10TH NEWS: IMPORTANT WORK AHEAD
Dear Friend,
First, please take heed of the air quality warnings because of the smoke from the Canadian wildfires. The EPA is saying the bad air should dissipate in the coming days.
In other news, the World Cup is over, and congratulations are due not just to Spain for winning the cup, but also to the United States, Mexico and Canada for hosting a great tournament. The MLB All Star game is also behind us, with the White Sox alone in first place in their division and the Cubs leading the National League Wild Card chase. Meanwhile, the Chicago Bears open training camp is on Saturday. You have to love summer in Chicago!
Back in Washington, Congress has only one week before a scheduled month-long district work period. The list of unfinished business is long given the tight schedule—most significantly Congress should be funding the government and passing the National Defense Authorization Act for the next fiscal year, FY2027, that starts on October 1. Speaker Johnson and Republican leadership are saying they are going to punt on passing the full set of 12 appropriations bills before the deadline, and instead they want to again use a Continuing Resolution or CR to extend FY2026 funding through December.
Unfortunately, CRs are nothing more than kicking the can down the road and they wreak havoc on federal agencies, our military, and local governments that also need to plan their annual budgets.
It is particularly frustrating that Speaker Johnson is already punting on Congress’s fundamental responsibility to fund the government with more than 2 months still before the deadline. Add to that, Republicans have cancelled 14 House session days so far this year (kind of like two weeks of snow days without the snow)— all contributing to the failures of Speaker Johnson and Leader Scalise.
While I am excited to be able to spend that time in the District with all of you, I think Congress should stay in session and finish its work on time.
Lastly, before going to news from the district, I hope you had a wonderful and festive Independence Day. I had a nice week traveling around the district and loved seeing people celebrating our nation’s Semi quincentennial. As we reflect on the progress of our nation over the past 250 years, what I saw and heard from people everywhere I visited was the ongoing commitment to fulfilling the promises of equality, liberty, and government of, by and for the people contained in the Declaration of Independence and our Constitution. I am proud to wake up every day as your representative to work hard to make progress toward a more perfect union for all Americans.
Rest assured, I will continue to work diligently every day to advance the needs of the people of Illinois’ 10th Congressional District and Americans across the country.
HAPPENING IN WASHINGTON
One year of President Trump’s Big Ugly Bill
In the year since President Trump signed his "Big Ugly Bill" into law—arguably the worst piece of legislation for working people in modern American history—its consequences are being felt in communities across the country. Families are facing higher costs, wages that are failing to keep pace with everyday expenses, and impossible choices between paying for healthcare and covering basic necessities. In Congress, I am fighting back against these cuts harming our communities to ensure everyone has access to the healthcare and nutrition assistance they need.
Strengthening Adoption Support
Thank you to Lake Forest resident, Laura, and the entire National Council for Adoption team for stopping by to highlight the importance of strengthening support for children and families through adoption. I will continue to work alongside partners like NCFA to ensure more children have loving, nurturing families.
Remembering Vice Chair Cunningham
Waukegan, Lake County, and the entire region has lost a champion. I was proud to recognize and remember my friend, Mary Ross Cunningham, on the House floor. I send my deepest condolences to her entire family as they mourn this great loss. May her memory forever be a blessing.
#HighlandParkStrong
July 4th marked four years since Katherine Goldstein, Irina and Kevin McCarthy, Jacquelyn Sundheim, Nicolas Toledo-Zaragoza, Stephen Straus, and Eduardo Uvaldo were murdered, and dozens more wounded in a tragic, senseless act of gun violence during the Highland Park Fourth of July Parade.
In their honor, I was proud to lead a resolution to ensure they are remembered for generations to come. I am grateful to Senators Durbin and Duckworth for joining with me to lead this resolution in the Senate. I will continue working with like-minded colleagues to advance commonsense legislation that keeps our communities safe and helps end the scourge of gun violence gripping our nation.
Advocating for Farmers with the Illinois Soybean Association
I had a great meeting with the Illinois Soybean Association to discuss the Farm Bill and the importance of agricultural trade under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). We also discussed ways to build on the success of USMCA, strengthen market access, and ensure soybean growers have the tools they need to remain competitive and continue driving economic growth. Thank you to the Illinois Soybean Association for the productive conversation and for your continued advocacy on behalf of Illinois farmers.
Advancing Human Rights with the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission
I was honored to recently serve as Chair Pro Tempore for the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission hearing on human rights in Turkish-occupied Cyprus.
As lead sponsor of the Eastern Mediterranean Gateway Act, I believe strengthening integration across the Eastern Mediterranean and standing with our allies is essential to advancing regional security and cooperation. Cyprus has proven itself to be a steadfast ally, and the United States must continue to stand alongside our partners in support of human rights, stability, and our shared democratic values.
Bringing Together Courageous Voices with AMMWEC
I was honored to speak at the National Coalition on Antisemitism and Hate Conference, a gathering of Muslim, Jewish, Christian, and other allied voices committed to working on the front lines against extremism, hatred, and division. The American Muslim & Multifaith Women’s Empowerment Council is a Muslim-majority organization committed to moral clarity, interfaith partnership, and Abrahamic unity, AMMWEC is bringing together courageous voices from across faith, civic, media, and policy communities to confront antisemitism and hate in all its forms.
I will always stand together with allies from every corner of the world to elevate our voices above those who would spread hate and antisemitism. Thank you to AMMWEC for putting on this incredible event.
Strengthening U.S.-Kazakhstan Ties
I was honored to meet with Magzhan Ilyassov, Ambassador of Kazakhstan.
We had a productive conversation about strengthening U.S.-Kazakhstan ties through expanded trade and diplomacy, as well as Kazakhstan's recent entry into the Abraham Accords. Ambassador Ilyassov also provided an update on recent developments in Kazakhstan, and we discussed opportunities to deepen our partnership in critical minerals, regional security, economic cooperation, and trade.
A Productive Fireside Chat at the New Liberal Action Summit
Glad to be invited to this year's New Liberal Action Summit hosted by The Center for New Liberalism. I joined my colleague, Representative Nikki Budzinski, to discuss New Democrat Coalition efforts to build consensus, advance pragmatic solutions, and ensure everyone is given a fair shot to achieve the American dream.
OUT AND ABOUT IN THE 10TH
A Week of Productive Roundtables
In the district, I was grateful to host three productive roundtables with mayors and village presidents, fire chiefs, and police chiefs from across the 10th Congressional District.
These conversations provided an important opportunity to hear directly from the local leaders who know their communities best. We discussed the challenges our municipalities and first responders are facing and how the federal government can be a better partner in addressing their needs.
Thank you to everyone who took the time to participate, and a special thank you to the Lincolnshire/Riverwoods Fire Department for generously hosting our fire chiefs roundtable. I appreciate the dedication of all our local leaders and first responders, and I look forward to continuing our work together to strengthen our communities and ensure they have the resources they need to keep residents safe.
Championing Stable and Affordable Housing
My team was honored to be at the Poupard Place Ribbon Cutting in the Village of Northbrook, Illinois.
Stable and affordable housing is about more than having a roof over your head. It provides a foundation for independence and long-term security. Poupard Place reflects that vision by providing accessible, permanent supportive housing and helping individuals and families build brighter futures.
Congratulations to everyone who helped make Poupard Place a reality. I am so proud to have this wonderful development in Illinois' 10th Congressional District and look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have for years to come.
Expanding Veteran Access to Care
I had a great meeting with advocates from Common Defense about the importance of expanding access to care for our veterans. We must honor their service to our nation and ensure they have the care and resources they have earned and deserve.
Exploring Innovation with LG – Brad at Your Business!
Did you know LG’s Commercial Display division is headquartered right here in our district in Lincolnshire? I was welcomed by Division President John Won and Senior Vice President John I. Taylor for a tour of their Business Innovation Center. I enjoyed learning more about these innovative products and how they're used everywhere from classrooms to hotels and even self-ordering kiosks at your favorite restaurants.
Orphans of the storm
Adopting a pet doesn't change the world, but it changes your pet's life forever. Glad to celebrate the groundbreaking of the new state-of-the-art Orphans of the Storm shelter in Riverwoods! For 100 years, Orphans of the Storm has cared for vulnerable cats and dogs and placed more than 150,000 animals into loving homes.
Thanks to the leadership of Executive Director Rick Alexander and Director of Development Sandy De Lisle, this new facility will enhance medical care, improve capacity, and expand services for adopters, volunteers, and the broader community. As a pet owner myself and someone who has been visiting Orphans of the Storm for decades, I’m thankful for their continued dedication and compassion for animals, and I can't wait to see this long-awaited vision come to life in the coming months.
RESOURCES TO HELP YOU AND YOUR COMMUNITY
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.
My website offers a range of resources designed to help constituents navigate everyday challenges. So far this year, my office has helped constituents save $3,837,581, including $146,222 just this week alone through casework and assistance efforts.
My office is here for you. Since January 2022, we've recovered more than $21 million for constituents throughout the 10th District. Whether it's a delayed tax return or an issue with Social Security benefits, my team is ready to assist. Call us at 847-383-4870 if you are having an issue with a federal agency and need assistance.
CLOSING
Keep up to Date on Student Loan Changes
Have student loans? As of July 1, the Education Department is making new changes to the student loan program that could impact you.
Visit studentaid.gov/announcements-events/big-updates to learn more and explore repayment plan options.
Stay strong, stay safe, stay healthy.