10th News: National Gun Violence Survivors Week
Let me first start by again thanking everyone who sent condolences, prayers, and positive energy to me and my family last week following the death of my father. Losing a loved one is never easy at any age. Nevertheless, we are comforted by 89 years of memories of a fulfilled life and strengthened by the support of our incredible community.
I returned to Washington last Thursday. The legislative focus was a Republican bill to limit the Administration’s ability to use the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to address a broad range of challenges, whether a price spike such as occurred last year following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, a natural disaster, or even a future attempt of OPEC to affect US oil markets adversely. I voted against the bill but did offer an amendment that would have protected the Great Lakes from oil and gas drilling. (It failed on a mostly party-line vote).
You can watch my full floor speech here.
This week, Wednesday marks the beginning of the fourth annual National Gun Violence Survivors week. Sadly, each year tens of thousands of individuals, their families, and communities are added to the solemn family of gun violence survivors. According to Moms Demand Action, "By early February, more Americans are killed by gun violence than in other high-income nations in an entire year."
We must not accept this situation as immutable. I am so proud of Illinois for taking action this month and passing an assault weapons ban. I was also proud last year, in the immediate aftermath of the Highland Park Independence Day shooting, to help lead the passage of an assault weapons ban in the House of Representatives. I look forward to helping reintroduce this legislation this week for the 118th Congress. I will also be helping to reintroduce a ban on high-capacity magazines and the SECURE Firearm Storage Act. There are other common-sense steps we can take to reduce violence, including requiring universal background checks and investing in mental health resources at the community level.
Of course, as we are highlighting this week, it is essential we recognize that the tragic effects of gun violence don't end once the assailant is apprehended but instead impact the victims and their loved ones for the rest of their lives.
Lastly, I am pleased to share that I will again serve on the House Ways and Means Committee, one of the most influential and longest-standing committees in Congress. Quoting from the committee's website: "the roster of committee members who have gone on to serve in higher office is impressive. Eight Presidents and eight Vice Presidents have served on the Ways and Means, as have 21 Speakers of the House of Representatives and four Justices of the Supreme Court." I am humbled to be among such an esteemed company and look forward to representing the people of the 10th District of Illinois on this great committee.
I look forward to tackling many important issues this Congress, including growing our economy, ensuring tax fairness, repealing the onerous cap on the state and local tax (SALT) deduction, improving health care for all Americans, and strengthening Social Security and Medicare. You can read my full announcement here.
Please keep reading below for more on what is happening around the District and in Washington, D.C.
AROUND THE DISTRICT
I met separately with Lake County Clerk Anthony Vega and Lake County Treasurer Holly Kim to learn more about their priorities and goals, tour their facilities and chat with their teams. Needless to say, I was impressed with the vision and dedication of the many hardworking people serving Lake County every day.
Steam Scholars Visits Bell Flavors & Fragrances
My STEAM Scholars class visited Bell Flavors and Fragrances to learn about the fascinating art and science and that goes into creating the flavors and fragrance the bring vibrancy to our lives. A big thank you to Kelli Heinz (VP Of Marketing) and the skillful team of flavorists for sharing their incredible work and knowledge. Educational experiences like this prepare our students to meet the demands of high-skilled jobs today and in the future.
Write Valentine’s for Veterans
A small gesture like a Valentine's card is a much-appreciated way to let our district's veterans know they are loved and appreciated. My office has launched its annual "Valentines for Vets" program to thank those who have selflessly served our country.
Constituents can drop off or mail cards to my Lincolnshire office: 111 Barclay Blvd, Ste 200, Lincolnshire IL 60069 by February 10th, 2023.
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN WASHINGTON
International Holocaust Remembrance Day
Last Friday, January 27th, the world observed International Holocaust Remembrance Day. On that date, in 1945, the Nazi concentration camp at Auschwitz was liberated.
Three years ago, on the 75th anniversary of the camp’s liberation, I joined then-Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Nita Lowey, Ted Deutch, Debbie Wasserman Schultz, and Joe Wilson on a bipartisan tour of the camp (above). This year, I joined my colleague Josh Gottheimer and a large bipartisan group in the Capitol to introduce the HEAL Act, legislation intended to help enhance American education on the history and lessons of the Holocaust.
As the last living eyewitnesses of the Holocaust leave us, it is imperative for our generation to bear witness and continue to learn and teach the lessons that will help protect the world from future genocides. Something as abstract as the Holocaust, as incomprehensible and inconceivable in scope and scale, must be made real for us to fully understand what happened, how it happened, and ensure it never happens again.
RESOURCES TO HELP YOU AND YOUR COMMUNITY
The Inflation Reduction Act—the biggest climate bill ever—is delivering results. Learn more about how you can take advantage of its many tax incentive to make your household climate-ready.
Also, 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 Ukrainians refugees fleeing the war.
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 –
Good news on the economy. The New York Times reported this week that the U.S. economy has recorded a solid rate of 2.9 percent in the fourth quarter. That is good news. We can’t afford to crush this recovery with a ill-conceived, misguided debt limit fight.
Wishing you and yours a good week.
Sincerely,
Bradley S. Schneider
Member of Congress