A Representative from Illinois, this individual was born on October 17, 1958, in Indianapolis, Indiana. They attended Glenbard North High School in Carol Stream, Illinois, and pursued higher education at Roosevelt University in Chicago, where they obtained a B.A. in 1981. They continued their studies at the University of Chicago, earning a Master of Public Policy (M.P.P.) in 1985, and later completed a J.D. at Loyola University School of Law in Chicago in 1989.
Prior to their congressional career, they held various roles including professor, lawyer, and legislative aide. They were a member of the Cook County Board of Commissioners from 1998 to 2009. This representative was elected as a Democrat to the One Hundred Eleventh Congress in a special election, succeeding Rahm Emanuel, and has been reelected in each subsequent Congress since April 7, 2009.
Currently, the representative serves on multiple committees that shape policy on essential and impactful issues. This includes the Committee on Natural Resources, which addresses matters related to conservation, environmental protection, and resource management. They are also part of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, focusing on international relations and promoting U.S. interests abroad.
Throughout their tenure, this member has sponsored and co-sponsored several significant bills that reflect their policy priorities.
Russia-North Korea Cooperation Sanctions Act - This bill aims to expand sanctions on foreign entities involved in military support to Russia from North Korea amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Should this bill become law, it would significantly tighten relationships with entities that engage in arms trade, emphasizing international security concerns.
Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025 - Another significant piece of legislation that seeks to bolster sanctions against Russia, particularly in response to its military aggression in Ukraine. The bill proposes a comprehensive sanctions framework that targets financial institutions and sectors critical to Russia’s economy, further supporting U.S. foreign policy objectives.
Goldie's Act - Aiming to amend agricultural policies, this bill is designed to ensure the welfare of animals used in research by prohibiting certain harmful practices.
Dental Care for Veterans Act - This legislation seeks to mandate the provision of dental care for veterans, highlighting the importance of comprehensive healthcare that includes dental services.
Preventing Illegal Weapons Trafficking Act of 2025 - This bill intends to enhance regulations surrounding the trafficking of machine guns, broadening the scope of federal and local enforcement against illegal arms trade.
The member's legislative actions indicate a strong alignment with progressive and national security-focused policies. Their support for enhanced sanctions against Russia reflects a commitment to international diplomatic principles and national security. Additionally, the advocacy for veterans’ healthcare and animal welfare legislation demonstrates an inclination towards social equity and protection of vulnerable populations.
Their involvement in various health and welfare initiatives, including the Dental Care for Veterans Act and the Goldie’s Act, further illustrates a focus on improving quality of life and social justice issues. This combination of pro-active social policies along with a robust stance on national security issues points to a centrist Democrat ideology that emphasizes both community welfare and international responsibility.
While the official biography does not provide extensive details about the individual’s personal life, it highlights their dedication to educational and professional excellence, which has translated into their public service. Their background as a professor coupled with legal expertise underlines a strong commitment to informed policy-making, reflective of their enduring involvement in legislative processes.
This representative remains a significant figure in the Illinois congressional delegation, actively influencing both local and national policy debates through their legislative and committee work.