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.
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.