Congresswoman Lauren Underwood serves Illinois’ 14th Congressional District and was sworn into the 116th U.S. Congress on January 3, 2019. Congresswoman Underwood is the first woman, the first person of color, and the first millennial to represent her community in Congress. She is also the youngest African American woman to serve in the United States House of Representatives.
"Economic security and opportunity are at the heart of my agenda in Congress. Whether it's protecting access to health care, investing in local infrastructure, supporting our small business community, or improving our schools and universities, ensuring people in our district have the tools they need to live fulfilling lives is my highest priority."
Congresswoman Underwood's legislative agenda is centered on economic security and opportunity for the working families of the 14th District. She demonstrates this commitment by championing legislation to undo the damage done by the 2017 Republican tax law, specifically by allowing middle class taxpayers to avoid double taxation by deducting the amounts paid for state and local taxes (SALT) against their federal taxable income.
Congresswoman Underwood supports a broad approach to job creation and introduced legislation that would reduce health insurance premiums for people who purchase health care on their own, providing more people the flexibility to start their own businesses. She advocates for strategic investments in local transportation infrastructure, from highways to Metra commuter rail, to make the 14th a more convenient place to live and to stimulate job growth.
Congresswoman Underwood also champions legislation to increase federal funding for biomedical and scientific research, which supports Illinois' Technology and Research Corridor and tens of thousands of high-paying 21st Century jobs in our communities.