10TH NEWS: THE FIGHT TO LOWER COSTS AND PROTECT HEALTHCARE FOR AMERICAN FAMILIES
While the longest shutdown in U.S. history is over, Republicans and Democrats still need to come together to protect Americans healthcare and make it easier for families to get ahead.
I joined my Democratic colleagues on the Capitol steps to call out the shortcomings of the Senate spending bill.
This week Speaker Mike Johnson finally called his Republican colleagues back to the Capitol—after giving them an extended eight-week vacation—so they could vote on the government spending legislation passed by the Senate on Monday. While the Senate bill does temporarily fund the government through January 30th, it does absolutely nothing to keep healthcare affordable. Nor does the bill reverse earlier cuts Republicans made to Medicaid, to previously approved infrastructure projects across the country, or to rural broadband, small business programs, and important foreign aid programs.
I wish the Speaker had instead brought the House back to work on developing real, bipartisan solutions to the looming healthcare crisis created by the $1 trillion in Medicaid cuts included in President Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill,” and exacerbated by Republicans' refusal to extend the ACA premium subsidies that expire at the end of this year. I wish the Speaker would have Congress work on bipartisan spending bills that would responsibly fund our government for the full fiscal year. I wish the Speaker would have allowed us to remove the contemptible, corrupt Senate provision that allows 8 Senators to effectively pocket $1 to $3 million from American taxpayers. But he didn’t do any of that.
Approximately 24 million Americans are now are facing skyrocketing healthcare costs. Some families will have to pay double, even triple what they are already paying for their health coverage. Millions will lose their health insurance altogether.
That’s why, in September, I voted against giving President Trump unconstrained power to continue raising the cost of living for and ripping healthcare away from millions of hard-working Americans and their families. And it’s why I joined 207 of Democratic colleagues and 2 Republicans in rejecting the fatally flawed Senate package this week.
I will, as I always have, support a bipartisan government spending bill that reflects good faith negotiations between Republicans and Democrats. I will not, however, support a hyper-partisan bill that continues to cut investments in infrastructure, cuts funding for rural broadband, cuts programs helping small businesses, and knowingly forces people to pay double or triple their current healthcare premiums, forcing millions of people, including children, off their insurance altogether. Supporting such cynical and harmful policy would be a dereliction of duty. You can read my full statement on why I voted no here.
I actually thought my Republican colleagues would put country over party over these past several weeks and do their jobs to serve and protect the American people. That’s why I reached out several times to my Republican colleagues to talk and work together to find a way through this impasse. Sadly, and likely at the direction of Republican leadership, these efforts were flatly rejected (MSNBC: “Moderate Democrats are looking for a shutdown negotiating partner. Their GOP counterparts told them to shove off”).
Health Insurance Premiums in Illinois Rising an Average of 78%
This week, I introduced the Keep Healthcare Affordable Act. This bill extends for four years the premium tax credits available to millions of people who buy their health insurance through the ACA exchanges. Addressing some concerns that people who didn’t truly need the subsidies were nevertheless qualifying, the bill also places a reasonable income cap of 10x the federal poverty level.
I will continue reaching out to my colleagues, Democrats and Republicans alike, to grow support for this legislation and for efforts that ensure people don’t go bankrupt just because they got sick. You can read more about my bill here. I also talked to NewsNation about it – you can watch my full interview here.
ICE and CBP Invasion of Chicago
For several months now, ICE and Border Patrol agents have been terrorizing communities across Chicagoland. I’ve seen more videos and heard more stories than I can count of these agents unnecessarily using abusive violence and intimidation against our communities.
I watched a news segment this week on ABC 7 Chicago about how the climate of fear the Trump administration has created is putting the health of entire communities at risk, because people are afraid to get the healthcare they need. This MUST end.
It is noteworthy that this week a federal judge ordered the release on bond of up to 615 people arrested in the Chicago area during Trump’s invasion of Chicagoland. This is further proof that ICE and CBP agents are targeting hard workers in our communities, not hardened criminals.
While we all want to get dangerous criminals, gang members, drug dealers and domestic abusers off our streets, that is not what Trump’s “Operation Midway Blitz” is achieving. They are targeting hardworking, good people and are intentionally scaring our children, families, and communities.
Keep reading for more news about what is happening at home and in Washington.
While in Washington
Vernon Hills’s Learning Resources takes on Trump Tariffs at the Supreme Court
President Trump’s tariffs are jacking up prices, crushing families and small businesses with higher and higher costs. Learning Resources, based in Vernon Hills, is one of those businesses harmed by tariffs. I had the privilege of attending the Supreme Court’s oral arguments for Learning Resources, Inc v. Trump.
Learning Resources CEO Rick is challenging the authority that Trump used to impose tariffs, in a case that could have massive implications for companies all across the US and the future of Trump's tariffs. Before the case reached the Supreme Court, I sat down with Rick to hear about his journey there. Click the picture below to tune in.
Meeting with the New Moldovan Ambassador to the United States
I was pleased to meet with Vlad Kulminski, Ambassador of Moldova, for an introductory discussion. We discussed Moldova’s recent elections, its efforts to join the European Union, and how the United States can continue to support Moldova’s democratic and westward aspirations, including in the context of the war in Ukraine.
Getting an Update from Ann & Robert H Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago
I had a great meeting with Tara Henderson, Chair of Pediatrics at Ann & Robert H Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago to discuss the hospital’s FY26 federal policy priorities including bolstering pediatric workforce and funding for the Children’s Hospital GME program and the NIH.
My IRS MATH Act Set to Become Law
The IRS Math and Taxpayer (MATH) Act, which I have worked to advance in Congress for several years, is finally on its way to becoming law. This legislation simplifies notices from the IRS that inform taxpayers of mistakes on their tax filings. Often, these notices are inadequate and unhelpful, and if taxpayers don’t fully understand or receive these notices, they may end up paying more than they need on their taxes. After passing the House earlier this year, the Senate finally passed the IRS MATH Act and it is heading to President Trump’s desk to be signed and become law.
This week, as I await this legislation becoming law, I was pleased to receive a letter from the National Taxpayer Advocate celebrating that this bill is heading to the President’s desk and the practical, meaningful reforms that bipartisan legislation like this can achieve.
Out and About in the 10th
Kicking off the 2026 STEAM Scholars Class
The STEAM Scholars class of 2026 kicked off with a visit to UL Solutions in Northbrook! We welcomed 24 STEAM Scholars from 17 schools to learn what it is like to work day-to-day in the field of safety science, from materials testing and battery testing to fire testing. UL Solutions tests a myriad of products, ensuring our communities remain safe. Thank you to UL Solutions for introducing this class to the skilled career opportunities available in the district.
Reducing Preventable Collisions with Ambulances
I met with Elisstatia and Donald Stallworth to discuss their idea for federal legislation to reduce avoidable and often fatal accidents with medical and first response vehicles. The Stallworths lost their son DJ when he was struck by an ambulance that ran a red light without using emergency lights or sirens, a horrible - yet preventable - tragedy. They successfully worked with State Senator Adriene Johnson to pass the Donald Stallworth, III, Act in Illinois. I gave them my word that I would bring their story with me to Washington and advocate for similar safety regulations so no family will have to endure a similar tragedy.
Gun Violence Prevention Town Hall in Highwood
I joined Lake County’s Gun Violence Prevention Initiative (GVPI) for a town hall in Highwood to highlight the progress being made through this collaborative program, which brings together community groups and law enforcement to address the root causes of gun violence. Lake County's GVPI has helped drive a reduction in firearm homicides since its inception.
I was also excited to meet the Lake County Peacemakers, who are on the front lines every day working to prevent gun violence before it happens. I’m proud to have secured federal funding for this program and to continue advocating for it in Washington.
Thank you to State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart and the great team at GVPI, including Tierra Lemon, Rachel Jacoby, Sara Knizhnik and others. Their work helps keep our communities safe.
Meeting with Center for Immigrant Progress
The Center for Immigrant Progress (CIP) was founded six years ago to support those who were brought by their parents to the US at a very young age, known as DACA recipients. Today, CIP’s work has become even more crucial to the community, as ICE violently terrorizes our communities.
CIP is working to connect families of those detained with legal representation and prepare families in case of detention. I met with Executive Director Carmen Patlán to discuss the challenges they're facing on the ground, how they're documenting ICE's abuses, and how we can bring the community together to support their mission.
Visiting Cool Food Pantry in Waukegan
When I first visited Cool Food Pantry in Waukegan during the pandemic, their space was packed with supplies and food, helping them fulfill their mission of feeding the hungry, housing the homeless, and supporting veterans. The White House's refusal to fully fund SNAP benefits during the government shutdown created a great need for food in Waukegan. The demand for assistance by new visitors has kept the space from staying full and has even eliminated the need for their off-site warehouse storage. A particular need for them at the moment is proteins, as they work to feed kids, seniors, and veterans.
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
Unfortunately, due to votes being scheduled in Washington, D.C., my Veterans Day Breakfast was postponed. We’ll be announcing a new date, so please stay tuned for the updated invitation and registration link.
IN CLOSING
One of my favorite things about the return of winter in Illinois is the chance to see one of Earth's greatest natural splendors – The Northern Lights. Tuesday brought a chance to look up and see the impressive display of color painted across the sky, and there was another chance on Wednesday as the night sky was lit up yet again! I hope you were able to catch a glimpse of the impressive display, but if not, indulge in a few amazing pictures Chicagoans were able to capture this past week: Northern Lights In IL: Powerful Solar Storm Peaks Wednesday For Another Chance To See | Across Illinois, IL Patch
Stay strong, stay safe, stay healthy.
Sincerely,
Brad