Dear Friends,

It has been a productive week on Capitol Hill as I fight the Trump administration's agenda to rip away healthcare, steal food assistance, cut veterans care, and raise prices for everyday Americans. This June, I also recognize Gun Violence Prevention Awareness Month, when we remember those who lost their lives to gun violence and focus on making our communities safer.

June is Gun Violence Prevention Awareness Month

Alongside Senators Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth, I introduced the Wear Orange Resolution, designating June 6 as Gun Violence Awareness Day in honor of Hadiya Pendleton. She was shot and killed in Chicago on January 29, 2013, just one week after she performed in President Barack Obama's second inauguration. Her friends and family began the Wear Orange movement, and now, the color has become a beacon for action and advocacy against gun violence. You can learn more about the Wear Orange Resolution here.  

Thoughts and prayers have never been enough to end gun violence in America. I am fighting in Congress to pass universal background checks, support for community violence intervention programs, safe storage laws, and an assault weapons ban.

The fight to end gun violence is not over, and I will continue to advocate for your safety and the safety of our communities. 

Hearing on Protecting Care for Veterans

As Co-Chair of the House Democratic Steering & Policy Committee, I held a hearing about the impacts of the Trump administration's cuts to veterans care. After listening to healthcare providers, veterans, and policy experts, I remain committed to helping veterans receive the care they need and deserve. 

The Trump administration has fired thousands of veterans, cancelled programs that worked to end veteran homelessness, and cut mental healthcare programs for veterans. Our veterans have bravely fought for our country, and they have earned the benefits they were promised.

Republicans Aim to Slash Medicaid, Increase Deficit

On Wednesday, the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office released an updated report analyzing the impacts of President Trump's Big, Ugly Bill that slashes Medicaid by billions of dollars. It found that 16 million Americans would lose healthcare. Republicans are ripping away people's healthcare to give tax breaks to the well-off and well-connected. It is needlessly cruel and evil.

I continue to speak out about the need to protect Medicaid. These cuts are not about saving taxpayer money. Instead, it would add $2.4 trillion to the national debt and rip healthcare away from families, children, seniors, people with disabilities, veterans, and pregnant women.

If you would like to share your thoughts with me, feel free to visit my website. You can also keep in touch through Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and BlueSky.

Sincerely,

Robin L. Kelly
Member of Congress