To all the voters who entrusted me with your vote, and to those of you who voted for my opponent: I hear you, I see you and I am here to serve you. There's a lot of work ahead, but I know we can do it -- together.
I’m getting my first gavel, friends! I’m thrilled to be named Chair of the House Homeland Security Committee - Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Innovation.
We have important work to do -- and I’m honored to be leading it.
I was an intern for then-Senator
@BarackObama
. Today, I’m the youngest Black woman to ever serve in Congress. I’m thrilled to have earned the endorsement of President Obama in my reelection campaign.
Join us! 👉🏿
The President’s tweet telling my fellow Congresswomen to “go back to” the countries they came from is racist, xenophobic and unacceptable. They are American citizens and I’m proud to serve our country with them in Congress.
President Trump weighed in on friction between a group of Democratic congresswomen and Nancy Pelosi, suggesting the congresswomen – none of whom are white — should “go back and help fix” the countries they came from. Only one was born outside of the U.S.
I just wrapped up the House Homeland Security hearing where I questioned Sec. Nielsen about the policies her Department implemented. When I joined Congress I swore to protect
#IL14
and our country. How does detaining children and separating families make us safer? It doesn't. /1
As Vice Chair of the House Homeland Security Committee, tomorrow I will question and hold
@SecNielsen
accountable for the policies enacted by her department, especially those targeting families and children at our border. I expect real answers.
Black Maternal Health Matters. The U.S. has the worst maternal mortality rate in the developed world, and it's unacceptable. Women, especially women of color, shouldn't have to risk death to bring life into this world. So we're fighting back.
THIS JUST IN: I’m very excited to share that my legislation, the Lower Insulin Costs Now Act was just signed into law as part of the government funding bill! 🎉
This legislation will make lower-cost, generic insulin available more quickly nationwide.
Black women are nearly 4X as likely to die as a result of childbirth, even factoring in education/income. The disparity hasn't improved over 30 years. Meet the bipartisan Black Maternal Health Caucus, backed by legislators of all genders, races, ages.
My first bill just passed the House! ✨✨✨An essential part of improving our health care system: banning junk plans that don't actually cover pre-existing conditions or vital services. H.R. 1010 does just that. Onward!
We did it! This morning, I joined President Biden and Sen. Duckworth at the signing of my FIRST
#Momnibus
bill to be enacted into law -- the Protecting Moms Who Served Act. This historic legislation will improve maternal health care for our veterans and help save moms' lives.
A year ago, I defeated six opponents to win the
#IL14
primary. I now have four
#IL14
opponents challenging me for 2020, and the GOP has targeted my district: they want this seat back. We have to fight like we did in 2018—and harder. Chip in today to help:
It's possible Rep. Lauren Underwood, left, is giving Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos some serious side-eye in this photo.
We'll leave it up to you, the beholder.
Friends - thousands of votes are still being counted in our race and it is too close to call. So far we’ve seen record-breaking turnout in our community, and we commend our election officials for making sure every vote is counted and every voice is heard.
This is wrong. The President is brazenly using his office to benefit his company by holding the 2020 G7 Summit at one of his resorts. This is an abuse of power, and he must be held accountable.
Congressman John Lewis gave everything he had to our country. I'm honored that I had the opportunity to serve with him, and I'm heartbroken to lose him.
Today I'm looking back on this conversation. We'll honor his memory with action.
The youngest Black woman to ever serve in Congress, Rep, Lauren Underwood, and civil rights hero Rep. John Lewis sat down to learn from one another, and pass the torch of Black leadership. Happy 80th birthday Rep. Lewis!
Women’s health care is one of my top priorities. I can’t wait to work with our nation’s first female Vice President to ensure all women get the care they deserve.
Rep. Lauren Underwood (D-IL) is the youngest black woman ever elected to Congress.
CBS News follows Underwood through the halls of Capitol Hill, as the freshman politician navigates a govt. shutdown and a fractious political climate.
Here's
@edokeefe
Sec. Nielsen had few answers for me & showed herself to be uninformed on the impact of her Department's policies. That won’t fly anymore. To those in our administration who would harm children and families, I say: you answer to Our House now. /3
#IL14
, you elected me—a nurse w/a pre-existing condition—to use my voice & my vote to protect our access to health care. This morning, I proudly used my voice on the House floor & committed my vote to fight the GOP's lawsuit against the
#ACA
. We will not back down in this fight.
We knew that when every voice was heard,
@JoeBiden
and
@KamalaHarris
would come out on top. Congratulations Mr. President-elect and Madam VP-elect! Let's get to work. 🇺🇸
Our community is still grappling with what happened in
#Aurora
Friday when 5 people were killed in an act of senseless gun violence. We are heartbroken at the loss of our neighbors, and we stand unified in saying: We all deserve better. Thoughts and prayers are not enough.
I can't wrap up
#WomensHistoryMonth
without appreciating a person who knows every chapter of my own history—and stood by my side as we made history in
#IL14
. Love you Mom! And let's continue to celebrate the accomplishments and gifts of women every day, month, and year.
The testimony and evidence have led me to a clear decision. To uphold the Constitution and my sworn oath, I will vote in support of the articles of impeachment.
Thank you
@JoeBiden
and
@KamalaHarris
for the invite to today’s historic ceremony establishing Juneteenth as a national holiday.
As we celebrate Freedom Day across
#IL14
, let’s also acknowledge the fullness of our nation's history, learn from it, and teach the next generation.
I didn’t expect a global pandemic to occur in my first term in Congress, but I’m honored to be using my experience as a nurse and public health expert to work to stop the spread of
#COVID
-19.
ICYMI: Black Maternal Health Matters. The U.S. has the worst maternal mortality rate in the developed world, and it's unacceptable. Women, especially women of color, shouldn't have to risk death to bring life into this world. So we're fighting back.
Just a few years ago, legislation like the
#EqualityAct
was a dream. Today, it’s a reality. I am so proud to have cast my vote in favor of civil rights protections for LGBTQ folks.
Unbought. Unbossed. Today, the first day of
#BlackHistoryMonth
, I'd like to send a little love to two heroines—one from our past, Shirley Chisholm, and one from our present. See you Tuesday, Ms. Abrams.
.
@ewarren
and I have the same belief: everyone deserves quality, affordable healthcare. So honored to be endorsed by Senator Warren and
@TeamWarren
, and proud to have a partner to lower healthcare costs for working families.
I'm proud to vote yes for a resolution condemning this President for his racist words.
Our country is already great because we celebrate our differences and diversity. His actions and the silence of others do not define who we are. We will continue to hold them accountable.
Humbled to accept the Democratic nomination for Congress in the
#IL14
.
We built this together and we'll win this together in November.
Thank you all for your support. Onward.
Girlfriends—we need YOU to run for office. It's time to stop hesitating to put our names on the ballot. Change doesn't happen if we don't engage—if I can make a difference in
#IL14
, you can in your community as well.
Excited to get to work alongside new colleagues like Kendra Horn (Oklahoma's 5th District). So honored to walk onto the floor of the House as your congresswoman-elect — teared up during the Pledge of Allegiance 😌
We need leaders with diverse experiences & skill sets—nurses, doctors, teachers, scientists, artists, caregivers, entrepreneurs, tradeswomen—at all levels of gov't. Our experiences echo those of the majority of Americans; we should shape the policies that shape our country.
Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms, grandmas, godmoms and expectant mommies 💛 Happy Mother’s Day to all those who have lost a child, had a miscarriage or are not able to conceive 💛 Happy Mothers Day to all those who have lost their moms 💛 May you feel the love today and always
I am excited to serve the people of
#IL14
. Leader Pelosi shares my commitment to working on issues like healthcare and infrastructure. She has my support.
Great news: the House just voted to pass my Health Care Affordability Act! In a time when affordable health care is crucial to so many families, I’m proud to be delivering change for our community.
One in three women experience sexual or intimate partner violence during their lifetime.
I voted to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act today with that sad truth on my mind.
#VAWA
The Equal Rights Amendment is now ratified in 38 states!
Women have been waiting for the
#ERA
to meet this Constitutional threshold since 1972. A truly historic moment for our country and the fight for equal rights under the law!
We also recognize the adoption of the 19th Amendment achieved the right to vote for some women, not all. Women of color, who waited, advocated and fought for our right to vote wasn’t fully adopted until 1965. I honor and am committed to continuing this fight.
#EqualityCantWait
This morning, I had the privilege of participating in Vice President Harris' first-ever Maternal Health Day of Action at the White House. It's time for the Senate to pass the Build Back Better Act so we invest in maternal health equity and save mom's lives!
#Momnibus
Children detained at our border experience inhumanely low temperatures & are malnourished & caged. Many have experienced abuse. All are now at risk for learning delays, mental health issues, & assorted illness. This health & humanitarian crisis is caused by our own government. /2
Since day 1, my number one priority has been to make healthcare more affordable for my district. I’m keeping my promise to you,
#IL14
. This Administration is working hard to destroy our health care - but I’m working even harder to protect it.
Applause for
@LaurenUnderwood
. Freshman Congresswoman who is really bringing an A game to Congress.
She has proposed the single most important improvement to health care affordability.
Today is the final day of
#BlackHistoryMonth
, but the fight for equality continues every day because of legends like John Lewis. It was a privilege to sit down with him and learn from his experiences.
The youngest Black woman to ever serve in Congress,
@RepUnderwood
and civil rights hero
@repjohnlewis
sat down to learn from one another, and pass the torch of Black leadership
When I questioned Secretary Nielsen in March I was appalled by her lack of understanding or accountability for how children and families are impacted by our border policies—she never followed up to provide the information I requested. /1
.
@ASlavitt
, I'm an RN in
#IL14
with a pre-existing heart condition. In 2017, Randy Hultgren told his constituents that he'd vote to protect healthcare for folks with pre-existing conditions. He voted to do the opposite. Now, I'm running to unseat him.
CROWDSOURCE: Do you have a representative that voted to repeal the ACA that’s running again? Did they have a town hall to explain why did that and a better vision for health care?
Tell all if you’re willing to share and consider circulating.
Today is a historic day -- especially for Black and South Asian women.
@JoeBiden
and
@KamalaHarris
are the leaders we need in the White House to right our course as a nation and restore American leadership in the world.
Onward to victory!
Today we celebrate 48 years of Roe as the law of the land. Let’s recommit to our fight to make sure all women have access to the care they need.
#ReimagineRoe
We did that! TeamUnderwood represented at
#AuroraILPride
, coming together to celebrate & uplift our LGBTQ+ family, friends, & neighbors. As the fight for equality continues, I promise to remain committed in the fight for justice & equality for all. Because love, is love, is love.
Today I’m proud to endorse such a wide and impressive array of Democratic candidates – leaders as diverse, patriotic, and big-hearted as the America they’re running to represent:
Proud of all we've accomplished—and thinking of the young women of the future who'll be stepping forward to serve in the coming years. A greater change is on the way.
#ICYMI
: I announced my re-election campaign this weekend at the Woodstock Opera House. I’m in awe of the support I’ve received these past few days! Thank you, everyone. Let’s keep this momentum going.
#TeamUnderwood
What is happening at our southern border is a humanitarian crisis. I will continue to call on the Administration to improve conditions at the border and ensure every person in our country’s care is treated with dignity. It’s unacceptable that children have died in our care.
I know you might be concerned with what some Republicans are trying to do this week -- but these attempts are doomed to fail.
I promise you that I will show up and defend our Constitution and the results of a free and fair election.
I’m so grateful to be working on our behalf in Washington, but I do love coming home--to my family & to the community that believed in me & fought for me to become our fighter in Congress. You fought for me, & now I’m ready to fight for you with every vote. Happy holidays,
#IL14
!
Thank you,
@PeteButtigieg
, for this endorsement! I look forward to continuing to bring our shared values of transparency, accountability, and effective leadership to seats up and down the ballot, and continuing to deliver results for our communities.
#WinTheEra
Thank you,
#IL14
! Thank you to the hundreds of volunteers, the thousands of calls to voters, and to the residents of the 14th district who showed up to the polls. I’m working every day to deliver results for our communities, and together, we’ll continue that work.
On my first day in Congress, I amended House rules to end practices like NDAs that make it harder to report sexual harassment. Proud to take the fight farther by co-sponsoring the
#EMPOWERAct
. Workers in
#IL14
& across our nation deserve the same protection I have.
#TimesUp
Eight years ago today, then-Rep.
@GabbyGiffords
survived a shooting that nearly took her life—but she persisted. Today, I'm proud to join a bipartisan group of colleagues in the House in supporting universal background checks. It's time.
This morning, when I asked Secretary DeVos how she makes sure that students with disabilities are fully accommodated by their school systems, she responded that her Department is not a "filing cabinet" for these transparency concerns. /1
There are folks who try to scare me out of doing what's right, but I'm not going to stop doing the work. I'll always have
#IL14
's back. Thanks to
@ElleMagazine
for the opportunity to share my story. I hope you'll take a look.
“This is not about policy to me. This is about representation. Do you feel like someone has your back?” The youngest Black woman in Congress
@LaurenUnderwood
has pulled off not one, but two, miraculous wins in a purple district.
The Black maternal health crisis is an issue that's deeply personal to me -- and I am so thankful to have a partner in President Biden in our work to save moms' lives.
#Momnibus
While highlighting how his Build Back Better plan will address medical leave, Pres. Biden thanks Rep. Underwood (D-IL) for her work to address maternal mortality.
Team, with just a few minutes to go until polls close, I want to say: YOUR hard work made this race competitive. And YOU deserve a leader who'll fight for our health care & climate, support economic policies that help the middle class, and put country over party.
Thank you.
#IL14
, this week I learned my House committee assignments: Homeland Security, Veterans Affairs, and Education and Labor (which encompasses health care). Your voice is here with me in Washington—please speak up with your stories and your priorities in each of these areas!
Every GoFundMe for prescription drugs is a policy failure. That’s why I worked with both parties to pass the Lower Insulin Costs Now Act into law, to bring generic versions of this life-saving drug to market faster so more can afford it:
I have a pre-existing condition. I represent a district where 300,000 people have pre-existing conditions. I refuse to let this Administration put them in danger any longer - I’m leading the fight to
#ProtectOurCare
.
One year ago today we made history and won a seat in Congress, unseating our 4-term Republican opponent.
A Democrat has never been re-elected to serve
#IL14
. Let's make history again!