Rep. Robin Kelly on immigration, affordability, other election hot topics

Feb

2026

In the News

Rep. Robin Kelly on immigration, affordability, other election hot topics - Fox 32 Questionnaire

Robin Kelly

1. What specific measures should Congress take to address increasingly unaffordable costs for healthcare, housing, and other essential facets of life in Illinois and around the country?

I am running on a platform of People Over Profits because Illinois families have never had to do more with less, and instead of focusing on solutions that will make life easier and more affordable for Americans, Donald Trump and his MAGA GOP allies in Washington are playing dictator and threatening to invade American cities. We need more voices in the United States Senate focused on what truly matters: the issues keeping Americans up at night. I’m running on a People Over Profits platform that is focused on addressing the affordability crisis affecting people across Illinois.

The fight for affordability is the fight for dignity— in health care, housing, child care, and everyday life. We need leaders with the courage to be bold and truly fight for workers and families across Illinois and our country— that begins with finally making the wealthy and well-connected pay their fair share. I believe that means we should do things like:

Tax billionaires
Raise wages
Cap childcare costs
Provide Medicare for all

2. Immigration, of course, has been a big issue over the last several years. What is your take on the Trump administration’s enforcement measures? What needs to be done to improve our immigration system?

Trump’s enforcement measures are un-American and unconstitutional. I believe ICE should be dismantled and rebuilt from the ground up.

Operation Midway Blitz tore apart Chicago communities and families, terrorizing the city and suburbs. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and her federal agents wreaked havoc on my district and constituents in particular. They landed Black Hawk helicopters on apartment buildings and ripped American citizens from their homes. I told my constituents and Chicagoans that I would fight against Secretary Noem’s agenda and I am fighting back.

I filed Articles of Impeachment against Kristi Noem because I’ve had enough with her reckless abandon for the Constitution, decency, and the rule of law. More than two-thirds of the caucus have signed on as cosponsors and support the impeachment of Kristi Noem. Illinoisans and Americans across the country have been disgusted by Secretary Noem’s actions. People have had enough.

Kristi Noem has turned ICE into a rogue force, violating the Constitution, tearing families apart, and leaving death in her wake from Chicago to Minneapolis. Her recklessness cost lives, including Renee Nicole Good.

This isn’t just dangerous—it’s impeachable. What we saw was unacceptable. And we know what we saw—no matter how Trump, Noem, and his MAGA allies try to spin it. Kristi Noem is a disgrace to our democracy, and I am impeaching her for obstruction of Congress, violation of public trust, and self-dealing.

3. What are your thoughts on the Senate filibuster rule? Should it be changed to make it easier to pass legislation that can currently be blocked by a minority in the chamber? Please explain your reasoning.

There are so many important bills Democrats could not get passed because of the filibuster. I support changing it.

4. How should Congress address social media, specifically when it comes to what we allow children to be exposed to?

Protecting our children online is an important priority of mine. Study after study has shown that social media has a negative impact on mental health for teens and children. Big Tech companies have created products that addict children and more must be done to protect them online from seeing harmful content and interacting with dangerous individuals.

As a member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce and a member of the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, I have both the benefits and dangers of technology top of mind. In Congress, I am committed to promoting technology policies that are in the best interest of all Illinoisans. My top priorities include:

Protecting Americans' data privacy and personal information through increased cybersecurity measures
Equitable access to technology for low-income or rural households, schools, and families
Access to reliable and affordable high-speed internet
Ensuring American workers are prepared to work with Artificial Intelligence (AI) and use it as a positive tool
Utilizing new technologies to combat potential violence and assist law enforcement officials
Diversifying the tech industry through STEM education and DEI-focused programs

5. Name one issue that you think is important that is getting too little coverage and attention in America today.

Maternal health and morbidity do not get enough attention in America. I will continue to build on my maternal healthcare work in the U.S. Senate. I’m proud to have introduced the first comprehensive maternal healthcare bill in Congress, and was able to pass into law an extension from 60 days to one year for Medicaid postpartum care.

I recently announced the WELLS Act, named in honor of my constituent Mercedes Wells, who was forced to give birth in her truck after being discharged from a hospital. The bill urges hospitals and birthing centers to develop and implement a safe discharge plan.

By FOX 32 Chicago Digital Staff