Danny K. Davis

Rep. Davis Leads Bill to Compel Trump Administration to Release All Relevant Records Related to Illegal Freezing of Child Care, Welfare, and Social Services Funds to IL, CA, CO, MN, and NY

Position: Rep. Davis introduced a Resolution of Inquiry directing HHS to release records related to the freeze of CCDF, TANF, and SSBG funds to five states, and states that the executive branch should not ignore laws Congress enacted governing guaranteed funding streams.

Washington, DC: July 15, 2026, Representative Danny K. Davis introduced legislation to compel the Trump Administration to hand over all relevant records relating to the five-state freeze on the State-based Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF), the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and the Social Services Block Grant (SSBG) funding. If adopted, the Resolution of Inquiry would require HHS to transmit to Congress information related to the freeze, including internal communications about the real cause of the freeze, the various contracts that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is violating in addition to the statutory provisions, and how the freeze is being implemented. Multiple Democratic Representatives from Illinois co-sponsored this important oversight legislation, including: Nikki Budzinski; Sean Casten; Bill Foster; Jonathan Jackson; Robin Kelly; Mike Quigley; Jan Schakowsky; Eric Sorensen; and Bradley Schneider. In January 2026, the Trump Administration withheld $10 billion in federal funding – over $1 billion for Illinois alone - for essential services that support millions of Americans served by the CCDF, TANF, and SSBG in five states – California, Colorado, Illinois, Minnesota, and New York. HHS has no statutory or constitutional authority to prevent states from accessing these funds. Importantly, in February 2026, a federal judge granted a preliminary injunction to block the Trump Administration from withholding the funds to the five states until the legality of the freeze is decided. This injunction was fundamental to preventing harm to children, families, the elderly, people with disabilities, community organizations, and businesses that will occur without the court’s injunction. According to court documents filed this week, HHS conceded to reality and rescinded the freeze. As the senior Democrat on the House Subcommittee with jurisdiction over child care, welfare, and social services funding, Rep. Davis and his Democratic colleagues on the House Ways and Means Committee have repeatedly requested information about the freeze. HHS has refused to provide information about any legal basis for the freeze, evidence of the so-called “fraud” listed as the pre-text for halting funds, and other basic facts about the stopping of funds. The ROI directs HHS to transmit copies of any document, audit trail, record, audio recording, memorandum, call log, correspondence (electronic or otherwise), written agreements, report, study, contract, staffing assignment, legal analysis or other communication in their possession, or any portion of any of these items related to key elements of the freeze. “Allowing the Administration to proceed without Congressional intervention sets a dangerous precedent of letting the Executive Branch ignore the laws Congress enacted governing guaranteed funding streams for all states,” said Rep. Davis. “This legislation would compel the Trump Administration to give Congress all relevant information related to the freezing of child care, social service, and welfare funds for Illinois, California, Colorado, Minnesota, and New York. Given the Administration’s recent $1.8 billion slush fund for President Trump and HHS’s recent politization of vaccines and other health initiatives, now more than ever, it is essential that Congress plays an active role in oversight to ensure that the Trump Administration is operating appropriately without political motivation and that this abuse of power does not occur again.” A copy of the legislation is available HERE.

Statement of Representative Danny K. Davis

Position: The statement opposes a Republican health care bill, arguing it does not lower health costs or stabilize hospitals, and criticizes its treatment of urban and academic hospitals and the prior federal cuts to health care funding.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move to strike the last word, and I certainly appreciate Dr. Murphy’s skill, passion and interest in healthcare and healthcare delivery. But one year after Donald Trump and the Republicans cut over $1 trillion out of health care to fund tax cuts for billionaires and big businesses, millions of people have lost health insurance. Millions more are crushed by exploding health care costs. Hospitals are closing and cutting services and staff. People face the impossible choice between seeing a doctor, paying rent, eating, or getting gasoline. Yet the Republican leadership is moving a bill that does absolutely nothing – nothing - to lower health costs or stabilize hospitals. More than 175,000 Illinoisans have lost their Medicaid, CHIP, or ACA coverage after the GOP’s Big Ugly Bill. Premiums for Illinois receiving ACA tax cuts increased by an average of 144% this year. Illinois hospitals alone are expected to lose just under $31.3 billion annually. With 26 health care providers at-risk now for cuts, closing or have closed, including one across the street from where I live. At a time when we should be helping hospitals after we cut $1 trillion from health care, the GOP solution is a bill with additional paperwork rather than tax credits to help people buy health insurance and rather than funding to help hospitals hire health professionals to care for people. I just happen to have more hospital beds in my district than any other Member of Congress. My professional work background includes working with health centers to provide low-cost health care to people in need. I co-led the bipartisan Rural and Underserved Health Task Force where we recognized that rural and underserved hospitals face similar challenges as urban hospitals. This bill is an offensive answer to the urgent health care crisis facing America. The bill does absolutely nothing to lower cost of patients. It does nothing to help hospitals provide low-cost care. It does nothing to push Pharma to lower drug costs. The bill rejects the needs of hospitals in urban areas by carving out protections for certain rural hospitals, ignoring the very work done bipartisanly by members of this Committee. It unfairly targets hospitals solely on the basis of their size without accounting for their unique cost structures, especially for academic health systems and teaching hospitals who invest in their communities and ensure access to care for patients with complex, highly acute care needs - such as transplantation, Level 1 trauma care, neonatal intensive care, and burn care. These health systems and hospitals train tomorrow’s health care workforce and invest in medical research. Rather than helping health systems and hospitals focus on treating patients, train future health care providers, conduct cutting edge research, and serve their communities, this bill forces these health entities to divert critical funding to administratively burdensome requirements. So, I strongly oppose the Tax-Exempt Hospital Transparency act for its abject failure to meet the health care crisis facing Americans, hospitals, and communities. And Mr. Chairman, I ask unanimous consent to submit to the record statements by the American Hospital Association, the Association of American Medical Colleges and, America’s Essential Hospitals voicing their concerns about the Tax-Exempt Hospital Transparency Act.

Reps. Davis, Cohen, Clyburn Lead Legislation to Create Julius Rosenwald and Rosenwald Schools National Historical Park

Position: The release supports legislation to establish the Julius Rosenwald and Rosenwald Schools National Historical Park to commemorate Rosenwald's philanthropy and preserve representative Rosenwald Schools.

Washington, D.C. — This month, Representatives Danny K. Davis (D-IL), Steve Cohen (D-TN), and James E. Clyburn (D-SC) led the House introduction of the Julius Rosenwald and Rosenwald Schools National Historical Park Act, legislation to establish a multi-site National Historical Park honoring Julius Rosenwald, the Rosenwald Schools, and one of the most consequential educational and philanthropic partnerships in American history. The bill’s introduction aligns with the anniversary of the historic Brown v. Board of Education ruling, which the Rosenwald Fund helped fund in its early stages, and with May being Jewish American Heritage Month. Julius Rosenwald, the son of German-Jewish immigrants, helped build Sears, Roebuck and Company into a retail powerhouse from its base in Chicago. He then used his fortune to expand opportunities for others. During the Jim Crow era, Rosenwald partnered with Booker T. Washington, the Tuskegee Institute, and thousands of Black communities across the South to help build Rosenwald Schools, which educated more than 600,000 African American children and helped narrow the education gap in the South. The Rosenwald Fund supported institutions and initiatives that shaped American life, including early NAACP legal efforts that helped lead to Brown v. Board of Education, fellowships for African American artists and scholars such as Jacob Lawrence, Marian Anderson, Zora Neale Hurston, and Langston Hughes, and support for Historically Black Colleges and Universities. In Chicago, Rosenwald’s civic legacy includes support for major institutions such as the Jewish United Fund of Metropolitan Chicago and the Museum of Science and Industry. The Julius Rosenwald and Rosenwald Schools National Historical Park Act would: Establish the Julius Rosenwald and Rosenwald Schools National Historical Park to commemorate Rosenwald's life, philanthropy, and partnership with African American communities. Preserve representative Rosenwald Schools, including San Domingo School in Maryland, St. George Rosenwald School in South Carolina, and Woodville Rosenwald School in Virginia. Create a National Park Service network to connect remaining Rosenwald Schools and related sites nationwide. Interpret Rosenwald's legacy at the Lincoln Home National Historic Site and the Tuskegee Institute National Historic Site in Alabama. “Julius Rosenwald’s story is a Chicago story, a civil rights story, a Jewish American story, and an American story,” said Congressman Davis. “From the Sears complex in Chicago to the rural schoolhouses built through the sacrifice and determination of Black communities across the South, this legislation will help ensure that future generations understand how education, philanthropy, interracial cooperation, and community action changed the course of our nation. I am proud to lead this bill to preserve and interpret the legacy of Julius Rosenwald and the Rosenwald Schools.” “Julius Rosenwald was a visionary philanthropist whose altruism and philosophy of giving embodied the Jewish concept of tzedakah – social justice and charity to those in need,” said Congressman Steve Cohen. “Decades before Brown v Board of Education overturned the "separate but equal" doctrine, he partnered with African American communities across the South to help build schools for children with limited access to good public education. At one time, one-third of all Black students in the rural South received their education in a Rosenwald School. I am proud to co-lead this bill with Congressmen Davis and Clyburn to preserve Rosenwald's legacy so that others may learn and be inspired by his story.” “It is fitting and proper to honor Julius Rosenwald for his enduring legacy of opportunity, education, and community. I am proud to support a historic national park that bears the name of this man who has impacted so many lives,” said Congressman James E. Clyburn. “Julius Rosenwald helped establish and develop thousands of schools for Black children across the segregated South in the early 20th century. Documenting and preserving African American's rich history and enduring struggle for freedom and liberty are essential in our pursuit of a more perfect Union. Rosenwald's legacy and contributions will tell the story of struggle and perseverance for years to come.” “Between 1912 and 1932 Julius Rosenwald partnered first with Booker T Washington and then with African-American communities in 15 southern states to build nearly 5,000 schools for their children who previously had little or no access to education. The two men had one dream, and the communities through their hope, faith, courage, determination, and resilience made that dream a reality. Over 600,000 students attended the schools and were given the opportunity to lead a better life. And they did! This is a remarkable story of how people of different backgrounds and cultures worked together to make our country a better place. It needs to be told in a new National Historical Park.” -- Dorothy Canter, President, Campaign to Create Julius Rosenwald & Rosenwald Schools National Historical Park The legislation builds on Rep. Davis’s and Rep. Cohen’s enacted Julius Rosenwald and the Rosenwald Schools Act, which required the National Park Service to conduct a Special Resource Study of sites associated with Rosenwald and the Rosenwald Schools. In the Senate, Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) champions companion legislation. The bill is supported by more than 200 nonprofit organizations, including national parks, civil rights, African American, Jewish, historic preservation, cultural, educational, museum, synagogue, church, and Rosenwald School preservation organizations. A summary of the legislation, including supporting organizations, is available HERE. # # #

Statement from Congressman Danny K. Davis on U.S. Supreme Court Decision Undermining Voting Rights

Position: Congressman Davis opposes the Supreme Court's decision on voting rights and congressional redistricting, arguing it undermines voter protections for minority communities. He calls on Congress to restore and strengthen voting rights protections.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 30, 2026 Statement from Congressman Danny K. Davis on U.S. Supreme Court Decision Undermining Voting Rights Washington, DC — Congressman Danny K. Davis issued the following statement in response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent decision impacting voter protections and congressional redistricting: “The Supreme Court’s decision issued today is a serious blow to the principle that every American—regardless of race, background, or zip code—deserves equal protection under the law when it comes to voting rights. This ruling threatens to further erode critical safeguards that protect voters, particularly Black communities and other minority groups, and opens the door to unfair congressional redistricting that dilutes the voices of the many in favor of the few. At a time when our nation should be strengthening access to the ballot, this decision moves us backward. It deepens divisions, undermines confidence in our democratic institutions, and risks making hard-won civil rights protections meaningless. I stand in strong disagreement with this ruling and join the NAACP, the American Civil Liberties Union, and civil rights advocates across the country in calling for immediate action. Congress must act to restore and strengthen voting rights protections and ensure that every voice is heard and every vote counts. Our democracy depends on it.”

Reps. Davis, LaHood Champion Bill to Help Foster Youth Transition to Adulthood by Improving Access to Legal Representation

Position: Representatives Davis and LaHood introduced legislation to expand the Chafee Program for foster youth by requiring states to consider legal issues in case planning and permitting use of program funds to support access to legal representation and counseling for youth transitioning out of care.

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Representatives Danny K. Davis (D-IL) and Darin LaHood (R-IL) introduced the Fresh Starts for Foster Youth Act (H.R. 7529) to help foster youth transition to adulthood by resolving legal issues affecting housing, education, employment entry, and family conditions. As the top Democrat and Republican on the Subcommittee with jurisdiction over child welfare, Reps. Davis and LaHood have heard from foster youth and advocates about ways to improve the John H. Chafee Program for Successful Transition to Adulthood program, which provides $143 million a year in flexible funding to states, territories, and Indian tribal entities to support older foster youth as they exit care. Leading advocacy organizations have highlighted that foster youth can experience legal needs that often are acute and time-sensitive, threatening a young person’s housing, educational goals, income, and family stability at a time when they have the least support. For example, in 2020, the National Foster Care Youth & Alumni Policy Council listed quality legal representation as one of its four Youth & Alumni Priorities to help older foster youth. Similarly, since launching its Virtual Support Services program in 2021, Think of Us reports that 18 percent of all requests from transition-age youth relate to legal services. A few of the most common categories of legal need include: housing stability and eviction defense; guardianship and custody, especially for youth informally caring for siblings or relatives; and access to vital records. The Fresh Starts for Foster Youth Act would improve access to legal representation and counseling to help foster youth transition to adulthood by resolving legal issues affecting housing, education, employment entry, and family conditions. Specifically, the bill would amend the Chafee Program to require States to consider legal issues affecting youth as part of case planning and to provide States with the option to use funds to support access to legal representation and counseling. “Foster youth face numerous challenges as they exit care,” said Rep. Davis. “I proudly join with Chairman LaHood to help older youth transition to adulthood by improving access to legal representation and counseling. I am grateful to the current and former youth who have used their lived experience to share how legal assistance could help young people secure stable housing, resolve guardianship and custody issues, remove barriers to employment, and pursue educational opportunities to thrive.” "Youth aging out of foster care are one of the most vulnerable populations in our country,” said Rep. LaHood. “One of my top priorities as Chairman of the Work and Welfare Subcommittee is to ensure every child has a chance to thrive and a pathway to success. I thank Ranking Member Davis for his leadership in introducing the bipartisan Fresh Starts for Foster Youth Act to build on our Subcommittee’s work to modernize the Chafee Foster Care Program. It is critical that we continue our work to expand access to education, housing, and employment opportunities to help foster youth successfully transition into adulthood.” The Fresh Starts for Foster Youth Act is supported by numerous foster youth, child welfare, and legal advocates, including: Brightpoint; Child Welfare League of America; Children’s Advocacy Institute; Foster Care Alumni of America; FosterClub; Juvenile Law Center; National Foster Youth Institute; Think of Us; Youth Law Center; and Youth Villages. Brightpoint “Ultimately, this bill is about believing in young people and not giving up hope on them, nor allowing them to give up hope on themselves. We applaud Reps. Davis and LaHood for working together on this important bill that ensures a brighter future for our youth aging out of foster care.” Mike Shaver, president and CEO of Brightpoint, which has served Illinois children and families for more than 142 years Child Welfare League of America “Young adults transitioning from foster care to adulthood often face obstacles and barriers to establishing independence and security. It is incumbent upon the agencies and organizations serving these young people to help them access resources and navigate the relevant systems, including the legal system. The Fresh Starts for Foster Youth Act will give child welfare agencies additional flexibility to help youth in foster care address pressing legal concerns, allowing them to build a steady foundation for their future. CWLA applauds Chairman LaHood and Ranking Member Davis for their introduction of this important legislation.” Linda S. Spears, President and CEO of the Child Welfare League of America (CWLA) FosterClub “Foster youth face unique legal barriers that can derail their journey to adulthood. This bill ensures Chafee funds can be used to quickly resolve those challenges so young people can stay on track. We’re grateful to Representative Davis for listening to young people as his ‘North Star’.” Celeste Bodner, Executive Director of FosterClub, the national network for youth in foster care Think of Us “Through our Virtual Support Services program, Think of Us has worked with thousands of transition-age foster youth across the country — and legal assistance consistently ranks among their most pressing needs. Young people come to us facing eviction proceedings, benefit denials, and guardianship filings with no one to help them navigate these systems. These barriers do not disappear when a young person leaves foster care. They follow them into housing applications, job interviews, and college enrollment. Access to legal representation should be part of how we prepare young people for adulthood, not something they have to fight for on their own. We are proud to support this legislation, and we are grateful to Representatives LaHood and Davis for their commitment to listening to young people and advocating on their behalf.” Sixto Cancel, CEO, Think of Us The legislative text of the bill is available HERE. A summary of the bill is available HERE.

CONGRESSMAN DANNY K. DAVIS CALLS FOR IMMEDIATE HOUSE ACTION TO END UNAUTHORIZED WAR AND RESTORE CONGRESSIONAL AUTHORITY

Position: Congressman Davis calls for immediate House passage of a War Powers Resolution to reassert congressional constitutional authority over military action, require congressional approval for continued military engagement, and prevent unauthorized escalation of U.S. military involvement abroad.

Chicago, IL — Congressman Danny K. Davis today joined House Democrats in calling for immediate passage of a War Powers Resolution to reassert Congress’s constitutional authority and prevent further escalation of U.S. military involvement abroad. Following a coordinated effort led by House Democrats to bring the resolution forward, Congressman Davis emphasized the urgent need for congressional oversight and accountability. “Congress cannot sit idle while the United States is drawn deeper into a dangerous and costly conflict without clear authorization,” said Davis. “The Constitution is clear — the power to declare war rests with Congress. We must act now to uphold that responsibility and protect American lives.” Davis warned that continued escalation risks further loss of life, economic instability, and broader regional conflict, while American families are already feeling the consequences. “Families should not have to bear the burden of rising costs and uncertainty caused by decisions made without transparency or strategy,” Davis said. “We owe it to our service members, their families, and the American people to ensure that any military engagement is lawful, justified, and accountable.” The resolution, introduced by Ranking Member Gregory Meeks, seeks to require congressional approval for continued military action and to bring an end to unauthorized hostilities. Congressman Davis called on his colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support the measure. “This is not a partisan issue — it is a constitutional duty,” Davis added. “Members of Congress must decide whether to stand for the rule of law and the authority of this institution, or allow unchecked executive action to continue.” Davis also urged House leadership to allow a full vote on the resolution without delay. “The American people deserve accountability. Congress must act immediately.”

CONGRESSMAN DANNY K. DAVIS MARKS ANNIVERSARY OF SECOND CHANCE ACT WITH CALL TO EXPAND REENTRY INVESTMENTS

Chicago, IL — Congressman Danny K. Davis today commemorated the anniversary of the signing of the Second Chance Act, landmark bipartisan legislation he led in Congress to support individuals returning home from incarceration and strengthen communities through successful reentry. Signed into law in 2008, the Second Chance Act fundamentally reshaped federal reentry policy by investing in job training, housing support, substance use treatment, mentoring, and community-based services designed to reduce recidivism and improve long-term outcomes. “When we passed the Second Chance Act, we recognized that permanent punishment should not define a person’s future,” said Congressman Davis. “We made a commitment to redemption, accountability, and opportunity—and that work continues today.” Nationally, approximately 70 million to 100 Americans—about one in three adults—have a criminal record, and nearly 2 million women are released from U.S. jails each year, underscoring the scale of reentry challenges. In Illinois’ 7th Congressional District, an estimated 140,000 to 145,000 adults live with a criminal record—roughly one in four adults and nearly one in five households—representing a significant portion of the community directly impacted by reentry policies. Since its passage, Congress has appropriated more than $1.2 billion for Second Chance Act programs, supporting state and local initiatives across the country that reduce recidivism, improve employment outcomes, and strengthen public safety. “These investments have helped build a national reentry infrastructure, but the need remains urgent,” Davis said. “Too many returning citizens still face barriers to employment, housing, and healthcare that prevent full reintegration into society.” Congressman Davis emphasized that reentry is not only a matter of justice, but also of economic stability and community safety. “When individuals successfully reenter society, families are stronger, communities are safer, and our economy benefits,” Davis said. “The Second Chance Act has proven that smart investments in people lead to better outcomes for everyone.” As Congress looks ahead, Davis called for expanding and modernizing reentry programs to meet the current scale of need. “We must build on the foundation we created,” Davis added. “That means increasing funding, removing systemic barriers, and ensuring that every person returning home has a real opportunity to succeed.” SUCCESS SUMMARY The Second Chance Act has delivered measurable results by shifting federal policy toward evidence-based reentry. According to the U.S. Department of Justice Bureau of Justice Assistance and program evaluations: Second Chance Act programs have reduced recidivism, with some initiatives showing 10–20 percentage point declines in reoffending compared to similar populations. Participants have seen improved employment outcomes, including higher job placement and retention rates after release. The Act helped build a national reentry infrastructure, funding hundreds of state and local programs providing housing, workforce training, and behavioral health services. Programs have expanded substance abuse and mental health treatment, addressing key drivers of incarceration. Youth reentry initiatives have improved school re-enrollment and reduced juvenile recidivism. Since its passage, Congress has invested over $1.2 billion in Second Chance Act programs, supporting efforts that strengthen public safety by helping individuals successfully return to their communities.

Rep. Davis Honors 40th Anniversary of National TRIO Day by Championing Bills to Help First-Generation, Low-Income, and Veteran Students Succeed in College

Position: Rep. Davis introduced legislation to increase stipends for TRIO Upward Bound and Student Support Services programs for low-income, first-generation, and veteran students, and opposes the Trump Administration's efforts to reduce funding for these college access programs.

Washington, D.C. - February 25 , 2026. In honor of the 40th Anniversary of National TRIO Day on February, 28 2026, Representative Danny K. Davis (D-IL) introduced the Dr. William W. Sullivan TRIO Upward Bound Student Stipend Support Act and the Earl N. Williams, Sr., First Chance Act to help vulnerable students succeed in college by modernizing the financial supports for participants in the TRIO Upward Bound and Student Support Services programs. The bills reject the Trump Administration’s efforts to gut essential TRIO programs that help students overcome barriers to higher education. “Higher education offers a critical pathway to economic security,” said Rep. Davis. “The TRIO Upward Bound and Student Support Services programs provide essential supports to help low-income, first-generation students access and thrive in college. Shockingly, Congress has not increased the student stipends in over four decades. Moreover, at a time when the Trump administration is trying to slash funding for critical college access programs like TRIO, it is of utmost importance that Congress pass legislation to expand educational opportunities for all Americans—particularly first-generation, low-income students and veterans." To honor the 40th Anniversary of National TRIO Day, I am proud to lead these bills that draw on the expertise of Chicago TRIO administrators to modernize the TRIO stipends. The bills increase the flagship Upward Bound stipends to support student participation in the programs and provide new stipends for Student Support Services participants to cover basic expenses as they start college and small emergencies to help them remain in college.” Higher education offers a critical pathway to economic security. The Federal TRIO programs have increased the enrollment and success of millions of students underrepresented in postsecondary education - including students who are low-income, first-generation, individuals with disabilities, experiencing homelessness, in foster care, limited English proficient, and veterans. The three Upward Bound programs – Upward Bound, Upward Bound Math and Science, and Veterans Upward Bound - provide skills needed to enter and succeed in college, such as academic instruction, financial literacy, mentoring, and counseling. In FY23, Upward Bound, Upward Bound Math Science, and Veterans Upward Bound funded a combined 1,351 projects[i] that served approximately 98,860 participants.[ii] These TRIO programs offer monthly stipends to help participants engage and persist in focusing on college success. Remarkably, these stipends remain the same as when they were created in 1980. Similarly, the Student Support Services program has empowered college students under-represented in higher education to reach their full potential via academic tutoring, counseling regarding education and finances, and mentoring. In FY23, Student Support Services funded 1,159 projects[iii] that served over 208,738 students.[iv] The Dr. William W. Sullivan TRIO Upward Bound Student Stipend Support Act would increase Upward Bound stipends and index future awards to inflation to help aspiring students remain engaged in college-focused programming. In particular, the bill would: Increase the maximum stipend for youth participants from $40 to $120 monthly during the school year and from $60 to $180 monthly during summer recess; Raise the maximum stipend award for participants in a work-study position from $300 to $900 monthly during summer recess; and Boost the maximum stipend for veteran participants from $40 to $300 monthly. The Earl N. Williams, Sr., First Chance Act would provide Supplemental Support Services participants with small stipends to help cover basic expenses during the first year of college and unexpected emergency costs during college. A group of Chicago TRIO program administrators realized that their students struggled to afford basic college necessities and emergency expenses compared to their peers, increasing student stress and disconnection from school. To meet these needs and barriers to college success, the bill would: Provide basic assistance grants to cover initial expenses during the first year of college, with the amount of grant and uses determined by programs; and Allow up to $500 per academic year per student for emergency assistance grants to cover unanticipated expenses fundamental for students’ persistence in college. The Earl N. Williams, Sr., First Chance Act and The Dr. William W. Sullivan TRIO Upward Bound Student Stipend Support Act are supported by the Council for Opportunity in Education that offers training and services to student support staff at more than 1,000 colleges, universities, and agencies to help low-income students enter college and graduate. Council for Opportunity in Education. “As high school students are often forced to choose between learning and earning, particularly during the summer, we are thrilled that The Dr. William W. Sullivan TRIO Upward Bound Student Stipend Support Act eases this burden for students in TRIO’s Upward Bound, Upward Bound Math-Science, and Veterans Upward Bound programs by raising the statutory limit on student stipends, which haven’t budged in decades. The Council for Opportunity in Education is grateful to Congressman Davis for his leadership on this bill and The Earl N. Williams, Sr. First Chance Act, which together will make a significant difference in the lives of low-income, potential first-generation college graduates in Chicago and beyond." – Kimberly Jones, President, Council for Opportunity in Education Introspect Youth Services “The Dr. William W. Sullivan TRIO Upward Bound Student Stipends Support Act will lessen the financial insecurities many first-generation students experience during high school. Coupled with The Earl N. Williams, Sr., First Chance Act, which will provide supplemental support for low-income students in Student Support Programs, increases the safety net for our most vulnerable students. Congressman Davis continues to be one of the strongest advocates for first-generation and low-income students in Higher Education.” – Bernard Clay, Executive Director of Introspect Youth Services A summary of the Earl N. Williams, Sr., First Chance Act is available HERE. A summary of the Dr. William W. Sullivan TRIO Upward Bound Student Stipends Support Act is available HERE. [i]ope-ub-funding-history-109920.pdf [ii]The TRIO Programs: A Primer | Congress.gov | Library of Congress [iii]Student Support Services Program | U.S. Department of Education [iv]The TRIO Programs: A Primer | Congress.gov | Library of Congress

REP. DAVIS AND ILLINOIS DEMOCRATS DEMAND THAT TRUMP ADMINISTRATION COMPLY WITH FEDERAL LAW AND RELEASE $1 BILLION IN CHILD CARE AND SERVICES FUNDING

Position: Rep. Davis and Illinois Democrats demand that the Trump administration release $1 billion in frozen federal child care and social services funding to Illinois, arguing the administration lacks legal authority to withhold appropriated funds and has failed to follow statutory procedures for addressing alleged compliance issues.

REP. DAVIS AND ILLINOIS DEMOCRATS DEMAND THAT TRUMP ADMINISTRATION COMPLY WITH FEDERAL LAW AND RELEASE $1 BILLION IN CHILD CARE AND SERVICES FUNDING Washington, DC: Representative Danny K. Davis, Senator Dick Durbin, Senator Tammy Duckworth, and Representatives Jan Schakowsky, Mike Quigley, Bill Foster, Robin Kelly, Bradley Schneider, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Sean Casten, Chuy García, Lauren Underwood, Nikki Budzinski, Jonathan Jackson, Delia Ramirez, and Eric Sorenson sent a letter to the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Assistant Secretary of the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) demanding that they comply with the law and immediately release the $1 billion in frozen federal funding for essential services that support hundreds of thousands of Illinoisans served by the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF), the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and the Social Services Block Grant (SSBG). “As the senior Democrat on the House Subcommittee with jurisdiction over child care, welfare, and social services funding, I know that HHS has no statutory or constitutional authority to prevent states from accessing these funds,” said Davis. “The statutes governing these funds outline clear, specific processes for how to identify and sanction noncompliance, and the Administration followed none of them. I strongly support the Illinois lawsuit against ACF and HHS because it is fundamental to preventing the harm to children, families, the elderly, people with disabilities, community organizations, and businesses that will occur without the court’s temporary restraining order.” The lawmakers wrote, “Under federal law, the State of Illinois is entitled to receive TANF, SSBG, and CCDF funding, and your letter provided no evidence of any failure on the part of the state. If HHS does have concerns, federal law provides a specific process in each program for it to bring concerns to the state’s attention and give the state an opportunity to address them. Federal law outlines penalties if the issues are not resolved and describes in detail the data states must provide to HHS. However, HHS made no attempt to communicate with us or our state or to follow the law regarding alleged operational failures and is now demanding that the state provide them with individual, personally-identifiable information for our constituents that is not required by the law. We demand that you immediately release the funds Congress appropriated to Illinois children and families.” “Disruption to this funding will have substantial, immediate, and destructive consequences to Illinois children, families, businesses, and communities,” they continued. “Withholding both CCDF and TANF funding will cripple child care for low-income families in Illinois, threaten child protection services, and undermine the economic well-being of children and families…In addition to the substantial harm inflicted on vulnerable Illinoisans by halting funds for these three programs, the ACF’s action will devastate several hundred nonprofits and small businesses in our state.” “Government has a responsibility to protect its citizens while ensuring appropriate use of federal funds,” the lawmakers closed. “However, halting all federal CCDF, SSBG, and TANF funds to the State of Illinois without any legitimate basis will dangerously cut child care, child welfare, and health and well-being services, making the lives of children and families worse, not better. We expect that you quickly will release the funding our state is entitled to so that hundreds of thousands of Illinoisans do not suffer.” The lawmakers’ full letter to Secretary Kennedy and Assistant Secretary Adams is available HERE

STATEMENT FROM CONGRESSMAN DANNY K. DAVIS ON PASSAGE OF THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT TAX CREDIT EXTENSION

Position: Congressman Davis supports the passage of legislation extending Affordable Care Act tax credits to prevent millions of Americans from losing healthcare coverage and to protect working families and seniors from rising healthcare costs.

Today’s victory proves a simple truth: when Democrats stay unified, listen to the people, and remain focused on results, we win. A people united will never be defeated. Democrats are on a roll, and this vote shows exactly why. We are fighting for ordinary, everyday Americans—not billionaires and trillionaires who already have more than enough power over our economy and our democracy. I commend House Democratic leadership—Hakeem Jeffries, Katherine Clark, and Pete Aguilar—for leading the successful effort, alongside 17 Republicans, to pass legislation restoring Affordable Care Act tax credits and preventing millions of Americans from losing their healthcare. This was a necessary and overdue action to protect working families and seniors from skyrocketing healthcare costs. Let’s be clear: while Donald Trump and far-right Republicans talk about lowering the cost of living, their actions repeatedly undermine healthcare access for working- and middle-class Americans. House Democrats are doing the opposite—lowering costs, fixing what is broken, and standing up for the fundamental right to affordable healthcare. Now the Senate must act. The American people cannot afford delay or political gamesmanship. We will take the House back this year, put America back on track, and ensure that decisions in Washington are made by and for the people—not a wealthy few at the top.