10th NEWS: THE FIRST DAYS OF THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION
It’s been a whirlwind of a week in Washington, DC following President Trump taking office on January 20th. I don’t know about you, but I am for sure saying “thank goodness it’s Friday!” I can’t remember a recent week similar to this one. It started with the 60th Presidential Inauguration, where the nation watched President Trump take the oath of office in front of all living former presidents. Strikingly, we also saw four of the five richest men in the world sit by the President Trump’s side - bringing to mind President Biden’s warning that the U.S. is at risk of becoming an oligarchy.
After the inaugural ceremony, President Trump began signing what has been a deluge of executive orders and actions. Some of these actions were routine, and some were in fact positive - such as again designating the Houthis a Foreign Terrorist Organization. Many of the early actions, however, have raised alarm bells, several seemingly intended to target the President’s perceived “enemies” or simply to intimidate and scare people (e.g., federal workers, state and local officials, and immigrants).
I can’t detail all that happened this week, so I’ll recap some of the most significant things below. But first I want to start with a bright note.
New John Lewis Middle School Mural
Before heading to Washington for the inauguration, I stopped by John Lewis Middle School in Waukegan for the official unveiling of the their new mural, “Pathway to Dreams” (above). This beautiful work of art was a student project sponsored by Waukegan to College and led by Gloria Rivera, a muralist and teaching artist. Gloria worked for more than 4 months with the students to ideate and create the final design.The imagery encapsulates the hopes and dreams of the 6th graders at John Lewis Middle School. I will tell you the photo doesn’t do full justice to the beauty of the piece.
Inauguration Day in Washington
President Trump was sworn into office shortly after 12PM eastern time on Monday, January 20th. I was honored to join my colleagues and represent Illinois in witnessing the ceremony. Because of the cold the ceremony was moved from the west side of the Capitol overlooking the Mall to the warmth of the Capitol Rotunda. While it was a beautiful setting, I felt badly for the many people who came from around the country who were not able to see the ceremony in person. (We had requests for more than 1,000 tickets from just our district, and through a lottery process were able to allocate almost 200.)
President Trump’s First Days in Office
President Trump has signed more than 200 Executive Orders and Actions in just the first week, including withdrawing the US from the Paris Climate Accords and the World Health Organization and rolling back a policy that empowered Medicare to negotiate lower prescription drug prices for American seniors, saving them up to 80% on key medications. Despite promising to tackle inflation and lower costs, virtually nothing he has done so far will help working families make ends meet.
President Trump also issued several Executive Orders on immigration-one that notably revokes constitutionally-afforded birthright citizenship for immigrants. This order has already been blocked by a federal district court in Seattle and may end up before the Supreme Court in the coming weeks.
Of all the Executive Orders signed this week, one in particular is getting the most attention and will likely define his first days in office. On Monday evening, notwithstanding assurances from Vice President Vance and others that he would not do so, President Trump pardoned every one of the nearly 1,600 people convicted of crimes ranging from trespass to sedition in relation to the January 6, 2021 insurrection at the Capitol. Many of those pardoned either confessed to, or were convicted by a jury for attacking police officers and vandalizing the US Capitol on January 6th. Several, including leaders of the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers, received longer sentences (up to 22 years) for planning the attack and seeking to overthrow the election. Among those pardoned is a “well-know Nazi sympathizer” named Timothy Hale-Cusanelli (above photo) who was convicted and sentenced to 48 months in prison. You can read about his conviction here.
Hundreds of police officers were brutally attacked that day, with more than 140 officers injured, some severely. Several officers died in the days that followed including Jeffrey Smith who grew up in Northbrook. The city of Washington D.C. ruled that Officer Smith’s death was in the line of duty and caused by injuries sustained as he was battling the rioters at the at the capitol.
These pardons are a slap in the face to the police and law enforcement officers who protected our Capitol on that day, and who continue to protect us day in and day out. I also fear this action is a signal for how President Trump will govern – focused foremost on revenge and rewarding political allies instead of staying laser-focused on lowering costs and making lives better for hardworking Americans.
I spoke with both ABC News Live and local ABC 7 News about the first days of the Trump Administration and the pardons for January 6th insurrectionists – I hope you’ll tune in.
Why I Oppose the Laken Riley Act
The House voted on a handful of items this week, including the Laken Riley Act. While I agree we need to do more to keep our communities safe and will work with anyone, including President Trump, to do so, I opposed the Laken Riley Act because it lacked constitutional due process protections. Specifically, the bill, which passed both the House and Senate and will be signed into law by President Trump, requires individuals to be detained and potentially deported based on mere accusations of nonviolent offenses rather than conviction, which is current law. Think about a group of young teens in a store with an ornery store manager who decides to falsely accuse them of shoplifting. If any of those kids are immigrants, under this law they could be deported while their friends would be returned home in short order.
I firmly believe that the government has a responsibility to keep our communities safe and do everything in its power to keep dangerous criminals off our streets. However, this bill as written opens the door to the targeting and detention of innocent people, something clearly prohibited by our Constitution. But while I oppose this flawed legislation, I will continue to work to craft policies that will enhance public safety, better secure our borders, and create a more orderly, efficient immigration system – specifically changes like those proposed in the bipartisan immigration bill negotiated last year by Senators Lankford (R-OK) and Chris Murphy (D-CT).
Unfortunately I missed the final vote on the Laken Riley Act due to a medical emergency (a hemorrhage in my eye that required speedy attention by my doctor here at home), but had I been present, I would have voted no on passage of this bill.
Please keep reading to learn more about happenings in Washington and here at home.
AROUND THE DISTRICT
Another year, another great Lake Forest/Lake Bluff Chamber of Commerce Business and Government lunch! I am always happy to connect with our local businesses and officials, and as always, my friend, executive director Joanna Rolek, and her team did a terrific job organizing.
Unveiling the “Pathway to Dreamers” mural at John R. Lewis Middle School
As I mentioned earlier, I was honored to join staff and students at the John R Lewis Middle School for their unveiling of a new mural titled “Pathway to Dreams.” The mural showcases the aspirations, dreams, and goals of Waukegan's students. A big thanks goes out to the Waukegan to College and Waukegan artist Gloria Rivera for helping bring these students' visions to life. John Lewis was a dear colleague and friend here in Congress-it was so special to see the new mural dedicated in his honor, especially as we entered Martin Luther King, Jr. Weekend.
Discussing the importance of early childhood education with Ms. Sharonda Brown-Kern
I had the pleasure of meeting Sharonda Brown-Kern to discuss her crucial work to promote and expand early childhood at Concrete Rose Learning Center in Lake Bluff. I believe that having access to quality preschool is crucial for students' academic success, and the Concrete Rose Learning Center acts as a stepping stone to lay this foundation down. Brown, thank you for all the hard work you do to ensure our children have a bright future ahead of them!
Buffalo Grove Community Arts Center Hosts Lunar New Year
Thank you to the Buffalo Grove Community Arts Center for inviting me to attend their New Year Celebration. The performances were exceptional, and it is always great to spend time with the community. If you ever have a chance, go check out their amazing work!
Waukegan Township’s Annual MLK Dreamers Breakfast
On Martin Luther King’s Day, various speakers, leaders, and locals gathered at the annual Waukegan Township event to celebrate the legacy of the civil rights leader and visionary. I was unable to attend due to the inauguration but was happy to share some words virtually.
Amongst the conversations around King’s life and work were mentions of another pressing topic, that of the DACA “Dreamers” who now face threats of deportation. To those Dreamers fearful about what’s to come, please know: I see you, I appreciate you and I will protect you. Brought to this nation as children, today’s Dreamers deserve a pathway to become citizens of the only country they know and love.
You can learn more about the event here.
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN WASHINGTON
Strengthening our ties with Romania
The United States remains steadfast in our goal to extend and reinforce our relationship with Romania for the mutual prosperity of both countries. I had the chance to speak with Andrei Muraru, the Romanian Ambassador to the United States, about some of the pressing issues facing our countries, including defending our democracies in the wake of election security concerns. Thank you, Ambassador Muraru, for the insightful conversation as we continue to strengthen our countries.
Catching up with Round Lake Beach Mayor Nickels and State Rep. Tom Weber
I was thrilled to be able spend a few minutes with Representative Tom Weber and Round Lake Beach Mayor Scott Nickles in my office in DC. Though they weren’t able to attend the inauguration in person because of the last minute change in venue, at least we were able able to give them a personal tour of the Capitol, including a visit to the House Gallery.
Relaunching the Israel Allies Caucus
As a proud supporter of Israel, it is crucial that Congress continues to support and expand initiatives that allow Israel to successfully defend its sovereignty. That is why I was proud to help relaunch the Israel Allies Caucus for the 119th Congress. The United States' national security is strengthened when we stand side by side with Israel. Thanks to the Israel Allies Foundation, we can keep our focus on defeating Hamas and freeing all the remaining hostages in Gaza.
Coming up in IL-10
Valentines for Veterans
A small gesture like a Valentine's card is a much-appreciated way to let our district's veterans know they are loved and appreciated. My office has launched its annual "Valentines for Vets" program to thank those who have selflessly served our country.
Constituents can drop off or mail cards to my Lincolnshire office: 111 Barclay Blvd, Ste 200, Lincolnshire IL 60069 by February 12th, 2025.
Brad’s Bookworms – Deadline Approaching!
The deadline for the sixth annual “Brads Bookworms” is coming up!
There is still time for K through 5th-grade students in the 10th district to participate in Brad's Bookworms by reading 10 books before February 2nd, 2025! Students who meet the 10 books goal will be invited with their families to a recognition ceremony with me to celebrate their achievements. Students are also invited to participate in a contest to design a bookmark, and the winning bookmark will be distributed to all qualifying readers!
Go to my website to find out more information on how you can join in on the challenge! If you have questions, please contact my Lincolnshire office at (847)-383-4870.
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 –
Before ending this week’s newsletter, I wanted to share with you a very heartfelt story that I read earlier this week. Our very own Libby Deichsel of Antioch was crowned Ms. Wheelchair of Illinois USA last month and will represent our state on the national level in July! At the age of 34, Deichsel was diagnosed with a rare disease that limits her mobility and affects her joints. Nevertheless, Deichsel was determined to become a leading example that American with disabilities cannot be stopped. What a truly inspiring story of which was captured perfectly by Deichsel, “The thing I'm most excited about is listening to people's stories so that I can learn more about better ways to love and support others.” Read more here.
Stay strong, stay safe, stay healthy.
Sincerely,
Bradley S. Schneider
Member of Congress