10th News: Welcome to the New Year!
Wishing you and yours a very Happy New Year! I hope you and your family had a nice holiday and that 2024 will be a year filled with the blessings of peace, good health, and happiness. I enjoyed spending my holiday with my family and traveling around the district.
Today marks the beginning of the Second Session of the 118th Congress, so I am back in Washington. Most of what is on the immediate agenda is important legislation that should have been passed months ago. Tops on the list is formally funding the government for the current fiscal year that started on October 1, 2023. After two temporary extensions in September and November, Congress now faces a split deadline of January 19 for some parts of the government and February 2 for the balance. On Sunday, House and Senate leaders announced a compromise that hopefully paves the way for completing a deal in both chambers before the deadlines and averting either another expensive temporary extension or a needless and disruptive government shutdown.
In addition to the twelve funding bills, Congress also has to pick up several other delayed legislative items. The multi-year Farm Bill, critical to both the agriculture industries and food security across the nation, should have passed last summer. Also, Congress must fully reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to keep our skies and airports safe, which is particularly important after Alaska Airlines’s scary close call! Republicans and Democrats must also stop bickering and work across the aisle to address the migrant crisis at our borders and, importantly, modernize our woefully outdated immigration laws. And we must urgently pass President Biden’s emergency supplemental appropriations request for support of Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. The world is looking to the United States for leadership in the face of aggressions by Russia, Iran, Hamas, and China. We can not shirk our responsibilities lest we face far more threatening and expensive challenges in the future.
There is also the possibility of a bipartisan compromise to enhance both the child tax credit and the R&D tax credit to take effect before the beginning of the current tax filing season at the end of the month. Both are issues that I have been actively pursuing, and I will do all I can to help get legislation through Congress and to the President’s desk.
UPDATE ON THE WAR IN GAZA
Secretary of State Antony Blinken was in Israel Tuesday for his fourth trip to the region since Hamas attacked Israel on October 7th. Secretary Blinken met with Prime Minister Netanyahu and the full Israeli War Cabinet, as well as with President Herzog, Foreign Minister Katz, and Minister Gantz. He also met with families of the Americans still held hostage in Gaza. In all his meetings, he emphasized the United States' commitment to Israel's security and its right to prevent an attack like October 7th from ever happening again. Blinken also emphasized the imperative to take ongoing measures to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure in Gaza, even though Hamas uses civilians as human shields and launches attacks from civilian infrastructure.
Before arriving in Israel, Secretary Blinken visited Türkiye, Greece, Jordan, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia to build support for Israel's security, protect civilians in Gaza, avoid a broader regional conflict, and set a secure path for the future. The Secretary shared a message from the regional leaders with the Israelis and reiterated the United States' resolve to pursue sustainable peace in the region that will ensure Israel's security as a Jewish, democratic state and Palestinians' aspirations for a state of their own.
Meanwhile, I continue to talk to and meet with families of hostages and others directly affected by the war. I am in regular contact with the Administration and my Congressional colleagues, emphasizing the need to do all we can to bring home the hostages, including at least six American citizens. I am also doing everything in my power to increase the humanitarian relief and aid being delivered to Gaza, now through both Egypt and Israel.
Hamas could end this war today by unconditionally releasing the remaining 130-plus hostages, ending its rocket fire into Israel, and forswearing future attacks. Israel must continue to adhere to the laws of war and do what it can to protect civilians from harm as it seeks to rescue its hostages and defeat Hamas. The international community, led by the Untied States and our allies, must continue to do all it can to pressure Hamas to bring the war to an end, prevent a broadening of the conflict across the region, and give hope to Palestinians and Israelis for a peaceful future in which each recognizes the other's national identities and aspirations.
ANNOUNCEMENT: UPCOMING VETERANS EVENT IN JOHNSBURG
If you are a Vietnam War era veteran, I invite you to join me in Johnsburg on January 20th for a special program commemorating the fiftieth anniversary of your service. This is part of a Congressionally authorized effort to recognize the dedication and service of the men and women who served our nation at a time where their sacrifice frequently did not get the honor they deserved.
On Saturday, January 20th, I am hosting a pinning ceremony at the Johnsburg Public Library to recognize Vietnam War-era veterans from our district and honor their service to our nation. My staff will also be on hand to assist veterans with VA issues and other concerns. Please RSVP here or call my office at (847) 383-4870 to attend the ceremony. I hope to see you there!
ACTIVITIES AROUND THE DISTRICT
It was a busy holiday period at home as I welcomed people to our office in Lincolnshire and traveled around the district to visit with multiple groups and tour facilities.
Meeting with Waukegan Mayor Ann Taylor
Waukegan Mayor Ann Taylor and her team visited me in my office to talk about happenings in Waukegan and their work for the city. We had a great conversation.
Meeting With Buffalo Grove Village President Eric Smith
I had a productive conversation with Buffalo Grove Village President Eric Smith and Village Manager Dane Bragg. We discussed their priorities for the the village in the coming year, and how my office can continue to partner for the village of Buffalo Grove.
Meeting with Illinois State Senator Ram Villivalam
I had a wonderful meeting with State Senator Ram Villivalam (and former Outreach Director in my office) to catch up and discuss how the state and federal government can collaborate to better serve our constituents.
Steam Scholars Kick Off
The 2024 STEAM Scholars class started this year’s program with a visit to the Lake County Technical Crash Investigation Team and Evidence Technicians — thanks to Sheriff Idleburg.
Sergeant Ari Briskman and Office Terry Richards gave students an in-depth look at how their crash investigators use math and science to reconstruct crash scenes and how evidence technicians help law enforcement collect and preserve evidence to help solve crimes. Giving students the chance to see STEAM skills applied in the real world is crucial to motivating the next generation of our workforce.
I appreciate being able to share this experience with our students, and I look forward to keeping you all updated on our next trip!
Town Hall at Brookdale Senior Living in Vernon Hills
I always enjoy meeting groups who closely follow what’s happening in the world, which was the case when I visited Brookdale Senior Living in Vernon Hills. We touched on everything from climate change to fiscal policy to the wars in Ukraine and Gaza. I was especially pleased to talk about my work to protect our democracy here at home and to create more bipartisan relationships in Congress.
Meeting with the JUNTO Group in Lake Forest
I also had a great conversation about current events with the members of “The Junto Group,” a club of mostly retired people who gather every week to talk about what’s happening in the world. “Junto” means a group in Latin and was inspired by a similarly named group organized by Ben Franklin in 1727.
Visit to Thrive Rehabilitative Care in Mundelein
I had a great meeting with the leadership team at Thrive Lake County in Mundelein, which specializes in short-term rehabilitative care. We discussed what goes into caring for their patients and how Congress can work to support the maintenance of skilled nursing facilities like Thrive.
Touring Ragdale Foundation Artist Colony in Lake Forest
It was a true pleasure to visit Ragdale, a non-profit artist residency program in Lake Forest, located on the former estate of architect Howard Van Doren Shaw and poet/playwright Frances Wells Shaw. I enjoyed learning about the interdisciplinary artist community, the history of their property, and their recent achievement of being awarded a National Park Service Save America's Treasures grant.
Talking Farm Bill with Illinois Corn Growers Association
Rachel Dame of the Illinois Corn Growers stopped by to discuss the need for Congress to continue supporting our nation’s farmers in Illinois through national policy. We focused on the importance of passing the Farm Bill and touched on the exciting progress in Sustainable Aviation Fuel and how corn can play a role in its adoption.
Leaning about “Miracle Mommas” and Maternal Health
I had a great meeting with Ashley Sebaaly, founder of “Miracle Mommas,” a Maternal Health charitable organization. She came by to discuss her advocacy work. She shared her personal story of being separated from her newborn daughter, Alice, because of a medical complication requiring Alice to be transferred to a different hospital. Ashley was not allowed to move hospitals to be with Alice, missing out on those first important days of mother-daughter connection. I am pleased to know that today Alice is healthy, and her mother advocates supporting maternal healthcare at the federal level.
Getting an Update on the Alliance for the Great Lakes
Joel Brammeier, President of the Alliance for the Great Lakes, and I had a great meeting discussing the work that lies ahead of us to protect and preserve the national treasure that is the Great Lakes. From stopping invasive species to preventing the flow of plastics into our lakes, people like Joel are at the forefront of this advocacy.
Conversation with a Junior Achiever
I had a virtual conversation with Norman, a Junior Achievement Student at North Chicago High School, about the importance of learning how to approach financial responsibility at a young age. As a former participant in the Junior Achievement program nearly a half-century ago, I was happy to connect with the next generation of achievers.
A Big Idea for Zion Students
Beverly Mull, founder of the nonprofit “Scholars Sharing Cultural Center,” stopped by to share her vision for an education and cultural center for students in Zion. We discussed possible federal grants available to assist organizations like hers. If you need help with a federal grant, please contact my office, and my staff would be more than happy to help.
Talking about Mental Health Parity
Wilmette constituent Joe Feldman dropped by to advocate on behalf of the Kennedy Forum, which works to transform how mental health and substance abuse disorders are treated in our healthcare system.
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN WASHINGTON
Wayne LaPierre’s Resignation as NRA CEO
Last week the country longtime CEO Wayne LaPierre stepped down from leading the National Rifle Association (NRA) in advance of going on trial for a long history of abuses. For years, I have called out the NRA’s record of abuse of its tax-exempt status, including a report I released in 2020 detailing many of the NRA’s violations. Wayne LaPierre has spun a tangled web of self-dealing and corruption, pilfering the coffers of the organization to pay for lavish personal trips and expenses. His resignation is long overdue, but there is much more work to be done to end the epidemic of gun violence.
Even with this news, the NRA remains a powerful and harmful influence in our battle against gun violence. We must continue our work to hold accountable bad actors – like the NRA – who abuse their privileged tax-exempt status. As a member of the Ways and Means Committee, it is my duty to ensure that American taxpayers (and NRA dues paying members) are not unwittingly subsidizing the NRA’s leadership’s corrupt schemes.
Priorities Included in the NDAA
Before wrapping up 2023, the Congress passed, and President Biden signed into law the 2023 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). I was pleased that many of the priorities for which I was advocating were included in the final text of the law, including actions to support our troops, in particular the largest pay raise for service members in more than twenty years. As well, provisions to bolster security cooperation with Israel and promote the Abraham Accords and expand normalization in the region are part of the new law.
Specific provisions I was able to secure in the final bill include:
- MARITIME Act: This important legislation will increase security cooperation between the Abraham Accords countries and the United States in order to combat increasing aggression by Iran and to support Isarel in its efforts to combat Hamas.
- Extension of U.S.-Israel Anti-Tunnel Cooperation: This year’s NDAA included an extension of this program, based on legislation introduced by me. This program helps bolster Israel’s ability to detect, map, and eliminate tunnels used by terrorist organizations in the region to support and launch attacks against Israel.
- Special Envoy: Included within this legislation was language championed by me to create within the State Department an Office of the Special Presidential Envoy for the Abraham Accords, Negev Forum, and Related Integration and Normalization Fora and Agreements. This new Envoy will focus on expanding the historic Abraham Accords to promote normalization between Israel and other countries in the region, promoting increased economic interdependence and security cooperation.
- Intelligence Assessment of Abraham Accords: This legislation requires the Central Intelligence Agency to assess the historic impact and effects resulting from the success of the Abraham Accords, an effort supported by the Abraham Accords Caucus, of which I am co-chair. Having a better sense of the impacts these historic agreements have will better assist the United States in building upon that success to expand security
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, various help lines, and even obtaining affordable internet.
PACE On Demand Service Expands
In August, Pace launched its On Demand service, a reservation-based, shared-ride service in 10 designated service areas, allowing people to reserve a trip for the same lawfare as riding a bus. The service has recently expanded to a more significant portion of western Lake County, including parts of Fox Lake, Long Lake, Ingleside, and Round Lake Heights. To book a ride on the service, you do so on the Pace “On Demand” mobile app. To learn more about the service or to book a ride by phone, visit Pace’s website here.
In Closing—
Congratulations to the Michigan Wolverines on winning their first NCAA Football National Championship since 1997. While my heart is always with my Alma Mater, Northwestern, I am happy to celebrate a Big 10 win. And with Washington joining the Big 10 next year, along with USC, UCLA, and Oregon, the future looks bright for the conference. (Though I do think with 18 schools, it may be time for an update to the name.)
Sincerely,
Bradley S. Schneider
Member of Congress