Schakowsky, Janice D. [D-IL-9]
Democrat · IL · 23 bills sponsored
ALS Better Care Act
# ALS Better Care Act Summary **What the Bill Would Do:** The ALS Better Care Act (HR 7336) is proposed legislation designed to improve care and support for people living with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells controlling voluntary muscles. While specific details aren't provided in the basic bill information, bills with this title typically focus on expanding access to treatments, improving coordination between healthcare providers, and ensuring patients receive comprehensive care throughout their illness. **Who It Affects:** This bill would primarily affect the approximately 16,000-20,000 Americans currently living with ALS, as well as their families and caregivers. It could also impact healthcare providers, insurance companies, and Medicare/Medicaid programs that cover ALS-related treatments and services. **Current Status:** As of now, the bill is in committee, meaning it has been introduced but hasn't yet passed a full vote in Congress. It was sponsored by Representative Janice Schakowsky (D-Illinois). For more detailed information about specific provisions—such as which treatments it covers, funding amounts, or exact care improvements—you would need to review the full bill text on Congress.gov.
To amend the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to establish a public health insurance option, and for other purposes.
# Summary of HR 7023: Public Health Insurance Option **What the Bill Would Do** This bill would create a public health insurance option—a government-run insurance plan that Americans could choose as an alternative to private insurance. The plan would operate through the existing healthcare marketplace established by the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The legislation aims to give consumers more choice and potentially increase competition among insurers, which supporters argue could help lower premiums and out-of-pocket costs. **Who It Affects** The bill would primarily affect people who buy individual health insurance through the ACA marketplace, as well as anyone considering health coverage options. It could also impact insurance companies, healthcare providers, and potentially employers depending on how the public option is structured. The legislation may influence healthcare costs for millions of Americans currently using private insurance plans. **Current Status** The bill was introduced in the 119th Congress by Rep. Janice Schakowsky (D-IL) and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been voted on by the full House. Public option proposals have been debated for over a decade, with supporters arguing they enhance competition and opponents raising concerns about government competition with private insurers and potential costs to taxpayers.
Stop Unfair Medicaid Recoveries Act
# Stop Unfair Medicaid Recoveries Act - Summary **What the Bill Would Do** This bill would prevent state Medicaid programs from recovering money they spent on a person's medical care by taking assets from their estate after death. Currently, some states place liens (legal claims) on the homes and property of Medicaid recipients to recoup costs. If this bill passes, states would be required to remove these liens within 90 days and notify affected individuals that the claims have been withdrawn. **Who It Affects and Current Status** The bill would primarily affect Medicaid recipients and their families—especially low-income seniors and people with disabilities who receive long-term care through Medicaid. It would also impact state governments, which currently use estate recovery as a way to recoup some healthcare costs. As of now, the bill is in committee, meaning it has been referred to the appropriate House committee for review and debate but has not yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives.
Medical Device Recall Improvement Act of 2025
# Medical Device Recall Improvement Act of 2025 - Plain Language Summary **What the Bill Would Do:** This bill would strengthen the system for recalling dangerous or defective medical devices. It aims to give the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) better tools and clearer authority to identify problematic devices quickly, notify patients and healthcare providers, and remove unsafe products from the market more efficiently. The bill also seeks to improve how companies report problems with their devices and how the FDA communicates recalls to the public. **Who It Affects:** The bill would impact patients who use medical devices (anything from pacemakers to wheelchairs), hospitals and clinics that purchase these devices, medical device manufacturers, and the FDA. Patients could benefit from faster identification of unsafe products, while manufacturers would face stricter reporting requirements and accountability measures. **Current Status:** As of now, the bill is in committee, meaning it has been assigned to a congressional committee for review and debate but has not yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives. It was introduced by Representative Janice Schakowsky (D-IL). The bill has not yet passed into law. *Note: Specific provisions weren't detailed in the source material provided, so this summary reflects the general intent based on the bill's title and subject matter.*
Safe Hydration is an American Right in Energy Development Act of 2025
# Safe Hydration is an American Right in Energy Development Act of 2025 **What the Bill Would Do:** This bill, currently in committee, aims to protect water access and quality during energy development projects. While the full details aren't specified in the available information, the title suggests it would establish safeguards to ensure Americans have access to safe drinking water when energy companies conduct operations like oil, gas, or mining activities in their areas. The bill is sponsored by Rep. Janice Schakowsky, a Democrat from Illinois. **Who It Affects and Current Status:** This legislation would primarily affect communities near energy development sites, energy companies operating in the U.S., and potentially water utilities. Currently, the bill is in the committee review stage, meaning it hasn't advanced to a full House vote yet. At this stage, it's being evaluated by relevant committees before any further action can be taken. The bill has not yet passed. **Note:** The congressional database shows limited details about specific provisions. For a complete understanding of what protections or requirements the bill contains, you would need to review the full text through Congress.gov or similar legislative tracking resources.
Medical Device Nonvisual Accessibility Act of 2025
# Medical Device Nonvisual Accessibility Act of 2025 - Summary **What the Bill Would Do** This bill would require medical devices to be designed and manufactured with features that allow blind and visually impaired people to use them independently. Currently, many medical devices—such as blood glucose monitors, infusion pumps, and other equipment—rely heavily on visual displays or touchscreens, making them difficult or impossible for people with vision loss to operate without assistance. The bill would establish accessibility standards to ensure these devices include alternative ways to access information and controls, such as audio feedback, tactile buttons, or voice commands. **Who It Affects** The legislation primarily affects blind and visually impaired individuals who use medical devices for managing their health conditions. It also impacts medical device manufacturers, who would need to redesign products to meet new accessibility requirements, and healthcare providers who dispense these devices. The bill could potentially reduce barriers to independence for people with vision disabilities and help them manage their own medical care more autonomously. **Current Status** As of now, HR 5605 is in committee, meaning it has been introduced but has not yet been voted on by the full House. The bill was introduced by Representative Janice Schakowsky (D-Illinois) and remains in the early legislative stage.
Future Generations Protection Act
# Future Generations Protection Act Summary **What the Bill Would Do** The Future Generations Protection Act (HR 5489) is a proposed federal law that would establish protections and considerations for the long-term impacts of government decisions on future generations. While specific details about the bill's provisions aren't available in the information provided, bills with this title typically aim to require federal agencies and lawmakers to consider how their policies—such as those on environmental protection, fiscal spending, or infrastructure—will affect people who aren't yet born or aren't currently of voting age. **Who It Affects and Current Status** If passed, this bill would affect federal policymakers, government agencies, and ultimately all Americans, particularly younger and future generations. The bill is currently in committee, meaning it's still in the early stages of the legislative process and hasn't yet been debated or voted on by the full House of Representatives. It was introduced by Representative Janice Schakowsky (D-Illinois) in the 119th Congress. **Note:** To understand the specific provisions and requirements this bill would impose, you would need to review the full text on Congress.gov, as those details aren't included in this summary.
To reauthorize programs related to health professions education, and for other purposes.
# Health Professions Education Reauthorization Bill Summary **What the Bill Does:** HR 4262 would renew and update federal programs that support education and training for healthcare professionals, including doctors, dentists, and other medical workers. The bill addresses funding, student loans, and support for training programs in the healthcare field. It also appears to include provisions related to education for disadvantaged students and aging-related health programs. **Who It Affects:** This bill would impact medical and dental students, healthcare training institutions, and people seeking careers in healthcare professions. It could also affect patients who rely on healthcare workers trained through these federally-supported programs, and taxpayers who fund these initiatives. **Current Status:** HR 4262 is currently in committee, meaning it has been introduced but hasn't yet been debated or voted on by the full House of Representatives. The bill was introduced by Representative Janice Schakowsky (D-IL). *Note: The bill's full details and specific provisions aren't yet available in public summaries, as it remains in the early legislative stage.*
TRUTH in Labeling Act
# TRUTH in Labeling Act Summary **What the Bill Would Do** The TRUTH in Labeling Act (HR 4725) aims to improve transparency in food and product labeling. While specific provisions aren't detailed in the information provided, bills with this title typically focus on requiring clearer, more accurate ingredient lists and nutritional information on consumer products. The goal is to give shoppers better access to information about what they're purchasing. **Who It Affects** This bill would primarily impact food and beverage manufacturers, who would need to comply with new labeling requirements. Consumers would be the intended beneficiaries, gaining clearer information to make more informed purchasing decisions about the products they buy. **Current Status** As of now, HR 4725 is in committee, meaning it has been introduced but has not yet moved forward for a full vote in Congress. The bill was sponsored by Rep. Janice Schakowsky (D-IL). For more specific details about the exact labeling requirements being proposed, you would need to review the full bill text on Congress.gov.
Franchisee Freedom Act
# Franchisee Freedom Act Summary **What the Bill Does:** The Franchisee Freedom Act would change how franchise businesses operate in the United States. A franchise is a business model where a company (the franchisor) allows individuals or other companies (franchisees) to operate locations using their brand name and business system in exchange for fees and royalties. This bill would give franchisees more rights and protections when dealing with franchisors, though specific provisions aren't detailed in the basic summary available. **Who It Affects:** This legislation would primarily impact franchisees—the people who own and operate franchise locations (like individual McDonald's or Subway restaurant owners)—as well as the larger companies that own the franchise brands. Consumers could potentially be affected depending on how franchise relationships change. The bill targets the franchise business model, which is significant in the U.S. economy and includes hundreds of thousands of franchise locations across various industries. **Current Status:** As of now, HR 4614 remains in committee, meaning it hasn't advanced to a full vote in the House of Representatives. The bill was introduced by Representative Janice Schakowsky, a Democrat from Illinois. Without more detailed information about its specific provisions, it's unclear what exact changes franchisees would gain or what implementation challenges might exist.
Price Gouging Prevention Act of 2025
# Price Gouging Prevention Act of 2025 – Summary **What the Bill Would Do:** The Price Gouging Prevention Act of 2025 would establish federal rules to prohibit excessive price increases on essential goods and services during emergencies. While the bill's specific provisions aren't detailed in the available information, price gouging laws typically aim to prevent businesses from dramatically raising prices on necessities (like food, fuel, and medicine) when supply is disrupted or demand surges due to disasters, pandemics, or other crises. **Who It Affects:** This legislation would primarily impact businesses and retailers that sell essential goods, as well as consumers seeking to purchase these items during emergencies. The bill could also affect state governments, which currently have their own varying price gouging laws. **Current Status:** As of now, HR 4528 is in committee (HR 4528, 119th Congress), meaning it has been introduced but has not yet been voted on by the full House. The bill was sponsored by Representative Janice Schakowsky (D-IL). For more specific details about the bill's provisions, penalties, and definitions of what constitutes "price gouging," you would need to review the full legislative text.
Toxic-Free Beauty Act of 2025
# Toxic-Free Beauty Act of 2025 Summary **What the Bill Would Do** The Toxic-Free Beauty Act of 2025 would establish stricter federal regulations on chemicals used in cosmetics and personal care products sold in the United States. While the full details aren't available in the provided information, bills with this title typically aim to ban or restrict certain potentially harmful substances—such as specific preservatives, colorants, or other additives—that are already prohibited in other countries like the European Union but remain legal in U.S. cosmetics. **Who It Affects** This legislation would primarily impact cosmetics and personal care product manufacturers, who would need to reformulate products to comply with new restrictions. It would also affect retailers and distributors of these products. Consumers could see changes to product availability and pricing, though supporters argue the primary benefit would be reduced exposure to potentially toxic chemicals in everyday beauty products. **Current Status** The bill is currently in committee, meaning it has been introduced but has not yet advanced to a full vote in the House of Representatives. It was sponsored by Rep. Janice Schakowsky (D-Illinois) in the 119th Congress.
Cosmetic Hazardous Ingredient Right to Know Act of 2025
# Cosmetic Hazardous Ingredient Right to Know Act of 2025 - Summary **What the Bill Does** This bill would require cosmetic manufacturers to disclose hazardous ingredients on product labels and provide more detailed ingredient information to consumers. Currently, the U.S. has limited regulations on cosmetic ingredient labeling compared to other countries. The bill aims to give consumers the right to know what potentially harmful chemicals are in the beauty and personal care products they use. **Who It Affects** The legislation would impact cosmetic and personal care companies (manufacturers and distributors) that would need to comply with new labeling requirements, and consumers who would gain access to more complete ingredient information. This includes products like makeup, shampoos, lotions, fragrances, and other beauty items. **Current Status** The bill (HR 4435) was introduced in the 119th Congress by Representative Janice Schakowsky (D-IL) and is currently in committee, meaning it hasn't yet been voted on by the full House. The bill has not advanced to the next stage of the legislative process.
Cosmetic Supply Chain Transparency Act of 2025
# Cosmetic Supply Chain Transparency Act of 2025 Summary **What the Bill Would Do:** This bill would require cosmetic manufacturers and importers to disclose detailed information about their supply chains—essentially mapping out where ingredients come from and how products are made. The legislation aims to increase transparency so consumers, regulators, and the public can better understand the origins and production processes of cosmetic products sold in the United States. **Who It Affects:** The bill would primarily impact cosmetic companies that manufacture or import beauty and personal care products into the U.S. market. It could also affect consumers by potentially providing them with more information about product sourcing and manufacturing practices, and regulators who would gain better oversight of the cosmetics industry. **Current Status:** As of now, HR 4434 is in committee, meaning it has been introduced but has not yet been debated or voted on by the full House of Representatives. The bill was sponsored by Representative Janice Schakowsky (D-Illinois). It remains in the early stages of the legislative process with no guarantee it will advance further.
Cosmetic Safety for Communities of Color and Professional Salon Workers Act of 2025
# Cosmetic Safety for Communities of Color and Professional Salon Workers Act of 2025 **What the Bill Would Do** This bill aims to improve safety standards for cosmetic and personal care products, with particular focus on protecting communities of color and professional salon workers. While specific provisions aren't detailed in the basic information available, bills with this title typically address concerns about harmful chemicals in beauty products, workplace safety in salons, and ensuring that safety regulations keep pace with ingredient innovations. **Who It Affects** The legislation directly targets salon workers (including nail, hair, and esthetician professionals) and consumers who use cosmetic and personal care products, with particular attention to communities of color who may face disproportionate exposure to unsafe products or work in salons with inadequate safety protections. **Current Status** As of now, HR 4436 remains in committee, meaning it hasn't yet been debated or voted on by the full House of Representatives. The bill was introduced by Representative Janice Schakowsky (D-IL) during the 119th Congress. *Note: For complete details on specific provisions, consult Congress.gov or the sponsor's official materials.*
Food Chemical Reassessment Act of 2025
# Food Chemical Reassessment Act of 2025 — Summary **What the Bill Would Do** The Food Chemical Reassessment Act of 2025 would require the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to re-evaluate chemicals currently approved for use in food and food packaging. Rather than relying on old safety approvals that may be decades old, this bill would mandate a modern review of these substances using current scientific standards and methods. The goal is to ensure that chemicals in food meet today's safety requirements, not just those from when they were originally approved. **Who It Affects and Key Provisions** This bill would primarily affect food manufacturers, food packaging companies, and consumers. Food companies would need to work with the FDA to demonstrate that approved food chemicals remain safe under current scientific understanding. The bill specifically focuses on reassessing chemicals in both food itself and food packaging materials—areas where safety standards have evolved significantly over time. Consumers could potentially see changes in food products if certain chemicals are found to be unsafe and removed from use. **Current Status** As of now, the bill is in committee, meaning it's in the early stages of the legislative process and hasn't been voted on by the full House of Representatives yet. The bill was introduced by Representative Janice Schakowsky (D-IL).
Nurse Staffing Standards for Hospital Patient Safety and Quality Care Act of 2025
# Nurse Staffing Standards for Hospital Patient Safety and Quality Care Act of 2025 **What the Bill Would Do** This bill would establish minimum nurse-to-patient staffing ratios in hospitals across the United States. If passed, it would require hospitals to maintain specific numbers of registered nurses on duty relative to the number of patients they treat, with different ratios for different types of hospital units (such as intensive care units, emergency departments, and general medical floors). The bill aims to ensure that nurses have manageable workloads and can provide adequate care to patients. **Who It Affects and Key Provisions** The legislation would directly impact hospitals, nurses, and patients. Hospitals would need to hire additional nursing staff to meet the new requirements, which could increase their operating costs. Nurses would potentially benefit from lower patient loads and less overtime, while patients could receive more individualized attention and care. The bill includes enforcement mechanisms to ensure compliance, though specific penalties and implementation timelines are not detailed in this summary. **Current Status** As of now, the bill (HR 3415) remains in committee and has not advanced to a floor vote. It was introduced by Representative Janice Schakowsky, a Democrat from Illinois, in the 119th Congress.
Affordable and Safe Prescription Drug Importation Act of 2025
# Affordable and Safe Prescription Drug Importation Act of 2025 (HR 3162) **What It Would Do:** This bill would allow Americans to legally import prescription drugs from more countries than currently permitted. Right now, the law only allows importing certain drugs from Canada. This bill would expand that to include the United Kingdom, Switzerland, and European Union countries. After a year of monitoring safety, the HHS Department could approve importation from additional countries that meet safety standards. The bill also expands *which* drugs can be imported—including biologics like insulin, which are currently restricted. **Who It Affects:** Patients and consumers who purchase prescription medications would be the primary beneficiaries, potentially facing lower drug costs by accessing medications from countries with different pricing. Pharmaceutical companies could see reduced profits if cheaper imported drugs compete with domestically-produced medications. The bill affects HHS, which would need to create and enforce new regulations for drug importation and safety monitoring. **Current Status:** The bill was introduced in the 119th Congress by Representative Janice Schakowsky (D-IL) and is currently in committee, meaning it hasn't yet moved to a full vote in the House. It remains under consideration and has not been enacted.
Anna’s Law of 2025
# Anna's Law of 2025 Summary **What the Bill Would Do:** Anna's Law of 2025 (HR 3121) is currently in committee and has not yet been voted on by Congress. Without detailed legislative text available, the bill's specific provisions cannot be fully summarized. However, bills titled "Anna's Law" typically address specific issues or create protections named after an individual affected by a particular problem. **Current Status:** The bill was introduced by Representative Janice Schakowsky (D-IL) in the 119th Congress. It remains in committee, meaning it is still in the early stages of the legislative process and has not advanced to a full House vote. Committee members will review the proposal before determining whether to move it forward. **Next Steps:** To learn the specific details of this bill—including which populations it affects and what exact protections or changes it would create—you would need to review the full legislative text on Congress.gov or official congressional resources. Once more details are available, a complete summary of its key provisions and impact can be provided.
Online Consumer Protection Act
# Online Consumer Protection Act (HR 2889) Summary **What It Would Do:** This bill aims to strengthen consumer protections for people shopping and interacting online. While the specific provisions aren't detailed in the information provided, bills with this title typically address issues like data privacy, deceptive online practices, unfair pricing algorithms, and security standards for e-commerce platforms. The goal is generally to give consumers more control over their personal information and protect them from fraudulent or manipulative online business practices. **Who It Affects:** The bill would primarily impact online shoppers and users of internet-based services, as well as e-commerce companies and digital platforms that would need to comply with new consumer protection standards. **Current Status:** The bill is currently in committee, meaning it has been introduced but hasn't yet advanced for a full vote in the House of Representatives. It was sponsored by Representative Janice Schakowsky (D-Illinois). For specific details about the bill's exact provisions, you would need to review the full text on Congress.gov, as this summary reflects only general information about the bill's introduction.
Water ISAC Threat Protection Act
# Water ISAC Threat Protection Act Summary **What the Bill Does:** This bill would provide federal protections and support for the Water Information Sharing and Analysis Center (Water ISAC), an organization that helps water utilities identify and respond to cybersecurity threats. The legislation aims to strengthen the ability of water systems across the country to detect and prevent cyberattacks that could disrupt water service or contaminate supplies. **Who It Affects:** The bill would primarily benefit water utilities and the communities they serve by improving their defenses against hackers and cyber threats. It could also affect government agencies involved in water infrastructure protection and cybersecurity oversight. **Key Provisions & Current Status:** While specific details aren't available in this summary, such bills typically include provisions like funding for the Water ISAC, legal protections for information sharing between utilities and the government, and requirements for threat information exchange. The bill is currently in committee, meaning it has been introduced but hasn't yet advanced to a full vote in the House of Representatives.
Tar Sands Tax Loophole Elimination Act
# Tar Sands Tax Loophole Elimination Act Summary **What the Bill Would Do:** This bill aims to eliminate a tax advantage currently available to companies that extract and process tar sands (also called oil sands)—a thick, heavy form of crude oil found primarily in Canada. Specifically, it would remove a tax deduction that allows these companies to treat certain extraction costs as capital expenses rather than regular business expenses, reducing their tax obligations. The bill targets what sponsors view as an unfair tax break for this particular industry. **Who It Affects:** The primary impact would be on oil companies engaged in tar sands extraction and processing, which would face higher tax bills. Consumers could potentially see effects at the gas pump, though the magnitude is unclear. The bill also affects U.S. government tax revenue—either increasing it (if the bill's intent is met) or decreasing it (depending on how the tax code currently functions). **Current Status:** HR 2224 is currently in committee, meaning it has been introduced but has not yet been debated or voted on by the full House of Representatives. As a tax-related bill, it would likely be referred to the House Ways and Means Committee. No further action has been taken since introduction.
Mentoring to Succeed Act of 2025
# Mentoring to Succeed Act of 2025 Summary **What It Would Do:** This bill would create a federal grant program to fund mentoring programs for young people who need extra support. The Department of Labor would distribute grants to community organizations to establish or expand mentoring initiatives aimed at helping students develop important skills, stay engaged in school, and prepare for college or careers. The bill specifically targets youth who are struggling academically, out of school, or facing other challenges. **Who It Affects and Key Provisions:** The program would benefit at-risk youth, their families, and community organizations that run mentoring programs. The bill requires the Labor Department to work with the Justice Department and Education Department to connect grant recipients with resources and training through a National Mentoring Resource Center. Grants would be awarded competitively, meaning organizations would apply and the strongest proposals would receive funding. The bill includes requirements for tracking program performance and effectiveness. **Current Status:** The bill (HR 811) was introduced in the 119th Congress by Representative Janice Schakowsky (D-IL) and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives. The bill has not passed.