Media

WASHINGTON—Today, Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (IL-14) released the following statement on the death of ISIS Leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.

"Today and every day I am grateful for our servicemembers who put themselves in harm's way to make our country safer. The announcement by President Trump that US forces brought Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi to justice is a major step forward in combatting ISIS. But the fight against ISIS goes on, and I thank U.S. servicemembers for their commitment and courage in keeping Americans safe and preventing global terror."

WASHINGTON – Yesterday, legislation Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (IL-14) cosponsored, the Stopping Harmful Interference in Elections for a Lasting Democracy (SHIELD) Act (H.R. 4617), passed the House of Representatives. The SHIELD Act takes steps to fight foreign interference in our elections by strengthening reporting requirements, closing loopholes, and deterring foreign activity in U.S. elections. The passage of this bill builds on previously passed Underwood-backed legislation to secure U.S. elections including the For The People Act (H.R.

WASHINGTON— Today, Representatives Lauren Underwood (IL-14), Tim Ryan (OH-13), Anthony Gonzalez (OH-16), and Steve Stivers (OH-15) introduced bipartisan legislation to combat infant mortality by investing in the Healthy Start for Infants Program. The Healthy Start Reauthorization Act of 2019 (H.R. 4801) reauthorizes appropriations for this program for five years at $135 million annually. For every 1,000 live births in the United States, nearly six babies will not live to see their first birthday.

WEST CHICAGO— Today, Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (IL-14) announced she will host a pinning ceremony to honor veterans from the 14^th District of Illinois who served during the Vietnam War Period. In 2008, the National Defense Authorization Act established the United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration to thank and honor veterans of the Vietnam War, highlight their service, and pay tribute to their contributions. The pinning ceremony is part of an ongoing national effort to honor all Vietnam War period veterans who served from November 1, 1955, to May 15, 1975.

WEST CHICAGO— Today, Congresswoman Underwood (IL-14) announced spring internship opportunities in her West Chicago, Woodstock, and Washington, D.C. offices. The internships will provide an opportunity for students and recent graduates to directly participate in public service through supporting Underwood's constituent engagement and services, administrative responsibilities, and research.

WASHINGTON— Today, Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (IL-14) introduced a five-point plan to reduce the skyrocketing cost of prescription drugs for Illinois families. In the plan, Underwood details the steps Congress must to take to reduce out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs, negotiate lower drug prices, eliminate price hikes, ensure generics remain affordable options, and invest in research for tomorrow's cures. Each concept in Underwood's proposal has bipartisan support.

WASHINGTON— Yesterday, Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (IL-14), announced that her proposals to reduce barriers to financial aid, increase transparency in the loan application process, and provide resources for underserved college students were included in the College Affordability Act—a legislative package that would lower the cost of college, increase the quality of higher education, and expand opportunities for a new generation of students.

WEST CHICAGO— Today, Vice Chair Lauren Underwood (IL-14) discussed the importance of securing U.S. elections from foreign interference at the House Committee on Homeland Security Congressional field hearing in the 14th District of Illinois.