Jan Schakowsky

Jan Schakowsky

U.S. House Illinois District 9

Tenure

Present officeholder

Term ends

2019

Democratic Party

Report an officeholder change

Compensation

Base salary

$174,000/year

Net worth

(2012) $236,012.50

Elections and appointments

Next election

March 20, 2018

Education

Bachelor's

University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign

Personal

Religion

Reform Judaism

Profession

Non-Profit Program Director

Contact

Website

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Janice D. "Jan" Schakowsky (b. May 26, 1944, in Chicago, IL) is a Democratic member of the U.S. House of Representatives. Schakowsky was first elected by voters from Illinois' 9th Congressional District in 1998.

She served as one of the Chief Deputy Whips of the Democratic caucus for the 113th Congress.

Schakowsky is running for re-election in 2018.

Based on analysis of multiple outside rankings, Schakowsky is one of the most reliable Democratic votes, meaning she can be considered a safe vote for the Democratic Party in Congress.

Biography

Schakowsky was born in Chicago, IL. She graduated from the University of Illinois in 1965 with a B.S. in elementary education.

Career

Below is an abbreviated outline of Schakowsky's academic, professional and political career:

• 1999-Present: U.S Representative from Illinois' 9th Congressional District
• 1985-1990: Director, Illinois State Council of Senior Citizens
• 1976-1985: Program Director, Illinois Public Action

Committee assignments

U.S. House

2017-2018

At the beginning of the 115th Congress, Schakowsky was assigned to the following committees:

• Committee on Energy and Commerce

2015-2016

Schakowsky served on the following committees:

• Energy and Commerce Committee
  • Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing and Trade, Ranking Member
  • Subcommittee on Health
  • Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations

2013-2014

Schakowsky served on the following committees:

• Energy and Commerce Committee
  • Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing and Trade - Ranking Member
  • Subcommittee on Environment and Economy
  • Subcommittee on Health
  • Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations
• Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence
  • Subcommittee on Oversight - Ranking Member

2011-2012

Schakowsky served on the following committees:

• Energy and Commerce Committee
  • Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing and Trade
  • Subcommittee on Health
  • Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations
• House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence

Key votes

Key votes: 115th Congress, 2017-2018

For detailed information about each vote, click here.

Votes on domestic policy

Voted Nay on: Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act (HR 36)

 Bill Passed (237-189) on October 3, 2017

Proposed amending the federal criminal code to make it a crime for any person to perform or attempt to perform an abortion if the probable post-fertilization age of the fetus was 20 weeks or more. The bill provided exceptions for an abortion: (1) that was necessary to save the life of the pregnant woman, or (2) when the pregnancy was the result of rape or incest.

Voted Nay on: Kate's Law (HR 3004)

 Bill Passed (257-167) on June 29, 2017

Proposed increasing criminal penalties for individuals in the country illegally who were convicted of certain crimes, deported, and then re-entered the U.S. illegally.

Voted Nay on: No Sanctuary for Criminals Act (HR 3003)

 Bill Passed (228-195) on June 29, 2017

Proposed withholding federal funds from states and localities that chose not to follow federal immigration laws.

Voted Nay on: American Health Care Act of 2017 (HR 1628)

 Bill passed (217-213) on May 4, 2017

Proposed modifying the budgetary and fiscal provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare.

Votes on economic affairs and regulations

Voted Nay on: The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 (HR 1892)

 Bill Passed (240-186) on February 9, 2018

Proposed providing appropriations through March 23, 2018.

Voted Nay on: Further Extension Of Continuing Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 1892)

 Bill Passed (245-182) on February 6, 2018

Proposed providing appropriations through March 23, 2018.

Voted Nay on: Federal Register Printing Savings Act (HR 195)

 Bill Passed (266-150) on January 22, 2018

Proposed providing further continuing appropriations through February 8, 2018.

Voted Nay on: Federal Register Printing Savings Act (HR 195)

 Bill Passed (230-197) on January 18, 2018

Proposed providing further continuing appropriations through February 16, 2018.

Voted Nay on: Further Additional Continuing Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 1370)

 Bill Passed (231-188) on December 21, 2017

Proposed providing further continuing appropriations through January 19, 2018.

Voted Nay on: Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (HR 1)

 Bill Passed (227-203) on December 19, 2017

Proposed providing for reconciliation pursuant to titles II and V of the concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 2018.

Voted Nay on: Making further continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2018, and for other purposes (HJ Res 123)

 Bill Passed (235-193) on December 7, 2017

Proposed funding the government until December 22, 2017.

Voted Nay on: Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (HR 1)

 Bill Passed (227-205) on November 16, 2017

Proposed amending the Internal Revenue Code to reduce tax rates and modify policies, credits, and deductions for individuals and businesses.

Voted Nay on: Establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2018 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2019 through 2027. (H Con Res 71)

 Bill Passed (216-212) on October 26, 2017

Proposed establishing the congressional budget for the federal government for FY2018 and setting forth budgetary levels for FY2019-FY2027. (This bill proposed adopting the Senate's budget resolution.)

Voted Nay on: Establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2018 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2019 through 2027. (H Con Res 71)

 Bill Passed (219-206) on October 5, 2017

Proposed establishing the congressional budget for the federal government for FY2018 and setting forth budgetary levels for FY2019-FY2027.

Voted Nay on: Make America Secure and Prosperous Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 3354)

 Bill Passed (211-198) on September 14, 2017

Proposed providing FY2018 appropriations for the federal government. It combined 12 appropriations bills.

Voted Yea on: Disaster Relief Appropriations Act, 2017 (Included amendments to suspend the debt ceiling and fund the government) (HR 601)

 Bill Passed (316-90) on September 8, 2017

Proposed suspending the debt ceiling and funding the government until December 8, 2017, and providing funding for Hurricanes Harvey and Irma relief efforts.

Voted Yea on: Disaster Relief Appropriations Act, 2017 (HR 601)

 Bill Passed (419-3) on September 6, 2017

Proposed providing $7.85 billion for disaster relief requirements, including response and recovery efforts from Hurricane Harvey.

Voted Nay on: Financial CHOICE Act of 2017 (HR 10)

 Bill passed (233-186) on June 8, 2017

Proposed amending the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, among other acts.

Voted Yea on: Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2017 (HR 244)

 Bill passed (309-118) on May 3, 2017

Proposed a $1.2 trillion budget to fund the government through the end of the fiscal year on September 30, 2017.

Votes on foreign policy and national security issues

Voted Nay on: Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 695)

 Bill Passed (250-166) on January 30, 2018

Proposed providing appropriations for military functions administered by the Department of Defense and for other purposes, for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2018.

Voted Nay on: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018—Conference report (HR 2810)

 Bill Passed (356-70) on November 14, 2017

Proposed authorizing FY2018 appropriations and setting forth policies for Department of Defense (DOD) programs and activities, including military personnel strengths.

Voted Nay on: Make America Secure Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 3219)

 Bill Passed (235-192) on July 27, 2017

Proposed making appropriations for defense, military construction, Veterans Affairs, the Legislative Branch, energy and water development, and for other purposes for the fiscal year ending on September 30, 2018.

Voted Yea on: Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (HR 3364)

 Bill Passed (419-3) on July 25, 2017

Proposed providing congressional review and measures to counter aggression by the governments of Iran, the Russian Federation, and North Korea, and for other purposes.

Voted Nay on: Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (HR 3180, second vote)

 Bill Passed (380-35) on July 28, 2017

Proposed authorizing appropriations for fiscal year 2018 for intelligence and intelligence-related activities of the United States Government, the Community Management Account, and the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System, and for other purposes.

Voted Nay on: Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (HR 3180)

 Bill Failed (241-163) on July 24, 2017

Proposed authorizing appropriations for fiscal year 2018 for intelligence and intelligence-related activities of the United States Government, the Community Management Account, and the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System, and for other purposes.

Voted Nay on: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (HR 2810)

 Bill Passed (344-81) on July 14, 2017

Proposed authorizing fiscal year 2018 appropriations and setting forth policies for Department of Defense (DOD) programs and activities, including military personnel strengths. It did not provide budget authority.

Voted Nay on: Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2017 (HR 1301)

 Bill passed (371-48) on March 8, 2017

The $577.9 billion fiscal year 2017 defense spending bill proposed $516.1 billion in base budget funding and $61.8 billion for Overseas Contingency Operations/ Global War on Terrorism funding.

Key votes: Previous sessions of Congress

Key votes (click "show" to expand or "hide" to contract)

114th Congress The first session of the 114th Congress enacted into law six out of the 2,616 introduced bills (0.2 percent). Comparatively, the 113th Congress had 1.3 percent of introduced bills enacted into law in the first session. In the second session, the 114th Congress enacted 133 out of 3,159 introduced bills (4.2 percent). Comparatively, the 113th Congress had 7.0 percent of introduced bills enacted into law in the second session. For more information pertaining to Schakowsky's voting record in the 114th Congress, please see the below sections. Economic and fiscal Trade Act of 2015 See also: The Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal, 2015 Trade adjustment assistance On June 12, 2015, the House rejected the trade adjustment assistance (TAA) measure in HR 1314 - Trade Act of 2015 by a vote of 126 to 302. TAA is a federal program providing American workers displaced by foreign trade agreements with job training and services. Although the measure has generally been supported by Democrats in the past, the vote divided the party because it was packaged in a bill featuring the less popular trade promotion authority (TPA). For this reason, even though the two measures were voted on separately, some considered a vote against TAA to be a de facto vote against TPA. Schakowsky was one of 144 Democrats to vote against TAA. Trade promotion authority On June 12, 2015, the House narrowly passed the trade promotion authority (TPA) measure in HR 1314 - Trade Act of 2015 by a vote of 219 to 211. TPA would give the president fast-track authority to negotiate trade agreements sent to Congress without the opportunity for amendment or filibuster. Schakowsky was one of 157 Democrats to vote against the measure. Although the House approved TPA, it was a largely symbolic vote given the measure was part of a package trade bill including trade adjustment assistance (TAA), which had been rejected earlier the same day. Trade promotion authority second vote After the House failed to pass trade adjustment assistance (TAA) and trade promotion authority (TPA) together on June 12, 2015, it voted to authorize TPA alone as an amendment to HR 2146 - Defending Public Safety Employees' Retirement Act on June 18, 2015. The amendment passed by a vote of 218-208, with all voting members of the House maintaining his or her original position on TPA except for Ted Yoho (R-Fla.). Schakowsky was one of 158 Democrats to vote against the amendment. Trade adjustment assistance second vote The House passed HR 1295 - Trade Preferences Extension Act of 2015 on June 25, 2015, by a vote of 286-138. The Senate packaged trade adjustment assistance (TAA) in this bill after the House had rejected the TAA measure in HR 1314 - Trade Act of 2015. Along with trade promotion authority (TPA), which Congress passed as part of HR 2146 - Defending Public Safety Employees' Retirement Act, TAA became law on June 29, 2015. Schakowsky was one of 175 Democrats to vote in favor of HR 1295. Defense spending authorization On May 15, 2015, the House passed HR 1735 - National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016 by a vote of 269-151. The bill "authorizes FY2016 appropriations and sets forth policies for Department of Defense (DOD) programs and activities, including military personnel strengths. It does not provide budget authority, which is provided in subsequent appropriations legislation." Schakowsky voted with 142 other Democrats and 8 Republicans against the bill. The Senate passed the bill on June 18, 2015, by a vote of 71-25. President Barack Obama vetoed the bill on October 22, 2015. On November 5, 2015, the House passed S 1356 - the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016 by a vote of 370-58. The second version of the $607 billion national defense bill included "$5 billion in cuts to match what was approved in the budget" and language preventing the closure of the Guantanamo Bay military prison. Schakowsky voted with 48 other Democrats and 9 Republicans against the bill. On November 10, 2015, the Senate passed the bill by a vote of 91-3, and President Barack Obama signed it into law on November 25, 2015. 2016 Budget proposal On April 30, 2015, the House voted to approve SConRes11, a congressional budget proposal for fiscal year 2016, by a vote of 226-197. The non-binding resolution will be used to create 12 appropriations bills to fund the government. All 183 Democrats who voted, including Schakowsky, voted against the resolution. 2015 budget On October 28, 2015, the House passed HR 1314 - Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015 by a vote of 266-167. The bill increased military and domestic spending levels and suspended the debt ceiling until March 2017. Schakowsky voted with 186 Democrats and 79 Republicans in favor of the bill. It passed the Senate on October 30, 2015. President Barack Obama signed it into law on November 2, 2015. Foreign Affairs Iran nuclear deal See also: Iran nuclear agreement, 2015 On May 14, 2015, the House approved HR 1191 - the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015 by a vote of 400-25. The bill required President Barack Obama to submit the details of the nuclear deal with Iran for congressional review. Congress had 60 days to review the deal and vote to approve, disapprove or take no action on the deal. During the review period, sanctions on Iran could not be lifted. Schakowsky voted with 176 Democrats to approve the bill. Approval of Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action On September 11, 2015, the House rejected HR 3461 - To approve the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, signed at Vienna on July 14, 2015, relating to the nuclear program of Iran by a vote of 162-269. The legislation proposed approving the nuclear agreement with Iran. Schakowsky voted with 161 Democrats for the bill. Suspension of Iran sanctions relief On September 11, 2015, the House approved HR 3460 - To suspend until January 21, 2017, the authority of the President to waive, suspend, reduce, provide relief from, or otherwise limit the application of sanctions pursuant to an agreement related to the nuclear program of Iran by a vote of 247-186. HR 3460 prohibits "the President, prior to January 21, 2017, from: limiting the application of specified sanctions on Iran or refraining from applying any such sanctions; or removing a foreign person (including entities) listed in Attachments 3 or 4 to Annex II of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPA) from the list of designated nationals and blocked persons maintained by the Office of Foreign Asset Control of the Department of the Treasury." Schakowsky voted with 185 Democrats against the bill. Presidential non-compliance of section 2 On September 10, 2015, the House passed H Res 411 - Finding that the President has not complied with section 2 of the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015 by a vote of 245-186. Section 2 of the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015 required the president to submit all materials related to the nuclear agreement for congressional review. House Republicans introduced the resolution because two agreements between the International Atomic Energy Agency and Iran were not submitted to Congress. Schakowsky voted with 185 Democrats against the resolution. Export-Import Bank On October 27, 2015, the House passed HR 597 - the Export-Import Bank Reform and Reauthorization Act of 2015 by a vote of 313-118. The bill proposes reauthorizing the Export-Import Bank and allowing it to resume offering assistance in the form of loans and insurance to foreign companies that want to buy U.S. goods. Schakowsky voted with 185 Democrats and 127 Republicans in favor of the bill. Domestic USA FREEDOM Act of 2015 On May 13, 2015, the House passed HR 2048 - the Uniting and Strengthening America by Fulfilling Rights and Ensuring Effective Discipline Over Monitoring Act of 2015 or the USA FREEDOM Act of 2015 by a vote of 338-88. The legislation revised HR 3199 - the USA PATRIOT Improvement and Reauthorization Act of 2005 by terminating the bulk collection of metadata under Sec. 215 of the act, increasing transparency of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court and requiring the use of "a specific selection term as the basis for national security letters that request information from wire or electronic communication service providers, financial institutions, or consumer reporting agencies." Schakowsky voted with 40 Democrats and 47 Republicans against the legislation. It became law on June 2, 2015. Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act On May 13, 2015, the House passed HR 36 - the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act by a vote of 242-184. The bill proposes prohibiting abortions from being performed after an unborn child is determined to be 20 weeks or older. If a woman's life is in danger or her pregnancy is the result of rape or incest which has been reported to law enforcement or an appropriate government agency at any time, an abortion may be performed. Schakowsky voted with 179 Democrats against the bill. The vote largely followed party lines. Cyber security On April 23, 2015, the House passed HR 1731 - the National Cybersecurity Protection Advancement Act of 2015 by a vote of 355-63. The bill proposes creating an information sharing program that will allow federal agencies and private entities to share information about cyber threats and includes liability protections for companies. Schakowsky voted with 134 Democrats and 220 Republicans to approve the bill. On April 22, 2015, the House passed HR 1560 - the Protecting Cyber Networks Act by a vote of 307-116. The bill proposes procedures that will allow federal agencies and private entities to share information about cyber threats. Schakowsky voted with 78 Democrats and 37 Republicans against the bill. Immigration On November 19, 2015, the House passed HR 4038 - the American SAFE Act of 2015 by a vote of 289-137. The bill proposes instituting a stronger screening process for refugees from Iraq and Syria who apply for admission to the U.S. Schakowsky voted with 134 Democrats and two Republicans against the bill. 113th Congress The second session of the 113th Congress enacted into law 224 out of the 3215 introduced bills (7 percent). Comparatively, the 112th Congress had 4.2 percent of introduced bills enacted into law in the second session. For more information pertaining to Schakowsky's voting record in the 113th Congress, please see the below sections. National security DHS Appropriations Schakowsky voted against HR 2217 - the DHS Appropriations Act of 2014. The bill passed the House on June 6, 2013, with a vote of 245 - 182 and was largely along party lines. Keystone Pipeline Amendment Schakowsky voted in favor of House Amendment 69, which would have amended HR 3 to "require that the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, in consultation with the Department of Homeland Security, conduct a study of the vulnerabilities of the Keystone XL pipeline to a terrorist attack and certify that necessary protections have been put in place." The amendment failed on May 22, 2013, with a vote of 176 - 239 and was largely along party lines. CISPA (2013) Schakowsky voted against HR 624 - the CISPA (2013). The bill passed the House on April 18, 2013, with a vote of 288 - 127. The bill permitted federal intelligence agencies to share cybersecurity intelligence and information with private entities and utilities. The bill was largely supported by Republicans, but divided the Democratic Party. NDAA Schakowsky voted in support of HR 1960 - the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014. The bill passed the House on June 14, 2013, with a vote of 315 - 108. Both parties were somewhat divided on the vote. Economy Farm bill On January 29, 2014, the U.S. House approved the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013, H.R. 2642, known as the Farm Bill. The bill passed by a vote of 251-166. The nearly 1,000-page bill provides for the reform and continuation of agricultural and other programs of the Department of Agriculture through 2018. The $1 trillion bill expanded crop insurance for farmers by $7 billion over the next decade and created new subsidies for rice and peanut growers that would kick in when prices drop. However, cuts to the food stamp program cut an average of $90 per month for 1.7 million people in 15 states. Schakowsky voted with 102 other Democratic representatives against the bill. 2014 Budget On January 15, 2014, the Republican-run House approved H.R. 3547, a $1.1 trillion spending bill to fund the government through September 30, 2014. The House voted 359-67 for the 1,582 page bill, with 64 Republicans and three Democrats voting against the bill. The omnibus package included 12 annual spending bills to fund federal operations. It included a 1 percent increase in the paychecks of federal workers and military personnel, a $1 billion increase in Head Start funding for early childhood education, reduced funding to the Internal Revenue Service and the Environmental Protection Agency, and the protection of the Affordable Care Act from any drastic cuts. Schakowsky joined with the majority of the Democratic party and voted in favor of the bill. Government shutdown See also: United States budget debate, 2013 On September 30, 2013, the House passed a final stopgap spending bill before the shutdown went into effect. The bill included a one-year delay of the Affordable Care Act's individual mandate and would have also stripped the bill of federal subsidies for congressional members and staff. It passed through the House with a vote of 228-201. At 1 a.m. on October 1, 2013, one hour after the shutdown officially began, the House voted to move forward with going to a conference. In short order, Sen. Harry Reid rejected the call to conference. Schakowsky voted against the stopgap spending bill that would have delayed the individual mandate. The shutdown ended on October 16, 2013, when the House took a vote on HR 2775 after it was approved by the Senate. The bill to reopen the government lifted the $16.7 trillion debt limit and funded the government through January 15, 2014. Federal employees also received retroactive pay for the shutdown period. The only concession made by Senate Democrats was to require income verification for Obamacare subsidies. The House passed the legislation shortly after the Senate, by a vote of 285-144, with all 144 votes against the legislation coming from Republican members. Schakowsky voted for HR 2775. Immigration Morton Memos Prohibition Schakowsky voted against House Amendment 136 - Prohibits the Enforcement of the Immigration Executive Order. The amendment was adopted by the House on June 6, 2013, with a vote of 224 - 201. The purpose of the amendment as stated on the official text is to "prohibit the use of funds to finalize, implement, administer, or enforce the Morton Memos." These memos would have granted administrative amnesty to certain illegal aliens residing in the United States. The vote largely followed party lines. Healthcare Healthcare Reform Rules Schakowsky voted against House Amendment 450 - Requires Congressional Approval for Any Rules Under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. The amendment was adopted by the House on August 2, 2013, with a vote of 227-185. The amendment requires all changes to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act be approved by Congress before taking effect. The vote was largely along party lines. Keep the IRS Off Your Healthcare Act Schakowsky voted against HR 2009 - Keep the IRS Off Your Healthcare Act of 2013. The bill passed through the House on August 2, 2013, with a vote of 232-185. The bill would prevent the IRS and Treasury Secretary from enforcing the powers provided to them in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. The vote largely followed party lines. Social issues Amash amendment Schakowsky voted against House Amendment 413 - Prohibits the National Security Agency from Collecting Records Under the Patriot Act. The amendment failed on July 4, 2013, by a vote of 205-217. The amendment would have prohibited the collection of records by the National Security Agency under the Patriot Act. Both parties were split on the vote. Previous congressional sessions Fiscal Cliff Schakowsky voted for the fiscal cliff compromise bill, which made permanent most of the Bush tax cuts originally passed in 2001 and 2003 while also raising tax rates on the highest income levels. She was 1 of 172 Democrats that voted in favor of the bill. The bill was passed in the House by a 257 - 167 vote on January 1, 2013.

Issues

2016 presidential endorsement

✓ Schakowsky endorsed Hillary Clinton for the Democrat primary in the 2016 U.S. presidential election.

See also: Endorsements for Hillary Clinton

National security

American response in Syria

See also: United States involvement in Syria

On August 29, 2013, more than 50 House Democrats signed a letter written by California Rep. Barbara Lee that called for a congressional resolution on strikes, and cautioned that the dire situation in Syria "should not draw us into an unwise war—especially without adhering to our constitutional requirements." The letter also called on the Obama administration to work with the U.N. Security Council “to build international consensus” condemning the alleged use of chemical weapons. Schakowsky was one of the 50 Democrats in the House to sign the letter.

Economy

Statement about government shutdown

See also: United States budget debate, 2013

Schakowsky said about the shutdown, "The people that are driving this shutdown are people who don't have any institutional memory and many of them actually have no legislative experience whatsoever [or] legislative memory. So they came here on a mission, which was to shutdown the government. A couple of them bragged about it early on. ... This is a moment when our economy could actually be leaping forward. We are at a point where we could be creating jobs. We could be in a great position right now, and instead we're going to be seeing, I think, really tragic consequences in terms of the economy and individual American families."

Social issues

SNAP challenge

See also: United States Farm Bill 2013

In June 2013, more than two dozen House Democrats, including Schakowsky, took part in a SNAP challenge, feeding themselves for a week on the average benefit level of a SNAP recipient. Participants agreed to eat all meals from a limited food budget comparable to that of a SNAP participant, approximately $1.50 per meal, or $4.50 a day.

Controversy

Arrest during immigration protest

See also: Gang of Eight

On October 8, 2013, eight Democratic members of Congress were arrested while attending a protest calling for comprehensive immigration reform in front of the U.S. Capitol. The politicians, along with activists who attended an immigration rally on the National Mall, staged a sit-in near the west side of the Capitol. Authorities arrested the lawmakers for crowding and disrupting the streets around the Capitol. Almost 200 people were arrested by police during the protest.

In addition to Schakowsky, the eight representatives included John Lewis (D-Ga.), Luis Gutierrez (D-Ill.), Charlie Rangel (D-N.Y.), Raul Grijalva (D-Ari.), Joe Crowley (D-N.Y.), Keith Ellison (D-Minn.) and Al Green (D-Texas). The politicians, along with activists who attended an immigration rally on the National Mall, staged a sit-in near the west side of the Capitol.

Elections

2018

See also: Illinois' 9th Congressional District election, 2018

Incumbent Janice Schakowsky (D) faces no primary opposition, while John Elleson, Max Rice, Sargis Sangari, and D. Vincent Thomas Jr. compete for the Republican nomination. The filing deadline was on December 4, 2017, and the primary election takes place on March 20, 2018.

2016

See also: Illinois' 9th Congressional District election, 2016

Heading into the election, Ballotpedia rated this race as safely Democratic. Incumbent Janice Schakowsky (D) defeated Joan McCarthy Lasonde (R) in the general election on November 8, 2016. No candidate faced a primary opponent on March 15, 2016.

U.S. House, Illinois District 9 General Election, 2016
Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Democratic	Janice Schakowsky Incumbent	66.5%	217,306
	Republican	Joan McCarthy Lasonde	33.5%	109,550
	N/A	Write-in	0%	92
Total Votes				326,948
Source: Illinois State Board of Elections

2014

See also: Illinois' 9th Congressional District elections, 2014

Schakowsky ran for re-election to the U.S. House in 2014. she ran unopposed in the Democratic primary on March 18, 2014. The general election took place on November 4, 2014.

U.S. House, Illinois District 9 General Election, 2014
Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Democratic	Jan Schakowsky Incumbent	66.1%	141,000
	Republican	Susanne Atanus	33.9%	72,384
	Independent	Phil Collins (Write-in)	0%	66
Total Votes				213,450
Source: Illinois State Board of Elections Official Results

2012

See also: Illinois' 9th Congressional District elections, 2012

Schakowsky won re-election in November. Schakowsky ran in the 2012 election for the U.S. House to represent Illinois' 9th District.

Schakowsky defeated challenger Simon Ribeiro in the Democratic primary on March 20, 2012. Candidate Timothy Wolfe run unopposed in the Republican primary and was defeated by Schakowsky in the general election on November 6, 2012.

U.S. House, Illinois District 9 General Election, 2012
Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Democratic	Jan Schakowsky Incumbent	66.3%	194,869
	Republican	Timothy Wolfe	33.7%	98,924
Total Votes				293,793
Source: Illinois Board of Elections "2012 General Election Official Vote Totals"

U.S. House, Illinois District 9 Democratic Primary, 2012
Candidate	Vote %	Votes
Janice Schakowsky Incumbent	91.9%	48,124
Simon Ribeiro	8.1%	4,270
Total Votes		52,394

Full history

To view the full congressional electoral history for Jan Schakowsky, click [show] to expand the section.

2010 On November 2, 2010, Jan Schakowsky won re-election to the United States House. She defeated Joe Barry Pollak (R) and Simon Ribeiro (Green) in the general election. U.S. House, Illinois District 9 General Election, 2010 Party Candidate Vote % Votes      Democratic Janice D. Schakowsky incumbent 66.3% 117,553      Republican Joe Barry Pollak 31.1% 55,182      Green Simon Ribeiro 2.5% 4,472 Total Votes 177,207 2008 On November 4, 2008, Jan Schakowsky won re-election to the United States House. She defeated Michael Benjamin Younan (R), Morris Shanfield (G) and Susanne Atanus (Write-in) in the general election. U.S. House, Illinois District 9 General Election, 2008 Party Candidate Vote % Votes      Democratic Janice D. Schakowsky incumbent 74.7% 181,948      Republican Michael Benjamin Younan 22% 53,593      Green Morris Shanfield 3.3% 8,140      Write-in Susanne Atanus 0% 13 Total Votes 243,694 2006 On November 7, 2006, Jan Schakowsky won re-election to the United States House. She defeated Michael P. Shannon (R) in the general election. U.S. House, Illinois District 9 General Election, 2006 Party Candidate Vote % Votes      Democratic Janice D. Schakowsky incumbent 74.6% 122,852      Republican Michael P. Shannon 25.4% 41,858      N/A Write-in 0% 3 Total Votes 164,713 2004 On November 2, 2004, Jan Schakowsky won re-election to the United States House. She defeated Kurt J. Eckhardt (R) in the general election. U.S. House, Illinois District 9 General Election, 2004 Party Candidate Vote % Votes      Democratic Janice D. Schakowsky incumbent 75.7% 175,282      Republican Kurt J. Eckhardt 24.3% 56,135 Total Votes 231,417 2002 On November 5, 2002, Jan Schakowsky won re-election to the United States House. She defeated Nicholas M. Duric (R) and Stephanie "Vs. the Machine" Sailor (L) in the general election. U.S. House, Illinois District 9 General Election, 2002 Party Candidate Vote % Votes      Democratic Janice D. Schakowsky incumbent 70.3% 118,642      Republican Nicolas M. Duric 26.8% 45,307      Libertarian Stephanie Sailor 2.9% 4,887 Total Votes 168,836 2000 On November 7, 2000, Jan Schakowsky won re-election to the United States House. She defeated Dennis J. Driscoll (R) in the general election. U.S. House, Illinois District 9 General Election, 2000 Party Candidate Vote % Votes      Democratic Janice D. Schakowsky incumbent 76.4% 147,002      Republican Dennis J. Driscoll 23.6% 45,344 Total Votes 192,346 1998 On November 3, 1998, Jan Schakowsky won election to the United States House. She defeated Herbert Sohn (R) and Michael D. Ray (L) in the general election. U.S. House, Illinois District 9 General Election, 1998 Party Candidate Vote % Votes      Democratic Janice D. Schakowsky 74.6% 107,878      Republican Herbert Sohn 23.1% 33,448      Libertarian Michael D. Ray 2.3% 3,284 Total Votes 144,610

Campaign donors

Comprehensive donor history

Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf.
Why is that? While candidates and parties must file detailed expenditure reports, independent organizations and unions are not required to file reports in every case. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer.

Comprehensive donor information is shown below. Based on available campaign finance records, Schakowsky raised a total of $10,924,290 in elections. Ballotpedia updates the information below in the years following a general election.

Jan Schakowsky Campaign Contribution History
Year	Office	Result	Contributions
2016	U.S. House, Illinois District 9		$1,362,014
2014	U.S. House (Illinois, District 9)		$1,334,600
2012	U.S. House (Illinois, District 9)		$1,350,902
2010	U.S. House (Illinois, District 9)		$1,520,106
2008	U.S. House (Illinois, District 9)		$1,408,942
2006	U.S. House (Illinois, District 9)		$1,138,224
2004	U.S. House (Illinois, District 9)		$1,098,204
2002	U.S. House (Illinois, District 9)		$861,461
2000	U.S. House (Illinois, District 9)		$849,837
Grand Total Raised			$10,924,290
Source: Follow the Money

2016

Schakowsky won re-election to the U.S. House in 2016. During that election cycle, Schakowsky's campaign committee raised a total of $1,362,014 and spent $1,238,616. This is less than the average $1.46 million spent by U.S. House winners in 2016.

Cost per vote

Schakowsky spent $5.7 per general election vote received in 2016.

U.S. House, Illinois District 9, 2016 - Jan Schakowsky Campaign Contributions
Total Raised	$1,362,014
Total Spent	$1,238,616
Total Raised by Election Runner-up	$197,129
Total Spent by Election Runner-up	$186,556
Top contributors to Jan Schakowsky's campaign committee
State of Illinois	$19,825
JStreetPAC	$19,110
Power, Rogers & Smith	$11,800
Development Specialists Inc	$10,800
Marco Consulting Group	$10,800
Top 5 industries that contributed to campaign committee
Lawyers/Law Firms	$175,555
Retired	$131,647
Pro-Israel	$83,314
Health Professionals	$80,667
Industrial Unions	$46,500

2014

Schakowsky won re-election to the U.S. House in 2014. During that election cycle, Schakowsky's campaign committee raised a total of $1,334,600 and spent $1,327,080. This is less than the average $1.45 million spent by House winners in 2014.

Cost per vote

Schakowsky spent $9.41 per general election vote received in 2014.

U.S. House, Illinois District 9, 2014 - Jan Schakowsky Campaign Contributions
Total Raised	$1,334,600
Total Spent	$1,327,080
Total Raised by Election Runner-up	$0
Total Spent by Election Runner-up	$0
Top contributors to Jan Schakowsky's campaign committee
State of Illinois	$17,875
JStreetPAC	$15,250
Development Specialists Inc	$12,950
Habitat Co	$10,400
Marco Consulting	$10,400
Top 5 industries that contributed to campaign committee
Lawyers/Law Firms	$152,025
Health Professionals	$109,350
Retired	$74,950
Women's Issues	$71,375
Pro-Israel	$67,950

To view the breakdown of campaign funding by type click [show] to expand the section.
Breakdown of the source of Schakowsky's campaign funds before the 2014 election.

Below are Schakowsky's FEC reports.

Jan Schakowsky (2014) Campaign Finance Reports
Report	Date Filed	Beginning Balance	Total Contributions for Reporting Period	Expenditures	Cash on Hand
April Quarterly	April 15, 2013	$273,011.52	$174,490.69	$(147,487.29)	$300,014.92
July Quarterly	July 13, 2013	$300,014.92	$285,748.82	$(239,991.84)	$345,771.90
October Quarterly	October 13, 2013	$345,771.90	$107,163.31	$(112,986.92)	$339,948.29
Year-end	January 31, 2014	$339,948	$129,708	$(135,995)	$333,661
Pre-Primary	March 6, 2014	$333,661	$63,343	$(85,565)	$311,439
April Quarterly	April 15, 2014	$311,439	$132,338	$(59,950)	$383,827
July Quarterly	July 15, 2014	$383,827.00	$227,077.00	$(235,410.00)	$375,689.00
October Quarterly	October 15, 2014	$375,689	$139,071	$(171,100)	$343,661
			Running totals
			$1,258,939.82	$(1,188,486.05)

2012

Schakowsky won re-election to the U.S. House in 2012. During that election cycle, Schakowsky's campaign committee raised a total of $1,350,902 and spent $1,338,067. This is less than the average $1.5 million spent by House winners in 2012.

Cost per vote

Schakowsky spent $6.87 per vote received in 2012.

U.S. House, Illinois District 9, 2012 - Jan Schakowsky Campaign Contributions
Total Raised	$1,350,902
Total Spent	$1,338,067
Total Raised by Election Runner-up	$61,972
Total Spent by Election Runner-up	$58,222
Top contributors to Jan Schakowsky's campaign committee
State of Illinois	$11,575
Development Specialists Inc	$10,500
Laborers Union	$10,300
American Assn for Justice	$10,000
American Fedn of St/Cnty/Munic Employees	$10,000
Top 5 industries that contributed to campaign committee
Lawyers/Law Firms	$158,375
Health Professionals	$93,650
Retired	$72,800
Pro-Israel	$64,653
Industrial Unions	$47,500

To view the breakdown of campaign funding by type click [show] to expand the section.
Breakdown of the source of Schakowsky's campaign funds before the 2012 election.

2010

Schakowsky won re-election to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2010. During that re-election cycle, Schakowsky's campaign committee raised a total of $1,520,106 and spent $1,633,678.

U.S. House, Illinois District 9, 2010 - Jan Schakowsky Campaign Contributions
Total Raised	$1,520,106
Total Spent	$1,633,678
Total Raised by General Election Opponent	$677,066
Total Spent by General Election Opponent	$703,272
Top contributors to Jan Schakowsky's campaign committee
JStreetPAC	$15,545
Jenner & Block	$13,250
Sidley Austin LLP	$12,100
State of Illinois	$10,850
Teamsters Union	$10,300
Top 5 industries that contributed to campaign committee
Lawyers/Law Firms	$210,925
Health Professionals	$98,200
Pro-Israel	$77,419
Business Services	$57,600
Retired	$55,875

To view the breakdown of campaign funding by type click [show] to expand the section.
Breakdown of the source of Schakowsky's campaign funds before the 2010 election.

Personal Gain Index

See also: Personal Gain Index (U.S. Congress)

The Personal Gain Index (U.S. Congress) is a two-part measurement that illustrates the extent to which members of the U.S. Congress have prospered during their tenure as public servants.
It consists of two different metrics:

• Changes in Net Worth
• The Donation Concentration Metric

PGI: Change in net worth

See also: Changes in Net Worth of U.S. Senators and Representatives (Personal Gain Index) and Net worth of United States Senators and Representatives

Based on congressional financial disclosure forms and calculations made available by OpenSecrets.org, Schakowsky's net worth as of 2012 was estimated between $12,026 and $459,999. That averages to $236,012.50, which is lower than the average net worth of Democratic representatives in 2012 of $5,700,168.36. Schakowsky ranked as the 336th most wealthy representative in 2012. Between 2004 and 2012, Schakowsky's calculated net worth increased by an average of 22 percent per year. Between 2004 and 2012, the average annual percentage increase for a member of Congress was 15.4 percent.

Jan Schakowsky Yearly Net Worth
Year	Average Net Worth
2004	$86,305
2012	$236,012
Growth from 2004 to 2012:	173%
Average annual growth:	22%
Comparatively, the American citizen experienced a median yearly decline in net worth of -0.94%.

The data used to calculate changes in net worth may include changes resulting from assets gained through marriage, inheritance, changes in family estates and/or trusts, changes in family business ownership, and many other variables unrelated to a member's behavior in Congress.

PGI: Donation Concentration Metric

See also: The Donation Concentration Metric (U.S. Congress Personal Gain Index)

Filings required by the Federal Election Commission report on the industries that give to each candidate. Using campaign filings and information calculated by OpenSecrets.org, Ballotpedia calculated the percentage of donations by industry received by each incumbent over the course of his or her career (or 1989 and later, if elected prior to 1988). Schakowsky received the most donations from individuals and PACs employed by the Lawyers/Law Firms industry.

From 1997-2014, 24.31 percent of Schakowsky's career contributions came from the top five industries as listed below.

Jan Schakowsky Campaign Contributions
Total Raised	$12,244,494
Total Spent	$11,861,037
Top five industries that contributed to campaign committee
Lawyers/Law Firms	$1,297,536
Health Professionals	$483,646
Retired	$456,985
Pro-Israel	$375,325
Industrial Unions	$362,550
% total in top industry	10.6%
% total in top two industries	14.55%
% total in top five industries	24.31%

Analysis

Ideology and leadership

See also: GovTrack's Political Spectrum & Legislative Leadership ranking

Based on an analysis of bill sponsorship by GovTrack, Schakowsky was a "far-left Democratic leader," as of July 29, 2014. This was the same rating Schakowsky received in June 2013.

Like-minded colleagues

The website OpenCongress tracks the voting records of each member to determine with whom he or she votes most and least often. The results include a member from each party.

Schakowsky most often votes with:

• James McGovern
• Chris Gibson

Schakowsky least often votes with:

• Jim Matheson
• Jeff Duncan

National Journal vote ratings

See also: National Journal vote ratings

Each year National Journal publishes an analysis of how liberally or conservatively each member of Congress voted in the previous year.

2013

Schakowsky ranked 1st in the liberal rankings in 2013.

2012

Schakowsky ranked 24th in the liberal rankings in 2012.

2011

Schakowsky ranked 46th in the liberal rankings in 2011.

Voting with party

The website OpenCongress tracks how often members of Congress vote with the majority of the chamber caucus.

2014

Schakowsky voted with the Democratic Party 93.5 percent of the time, which ranked 88th among the 204 House Democratic members as of July 2014.

2013

Schakowsky voted with the Democratic Party 94.8 percent of the time, which ranked 105th among the 201 House Democratic members as of June 2013.

Lifetime voting record

See also: Lifetime voting records of United States Senators and Representatives

According to the website GovTrack, Schakowsky missed 228 of 11,505 roll call votes from January 1999 to September 2015. This amounts to 2 percent, which is lower than the median of 2.2 percent among current representatives as of September 2015.

Congressional staff salaries

See also: Staff salaries of United States Senators and Representatives

The website Legistorm compiles staff salary information for members of Congress. Schakowsky paid her congressional staff a total of $1,219,538 in 2011. She ranked 8th on the list of the highest paid Democratic representative staff salaries and ranked 8th overall of the highest paid representative staff salaries in 2011. Overall, Illinois ranked 46th in average salary for representative staff. The average U.S. House of Representatives congressional staff was paid $954,912.20 in fiscal year 2011.

Staff bonuses

According to an analysis by CNN, Schakowsky was one of nearly 25 percent of House members who gave their staff bonuses in 2012. Schakowsky's staff was given an apparent $34,200.00 in bonus money.

2016 Democratic National Convention

• Delegate to the 2016 DNC (click to expand)

  See also: Democratic National Convention, 2016

  Jan Schakowsky
  Democratic National Convention, 2016
  Status:	Superdelegate
  State:	Illinois
  Supporting:	Hillary Clinton
  Delegates to the DNC 2016
  Calendar and delegate rules overview • Types of delegates • State election law and delegates • Superdelegates by state

  Schakowsky was a superdelegate to the 2016 Democratic National Convention from Illinois. Schakowsky was one of 27 superdelegates from Illinois. Superdelegates to the 2016 Democratic National Convention were not bound by the results of their state’s primary or caucus to support a specific presidential candidate. Schakowsky supported Hillary Clinton for the Democratic nomination. Clinton formally won the Democratic nomination for president on July 26, 2016.

  What is a superdelegate?

  See also: Superdelegates and the 2016 Democratic National Convention

  Superdelegates, in 2016, were automatic delegates to the Democratic National Convention, meaning that, unlike regular delegates, they were not elected to this position. Also unlike regular delegates, they were not required to pledge their support to any presidential candidate, and they were not bound by the results of their state's presidential primary election or caucus. In 2016, superdelegates included members of the Democratic National Committee, Democratic members of Congress, Democratic governors, and distinguished party leaders, including former presidents and vice presidents. All superdelegates were free to support any presidential candidate of their choosing at the 2016 Democratic National Convention.

  Illinois primary results

  See also: Presidential election in Illinois, 2016

  Hillary Clinton won the Illinois Democratic primary election, beating Bernie Sanders by less than two percentage points. Clinton carried Cook County, where the city of Chicago is located, 54 to 46 percent. African American voters made up 28 percent of the Democratic electorate in Illinois, according to exit poll data. Clinton won African Americans 70 to 30 percent over Sanders.

  Illinois Democratic Primary, 2016
  Candidate	Vote %	Votes	Delegates
  Hillary Clinton	50.6%	1,039,555	79
  Bernie Sanders	48.6%	999,494	77
  Willie Wilson	0.3%	6,565	0
  Martin O'Malley	0.3%	6,197	0
  Larry Cohen	0.1%	2,407	0
  Roque De La Fuente	0.1%	1,802	0
  David Formhals	0%	25	0
  Brian O'Neill	0%	2	0
  Totals		2,056,047	156
  Source: The New York Times and Illinois State Board of Elections

  Delegate allocation

  See also: 2016 presidential nominations: calendar and delegate rules

  

  Illinois had 183 delegates at the 2016 Democratic National Convention. Of this total, 156 were pledged delegates. National party rules stipulated how Democratic delegates in all states were allocated. Pledged delegates were allocated to a candidate in proportion to the votes he or she received in a state's primary or caucus. A candidate was eligible to receive a share of the state's pledged delegates if he or she won at least 15 percent of the votes cast in the primary or caucus. There were three types of pledged Democratic delegates: congressional district delegates, at-large delegates, and party leaders and elected officials (PLEOs). Congressional district delegates were allocated proportionally based on the primary or caucus results in a given district. At-large and PLEO delegates were allocated proportionally based on statewide primary results.

  Twenty-seven party leaders and elected officials served as unpledged delegates. These delegates were not required to adhere to the results of a state's primary or caucus.

Personal

Schakowsky resides in Evanston, IL, with her husband Robert Creamer. She has three children, Ian, Mary and stepdaughter Lauren Creamer.

Recent news

This section links to a Google news search for the term Janice + Schakowsky + Illinois + House

Janice Schakowsky News Feed

See also

• Illinois
• United States congressional delegations from Illinois
• United States House of Representatives
• Illinois' 9th Congressional District
• Illinois' 9th Congressional District elections, 2012
• Illinois' 9th Congressional District elections, 2014

External links

• Official House website
• Official campaign website

• Social media:
  • Facebook
  • Flickr
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
• Biographies:
  • U.S. Congress
  • NNDB
  • Wikipedia
• Political profiles:
  • GovTrack
  • CongressMerge
  • OpenCongress
  • Project Vote Smart
  • Roll Call
• Financial (federal level):
  • FEC contributions
  • OpenSecrets.org
  • LegiStorm.com
• Financial (state level):
  • Follow The Money
• Interest group ratings:
  • Project Vote Smart
• Issue positions:
  • On The Issues
  • Project Vote Smart
• Legislation:
  • Congress.gov
• Public statements:
  • Project Vote Smart
• Voting record:
  • Project Vote Smart
  • Washington Post
• Works by or about:
  • WorldCat
• Media appearances:
  • C-SPAN
  • IMDb
• Media coverage:
  • Bloomberg
  • New York Times
  • Washington Post

Footnotes

Political offices
Preceded by Sidney Yates	U.S. House of Representatives - Illinois, District 9 1999–present	Succeeded by '