Danny K. Davis
Representative for Illinois · Democratic · United States
“In the summer of 1955, when Emmett was murdered in Mississippi, I was 14 years old--living in Parkdale, Arkansas, and visiting my grandfather in Mississippi every summer, just as Emmett visited his great-uncle. When that news reached us, it terrified every Black family in the South.”
“In the summer of 1955, when Emmett was murdered in Mississippi, I was 14 years old--living in Parkdale, Arkansas, and visiting my grandfather in Mississippi every summer, just as Emmett visited his great-uncle. When that news reached us, it terrified every Black family in the South.”
“Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 116 (Thursday, July 16, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 116 (Thursday, July 16, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E699-E700] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HE COULD HAVE BEEN ME ______ HON. DANNY K.”
“Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 116 (Thursday, July 16, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 116 (Thursday, July 16, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E699-E700] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HE COULD HAVE BEEN ME ______ HON. DANNY K.”
“In her honor, I introduced legislation to establish the Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley National Historic Site in Illinois--because their story must be protected, taught, and never forgotten. Tonight we celebrate what would have been Emmett's 85th birthday.”
“In her honor, I introduced legislation to establish the Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley National Historic Site in Illinois--because their story must be protected, taught, and never forgotten. Tonight we celebrate what would have been Emmett's 85th birthday.”
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“In her honor, I introduced legislation to establish the Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley National Historic Site in Illinois--because their story must be protected, taught, and never forgotten. Tonight we celebrate what would have been Emmett's 85th birthday. He should be here-- [[Page E700]] gray-haired, surrounded by grandchildren, full of stories. The distance between his fate and mine was not character or worth. It was chance. And that is why I will never stop working to ensure that no mother ever has to do what Mamie Till-Mobley did. I wish Emmett a Happy Birthday. We carry him. We remember him. We will not rest until the justice he never received in life is fully honored in history. ____________________”
“In the summer of 1955, when Emmett was murdered in Mississippi, I was 14 years old--living in Parkdale, Arkansas, and visiting my grandfather in Mississippi every summer, just as Emmett visited his great-uncle. When that news reached us, it terrified every Black family in the South. The thought that formed in my mind at 14 years old has stayed with me every day of my life: that could have been me. Emmett's mother, the incomparable Mrs. Mamie Till-Mobley, turned unimaginable grief into the most courageous act in American history. She opened that casket and said: ``Let the people see what I've seen.'' That decision ignited the Civil Rights Movement. Rosa Parks said she thought of Emmett Till before she refused to give up her seat. I was privileged to know Mrs. Till-Mobley personally, and I carry her courage with me in everything I do.”
“Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 116 (Thursday, July 16, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 116 (Thursday, July 16, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E699-E700] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HE COULD HAVE BEEN ME ______ HON. DANNY K. DAVIS of illinois in the house of representatives Thursday, July 16, 2026 Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Emmett Louis Till. Emmett Louis Till was born July 25, 1941. I was born September 6, 1941--just forty-two days later. Had Emmett lived, he would be turning 85 years old today. I turn 85 in September. We are the same age. We came into this world together, and that truth has never left me.”
“In her honor, I introduced legislation to establish the Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley National Historic Site in Illinois--because their story must be protected, taught, and never forgotten. Tonight we celebrate what would have been Emmett's 85th birthday. He should be here-- [[Page E700]] gray-haired, surrounded by grandchildren, full of stories. The distance between his fate and mine was not character or worth. It was chance. And that is why I will never stop working to ensure that no mother ever has to do what Mamie Till-Mobley did. I wish Emmett a Happy Birthday. We carry him. We remember him. We will not rest until the justice he never received in life is fully honored in history. ____________________”
“In the summer of 1955, when Emmett was murdered in Mississippi, I was 14 years old--living in Parkdale, Arkansas, and visiting my grandfather in Mississippi every summer, just as Emmett visited his great-uncle. When that news reached us, it terrified every Black family in the South. The thought that formed in my mind at 14 years old has stayed with me every day of my life: that could have been me. Emmett's mother, the incomparable Mrs. Mamie Till-Mobley, turned unimaginable grief into the most courageous act in American history. She opened that casket and said: ``Let the people see what I've seen.'' That decision ignited the Civil Rights Movement. Rosa Parks said she thought of Emmett Till before she refused to give up her seat. I was privileged to know Mrs. Till-Mobley personally, and I carry her courage with me in everything I do.”
“Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 116 (Thursday, July 16, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 116 (Thursday, July 16, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E699-E700] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HE COULD HAVE BEEN ME ______ HON. DANNY K. DAVIS of illinois in the house of representatives Thursday, July 16, 2026 Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Emmett Louis Till. Emmett Louis Till was born July 25, 1941. I was born September 6, 1941--just forty-two days later. Had Emmett lived, he would be turning 85 years old today. I turn 85 in September. We are the same age. We came into this world together, and that truth has never left me.”
“Policies that reduce access to care do not eliminate disparities, they widen them. Congress should be strengthening maternal health, not dismantling it. Healthy mothers build healthy families, and healthy families build stronger communities. Every mother deserves a safe pregnancy, every baby deserves a healthy start, and every family deserves access to quality health care regardless of income or zip code. I urge my colleagues to reject these harmful Medicaid cuts and to protect maternal health, expand postpartum care, reduce Black maternal health disparities, and ensure that every family has the opportunity to thrive. The health of our Nation begins with the health of our mothers. ____________________”
“Weakening Medicaid threatens these life-saving services by shifting additional costs to states that may be forced to reduce postpartum coverage, eliminate doula services, home visiting programs, and integrated mental health care that have already demonstrated measurable success. Perhaps nowhere are these dangers more apparent than in Black maternal health. Black women remain two to three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than white women, while Black infants experience mortality rates twice as high as their white counterparts. These unacceptable disparities persist because structural inequities continue to limit access to quality care before, during, and after pregnancy. For communities like many of those I proudly represent in Chicago, these cuts will deepen existing disparities instead of addressing them.”
“Today, 48 States and the District of Columbia have extended postpartum Medicaid coverage to twelve months because policymakers on both sides of the aisle recognized a simple truth: childbirth does not end when a mother leaves the hospital. The first year after birth is one of the most medically-vulnerable periods in a woman's life. It is during this time that mothers receive treatment for postpartum depression, anxiety, hypertension, substance use disorder, and other potentially life-threatening complications. Research shows that Medicaid reimbursement for maternal health screenings significantly increases the detection, diagnosis, and treatment of postpartum mental health conditions.”
“Women without health insurance are less likely to receive preventive care or treatment for chronic illnesses, mental health conditions, or substance use disorders before becoming pregnant, increasing the likelihood of pregnancy complications and poor birth outcomes. Medicaid cuts will also devastate hospitals serving rural and underserved communities, thereby making labor and delivery more dangerous. More than 140 labor and delivery units are projected to close, forcing expectant mothers to travel farther for care and increasing the risk of pregnancy complications. Already, labor and delivery units, women's health clinics, emergency departments, and birth centers have closed nationwide, leaving thousands of families without nearby maternal care.”
“Our state is projected to lose approximately $57 billion in federal Medicaid funding over the next decade, with estimates reaching approximately $48 billion in direct Medicaid reductions. These losses will force hospitals and health care providers across our state to make impossible decisions, leading to workforce reductions, cuts to obstetric and mental health services, and even hospital closures. The impact on maternal health cannot be overstated. Medicaid guarantees coverage for low-income women throughout pregnancy and currently supports prenatal care, labor and delivery, and postpartum care. The damage of Medicaid cuts begins even before pregnancy.”
“It finances more than 42 percent of all births nationwide, half of the births in rural communities, and approximately 60 percent of births to women of color. In Illinois alone, Medicaid covers more than 50 percent of the births in the state and insures approximately 3.4 million people, including nearly 1.5 million children. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that 5.7 million Americans will lose Medicaid coverage because of new policies that impose burdensome administrative requirements and unnecessary barriers to maintaining health insurance. These are not simply numbers; they represent pregnant mothers, newborn babies, working parents, seniors, and children who may lose access to essential medical care. For Illinois, the consequences are especially severe.”
“Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 114 (Tuesday, July 14, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 114 (Tuesday, July 14, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E689] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] POLICYMAKERS MUST PRIORITIZE MATERNAL HEALTH AND PROTECT MEDICAID ______ HON. DANNY K. DAVIS of illinois in the house of representatives Tuesday, July 14, 2026 Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address an issue that transcends politics because it is about life itself--protecting mothers, protecting babies, and protecting the healthcare that millions of American families rely on through Medicaid. Medicaid is not an abstract government program. It is the foundation of maternal and child health in America.”
“Crawford has served as a mentor and role model to generations of officials and young athletes, demonstrating that discipline, humility, and dedication are the hallmarks of true greatness. As a proud native of Chicago, Illinois, Mr. Crawford has brought honor and distinction to his hometown and continues to inspire future generations through his enduring legacy of service, leadership and legacy. As the U.S. Representative of the 7th District of Illinois, I take this moment to acknowledge Mr. Danny Crawford as a living legend in recognition of his remarkable career as an NBA official, and thank him for his enduring contributions to the sport of basketball and lifelong commitment to excellence. I believe in giving honor when and where honor is due. ____________________”
“Crawford has exemplified integrity, professionalism, fairness, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, earning the admiration of players, coaches, fellow officials, and basketball fans throughout the United States and around the world. Beginning his NBA officiating career in 1985, Danny Crawford officiated over 2,000 regular season games, more than 300 playoff games, and 30 NBA Finals games, distinguishing himself as one of the league's most trusted and elite officials. Danny's steady leadership and exceptional judgment on the court helped uphold the integrity of the most memorable moments in basketball history, contributing immeasurably to the success and global popularity of the National Basketball Association. In addition to his professional accomplishments, Mr.”
“Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 114 (Tuesday, July 14, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 114 (Tuesday, July 14, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E686] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] PAYING TRIBUTE TO MR. DANNY CRAWFORD, AN OUTSTANDING PROFESSIONAL BASKETBALL OFFICIAL AND HERO TO MANY ______ HON. DANNY K. DAVIS of illinois in the house of representatives Tuesday, July 14, 2026 Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Mr. Danny Crawford, who is recognized as being one of the most accomplished and respected basketball officials in the history of professional sports, having dedicated more than three decades to officiating the highest level of competition in the National Basketball Association. Throughout his distinguished career, Mr.”
“Many philosophers and leaders have emphasized that we should judge a society by how it cares for its young, its elderly, and its vulnerable. I have spent my 30 years in Congress fighting to strengthen Medicare and Medicaid, and I will not stop now--not while my constituents are losing their coverage, not while our hospitals are closing their doors, and not while this Administration chooses billionaires over the people who built this country. As we mark 61 years of Medicare and Medicaid, I renew my commitment to defend these programs and to fight for the day when every American, regardless of zip code or income, can get the care they need. ____________________”
“When my colleagues and I fought to enact the Affordable Care Act, we did so to ensure that no American would ever be denied the care needed to live out their rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. My dedication to healthcare started long before I ever came to Washington, rooted deeply in my years working on the frontlines of Chicago's community health center movement. I saw firsthand that when you give a neighborhood a reliable clinic, you give them a fighting chance at a healthy life. Yet, instead of building on that foundation, this Administration's reckless cuts are pushing our local institutions directly to the brink. Health care is a right, not a privilege reserved for those who can afford it.”
“A resident of the Loop can expect to live to 85; a resident of Garfield Park, just seven stops away on the CTA Blue Line, can expect to live only to age 69. That 16-year gap is not an accident. It is what happens when disinvestment meets need, and it is why Medicaid and Medicare matter more in my district than in almost any other in this country. Forecasters project my own district will have 40,000 more uninsured residents by 2034 because of this Administration's cuts. I have more hospital beds in my district than any other Member of Congress, and I have spent my career working to make sure the people who fill those beds can afford and access quality health care.”
“Illinoisans are suffering. An estimated 193,000 Illinoisans have already lost their coverage, including 176,000 whom the Administration kicked off Medicaid and CHIP outright. Up to 528,000 more are projected to lose their health care in the years ahead. Illinois faces a $57 billion cut in federal Medicaid funding over the next decade, and our hospitals alone are projected to lose nearly $31.3 billion over that same period. Twenty-three rural Illinois hospitals lost money on patient services this past year. Sixteen are at risk of closing. Eight are at immediate risk. In my own Congressional District, 24 percent of families and 30 percent of children under 18 live below the poverty line.”
“I am alarmed that, just 61 years later, the federal guarantee of health care for the elderly and needy is under greater threat than at any point since their establishment--especially for those who rely on Medicaid. Medicaid provides life-saving health insurance to low-income adults, children, pregnant women, elderly adults, and people with disabilities. Yet last year, President Trump and Congressional Republicans passed the Big Ugly Bill, ripping over $1 trillion out of Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act to bankroll tax breaks for billionaires and big corporations. Nationally, 8 million Americans already have lost their health coverage, and 15 million more are projected to lose coverage by 2034. More than 1,000 hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes across the country are closing, cutting services, or at risk of doing so.”
“Today, across the Nation, over 140 million Americans depend on Medicare and Medicaid for their fundamental health care needs. In our state, over 2.4 million Illinoisans--nearly 18 percent of our state-- rely on Medicare. Roughly 3 million--about one in four Illinoisans-- depend on Medicaid. Medicaid pays for approximately half of all births in Illinois and covers 68 percent of all nursing home [[Page E684]] days in our state. These numbers are not theoretical abstractions. These numbers are Illinoisans who rely on Medicare and Medicaid to thrive. These numbers are the doctor's visits, nursing home beds, and prescriptions that keep our neighbors alive.”
“Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 114 (Tuesday, July 14, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 114 (Tuesday, July 14, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E683-E684] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] CELEBRATING THE 61ST ANNIVERSARY OF MEDICARE AND MEDICAID ______ HON. DANNY K. DAVIS of illinois in the house of representatives Tuesday, July 14, 2026 Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 61st anniversary of Medicare and Medicaid. On July 30, 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed these essential programs into law, guaranteeing that seniors, children, and families would no longer have to face a health crisis alone.”
“Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 114 (Tuesday, July 14, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 114 (Tuesday, July 14, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E682] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] PERSONAL EXPLANATION ______ HON. DANNY K. DAVIS of illinois in the house of representatives Tuesday, July 14, 2026 Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I was unable to cast votes on July 13, 2026. Had I been present for Roll Call votes, I would have voted: Aye on Roll Call No. 234, H.R. 3106, and Aye on Roll Call No. 235, H.R. 8897. ____________________”
“Policies that reduce access to care do not eliminate disparities, they widen them. Congress should be strengthening maternal health, not dismantling it. Healthy mothers build healthy families, and healthy families build stronger communities. Every mother deserves a safe pregnancy, every baby deserves a healthy start, and every family deserves access to quality health care regardless of income or zip code. I urge my colleagues to reject these harmful Medicaid cuts and to protect maternal health, expand postpartum care, reduce Black maternal health disparities, and ensure that every family has the opportunity to thrive. The health of our Nation begins with the health of our mothers. ____________________”
“Weakening Medicaid threatens these life-saving services by shifting additional costs to states that may be forced to reduce postpartum coverage, eliminate doula services, home visiting programs, and integrated mental health care that have already demonstrated measurable success. Perhaps nowhere are these dangers more apparent than in Black maternal health. Black women remain two to three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than white women, while Black infants experience mortality rates twice as high as their white counterparts. These unacceptable disparities persist because structural inequities continue to limit access to quality care before, during, and after pregnancy. For communities like many of those I proudly represent in Chicago, these cuts will deepen existing disparities instead of addressing them.”
“Today, 48 States and the District of Columbia have extended postpartum Medicaid coverage to twelve months because policymakers on both sides of the aisle recognized a simple truth: childbirth does not end when a mother leaves the hospital. The first year after birth is one of the most medically-vulnerable periods in a woman's life. It is during this time that mothers receive treatment for postpartum depression, anxiety, hypertension, substance use disorder, and other potentially life-threatening complications. Research shows that Medicaid reimbursement for maternal health screenings significantly increases the detection, diagnosis, and treatment of postpartum mental health conditions.”
“Women without health insurance are less likely to receive preventive care or treatment for chronic illnesses, mental health conditions, or substance use disorders before becoming pregnant, increasing the likelihood of pregnancy complications and poor birth outcomes. Medicaid cuts will also devastate hospitals serving rural and underserved communities, thereby making labor and delivery more dangerous. More than 140 labor and delivery units are projected to close, forcing expectant mothers to travel farther for care and increasing the risk of pregnancy complications. Already, labor and delivery units, women's health clinics, emergency departments, and birth centers have closed nationwide, leaving thousands of families without nearby maternal care.”
“Our state is projected to lose approximately $57 billion in federal Medicaid funding over the next decade, with estimates reaching approximately $48 billion in direct Medicaid reductions. These losses will force hospitals and health care providers across our state to make impossible decisions, leading to workforce reductions, cuts to obstetric and mental health services, and even hospital closures. The impact on maternal health cannot be overstated. Medicaid guarantees coverage for low-income women throughout pregnancy and currently supports prenatal care, labor and delivery, and postpartum care. The damage of Medicaid cuts begins even before pregnancy.”
“It finances more than 42 percent of all births nationwide, half of the births in rural communities, and approximately 60 percent of births to women of color. In Illinois alone, Medicaid covers more than 50 percent of the births in the state and insures approximately 3.4 million people, including nearly 1.5 million children. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that 5.7 million Americans will lose Medicaid coverage because of new policies that impose burdensome administrative requirements and unnecessary barriers to maintaining health insurance. These are not simply numbers; they represent pregnant mothers, newborn babies, working parents, seniors, and children who may lose access to essential medical care. For Illinois, the consequences are especially severe.”
“Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 114 (Tuesday, July 14, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 114 (Tuesday, July 14, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E689] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] POLICYMAKERS MUST PRIORITIZE MATERNAL HEALTH AND PROTECT MEDICAID ______ HON. DANNY K. DAVIS of illinois in the house of representatives Tuesday, July 14, 2026 Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address an issue that transcends politics because it is about life itself--protecting mothers, protecting babies, and protecting the healthcare that millions of American families rely on through Medicaid. Medicaid is not an abstract government program. It is the foundation of maternal and child health in America.”
“Crawford has served as a mentor and role model to generations of officials and young athletes, demonstrating that discipline, humility, and dedication are the hallmarks of true greatness. As a proud native of Chicago, Illinois, Mr. Crawford has brought honor and distinction to his hometown and continues to inspire future generations through his enduring legacy of service, leadership and legacy. As the U.S. Representative of the 7th District of Illinois, I take this moment to acknowledge Mr. Danny Crawford as a living legend in recognition of his remarkable career as an NBA official, and thank him for his enduring contributions to the sport of basketball and lifelong commitment to excellence. I believe in giving honor when and where honor is due. ____________________”
“Crawford has exemplified integrity, professionalism, fairness, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, earning the admiration of players, coaches, fellow officials, and basketball fans throughout the United States and around the world. Beginning his NBA officiating career in 1985, Danny Crawford officiated over 2,000 regular season games, more than 300 playoff games, and 30 NBA Finals games, distinguishing himself as one of the league's most trusted and elite officials. Danny's steady leadership and exceptional judgment on the court helped uphold the integrity of the most memorable moments in basketball history, contributing immeasurably to the success and global popularity of the National Basketball Association. In addition to his professional accomplishments, Mr.”
“Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 114 (Tuesday, July 14, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 114 (Tuesday, July 14, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E686] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] PAYING TRIBUTE TO MR. DANNY CRAWFORD, AN OUTSTANDING PROFESSIONAL BASKETBALL OFFICIAL AND HERO TO MANY ______ HON. DANNY K. DAVIS of illinois in the house of representatives Tuesday, July 14, 2026 Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Mr. Danny Crawford, who is recognized as being one of the most accomplished and respected basketball officials in the history of professional sports, having dedicated more than three decades to officiating the highest level of competition in the National Basketball Association. Throughout his distinguished career, Mr.”
“Many philosophers and leaders have emphasized that we should judge a society by how it cares for its young, its elderly, and its vulnerable. I have spent my 30 years in Congress fighting to strengthen Medicare and Medicaid, and I will not stop now--not while my constituents are losing their coverage, not while our hospitals are closing their doors, and not while this Administration chooses billionaires over the people who built this country. As we mark 61 years of Medicare and Medicaid, I renew my commitment to defend these programs and to fight for the day when every American, regardless of zip code or income, can get the care they need. ____________________”
“When my colleagues and I fought to enact the Affordable Care Act, we did so to ensure that no American would ever be denied the care needed to live out their rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. My dedication to healthcare started long before I ever came to Washington, rooted deeply in my years working on the frontlines of Chicago's community health center movement. I saw firsthand that when you give a neighborhood a reliable clinic, you give them a fighting chance at a healthy life. Yet, instead of building on that foundation, this Administration's reckless cuts are pushing our local institutions directly to the brink. Health care is a right, not a privilege reserved for those who can afford it.”
“A resident of the Loop can expect to live to 85; a resident of Garfield Park, just seven stops away on the CTA Blue Line, can expect to live only to age 69. That 16-year gap is not an accident. It is what happens when disinvestment meets need, and it is why Medicaid and Medicare matter more in my district than in almost any other in this country. Forecasters project my own district will have 40,000 more uninsured residents by 2034 because of this Administration's cuts. I have more hospital beds in my district than any other Member of Congress, and I have spent my career working to make sure the people who fill those beds can afford and access quality health care.”
“Illinoisans are suffering. An estimated 193,000 Illinoisans have already lost their coverage, including 176,000 whom the Administration kicked off Medicaid and CHIP outright. Up to 528,000 more are projected to lose their health care in the years ahead. Illinois faces a $57 billion cut in federal Medicaid funding over the next decade, and our hospitals alone are projected to lose nearly $31.3 billion over that same period. Twenty-three rural Illinois hospitals lost money on patient services this past year. Sixteen are at risk of closing. Eight are at immediate risk. In my own Congressional District, 24 percent of families and 30 percent of children under 18 live below the poverty line.”
“I am alarmed that, just 61 years later, the federal guarantee of health care for the elderly and needy is under greater threat than at any point since their establishment--especially for those who rely on Medicaid. Medicaid provides life-saving health insurance to low-income adults, children, pregnant women, elderly adults, and people with disabilities. Yet last year, President Trump and Congressional Republicans passed the Big Ugly Bill, ripping over $1 trillion out of Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act to bankroll tax breaks for billionaires and big corporations. Nationally, 8 million Americans already have lost their health coverage, and 15 million more are projected to lose coverage by 2034. More than 1,000 hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes across the country are closing, cutting services, or at risk of doing so.”
“Today, across the Nation, over 140 million Americans depend on Medicare and Medicaid for their fundamental health care needs. In our state, over 2.4 million Illinoisans--nearly 18 percent of our state-- rely on Medicare. Roughly 3 million--about one in four Illinoisans-- depend on Medicaid. Medicaid pays for approximately half of all births in Illinois and covers 68 percent of all nursing home [[Page E684]] days in our state. These numbers are not theoretical abstractions. These numbers are Illinoisans who rely on Medicare and Medicaid to thrive. These numbers are the doctor's visits, nursing home beds, and prescriptions that keep our neighbors alive.”
“Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 114 (Tuesday, July 14, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 114 (Tuesday, July 14, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E683-E684] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] CELEBRATING THE 61ST ANNIVERSARY OF MEDICARE AND MEDICAID ______ HON. DANNY K. DAVIS of illinois in the house of representatives Tuesday, July 14, 2026 Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 61st anniversary of Medicare and Medicaid. On July 30, 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed these essential programs into law, guaranteeing that seniors, children, and families would no longer have to face a health crisis alone.”
“Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 114 (Tuesday, July 14, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 114 (Tuesday, July 14, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E682] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] PERSONAL EXPLANATION ______ HON. DANNY K. DAVIS of illinois in the house of representatives Tuesday, July 14, 2026 Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I was unable to cast votes on July 13, 2026. Had I been present for Roll Call votes, I would have voted: Aye on Roll Call No. 234, H.R. 3106, and Aye on Roll Call No. 235, H.R. 8897. ____________________”
“I am now working to spread awareness of this finding, so employers, employees, HR departments and patients are aware of proper use of leave under FMLA. [[Page E306]] This year marks the 25th Anniversary of the establishment of the Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research. In celebration of this accomplishment and years of innovation, empowerment and progress, I call on my colleagues to recognize the goals and ideals of Sarcoidosis Awareness Month by supporting federal activities that improve the lives of patients impacted by Sarcoidosis, and to raise awareness and shine a light on the 1.2 million people living with Sarcoidosis. ____________________”
“When requesting time off to participate in clinical trials, some patients have been denied as HR departments have not interpreted clinical trial participation as a permissible use of leave under FMLA. I, along with other Congress members and leading stakeholder organizations such as FSR, reached out to the DOL to get this clarification. Fortunately, the DOL responded confirming that they interpret clinical trial participation, when medically necessary, is a permissible use of leave under FMLA. It further clarified that both patients and caregivers are guaranteed job protection under FMLA, when meeting the necessary requirements and choosing to participate in clinical trials. This effort extends beyond sarcoidosis and extends to all those seeking to participate in clinical trials.”
“I've had the chance to meet wonderful patient advocates and hear their stories. FSR is committed to advancing pivotal research and improving the lives of all impacted by sarcoidosis and has funded over 7 million dollars to support academic research to better understand the cause, mechanisms of progression, and the effective and efficient path to better patient outcomes. Most recently, I worked with FSR to address a lack of clarity from the Department of Labor regarding whether or not clinical trial participation was a permissible use of leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Like other chronic and rare disease patient populations, clinical trial access is critically important for patients with sarcoidosis, as there is no cure and there is a lack of treatment options.”
“When left unchecked, chronic inflammation can lead to fibrosis, which is the permanent scarring of organ tissue. This disorder affects the lungs in approximately 90 percent of cases, but it can affect almost any organ in the body. Despite increasing advances in research, sarcoidosis remains difficult to diagnose with limited treatment options and no known cure. Sarcoidosis is considered chronic in people whose disease remains active for more than 2 to 5 years; in this population sarcoidosis can be debilitating and life-threatening. It's estimated that the prevalence of sarcoidosis in the U.S. ranges between 150,000 and 200,000 with an estimated 1.2 million individuals with sarcoidosis worldwide. I am proud to have the Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research (FSR) based in my district, in the city of Chicago.”
“Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 64 (Wednesday, April 9, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 64 (Wednesday, April 9, 2025)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E305-E306] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING THE MONTH OF APRIL AS SARCOIDOSIS AWARENESS MONTH ______ HON. DANNY K. DAVIS of illinois in the house of representatives Wednesday, April 9, 2025 Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the month of April as Sarcoidosis Awareness Month. Sarcoidosis is a rare inflammatory disease characterized by the formation of granulomas--tiny clumps of inflammatory cells--in one or more organs of the body. When the immune system goes into overdrive and too many of these clumps form, they can interfere with an organ's structure and function.”