Mike Quigley has proudly represented Illinois 5th District for more than 13 years. Since being elected to Congress, Mike has been devoted to fighting for our environment, small businesses, the LGBTQ community, healthcare access, and ending gun violence.
His passion for public service can be traced back more than four decades. From 1998 to 2009, he served as a Cook County Commissioner where he worked to increase transparency within the Cook County Board of Commissioners.
He currently serves as the Chair of the Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government on the House Committee on Appropriations. Mike has utilized his position on the Committee to bring investment back to his district. Most recently, he secured over $10 million for projects within the community that will do everything from enhancing public health opportunities, to improving our city’s infrastructure.
American leadership abroad is more necessary than ever due to a complex global landscape, evolving national security threats, and political instability around the globe. Whether in Syria, Ukraine, Western Europe or Israel, the evolving nature of our international relations requires us to continuously reevaluate what measures are necessary to really keep America safe.
While in Congress, I’ve supported a focused foreign policy that curbs runaway defense spending and instead invests in intelligence, international development, humanitarian aid, global health and direct diplomacy. I am proud to be the co-chair of the International Basic Education Caucus and belong to a number of Diaspora focused caucuses representative of the rich multi-ethnic heritage of Chicago and the Fifth District. While not perfect, I voted in favor of the Iran Nuclear deal and have fought for the continuation of the U.S. Syrian refugee resettlement effort. I have been a vocal champion for the Visa Waiver Program and have introduced the Visa Waiver Program Enhanced Security and Reform Act and the JOLT Act to make the program more secure and viable for future generations . In May 2017, I was proud to introduce the Poland Visa Waiver Act to finally allow Poland to participate in the Visa Waiver Program. And, as a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I have fought to fund critical programs that combat HIV/AIDS and promote international development like PEPFAR, USAID, and the Strategic Climate Fund.
Under President Trump’s Administration, I have repeatedly spoken out against his “America First” foreign policy. I believe that for the United States to be safe, secure, and prosperous in a globalized world we must engage and work with our allies. This also means that we cannot turn our back on the importance of diplomacy. I have encouraged political and business leaders alike to invest in diplomacy and development programs so that we can increase security and grow the economy here at home.
American values and culture represent our most important global exports. We must invest in a foreign policy designed at its core to build people up and tear walls down. That’s true American leadership.