In a week marked by urgent action and unwavering conviction, Illinois Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-8th) made national headlines by vociferously opposing a “cruel and reckless” Republican budget, confronting the alarming rise of political violence, and introducing key legislation to protect civil liberties. His determined stand underscores a commitment to working families and core democratic values.

A 14-Hour Drive to Oppose the GOP’s “Large Lousy Law”

Demonstrating his resolve, Congressman Krishnamoorthi undertook a remarkable 14-hour drive from Schaumburg, Illinois, to Washington, D.C., after severe weather grounded his flight. His mission: to cast a crucial vote against the GOP’s $3.4 trillion budget bill. Officially named the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” Krishnamoorthi aptly dubbed it the “Large Lousy Law,” a name reflecting its devastating proposed impacts.

“This bill rips health care away from millions, slashes Medicaid, cuts food assistance, and hands billions to the ultra-wealthy,” Krishnamoorthi stated, calling it not just bad policy but “a betrayal of working Americans.” The Congressional Budget Office, a nonpartisan entity, estimates that over 17 million Americans could lose health coverage if this legislation, now headed to President Trump’s desk, becomes law. Key provisions include:

• Over $1 trillion in cuts from Medicaid.
• Nearly 20% reduction in SNAP (formerly food stamps) benefits.
• Rollbacks of clean energy incentives.
• An estimated $3.3 trillion added to the national debt over the next decade, much of which is intended to finance tax cuts and defense spending.

During his arduous drive, Krishnamoorthi even hosted a Zoom town hall from a rest stop, sharing his personal connection to the safety net programs he was fighting to protect. He emphasized his own family’s past reliance on food stamps and public housing, stating, “These safety net programs made my family’s American Dream possible. I won’t stand by while they’re dismantled.”

Standing Up Against Political Violence After Personal Threats

Earlier in the week, Congressman Krishnamoorthi addressed the House floor with a solemn condemnation of political violence, following a tragic shooting in Minnesota. The incident claimed the lives of State Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, while critically injuring another public official, State Sen. John Hoffman, and his wife. Disturbingly, Krishnamoorthi’s own name was found in the suspect’s notes, underscoring the chilling reality of escalating threats.

“This was not a random act,” he declared. “Political violence is no longer abstract. It is here, it is escalating, and it is an attack on our democracy itself.” He called for bipartisan unity, urging colleagues to condemn all forms of political violence and hateful rhetoric, stressing that “Our public institutions—and the people who serve them—must be protected, not targeted.”

Introducing Legislation to Curb Presidential Overreach

In a significant legislative move, Congressman Krishnamoorthi, alongside Representatives Haley Stevens (MI) and Salud Carbajal (CA), introduced the Stop Trump’s Abuse of Power Act. This crucial legislation seeks to amend the Insurrection Act, aiming to restrict the President’s authority to deploy active-duty military forces against peaceful protestors without an explicit request from a state governor.

This bill directly responds to recent controversial incidents, including President Donald Trump’s deployment of U.S. Marines into Los Angeles during protests and threats of similar militarized ICE crackdowns in Chicago. “No president should have unchecked power to use the military against their own citizens,” Krishnamoorthi asserted. “Our armed forces exist to defend freedom—not suppress it.” This act is designed to restore constitutional checks and safeguard the fundamental freedoms upon which American democracy is built.

A Week of Action and Accountability

Congressman Krishnamoorthi’s intense week of activity in Washington clearly signals his unwavering commitment to protecting vulnerable Americans and preserving the integrity of constitutional democracy. From challenging austerity-driven legislation that would harm working families to confronting political extremism and championing civil rights for all citizens, his message resonates with clarity and conviction.

“I will keep fighting for working families, for democratic norms, and for a future where the American Dream belongs to everyone—not just the privileged few,” he affirmed. His actions reflect a deep personal conviction, rooted in his own family’s experiences, making him a leading voice for justice and fairness in these turbulent times.