Mike Quigley facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mike Quigley
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Official portrait, 2015
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| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Illinois's 5th district |
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| Assumed office April 7, 2009 |
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| Preceded by | Rahm Emanuel |
| Member of the Cook County Board of Commissioners from the 10th district |
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| In office 1998–2009 |
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| Preceded by | Maria Pappas |
| Succeeded by | Bridget Gainer |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Michael Bruce Quigley
October 17, 1958 Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse |
Barbara Quigley
(m. 1999) |
| Children | 2 |
| Education | Roosevelt University (BA) University of Chicago (MPP) Loyola University Chicago (JD) |
| Signature |  |
| Website | |
Michael Bruce Quigley (born October 17, 1958) is an American politician. He has been a U.S. representative for Illinois's 5th district since April 7, 2009. This district includes much of Chicago and some nearby towns. He is a member of the Democratic Party. Before becoming a U.S. Representative, Quigley was a member of the Cook County Board of Commissioners. He also taught about environmental policy and Chicago politics at Loyola University Chicago.
A political writer once described Quigley as a "centrist" with "progressive" ideas. This means he often tries to find a middle ground in politics, but also supports new ideas for progress.
Contents
- Mike Quigley's Early Life and Education
- Serving on the Cook County Board
- Mike Quigley in the U.S. House of Representatives
- Other Political Activities
- Awards and Recognition
- Personal Life
Mike Quigley's Early Life and Education
Mike Quigley grew up in Carol Stream, Illinois. He finished high school in 1977. He then went to Roosevelt University and earned his bachelor's degree. In 1982, Quigley moved to the Lakeview area of Chicago. He became very involved in local community activities. He continued his education, earning a law degree from Loyola University Chicago School of Law. He also earned a master's degree in public policy from the University of Chicago.
His first steps in politics included working as a top helper for Chicago Alderman Bernie Hansen. In 1991, he ran for alderman in his ward but did not win.
Serving on the Cook County Board
Quigley was first elected to the Cook County Board of Commissioners in 1998. During his time on the board, he became known as someone who wanted to make big changes. He often spoke out against tax increases. He believed the county could run more smoothly and save money. He also questioned how some jobs were given out in the county.
Mike Quigley in the U.S. House of Representatives
Mike Quigley has served in the U.S. House of Representatives for many years. He works to represent the people of his district in Washington, D.C.
How Mike Quigley Was Elected
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In early 2009, the U.S. Representative for Illinois's 5th district, Rahm Emanuel, left his job. This created an open spot in Congress. Mike Quigley decided to run in the special election to fill this spot. Many people ran in the Democratic primary election. Quigley was supported by major newspapers like the Chicago Sun-Times and the Chicago Tribune. They praised his efforts to improve county government and manage money wisely. He won the primary election in March 2009. After that, he won the special election in April with a large majority of the votes.
He has been re-elected several times since then. For example, he won his first full term in 2010. His district was redrawn in 2012, but he continued to win elections.
What Mike Quigley Does in Congress
As a U.S. Representative, Mike Quigley works on many different issues.
- Social Media and the President: In 2017, Quigley suggested a bill called the "COVFEFE Act." This bill would have made sure that the National Archives saved and stored all social media posts made by the President of the United States.
- Government Funding: In September 2023, Quigley was the only Democrat to vote against a bill to keep the U.S. government funded. He did this because the bill did not include money to help Ukraine. In April 2024, he voted to approve aid packages for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan.
- Working with the President: According to one analysis, Quigley voted with President Joe Biden's ideas 100% of the time during the 117th Congress.
Mike Quigley's Views on Gun Control
In 2011, Quigley proposed a change to the Patriot Act. This change would have stopped people on the FBI's Terrorist Watch List from buying weapons. He believed that if the government could limit some freedoms to fight terrorism, it should also be able to limit gun sales to dangerous people. However, this idea did not pass.
Mike Quigley's Views on Public Health
Quigley strongly supports healthcare. He has received a high rating from the American Public Health Association. In 2011, he voted against a plan that would have cut money for Medicare and health insurance help. He also voted against removing a fund that helps prevent chronic diseases and supports healthcare research. In 2021, he announced his support for the Medicare for All Act, which aims to provide healthcare for everyone.
Mike Quigley's Views on the Environment
Quigley has been interested in protecting the environment since he was in high school. He joined politics because he wanted to help the environment through laws. He supported a bill in 2009 that aimed to create a system for trading pollution permits, which passed in the House but not the Senate. He also introduced a bill in 2011 to make sure new government buildings are built with materials that are safe for birds. In 2011, he voted to stop certain research on great apes.
Mike Quigley's Views on Veterans' Support
Quigley has worked to improve healthcare and education for veterans. His office helps veterans with various needs, like getting medals they earned. In 2013, he proposed a bill to help veterans avoid debt while waiting for their education benefits.
Mike Quigley's Views on Reproductive Rights
Quigley supports a woman's right to choose. ..... He also supports government funding for family planning and sex education. He believes in taking steps to prevent unwanted pregnancies.
Mike Quigley's Views on LGBTQ+ Rights
Quigley supports LGBTQ+ rights. In 2012, he took part in National Coming Out Day to show his support. He has asked the FDA to change its rules that prevent gay and bisexual men from donating blood. .....
Mike Quigley's Committee Roles
In the 119th Congress, Mike Quigley is part of important committees:
- Committee on Appropriations: This committee decides how the government spends money.
- Subcommittee on the Legislative Branch
- Subcommittee on National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs
- Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies
- Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: This committee oversees intelligence agencies.
- Subcommittee on Defense Intelligence and Overhead Architecture
- Subcommittee on Open Source Intelligence
Groups Mike Quigley Belongs To
Quigley is also a member of several groups in Congress, called caucuses. These groups focus on specific topics:
- Congressional Arts Caucus
- Congressional Transparency Caucus
- New Democrat Coalition
- United States Congressional International Conservation Caucus
- U.S.-Japan Caucus
- Veterinary Medicine Caucus
- Congressional Ukrainian Caucus
- United States–China Working Group
- Rare Disease Caucus
- Congressional Caucus on Turkey and Turkish Americans
Other Political Activities
Mike Quigley thought about running for mayor of Chicago in 2019 and again in 2023. However, he decided not to run either time. In 2022, he supported U.S. Representative Chuy Garcia for mayor. In July 2024, Quigley suggested that Joe Biden should withdraw from the 2024 presidential election.
Awards and Recognition
In 2009, Mike Quigley was honored by being added to the Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame. This recognized him as a "Friend of the Community."
Personal Life
Mike Quigley is married to Barbara Quigley. They have two daughters.
