10th News: Government Shutdown Narrowly Averted
Better late than never! It took almost six months longer than it should have, but on Friday, the House finally passed the last six of the twelve appropriation bills to fully fund the government for Fiscal Year 2024. The Senate needed until 2:00 AM Saturday to complete their part, and President Biden swiftly signed it Saturday afternoon. Mind you, the fiscal year started last October 1!
More frustrating than the delay is the fact that it was totally unnecessary and unproductive. Last May, then Speaker, Kevin McCarthy, negotiated an agreement with President Biden that cleared the path to complete the appropriations process by September 1 of last year. However, within weeks of making the May agreement and passing the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023, the extremists in the House Freedom Caucus (HFC) refused to honor the deal. In the end, the HFC delayed, but did not effectively change, the details of the bipartisan agreement originally crafted by McCarthy and Biden.
Despite the delays, in addition to no government shutdown this year, there are some significant wins for the Tenth District and the country in the twelve funding bills. First, I was pleased to have successfully advocated for funding for 14 community projects across the district. These projects vary from replacing lead service lines in Waukegan and five other water-related initiatives to funds for several community organization projects and upgrading equipment at the Buffalo Grove Emergency Operations Center. You can read more about each of the projects here.
All together, the investments in these bills will help grow our economy, make our communities safer, and ensure continued American leadership on the global stage. We are investing in education and job training, enhancing border security, tackling climate change, and boosting medical research to fight cancer and Alzheimer’s disease.
The State of the Union is Strong
Earlier this month, President Biden delivered his annual State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress. The President conveyed a clear and important message: the State of the Union is strong because we are strong together. As the President pointed out, our country’s best days still lie ahead of us as long as we keep working to deliver a future where every American has the opportunity to succeed. Under President Biden’s steady leadership, Congress has passed legislation to lower everyday costs, invest in manufacturing, expand access to health care, rebuild our infrastructure, and create good-paying jobs. The President highlighted these accomplishments while addressing the real challenges we still face, from protecting democracy at home to defending our partners abroad.
The world is a better place when American leadership is at the helm, which is why we must continue to defend Ukraine and work to achieve a pause in the fighting in Gaza to free the hostages and surge desperately needed humanitarian relief. I welcomed President Biden’s announcement that the U.S. will build a temporary port to allow more humanitarian aid into Gaza on ships routed through Cyprus. On March 1st, Congressman Panetta and I sent a letter to President Biden supporting the Administration’s efforts, along with Egypt and Qatar, to reach an agreement between Israel and Hamas to bring hostages home and provide a pause in the fighting in Gaza. Israel has agreed to several iterations of a U.S.-proposed framework for such a pause, but Hamas has so far rejected each one.
Please keep reading to learn more about happenings in Washington and here at home.
AROUND THE DISTRICT
Abuelitas Reception at Cristo Rey St. Martin College Prep
I was thrilled to join Senator Mark Kirk and a wonderful group of 15 Abuelas (grandmothers) and 1 Abuelo (grandfathers) from Guanajuato, Mexico. They were all participants in the Abuelitas program originally created in 2006 when Senator Kirk was in the House, which we restarted this year.
Witnessing the reunion of families in my district, some for the very first time, filled me with immense joy and emotion. From grandparents meeting their grandchildren to reuniting parents with their sons and daughters after over two decades apart, the heartfelt embraces were truly moving.
I am deeply grateful for the collaboration between Former Senator Mark Kirk, Club San Jose, and my office, which made the Abuelitas program possible once again. Such moments serve as poignant reminders of the enduring significance of family ties and the profound impact of bridging great distances to connect with one another.
Military Academy Nominations
Every year, I am proud to have the privilege of nominating outstanding students interested in attending one of our U.S. service academies—Army, Navy, Air Force, and Merchant Marine (Coast Guard does not require a nomination)—and pursuing a career in defense of our nation. Earlier this month, I welcomed the nominees and their families to Naval Station Great Lakes to celebrate their accomplishments. Thanks to the National Museum of the American Sailor for providing a wonderful venue for this special event.
At this year's ceremony, I also had the privilege of recognizing Joe Mislinski for his outstanding contributions and public service. Since my first term in the 113th Congress, Joe has generously volunteered his time and extensive institutional knowledge to assist me in interviewing and nominating our future military leaders. Now, as Joe embarks on a new chapter with his family in Connecticut where he will serve as coordinator for admissions to West Point for the state of Connecticut, his commitment to service remains undiminished. Joe's legacy will continue to inspire us all, underscoring the profound influence of one individual on our communities.
Eighth Annual Brad’s Bookworms Reception
Anyone who knows me knows I love reading, and Brad's Bookworms is a chance for me to share that interest with our young students. Thank you to Andrew Cooke Magnet School-Waukegan for hosting us again, and to Senator Adriane Johnson, State Representative Joyce Mason, Lake County Board Vice-Chair Mary Ross Cunningham, and everyone else who joined us and shared their love of reading with our students!
Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Chicago
I welcomed Dennis Lei, Director General of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Chicago, and Justin Lee, Deputy Director General, to my office. Director General Lei expressed his appreciation for my joining the Congressional Taiwan Conference; we also discussed how we can strengthen Taiwan's relationship with Illinois.
United Way of Lake County
United Way of Lake County supports communities in many ways. Most notably, they operate 211, a confidential, 24-hour information and referral helpline connecting those needing health and human services. Kristi Long, President and CEO of United Way of Lake County, and the rest of her team shared their priorities for this year and how they would like Congress to support their work.
Regional Office of Education School Safety Conference
I attended the Lake County Regional Office of Education's 3rd Annual School Safety Conference. During my visit, I shared the work we've taken on in Washington to protect our schools, such as the DOJ's School Violence Prevention Program. I've also introduced a ban on high-capacity magazines (the Keep Americans Safe Act), the SECURE Firearm Storage Act, and the bipartisan Securing Our Schools (SOS) Act to authorize the Department of Justice (DOJ) to offer grants to school districts to buy alert buttons for classrooms.
Ballet Folklorico Tayahua – Dance School
The teachers and students of Ballet Folklorico Tayahua in Waukegan gave me a warm welcome! This school, run by young Waukeganites, educates its students about vibrant dresses and skillful dances rooted in their rich culture and tradition.
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN WASHINGTON
Ways & Means Hearing with HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra Heading
Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Bacerra testified before the Ways and Means committee to talk about the Fiscal Year 2025 priorities for the Administration and his agency. I used my five minutes of time to discuss a number of items, including the need for the federal government to repay people like my constituent, Janine Morabito, who stepped up to help the government during the pandemic only to be told that the funds for the promised reimbursement for their services had run out. We also talked about the recent regulations issued for the safe use Ethylene Oxide (EtO) for the sterilization of medical devices. You can see video of our exchange here.
House Foreign Affairs Committee Hearing on Afghanistan
Retired Generals Mark Milley, the recently retired Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Frank McKenzie, former Commander of the United States Central Command, testified before the Foreign Affairs Committee. The focus of the hearing was the Doha Agreement negotiated by the Trump Administration with the Taliban in 2020 to withdraw all U.S. forces by May 1, 2021, as well as the ultimate withdrawal in August 2021. You can watch my conversation with the generals here.
Member Briefing with the Egyptian Ambassador to the U.S.
I was grateful to be joined by several colleagues for a bipartisan briefing I hosted with the Egyptian Ambassador Motaz Aharon to discuss the urgent need to free the hostages kidnapped by Hamas so that the war in Gaza can be wound down and Israelis and Palestinians can finally begin down the road to recovery.
Great Lakes Day 2024
Every year, the Great Lakes Commission leads Great Lakes Day on Capitol Hill to encourage all stakeholders to meet and share their perspectives on the lakes. I was happy to meet with the following groups this Great Lakes Day to discuss our national treasure—and a regional economic driver.
Great Lakes Mayors
Mayor Ann Taylor of Waukegan and Mayor Rockingham of North Chicago led a delegation to discuss how the health and preservation of the Great Lakes directly impact communities like theirs.
Canadian Legislators Discuss the Great Lakes
I also met with Canadian Senator Janer Cordy and Members of Parliament Badawey, Epp, and Masse to discuss how our countries can work together to ensure our lakes are appropriately managed and protected for future generations.
University of Illinois Leaders
I truly enjoyed speaking with three student leaders from the University of Illinois system schools about their experiences and challenges in pursuing their degrees. Like too many American families, the cost of higher education is top of mind. Challenges aside, after talking with these impressive young people, I felt reassured about the future of our country.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry visited Washington to discuss the need to support medical residency programs and reduce the burden of the cost of medical education.
Fraternal Order of Police
I welcomed the Fraternal Order of Police for a discussion on how legislation in Congress can help support Police officers once they reach retirement age.
Illinois Credit Union League
The Illinois Credit Union League shared with me their priorities for 2024, the challenges they are facing, and opportunities for them to support communities through their services and resources.
Tourette Association of America
I met with Peggy Mahoney and Liam Feeham of Lake Forest outside the Ways and Means Committee room to discuss my support for FY25 appropriations programs supporting the Tourette Syndrome population. I applaud Peggy, Liam, and all other members of the Tourette Association for their excellent advocacy work.
Alliance for Middle East Peace
I had a broad-ranging conversation with Palestinian and Israeli peacebuilders from the Alliance for Middle East Peace (ALLMEP), covering the current crisis and how to open a path to a better future for both peoples.
Ambassador of Kosovo
H.E. Ilir Dugolli, Ambassador of Kosovo, and I discussed security and defense cooperation between the Republic of Kosovo and the United States and its impact on long-term security and stability in the region.
Ambassador of Bulgaria
March 6th was Bulgaria’s National Day, Armed Forces Day, and the 20th Anniversary of Bulgaria’s accession to NATO. I was happy to meet with Bulgarian Ambassador Georgi Panayotov to celebrate what is possible for Bulgaria and other countries once they achieve freedom from tyranny.
Taiwanese Representative to the United States
I was honored to meet with Alexander Yui, the Taiwanese Representative to the United States. I’m proud of America’s strong relationships with our democratic trading partners like Taiwan.
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.
In Closing –
I extend my wishes for a happy Ramadan to the Muslim community in Illinois and all around the world as you celebrate the holy month. I hope you and your loved ones find comfort and blessings during this very meaningful holiday. Ramadan Mubarak.
Sincerely,
Bradley S. Schneider
Member of Congress