10th News: Funding the Government, Building a New School in North Chicago
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10th News: Funding the Government, Building a New School in North Chicago
Once Speaker Johnson gets the temporary spending bill across the finish line, it is expected that he will end the current work week early and send the House home until after the November election. This would conclude what can best be described as a minimally productive September. So far this month the House has mostly considered partisan messaging bills aimed to help Republican Representatives in their elections. Regrettably, the Speaker has decided to push important legislation, including the 2025 Appropriations, the 2025 Farm Bill, the National Defense Authorization Act, and action on the Debt Limit into the final weeks of the 118th Congress—also know as the “Lame Duck." I will write more about these issues in the weeks ahead. War in Lebanon Meanwhile, as I write this letter, the fighting between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon is escalating. Hezbollah started launching rockets, missiles and anti-tank weapons into Israel on October 8th last year, the day after Hamas’s barbaric attack on Israel. Over the past 11 months, Hezbollah has fired more than 8,500 times into Israel, with Israel responding with escalating force. This past week, we’ve seen a number of covert operations take place in Lebanon aimed at weakening Hezbollah, followed by extensive exchanges of rockets deeper into both Lebanon and Israel. The goal is to end Hezbollah’s relentless attacks on Israel that have displaced many civilians in the north of the country, and ultimately see civilians on both sides of the border return to their homes. I am continuing to monitor this situation as it evolves. I believe Israel has a right to defend itself from these efforts that are specifically aimed at destroying Israel, the US’s most important ally in the Middle East. You can read the more extensive statement I issued on Lebanon here. 30th Anniversary – Violence Against Women’s Act
There was one important celebratory moment in Washington this month. I was honored to be invited to the White House for a ceremony marking the 30th anniversary of the signing of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). Reauthorizing VAWA was one of the first votes I took as a first-year member of Congress in 2013, and one of the votes of which I am most proud. It was therefore noteworthy when President Biden said passing VAWA was his proudest accomplishment.
Speaking of accomplishments of which I am proud, I was very excited and honored to attend the groundbreaking for the new Forrestal Elementary School in North Chicago. This new school was made possible with a $57 million grant that I helped secure from the Department of Defense (see more below). And though I’ve been in Washington most of these past weeks, my few days at home have been chock full, with wonderful events in Waukegan, Lake Villa, Wheeling, Lake Forest, Grayslake, Gurnee, and Deerfield. Please continue to read more about happenings here at home and in Washington. Honoring US Marine Corps Lance Corporal Sean Patrick Maher
It seemed like all of Grayslake came out on a beautiful day to honor a true American hero— Lance Cpl. Sean Maher who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. The occasion was the dedication of Route 45, between Route 120 and Washington Street, as US Marine Corps Lance Corporal Sean Patrick Maher Memorial Highway. Sean was just 19 years old when he was killed in an ambush near Fallujah, Iraq on February 2, 2005 — just two days before he was scheduled to return home. Sean’s life was the embodiment of dedication and commitment. He enlisted just months after graduating from Warren High School because he wanted to make a difference. In the almost 20 years since, his example continues to inspire and make a difference to countless people, myself included. It was an honor to stand alongside Sean’s parents, Janet and Dan Maher, his sister, Katie, and his brother, Ret. U.S. Navy Hospital Corpsman Second Class Daniel, and so many others to dedicate this memorial in his honor. This tribute wouldn’t have been possible without the tireless efforts of Trustee Zoe Magnetta of Grayslake, Senator Mary Edly- Allen, and Representative Laura Faver Dias. They are true champions for our military, and I am deeply grateful for their work in honoring Lance Cpl. Maher. Forrestal Elementary School Groundbreaking in North Chicago
As noted above, a highlight this month was the groundbreaking for the new Forrestal Elementary School in North Chicago. This school is on property owned by the Navy and serves many of the families of sailors assigned to Naval Station Great Lakes. The current facility, built more than 60 years ago, has to bring in bottled drinking water because of lead in the pipes, has had to cancel school days because of lack of air conditioning, suffers countless leaks when it rains, and so on. Every student, teacher and school administrator in our district and across our country deserve a learning and working environment that allows them to do their very best. Over the past few years, my team and I as well as Forrestal educators worked hard to secure the funds that would allow for Forrestal to build anew. Early last year, I was grateful to be able to show Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro the appalling conditions at the school during his visit at a Navy Recruit Graduation ceremony. Shortly after that impromptu tour to the school, we learned that the Department of Defense had awarded a $57 million grant to build a new, state-of-the-art elementary school at Forrestal! This new facility will allow North Chicago children to get the education they deserve. So, at the groundbreaking ceremony, I couldn’t have imagined a more meaningful way to celebrate the new Forrestal Elementary School than being surrounded by local leaders, dedicated colleagues, and families from the community. This historic achievement will elevate the quality of education and provide a secure environment for children to learn throughout our community. To read more about this story, click here.
Mundelein Community Art Show
I was very pleased to attend the opening of the Lure of the Local Arts Exhibition in Mundelein to kick off the Mundelein Art Commission's show highlighting work by local artists from the area. It is a true community event, showcasing incredible talent amongst our neighbors and friends. Besides the remarkable works, all by local artists, attendees also got to enjoy delicious food and drink provided by local restaurants and brewers. Congratulations to creator of the show, Mundelein Commissioner Stacee Kalmanovsky for another successful year!
Legions of Craft Beer Fest in Gurnee
Speaking of breweries, I always have a good time at the Legions of Craft Beer Fest put on by the Gurnee American Legion in support of local veterans and community programs. I enjoyed sampling some of the fantastic beers and ales created by craft brewers from around the Chicago region and it was great visiting with old friends, including Gurnee Mayor Tom Hood!
L’Chaim Center in Deerfield Hosts Parents of Hostage Held in Gaza
I was humbled to join many friends at the L’Chaim Center to hear Gilad Korngold, father of Israeli hostage Tal Shoham, tell his family's harrowing story of working to bring Tal home. Tal, his wife Adi and children Naveh (8) and Yahel (3), as well as his mother-in-law and two other relatives were taken hostage by Hamas on October 7th from Kibbutz Be’eri. Several other members of the family were among the 101 people from Be’eri brutally murdered my Hamas that day. Adi, Naveh and Yahel, along with Adi’s mother, aunt and 12 year old cousin were released last November in the agreement brokered by the U.S., Egypt and Qatar. Tal, however, remains in captivity in Gaza. In Tal, we see a son, a brother, a friend, and a father - and a constant reminder that we cannot rest until all of the hostages are brought home. Gorton Center Turns 50
I stopped by the Gorton Center in Lake Forest to join in celebrating 50 years of service in the community. Congratulations to all who have been involved at the Gorton Center, and here's to the next 50 years! Aspire Possibility Academy
The Aspire Possibility Academy in Waukegan is helping people with disabilities live inclusive and successful lives. During my visit, I enjoyed the warm welcome given to me by Aspire's residents, leaders, and staff. I am proud to have supported Aspire's recently awarded grant from the Department of Education to prepare people with disabilities for workforce training. Countering hate and bigotry
I had a great conversation with representatives from the Anti-Defamation League at my office in Lincolnshire. We discussed several pieces of legislation aimed at protecting marginalized communities and our shared dedication to bringing out country to a zero - tolerance policy when it comes to any kind of hate or bigotry. CYN Counseling Meeting
It was a pleasure to meet with CYN Counseling in my Lincolnshire office and learn more about the important work they do preserving and strengthening families and protecting children. Fireside Chat at Am Shalom
It was a pleasure to join Rabbi Lowenstein for a fireside chat at Am Shalom in Glencoe. We discussed a wide range of topics, including antisemitism on college campuses, the Hamas- Israel war, infrastructure investment, immigration reform, and more. Thanks to all who attended for a robust and engaging conversation.
I was honored to be part of the SD 21 Student-Based Health Care Center Ribbon Cutting in Wheeling! I am so proud that my office secured $1 million in Community Project Funding which has helped turn this vision into a reality. Three years ago, Superintendent Connolly shared the bold idea of creating this vital community health center, and now it's here — ready to serve over 6,000 students across 13 schools.
It was a true pleasure meeting the remarkable scholarship recipients at the Coalition Latinos Unidos de Lake County Gala in Lake Forest and celebrating the coalition's 30th anniversary alongside community members and board directors, all in support of their mission to empower the Latino community. Washington D.C Office Standing up to Iran in House Foreign Affairs Committee
Encompass Health
I had a productive meeting with the CEO of Encompass Health in Libertyville, where I learned about their role in helping individuals recover from severe injuries and illnesses to support their reintegration into the community. I was thrilled to learn that Encompass has quickly expanded its capacity to treat patients at the Libertyville facility in the two years since it opened. We also talked about how sound Medicare policy can strengthen our local healthcare system and our ability to provide critical care for those in need. New Zealand Ambassador Rosemary Banks
I had the pleasure of meeting with New Zealand’s Ambassador to the United States, Rosemary Banks. We had a productive discussion on strengthening the U.S.-New Zealand partnership, focusing on deepening economic ties and enhancing security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region. I appreciate Ambassador Banks for her insights and look forward to continued collaboration on these critical issues. Meeting with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty
While the Egyptian Foreign Minister, Badr Abdelatty, was in Washington, DC, I was able to have him to my office for a frank discussion about US – Egypt relations, and the importance of those relations amid the ongoing Israel-Gaza War. It’s a privilege, as a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, to be able to have these important discussions with leaders from all around the world. Meeting with UN Coordinator For Gaza Sigrid Kaag
I had an insightful meeting with Sigrid Kaag, a Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator for Gaza, about how Congress can play a key role in helping the United Nations keep necessary corridors open for humanitarian aid to flow into Gaza and rebuild critical infrastructure after a peace deal is reached. American Cancer Society
It is always a privilege to meet with constituents who advocate on behalf of the American Cancer Society for continued federal investment in cancer research. Last week, I had the pleasure of meeting with constituents from Waukegan and Wheeling to also discuss promising developments in cancer screening technologies. COMING UP IN IL-10
Applications to join this year's STEAM Scholar Program are due Monday, September 30.Students admitted into the STEAM Scholars program will join me and other students on visits to four local STEAM-related businesses and facilities during the 2024-2025 school year. High school students will have the chance to participate in discussions with local employees, business owners, and educators, and learn more about the STEAM career opportunities in our backyard. Previous visited included, Abbott Laboratories, Lake County Sherriff’s office, Bell Flavors & Fragrances, and FAA Control Tower at O’Hare.
Every year, one of the great honors of my job is nominating Tenth District students for admission to one of the U.S. Military Service Academies: West Point, the Air Force Academy, the Naval Academy or the Merchant Marine Academy. The privilege of attending a service academy comes with the commitment to serve in the military for at least five years after graduation.
Congressional App Challenge
Register today for the Congressional App Challenge! The Congressional App Challenge is a national contest that encourages middle and high school students to learn science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) skills by coding their own app for any digital device. I’m eager to see what this year’s students can create! You may heave heard that the Schuler Education Foundation abruptly closed in July, leaving many Lake County students and their families in the lurch. This Foundation had helped under-resourced kids go to college, opening doors they might not have had without this help. In response to this, our wonderful community banded together to help these kids. I have to shout out Dr. Michael Kamer, Lake County Regional Superintendent of Schools who sprinted into action to get these kids the support they need and deserve. With incredible fundraising help from the Regional Office of Education Foundation (lead by Executive Director Joel Finfer), over $1 million was raised to help the 540 students who were impacted by the Schuler Scholar Program closure. Thank you to all the amazing community members who are making students’ dreams come true. Schuler Scholars who still need help should visit this link from the Lake County Regional Office of Education Foundation. Stay strong, stay safe, stay healthy. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
