Media

WASHINGTON – Today, the entire Illinois Congressional Delegation sent a letter to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Ajit Pai and the four FCC Commissioners urging the FCC to improve the nation's broadband maps by reforming the mapping process for broadband services. The members noted that currently the mapping process lacks detail, accuracy, and granularity, meaning many underserved areas, including many rural communities in Illinois, could go without critical funding to improve broadband services.

MINOOKA—In a press conference today on health care affordability, Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (IL-14) discussed her plan to make health care more affordable and reduce premium costs for approximately 20 million Americans. Kaylee Heap, a mother from Minooka who runs Heap's Giant Pumpkin Farm with her husband, shared how her family has been affected by the high cost of health care.

WASHINGTON—On June 5, the final planting date for corn in Illinois as determined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (IL-14) pressed Department of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue on the Administration's efforts to address obstacles facing farming communities like those in the 14th District of Illinois. In a letter, Underwood highlighted that challenges caused by market uncertainty are being compounded by historic planting delays this year due to extreme weather and waterlogged soil.

WASHINGTON—Yesterday, Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (IL-14) spoke before the Ways and Means Committee to push for her legislation to make health care more affordable and reduce premium costs for consumers who purchase plans through the Health Insurance Marketplace. The Health Care Affordability Act (H.R. 1868) would expand eligibility for premium tax credits beyond 400 percent of the federal poverty line, and would increase the size of the tax credit for all income brackets.

WASHINGTON– Congresswoman Alma Adams (NC-12), and Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (IL-14), founders and co-chairs of the Black Maternal Health Caucus, introduced the Community Access to Resources and Education (CARE) for Families Act with Committee on Education and Labor Chairman Bobby Scott (VA-3). The CARE for Families Act will address maternal and infant mortality and morbidity. Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (MD-5), a member of the Black Maternal Health Caucus, expressed strong support for the bill today.

WASHINGTON—Today, the American Dream and Promise Act (H.R. 6), legislation co-sponsored by Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (IL-14), has passed the House of Representatives. It would protect Dreamers, Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders, and Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) holders who have lived much of their lives in the United States and have made this country their home.

WASHINGTON— Today, Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (IL-14) announced that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has awarded Educare of West DuPage an additional $1,108,315 in federal grant funding for early childhood education programs. Educare of West DuPage is a part of a national network of schools partnered with Early Head Start funding to ensure more children in the state of Illinois have access to early education.

WASHINGTON— Today, Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (IL-14) announced the House Appropriations Committee included funding for ambient air monitoring of Ethylene Oxide (EtO) during its mark-up of the appropriations bill for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The $5.6 million increase for EPA's compliance monitoring program would support EPA air monitoring for communities identified by the National Air Toxics Assessment (NATA) as facing high levels of EtO emissions, including those in Lake County.