Jan's Plans & Pans - January 23, 2026

Dear John xxxxxx,

In these challenging times, it is so important that we continue to stand together as a community.

Across the country, immigration enforcement activity has increased, and I know many families are feeling uncertain. I want to be clear: you have rights, no matter your immigration status. Knowing your rights can help you, your family, and your loved ones feel more prepared and protected during uncertain times.

In Washington, I am continuing to advocate for policies rooted in dignity and fairness. This week, I voted against the U.S. Department of Homeland Security appropriations bill because it continues to fund detention, deportation, and further enables abuse and lawlessness. We must instead pass humane, comprehensive immigration solutions that keep families together and protect everyone’s basic rights.

I also remain focused on lowering health care costs for families who are already stretched thin. I will continue to work with my Democratic colleagues to address the needs of families here at home instead of spending hundreds of billions of taxpayer dollars on forever wars that the American people do not want. Our priorities should be clear: investing in affordable, high-quality health care and real solutions for families, not ego-driven agendas. I will keep fighting to make sure people can get the care they need and deserve.

Lastly, I want to thank you for your continued engagement and outreach to my office. Your voices shape my work every day and strengthen my advocacy in Washington.

As always, my office is here to help. If you need assistance with a federal agency, immigration-related questions, or any other concern, my team and I are ready to support you. You can reach my Washington, D.C. office at (202) 225-2111 or my Skokie office at (773) 506-7100.

I am proud to stand with you, and I will keep fighting every day for our community and for the future our families deserve.

With gratitude,

Schakowsky Reintroduces Bill to Protect Grieving Families from Medicaid Estate Seizures

I have reintroduced legislation to end Medicaid Estate Recovery—a cruel, hidden policy that demands the repayment of long-term care benefits after a loved one dies. It recovers less than 1% of costs while causing immense harm. I am proud to partner with the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys in this fight. This unjust policy must end.

Follow Me on BlueSky

During this fraught time, it is more important than ever that we stand together and stay connected. Follow me on Bluesky to keep up with my latest work on behalf of the 9th Congressional District of Illinois. Click here to follow.

Passport Renewal

Remember to check your passport validity before booking any travel plans! Current processing times for passports are: 4-6 weeks for routine and 2-3 weeks for expedited. These times are subject to change and are posted on the Dept. of State Website.  Please apply well in advance of your travel date – if your travel date is sooner than the current processing times, you may not get your passport in time for travel.

Please remember that emergency in-person appointments at the Chicago Passport Agency are intended for emergencies and availability is not guaranteed unless it is a life or death emergency! These appointments are not and have never been intended for routine renewal. If you have upcoming travel you should NOT plan on receiving an appointment at the Chicago Passport Agency. Passport renewals are intended to go through the mail. 

Did you know that many countries require your passport to be valid for several months beyond your date of travel? Depending on your destination, validity requirements can vary from 3 to 6 months beyond the date of travel! You can check the requirements for your destination on the Dept. of State Website under "International Travel" and "Country Information".

If you have planned travel and have a pending application that may not arrive on time, or if you need an emergency appointment at the Chicago Passport Agency, the Constituent Advocates in my District Office are happy to help! Please call the office at 773-506-7100, or you can open a case with my office online.