10th News: The House Has a Speaker — And a Lot of Work to Do
After four nominations and three roll call votes, the House finally has a new Speaker, Mike Johnson of Louisiana. I know Speaker Johnson well after serving with him on the House Judiciary Committee for two years. Following his speech on the floor, I greeted him in the well to say congratulations and commit to seeking common ground for the good of the country.
I frequently say that being a “moderate” is more about how you work and the style of getting things done than the positions you take. I am willing to work with anyone who comes to the table with an open mind, fresh ideas, and a commitment to work together to move our country forward. That’s what I shared with the new Speaker, and I hope his actions will back his words.
I will say we don’t have a lot of overlap in our policy positions. Mr. Johnson doubts climate science, has supported a nationwide abortion ban, opposes same-sex marriage, and has spearheaded efforts to cut Medicare and Social Security. I disagree with every one of those positions.
Unfortunately, in his first major legislative initiative, Speaker Johnson chose to condition desperately needed aid to Israel with a hyper-partisan “offset” that would cut $14.5 billion from the IRS but, instead of saving money, is estimated to cost the treasury more than $26.7 billion in uncollected taxes. As I said in my statement announcing my opposition to the ploy: “In my worst nightmares, I never thought I would be asked to vote for a bill cynically conditioning aid to Israel on ceding to the partisan demands of one party. I also never thought that a day would come that I would be asked to consider voting against an aid package for Israel, our most important ally in the Middle East, and maybe in the world.” I also spoke on the floor, explaining why I thought the bill was dangerous for both Israel and our own national security.
Before the Speaker decided to single out Israel's aid, I wrote a letter to the Speaker, with my colleagues Joe Wilson (R-SC), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL), and Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), beseeching him not to separate aid for Israel's fight to rescue its hostages and secure its borders from Ukraine's fight to do the same, or from Taiwan's efforts to deter a war. All are crucial priorities for the United States. You can read that letter in full here.
I will continue to devote all necessary efforts to ensure Israel and Ukraine get the aid they need as soon as possible, as well as supporting our allies in the Indo-Pacific and addressing the emergency at our southern border. I will continue to work with any and all Republicans and Democrats, House and Senate, to get it done. We don't have time to waste.
Lastly, and speaking of time pressures, the temporary spending bill expires in less than two weeks, November 17. It is imperative that the House takes the necessary steps to ensure the government does not shut down. Again, I am hopeful the new Speaker will honor the promises made on his first day to work across the aisle for the good of the country.
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN WASHINGTON
House Passes Bills Combating Iran and Hezbollah
I was proud to help manage the debate on the floor last week for several bills addressing the global threats posed by Iran and Hezbollah, including two I led. H.Res. 599, urging the European Union to designate Hezbollah in its entirety as a terrorist organization, which I led with Gus Bilirakis of Florida, passed unanimously. The House also passed H.Res. 559, which I co-led with Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul of Texas. This resolution affirmed U.S. policy that Iran must not be able to get a nuclear weapon under any circumstances or conditions and that the U.S. must use "all means necessary" to prevent this obtainment.
Brew Across America
Maybe not the most substantive work of the week, but I think one of the more important because of the need for more bipartisan collaboration, I partnered with my friend and Ways and Means colleague, Rep. Kevin Hern from Oklahoma, to compete in Anheuser-Busch’s Brew Across America event. Working with the brewmasters from Goose Island Beer Company, we crafted a smooth Pilsner using a new variety of hops called Lotus Hops. Though not connected, I chose these hops in part to pay homage to the lotus flowers found in our own Chain O’ Lakes. We named our brew Gip & Tip Pilsner in honor of President Ronald Reagan (“The Gipper”) and Speaker of the House Tip O’Neil, who, back in the day, would often get together to share a beer. Sadly, we did not brew a beer to make us famous — top honors went to another Ways and Means team of Jimmy Panetta and Mike Carey.
Meeting With the Family of Israeli Hostages Held by Hamas
I continue to meet and correspond with several of the families of the more than 240 people being held hostage in Gaza, including at least 10 American citizens. I was honored to host in my office members of the Gat family, whose mother, Kinneret, was murdered by Hamas terrorists and have two family members currently kidnapped by Hamas and taken to Gaza. Several other family members narrowly escaped the terrorists by hiding for hours in the nearby woods.
I continue to call on Hamas to immediately and unconditionally free ALL of the hostages they still hold captive.
FBI Special Agent Wes Wheeler
I was honored to host FBI Special Agent in Charge Wes Wheeler, recently appointed to lead the FBI’s Chicago Field Office. We discussed the work of his office, the current threat landscape, and how we can best collaborate to keep our community safe.
Metra CEO Jim Derwinsky and Executive Director Janice Thomas
Metra CEO Jim Derwinski and Deputy Executive Director Janice Thomas visited my office to talk about how Metra is taking funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and putting it to work on projects to improve commutes for everyone in Cook, Lake, and McHenry Counties.
Ukrainian Advocacy Days
A group of constituents traveling to DC for Ukrainian Advocacy Days facilitated by the American Coalition for Ukraine met with me to discuss Ukraine-related legislation. I was happy to bring them up to speed on the work we’ve done supporting Ukraine’s right to defend itself, holding Putin accountable for his war crimes, and the work we still have to do to continue defending democracy in Ukraine and around the world.
Ovarian Cancer Alliance
Heather, a Lake Villa constituent, and other members of the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance came to the Capitol to discuss legislation that helps save lives. I was proud to share with the group that I’m cosponsoring the Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act, which allows for Medicare coverage and payment for multi-cancer early detection screening tests that the FDA approves.
Andrew Tangen, Veterans Assistance Commission of Lake County
I always enjoy meeting Andrew Tangen from the Veterans Assistance Commission to talk about how we can better serve those who have served our country. During this visit, he also brought a homework assignment from his son—a phone with Flat Stanley.
Crop Insurance and Reinsurance Bureau
I welcomed the Crop Insurance and Reinsurance Bureau to the Capitol, and we discussed crop insurance and its benefits to Illinois farmers.
Northwestern Mutual
It was great to welcome my friend Hobie Murnane with Northwestern Mutual to talk about a wide range of issues, including life insurance, tax policy, and data privacy.
YouthBuild USA
Young leaders and alums from YouthBuild across the country, including YouthBuild Waukegan and Lake County, came to Washington, DC, to meet with members of Congress. YouthBuild is a major asset for our communities, working with young people to provide education opportunities and job training skills. I am proud to be a champion of YouthBuild.
Meeting with Uzbekistan Ambassador Sidikov
I was pleased to meet with the Ambassador of Uzbekistan to the United States, Kurkat Sidikov, who was appointed to represent his country on March 3rd, 2023. The U.S. enjoys a good bilateral relationship with Uzbekistan and has talked about ways to strengthen the trade relationship.
AROUND THE DISTRICT
Veterans Day Breakfast
Please, share this invitation with a veteran in your life. On November 10th, I'm hosting a free breakfast to honor those who served. My staff will also be available to assist veterans with VA issues and other concerns. To attend the event, please RSVP here.
Welcoming New Citizens at Botanic Gardens
It was again a joy and honor to visit the Chicago Botanic Gardens and join family and friends in welcoming 124 new Americans, from 44 countries, as they took the oath of citizenship. You can read my remarks here.
EVBox Manufacturing Event
EVBox is leading the way in manufacturing EV chargers with American parts. Friday, I joined Governor Pritzker, Senator Durbin, the Chamber of Commerce, and EVBox CEO Samuals to celebrate EVBox’s first DC fast charger built in Illinois. Investments from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act can’t get to work without the innovation and manufacturing of companies like EVBox.
Ambulance Donation to Israel
I joined Illinois State Representative Bob Morgan and members of six synagogues as they celebrated the donation of an ambulance to Magen David Odom (MDA), the emergency medical service agency in Israel. This ambulance will help save lives.
Midwest Veteran's Closet Military Families Pumpkin Fest
I had a great time at the Midwest Veteran's Closet Military Families Pumpkin Fest. Veterans and their families enjoyed Halloween treat bags, lunch, cupcakes, warm apple cider, and picking pumpkins from the patch. Thank you to Mary Carmody, Executive Director of Impacting Veterans Lives/Midwest Veteran's Closet, and her team for organizing this great event.
Hanul Family Alliance Annual Korean Seniors Day Event
I appreciated the incredibly warm welcome as I had the honor of speaking to more than 500 people at the Hanul Family Alliance Annual Korean Seniors Day Event, where members of the Korean-American community celebrated their seniors for all the work they’ve done to create a strong immigrant and Korean-American presence in Chicagoland.
New Trier Township Annual Fall Fest Community Wellness Fair
I enjoyed checking out all the great resources available to the North Shore senior community. From government offices to non-profits and law enforcement canines, the wellness fair had it all. Please don’t forget that my office is also a resource for you. You can contact my office here.
Shout Out to Zeus and Dax
The Lake County Sheriff's office recently announced that canines Zeus and Dax earned top awards at a multistate competition.
Deputy Forlenza and Dax took first place in Obedience, Article Search, Suspect Search, Tracking, and Cadaver Detection, while taking third place in Criminal Apprehension. Deputy Harris and Zeus took second place in Article Search, Suspect Search, Tracking, and Cadaver Detection.
Way to go, Zeus and Dax! They, along with their deputies, have made Lake County proud. I hope to personally congratulate these noble constituents with big dog bones.
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, various help lines, and even help Ukrainian refugees fleeing the war.
Look Before You Book
If you plan to travel internationally, remember to check the expiration date on your passport before you book your trip. It is taking much longer than normal to renew a passport, so make sure to plan ahead.
If you need help expediting a passport, please call my district office at 847-383-4870.
CONSTITUENT SUCCESS STORIES
I want to share with you another constituent casework success story. Navigating the federal agency bureaucracy can be challenging, but my excellent casework team in Lincolnshire is ready to help you. If you need help with a federal agency, fill out a Privacy Release Form or call my Lincolnshire office at (847) 383-4870 so my casework team can assist you.
In Closing—
Legacy of Women in Leadership at the Antioch Library
Antioch Library Directors from Left to Right
Top Row: Mary Stanley (1928 - 1942), Betty Lu Williams (1942 – 1945 & 1962 – 1982), Marian Harden (1945 – 1962)
Bottom Row: Kathy LaBuda (1982 – 2016), and Jennifer Drinka (2016 – Present)
Our local libraries are pillars of our civil society; they preserve our histories, provide a safe place for discovery and imagination, and educate, empowering citizens to stay informed and better themselves and their communities. The Antioch Public Library is an example of all those principles and more, and the story of how it came to be that way is rooted in the work of five women.
In its 101-year history, the Antioch Public Library has had five female library directors, including current director Jennifer Drinka, dedicated to honoring their legacies. Recently, she shared with me a history of that legacy, which I encourage you to read here.
The legacy of these directors is one of growth and evolution, transforming it into a vibrant community center that's seen a $9.6 million renovation and boasts a makerspace, recording studio, reading room, garden walk, business area, children's section, and a Teen Center. The successes of the Antioch Public Library are a testament to the dedication and leadership of women like Mary Stanley, Betty Lu Williams, Marian Harden, Kathy LaBuda, and Jennifer Drinka.
Sincerely,
Bradley S. Schneider
Member of Congress