10TH NEWS: CANCELED VOTES, REAL CONSEQUENCES.
I can’t believe it’s already October. And though I am sad the Chicago Cubs had an early exit from the playoffs, how about those White Sox?! Next stop Cleveland.
Another surprise was Monday’s big Bears’ win over the Eagles. I am rooting for a fast recovery for Caleb Williams, but it was sure a lot of fun watching Case Keenum lead the team with such joy. And don’t forget, the Fire is well-positioned to make the MLS playoffs in November, the Blackhawks season started on Tuesday, and the Bulls season starts later this month. Life can be busy for Chicago sports fans!
SEPTEMBER HOUSE CALENDAR
At a time when Americans are struggling with rising costs and our nation is embroiled in a war in the Middle East, sending Congress home is the exact opposite of what we should be doing. We demand hard work from Americans every single day. So why, when Americans demand that same hard work from us, do Republicans seem to always choose to leave town instead?
The Senate adjourned yesterday and will not be back until after the November elections, meaning there will be no Congressional action on any issues impacting hardworking American families for the next month. Instead, when Congress returns, we will be legislating in a lame duck session where I hope we can still tackle some of the biggest end-of-year items like funding the government, surface transportation reauthorization, and the Farm Bill while also preparing for the next Congress.
To be clear, I am quite happy to make myself productive at home, traveling around the district, talking to community leaders and neighbors about what they most care about, and exploring how Congress can be a positive force in our district. Over the past few weeks I welcomed 48 new American citizens at their naturalization ceremony in Glencoe, toured Leider Greenhouses, a fifth-generation family business in Buffalo Grove, hosted a roundtable discussion with local labor leaders in Gurnee, visited with seniors in Lake Bluff and Libertyville, spoke to students in Winnetka, Lake Forest and Lincolnshire, joined the annual Walk to End Alzheimer's at Independence Grove, and the Walk for Suicide Awareness and Prevention in Grayslake, shared “Cocktails in the Cornfield” with friends of the Farm Foundation in Libertyville, and attended the Northwestern Suburban Interfaith Council’s “Don’t Be a Stranger” gathering in Wheeling.
Keep reading to learn more about goings on both here at home and in Congress.
OUT AND ABOUT IN THE 10TH
Supporting Workers and Unions
Ahead of Labor Day, I sat down with union members and local labor leaders in Gurnee to discuss cuts to the federal workforce, protecting and expanding the right to organize and collectively bargain, and ensuring workers are paid fairly.
In Congress, I am proud to support the PRO Act to protect and expand the right to organize and collectively bargain, and earlier this summer, the House passed the bipartisan Faster Labor Contracts Act to establish mandatory deadlines for parties negotiating an initial collective bargaining agreement. Workers shouldn’t have to wait for months on end to have their voices heard.
I enjoyed our conversation and will continue fighting to support workers and create an economy that works for everyone because when labor does well, we all rise.
Chatting with Students and Parents at Military Service Academy Night
We recently hosted our Military Service Academy Information Night at New Trier High School, with more than 100 students and families from across the district in attendance.
Thank you to the representatives from the U.S. Air Force Academy, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, the U.S. Naval Academy, Navy ROTC, and Army ROTC for sharing their time and answering every question.
I was so impressed by the leadership of our students who are interested in this path of service. Thank you to New Trier for hosting this important event!
What is a military service academy?
Members of Congress may nominate candidates for appointment to four of the five U.S. service academies. At a service academy, tuition, housing, and expenses are covered by the academy in exchange for active-duty service for the respective branch upon graduation. During their time at the academy, students receive a rigorous education and can major in subjects including engineering, national security studies, cybersecurity, and more.
There are five U.S. service academies: U.S. Military Academy (USMA), West Point, NY, U.S. Naval Academy (USNA), Annapolis, MD, U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA), Colorado Springs, CO, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA), Kings Point, NY, and U.S. Coast Guard Academy, New London, CT (nomination not required). Each academy operates under its own admission guidelines and requirements. Receiving a nomination from a Member of Congress is separate from applying to and receiving an acceptance letter from an academy.
If you are interested in applying, visit my website for instructions and the online application The deadline for academy classes of 2030 applications is October 31st at 5 p.m. Selected applicants will then be scheduled for an interview with the Service Academy Nomination Board in November.
Sharing Breakfast with University of Illinois Alumni
I had a great time at the University of Illinois alumni breakfast! We discussed the obstacles facing students and faculty and how we can work together to ensure our institutions can recruit and retain professors, continue important research and innovation, and connect students to exciting opportunities. I will continue working to support our students and faculty and expand access to affordable higher education.
Talking Real Estate
It was great to talk real estate with the Illinois Realtors and discuss how we can continue to work together to make homeownership a reality for more families in Illinois and across the country.
The bipartisan 21st Century Road to Housing Act recently passed by Congress and signed into law is not the end of the road, and there is still more to do to tackle the housing crisis head-on.
I look forward to continuing to partner with local leaders and advocates on how we can increase housing supply, expand access to affordable housing, drive down costs, and support our communities.
Exemplifying Service and Leadership Through Volunteering
It was a privilege to present Stevenson High School senior Amritha Praveen with the Congressional Silver Award and Gold Medal. Amritha exemplifies service and leadership through her volunteer work with the Center for Enriched Living and the Northwest Special Recreation Association, her role on the National Youth Empowerment Board, and her efforts to expand STEM and math enrichment. Thank you, Amritha, for your dedication and for helping strengthen the 10th District.
Visiting with Seniors
I always enjoy spending time with our seniors to visit with them and hear their concerns. I recently visited both Modena Green Oaks Senior Living in Lake Bluff and Green Oaks Senior Living in Libertyville to speak directly with seniors about what matters to them. Their biggest concerns were access to affordable health care and bringing down the cost of living. No one should have to struggle to pay their bills, especially seniors on fixed incomes. I’ll keep working to expand access to care and lower costs. Thank you to Modena Green Oaks and Green Oaks Senior Living for having me!
Naturalization Ceremony at the Chicago Botanic Garden
This week, I had the honor of celebrating and welcoming 48 of our newest American citizens during a naturalization ceremony at the Chicago Botanic Garden.
Every participant has a unique journey, and now their story has become part of the American story. Congratulations to our newest citizens. Thank you for choosing the United States as your home!
“Don’t Be a Stranger” Interfaith Gathering
I was so glad to attend the Northwest Suburban Interfaith Council and Shir Hadash Synagogue’s “Don’t Be a Stranger” Interfaith & Intercultural Day of Welcome. This gathering brought together people from diverse faiths and cultural communities to build bridges, foster friendship, promote peace, and celebrate the diversity that makes our communities stronger.
Through listening circles, workshops, multicultural food, artistic programming, and a solidarity ceremony, the day created meaningful opportunities for connection and understanding. Events like this remind us of the importance of coming together, learning from one another, and celebrating the many faiths and cultures that enrich our communities.
“Cocktails in the Cornfield”
Corn is everywhere, not just in the fields of Illinois or on our plates, but in our fuel, cosmetics, fireworks, diapers, and so much more. The Farm Foundation hosted its Inside Food & Ag Series on corn at its farm in Libertyville, followed by a reception highlighting the many delicious ways to enjoy this versatile crop.
It was great to catch up with the Farm Foundation, guests from the University of Illinois Extension, and Elawa Farm at this wonderful event. Illinois agriculture is a big part of what makes our state special, and I’m always glad to learn more about the people and industries that keep it thriving.
Discussing Civics and Government at Lake Forest College
Our youth are an important part of the health of our democracy. I was glad to join Professor Evan Oxman’s Intro to American Politics class at Lake Forest College to speak with students about how Congress functions. Their thoughtful questions covered everything from how we can hold elected leaders accountable, to how partisan divisions shape the day-to-day work of Congress and the role of the United States abroad.
Thank you to Professor Oxman and his students for the warm welcome and for such an engaging conversation. It was a pleasure to be back at Lake Forest College and speak with the next generation of students interested in American politics and public service.
Stopping by Stevenson High School
I also stopped by Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire to speak with students from Government classes, Political Thought, and the Political Action Club. We discussed drafting and passing legislation, responding to constituent concerns, and how bills gain momentum in Congress.
Thank you to Stevenson High for participating in such an important and engaging conversation!
Visiting Teens and Young Adults at the Center for Enriched Living
This week, I stopped by the Center for Enriched Living in Riverwoods to observe a lunch prep demonstration with the Catalyst Life Skills CEL members, visit with CEL REACH members while they worked on crafts for Hispanic Heritage Month, and talk to CEL parents about obstacles they face such as staffing at the Social Security Administration to having access to programs and support like CEL provides.
I’m proud that the Center for Enriched Living calls our district home, and I will continue to support their work to provide important programming to teens, young adults, and seniors with disabilities, building a sense of community and connectedness.
Brad at Your Business – Leider Greenhouse
This week, I stopped by Leider Greenhouse in Buffalo Grove for another Brad at Your Business! The Leider Greenhouse has been owned and operated by family for five generations led by family members Mark and Mary. I enjoyed speaking with members of the Leider family about their work to deliver high-quality plants and top-notch customer service for over 125 years.
Walk to End Alzheimer’s
Whether you are a caregiver to a loved one with Alzheimer’s, have lost a loved one to the disease or are simply supportive of finding a cure, people across Illinois and the nation have been touched by the fight to end Alzheimer’s. I attended the recent Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Grayslake and enjoyed meeting with participants to hear their stories and connect with the incredible volunteers from the Alzheimer’s Association. Every person who attended had a different reason for being there, but everyone was united by the same goal: creating a world without Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.
Walk for Suicide Prevention and Awareness
September marked Suicide Prevention Month and served as a reminder that no one has to face a difficult moment alone. I was proud to attend the recent 13th Annual 5K Walk & Run for Awareness and Suicide Prevention.
By coming together, sharing resources, and learning to recognize the warning signs of suicide risk, we can help make sure people know where to turn before it’s too late. Thank you to everyone who participated and to all those working every day to spread hope, support, and the message that you are not alone.
HAPPENING IN WASHINGTON
Reining in Trump’s Tariff Authority
I will always support Ukraine and the Ukrainian people’s fight against Russia’s illegal invasion. Unfortunately, the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act is not the way to continue this support. Instead, this legislation would grant the President power to enact more sweeping tariffs without congressional approval and raise costs on American households by thousands of dollars.
That is why I voted no on this act. If the President had any interest in imposing sanctions on Russia and supporting the Ukrainian people, he already has the necessary authority and power to do so. Yet, after nearly twenty months in office, he’s stubbornly refused to use that power. I will continue working to both rein in Trump’s trade war and lower costs and pursue comprehensive strategies to push back against Putin’s regime and uphold democracy for the people of Ukraine.
Lowering Energy Costs for Illinois Families
Every day I hear directly from constituents in my district about the high cost of living. I voted for the bipartisan Ratepayer Protection Act to help address the impact large-load customers like data centers will continue to have on our electric grid and ultimately Illinois residents’ wallets. I will continue working to lower costs and deliver the relief families need.
Working to Expand Access to Health Care
While in Washington, the House Energy and Commerce Committee considered two of the bipartisan bills I lead, the KIDNEY Remote Monitoring Act and the Ensuring Community Access to Pharmacist Services Act. Together, these bills represent efforts to develop meaningful, long-term solutions to challenges facing providers and patients.
The KIDNEY Remote Monitoring Act expands access to remote monitoring and care for Medicare beneficiaries with end stage renal disease, eliminating costly appointments and ensuring they can receive the care they need in the comfort of their home. The Ensuring Community Access to Pharmacist Services Act provides for Medicare coverage of pharmacist-administered tests for common respiratory illnesses, such as influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), strep throat, and COVID-19.
As our health care system becomes increasingly expensive and complex, these bills will help cut through the red tape and focus on what matters most — ensuring seniors receive the care they need and deserve. I’ll keep working to advance these bills through Congress, lower health care costs, and expand access to the care Americans need.
25 Years After 9/11: The Evolving Terrorism Landscape and State’s Counterterrorism Response
Twenty-five years after the devastating September 11 al-Qaeda terrorist attacks on our nation, we continue to confront an evolving terrorism landscape that demands an equally dynamic counterterrorism response. In a Middle East and North Africa Subcommittee hearing I asked our witness how the United States is continuing to strengthen partnerships with allies and partners overseas, disrupting terrorist networks and their proxies, and doing everything we can to keep Americans safe. Watch my full remarks here.
Strengthening U.S.-Armenian Relations with ANCA
Before Congress adjourned in September, I had not one but two opportunities to chat with the Armenian National Committee of America for their Advocacy Days on Capitol Hill. I had the honor of speaking at the closing event of the Armenian National Committee of America’s Advocacy Days as well as meeting with the Armenian National Committee of America, where we discussed their efforts to secure the release of Armenian prisoners of war who have been illegally detained for more than 1,000 days.
I am always happy to uplift ANCA’s work to protect at-risk Armenian communities around the world. I believe it is important to continue strengthening U.S.-Armenian relations and building a partnership that helps ensure Armenian communities are protected from harm.
Expanding Access to Cancer Research with the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network
I was glad to have the chance to stop by and say hi to the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, who were in my office to discuss advancements in cancer research and the Clinical Trial Modernization Act, bipartisan legislation to improve participation in clinical trials—particularly among underrepresented populations. A cancer diagnosis can turn someone’s world upside down, and I am grateful for organizations like the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network that work to expand access to care, advance research, and provide patients with a path forward.
Strengthening Credit Unions with the Illinois Credit Union League
I had a great meeting with the Illinois Credit Union League, where we discussed preventing fraud, expanding lending options, and strengthening transaction oversight. A big thank you to the Illinois Credit Union League for taking the time to meet with me and bring attention to these important issues facing credit unions and their members.
Supporting our Farmers with the Illinois Farm Bureau
Farmers are the backbone of our nation, and as food prices continue to climb, we must stand behind them and ensure our communities continue to have access to nutritious, locally grown food. I enjoyed meeting with the Illinois Farm Bureau to discuss the Farm Bill, USMCA, beef imports, and the state of the farm economy. As a member of the bipartisan Ag-Trade Caucus, I recognize the importance of removing barriers to agricultural trade and supporting the economic opportunities and jobs it creates. Thank you to the Illinois Farm Bureau, along with Lake County resident Andy Yarc, for stopping by to talk all things agriculture.
RESOURCES TO HELP YOU AND YOUR COMMUNITY
As always, I’m happy to meet constituents in my Lincolnshire office to share ideas, discuss legislation, or catch up on what’s happening in our community. If you want to schedule a meeting with me, you can do so here.
My website offers a range of resources designed to help constituents navigate everyday challenges. So far this year, my office has helped constituents save $5,037,680 including $66,123 just this week alone through casework and assistance efforts.
My office is here for you. If you have an issue with a federal agency, please reach out to my office at (847) 383-4870, and we will be happy to assist you.
IN CLOSING
In closing, I want to introduce a couple of the smallest new members of Team Brad. We are thrilled to welcome Sloane, our District Director Jake’s baby daughter. We are sending best wishes to the new parents. Enjoy this time. Trust me, it flies by in an instant. In D.C., we also have a new member in Ziggy, my Health Legislative Assistant Julia’s Golden Retriever puppy. He has quickly become an important part of the office, bringing plenty of joy and support to the team.
