10th News: Congress Returns to Washington
Hello from the nation’s capital. Congress is back in session after an extended break for the election and Washington is abuzz with activity. Last week, American voters elected Donald Trump to be the next President of the United States. Vice President Harris called the President-elect to congratulate him, and yesterday President Biden hosted him in the Oval Office. I have no doubt there will be a peaceful transfer of power in January when the nation swears in its 47th President.
Republicans also won the majority in both the Senate and the House. The House once again will be led with a very narrow majority, even slimmer than what the Republicans have in the current Congress. All expectations are that Mike Johnson will remain Speaker, though there are changes coming with other roles in Republican leadership and chairs of committees. On the Democratic side, expectations are that Hakeem Jeffries, Katherine Clark and Pete Aguilar will retain their leadership spots.
Since the election, many of you have written, called or stopped me on the street to share your thoughts, including several with concerns about what this election means for the future of our country. While Mr. Trump’s supporters are pleased with the outcome, others are feeling dejected and fearful about what’s to come in this new administration. I’ve heard concerns about proposed tariffs triggering inflation again, mass deportations affecting families and thinning an already stretched work force, and changes to the Affordable Care Act taking away insurance from people with preexisting conditions. People have asked about the safety of their gay and trans children (adult children as well as school age kids). Others are wondering what will happen to their loved ones in Ukraine or if the U.S. will again pull out of global efforts to address climate change. Nominations such as Matt Gaetz for Attorney General and Tulsi Gabbard for Director of National Intelligence are not reassuring.
So let me share a couple of early thoughts. First, we should not just acknowledge, we should celebrate that the United States elections were, as always, open, fair and free of violence. Second, we will have another election in two years—all House members fortunate enough to win last week will have the opportunity to apply for our jobs again in 2026. Third, and perhaps most important, elections reflect the will of the people at a specific moment in time. The side that wins a mandate this year must do all they can to keep the confidence of those who elected them. And the side that fell short will do all they can to regain the confidence of the majority of voters.
That said, I not only hear the concerns about the potential for a second Trump administration to move in directions detrimental to our national interest, I share many of them. I too am concerned about the prospect of the incoming administration further driving up prices, rolling back our freedoms, dismantling protections for workers and destabilizing the global alliances that keep us safe at home.
At the same time, I want to reassure you that I take my oath to defend the Constitution very seriously and will do everything in my power to advance and preserve the values and priorities of our district, representing all my constituents and with a special responsibility to speak for those who feel they do not have a voice.
Even in the deepest forest, where the path is long past covered, we must continue to march together, finding our way by charting a new path forward. Americans are resilient. I continue to have faith in the goodness of people and still believe that what unites us is greater than what divides us.
Please continue to read more about happenings here at home and in Washington.
Honoring Our Veterans and Service Members
Before returning to D.C., I enjoyed several events to mark Veterans Day, honoring our veterans and service members who put their lives on the line for our freedom.
Recruit Graduation – Naval Station Great Lakes
Last Thursday, I was honored to serve as Reviewing Officer for the Graduation Ceremony of 789 new sailors at Naval Station Great Lakes. It's always a privilege to celebrate the hard work, commitment, and dedication of some or our nation's finest. This is an incredibly proud day for every graduate’s family, friends, and the entire community. Congratulations to the sailors and thank you for making this commitment to our nation.
On Friday, we hosted our seventh annual Veterans Breakfast at the College of Lake County to honor their service. We are thrilled to host this breakfast every year to recognize the tremendous service and sacrifice of our veterans and to celebrate their service with friends and your family. We also enjoy this event because it’s a chance to reconnect with friends. I love seeing a room full of smiling people embracing each other and celebrating our great country.
On Veterans Day, I was again pleased to kick off the morning at a ceremony honoring our former service members at the Fort Sheridan Historical Society’s Veterans Day Ceremony. I was joined by the local chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), former Senator Mark Kirk, and a group of middle school students who get to school an hour early twice a week to take a special class on the history of World War II.
I also had the honor of attending the City of Highland Park’s Veterans Day Ceremony. Thank you to Mayor Nancy Rotering for hosting such a meaningful event. Special recognition goes to Lt. Col. Nathan Werve and 100-year-old WWII veteran Gerald Rubel for their powerful and inspiring remarks reminding us all of the courage and sacrifice that define our veterans.
Around the District
Mothers Trust Foundation Seasonal Soiree
I had a great time talking to new and old friends at the Mother’s Trust Foundation’s seasonal soirée in Lake Forest. For 26 years, Mothers Trust has been of service to the children and families who need it the most in Lake County.
Opening “The Legacy Pantry” in Northbrook
You are never too young to have a positive impact on your community. Seventh grader Nathan Metzl is doing just that by creating a free food pantry (take what you need, give what you can) in Northbrook. Nathan built the beautiful structure with his grandfather, Tommy Rivkin, as part of his Bar Mitzvah celebration. I was honored to join Nathan and his family, as well as State Representative Tracy Katz Muhl and other community leaders at a “ribbon cutting” ceremony for “The Legacy Pantry.” Keep up the great work Nathan!
Open House for Waukegan Development Coalition Procurement Classes
I stopped by the 3rd annual Open House for Greater Waukegan Development Coalition's (GWDC) upcoming Procurement Classes, hosted alongside the Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and other partners. I enjoyed hearing the success stories of past graduates and talking to other aspiring entrepreneurs. Small businesses are that heart of our local communities and I was proud to celebrate the work of Shaquita Blanks and the GWDC.
Deerfield High School Townhall
It was somewhat daunting, but also inspiring to talk to hundreds of high school students at a post-election town hall at Deerfield High School. I fielded a wide range of questions from students enrolled in Political Science, Sociology, A.P. Government, and U.S. History classes. As always, I was impressed by the smart perspectives and insights of these young adults.
Touring the new Lake County Emergency Operations Center
I was glad to tour the new Lake County’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC), also known as the Regional Operations and Communications (ROC) facility, as it nears completion. I’m proud to have secured $1 million in federal funding to help advance this essential project. For over a decade, Lake County's public safety agencies have explored ways to consolidate 9-1-1 services to enhance response times and coordination across communities. This facility in Libertyville represents a major step in uniting highly skilled professionals and state-of-the-art technology to streamline emergency communications, creating a resilient and redundant public safety system all under one roof.
Northern Illinois Food Bank Mobile Market
Last, but not least, we need to remember to honor our veterans and active duty service members throughout the year, not just on Veterans Day. Last month I was wonderful to volunteer at the Northern Illinois Food Bank Mobile Market, hosted by my friend Mary Carmody at the Midwest Veterans Closet. A special thank you to all the incredible volunteers, including the dedicated students from New Trier High School, who are tackling the critical issue of military food insecurity head-on. No one should ever go hungry, especially those who have served our country. I’m proud to cosponsor the Military Family Nutrition Access Act, a commonsense bill that breaks down barriers to food assistance and ensures service members can access the benefits they deserve—benefits that will help feed their families.
COMING UP IN IL-10
Get Ready to Read! Brad’s Bookworms Now Open
Once again, I am challenging 10th district elementary school students to read 10 books with the help of family and friends. Helping students gain a passion for reading helps them explore new worlds and expand their minds. Those who meet the challenge by February 2nd will be recognized and invited to a ceremony next year. For more information click here, or call my office at (847) 383-4870.
Vietnam Veterans Pinning Ceremony
As a nation, it is our sacred duty to remember and honor the profound sacrifices made by our service members. On Saturday December 14th, in Gurnee, my team and I are hosting a ceremony to recognize Vietnam War era veterans from the Illinois’s 10th Congressional District for their service. My staff will also be available to share some of the ways my office a can be of assistance.
This commemoration will be an acknowledgment of our Vietnam-era veterans’ immense service and sacrifice which deserve our eternal recognition. If you or someone you’d know would like to be recognized please click here to register or call my office at (847) 383-4870.
Taxpayer Advocate Service – Problem Solving Day
Monday, November 25, from 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM, the Taxpayer Advocate Service will be at my Lincolnshire office to assist taxpayers with IRS issues. If you'd like to meet with an advocate to discuss an IRS issue please schedule an appointment here: https://tinyurl.com/44mjde72
Can't make the meeting? My team can help you with the IRS year-round; call (847) 383-4870 to connect to a caseworker.
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.
And, 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.
In Closing –
Somehow, it’s almost mid-November and the holiday season is right around the corner. I’m looking forward to more time spent with family in the coming weeks, but at the same time I’m already missing the beautiful autumn colors that painted our district. I came across this photo gallery by the Daily Herald of the fall leaves showing off across our region. I would love to hear from you – how did you enjoy this autumn and what are you looking forward to during the upcoming holiday season?
Stay strong, stay safe, stay healthy.
Sincerely,
Bradley S. Schneider
Member of Congress