10th NEWS: HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
Our Lincolnshire office dog, Maurice, overseeing distribution of our annual ‘Holiday Cards for Heroes’ program
As 2025 winds down, I have enjoyed attending holiday events across Illinois’s 10th district. I have seen the spirit of the season beautifully reflected in the many community Christmas tree lightings, Hanukkah celebrations, and music concerts. What has really warmed my heart is the outpouring of so many friends and neighbors contributing to and volunteering at local food pantries and other organizations ensuring that everyone can have a joyful holiday. Wishing all who are observing a Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas, and Happy Kwanzaa. May you and yours have a wonderful, restful holiday, and may 2026 bring us all a year filled with good health, much happiness and peace.
Last week was the final week of the first session of the 119th Congress. It was a somewhat eventful, yet still frustratingly unproductive week. One highlight was several Republican Representatives finally standing up to Speaker Mike Johnson and joining with all 214 Democrats to force a vote on extending the ACA premium tax credits. These credits will expire on December 31st. Unfortunately, Speaker Johnson refused to allow that vote before adjourning the House until January 6. So now people who buy their health insurance through the ACA exchanges will see their insurance premiums increase by an average of 114%. Instead of easing the burden and making life a little bit easier, Speaker Johnson continued to create obstacles and make life more challenging for hardworking American families.
I had the opportunity to speak on the House Floor about the health care crisis that Republicans are causing. The GOP limited debate time so I only had 45 seconds to speak, but I used those 45 seconds to give my colleagues a piece of my mind over their choice to force millions of Americans to make an impossible decision between healthcare and providing for their families. You can watch my remarks here.
Access to healthcare is not just limited by unaffordable health insurance. Across the country, communities are experiencing shortages of trained medical professionals. That’s what I, along with Sens. Richard Durbin (D-Ill.) and Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) and Representative Don Bacon (R-Neb.) introduced the Healthcare Workforce Resilience Act -- bipartisan legislation which aims to help increase the number of experienced medical professionals working in communities of need by easing the backlog of unused visas intended for qualified physicians and nurses. The American Medical Association wrote a great article highlighting our legislation.
TRAGEDIES AT BROWN UNIVERSITY AND IN AUSTRALIA
I join our entire nation in mourning the lives lost in a school shooting at Brown University on December 13. Two young students were murdered and nine others were injured. The victims and their loved ones are in my thoughts – our community knows all too well the lasting pain, trauma, and fear that gun violence leaves behind. These moments reopen wounds – but they also strengthen our resolve to keep working toward ending gun violence.
Just mere hours after the shooting at Brown came news of a terror attack on Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia that targeted members of the Jewish community. Fifteen people were murdered, and many more were injured. I was sickened to learn of this horrific act of hate targeting what should have been a joyful celebration – the first night of Hanukkah. We saw the depths of evil in the hate-fueled assault, but also saw the best of humanity in the heroic actions of people such as Ahmed al Ahmed, Chaya Dadon, Reuven Morrison, and Boris and Sofia Gurman. Reuven, Boris and Sofia all were murdered while trying to save others. Ahmed managed to disarm one of the gunmen and was later shot and severely wounded by the second terrorist. Chaya, who is only 14 years old, saved two young children.
We are witnessing a rise in antisemitism around the globe. Antisemitism is a threat that demands a global response. I was joined by all 25 Jewish Members of the House of Representatives on a joint, bipartisan statement condemning this attack and reaffirming a simple truth: hatred and violence have no place in our societies, and we must all work across lines of division to stop it. You can read our statement here.
LOOKING BACK ON 2025
Serving Constituents
During New Member Orientation, we are told that our job description is simply our title: Representative. But I can’t do my job alone and am blessed with an incredible team working hard every day in Washington and here at home. While a given day may seem unremarkable, when you add it up, our team achieves extraordinary results for our district. Just a few of the highlights:
- We worked on more than 2,000 individual constituent cases covering everything from lost or expired passports to missing tax refunds to disputed Social Security, Medicare and Veterans’ benefits.
- We have helped constituents recover more than $6.5 million due to them from the federal government.
- We have received and responded to more than 200,000 letters, emails and phone calls.
Whenever you have an issue with or question about a federal agency or thoughts about what is happening in Congress, please never hesitate to reach out.
Out and About in IL-10
With the end of the year coming around the corner, I want to take a moment to briefly reflect on some of the milestones that defined 2025.
One of the greatest honors and joys of my job is visiting with people from all corners of the 10th district. My first and most important duty is to the people I represent, and this means being part of the community -- facilitating connections with those who make it thrive.
Thanks to the hard work and dedication of my outstanding District Office staff, I was able to spend meaningful time traveling through every corner of the district this year. Just take a look at the map above that covers many of the places we visited over the course of the year – from businesses to talk about tax and tariff policies, to schools to speak with students about civic engagement, to landmarks like Naval Station Great Lakes that trains our sailors. These visits allow me to hear directly from constituents, learn more about their day-to-day experiences, and see firsthand the initiatives, challenges, and successes that shape life in our towns and villages.
Connecting with residents, local leaders, service members, and community organizations is the most rewarding part of my job. And while we covered quite a bit of ground this year, there is always more to do. As we look ahead to the new year, I remain committed to expanding our outreach, deepening my relationships with stakeholders across the district, and ensuring every community has the opportunity to be heard.
Our office was fortunate to have an exceptional cohort of interns this fall. Mimi, Ben, and Annabeth supported our team across a wide range of responsibilities, from front office procedures and administrative tasks to drafting memos and letters and assisting during meetings. I value the opportunity to get to know each of our interns over the course of the semester, and I was glad to share a farewell meal with them before sending them off to their bright futures. Thank you for all of the hard work!
(from left to right)
Ben Kaden (Highland Park, IL) is a recent graduate of Colby College. During his time as an intern his favorite experience was assisting the legislative staff with cosponsor memos and preparing materials for committee meetings. I’m proud that Ben will be joining our team full-time as our new Staff Assistant in our DC office!
Amelia "Mimi" Hill (Arlington Heights, IL) is a junior at James Madison University. Her favorite memory from her internship was attending and assisting with Ways and Means markups as well as getting to know all of the amazing staffers!
Annabeth Walsh (Oswego, IL) is a current graduate student at American University. Her favorite experiences from her time interning were having the opportunity to attend an Abraham Accords Caucus meeting with Ambassadors from Germany, France, and the United Kingdom, and learning more about how foreign policy is crafted.
OUT AND ABOUT IN THE 10TH
Lincolnshire-Riverwoods Fire Department Kids’ Holiday Party
Julie and I stopped by the Lincolnshire-Riverwoods Fire Department for their holiday party. It was an honor to meet the families of the brave firefighters who keep our community safe throughout the year.
Marking the First Night of Hanukkah
Really meaningful and important to be in Winnetka Sunday evening as we proudly lit the menorah for the first night of Hanukkah. We gathered with heavy hearts, but also with a defiant spirit. We will continue working toward a world where everyone can celebrate their faith and traditions freely and without fear. Wishing all who celebrate a joyful and meaningful start to Hanukkah.
Touring GiveNKind in Buffalo Grove
I visited GiveNKind in Buffalo Grove and left inspired by the incredible work they’re doing to support families and communities in need.
GiveNKind began as a local effort to connect Northern Chicagoland nonprofits with donated items and has since grown into a resource hub that places surplus goods from individuals and businesses with organizations that uplift communities. In 2024 alone, GiveNKind distributed more than $16.79 million worth of resources.
From warehouse shelves stocked with essentials like laundry detergent sheets to carts filled with warm blankets and winter supplies, their team is making a real difference every day. Loved seeing their operation in action.
Thank you to Emily Petway and the entire GiveNKind team for the warm welcome and the important work you do.
Delivering Holiday Cards for Heroes
My team stopped by the USO to drop off some of the holiday cards our community collected for Holiday Cards for Heroes. These cards are a small gesture, but they mean a lot to the men and women serving our country who are away from home this holiday season.
Since 1941, the USO has been there for our service members and their families, from the moment they enlist through deployment and their return home. Here in Illinois, the USO supports nearly 350,000 active-duty service members, Guard members, reservists, and their families through hundreds of programs each year.
We are grateful for the incredible work the USO does every day and for the volunteers who make it possible. Thank you to everyone who helped make Holiday Cards for Heroes such a success.
Preparing Holiday Care Packages at Vernon Township Food Pantry
It was great to meet the staff at the Vernon Township Food Pantry and help spread some holiday cheer. We assisted with loading cars and wrapping presents for their Adopt-a-Family program. Vernon Township’s seasonal outreach plays an important role in supporting local families during the holidays, and it was a pleasure to meet everyone involved and be part of this effort.
Enjoying Naval Station Great Lakes Holiday Concert
I was fortunate to be able to attend the Naval Station Great Lakes Holiday Concert featuring Naval Band Great Lakes under the direction of Lt. David A. Harbuziak. Given the challenges around the country and the world, and the heaviness many of us are carrying, it felt especially meaningful to be on base alongside the men and women of our Navy, veterans, military families, civilian staff, and students, celebrating our holidays and traditions together.
From Christmas carols to a medley of Hanukkah songs to tributes to our Navy men and women marking the holidays away from home while defending our nation, it was a genuine reminder of the power of the holiday spirit and community. As always, thank you to Rear Admiral Matthew Pottenburgh, CO Captain Stephen Yargosz, and the entire Naval Station Great Lakes team for hosting this special event.
The Community Works Holiday Party
I also stopped by The Community Works (TCW) holiday party in Waukegan. Thank you to Yvette and Ronnell Ewing for your leadership and everything you pour into this organization. TCW provides free, lifetime career coaching and support services, from building a resume and applying for a job to networking, budgeting, goal setting, and career advancement. Their mission is to help our neighbors find dignified, stable work with good pay and benefits so they can provide for themselves and their families. To the staff, volunteers, and community members who show up every day, thank you for keeping this place strong. I’m proud to have helped along the way by securing federal funding to strengthen TCW's programs and meet rising needs.
Wishing Happy Holidays in Highland Park
I had a fun time at Senator Julie Morrison’s holiday party at the Highland Park Police Station. It was a special treat to help make blankets for donation and to spend time with two of our Miss Lake County winners and local Scouts as well!
Celebrating the Holidays with Chicago Executive Airport
It was great to be in Wheeling celebrating the holiday season with my friends from Chicago Executive Airport (PWK). The airport is home to 325 aircraft and stands as the fourth busiest airport in Illinois, playing a critical role as a reliever for the region, including O’Hare.
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN WASHINGTON
Demanding a Vote to Save Healthcare
With less than two weeks left until the end of the year, Republican leadership decided to doom millions of American families to higher health care costs in 2026. Instead of working toward a bipartisan solution, Republicans canceled the last day of votes for the year and went home early. Speaker Johnson chose not to vote on a bipartisan solution that would protect more than 20 million Americans from facing skyrocketing costs. Before heading home, I joined with my Democratic colleagues on the Capitol steps to demand a vote—the American people deserve better.
Decrying Republican Efforts to Steal Lifesaving Care from Kids
As a parent, my first hope is that my two sons grow up happy, healthy, and with the resources they need to reach their full potential. I think that's what most Americans want for their own kids and all our nation’s children. I spoke on the floor against a harmful Republican bill, H.R. 498, that would prevent states from providing lifesaving gender-affirming care, denying children across the country the opportunity to be confident in their own identities. Decisions of such profound importance should be made by individual families and their healthcare providers, not dictated by uninformed lawmakers. Watch my full remarks here.
Advancing Legislation to Protect American Consumers in Ways and Means Committee
Counterfeit goods undercut American businesses, threaten jobs, and endanger public safety. I am proud that the Ways and Means Committee unanimously passed legislation I authored with Rep. Blake Moore that will help Customs and Border Patrol disrupt counterfeit trafficking networks and better safeguard our economy and communities. This is commonsense, bipartisan legislation that I hope is on its way to becoming a law – one that protects the safety and health of American consumers. Tune in to hear my remarks about this legislation here.
Abraham Accords Caucus meeting with Ambassadors from Germany, France, and the United Kingdom
I was again honored to host an Abraham Accords Caucus Roundtable, this time with H.E. Laurent Bili, Ambassador of France, H.E. Jens Hanefeld, Ambassador of Germany, and H.E. James Roscoe MVO, Chargé d’Affaires of the United Kingdom. They were joined by a bipartisan group of Members for a robust discussion on the E3’s triggering of snapback sanctions and the central role of transatlantic cooperation in holding Iran accountable, as well and how their countries can work with the United States to help strengthen and advance the Abraham Accord.
Combatting Antisemitism and Mourning with Australia’s Jewish Community
My colleagues and I joined with the American Jewish Committee (AJC) in solidarity with Australia’s Jewish community. In the wake of the tragedy that took place during the first night of Hanukkah, it is more important than ever to not only condemn this act of hate and prejudice, but to use all tools at our disposal to combat antisemitism in any and all forms.
ON THE AIRWAVES
FOX 32 Chicago Live
Antisemitism is a cancer that can only be defeated if we all loudly condemn it and refuse to tolerate it. I spoke with Fox 32's Chicago Live about the horrific violence in Australia this weekend.
NewsNation’s Morning in America
The vote to keep healthcare affordable for American families should have been ages ago. Now, we're less than two weeks from costs skyrocketing and Speaker Mike Johnson is still refusing to advance bipartisan solutions that will save Americans' healthcare. I joined NewsNation's Morning in America to discuss Republicans’ failure to provide even concepts of a healthcare plan and the repercussions their failure to act will have on our nation.
FOX 32 Chicago Report with Paris Schutz
I joined the Chicago Report to discuss efforts in Congress to stop rising healthcare costs as well as President Trump's threats to wage war on Venezuela. Tune in to my full interview here. Tune in here.
UPCOMING IN THE DISTRICT
The holidays are a great time to pick up a book with your student. Our annual Brad’s Bookworms Program encourages K-5 readers to read 10 books and discover new worlds — while also bringing the community together to help their students reach their reading goals. Learn more and submit your reading log here.
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 more than $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.
IN CLOSING
The start of 2026 marks the beginning of an election year, and the opportunity to highlight the need to engage young people in civic life early on. Michelle Oum of Lake Forest has already illustrated what that engagement can look like by winning Lake County’s “I Voted” sticker design contest. Created and sponsored by Lake County Clerk Anthony Vega, the competition was designed to spark interest in democracy among youth, and Oum’s beautifully crafted design reflects the creativity and enthusiasm that emerges when young people are invited to participate. Her work will serve as a visible reminder across Lake County of how important it is to empower the next generation of voters. Congrats to Michelle and a big thank you to Anthony Vega and his office for the wonderful idea from ideation to culmination!
Stay strong, stay safe, stay healthy.
Sincerely,
Bradley S. Schneider
Member of Congress