Janice D. Schakowsky (born May 22 1944), American politician, has been a Democratic member of the United States House of Representatives since 1999, representing the 9th District of Illinois (map). She was born in Chicago, was educated at the University of Illinois, and was Program Director of Illinois Public Action, director of the Illinois State Council of Senior Citizens, and a member of the Illinois House of Representatives (1990-1998) before entering the House.

In the House, Schakowsky serves on the Energy and Commerce Committee, where she is ranking minority member of the Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade, and Consumer Protection ; she also serves on the Subcommittee on Environment and Hazardous Materials and Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations .

Schakowsky has been known for her support of women's issues while in Congress, and is a close friend of House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D, CA). She reportedly phoned every female partner of a law firm in Chicago during her first run for office in 1998, and has gained national acclaim for her fundraising prowess.

She was one of the earliest and most emphatic supporters of U.S. Sen. Barack Obama before his win in the 2004 Illinois Democratic Primary.

External link

• official website