10th News: A Dire Threat to Women's Rights

May is certainly off to a wild start, perhaps with the only constant being that it's still raining. It's been great to be home this week after a busy week in Washington last week. But before I talk about what I've been doing of late, I want to begin with a brief reflection on the pending Supreme Court decision on Roe v. Wade.

The country was taken by surprise on Monday when a draft of a majority opinion written by Justice Samuel Alito was leaked. It was a nearly unprecedented breach of the otherwise closed world of Supreme Court, and Chief Justice Roberts has called for an immediate investigation. If the draft opinion is accurate and the Supreme Court is about to overturn Roe—and with it, nearly 50 years of established precedent—millions of women across America will be denied their rights and America will be less free. We are staring down an emergency.

I was a young teen when the Supreme Court ruled on Roe v. Wade. That remarkable ruling meant that my generation would not have to suffer a cruel world where abortion was illegal. Where desperate women and girls were forced to seek illicit procedures from shoddy or incompetent charlatans, resulting in untold medical complications and tragic, unnecessary deaths.

My generation, and all who have come after, have benefited beyond measure from ensuring that women have control over their bodies and are able to make their personal healthcare decisions in private counsel with their families and their doctors. Over the 50 years since Roe, because they have the right to make their own choices about the families and their futures, women have made incredible advances in education, in the workforce, indeed in every aspect of American life. We must not return to a time where women do not have equal rights with their male counterparts.

I know the leaked opinion is a draft and nothing is final. But it does appear to represent the direction for a majority of the nine Supreme Court Justices—not just threatening Roe v. Wade, but also other civil rights including marriage equality. Congress must step in to fill the void and formally protect these rights. Last year I was proud to be an original cosponsor and to help pass the Women's Health Protection Act in the House. The Senate must now act to send this bill to the president's desk.

In other news, it's been busy both in Washington and back home. This week I have travelled throughout the district, from Wheeling to Waukegan, Grayslake to Glencoe. It's Teacher Appreciation Week and a highlight was attending the first annual Lake County Educator of the Year Awards. It was a festive occasion celebrating the wonderful work of our teachers, principles, and school workers. The evening honored the incredible service of our school nurses taking care of students throughout the pandemic.

I also continue to visit local schools. Last week I spoke the students at North Chicago Community High School who were participating in the Capitol Hill Challenge sponsored by SIFMA. Through this program, students learn about managing personal finances and explore ways to save and invest in themselves through building a simulated portfolio of stocks and bonds.

On Tuesday I visited St. Anastasia School in Waukegan and talked to the students about what it's like serving in Congress.

Yesterday I was honored to join some remarkable students at Wheeling's London Middle School Educational Life Skills Program. I loved answering their questions and enjoyed joining them for a tour of the school.

From there I went to Niles to see how Gemini Middle School has reimagined STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) education. This was my first time at Gemini since they had remodeled the school and I was so impressed by the new facility. But I was most impressed by the students and their enthusiasm for learning, whether they were studying robotics, practicing for their final orchestra performance, or even just walking in the halls between classes.

And just this morning I attended the Mikva Civics Challenge Showcase at Waukegan High School where nearly 200 students displayed their ideas for addressing some of the most pressing policy challenges facing our community and our country.

In addition to my school visits, I was most pleased to be able to meet in person with constituents last Saturday in Wheeling at another Congress on Your Corner Town Hall. Despite the threat of thunderstorms, an impressive group came together for a vibrant discussion on topics ranging from America's resurgence in the wake of Covid to supporting Ukraine and ending Russia's illegal, unprovoked invasion. I want to give a special thank you shout-out to Wheeling's Trustees for hosting us and to the Wheeling Police and Fire Departments for keeping us safe. You can watch the town hall here.

Please keep reading for more information about what's happening in Washington and around the district.

Around the District

Brad At Your Business

I continued my program of visiting local employers to learn more about their business and the work they do in our communities. On Tuesday I was at Cardinal Health in Waukegan and toured their distribution facility while discussing how the company worked through the pandemic. Businesses like Cardinal Health are critical in ensuring hospitals and pharmacies are supplied and ready to serve, especially during times of crisis . It was a pleasure to meet with Orlando and Angie, who showed me how they work to keep Illinois healthy.

And keeping with the health care mode, on Wednesday I toured the new Encompass Health Rehabilitation Institute in Libertyville. This inpatient rehab facility is the first of its kind in Lake County and will provide services intended to get patients back up and in their homes after debilitating injuries and illnesses.

STEAM Scholars Have Wonderful Visit to Ravinia

This past Saturday, our 2021-2022 STEAM Scholars class held it's final gathering of this school year. We visited Ravinia Music Park and explored the science and technology that goes into bringing to life the incredible music performances we enjoy every summer. We also met with the hardworking staff and toured the Ravinia Music Box Experience Center (I highly recommend visiting the Music Box if you have the chance this summer). Our wonderful hosts, Jeffery P. Haydon, Arielle Basile, Mark Pearlman, and Sam Amodeo provided the students with a unique experience.

Addressing AJC Leaders for Tomorrow

On Sunday I met with another group of remarkable high school students, participants in the American Jewish Committee's Leaders for Tomorrow Program. We talked about fighting antisemitism and promoting pluralism and connections with people from different cultures, faiths, and traditions here at home and around the world. We also discussed strengthening the US – Israel relationship and how the Abraham Accords are bring new hopes for peace in the region and around the world.

100th Military Families Starbucks Store Opens In North Chicago

It was a pleasure to join the North Chicago community to celebrate the opening of Starbucks' 100th Military Family Store. Veterans and military spouses primarily staff these stores as part of Starbucks' efforts to employ service members and their families nationwide. Here, heroes in the 10th District have another place to gather.

What's Happening in Washington

Remembering the Holocaust

Last week in Washington we marked Holocaust Remembrance Day with a candle lighting ceremony joined by many members of Congress, including Speaker Pelosi. As a trustee of the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum Council, I was honored to host the a special event, and to bring six Holocaust survivors—Frank Cohn, Tamar Hendel Fishman, Theodora Klayman, Lisa Kraft, Joël Nommick, and George Salamon—to share their stories.

Later that day, I was invited to the White House for a special screening of The Survivor, a movie about Harry Haft who survived Auschwitz. It's a difficult movie but I recommend it.

In my few private moments with President Biden, I had the chance to talk about ensuring Iran never gets a nuclear weapon, and told him that I supported his call for additional security, humanitarian and economic assistance to Ukraine as they combat Russia's invasion.

Secretary of State Blinken Testifies at Foreign Affairs Committee

Secretary of State Anthony Blinken was before the House Foreign Affairs Committee on April 28th to discuss the Administration's proposed FY2023 budget request. During my time to inquire, I thanked the Secretary for his efforts helping Ukraine and also raised the issue of the threats Iran poses to the U.S. and our allies, as well as the possibilities for advancing peace in the Middle East through deepening and expanding the Abraham Accords. I also expressed my opposition to lifting the Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) designation for the IRGC as part of negotiating any return to the 2015 nuclear agreement with Iran. America cannot trade lessening one threat for dangerously expanding another. You can watch video of exchange here.

Secretary of Health and Human Service Bacerra Testifies at Ways & Means

Also on the 28th, Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Bacerra spoke about the FY2023 budget proposal before the Ways and Means Committee. During our discussion, I asked Secretary Bacerra how his agency's programs address the gun violence plaguing our communities and the public health effects the epidemic of violence in having on our youth. Watch the video from committee here.
 

COVID-19 UPDATE

• We are moving forward safely: Over 200 million people are vaccinated and 2 out of 3 eligible Americans are boosted. As a result, nearly 70% of Americans now live in an area where the CDC no longer recommends universal masking.
• Every American is now eligible to receive free, at-home COVID-19 tests. Eligible Americans can order up to 4 free tests at covidtests.gov. Tests are expected to ship in 7-12 days.
• The vaccine is safe and effective. If you are unvaccinated, you are 17 times more likely to be hospitalized and 20 times more likely to die from COVID-19 than those who are vaccinated.
• All Americans ages 12 and up are eligible for COVID-19 booster shots. As long as you are six months past your last Pfizer or Moderna shot, you can now get a booster by visiting your local doctor's office or pharmacy.
• The vaccine is saving lives. So again, tell your loved ones, your friends, neighbors and coworkers, join the fight and get your shot!

Resources

Uniting For Ukraine

Applications are open for a new streamlined process for Ukrainians seeking asylum in the United States. This represents a key step toward fulfilling the President's commitment to welcome Ukrainians fleeing Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Uniting for Ukraine builds on the robust humanitarian assistance the U.S. government is providing as we complement the generosity of countries throughout Europe that are hosting millions of Ukrainian citizens and others who have been displaced. You can learn more here.

Illinois Homeowner Assistance Fund Opening

The state is accepting applications from homeowners for grants of up to $30,000 to eliminate or reduce past-due mortgage and property tax payments. The Illinois Homeowner Assistance Fund Program will provide direct financial assistance to prevent mortgage delinquencies, defaults, displacements, and foreclosures for income-eligible homeowners experiencing pandemic-related hardships. Learn more here.

Unincorporated Residents Eligible for Flood Insurance Premium Discounts

If you live in unincorporated Lake County, you may be eligible for up to $297 in savings per year on flood insurance policies. Through the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Community Rating System (CRS) program, residents within unincorporated Lake County – who meet certain requirements – are eligible for up to 20 percent savings on flood insurance premiums

Contact your insurance agent for coverage information, pricing and CRS flood insurance discount information. You can also visit Lake County's flood coverage website for more information.

LONG WAITS FOR PASSPORTS: Look Before You Book

As more and more people get vaccinated, travel is starting to pick back up again. My office has received a major uptick in calls asking to expedite passport renewals lately. If you plan to travel internationally, remember to check the expiration date on your passport before you book your trip. It is taking much longer than normal to renew a passport, so make sure to plan ahead.

Check the passport website to get an idea of processing time -- expedited processing is now taking 5-7 weeks from submission to receipt, with regular processing taking 8-11 weeks.

At this point, expedited exceptions are only being made in case of emergency travel. In other words, apply now for that passport you will need for the trip you might take over Winter Break. Passports last for 5 or 10 years depending on what age you were issued your first passport.

Lake County: COVID Rental Assistance Programs Open Now

Lake County is offering rental assistance programs for those who face financial hardships related to COVID-19 and are struggling to pay rent. The deadline to apply for rental assistance in Cook County has passed.

Learn more and apply here for the Lake County Federal Emergency Rental Assistance Program.

IN CLOSING –

At our Yom HaShoah Remembrance Day Event last week, we were honored to have Frank Cohn (pictured above) share his story: Born August 2, 1925 in Breslau, Germany, Frank and his family experienced rampant antisemitism after the Nazis came to power. They escaped Germany in 1938. In 1943, Frank was drafted into the U.S. Army, where he served during the Battle of the Bulge and later in the Rhineland and Central Europe campaigns. Today, Frank volunteers with the Holocaust Memorial Museum to help share critical stories like his own.

I encourage you to take the time to watch Frank tell his own incredible story in his own words.

Onward,

Bradley S. Schneider
Member of Congress