Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of my bill, the Lactation Spaces for Veteran Moms Act. Serving veterans is one of the greatest privileges we have as Members of Congress, and we must do everything that we can to ensure not only that they receive the benefits that they have earned through their service and sacrifice, but also that they can access those benefits with the dignity that they deserve. That is why I am so proud to lead the bipartisan Lactation Spaces for Veteran Moms Act with Congresswoman Ashley Hinson.
2026 MidtermsSafe SeatD+10D shift +2$1.6M raised
Lauren Underwood
Representative · Illinois · Democrat
Lauren Underwood
House Floor
Recent comments in the House
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of my bill, the NIH IMPROVE Act. This bipartisan bill, co-led by Congressman Fitzpatrick, will provide consistent funding for research on maternal mortality. The United States has the highest pregnancy-related death rate of any high-income country, and Black women are dying at the highest rate of all. The crisis is only getting worse. Over the past two decades, maternal mortality rates have more than doubled, and disparities have worsened. {time} 1610 What is both frustrating and promising is that over 80 percent of these deaths are preventable.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate a victory for Illinois farmers. This week, I was proud to vote for the bipartisan Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act, which will allow for the sale of E15 ethanol fuel year-round. Expanding access to E15 is a win-win. It provides our farmers with stable markets, and it lowers costs at the pump for families across the country. I grew up in northern Illinois where I love being surrounded by the gorgeous corn and soybean fields.
Biography
Lauren Underwood began her career as a registered nurse and health policy expert, bringing frontline experience to public service. Elected in 2018, she represents Illinois’s 14th congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives. Underwood focuses on expanding access to affordable health care, strengthening public health infrastructure, and supporting veterans. She authored the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act and serves on the House Committee on Appropriations. Underwood is recognized for her practical, data-driven approach to addressing her district’s needs.
Education
- M.S.N., M.P.H. in Public Health Nursing & Health Policy, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD2009
- B.S.N., University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI2008
Professional History
U.S. Representative
2019-PresentRepresenting Illinois's 14th district
Senior Advisor, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
2014–17Nurse
Professor
Policy Focus
Health41%
Armed Forces and National Security22%
Taxation11%
Labor and Employment8%
Notable Legislation
Key legislative actions from Lauren Underwood's record in Congress.
Lower Insulin Costs
Co-led the Affordable Insulin Now Act to cap out-of-pocket insulin costs at $35 per month for Medicare beneficiaries.
Maternal Health
Authored the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act to address maternal mortality and improve health outcomes for mothers.
Veterans' Mental Health
Passed legislation to expand mental health care access for veterans through the Veterans’ Care Quality Transparency Act.
COVID-19 Response Funding
Secured federal COVID-19 relief funding for Illinois health centers and hospitals to improve pandemic response.
Committee Assignments
View details →- House Committee on Appropriations
Rep. Lauren Underwood FAQ
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