10th News: Day 31 of the Government Shutdown
I returned to Washington on Monday, hoping to find a path to get our government back open and working for the American people. This week, millions of Americans are getting notices that their health insurance premiums are skyrocketing, as open enrollment begins on Saturday, November 1. Today, millions of federal employees and workers supporting government services across the country will miss another paycheck. And very significantly, the administration has announced that, despite contingency funds being available, SNAP benefits will be suspended starting Saturday, putting millions at risk of hunger. On Friday, two judges ruled that the Trump Administration must use these contingency funds to provide SNAP benefits.
The shutdown is unnecessarily putting hardworking American families in financial distress, is weakening our economy, and threatening our national security. The bottom line is that no one wins a shutdown showdown.
Unfortunately, Speaker Johnson has insisted on keeping the House on break since September 19. Speaker Johnson needs to call his Republican colleagues back to Washington, must reconvene the House, and allow all Representatives (Republicans and Democrats) to vote on legislation to reopen the government and protect Americans’ health care.
On Monday, as chair of the New Democrat Coalition (New Dems), I reached out to my counterparts in the Republican Main Street Caucus and the Republican Governance Group (RG2), proposing we sit down to look for common ground and shared ideas for breaking the impasse between Republicans and Democrats I was hopeful they would agree to join me in bipartisan conversations. Unfortunately, neither one was willing to engage, instead they leaked my outreach to the press and told us to effectively “pound sand.” Click here for MSNBC story on my letter.
Keep reading for more news about what is happening at home and in Washington.
While in Washington
Democrats Hold Hearing on Protecting Healthcare and Small Businesses
In a Democratic Steering and Policy Hearing earlier this week, we spoke to everyday working Americans and small business owners who rely on ACA tax credits to keep their healthcare affordable. Speaker Johnson must reopen the house and let us vote. Let us take action to protect health care for millions of Americans across our nation. It couldn't be simpler, but action is needed from my Republican colleagues. Listen to my remarks here.
Catching Up with Small Business Voices
I look forward every year to meeting with Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Voices. We talked about how small businesses are addressing health care, workforce shortages, and tariffs.
Out and About the 10th
Meanwhile, last week I traveled throughout our district to talk with folks about how the shutdown is affecting them. I also spent significant time seeking to help our communities in light of the violent immigration enforcement actions of the administration
Virtual Townhall
Last week, I hosted my first-ever virtual town hall to hear your concerns and answer your questions. We discussed the latest updates from Washington and the district, including ICE operations in IL-10, the government shutdown, and rising healthcare costs. Thank you to everyone who hopped on the townhall or watched our livestream of the event. You can go back and watch the full event here. I hope to host more of these virtual town halls in the future!
Standing Strong with North Chicago Amid Aggressive ICE Raids
At a time when the Trump Administration is escalating immigration enforcement, North Chicago has drawn a clear and necessary line to protect its residents. I joined Mayor Rockingham as he signed a landmark order banning federal immigration agents from using city-owned property, we denounced immigration enforcement operations for causing fear.
Meeting with USAID Workers
I met with USAID workers who were let go when President Trump unlawfully disbanded one of our nation’s most important foreign service organizations.
These highly skilled professionals were building bridges between countries, strengthening alliances, and bolstering both our national security and our domestic economy. Their absence has been felt profoundly around the world — creating space for our adversaries to step in where we stepped out.
The three D’s of foreign policy — defense, development, and diplomacy — don’t work if one is missing. Disbanding USAID was a serious mistake, and it’s one we must correct as soon as possible.
Meeting with North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic
I had a productive meeting with the North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic and my immigration casework team. We discussed the critical work NSLAC does every day across our communities. With the rise in ICE activity throughout the district, they are on the front lines. We will continue working together to keep our residents safe.
Visiting the LGBTQ+ Center in Lake County
I visited the LGBTQ+ Center Lake County where we discussed health care access for the LGBTQ+ community — specifically, the need to protect access to health care for transgender individuals, and to prevent the criminalization of nonprofit advocacy by ensuring equal access to federal grants for social justice and free-speech organizations.
Transgender individuals - especially transgender youth - are not looking for handouts or special treatment - only for the opportunity that allows them to access the care they need to help their children write their own story.
Meeting with Mano a Mano
Mano a Mano empowers immigrants and their families to become full participants in their communities. Their mission is rooted in equity, education, and respect for human dignity. Mano a Mano serves more than 10,000 individuals annually, supporting vulnerable families by building skills, fostering leadership, and facilitating access to critical resources.
I had a great meeting with Dulce Ortiz, Executive Director of Mano a Mano Family Resource Center where we discussed the current landscape of their work, particularly in response to recent ICE activity in the district and they walked me through their rapid response efforts and how they are engaging and protecting the community.
Visiting Navig8Lake Career Fair
Navig8 Lake 2025 showcased the incredible power of partnership in Lake County. More than 6,000 students came together with 140 community and industry partners for a day of hands-on career exploration and connection. Led by Lake County Regional Superintendent Dr. Michael Karner, this countywide initiative linked schools and employers through the innovative SchooLinks platform—creating meaningful pathways for students to discover their futures. This collaborative effort highlights our community’s shared commitment to preparing the next generation and strengthening the local workforce that drives Lake County forward.
Grabbing a Scoop at La Michoacana Bella
With everything going on in our country and communities, sometimes you just need some ice cream to reset. I’ve driven by La Michoacana Bella in Highwood many times and had to stop in. I’ve got to say... some of the best ice cream I’ve had. Great to meet the owner, Luis, who shared a bit about his business and its role in the community. Really appreciate it, Luis!
CATCHING UP WITH LOCAL MAYORS
Chatting with Grayslake Mayor Elizabeth Davies
Grayslake Mayor Elizabeth Davies began her term this year. She's working to keep the positive work of her predecessor going and shared her vision for Grayslake with me. I look forward to working with Mayor Davies and wish her all the best during her term.
Meeting with Volo Mayor Steve Henley
Always great to catch up with Volo Mayor Steve Henley and talk about how we can continue to serve our constituents through common-sense policies. We had a great lunch at Volo Quality Meats, a hidden gem of Volo that Mayor Henley was proud to show off, and it impressed me with its great sandwiches.
Lunch with Round Lake Mayor Braubaker
I joined Mayor Brian Braubaker to catch up over lunch at Rancho Nuevo. Mayor Braubaker has served Round Lake for over 27 years as both mayor and trustee, but also an involved member of the community leading the Round Lake Spartans Football & Cheer program as President and coaching Avon Township Youth Baseball.
As a member of the community, Mayor Braubaker and I shared our concerns as to how ICE presence has been negatively affecting our communities and what we can do to continue to support those being hit the hardest, including restaurants like Rancho Nuevo.
Attending Coalition to Reduce Recidivism Ceremony
It’s always a highlight to be with Marc Jones and my friends at the Coalition to Reduce Recidivism in Waukegan. This organization works every day to help individuals with criminal records rebuild their lives and become productive members of our community.
I’ve been partnering with the Coalition since my first days in Congress, and every year I leave this event inspired by the dedication that defines this work. Progress is never made by one organization or one leader alone — it takes a village. It takes all of us, working side by side. Thank you, C2RR!
ON THE AIRWAVES
SiriusXM POTUS Julie Mason Show with Rep. Nikki Budzinski
New Dem Vice Chair Rep. Nikki Budzinski and I joined SiriusXM’s Julie Mason for a joint interview to chat about our policy frameworks, the government shutdown and affordability for working people! Tune in here.
Talking Healthcare on New Dem’s Podcast, The Fly-In
I hopped on a live episode of The Fly-In this week – the New Dems’ podcast – to chat with Reps Landsman and Veasey and hear from Stephanie Bradford, a Lancaster County, PA resident living with Type 1 diabetes. We heard firsthand how rising healthcare costs are impacting her, and so many more around the nation. Listen in here.
CNN News Central
I joined CNN News Central to discuss why Democrats are fighting to bring down the cost of healthcare. While Republicans remain on their month-long vacation with no plan and no strategy to address the rising costs impacting millions of Americans AND reopen the government, Democrats are hitting the ground in communities, talking with people about how we can help make life more affordable. Watch here.
CNN International with Zain Asher’s One World
American democracy is built on the will of the people. That’s why we must continue to stand and fight the abuses of power by The Trump Administration that we continue to see in Chicagoland and around the country. I joined CNN International to discuss the looming possibility of National Guard presence in Chicago and how we must stay united amidst ICE's invasion of Chicagoland. Tune in here.
Fox 32 with Paris Schutz
I joined FOX32 to discuss the shutdown, ICE presence in Chicago, and any bipartisan agreements in the works to end the Republicans shutdown. Newsflash, there aren’t any because Republicans refuse to negotiate with Democrats. Tune in here.
C-SPAN Washington Journal
I joined C-SPAN’s open forum to answer questions from all over the country. We discussed everything from ACA cuts and skyrocketing healthcare costs to SNAP benefits and ICE in Chicago. Watch here.
NewsNation On Balance with Leland Vittert
I joined Leland Vittert on NewsNation to discuss the government shutdown and how Republicans can end the pain increasing on Americans by sitting down to the negotiation table and crafting a bipartisan solution to bring down health care costs. Watch here.
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. This year my office has saved constituents nearly $6 million!
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.
COMING UP IN IL-10
Are you a veteran? Join me for an event honoring our district's veterans. There's still time to register for a free veterans day event on Wednesday, November 12th, at 9:00 a.m. in Grayslake. We'll be honoring those in our communities who served and will share some of the ways my office and local veteran organizations can assist. The event is free and open to all veterans in Illinois’s Tenth Congressional District. Breakfast will be served.
The event will also recognize Vietnam War-era Veterans from Illinois's 10th Congressional District for their service by issuing them commemorative pins. If you're eligible for a pin and would like to receive one, please answer the question on the RSVP form.
Details for the event are below. If you have any questions or need assistance with a VA-related issue, please call my office at (847) 383-4870.
Veterans Day Event
When: Wednesday, November 12th
Time: 9:00 am
Where: Grayslake - Address Provided Upon RSVP
Click here to RSVP
IN CLOSING
I hope everyone has a safe and spooky Halloween!
Stay strong, stay safe, stay healthy.
Sincerely,
Brad