's baseless contest and emphasized the danger of efforts to violate the will of the voters.

WASHINGTON— Today, Congresswoman Lauren Underwood's (IL-14) bipartisan legislation to improve maternal health care for veterans passed the House of Representatives with bipartisan support. The Protecting Moms Who Served Act (H.R. 958), introduced with Chairwoman Julia Brownley (CA-26) and Representatives Gus Bilirakis (FL-12) and Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), seeks to eliminate maternal mortality, morbidity, and disparities among veterans. The Protecting Moms Who Served Act is a part of the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act (H.R.

Underwood fought to include expanded child tax credits in the American Rescue Plan that will benefit 140,100 children in the 14^th District

WEST CHICAGO–This week, U.S. Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (IL-14) hosted a virtual workshop to encourage northern Illinois restaurant owners to apply for direct relief through the Restaurant Revitalization Fund. During the event, Underwood was joined by Small Business Administration Illinois District Director Bo Steiner, who explained the program and provided details on the steps restaurant owners must take to apply.

WASHINGTON— Today, Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (IL-14) advocated for the passage of the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act before the House Committee on Oversight and Reform. The Momnibus builds on existing maternal health legislation with twelve bills that include bipartisan policies to save lives, end racial and ethnic disparities, and achieve true equity and justice for all mothers and birthing people. During her testimony, Underwood urged Congress to include the Momnibus in the upcoming consideration of the American Families Plan.

WASHINGTON— Today, Congresswoman Lauren Underwood's (IL-14) bipartisan legislation to improve maternal health care for veterans advanced in the House of Representatives. The Protecting Moms Who Served Act (H.R. 958), introduced with Chairwoman Julia Brownley (CA-26) and Representatives Gus Bilirakis (FL-12) and Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), seeks to eliminate maternal mortality, morbidity, and disparities among veterans. The Protecting Moms Who Served Act is the first bill in the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act (H.R.

WEST CHICAGO—Today, Congresswoman Lauren Underwood announced Karly Quarnstrom, Oswego High School, as the winner of the 2021 Congressional Art Competition for the 14^th District of Illinois. For over 30 years, the Congressional Art Competition has showcased the art of high school students from across the country. The 2021 virtual competition included over 70 submissions from talented students from the 14th District. Quarnstrom's artwork will be displayed in the U.S.