Congressman Krishnamoorthi condemns antisemitic graffiti at Northwestern, stands firm on Medicaid, youth vaping, and protecting seniors from scams
By: IndoUS Tribune Staff
Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi strongly condemned the recent antisemitic graffiti found at Northwestern University during Passover, calling it “vile” and “especially hateful” in a statement issued to IndoUS Tribune earlier this week.
“Targeting Jewish students and the community during a sacred time of remembrance and resilience is especially hateful,” Krishnamoorthi said. “We must stand united against antisemitism in all its forms and ensure those responsible are held fully accountable.”
The congressman’s remarks come amid a rise in antisemitic incidents nationwide and during a week when Jewish communities are observing Passover, a sacred time commemorating liberation from oppression.
Advocating for Medicaid and critical social programs
In a separate event this week, Congressman Krishnamoorthi hosted a roundtable discussion alongside Cook County Health CEO Dr. Erik Mikaitis and Kathy Waligora of EverThrive Illinois, highlighting the urgent need to protect Medicaid funding in Illinois.
He emphasized his opposition to the Republican-backed budget resolution that proposes $1.5 trillion in federal spending cuts, which disproportionately affect vital social programs like Medicaid and SNAP.
“As someone whose family relied on programs like SNAP and public housing, any attempt to slash these programs is deeply personal,” he said. “Gut-wrenching decisions about health and survival should not be forced upon Illinois families.”
An estimated 3.4 million Illinoisans depend on Medicaid, and over 862,000 are at risk of losing benefits under the proposed budget cuts.
Renewed Push Against Youth Vaping
During a recent Oversight Committee hearing, Congressman Krishnamoorthi renewed his call for stricter regulation of flavored e-cigarettes, calling out companies for marketing directly to children.
Holding up products labeled “Rainbow Road” and “Sour Skittles,” he pushed back against tobacco industry claims that such flavors target adults.
“As a father and co-founder of the Congressional Caucus to End Youth Vaping, I find this marketing disgraceful. These products are designed to hook our kids on nicotine,” he said.
Exposing Chinese scams Targeting American seniors
Krishnamoorthi also co-led a high-profile joint hearing with the Senate Special Committee on Aging to expose how the Chinese Communist Party is involved in orchestrating financial scams targeting seniors.
He cited the story of Erika DeMask, a Lombard woman who lost nearly $1 million in life savings to a sophisticated cyber scam run by Chinese criminal networks in Southeast Asia.
In a dramatic move, the Congressman’s office helped organize a sting operation against a scammer who sought tens of millions in “investment” from congressional staff.
“We must crack down on these organized criminal networks and protect vulnerable Americans, especially seniors,” he said.
Reintroducing the STOP Bullying Act
Congressman Krishnamoorthi has also reintroduced the STOP Bullying Act, legislation aimed at establishing statewide anti-bullying task forces with a focus on protecting LGBTQI+ youth and creating safer school environments.
“Every student deserves to feel safe, respected, and supported at school,” he said. “The STOP Bullying Act ensures that schools have the tools to make that a reality.”