By: Staff Writer, IndoUS Tribune

Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) continued a packed week of legislative and community action with major developments spanning criminal justice, military recognition, and higher education reform. From blocking clemency for a convicted sex trafficker to awarding a Vietnam veteran a long-overdue Purple Heart, and reintroducing a landmark education bill, Krishnamoorthi remains at the forefront of key national issues.

Krishnamoorthi: ‘No pardon. No deal.’ for Ghislaine Maxwell

Congressman Krishnamoorthi announced he will introduce a resolution in the U.S. House of Representatives formally opposing any presidential pardon, commutation, or clemency for Ghislaine Maxwell, the convicted sex trafficker and associate of Jeffrey Epstein.

The move follows reports that Maxwell, who is serving a 20-year sentence for trafficking minors, has offered to testify before Congress in exchange for clemency. In a letter to the House Oversight Committee, Maxwell’s attorney suggested she would provide open testimony only if granted immunity.

“Ghislaine Maxwell directly facilitated the sexual abuse of children,” said Krishnamoorthi. “The idea that her freedom could be traded for false testimony is an insult to survivors and a threat to the integrity of our justice system. Justice must never be for sale—especially to those who prey on children.”

This resolution comes amid continued concern over the Trump administration’s refusal to release the full Epstein files, further raising questions about political interference and transparency.

Purple Heart awarded to Vietnam War veteran Sgt. Joseph Leuze

In a moving ceremony in Schaumburg, Congressman Krishnamoorthi honored Sergeant First Class (Ret.) Joseph Leuze with the Purple Heart—an award long overdue for wounds he sustained during the Vietnam War. Sgt. Leuze, a Bronze Star recipient, served across three major conflicts including Vietnam, Desert Storm, and Afghanistan, with a distinguished 35-year military career.

“Sergeant Leuze’s decades of service are a testament to his courage and devotion to duty,” said Krishnamoorthi. “It was an honor to finally recognize his sacrifice in front of his family and community.”

Reintroducing the bipartisan College Transparency Act

In a significant move to improve access to higher education information, Congressman Krishnamoorthi joined a bipartisan group of lawmakers in reintroducing the College Transparency Act (CTA)—a bill aimed at providing students and families with critical data to make better-informed decisions about postsecondary education.

Joined by Reps. Mike Kelly (R-PA), Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), and Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ), and co-sponsored in the Senate by Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), the legislation has garnered widespread support across party lines.

“Choosing a college is one of the biggest financial decisions a family will make,” said Krishnamoorthi. “They deserve access to clear and accurate information on cost, graduation rates, and post-college earnings. The College Transparency Act empowers them to make that decision wisely.”

The bill will modernize the national postsecondary data system while safeguarding student privacy. It offers detailed information about enrollment, transfer, graduation rates, and employment outcomes—data that many families currently lack when navigating college options.

The CTA has gained bipartisan support from over 20 U.S. Senators, including Tammy Baldwin, Shelley Moore Capito, Thom Tillis, Amy Klobuchar, and others, and is endorsed by a wide coalition of education organizations such as:

• The U.S. Chamber of Commerce
• Association of Public and Land-grant Universities
• Complete College America
• Advance Illinois
• American Association of Community Colleges

“The College Transparency Act will strengthen our education system, enhance workforce competitiveness, and drive economic growth,” said Rodney Davis of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

Tribute to Congressman Danny Davis

Lastly, Congressman Krishnamoorthi responded to the retirement announcement of his longtime colleague Congressman Danny K. Davis (D-IL), calling him a “mentor, a role model, and a dear friend.”

“His leadership has left an indelible mark on Chicago, Illinois, and our country,” Krishnamoorthi said. “I’m deeply grateful for his service and wish him and his family every happiness in their next chapter.”