Skip to content
PILLARS
HomeRecent BillsActionsMore
ExploreElectionsPresidential ActionsPoliticiansTrending Bills
WatchlistSettingsProfile
HomeRecent BillsActionsMore
PILLARS

The bills, politicians, and elections that shape your life, in plain English.

Get the App
Our Receipts
Sources & MethodologyApp DetailsSend Feedback
Browse Bills
Bills That Became LawPassed the HousePassed the SenateBills by Topic
The Legal Stuff
Privacy PolicyTerms of ServiceContact Us
Find Us On
© 2026 Political Pillars Inc.Simplifying politics
Cheri Bustos
Politicians/Cheri Bustos
Cheri Bustos (D)
Fmr. Rep. (IL-17)
Role Summary

Members of the House are responsible for introducing and voting on federal legislation, representing the interests of their constituents, and providing oversight of the executive branch. Key powers include drafting bills, serving on committees, approving the federal budget, and voting on matters of national policy, including declarations of war and presidential impeachments.

Quick Facts
Party
Democrat
Age
64
Religion
Catholic
Birthplace
Springfield, IL
Residence
East Moline, IL
Born
October 17, 1961
Family
Husband: Gerry; 3 Children: Tony, Nick, Joey
Election Info
Next Rep Election2026
Education
BA, Government and Politics
University of Maryland at College Park
1981-1983
MA, Journalism
University of Illinois at Springfield
1983-1985
Attended, Political Science
Illinois College
1979-1981
Certified
Legislative Staff Internship Program, University of Illinois at Springfield
Political Career2
Representative
United States House of Representatives
2012-2023
Member
Board of Aldermen, City of East Moline
2007-2011
Professional Background3
Vice President
Communications and Public Relations, Iowa Health System
2008-2011
Senior Director
Corporate Communications, Trinity Regional Health System
2001-2007
Editor/Reporter
Quad-City Times
1985-2001
Organizations19
Quad-Cities First
Former Chair
Access to the Media Committee
Former Co-Chair
Media Roundtable on Ethnic Diversity
Former Board Member
Board of Directors, Women’s Connection
Former President
East Moline Citizens Advisory Committee
Former Member
Board of Directors, Skip-A-Long Child Development Services
Former Member
Go Red for Women, American Heart Association
Former Co-Chair
Alumni Board of Directors, Illinois College
Member
Junior Achievement of the Heartland, Quad-Cities
Member
United Way of the Quad-Cities Area
Former Member
Big Brothers/Big Sisters-Quad-Cities
Former Volunteer
East Moline Downtown Revitalization Committee
Founder
Two Rivers YMCA
Former Volunteer
Board of Directors, WVIK Public Radio, Rock Island
Former Vice Chair
Public Awareness Committee, Child Abuse Council
Former Member
East Moline Plan Commission
Former Member
Illinois Women's Institute for Leadership
Delegate
present
Illinois Quad-City Chamber of Commerce Leadership Academy
Participant
No Labels
Member
Committees8
Former Member
Former Member
Former Member
Former Member
Former Member
Former Member
Former Member
Former Member
Recent votes5
HR 2617Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023Voted YesHR 1948VA Employee Fairness Act of 2021Voted YesS 3905Preventing Organizational Conflicts of Interest in Federal Acquisition ActVoted YesS 4003Law Enforcement De-Escalation Training Act of 2022Voted YesHR 1437Further Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2023Voted Yes
Quick Facts
Party
Democrat
Age
64
Religion
Catholic
Birthplace
Springfield, IL
Residence
East Moline, IL
Born
October 17, 1961
Family
Husband: Gerry; 3 Children: Tony, Nick, Joey