Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) applauded President Joe Biden for signing into law historic, bipartisan legislation to expand access to care for veterans exposed to toxic substances in the line of duty. The life-saving Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act extends critical VA benefits to as many as 3.5 million veterans across the country and will recognize toxic exposures as a cost of war that must be covered by VA care. President Biden called for passage of the bill during his State of the Union address earlier this year. “America... Read More

Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) applauded President Joe Biden for signing into law a historic, bipartisan bill to address inflation, strengthen Illinois families’ financial future, boost America’s research advantage and safeguard our economic and national security for generations to come. The CHIPS and Science Act will deliver a powerful investment in America’s global competitiveness – creating jobs, slashing everyday expenses, ending dependence on foreign manufacturers and turbocharging American innovation. “For too long, American consumers have felt the cost of our nation’s reliance... Read More

Beginning this month, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) is accepting applications from high school students in Northwest and Central Illinois seeking a nomination to a U.S. Service Academy for fall 2023. The deadline for applications will be September 30, 2022, at 5:00 p.m., which is earlier than previous years. “Whether following in the footsteps of a loved one or pursuing a lifelong dream of serving your country, attending a U.S. Service Academy is a high honor,” said Congresswoman Bustos. “Each year, I have the privilege of nominating interested students across Northwest and Central... Read More

Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17), a member of the powerful House Appropriations Committee, helped pass an Appropriations legislative package for Fiscal Year 2023. Congresswoman Bustos secured local wins in each of the six bills: Agriculture, Rural Development, FDA; Energy and Water Development; Financial Services, General Government; Interior-Environment; Military Construction and Veterans Affairs and Transportation-HUD. The package included eleven of Congresswoman Bustos’ Community Project Funding requests. This package now heads to the Senate. “During my final year serving Northwest and... Read More

Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) voted to pass the Respect for Marriage Act – legislation to enshrine marriage equality for same-sex and interracial couples into federal law. The bill would also formally repeal the discriminatory Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) and provide additional legal protections for marriage equality. Despite national support for marriage equality reaching record high levels, 157 House Republicans voted against the measure. “In our country, freedom is sacred. And that includes the freedom to marry the person you love,” said Congresswoman Bustos. “While the vast majority... Read More

Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17), a member of the powerful House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, helped pass the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to strengthen U.S. national security. The package will develop new technologies, improve coordination between America’s global network of allies and partners and support our country’s democratic values and the servicemembers and families who form the foundation for America’s defense. The 2023 NDAA also includes a provision in which Congress formally recognizes the contributions of women who served in the Cadet Nurse Corps during... Read More

Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17), a member of the powerful House Appropriations Committee, helped advance out of Committee a comprehensive homeland security funding bill that would invest in smart, effective border security, meet humanitarian needs of migrants and support programs proven to keep Americans safe. “Ensuring Americans are safe here at home is critically important,” said Congresswoman Bustos. “This year, I was proud to help advance a Homeland Security appropriations bill that will bring resources to our emergency warning systems, support our nation’s firefighters and make... Read More

Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17), a member of the powerful House Appropriations Committee, helped advance out of Committee a comprehensive financial services and general government funding bill that grows opportunity, and helps small business owners and middle-class families get ahead. “When our families and small businesses succeed, our communities and our nation succeed,” said Congresswoman Bustos. “As we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve got to do everything we can to help folks get ahead. With this year’s financial services and general government funding bill, we’ll improve... Read More

Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17), a member of the powerful House Appropriations Committee, helped advance out of Committee a comprehensive transportation, housing and urban development funding bill that will bring significant federal resources to projects in Northwest and Central Illinois. “Listening to folks in all of our communities and delivering results to improve lives is at the very core of my role as a Member of Congress,” said Congresswoman Bustos. “This week, I helped advance a funding bill that includes millions in federal funding to enhance quality of life for residents, improve... Read More

Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17), a member of the powerful House Appropriations Committee, helped advance out of committee a series of packages that address water quality in Lewistown and other rural communities, would help lower gas prices and increase access to education. The packages now head to the House Floor for a full vote. “I’ve always said, God gave us two ears and one mouth, and we should use them proportionately. That’s why I’m proud that this series of funding packages reflects our communities’ needs and will bring millions in federal dollars to improve quality of life for... Read More