Adam D. Kinzinger is currently serving his sixth term in the United States House of Representatives and proudly represents Illinois’ Sixteenth Congressional District, which stretches across 14 counties in Northern Illinois.
Congressman Kinzinger serves as a member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce and the House Foreign Affairs Committee. His top priorities include strengthening U.S. energy policy and making our nation less reliant on foreign resources as well as bolstering the strength of our national security – both at home and abroad.
Illinois is home to some of the world’s most productive farmers and farmland. In fact, nearly 75% of our state’s total land area is farmland. The hardworking men and women of Illinois’ agriculture industry make our state a leading producer of corn, soybeans, and swine.
According to the Illinois Department of Agriculture, marketing of Illinois’ agricultural products generates more than $19 billion annually. Without question, farmers, food processors, and farm machinery manufacturing are significant drivers of the Illinois economy.
Understanding the vital role that farmers and others in the agriculture industry play in Illinois’ 16th District, I’ve convened an Agriculture Advisory Committee to meet regularly since 2013. Comprised of farmers and producers from every county in the District, meeting with my Agriculture Advisory Committee has deepened my understanding and appreciation for the challenges and opportunities facing our farmers.
Above all, our farmers need support and some degree of certainty from the federal government. Decisions on planting, purchasing, and strategy must all be made months (if not years) ahead of time for operations to stay afloat. For these reasons, I have fought during my time in Congress to pass legislation to ensure the policies and regulations coming out of Washington, D.C. work for the average farmer.
Some of the legislative issues I have been proud to support include:
United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement – H.R. 5430, USMCA
2018 Farm Bill - H.R. 2, Agriculture and Nutrition Act
Renewable Fuel Standard
Water Resources Development Act
Waters of the U.S. Rule (WOTUS)
Securing America’s borders is a chief function of the federal government and is crucial to providing a safe environment for our citizens. As a member of the Air National Guard, I work with Customs and Border Protection officers on our southwest border and know firsthand how an unsecure border jeopardizes the security of our country.
I am committed to strengthening our border security, better enforcing our immigration laws, and targeting dangerous gangs such as MS-13. This can be done through physical and virtual barriers—including the use of reconnaissance drone aircraft, security cameras, and other technological instruments that help U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents effectively respond to border incursions. Below are just a few of the legislative measures I have supported in Congress to protect our communities:
When it comes to reform, we must be able to have a discussion about how people living here illegally can come out of the shadows to pay taxes, learn English, and contribute to the system from which they currently benefit. The United States is a nation made up of immigrants and I support commonsense updates to the laws and regulations by which people legally enter our country. However, in order to address comprehensive immigration reform in a meaningful way, we must ensure our borders are secure.
Just as every family in America must live within their own means, so too should the federal government. Washington cannot govern responsibly if it continues to spend more than it takes in year after year. Out-of-control spending weakens our economy, threatens our social safety net, and sets up future generations to inherit a bankrupt nation. In order to ensure our kids and grandkids have the same opportunities we’ve enjoyed, difficult decisions must be made to place our finances on a sustainable path.
I am committed to working with my colleagues in Congress to end Washington's culture of reckless spending. We must work together to address the drivers of our debt, reform our broken budget process, and bring stability to our finances. It is our duty to leave future generations with a better country than the one we inherited, and we must not fail them.
The Debt
Our national, state, and local debt currently exceeds $27 trillion, which equals $90,000 owed by every man, woman, and child in America, regardless of income. The non-partisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates we will add about $13 trillion to our debt over the next 10 years if nothing is done. This path is unsustainable and will only get worse over time if we continue to ignore our spending problem. While Congress needed to act and provide relief for American people during COVID-19, now more than ever, we need to focus on reducing unnecessary spending and tackling the largest drivers of our deficit and debt.
A Budget that Balances
During my time in Congress, I have supported budget resolutions that would balance the federal budget in 10 years by gradually restricting annual spending, lowering our debt-to-GDP ratio, and enacting pro-growth policies to create millions of new jobs—all while preserving social safety net and retirement programs for current and future beneficiaries.
In an effort to get us closer to a balanced budget, I introduced the Truth in Spending Act. In short, this legislation would create an expedited path of consideration for measures to cut spending that has exceeded its original cost projections. For more information on this measure, please see more at the bottom of this page.
Reforming our Broken Budget Process
For too long, budget gimmicks and loopholes have given way to overspending, thereby piling more debt on the American people. I have cosponsored and voted for numerous bills that would eliminate these gimmicks and inject some much-needed transparency and common sense into our budget process, including:
The Truth in Spending Act
Since 1970, direct spending—which refers to spending determined by eligibility instead of the appropriations process and includes programs such as Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security—has grown from 31% of annual federal expenditures to 63% today. Some economists project that by 2047, the federal government will be spending 21% of its annual expenditures on paying down the interest on public debt, about 61% on direct spending, and 18% on discretionary spending, including defense spending.
This kind of spending is untenable and leaves taxpayers vulnerable, which is why I introduced the bipartisan Truth in Spending Act.
This legislation creates spending accountability measures by instituting a Congressional “fast-track” process for consideration of legislation that reduces federal spending at rates commensurate with the over-spending, as compared to the original cost projections.
Our founding fathers recognized an educated citizenry would be a cornerstone of a strong democracy. Today, just like at our nation’s founding, a quality education for young Americans remains vital to the future success and prosperity of our country. I strongly believe that all children, regardless of their personal circumstances, deserve access to a good education that lays the foundation for a successful life.
From K-12 and secondary education to apprenticeships and workforce development training for adults, our education system faces several challenges and opportunities today. I remain committed to improving our nation’s education system and continuing to invest in the education and improvement of our greatest resource – the American people.
In order to invest directly into the potential of our young people in the 16th Congressional District, I recently hosted my 6th Youth Leadership Summit. This event allows me to hear directly from over a hundred student leaders representing 15 different high schools and inspires my work in Congress related to countless policy areas, including education and jobs training.
Primary and Secondary Education
As the son of a public-school teacher, I have a great appreciation for the dedication and hard work it takes to educate our youngest citizens. In determining how to improve our schools, I believe there is an appropriate and beneficial role for local communities, state governments, and the federal government alike. However, parents, along with teachers, principals, and local school boards, should always be the primary decision makers regarding their children’s education and the needs of their local schools.
For these reasons, I voted in favor of the Every Student Succeeds Act, which was signed into law in 2015. This bipartisan law replaced many of the most burdensome provisions of No Child Left Behind, including over-reliance on federally mandated tests and “one-size-fits-all” plans to improve struggling schools. This law maintained the goals of transparency and accountability in education, but put states back in charge of measuring school success and works individually to improve underperforming schools.
To learn more about how Illinois is implementing the Every Student Succeeds Act, click here.
Postsecondary Education
Education is the key to a 21st Century workforce, whether it be for students who’ve recently graduated high school or for adult learners seeking new skills. I strongly believe Congress should be supporting students who pursue additional education through bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, or certification in skills.
For that reason, I introduced the Improving Middle Class Access to Higher Education Act (H.R.2595), which simplifies the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for middle class students and their families. Particularly as our economy continues to improve and businesses seek more skilled workers to fill jobs, Congress should make it easier for Americans to get the education and training they need to succeed.
If you’re interested in learning more about Financial Aid that may be available, please click here.
The 16th District of Illinois is a perfect of example of what it means to have an ‘all of the above’ energy approach. And as your representative in Congress, I’m working to replicate our successes on a national scale through an efficient and comprehensive national energy policy.
Our northern Illinois communities are home to nuclear generating stations, hydropower units, ethanol and biodiesel plants, in addition to wind, solar, and energy storage facilities. These energy sources not only power our homes and offices, they create good-paying jobs and generate substantial tax revenues for vital services ranging from first responders to local schools.
I’m privileged to serve as a senior member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee as well as the Ranking Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Europe, Eurasia, Energy, and Environment. These assignments allow me to see both the domestic and the foreign implications of America’s energy policy, while providing a unique opportunity to ‘bridge the gap’ to ensure our approach to both fronts is cohesive, efficient, and successful.
Domestically, we have many things for which to be proud. Our energy portfolio continues to diversify while our emissions are on the decline. For decades Americans said we had to reduce our dependence on foreign sources of energy. Then in 2019, for the first time in 67 years, the United States did just that when we became a net total energy exporter.
However, it’s not all quite so rosy. The world’s greatest source of clean, abundant, and reliable power—nuclear energy—is in a state of decline. Whereas once America led the world in harnessing civilian nuclear power, our existing fleet of reactors is in grave peril. In August 2020, it was announced that two of the four nuclear plants in our District—Byron and Dresden—will close in the second half of 2021. Thousands of families, and really entire towns, are hinging on these plants.
Internationally, we must continue to work with our partner nations to ensure they have reliable energy sources. This concern is partially addressed with our current slate of energy exports. But we must also ensure nonproliferation of certain technologies, and we must be vigilant to prevent Russia, Iran, and others from using their cheap energy as a lever of international power and influence. Blocking completion of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline is a first important step.
As a veteran of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, I’ve seen firsthand how America’s active role in the world reduces poverty, promotes democracy, and maintains global stability. I believe the United States has a mission to be engaged in the world as a beacon of hope. There have been times over the past decade where we have forgotten that mission, and as a result, we have seen an increase in violent conflict and human suffering.
For the sake of national and international security, the United States must continue to push for the advancement of basic human rights and democratic reforms for people across the world.
The United States of America was put on this Earth to be an example of self-governance and order in a world drowning in strongmen, oppression, and poverty. Serving on the House Foreign Affairs Committee (HFAC), I believe the following areas need strong scrutiny by Congress:
People’s Republic of China
What was once seen as the most promising economic relationship in the world has turned into an area of great concern for many Americans. The People’s Republic of China, and their communist leadership, has taken an increasingly aggressive approach towards the United States and freedom-loving people around the world. As such, the United States can no longer view China simply as an economic competitor. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has evolved into a clear and present national security threat that must be addressed now. Over the past few years, the CCP has built a nuclear arsenal that threatens the United States, has committed gross human rights violations against minorities, and has suppressed democracy in Hong Kong.
While being named to the House’s China Task Force has allowed me to lead the discussion as it relates to the CCP, I have also introduced the following legislation to address these issues:
Russian Federation
As a result of the 2009 diplomatic reset with Russia, we have seen an increasingly aggressive and confident Russian Federation led by Vladimir Putin. By failing to curb their illegal incursions into Georgia, we only emboldened our former Soviet foe, resulting in the annexation of Ukrainian territory in Crimea and their use of hybrid warfare across Europe.
Following the 2016 election, it was determined by the heads of American intelligence agencies that Russia had developed and executed a strategy to influence the American elections through online propaganda operations. This kind of action is a direct assault on American democracy. In response to this, and other blatant malicious activities from the Kremlin, I introduced the following legislation:
Syria
The ongoing conflict in Syria has reached epic proportions with over half a million dead Syrians, including more than 50,000 children. Since 2011, the Syrian regime led by Bashar al-Assad has murdered its people, destroyed civilian infrastructure, and forced families from their homes with indiscriminate bombings. These actions, supported by Russia and Iran, continue to destabilize the region and will inevitably lead to the creation of the next generation of terror. It is in our national security interests to see a solution to the Syrian conflict that will allow for a free Syria.
In that vein, I introduce the No Assistance for Assad Act, which would ensure the safety of the Syrian people by conditioning reconstruction and stabilization efforts in Assad-controlled territories on commitments to human rights, a political transition, and the safe and voluntary return of Syrian refugees and internally displaced people.
In the 116th Congress, I was proud to help lead the strongest sanctions against the Assad regime to date. The Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act (H.R. 31), which I was a strong advocate of, applies sanctions to those responsible for the human suffer in Syria, include Bashar Al-Assad and his family. This legislation became law.
Islamic Republic of Iran
I’m also deeply concerned about Iran’s hostile actions. Another war in the region could be disastrous for the United States, Israel and its neighbors. The security of the United States requires that we fully commit to preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. Additionally, Iran - through the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Hezbollah, and other proxy forces – continues to work to sow dissent and chaos throughout the region. To counter Iran’s malicious activity in the Middle East, I introduced the Preventing Iranian Destabilization of Iraq Act of 2017 (H.R. 571), which would impose sanctions with respect to Iranian persons who threaten the peace and stability of Iraq.
Israel
With respect to Israel, they are one of our strongest democratic allies in the region. That is why they need our support and help to promote peace with its neighbors. Stability and security in the Middle East is in the best interest of region, the United States, and our allies around the world. I am glad to see that many countries in the region are beginning to normalize relations with Israel as this will only make the world a safer place.
As a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, I care deeply about combating human trafficking in all its forms. This abhorrent practice affects every country in the world and represents a modern-day form of slavery.
As a nation, we must continue our work at all levels—from the federal government down to local communities—to prevent human trafficking and punish those who engage in this heinous act. This is why I have hosted community events with local leaders and law enforcement who deal with the issue every day. In Rockford, we were joined by nearly 200 concerned citizens and representatives from local law enforcement, faith leaders, and federal agencies, where we discussed the issues we face as a community and as a nation.
In addition to local action, Congress must continue to provide necessary resources to protect and assist victims by increasing punishments for human traffickers while also caring for anyone affected by this heinous crime. That is why I introduced the Reducing the Demand for Human Trafficking Act of 2019, which would encourage a more victim-centered approach to combating human trafficking by aiming to seek out those who solicit these trafficking services and hold them accountable for their crimes. I also introduced the SOAR Act (Stop, Observe, Ask and Respond to Health and Wellness Act), which was signed into Law, and would help raise awareness of human trafficking issues, as well as supports the training of healthcare workers to identify victims and best care for them through established protocols and procedures. Lastly, through the appropriations process, I also supported providing the necessary funding for the Department of Homeland Security’s Blue Campaign, which combats human trafficking and helps those who have been trafficked.
Serving in Congress gives me a strong voice to fight for the victims of human trafficking, but only with the help of the community can we finally rid the world of this crime.
If you would like to report suspected human trafficking, please call 1-866-347-2423. If you or a loved one needs help, please contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888, or text HELP or INFO to BeFree (233733).
Americans continue to face a health care crisis. The Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare, has been one of the most comprehensive expansions of government power we have seen in our nation’s history. This law runs completely contrary to the principles of limited government and the free market upon which our nation was founded and to which I am committed. Obamacare included a massive expansion of government interference, new taxes, and increased bureaucracy in our health care system. I frequently hear from my constituents that they’ve lost access to a long-trusted doctor, that their insurance premiums have doubled, or most often, that their new deductible is so high that their insurance is essentially unusable. I strongly support increasing access, innovation, and affordability in our health care system, but the ACA is not achieving any of those goals.
For these reasons, I’ve voted to repeal and replace the ACA with a system that puts doctors and patients, as opposed to Washington bureaucrats, back in charge of health care. Unfortunately, our most recent efforts did not pass in the Senate, but I remain committed to fighting for a health care system that works for American families.
Most recently, I voted in favor of the tax reform law which included a repeal of the Individual Mandate, so families will no longer be forced to buy health insurance they don’t want or need.
Research
One of the most effective ways to reduce health care costs and improve patient outcomes is to invest in vital research. As a member of the Energy and Commerce Committee, I worked hard to get H.R. 6, the 21st Century Cures Act passed and signed into law. This legislation included several improvements to how we research and treat serious diseases, in addition to providing significant funding for the Cancer Moonshot program.
I am a strong supporter of the National Institute of Health (NIH), our nation’s premiere medical research institution. With my support, Congress has increased NIH’s budget annually for the past three years and the current budget level is the highest the agency has ever seen.
Rep. Kinzinger Urges NIH for More Pediatric Cancer Research
Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
I believe the federal government has an important role to play in supporting health coverage for those truly in need, including through the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). On January 18, 2018, I proudly voted for a decade-long extension of CHIP funding through our continuing resolution. I am and will continue to be a strong advocate for CHIP, which serves over one million Illinois children.
Kinzinger Votes to Fund CHIP, Keep Government Open
Opioid Crisis
The opioid crisis is the most serious drug epidemic our nation has ever faced. It’s not only tearing apart families and communities, but this epidemic is also putting significant strain on our health care system, including first responders, hospital staff/emergency rooms, mental health care providers, and substance use disorder treatment providers.
To learn more about my efforts to combat the opioid crisis, please click here.
I look forward to continuing my work on the House Energy & Commerce Committee to enact real reforms that reduce bureaucracy and provide Americans with improved and affordable health care options.
A strong American infrastructure is vital for our country to be able to compete globally, foster local and regional economic development, and create jobs. Facilitating commerce, in part by providing for our national infrastructure, is one of the most important and fundamental roles of the federal government. The roads, bridges, waterways, and mass transit systems on which we rely every day not only serve to connect local communities—they also bring together resources that drive our economy and create jobs across the country. It is imperative that the United States works to build a 21st Century infrastructure that provides long-term solutions to our challenges and embraces American innovation.
Bridges and roads are deteriorating across the country—particularly in Illinois where, according to the American Society of Civil Engineers, more than 2,300 bridges are structurally deficient or functionally obsolete and our roads rank as third-worst in the nation for travel delay, excess fuel consumed, and total congestion costs. Our economy depends on maintaining and improving our modes of infrastructure and continually implementing new and innovative ways to keep America moving.
Waterways
MillIons of tons of commodities are shipped annually using Illinois’ many rivers, including sites along the Illinois River in Marseilles, Utica, and Morris. Improving our waterways will make it easier for farmers and manufacturers in Illinois to get their goods to consumers out of state and even around the world.
While serving my constituents in Congress, I have voted a number of times to reauthorize the Water Resources and Development Act (WRDA), which covers our nation’s waterways programs. WRDA improves the process for rehabilitating infrastructure along America’s waterways while eliminating red tape and bureaucratic delays that have bogged down the system for years.
Highways
Without question, our highway system is one of the most visible and utilized assets of our national infrastructure. Development and maintenance of our highway system is funded by the Highway Trust Fund which, unfortunately, is on a path to insolvency if Congress does not act to reform and improve it.
The latest highway bill enacted was the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act. I was proud to vote in support of the FAST Act, which contained a number of my own bills and provisions to help Illinois workers, protect consumers, support small businesses, and improve vehicle safety.
On September 30, 2020, Congress reauthorized the FAST Act for one year as it continues to negotiate a long-term, transformational bill that significantly boosts investment in our surface transportation network. I remain committed to finding long-term solutions to save and strengthen our highway infrastructure so that it remains safe for our families while spurring economic growth and job creation in the 16th District of Illinois.
Railways
Our nation’s passenger and freight rail systems serve as a vital connection between industries and manufacturers located across the country. However, with continually changing consumer preferences, our rail system must be adaptable and an efficient use of taxpayer funds. The most recent railway-related authorization enacted was the Passenger Rail Reform and Investment Act (PRRIA), which reauthorized Amtrak with important reforms and improvements, incentivizes private investment, streamlines certain federal review processes to reduce red tape, and empowers states to have a bigger role in managing their routes.
Airways
As an aviator, I fully understand and appreciate the importance of travel by air. Even Wilbur and Orville Wright would have had difficulty imagining just how interconnected the world has become today, in large part due to air travel. The laws governing our airports, air travel routes, and airlines are administered by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and Congress must reauthorize the FAA every few years to ensure the agency is meeting its obligations. The most recent iteration of this legislation is the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018, which contained one of my pro-consumer bills, the Seat Egress in Air Travel (SEAT) Act. The SEAT Act requires the FAA to establish minimum standards for the size of seats on commercial airplanes to ensure the health and safety of passengers.
As your representative, I will continue to support practical policies and reforms to ensure our nation’s infrastructure system is modernized so that it truly meets the needs of American consumers and businesses.
In order to strengthen our middle class and create more opportunity for American families, we must eliminate government barriers to growth and empower individuals with the tools needed for success. That’s why I was proud to support the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act passed by the House in 2017, and signed into law this year, and am proud to see how this fairer, simpler tax code is helping Illinois.
Jobs
One of my top priorities as your Congressman is to fight for our nation’s job creators and get America back to work. Small businesses drive the American economy, creating 7 out of every 10 jobs. We need to get the government out of the way and let business do what they do best—innovate and create jobs.
Regulations
From health care mandates on businesses and families to duplicative regulations on job-creators and energy producers, there is too much government in our lives. The excessive red-tape is hurting our economic growth and our economic position globally. We need to do more than just scale back government; we need to completely rethink and reform our bureaucracy to streamline these regulations to work for Americans in this 21st Century economy.
Republicans in Congress have risen to the challenge. We used the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to fully repeal 16 job-killing regulations put in place during the final days of the Obama Administration. Meanwhile, the current administration has been halting, scaling back, and/or repealing nearly 20 regulations for every new regulation added. By doing so, greater certainty has been restored to businesses across the country, and the results have shown a stronger, more confident economy.
Tax Reform
We have the most innovative and productive workers in the world; and we were long overdue for a tax structure that worked equally well. The reforms made in 1986 achieved great things by removing countless deductions, credits, and special interest carve-outs. Over the next 31 years, the tax code ballooned back into a complicated, unfair system that stifled small business growth and burdened hardworking American families.
The unfair and overly complicated tax code was unsustainable for both families and businesses, which is why House Republicans made good on their promises to provide tax relief. I was proud to vote in favor of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which was signed into law in December 2017. Since enactment, we have seen our economy take off. Please visit my Tax Reform issue page to learn more about how the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is helping Illinois grow.
Energy
The United States is blessed with abundant natural resources, and, recently, new technology has made energy-production safer and more environmentally-friendly than ever before. Taking advantage of these resources will lower energy costs for families and businesses, increase our energy security, and, most importantly, create well-paying jobs for middle class Americans.
Manufacturing
A robust manufacturing sector is the engine of a thriving economy and a healthy middle class. To revitalize our manufacturing sector, we must create an environment that encourages businesses to create jobs here instead of overseas. By lowering energy costs on manufacturers through expanded domestic energy production, reducing regulatory burdens, and reforming our out-of-date tax structure, we can ensure that America remains the best place to do business in an advanced, global economy.
Now more than ever, preserving our status as the world’s leading manufacturing economy is vital to restoring our thriving middle class. Prior to the coronavirus pandemic, the United States was seeing economic growth that is rarely achieved by developed economies. With our nation’s entrepreneurial spirit, we will regain that bright economic future.
Illinois is a leader in manufacturing, employing hundreds of thousands of people and accounting for around $100 billion in output for the state.
While the Coronavirus virus pandemic has shown weaknesses in the manufacturing sector, I remain committed to looking for bold paths forward to address these challenges head on. That is why I am working to develop the MADE in the Americas Act. This unique legislation looks to address many of the weaknesses we found in our supply chains as a result of the coronavirus pandemic by incentivizing manufacturers to move their companies back to the United States or to our neighboring countries. By dispersing many of the concentrated supply chains in China, we can help ensure that future global events do not disrupt our manufacturing sector at home.
Additionally, I introduced the Protecting American Space Assets Act (H.R. 6208), which directs the President to develop a strategy to shore up the U.S. space industry by increasing protections for the space manufacturing sector and launch facilities.
Congress must continue to support our nation’s manufacturing sector by expanding domestic energy production to lower utility costs and increase the international competitiveness of American manufacturers. Also, by simplifying our tax code we’ve empowered manufacturers to invest in their employees, in new infrastructure, and in new technology.
To stay up to date on the issues that matter most to manufacturers in the 16th Congressional District, I meet regularly with my Manufacturing Advisory Committee to hear directly from local leaders in the industry. I also support and advocate for technical training programs and apprenticeships that can inspire and encourage the next generation to pursue a manufacturing career.
The opioid abuse crisis is the most serious drug epidemic America has ever faced. As overdose and drug related deaths skyrocket across the United States, it is the responsibility of Congress to work with federal, state, and local authorities to address this crisis. As a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, I’ve learned from both law enforcement and healthcare providers about the many reasons we face this epidemic. Every day, 115 Americans die from an opioid overdose. In 2016 alone, 2,411 Illinoisans died from opioid overdose. And this year, more than 2 million Americans will suffer from addiction to opioids. I am determined to work with my colleagues to develop legislation that raises awareness in the community, increases resources for law enforcement officers, and supports treatment and recovery efforts.
In 2018, Congress passed a legislative package that included several critical provisions to fight the crisis, including a piece of legislation I introduced that had previously been passed in the U.S. House of Representatives. My legislation, the Opioid Addiction Action Plan Act, establishes a bipartisan and government-wide action plan to identify ways to be more adaptable to innovative treatments, improve provider and patient knowledge of their options, and increase overall access to treatment. Patients deserve options and a system that is flexible, adaptable, and focused on preventing and treating addiction. Additionally, I supported appropriations legislation for fiscal year 2019 that included historic levels of funding to fight and end the opioid abuse epidemic, with $1.5 billion for state opioid response grants, and more than $6.6 billion to critical programs and agencies who are on the front lines of the crisis,
There is a long list of important pieces of legislation that I have supported to help communities face the challenges of combating the opioid epidemic. Below are just a few of the major pieces of legislation I have supported in Congress:
My stance on the Second Amendment is clear: the right to keep and bear arms for lawful purposes should not be compromised. I do not support legislation or regulations that would infringe on a law-abiding citizen's constitutional right to own a firearm. I strongly support Americans’ rights to hunt, shoot for sport, collect, and defend themselves or their property with firearms.
I am a proud cosponsor of the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act, legislation that would allow any law abiding citizen with a conceal carry permit issued by their home state to use that permit in any other state that allows citizens the right to carry a concealed firearm. I also support the Sportsmen’s Heritage and Recreational Enhancement (SHARE) Act, which prohibits the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from reclassifying ammunition as a toxic substance, increasing the funding levels for public shooting ranges, and expanding access to federal lands for the recreational purposes of hunting and fishing.
I also support proper background checks and responsible limits that have been reviewed and upheld by the courts, such as the long-standing prohibition of gun ownership by violent criminals and the psychologically impaired. I also made a formal request of the Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms Bureau to review the use of bump-stock devices and whether they violate the spirit of the law. I believe it’s important to ask these questions and respect the process that it takes to get these answers.
As your Congressman, I swore an oath to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States, including the Second Amendment. In representing the people of the 16th Congressional District, I have not and would not vote to curb a law-abiding citizen’s constitutional rights.
In today’s modern digital age, the telecommunications industry has become the backbone of individual communication and commerce. Smart phones have more powers and capabilities today than most desktop computers had just a decade ago. Phone applications (apps) are improving lives by leaps and bounds, including in the health care and education sectors.
As a member of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, I have worked tirelessly to enact policies that grow our telecommunications sector, increase transparency and accountability, facilitate private sector innovation, and enhance access to broadband internet services in rural areas like those in the 16th District of Illinois.
One of my bills, the Rural Spectrum Accessibility Act, was designed to expand wireless broadband coverage in rural communities. This legislation was signed into law as part of a larger bipartisan telecommunications-related package called the RAY BAUM’s Act, which reauthorized the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), boosted the development of 5G technologies, and instituted other commonsense reforms in government.
My work in the telecommunications field is not limited to smart phones and wireless carriers. I also work to support the telecommunications networks that public safety professionals use daily to protect and serve their communities. I have utmost respect for these civil servants, who serve as the glue that keeps communities together and help to combat and recover from potential tragedies tireless to keep their neighbors safe. I have introduced legislation that would better allow licensed amateur radio operators, or HAMs, to serve as a valuable resource for emergency responders.
During emergencies such as hurricanes or earthquakes, lines of communication often suffer, which makes it extremely difficult to coordinate emergency response efforts. HAMs have a track record of selflessly supplementing the efforts of federal, state, and local officials to organize and better coordinate and communicate vital safety information, all at no cost to the taxpayer. It’s critical that we support these radio operators and the resources they need.
· Kinzinger Applauds Broadband Legislation Funding for FY18
· Congressman Kinzinger Speaks on House Floor in Support of H.R. 4986, the RAY BAUM’S Act
As a veteran of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, I have the utmost respect for the men and women who have served and are actively serving our country, both at home and abroad. Congress must ensure our veterans receive the care and benefits they deserve. Anything less would be a dishonor to their service and sacrifices.
A few years ago, the Department of Veteran Affairs endured a major scandal and while reform is underway, we still have work to do to give our veterans flexibility in seeking the care they need and as such, I’ve voted on legislation to help veterans get access to timely and effective care.
In April 2018, I led a letter to Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert Wilkie seeking clarification on coverage for servicemembers who served along the Korean DMZ and were exposed to dangerous chemicals, like agent orange. Here in Congress, I have also sponsored legislation like these that would further help our veterans:
Here at home, I hold an annual ‘Congressional Veteran Commendation Ceremony’ where I honor those brave men and women from Illinois’s 16th Congressional District who have answered the call to serve our great nation, and continued to serve in our communities. If you know of a veteran who you believe is qualified, please click here for more information.
I’m honored to represent my fellow Americans who have answered the call of duty and put their own lives at risk for the sake of this great nation. I am committed to doing all that I can to help our veterans from benefits, health care, transition back to civilian life, and beyond. My staff and I are here to help with any questions regarding the Department of Defense or Department of Veterans Affairs, and if we can be of any assistance, please do not hesitate to contact our Ottawa office at (815) 431-9271.
The United States is a nation made up of immigrants and I support common-sense reform to the laws and regulations by which people legally enter our country. We must recognize that legal immigration is not the issue and we must not demonize immigrants who come to our country by following the rules. Illegal immigration, however, places an unsustainable burden on our public services and communities.
Before immigration reform can be seriously addressed, we first must secure America’s borders. If we do not secure our borders, any advances made by reform will be short-lived. This can be done through a physical and virtual fence, which includes the use of reconnaissance drone aircraft, security cameras, and a whole host of technological instruments to increase our situational awareness and help U.S. Customs and Border Patrol agents effectively respond to border incursions. Beyond immigration, our porous borders threaten our national security.
When it comes to reform, we must streamline our current system of processing immigrant applicants. U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services must ensure that foreigners have the opportunity to enter the U.S. through legal means.
The opioid abuse crisis is the most serious drug epidemic America has ever faced. As overdose and drug related deaths skyrocket across the United States, it is the responsibility of Congress to work with federal, state, and local authorities to address this crisis. As a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, I’ve learned from both law enforcement and healthcare providers about the many reasons we face this epidemic. Every day, 115 Americans die from an opioid overdose. In 2016 alone, 2,411 Illinoisans died from opioid overdose. And this year, more than 2 million Americans will suffer from addiction to opioids. I am determined to work with my colleagues to develop legislation that raises awareness in the community, increases resources for law enforcement officers, and supports treatment and recovery efforts.
In fact, on March 22, 2018, I voted in favor of the 2018 Consolidated Appropriations Act, which provided $4 billion to address the crisis, the largest investment to date. More than $32 million was allocated directly to Illinois to support prevention, treatment, and recovery services across the state. Additionally, on June 22, 2018, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 5590, the Opioid Addiction Action Plan Act, which is an important piece of legislation I introduced earlier this year. This legislation establishes a bipartisan and government-wide action plan by the beginning of 2019, which will identify ways to be more adaptable to innovative treatments, increase access to treatment, and improve provider and patient knowledge of their options. Patients deserve options and a system that is flexible, adaptable, and focused on preventing and treating addiction.
There is a long list of important pieces of legislation that I have supported to help communities face the challenges of combating the opioid epidemic. Below are just a few of the major pieces of legislation I have supported in Congress: