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Jan Schakowsky's Issue Positions (Political Courage Test)

Office:

On The Ballot: Running, Democratic for U.S. House (IL) - District 9

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Other or Expanded Principles & Legislative Priorities are entered exactly as candidates submit them. Vote Smart does not edit for misspelled words, punctuation or grammar.

Jan Schakowsky is currently being tested through the 2024 Political Courage Test.

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Issue Positions

For Presidential and Congressional candidates who refuse to provide voters with their positions, Vote Smart has researched their public records to determine their likely responses. These issue positions are from 2024.

  • "Kate Cox had to flee her state to get the health care she needs. This is the post-Roe America that many in the GOP want to see. The cruelty is the point. Roe wasn't the beginning of women having abortions, it was the end of women dying from abortions. We must keep fighting." (x.com)
  • "As I prepare to celebrate Saturday’s 49th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, it’s clear that legality has never been enough to ensure people can get abortion care. We need BOLD solutions that secure #AbortionJustice for each of us." (x.com)
  • "I believe each woman should be free to make decisions about her own health based on her own situation, including whether and when to have a family. I support access to the full range of reproductive health services, including maternity care, contraception and abortion. I am a leader in the House Pro-Choice Caucus and a co-author of the Each Woman Act to end Hyde amendment restrictions." (None)
  • "When #RoevWade was overturned one year ago today, millions of Americans were stripped of their bodily autonomy." (x.com)
  • "The Republicans want to strip away the Social Security benefits that Americans have worked so hard for their entire lives. It’s theft and we can’t stand for it. Americans deserve to retire with dignity and respect. #HandsOffSocialSecurity" (x.com)
  • "Social Security is an earned benefit, period. Republicans have attempted to privatize, cut, & end this crucial program, but I'm fighting to protect & expand benefits so the 125,780 Americans in my district who rely on this program can live with dignity. #HandsOffSocialSecurity" (x.com)
  • "Social Security is your hard-earned money. My legislation with @repvalhoyle,@SenSanders, and @SenWarren would expand Social Security benefits by $2,400 a year and ensure Social Security is fully funded for the next 75 years by making the wealthy pay their fair share. #TaxTheRich" (x.com)
  • Rated 100% by National Committee to Preserve Social Security (None)
  • In order to balance the budget, do you support an income tax increase on any tax bracket? "Yes" (None)
  • "I am a co-author of the People's Budget to reduce defense spending and target it more efficiently, and to ask those who can afford to do so (millionaires, billionaires and wealthy corporations) to contribute their fair share of taxes. I introduced the Fairness in Taxation Act to create a 45% tax rate on annual income over $1 million a year, 49% on income over $1 billion. I have also sponsored legislation, the Patriot Employer Act, to end tax breaks for corporations that outsource jobs and profits and, instead, reward companies that invest in America." (None)
  • "Instead of providing huge tax breaks to the wealthiest 1%, we can fund those initiatives through fair tax policies that ask those who can to contribute to those national priorities." (None)
  • Rated 8% by National Tax Limitation Committee (None)
  • "Social Security is your hard-earned money. My legislation with @repvalhoyle,@SenSanders, and @SenWarren would expand Social Security benefits by $2,400 a year and ensure Social Security is fully funded for the next 75 years by making the wealthy pay their fair share. #TaxTheRich" (x.com)
  • "I am a co-author of the People's Budget to reduce defense spending and target it more efficiently, and to ask those who can afford to do so (millionaires, billionaires and wealthy corporations) to contribute their fair share of taxes. I introduced the Fairness in Taxation Act to create a 45% tax rate on annual income over $1 million a year, 49% on income over $1 billion. I have also sponsored legislation, the Patriot Employer Act, to end tax breaks for corporations that outsource jobs and profits and, instead, reward companies that invest in America." (None)
  • "Instead of providing huge tax breaks to the wealthiest 1%, we can fund those initiatives through fair tax policies that ask those who can to contribute to those national priorities." (None)
  • Rated 8% by National Tax Limitation Committee (None)
  • "SCOTUS got it wrong with #CitizensUnited and gave Big Pharma, Big Oil, billionaires, and shadowy foreign powers and special interests too much influence. In the 13 years since this ruling, some corporations and wealthy individuals have spent unlimited money on our elections." (x.com)
  • "As a vice-chair of the House Democracy Reform Task Force, I believe money in politics -- including dark money -- is having an extremely negative effect and preventing enactment of policies that would benefit children, working women and men, and retirees. I oppose the Citizens United decision and support legislation to require disclosure of funding spent to influence elections. I also believe that we need to take an aggressive approach to end foreign interference in our elections and remove barriers to voting." (None)
  • Do you support the regulation of indirect campaign contributions from corporations and unions? "Yes" (None)
  • Rated 100% by Common Cause (None)
  • "I am sick and tired of cops "accidentally" killing Black Americans. #DaunteWright should still be alive. On top of passing the George Floyd #JusticeinPolicing Act, we must end white supremacy, police terror, and the criminalization of Blackness." (x.com)
  • "Today, the U.S. House of Representatives said #BlackLivesMatter​. We passed the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2021, because we need to put an end to the unnecessary murders of black people, and other people of color, at the hands of law enforcement." (x.com)
  • "We cannot allow police to hide behind the shield that is qualified immunity. I am proud to join @JustinAmash and @RepPressley on the End Qualified Immunity Act to hold police officers accountable for civil rights violations. #EndQualifiedImmunity" (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 1280: "George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2021" (votesmart.org)
  • "President Trump does not know who our allies are, does not understand how NATO works, and has no grasp of how important our alliances are to maintaining global security. Global defense spending must be decreased, not increased. Our alliances must be strengthened, not thwarted." (x.com)
  • "I couldn’t in good conscience vote for the FY 2023 NDAA in its entirety. The NDAA authorizes a historically high $847 billion in new defense spending – an increase of nearly $80 billion over last year’s authorization and is $45 billion above what the administration requested." (x.com)
  • "Our greatest security threats have no military solutions, and it is time our budget reflects that." (x.com)
  • In order to balance the budget, do you support reducing defense spending? "Yes" (None)
  • Voted in favor of HR 2: "Moving Forward Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "Federal investment initiatives like green energy, repairing pipes and bridges, and providing safe drinking water create good jobs and help our economy. It also allows us to ensure workers share in the benefits." (None)
  • Do you support federal spending as a means of promoting economic growth? "Yes" (None)
  • Voted in favor of HR 5376: "Inflation Reduction Act of 2022" (votesmart.org)
  • "If we want to make #FairHousing a reality, we must make long overdue investments in fair and affordable housing infrastructure" (x.com)
  • "#ShowHousingLove to end homelessness and make housing more affordable. It’s time to #PassBuildBackBetter NOW with $150 billion in fair and affordable housing investments!" (x.com)
  • "I was proud to join the #TenantMarch today to fight back against the Trump Administration's cruel cuts to housing programs" (x.com)
  • "The #HousingIsInfrastructure Act of 2021 promotes equitable U.S. recovery & advances the promise of the Fair Housing Act by investing $5B to protect us all from housing discrimination & unequal development, including BIPOC, families with children, LGBTQ+ community, & immigrants." (x.com)
  • "Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, millions of seniors will soon see their Rx costs lowered. We must build on this momentum. I just reintroduced legislation with @SenWarren to help lower prices for generic drugs & increase competition in the commercial pharmaceutical market." (x.com)
  • "So far in 2021, Big Pharma has hiked the price of 1,100 drugs, 90% of which were above the rate of inflation. It’s time we level the playing field and give Medicare the power to negotiate #LowerDrugCosts for Americans." (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 5376: "Inflation Reduction Act of 2022" (votesmart.org)
  • "Today is a historic day for our nation. @POTUS just signed into law the Inflation Reduction Act. This law is a monumental accomplishment that puts #PeopleOverPolitics and will make a lasting difference in the lives of millions of Americans." (x.com)
  • Rated 100% by National Education Association (None)
  • "Since taking office, @POTUS has canceled $127 billion in student debt for nearly 3.6 million Americans. I’m grateful for the Biden Administration’s continued support of our students & their efforts to provide Americans with much-needed student loan relief. #CancelStudentDebt" (x.com)
  • "I am thrilled to announce that thanks to the leadership of @POTUS, the Department of Education has forgiven $66 Million in student loans for 1,050 Illinoisans! I will continue to work with my colleagues and the Administration to #CancelStudentDebt for all!" (x.com)
  • "89% of borrowers say they aren't financially secure enough to resume their student loan payments & 27% will be spending at least a third of their income on payments when they resume. @POTUS must #CancelStudentDebt." (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 4: "John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2021" (votesmart.org)
  • "Driven by the Big Lie, states across the country are ramping up efforts to restrict the right to vote. The need for federal oversight is urgent, & it's why I’m proud to support #HR4, the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. We must #RestoreTheVote!" (x.com)
  • "There’s a reason why voting rights legislation has broad, bipartisan support from voters across the country: we all deserve the same freedom to vote. That’s why I voted for HR1. It’s time for the Senate to do the same #ForThePeople." (x.com)
  • Rated 100% by Common Cause (None)
  • "I am a cosponsor of the 100 by '50 Act and the Off Fossil Fuels for a Better Future Act, each of which would aggressively reduce carbon emissions, and set a timeline to eliminate them altogether and move to 100% use of clean, renewable energy." (None)
  • "FACT: Wind and solar power are now cheaper than coal and natural gas. The #BuildBackBetter Act will unleash the potential of clean energy — bringing those savings to American families and protecting our planet for future generations." (x.com)
  • "Federal investment initiatives like green energy, repairing pipes and bridges, and providing safe drinking water create good jobs and help our economy. It also allows us to ensure workers share in the benefits." (None)
  • Do you support government funding for the development of renewable energy (e.g. solar, wind, thermal)? "Yes" (None)
  • "Thank you @RepHuffman for introducing the "Arctic Refuge Protection Act" that will restore protections and keep oil development out of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge! I will always #StandWithTheGwichin and #ProtectTheArctic." (x.com)
  • "BP’s #DeepwaterHorizon disaster caused catastrophic impacts. Today millions are struggling while Big Oil rakes in billions. It’s #TimeToTransition to a clean energy economy & end our dependence on fossil fuels. #ProtectOurCoast & end new offshore drilling." (x.com)
  • "I am a cosponsor of the 100 by '50 Act and the Off Fossil Fuels for a Better Future Act, each of which would aggressively reduce carbon emissions, and set a timeline to eliminate them altogether and move to 100% use of clean, renewable energy." (None)
  • "Trump’s Arctic Refuge lease sale is occurring for the sole reason of getting mineral rights in the hands of oil companies before President-elect Biden, who has promised to protect this national treasure, takes office. We must #ProtectTheArctic and #StandWithTheGwichin" (x.com)
  • Rated 0% by Gun Owners of America (None)
  • "I am a member of the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force and support common-sense legislation such as expanded background checks and bans on assault weapons." (None)
  • Do you generally support gun-control legislation? "Yes" (None)
  • Voted in favor of H.R. 1446 "Enhanced Background Checks Act of 2021" (votesmart.org)
  • "While I believe we need to build on the foundation of the ACA to lower prescription drug prices, make access to health care affordable and add a public option, Obamacare has expanded coverage, ensured that people with pre-existing conditions can get insurance, ended the practice of charging higher prices to people with chronic conditions and women, and prohibited annual and lifetime limits on benefits. I strongly oppose actions by the Trump Administration and Republican Congress to erode those protections." (None)
  • "For my entire life, I've supported #MedicareForAll because every person deserves access to affordable, quality, and comprehensive health care. Today, we celebrated the intro of the bill. Let's make it happen!" (x.com)
  • "While @HouseGOP supports the Trump Administration’s health care sabotage, I went to the House floor to remind them that the ACA and our new Patient Protection and Affordable Care Enhancement Act are essential to increase affordability, accessibility, and equity. #ProtectOurCare" (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 1425: "Patient Protection and Affordable Care Enhancement Act" (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 6201: "Families First Coronavirus Response Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "The United States is the richest country in the world, yet 1 in 10 workers in Illinois rely on SNAP to put food on the table. We must #DefendSNAP, raise the minimum wage, provide paid sick leave for all workers, and protect workers' right to collectively bargain." (x.com)
  • "To secure a future in which all people can live and work with dignity, we need policies that value our nation's caregivers, including #PaidLeave. The Family and Medical Leave Act, which went into law 30 years ago, was a great step, but we have more work to do. #FMLA30" (x.com)
  • "Twenty-six years after the FMLA was signed, people need #paidleave, and a national plan like the #FAMILYAct would benefit them and their families, businesses and the economy. I am proud to be an original cosponsor to this important legislation. #Paidleave means everybody wins." (x.com)
  • "Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, millions of seniors will soon see their Rx costs lowered. We must build on this momentum. I just reintroduced legislation with @SenWarren to help lower prices for generic drugs & increase competition in the commercial pharmaceutical market." (x.com)
  • "Big Pharma’s greed has no limit, and they will charge what they can — until now. Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, Medicare can negotiate lower prescription drug prices. Millions and millions of Americans will now see their health care costs lowered. #PeopleOverPolitics" (x.com)
  • "For years, I have fought for affordable prescription drugs. I'm so proud that a provision I've advocated for was included in the Inflation Reduction Act. It ensures low-income seniors and people with disabilities will be able to better afford lifesaving drugs. #PeopleOverPolitics" (x.com)
  • "So far in 2021, Big Pharma has hiked the price of 1,100 drugs, 90% of which were above the rate of inflation. It’s time we level the playing field and give Medicare the power to negotiate #LowerDrugCosts for Americans." (x.com)
  • "The #TrumpBudget cuts away at Medicare, Medicaid, & Social Security, and at the same time requests $18 billion for a wasteful, insulting border wall. President Trump’s priorities are twisted and un-American, and today’s #TrumpBudget proves it yet again." (x.com)
  • "Bulldozing and blowing up Native American historic sites at the border is an intentional attack on indigenous people. The Trump administration has to be stopped. We must #HonorTheSacred." (x.com)
  • "I'm on my way to visit the southern border w/ @RepJeffries & @RepEscobar along with several other @HouseDemocrats. We will put an end to this inhumane treatment & we will hold people accountable for these horrible conditions, despite what #StephenMiller & @realDonaldTrump want" (x.com)
  • Rated 11% by NumbersUSA (None)
  • Do you support requiring immigrants who are unlawfully present to return to their country of origin before they are eligible for citizenship? "No" (None)
  • "Immigrants are essential — to our economy, and to our recovery from COVID-19. #TheMomentIsNow for the Senate to disregard the parliamentarian and deliver a pathway to citizenship." (x.com)
  • "Immigration enormously benefits the 9th Congressional District and the entire nation, and I strongly oppose the Trump Administration's policies: separating families at the border, holding families in lengthy detention, attempting to end DACA, denying temporary protected status, turning refugees away and sending people back to horrific circumstances. Immigrants built our nation. Welcoming immigrants who want to participate in the American dream and contribute to our economy is fundamental to who we are. I support comprehensive immigrant reform that reflects those values -- allows undocumented to earn citizenship, keeps families together, and maintains America as a safe haven." (None)
  • Rated 11% by NumbersUSA (None)
  • Voted in favor of HR 5692 "Ukraine Security Assistance and Oversight Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024" (votesmart.org)
  • "In response to rampant corruption and well documented history of human rights violations in Honduras, @RepHankJohnson, @JoaquinCastrotx, @RepChuyGarcia ,@RepMarcyKaptur, @Ilhan and I, along with 21 of our colleagues, introduced the Honduran Human Rights and Anti-Corruption Act today. Our bill will impose sanctions on the Honduran president for corruption and human rights abuses, and suspend U.S. security assistance and export licenses for covered defense articles and munitions items to the Honduran police and military, among other provisions." (x.com)
  • "Russia's dangerous regime has destroyed communities throughout Ukraine. I'm disgusted by the images I have seen and all the innocent lives we have lost. We must impose more severe sanctions on Russian politicians and make sure Ukrainians have the aid they need." (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 7691: "Making emergency supplemental appropriations for assistance for the situation in Ukraine for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2022, and for other purposes." (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of HR 5692 "Ukraine Security Assistance and Oversight Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024" (votesmart.org)
  • "Russia's dangerous regime has destroyed communities throughout Ukraine. I'm disgusted by the images I have seen and all the innocent lives we have lost. We must impose more severe sanctions on Russian politicians and make sure Ukrainians have the aid they need." (x.com)
  • "Today marks one year since Putin’s premeditated, unprovoked, unlawful attack on Ukraine. Thanks to President Zelenskyy, the Ukrainian people remain resilient. Today and every day, I stand with the Ukrainians and stand for democracy and freedom around the globe." (x.com)
  • Voted in favor of HR 7691: "Making emergency supplemental appropriations for assistance for the situation in Ukraine for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2022, and for other purposes." (votesmart.org)
  • "#QAnon has been linked to domestic terror and is considered by the FBI a continuing threat. #BigTech companies must do their part to protect their users from these online threats. While people suffer, social media has profited." (x.com)
  • "I agree, Mr. Chairman. Congress should set standards for #BigTech. Facebook has violated it’s own community standards time and time again." (x.com)
  • "For years, Americans have felt helpless online. Today, I'm holding a hearing on the bipartisan American Data Privacy and Protection Act to establish a national framework for privacy and security. We must hold #BigTech accountable and protect consumers." (x.com)
  • "It is time to reign in Big Tech. Tech monopolies have put way too much power over our online lives in the hands of too few. They are harming American consumers. That’s why I support my colleague @davidcicilline’s bill the American Innovation and Choice Online Act. #AntitrustDay" (x.com)
This candidate has responded to a Political Courage Test in a previous election. As a continued effort to provide the American public with factual information on candidates running for public office, these archived responses are made available here.
Pro-choice Do you generally support pro-choice or pro-life legislation?
I believe each woman should be free to make decisions about her own health based on her own situation, including whether and when to have a family. I support access to the full range of reproductive health services, including maternity care, contraception and abortion. I am a leader in the House Pro-Choice Caucus and a co-author of the Each Woman Act to end Hyde amendment restrictions.
Yes In order to balance the budget, do you support an income tax increase on any tax bracket?
Yes In order to balance the budget, do you support reducing defense spending?
I am a co-author of the People's Budget to reduce defense spending and target it more efficiently, and to ask those who can afford to do so (millionaires, billionaires and wealthy corporations) to contribute their fair share of taxes. I introduced the Fairness in Taxation Act to create a 45% tax rate on annual income over $1 million a year, 49% on income over $1 billion. I have also sponsored legislation, the Patriot Employer Act, to end tax breaks for corporations that outsource jobs and profits and, instead, reward companies that invest in America.
Yes Do you support the regulation of indirect campaign contributions from corporations and unions?
As a vice-chair of the House Democracy Reform Task Force, I believe money in politics -- including dark money -- is having an extremely negative effect and preventing enactment of policies that would benefit children, working women and men, and retirees. I oppose the Citizens United decision and support legislation to require disclosure of funding spent to influence elections. I also believe that we need to take an aggressive approach to end foreign interference in our elections and remove barriers to voting.
Yes Do you support federal spending as a means of promoting economic growth?
No Do you support lowering corporate taxes as a means of promoting economic growth?
Federal investment initiatives like green energy, repairing pipes and bridges, and providing safe drinking water create good jobs and help our economy. It also allows us to ensure workers share in the benefits. Experience shows the across-the-board lowering taxes for corporations all too often results in stock buybacks and higher CEO compensation, not increases in workers' wages and benefits or significant investments in national priorities. While I support targeted tax incentives -- for example, tax credits to promote renewable energy -- I do not support "trickle-down" tax policies that mostly just reduce taxes for the wealthy and profitable corporations.
Unknown Position Do you support requiring states to adopt federal education standards?
While I believe there is a federal role in promoting public education, assisting teachers, and improving neighborhood schools, I opposed the testing requirements in No Child Left Behind and voted for changes in the new ESEA reauthorization, the Every Student Succeeds Act. My response to the question would depend on what type of education reforms are being required and for which grants.
Yes Do you support government funding for the development of renewable energy (e.g. solar, wind, thermal)?
Yes Do you support the federal regulation of greenhouse gas emissions?
Climate change is one of the biggest environmental, economic and national security challenges we face. I oppose the Trump Administration's actions to roll back existing policies. I am a cosponsor of the 100 by '50 Act and the Off Fossil Fuels for a Better Future Act, each of which would aggressively reduce carbon emissions, and set a timeline to eliminate them altogether and move to 100% use of clean, renewable energy.
Yes Do you generally support gun-control legislation?
I am a member of the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force and support common-sense legislation such as expanded background checks and bans on assault weapons.
No Do you support repealing the 2010 Affordable Care Act ("Obamacare")?
While I believe we need to build on the foundation of the ACA to lower prescription drug prices, make access to health care affordable and add a public option, Obamacare has expanded coverage, ensured that people with pre-existing conditions can get insurance, ended the practice of charging higher prices to people with chronic conditions and women, and prohibited annual and lifetime limits on benefits. I strongly oppose actions by the Trump Administration and Republican Congress to erode those protections.
No Do you support the construction of a wall along the Mexican border?
No Do you support requiring immigrants who are unlawfully present to return to their country of origin before they are eligible for citizenship?
Immigration enormously benefits the 9th Congressional District and the entire nation, and I strongly oppose the Trump Administration's policies: separating families at the border, holding families in lengthy detention, attempting to end DACA, denying temporary protected status, turning refugees away and sending people back to horrific circumstances. Immigrants built our nation. Welcoming immigrants who want to participate in the American dream and contribute to our economy is fundamental to who we are. I support comprehensive immigrant reform that reflects those values -- allows undocumented to earn citizenship, keeps families together, and maintains America as a safe haven.
Yes Do you support the legalization of marijuana for recreational purposes?
I am a cosponsor of the Regulate Marijuana like Alcohol Act.
No Should the United States use military force in order to prevent governments hostile to the U.S. from possessing a nuclear weapon?
No Do you support increased American intervention in Middle Eastern conflicts beyond air support?
We must reduce -- and hopefully eliminate -- the existence of nuclear weapons. I believe diplomacy is always the preferred option over military force, which is why I was a leader in mustering votes for the Iran nuclear deal in Congress and so strongly oppose President Trump's decision to pull out of that agreement. I believe that any military intervention in Syria and elsewhere in the Middle East requires Congressional approval through a specific and time-limited authorization for the use of military force (AUMF).
We must create good jobs with good wages, investing in national priorities such as green energy, education, access to broadband and transportation. We must reduce health care costs to families, businesses and taxpayers (by, for example, lowering the price of prescription drugs) and use savings to expand coverage. We should create a comprehensive long-term care policy and help those who provide caregiving to children, adults and aging loved ones. Instead of providing huge tax breaks to the wealthiest 1%, we can fund those initiatives through fair tax policies that ask those who can to contribute to those national priorities.

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