Senator Mark Kirk

On the 150th anniversary of his 2nd inaugural, join me to honor Land of Lincoln's namesake & celebrate his legacy of liberty.

Happy birthday to Chicago, home of the skyscraper & ferris wheel - an innovation hub & sharp as a tack even after 178 years.

Since 9-year-old Jackson's first letter, he has come to visit me on Capitol Hill, I raced Jackson at University of Illinois, and we climbed the Willis Tower together in Chicago.  Today, Jackson is joining me at the State of the Union.  Read more about his inspiring story.

After suffering a stroke when he was 8, half of Jackson's skull was removed during surgery.  A doctor asked Jackson what he wanted to get out of therapy. His answer was "I want it all back."   As I began rehab from my own stroke a year later I got a letter from Jackson.  Find out what he said and learn more about why he is my guest to the State of the Union today.

It all started with a basketball game at Jackson's school. He was going to spend the day at his grandparents afterwards. While playing outside he didn't feel well. He went inside and got sick. He lost control of his left side and was taken to the hospital. Tests were run with no results. Jackson's pediatrician came to the hospital and immediately had him moved to another hospital. There the life altering news was delivered - Jackson had a stroke. 4 years later, Jackson is my guest to the State of the Union.  Find out why and learn more about his story.

Check it out on my blog.

My friend Rep. Robert Dold's thoughtful leadership will restore a bipartisan legacy to the 10th District.

Grateful to have Rep. Robert Dold back in Congress so we can work together to advance our pro-Illinois agenda.

From Rockford to Granite City, the people I met and the towns I visited during 2014 made me proud to call Illinois home. Thank you for the opportunity to serve you in the United States Senate.  It is the greatest honor of my lifetime. A very happy New Year to you and your family!

I take great pride in being a bridge builder between the two parties to find common ground on legislation that may often divide us. There’s only one interest group that really matters to me: the people of Illinois. Take a look at this Year In Review video and check out the full 2014 reaching across the aisle report on my website.

I am committed to improving our education system, which is the key to upward mobility, so that everyone has the best opportunity to become a member of the middle class. Take a look at this Year In Review video and check out the full 2014 opportunity for kids report on my website.

In addition to Iranian sanctions, the US needs to confront terrorist organizations like ISIS, strengthen our partnership with Israel and other allies around the world and stop Putin's infringement against Russia's democratic neighbors. Take a look at this Year In Review video and check out the full 2014 keeping American's safe report on my website.

I know from my mom’s personal experience how important Medicare is to our well-being as we grow older. As members of the greatest generation that fought for our freedoms abroad, our seniors deserve the best care we can provide. Take a look at this Year In Review video and check out the full 2014 defending seniors report on my website.

Only by listening to members of these diverse communities can we get our country back on track and restore prosperity in Illinois. Take a look at this Year In Review video and check out the full 2014 serving local communities report on my website.

Illinois is home to some of the best hospitals and rehabilitation facilities in the nation. I will continue supporting our hospitals and the National Institutes of Health to give patients the best chance to return to work following debilitating injuries. Take a look at this Year In Review video and check out the full 2014 affordable healthcare report on my website.

With a federal effort to help local law enforcement, we can better confront dangerous drug gangs, drug abuse and modern day slavery in the form of trafficking women and children. Take a look at this Year In Review video and check out the full 2014 crime in our neighborhoods report on my website.

Many people still live in fear of dictatorships, persecution and even death, simply for their religion, or speech. Now is the time to stand up for the rights of people all around the world and to bring public attention to deplorable acts of violence and oppression. Take a look at this Year In Review video and check out the full 2014 advocating for human rights report on my website.