DeLauro Statement on Retirement of Jan Schakowsky

Today, Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) released a statement after her friend and colleague Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (IL-09) announced she would not seek re-election in the next Congress:

"One of my great privileges of my time in Congress has been serving with Jan Schakowsky. I met her before our time in Congress, and I quickly realized she would be more than a colleague - she is a sister, a legislative force, and a tireless champion for the people of Illinois.

"We have fought side by side to expand Americans' access to healthcare - coauthoring the Medicare for America Act which offers a bold vision to getting the country to universal coverage. We fought together to bring down the costs of prescription drugs for all Americans, and to protect Medicare for the millions of seniors who rely on it for health coverage and urge for critical reforms to Medicare Advantage.

"Serving for 26 years, Jan has led on workers' rights, consumer safety, and food safety. Together, we have worked to ensure the food Americans eat is safe for consumption. She has also been a leader in the fight for women's rights. As the author of the International Violence Against Women Act, Jan's work to protect women and girls spans the globe.

"I could not have asked for a better partner in the Congress. Jan's legacy will not only be the laws she helped pass - but the lives she touched. She has set a standard for public service that will guide generations of Americans to come. I am grateful for her friendship, her leadership, and her fighting spirit. I wish her all the best in her next chapter."