10th News: A Hot Economy, Bipartisan Tax Relief, and a Border Deal with the GOP House Standing in the Way
First, whether you tuned in to root for the Chiefs or ‘Niners, or your thing was watching for the commercials, the Usher halftime show, or simply to see Taylor Swift, Sunday’s Super Bowl was one for the history books. Record for the largest TV audience. Record for longest Super Bowl game. Record for longest field goal (55 yards), and then another record for longest field goal again (57 yards)!
Yesterday was also a big day, at least for John Stewart fans, as he returned to his seat as host of The Daily Show.
In other happy news, January was another blockbuster month for the U.S. economy, adding around 353,000 jobs—far ahead of the predicted total. The unemployment rate remained below 4 percent for the 24th straight month, and wage growth remains significantly ahead of inflation. The American economy grew faster than any other economy in the world last year and is on track to do so again in 2024. Taken together, this is clear evidence of a strong economy under President Biden, rebounding from the pandemic and taking monumental leaps forward. President Biden put it best: “We have the strongest economy in the whole damn world.”
This morning, inflation figures for January were released. The core inflation rate came in at 3.1%, lower than the 3.4% rate in December but still above what we want to see. Despite the strong economy, high prices remain a challenge for many people in the Tenth District and around the country. That’s why I have been focused on working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to craft legislation to help bring down the cost of living for hard-working Americans.
Tax Relief for American Families and Workers
Earlier this month, the Ways and Means Committee worked on a bipartisan bill to help young families, increase the availability of affordable housing, and promote American innovation to continue to grow our economy into the future. The expanded Child Tax Credit will benefit 4 million young families and lift nearly a half million kids out of poverty. The enhanced Low Income Housing Tax Credit will drive investment in affordable housing at a time when the country is facing a great shortage of housing options. The restoration of the Corporate Research and Development Tax Credit will make sure that U.S. companies continue to invest at home and create high-value career opportunities for American workers.
This bipartisan bill, Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act, passed the full House, delivering a truly meaningful victory for the country. I was proud to cast my vote for this bill, with the knowledge that around 24,000 kids in the Tenth District will benefit from our work. You can watch my remarks supporting the bipartisan legislation here.
My only regret is that Republicans blocked an amendment I introduced with my colleague from New Jersey, Bill Pascrell, to address the unfair SALT deduction cap that forces Illinois families to pay double taxation on their hard-earned dollars.
While the bill does not include everything we might have hoped, it will put money back into American families' pockets and improve countless children's lives.
With support across both parties, this bill is also a victory for bipartisanship. The bill must now get swift consideration in the Senate, and I hope my colleagues across the Capitol recognize the importance of providing this critical tax relief and that we can continue our good work to promote the prosperity of the American people.
Essential Security Funding for U.S. Allies
Last week, Senate negotiators released the text of the Emergency National Security Supplemental Appropriations Act. This bill was the product of extensive negotiations between Senate Republicans and Democrats. It would have provided essential military and economic support for our allies Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, as well as provide additional funding for humanitarian assistance for civilians caught in the middle of these conflicts and others around the world. This bill also included critical measures seeking to address the humanitarian migrant crisis at our borders. Stunningly, within 24 hours of release, in a remarkable act of political hypocrisy, Republicans repudiated the border-related elements of the bill they had earlier demanded as a condition of moving legislation forward, killing the bill before it even got out of the gate.
Meanwhile, in the House, Speaker Johnson announced that, rather than advancing a combined aid package for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, he would instead bring up an Israel-only funding package for a vote. But because Speaker Johnson has lost control of his Republican Conference, he could not follow normal House Rules. He would instead use a procedure that allows him to circumvent the naysayers in his party but requires a 2/3 majority to pass. That cynical maneuver failed, leaving both Ukraine and Israel hanging in the balance as the world waits to see if Congress can get its act together.
Attention then returned to the Senate as they considered a new version of the bill that would provide essential assistance to Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan but excluded measures to address the border situation. After much haranguing and consternation, that bill passed the Senate last night overwhelmingly, 70-29. It is now up to Speaker Johnson to give members of the House the right to vote on this bill. I am confident that my fellow Representatives will support our allies with a bipartisan vote at least as strong as the Senate's. Speaker Johnson must not allow the few MAGA extremists to hold the full House over a barrel and there at the security of not only our allies but of America as well.
As I noted last week during the debate in the House, it is folly to think that what is happening now in the Middle East is unrelated to what is happening concurrently in Ukraine. If Putin wins in Europe, the aid we are providing Israel today is only a small fraction of what will be needed when Israel faces a strengthened Hezbollah, backed by an emboldened Iran and newly empowered Russia. The United States will likely need to spend billions of additional dollars stationing more U.S. troops alongside our NATO allies in countries like Poland, Romania, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia.
It is also folly not to provide humanitarian aid to the Palestinian civilians caught in the middle of the war in Gaza. Israel has opened the Karem Shalom crossing and allows trucks to cross the border. We need to help aid get from the crossings to the people who need it and ensure it is kept away from the thieving hands of Hamas. Sadly, the House GOP is again turning a blind eye to the suffering of people around the world.
AROUND THE DISTRICT
Celebrating Black History Month at the
41st Annual Lake County Profiles in Excellence Awards
The Lake County Forest Preserve hosted its 41st annual Profiles in Excellence event. This year’s theme was Music Roots, and we were treated to an outstanding vocal performance by Gloria Gadsen and a drum performance by Diamana Daya. Thank you to Lake County Forest Preserve District staff and President Angelo Kyle for organizing this event.
STEAM Scholars Visit the Highland Park Water Treatment Facility
In the second site visit with my 2023-24 STEAM scholars program, we had a great time at Highland Park’s George B. Prindle Water Plant, learning about the science and operational procedures that make it possible to have clean and safe tap water in our homes. Thank you to Superintendent Don Jensen and his fantastic team for sharing their time and knowledge with the students. It is crucial to inspire enthusiasm for careers in STEAM to prepare our students to lead our workforce and communities in the future.
Junior National Honor Society & Young Ladies of Distinction
I was happy to be welcomed by the Junior National Honor Society and Young Ladies of Distinction students at Robert Abbott Middle School in Waukegan. I enjoyed sharing with them what it’s like working in Congress and asking more about what’s happening in their school.
Warren Township High School – Environmental Club
The Warren Township High School Environmental Club invited me to discuss Congress' role in protecting the environment and preserving our planet. I was impressed by the student's enthusiasm and thoughtfulness during our wide-ranging discussion. I look forward to continuing our conversations.
Brad At Your Business Kicks Off For 2024
From the Life Sciences Corridor of the United States to family-owned businesses, the Tenth District is home to a wonderful variety of businesses that show that innovation is alive and well in our communities. These businesses are the foundation of the American economy, which is why I always enjoy visiting them, learning about their work, and understanding how Congress can continue to work for their success.
Clear Armor
I kicked off the 2024 Brad at your Business series with a visit to Clear Armor. I had a great time getting to know the Clear Armor team in Grayslake. I was impressed by CEO Dave Trudeau and his team's dedication and passion for their product, which reflects in the success of Clear-Armor's security products. Thank you to the Clear-Armor team for their warm welcome during my visit and for showing me the great innovations the workforce in our district is engineering.
Roquette
Since 1982, Roquette’s Gurnee processing facility has been producing sorbitol, a sweetener that tastes as sweet as sugar without the calories. I enjoyed touring their plant and learning about both the science and the business of sorbitol.
ZF Industries
I received a warm welcome at ZF Industries in Vernon Hills. ZF manufactures systems for passenger cars, commercial vehicles, and industrial equipment used worldwide. Its facility in Vernon Hills employs over 200 people who distribute products and remanufacture transmissions.
Lake Forest/Lake Bluff Chamber of Commerce Business and Government Breakfast
I was honored to join the Lake Forest/Lake Bluff Chamber of Commerce Business and Government Breakfast. It was a great opportunity to connect with local businesses and government officials, discuss important local issues, and explore ways to collaborate for the betterment of our community. A big shoutout to my friend, Joanna Rolek, the executive director of the chamber, who does great work year after year!
Grand Opening of Give-N-Kind’s New Facility
Give N Kind began as a local movement founded by Emily Petway to fulfill the needs of Chicagoland nonprofits by matching them with the excess goods donated by businesses and distributors. I was happy to join them for the grand opening of their new facility in Buffalo Grove, which is a beautiful facility that looks like Costco but for nonprofits. Congratulations to Give N Kind. This space will serve them well in keeping up with their fantastic work.
You Don’t Have to Travel to Washington to Share Your Story…
I always enjoy welcoming constituents in my Lincolnshire office to talk policy, share ideas, or help tackle challenges people face in dealing with our federal agencies. If you would like to arrange a meeting in our Lincolnshire office or even a visit to your business or school, please use this link to request a meeting.
Discussing Cryptocurrency Scams
Gurnee constituent Ravi Paladugu stopped by to discuss cryptocurrency scams and his ideas for potential federal legislation to address this issue.
Improving Patient Autonomy and Choice
Maureen Statland of Northbrook volunteers with Compassion & Choices, a nonprofit organization working on its mission to improve patient autonomy. She shared the work her organization is doing in Illinois and across the country.
The PACT Act Implementation by the Veterans Administration
Vernon Hills constituent and veteran Tom McGuiggan met with me to discuss medical conditions not covered by the PACT Act or the VA. Tom shared his experience of having claims rejected and the stories of others in situations just like his. I greatly appreciate Tom reaching out to me, and I will be taking his story with me as we continue to work to make right by our veterans.
Adam Werner, Illinois State Coordinator for Team Red, White, and Blue
Adam Werner of Winnetka met with me to discuss health and wellness within the veteran community. Specifically, we touched on the best way to work together to support veterans in IL-10 and Illinois as a whole.
Pastor Rick Harris
I had a great conversation with Pastor Rick Harris of the North Shore Baptist Ministers Alliance at Drip and Culture in Waukegan.
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN WASHINGTON
National Federation of the Blind
Members of the National Federation of the Blind visited the Hill to talk about some of the unique challenges they face at work and in day-to-day life, as well as legislation aimed to make life a bit more manageable. I am proud to be a co-sponsor of the Access Technology Affordability Act H.R. 3702.
Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories
I hosted a conversation with Major General Ghassan Alian, head of the COGAT, Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories, to discuss Israel's responsibilities and efforts to provide relief for civilians trapped by the war in Gaza. We emphasized efforts to increase the flow of humanitarian assistance into the territory and the need to ensure the aid is effectively and efficiently distributed once entering Gaza.
Director of Public Affairs of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community
I was honored to welcome Naser Shams, Director of Public Affairs of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, to my office. We discussed the history of the Ahmadiyya Muslims, and I was fascinated to hear his own personal story.
Antisemitism Task Force Member Meeting with Department of Education
The Antisemitism Task Force hosted a briefing by the Deputy Secretary and Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights on the status of the U.S. Department of Education's investigation of antisemitic incidents on college campuses. I will continue to push the Department of Education to take the steps necessary to ensure no hate of any kind threatens any students because of who they are.
Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA)
Several Tenth District constituents were in Washington as part of a national gathering of the Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA). Among the group, I was pleased to welcome David Golder, current Chair of the Jewish Federation of Chicago, and Andy Hochberg, who organized the entire conference.
Meeting with Members of the Bulgarian Parliament
I was happy to welcome members of the Bulgarian Parliament to the Capitol and talk about my work as co-chair of the House Bulgaria Caucus. They came to Washington to attend this year’s National Prayer Breakfast and were taking advantage of the visit to meet with members of Congress. We discussed how the US and Bulgaria can continue strengthening our bilateral ties during our meeting.
Syrian Democratic Council
Members of the Syrian Democratic Council stopped by to discuss the ongoing conflict in Syria and the council’s work in representing the interests of our ally, the Syrian Democratic Forces.
Gaza Hostage Update
I cheered on Sunday when news broke that Israel has successfully rescued 2 of the more than 130 hostages still held by Hamas in Gaza, including 6 Americans. My prayers remain with the more than 130 hostages and their families, as well as with the civilians in Gaza and Israel who continue to be affected by the ongoing war. I recently joined several of my colleagues in calling for the immediate rescue of all the remaining hostages in Gaza. I spoke about Hersh Goldberg-Polin, son of Chicago natives Rachel Goldberg and Jon Polin.
I continue to do everything I can to get the hostages home and secure de-escalation of fighting and, ultimately, a long-lasting peace in the Middle East. I recently led a bipartisan letter supporting the Biden Administration’s efforts to expand calls for Hamas’s surrender. Hamas started this war on October 7th and has the ability to stop it; nevertheless, Hamas has refused to release the hostages, has rejected attempts at a negotiated ceasefire, and has endangered the very people they proclaim to represent by diverting aid and sabotaging any relief for the citizens of Gaza.
Calling for the replacement of UNRWA following confirmation of its links to Hamas
You may have seen the news over the weekend that Israel discovered a Hamas communications and data center buried deep (60 feet) under the Gaza headquarters of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA). This follows reports that at least a dozen UNRWA employees took part in the Hamas terror assault on October 7th. It is also estimated that 10% of UNRWA's 13,000 employees are affiliated with Hamas, and almost 50% have at least one relative involved with the terror organization.
After reviewing the evidence of UNRWA associate's involvement with terrorism, the United States, as well as 16 other countries and the European Union, suspended further funding for the organization. For years, I have been outspoken about problems with UNRWA and the need to transfer responsibility for the vital services the organization is supposed to provide Palestinians to other groups more capable of delivering these services and independent of Hamas. I reiterated my position last week at a House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing. We should not accept that an organization charged with doing good can simultaneously give cover to terrorism.
THE 2024 TAX FILING SEASON IS UNDERWAY
I want to remind everyone that the IRS has begun accepting and processing federal tax returns. The IRS is expected to process more than 146 million tax returns this year. The deadline to file this year is April 15th, 2024.
RESOURCES TO HELP YOU AND YOUR COMMUNITY
Please visit my website to find resources available for everything from saving money on your internet bill to locating your local food bank, and various help lines.
Constituent Success Story
I want to share with you another constituent casework success story. Navigating the federal agency bureaucracy can be challenging, but my excellent casework team in Lincolnshire is ready to help you. If you need help with a federal agency, fill out a Privacy Release Form or call my Lincolnshire office at (847) 383-4870 so my casework team can assist you.
In Closing –
Thanks to everyone who participated in this year's "Valentines for Vets" program to honor those who have selflessly served our country. We again received thousands of cards and are sharing them with veterans' organizations across the district. The gratitude we hold for our servicemen and women did not end when they hung their uniform; a small gesture like a Valentine's card can go a long way in expressing that gratitude.
Sincerely,
Bradley S. Schneider
Member of Congress