Robin L. Kelly
Representative for Illinois · Democratic · United States
“Mr. Speaker, I am pleased today to speak on my bipartisan bill, H.R. 2001, the Action for Dental Health Act, to reauthorize vital oral health workforce grants through 2030. Even though it is entirely preventable, tooth decay remains the most prevalent chronic disease among children and adults in this country.”
“Dental health is often an indication of overall health, which is why we must address the barriers to these services and ensure that everyone has access to reliable care. The more we can address early diagnosis, intervention, and preventative dental treatments, the better off our patients and our healthcare system will be.”
“Over the last 13 years, I have watched him earn every single step of his journey, working his way up to legislative assistant, legislative director, and, ultimately, a great chief of staff. Today, he is still a young man, but he also is a devoted husband and a proud dad. He has truly grown up in this office.”
“Over the last 13 years, I have watched him earn every single step of his journey, working his way up to legislative assistant, legislative director, and, ultimately, a great chief of staff. Today, he is still a young man, but he also is a devoted husband and a proud dad. He has truly grown up in this office.”
“Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 118 (Monday, July 20, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 118 (Monday, July 20, 2026)] [House] [Page H4672] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING MATT McMURRAY (Ms.”
“Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 118 (Monday, July 20, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 118 (Monday, July 20, 2026)] [House] [Page H4672] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING MATT McMURRAY (Ms.”
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“He helped me build a wonderful, dedicated staff, kept a sharp eye on our budget, and made sure our core mission of serving the people of Illinois' Second District was always top of mind. He kept us focused, organized, and grounded. I wish Matt nothing but the absolute best in his new endeavors. The organization he is joining is incredibly lucky to have him, but let me be clear: Just because he is moving on doesn't mean he is off the hook because once you are Team Kelly, you are always Team Kelly. I thank Matt for everything. ____________________”
“Over the last 13 years, I have watched him earn every single step of his journey, working his way up to legislative assistant, legislative director, and, ultimately, a great chief of staff. Today, he is still a young man, but he also is a devoted husband and a proud dad. He has truly grown up in this office. I always tease Matt that he was basically born in the Capitol. He knows every single nook, cranny, and historical detail of the building. One of his favorite traditions was sending our new interns on legendary Capitol scavenger hunts, ensuring that they didn't just work here but they truly learned about the history and unique aspects of life on the Hill. As my chief of staff, Matt has been an exceptional leader.”
“Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 118 (Monday, July 20, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 118 (Monday, July 20, 2026)] [House] [Page H4672] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING MATT McMURRAY (Ms. KELLY of Illinois asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute.) Ms. KELLY of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank my chief of staff, Matt McMurray, for his service to my office and the Second Congressional District of Illinois. Matt has been with me since day one. When we first met back in 2013, he was a very young man, fresh out of college, starting out as my staff assistant and deputy scheduler.”
“As one of a handful of dentists in Congress, I thank him for his expertise and partnership on such an important effort. I have been proud to work with my colleagues on oral health issues since 2013. I am glad to see bipartisan support on such a critical issue. Mr. Speaker, let's act now to ensure every American in need has access to quality dental health services.”
“Dental health is often an indication of overall health, which is why we must address the barriers to these services and ensure that everyone has access to reliable care. The more we can address early diagnosis, intervention, and preventative dental treatments, the better off our patients and our healthcare system will be. The Action for Dental Health Act reauthorizes vital funds to grow the oral health workforce, support oral health education, and establish dental homes. Passing this bill is a major step forward. By supporting local organizations and strengthening existing resources, we will expand oral healthcare in underserved communities, reducing dental disease and preventing costly emergency room visits. I thank my colleague Congressman Mike Simpson of Idaho for his work on this bill.”
“Mr. Speaker, I am pleased today to speak on my bipartisan bill, H.R. 2001, the Action for Dental Health Act, to reauthorize vital oral health workforce grants through 2030. Even though it is entirely preventable, tooth decay remains the most prevalent chronic disease among children and adults in this country. Right now, millions of Americans live in communities with a severe shortage of dental health professionals. This means that kids are forced to grow up with untreated tooth decay, impacting their ability to eat, play, and learn. It means that adults are skipping care until a simple cavity becomes an infection and an infection becomes an emergency room visit. [[Page H4646]] It means that seniors are forced to live with toothlessness or chronic dental pain with potentially life-threatening consequences.”
“He helped me build a wonderful, dedicated staff, kept a sharp eye on our budget, and made sure our core mission of serving the people of Illinois' Second District was always top of mind. He kept us focused, organized, and grounded. I wish Matt nothing but the absolute best in his new endeavors. The organization he is joining is incredibly lucky to have him, but let me be clear: Just because he is moving on doesn't mean he is off the hook because once you are Team Kelly, you are always Team Kelly. I thank Matt for everything. ____________________”
“Over the last 13 years, I have watched him earn every single step of his journey, working his way up to legislative assistant, legislative director, and, ultimately, a great chief of staff. Today, he is still a young man, but he also is a devoted husband and a proud dad. He has truly grown up in this office. I always tease Matt that he was basically born in the Capitol. He knows every single nook, cranny, and historical detail of the building. One of his favorite traditions was sending our new interns on legendary Capitol scavenger hunts, ensuring that they didn't just work here but they truly learned about the history and unique aspects of life on the Hill. As my chief of staff, Matt has been an exceptional leader.”
“Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 118 (Monday, July 20, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 118 (Monday, July 20, 2026)] [House] [Page H4672] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING MATT McMURRAY (Ms. KELLY of Illinois asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute.) Ms. KELLY of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank my chief of staff, Matt McMurray, for his service to my office and the Second Congressional District of Illinois. Matt has been with me since day one. When we first met back in 2013, he was a very young man, fresh out of college, starting out as my staff assistant and deputy scheduler.”
“Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 71 (Tuesday, April 29, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 71 (Tuesday, April 29, 2025)] [House] [Page H1712] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] REMOVAL OF NAME OF MEMBER AS COSPONSOR OF H. RES. 353. Ms. KELLY of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I hereby remove my name as cosponsor of H. Res. 353. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentlewoman's request is granted. ____________________”
“Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 71 (Tuesday, April 29, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 71 (Tuesday, April 29, 2025)] [House] [Page H1712] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] REMOVAL OF NAME OF MEMBER AS COSPONSOR OF H. RES. 353. Ms. KELLY of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I hereby remove my name as cosponsor of H. Res. 353. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentlewoman's request is granted. ____________________”
“These programs are meant to help women, veterans, Black people, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and, frankly, all of us. In the middle of our country's maternal mortality crisis, Trump and DOGE fired the people dedicated to finding and implementing solutions mothers desperately need. Only three government data sources report maternal deaths in the U.S., and they are all in dire risk with the current reorganization plans at HHS. These cuts to Medicaid and our country's healthcare infrastructure are simply cruel and will leave all Americans' health in limbo. I refuse to go backward. I am determined to continue to march forward arm in arm with my CBC colleagues and allies to fight for our healthcare. {time} 2000”
“I have heard from another mother whose entire family relies on Medicaid for lifesaving care. As House Republicans attack Medicaid, Elon Musk and his unqualified team at DOGE have slashed 20,000 jobs at the Department of Health and Human Services. Their staff cuts and restructuring have targeted the Offices of Minority Health at CMS and SAMHSA. How can we honor Minority Health Month if the institutions dedicated to closing health disparities are being eliminated? For over a decade in Congress, I have worked with CDC, HRSA, and NIH to reduce pregnancy-related deaths. I have introduced legislation to help diversify clinical trials so medical breakthroughs can reach the patients who need treatment the most. President Trump's agenda, however, is determined to drag us backward. He has declared an end to so-called woke research and programs.”
“Even now, I stand firm amid attacks against public health. House Republicans want to slash Medicaid by $880 billion. Their budget is an attack against millions of Americans who depend on Medicaid for healthcare. Over 300,000 of my constituents are at risk of losing healthcare if House Republicans get their way. More constituents stand to see their health premiums increase by over $1,000. Again, it is more than just the numbers. I heard from parents who won't be able to provide the lifesaving medication and treatment their son needs. If they can't afford healthcare for their son, they will first sell their home. If that doesn't work, they actually talked about giving up custody of their son to the State. I heard from a mom whose son has autism and is terrified for his future if he doesn't have healthcare and specialized education.”
“Black people die from gun violence at 2.7 times the rate of White people. While guns have been the leading cause of death for all children and teenagers since 2020, guns have been the leading cause of death for Black children since 2006. These statistics are horrifying, but we cannot forget the faces and stories behind the numbers. When I was first elected to Congress, a constituent called me and said her friend's daughter-in-law died in child labor. That baby had to grow up without a mother. It is because of her and her baby that I continue to fight for Black mothers and maternal health. I have heard countless stories from parents who have turned their pain into purpose after losing a child to gun violence, determined not to let another family go through the same grief. I continue to fight to end gun violence because of these families.”
“Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Minority Health Awareness Month. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleagues, Congressman Clyburn and Congresswoman McClellan, for holding this Special Order hour to bring attention to our country's health disparities. As chair of the Congressional Black Caucus Health Braintrust, I am familiar with the adverse statistics that face Black and Brown communities. Black women are three times more likely to die due to pregnancy- related causes than White women. Black people are about twice as likely to die from diabetes than White people. On the South Side of Chicago, which I represent, Black people are expected to die 11 years earlier than White people living on the North Side, and sometimes it is higher than that. Let us not forget gun violence, a public health crisis and emergency in our country.”