We know that trade doesn't just help Wall Street or even just Main Street; it also helps businesses on the side streets, such as Elston Avenue in my home district.
In many cases, here we are, putting out reports that we're spending $100 million a year on, and we're telling the public, 'Oh, you don't have access to them.'
The policies we debate and enact in Congress have a real impact on people across the country. Climate change, immigration, economic inequality - each of these issues have become hot button, partisan topics, but support or opposition on these pressing issues shouldn't come down to party.
Growing up during the Cold War, I remember the seemingly imminent threat of nuclear war. In primary school we were taught to 'duck-and-cover' for protection. But even as children hiding under wooden desks, we recognized the inadequacies of this strategy.
I'm a longtime believer in the old adage that sunlight is the best disinfectant, particularly in politics.
I learned that Chicago lunches are terrible. If I was a Chicago student, I would ask my mom to pack a lunch.
There is no doubt that blood must be screened in order to keep Americans safe and healthy and I am committed to working with the FDA to ensure a safe, secure blood supply, across the board. However, public policy must always be rooted in the facts, not fear.
Because of restrictions on abortion access in their own state, many women in neighboring states are forced to travel hundreds of miles and cross state lines to seek an abortion. However, their rights should not have to depend on their zip code.
We can be just as safe with a smaller, more efficient nuclear arsenal at less cost.
Just as we can no longer pretend that ducking under wooden desks will keep us safe from a nuclear bomb, we must no longer pretend that a large nuclear stockpile will protect us from the most immediate security threats the United States faces.
Scaling back the U.S. fleet of 14 nuclear-armed submarines to eight would maintain a robust deterrent at sea while generating billions in savings and easing pressure on the Navy's shipbuilding budget.
Before being elected to Congress, I oversaw the Cook County Hospital System as a Cook County Commissioner for 10 years.
Empowering women by allowing them to choose when and how many children to have is not only the right thing to do, it is the smart thing to do.
As a husband and a father of two daughters, I want young women around the globe to have the same rights and opportunities as my daughters.
Passionately defending one's principles is crucial. Representing your district is fundamental. But refusing to entertain the common ground - with no other cost but giving the other guy a political 'win' - is a disservice.
I don't buy that there's nothing we can do to stop criminals and the mentally ill from killing if they want to.
There is such a thing as commonsense middle-ground gun reform, and most gun owners support it.
When you have a high-volume magazine or an assault weapon, you're not hunting deer or protecting your home; you're out to hunt people.
Protection of religious freedom means considering the faiths and beliefs of everyone involved.
As a policy maker, I have to stand up for the rights of all my constituents, regardless of their faith.
