Media

WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (IL-14) spoke before the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure to highlight needed infrastructure improvements in the 14th District of Illinois. From fire station improvements in St. Charles to lead pipe replacements in Elburn, Underwood underscored the need for increased federal funding to restore roads, improve broadband access, expand mass transit, and improve community health across the country.

WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (IL-14) today announced she has introduced new legislation to address the veteran suicide public health crisis. The Veterans' Care Quality Transparency Act would ensure both the VA and outside providers are offering veterans high-quality mental health and suicide prevention services. Underwood spoke about the legislation in a House Veterans Affairs Committee hearing on veteran suicide yesterday.

WASHINGTON— On Friday, Rep. Lauren Underwood (IL-14) visited the McHenry County Adult Correctional Center. The county has a contract with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to house detainees from around the Chicagoland area and around the country. The Congresswoman toured the facility, spoke with some of the detainees, and observed meal time. As Vice Chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security, Underwood recently toured ICE facilities along the U.S. - Mexico border and found the conditions to be un-American and unacceptable.

CHICAGO – U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Representatives Bill Foster (D-IL-11) and Lauren Underwood (D-IL-14) today were joined by researchers from Northwestern's Feinberg School of Medicine to announce their bicameral legislation to restore the United States' commitment to breakthrough scientific and biomedical research.

WASHINGTON – Today, on the 100^th day of the 116^th Congress, Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (IL-14) released a video showcasing the successes of the House Democratic freshman class, highlighting the work new members have done since being sworn into office. In the short period of time, members have passed major legislation to address the most pressing issues facing the American people, held numerous town halls and public events, and fought to ensure Congress is working For the People.

Washington—Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (IL-14) today questioned Department of Education Secretary Betsy DeVos on the Department's failures that limit the civil rights of students with disabilities. Under the leadership of Secretary DeVos, the Department has failed to be transparent about states' applications for waivers to the 1% cap on alternate assessments enacted by the Every Student Succeeds Act. This transparency is critical and required by law so parents can ensure their kids are getting the right assessments and a good education that allows them to fulfill their potential.

Washington, DC – Today, Congresswomen Alma Adams (NC -12) and Lauren Underwood (IL-14) launched the Black Maternal Health Caucus to improve black maternal health outcomes. The United States has the worst maternal death rates in the developed world, at 18 death per 100,00 live births. The maternal mortality rate is alarmingly higher among black women, at 40 deaths per 100,000 live births.

WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (IL-14), Vice Chair of the Committee on Homeland Security, today released the following statement on the resignation of U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen. Underwood spent this weekend at the U.S.-Mexico border with members of the Committee examining ports of entry and learning about the conditions at detention facilities for those seeking asylum.