United States Representative Bobby L. Rush is a transcendent and influential American leader who keeps his legislative and policy interests focused on the needs of his constituents in the 1st Congressional District of Illinois, with an emphasis on the most vulnerable and the communities that have been left behind. He believes deeply in the redemptive power of the human spirit and in human ingenuity and tenacity. In office since 1993, Rush stands on the shoulders of a long line of patriots and public servants who have gone before him and who are ardent believers in our Constitution. His life is an example of our nation’s fundamental promise and his work reflects a deep determination to bend the arc of government resources and innovation towards the needs of every American — whether they live on our nation’s main streets or its side streets. Rush fights every day for his constituents; to improve their lives, grow the economy, bring jobs to the district, and build a stronger middle class.
From Bronzeville to Markham, Hyde Park to Evergreen Park, Chatham to Tinley Park, Auburn Gresham to Frankfort and Morgan Park to Mokena, Illinois' 1st Congressional District is one of the most politically important and culturally diverse districts in the United States. Spanning a broad range of geographies, municipalities, and communities, we are home to leading educational institutions, thriving small- to mid-sized businesses, and a population base that showcases the diversity — whether it be, racial, cultural, religious, or economic — that exemplifies the United States.
My staff and I count it a privilege to serve the diverse and vibrant population of Illinois's 1st Congressional District, and we welcome your feedback on how we can serve you more effectively.
Education policy remains one of my top priorities as a Member of Congress, as I know through my own personal experience just how important a role a quality education can play in an individual's life. That is why I am committed to providing the best possible educational environment for students in the 1st Congressional District of Illinois and beyond. I am working to alter the multi-generational cycles of despair that have affected so many families and communities. I support robust investment into the public education system, as well as programs and policies that can help close the achievement gap between white students and students of color.
Some of the policies that I strongly support include improved early reading skills and effective reading interventions for low-performing students, after-school and summer programs, rigorous college and career-ready curriculums for all students, and increased parent and community participation, especially in low-income schools. I continue to advocate for the resources and guidance needed to increase graduation rates, reduce dropout rates, and re-engage students who have already left school. Our education policy must also include, strong vocational and technical education that will give students employable skills, which will improve their career options and provide economic security. Additionally, in order to provide well-rounded schools that cater to the interests of all students, it is also imperative that we provide funding for the arts, music, languages, the humanities, and physical education.
As a product of the United States public school system, I understand that it is critical that we provide sufficient resources to these institutions so that every child has access to a high-quality education regardless of their zip code, their native language, or the wealth of their parents. As elected officials, we have a duty to invest in those students who are most at-risk of being left behind by society. As such, I remain dedicated to pursuing policies that positively impact low-income students, children of color, students with disabilities, and children who speak English as a Second Language. Conversely, I will always strongly oppose those policies that do not meet these standards.
Making these investments in our children's futures now will help us reap the rewards of shaping intelligent and productive members of society later. Providing safe schools that equip our children with a quality, well-rounded education is, has, and always will be, a top priority for me and I will continue to work to meet that goal.
As the Chairman of the Energy Subcommittee of the Energy and Commerce Committee, I believe in promoting clean energy and energy efficiency, modernizing our grid, investing in clean water infrastructure, and tackling the climate crisis. And I believe we can do so while creating millions of good-paying jobs in the process. That's what the CLEAN Future Act, legislation I introduced with other leaders in the House Energy and Commerce Committee, would do. Another piece of legislation I introduced this Congress, the LIFT America Act, will invest in our infrastructure, including energy infrastructure, while protecting public health. Critically, it includes $4.5 billion to replace lead service lines, with a priority on disadvantaged communities.
Low-income communities and communities of color are disproportionately impacted by dirty air and water. Low-income communities are more likely to be located closer to coal-fired power plants and, therefore, are more likely to suffer from health issues resulting from dirty air and water. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that "low-income populations, minorities, and children living in inner cities experience more emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and deaths due to asthma than the general population." According to the American Lung Association, asthma attacks send African-Americans to the emergency room at more than three times the rate of white Americans and almost 1 in 10 African-American children suffer from asthma.
We need a sensible approach to our energy policy that promotes clean and renewable sources of energy, encourages investment in new energy technologies, and creates good-paying American jobs by making our country more energy-efficient and independent. I will continue to work towards this goal and will never let profit come before health as we shape our energy policy for the 21st century.
I know firsthand the terrible toll that crime and violence takes on our community and nation. In 1999, my youngest son Huey was shot and killed in Chicago. For my family and me, our lives were forever changed by this tragedy. I know we are not alone.
Gun violence is an epidemic in our country. Over the past several years, we have all seen the horrors of gun violence perpetrated against our nation and many of us have witnessed the less publicized displays of gun violence on our city streets.
I firmly believe that proposals before Congress to regulate the purchase of firearms do not infringe on the rights afforded by the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution. As the late Justice Scalia wrote in the Majority Opinion for District of Columbia v. Heller, "Nothing in our opinion should be taken to cast doubt on … laws imposing conditions and qualifications on the commercial sale of arms." (District of Columbia v. Heller, 554 U.S. 570 (2008)) Instead, they implement commonsense requirements (for example, background checks before sale) that have bipartisan support. We must do more to prevent guns from falling into the hands of those who may harm themselves or society.
This Congress I supported and voted for two common-sense gun bills that passed the House of Representatives with bipartisan support. H.R.8 would close a long-standing loophole in gun laws by expanding background checks to those purchasing weapons over the internet, and H.R. 1446 would give authorities more time to conduct background checks before a gun sale can be licensed
Expanding and ensuring access to quality, affordable health care is a top priority for me. I am committed to strengthening and improving the Affordable Care Act (ACA), bringing down the costs of prescription drugs including insulin, and increasing the public health workforce.
It is my firm belief that access to health care is not a privilege, but a right. I am a cosponsor of Medicare for All, and I fought repeatedly during the Trump administration against continued Republican attempts to undermine access to care and deny Americans the healthcare coverage they need and deserve.
We have seen time and time again that multicultural immigration has been, and continues to be, an important factor in the development of the United States. From the very beginning of our history, immigrants from around the world have played an important role in helping to weave our modern social fabric. It is for this reason that I am a firm believer in immigration reform that addresses this very serious problem in a comprehensive, reasonable, and humane fashion. It is also my belief that reform measures must include a review of all of our immigration policy including, but not limited to, border security, E-Verify, and H-2B Visas.
I do not believe that it is feasible nor humane to deport the millions of undocumented migrants currently residing in the United States. Therefore, I support immigration reform that not only includes strengthening our borders but also addresses creating a pathway to citizenship, firmly and fairly enforcing the laws, and restoring and ensuring due process. However, let me be clear, I do not believe that a wall or other physical obstruction is the best way to secure our border. In fact, a physical barrier oftentimes makes enforcement more difficult than other means (e.g. technology); this is especially true when funding for such a barrier would mean a reduction in the very personnel charged with protecting our borders.
We also must address the issue of family reunification. I have personally advocated for and sponsored legislation, including my American Right to Family Act, that would allow families seeking legal citizenship in the United States to stay together. I have seen numerous instances of families that have been divided because the family member who sponsored them passed away. When considering these cases, we must keep in mind that these families have tried to do the right thing and it is not fair to penalize them by allowing their families to become broken because our immigration system is often slow, inefficient, inhumane, and expensive.
I also firmly believe that we must find a way to ensure that DREAMers, who were brought to America as children and are law-abiding and contributing members of society, have a path to citizenship in this country, the country they know and call home.
Finally, any legislation or action taken on immigration must be free of racial and religious bias or discrimination. I continue to oppose any measure that discriminates against an individual because of the color of their skin, their country of origin, or their faith.
No single issue is more important to the future of our community than jobs. Most of us know someone – be it a friend, relative, or colleague – who is looking for work right now. Young people are especially hard hit. At a time when they should be looking towards a bright and promising future, they are instead seeing their hopes diminished and their dreams deferred.
As the Chairman of the Energy Subcommittee on the Energy and Commerce Committee, I believe investing in the clean energy sector will create millions of good-paying jobs. My Blue Collar to Green Collar Jobs Development Act would provide grants to incentivize the creation of new jobs in renewable energy and increase the number of minorities, women, and veterans in these jobs.
As we recover from the COVID-19 economic crisis, we must ensure that our recovery lifts all Americans —not just those at the top— and leaves no one behind.
As a proud U.S. Army veteran, I know the sacrifice that our nation's men and women in uniform continue to make on our behalf. As we mark nearly two decades of non-stop war, it is even more important that we honor the commitment that we have made to those who have given so much for all of us.
My number one priority for our nation's veterans includes ensuring they have adequate access to the health care they need and have earned. In the over 15 years of war, our nation has asked much of our Soldiers, Marines, Sailors, Airmen, and Coast Guardsmen. It is only fair, then, that we provide them access to the treatment they need to address the wounds — both physical and mental — that they have borne on our behalf. Too many of our veterans have been forced to self-medicate, which has led to unfortunate decisions and errors in judgement that harm them, their families, and their communities.
Beyond healthcare, many of America's veterans need help to transition back into civilian life. Whether they pursue an education or employment, we must ensure that they have the tools, resources, and support they need at their disposal without interference or delay. That is why I advocate for benefits that include both education and job training programs that help veterans take their indispensable military skills and successfully apply them to the civilian sector.
With this in mind, I will continue to do everything I can to stand up for Veterans, as they have bravely stood up for America's interest every day.
As a lifelong fighter for civil rights, I am committed to sponsoring and advancing legislation in Congress that will uphold and advance civil rights and equality for all Americans.
In the 117th Congress, I am proud to be the lead sponsor of the Emmett Till Antilynching Act, which would make lynching a federal hate crime for the very first time, as well as the COINTELPRO Full Disclosure Act, which would require the full, public release of files related to former FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover's nefarious COINTELPRO surveillance program.
I am excited to be a member of the House Agriculture Committee this Congress and proud to serve on the Subcommittee on Nutrition, Oversight, and Department Operations, Subcommittee on Commodity Exchanges, Energy, and Credit, and Subcommittee on Livestock and Foreign Agriculture.
One of my top priorities is making sure my constituents in Illinois's 1st District, and Americans across the country, have access to plentiful, fresh, and healthy food. Increasing SNAP access and benefits and promoting urban agriculture are two of my longstanding top priorities.
I also believe that the Agriculture Committee also has a critical role to play in helping rectify racial disparities and inequities of the past. Making sure Black and urban farmers get equal access to credit, and rectifying the loss of Black-owned farmland, are also top priorities for my work on the Agriculture Committee.
From Bronzeville to Markham, Hyde Park to Evergreen Park, Chatham to Tinley Park, Auburn Gresham to Frankfort and Morgan Park to Mokena, Illinois’ 1st Congressional District is one of the most politically important and culturally diverse districts in the United States. Spanning a broad range of geographies, municipalities, and communities, we are home to leading educational institutions, thriving small- to mid-sized businesses, and a population base that showcases the diversity — whether it be, racial, cultural, religious, or economic — that exemplifies the United States. We’re even home to the First Family of the United States!
Our district has much to be proud of but there is much work to be done. Far too many children and families are living in neighborhoods that are plagued with crime and economic hopelessness. It’s also true that because we’ve rolled up our sleeves, we have much to celebrate. Whether it’s the economic benefits that stem from infrastructure projects like the 35th Street ‘Lou’ Jones/Bronzeville Metra Station in Chicago or the vibrant retail commerce that takes place along the 159th Street Commercial Corridor in the southwest suburbs those who visit our district will find a people and a community who are committed to the long term growth and vitality of the place we call home.
The issues of Economy and Jobs are important to our district and to my work in Congress.
No single issue is more important to the future of our community than jobs. Most of us know someone – be it a friend, relative, or colleague – who is looking for work right now. Young people are especially hard hit. At a time when they should be looking towards a bright and promising future, they are instead seeing their hopes diminished and their dreams deferred. This problem must be solved. That’s why I have re-introduced legislation to combat youth unemployment. In the 112th Congress this legislation is known as SAY YEA (H.R. 1901) and it provides $6.5 billion dollars to reduce youth unemployment.
While we must address our government’s deficit spending it cannot be done on the backs of hardworking Americans who at this critical time need lower taxes, consumer protection, and the ability to obtain fair financing to keep their homes and grow small businesses.
Some economists have predicted that the economy will rebound but that it won’t produce new jobs as it does. This kind of so-called “jobless recovery” is unacceptable. I will continue to make job creation and growth my priority. There can be no recovery unless the people recover!
I know firsthand the terrible toll that crime and violence takes on our community and nation. In 1999, my youngest son Huey was shot and killed in Chicago. For my family and me, our lives were forever changed by this tragedy. I know we are not alone. While the Justice Department reports a significant decline in violent crime nationwide as well as in Chicago, the raw numbers are still too high. For far too many American families, gun violence is so prevalent in their communities that it has become a horrifying part of their everyday lives. None of these families should have to live in terror or in the resignation that their lives are in constant danger. No young person should have to fear for their life while walking to school or playing outside. This is wholly unacceptable. It is essential that we do everything we can to prevent crime and promote public safety.
This is what I am doing:
In response to the concerns of my constituents, I cosponsored the Public Safety and Second Amendment Rights Protection Act of 2013 (H.R. 1565). This bill would provide improvements to how the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) treats mental health records. This bill would also establish a four-year implementation plan to ensure maximum coordination and automation of reporting of records or making records available to the NICS and would allow the submission of mental health records that would otherwise be protected by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (“HIPAA”).
In March 2013, I introduced the Hadiya Pendleton and Nyasia Pryear-Yard Stop Illegal Trafficking in Firearms Act of 2013 (H.R. 955). This legislation is named after two wonderful young honors students whose promising lives were tragically cut short by gun violence. A key focus of the bill is targeted at firearms trafficking by individuals known as “straw purchasers,” who play key roles in most firearms trafficking operations. This bill, if passed, would make it a crime to purchase a gun on behalf of another person in order to reduce straw purchases by gun traffickers on behalf of third parties who cannot purchase firearms legally. It would also equip law enforcement with needed tools, including the authority to conduct electronic surveillance to investigate cases involving straw purchasers and firearms traffickers.
In June 2007, I introduced Blair Holt’s Firearm Licensing and Record of Sale Act of 2007 (H.R. 2666). This bill, which has been reintroduced in every subsequent Congress, is named after Blair Holt, an honor student at Chicago’s Percy L. Julian High School who was gunned down while riding home from school on a crowded public transit bus. A teenager, seeking a rival gang member, boarded the bus and opened fire with a .40 caliber handgun. He missed his intended target, instead striking Blair and two other female classmates. Video footage of the assault shows that seconds before he was fatally hit in the abdomen, Blair had pushed the female friend next to him down into the seat and shielded her body with his own. In an instant, this brave young man, the son of a police officer and a firefighter, sacrificed his life to save another.
Locally, in response to the issue of gun violence in Chicago, I convened a meeting of the city’s leadership to discuss gun violence on Chicago’s Police Beat 624, the most violent beat in the city. I was accompanied by business and media executives, law enforcement, clergy, community leaders and elected officials.
In 2013, I cohosted a Congressional Black Caucus Emergency Summit on Urban Violence. This summit brought together policymakers, agency representatives, educators, community activists, clergy, parents, students and other concerned stakeholders to share their expertise and thoughts on the most effective strategies for dealing with youth violence.
Crime tears down communities. It breaks up families and diminishes the human spirit. It doesn’t have to be this way. In Congress, I look forward to using these bills as a foundation for the goals that we can achieve. Together we can strengthen our neighborhoods, protect our seniors, and empower our youth.
The following lists archive every floor speech — known as Congressional Records — given by Congressman Rush, separated by the Congressional term:
I support tax reform that helps individuals, working families, and communities, not corporations, the wealthy, and well-connected. While I am in favor of tax reform, I opposed the Republican tax plan. This plan claims to benefit the middle-class yet it suspends deductions for interest on home loans (which directly hinders current and future middle-class American homeowners). Additionally, it effectively repeals the individual mandate, an important feature of the Affordable Care Act that helped millions of Americans obtain affordable health insurance. Furthermore, the tax law offers only temporary increases to the child tax credit while creating permanent tax advantages for the wealthy.
While the tax law hurts many average Americans, it provides several tax benefits for the wealthiest Americans and corporations. For example, it doubles the tax exemption from $5 million to $10 million and reduces the corporate tax rate from 35% to 20%. In addition, the tax law repeals the estate tax which is designed to provide tax relief to only the nation’s wealthiest 7,500 families, which make up less than one percent of Americans.
The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office and the Joint Committee on Taxation estimate that this tax law will reduce revenue by over $1.6 billion and increase the deficit by over $1.5 billion over the next ten years. At a time when more than six million minimum-wage American workers have not seen their wages increase, we, as a nation, cannot amass record federal deficits that would result in reductions in vital programs for poor and working-class Americans.
It is for these reasons that I voted NO on the Republican tax reform measure. While I agree that we must find ways to modernize our tax code, this act is expected to have a tremendously negative impact on too many Americans. I support real, comprehensive tax reform that allows more hard-working Americans to bring their money home without eliminating or limiting vital programs.