Lauren Underwood is a Democratic Representative from Illinois, serving the 14th congressional district. She was born on October 4, 1986, in Mayfield Heights, Ohio. Underwood is a graduate of Neuqua Valley High School in Naperville, Illinois, and holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Michigan, as well as a Master of Science in Nursing and a Master of Public Health from Johns Hopkins University. Before her congressional career, she worked as a nurse, professor, and served as a senior advisor in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services from 2014 to 2017. She has been elected to office since January 3, 2019, and has been re-elected in the succeeding Congresses.

Throughout her tenure, Underwood has been an advocate for various health and social issues, driven by her background as a healthcare professional. She is a member of the Appropriations Committee and the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Subcommittee. Her role on these committees indicates her involvement in fiscal decisions that affect a wide range of social and environmental programs.

Underwood has been proactive in introducing significant legislation aimed at improving healthcare access, veteran support, and women's rights. Notable bills she has sponsored include:

1. Health Care Affordability Act of 2025 (HB247): This bill aims to enhance healthcare access and affordability, showcasing her commitment to healthcare reform.
2. Job Protection Act (HB1035): This legislation seeks to broaden family and medical leave provisions, thereby supporting workers' rights and advocating for better job security.
3. Convenient Contraception Act (HB2529): By mandating health plans to provide a full year’s supply of contraceptives, this bill aims to eliminate barriers to reproductive health access, reflecting her focus on women's health issues.
4. Ensuring Veterans Timely Access to Anesthesia Care Act of 2025 (HB2234): This bill underscores her advocacy for veterans, ensuring they receive timely medical services related to anesthesia and pain management.

Additionally, Underwood has co-sponsored a range of impactful bills, including measures to support veterans and their families, safeguard social services, and improve healthcare systems. Her bill titled Lactation Spaces for Veteran Moms Act (HB1646) mandates hygienic lactation spaces in VA medical centers, advocating for the needs of new mothers.

Political Leanings

Underwood's legislative actions showcase a consistent focus on healthcare, social justice, and support for vulnerable populations, aligning her with progressive policies. Her sponsorship of bills aimed at enhancing healthcare affordability and access, especially for women and veterans, reflects a commitment to addressing systemic inequalities in the healthcare system. Furthermore, her advocacy for family leave reforms indicates a prioritization of workplace protections and worker rights.

Her involvement in legislation affecting taxation, such as the SALT Fairness for Working Families Act (HB246), points to her interest in providing economic relief to families, particularly those in high-tax states. Overall, Underwood's political leanings can be characterized as center-left, with a strong focus on health equity, women's rights, and social welfare.

In summary, Representative Lauren Underwood is a dedicated advocate for health and social issues, with a legislative record that highlights her commitment to improving healthcare access and supporting vulnerable communities in Illinois and beyond.