Representative Danny Davis, Democratic from Illinois

Danny Davis

Representative · Illinois · Democrat

Danny Davis

House Floor

Recent comments in the House

Mr. Speaker, I believe that you can measure the greatness of a society by how well it treats its old, how well it treats its young, and how well it treats those who have difficulties caring for themselves, through no fault of their own, yet need help from other elements of society. If this bill is an indication of how we value our most vulnerable citizens, then we are not in good shape. Instead of going after billionaire tax cheats or ultrawealthy tax evaders, my Republican colleagues are advancing a bill that purports to remove barriers to work for disabled Americans. In all actuality, H.R.
On H.R. 8884··Share
Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to H.R. 8872. Democrats strongly oppose fraud, and that is why Representative Judy Chu and I introduced H.R. 2108, the TANF State Expenditure Integrity Act, which would give the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services specific authority to monitor sub-grantee expenditures, to ensure that they are consistent with TANF's purpose of helping poor children. When they are not, as was the case in the egregious fraud perpetrated by Brett Favre and Governor Phil Bryant in Mississippi, H.R.
On H.R. 8872··Share
Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers. I am prepared to close, and I yield myself the balance of my time. President Trump's economy has zero job creation. Skyrocketing gas prices and costly childcare make it more difficult and more expensive to work, crushing workers and families. Wage growth is slowing.
PREVENTING WASTE, FRAUD, AND ABUSE IN TANF ACT··Share
Biography
Danny Davis, a former postal worker and community organizer, has represented Illinois’s 7th Congressional District in the U.S. House since 1997. He focuses on expanding access to health care, reforming the criminal justice system, and supporting workforce development. Davis authored the Second Chance Act, which helps people reenter society after incarceration, and serves on the House Ways and Means Committee, influencing tax and social policy. He is known for hands-on engagement with constituents and a long-standing commitment to addressing urban challenges in Chicago.
Education
  • Ph.D. in Public Administration, Union Institute, Cincinnati, OH
    1977
  • M.S. in Guidance, Chicago State University
    1968
  • B.A. in History, Arkansas AM&N College
    1961
Professional History
  • U.S. Representative

    1997-Present

    Representing Illinois's 7th district

  • Co-Chair, Clinton-Gore-Braun ’92

    1992

  • Commissioner of Cook County, 1st District

    1990–96

  • Executive Director, Westside Health Planning Organization

    1975–1981

  • Alderman, Chicago City Council, 29th Ward

    1979–90

  • Training Director, Martin L. King Neighborhood Health Center

    1969–1971

  • Executive Director, Greater Lawndale Conservation Commission

    1969

  • Teacher/counselor, Chicago Public Schools

    1962–68

  • Clerk, Chicago Post Office

    1961–65

  • Board of Directors, National Housing Partnership

  • Founder/president, Westside Association for Community Action

  • President, National Association of Community Health Centers

Policy Focus
Health25%
Taxation21%
Social Welfare9%
Private Legislation9%
Notable Legislation

Key legislative actions from Danny Davis's record in Congress.

  • Second Chance Act

    Sponsored the Second Chance Act, providing support for reentry programs to reduce recidivism among formerly incarcerated individuals.

  • Child Welfare Improvements

    Championed legislation to improve foster care and adoption services, including the Fostering Connections to Success Act.

  • Health Equity Funding

    Secured federal funding for health centers in underserved Chicago communities to expand access to primary care.

  • Postal Service Protection

    Advocated for and helped pass measures to preserve and modernize the U.S. Postal Service, protecting jobs and services.

Committee Assignments
View details →
  • House Committee on Ways and Means

Rep. Danny Davis FAQ

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