10th News: New 118th Congress Finally Sworn In
History was made last week, though not necessarily in a good way. At noon on Tuesday, January 3 (as mandated in the Constitution), the Members-Elect of the 118th Congress gathered to elect a Speaker of the House and be sworn into office. Things did not go as planned. For the first time in 100 years, more than one round of voting was required to elect the Speaker. In fact, it took 15 ballots for Kevin McCarthy to gather enough support from his fellow Republicans to finally get the required votes in the early hours of Saturday morning.
While relieved to have the Speaker election behind us, there is extraordinary concern among Democrats and the more moderate Republicans about what backroom deals Speaker McCarthy made to sway the 20 Representatives who thwarted his first attempts to secure the necessary votes. It’s been reported that there is a three-page secret document detailing the concessions, but we don’t know what commitments it addresses. We have heard from one of the last holdouts, Rep. Matt Gaetz, that the agreements and subsequent rules package puts the Speaker in a virtual straight jacket, beholden to the most extreme elements of his party.
That means the new Congress will likely focus more on theater than problem-solving. We expect hearings that resemble a kangaroo court more than a deliberative inquiry designed to inform constructive legislation. And because of one of the key public concessions, at any time, for any reason, any single Member of Congress can force a new vote to effectively remove Mr. McCarthy from the Speaker’s post.
Remembering January 6th
Also last week, the country marked the two-year anniversary of the January 6th Insurrection. On Friday morning, Democrats, joined by one Republican colleague, gathered on the House steps to honor the Capitol Police who valiantly defended us that day and literally saved our democracy.
Later, several of the Members who had been trapped in the Gallery during the attack, and ultimately rescued by the Capitol Police, hosted a lunch to thank the people who protect us day in and day out.
The January 6 Committee Report – The Threat Remains
Even though the January 6th Committee has been dissolved, its investigation and report demonstrated with stunning clarity that: (1) the attack was not a spontaneous uprising, and (2) President Trump was willfully and directly responsible for the events that led to and inspired the chaos and bloodshed that day. As recently as last month, the former President called for the “termination” of the Constitution. Emboldened extremists continue to seek ways to circumvent our electoral system and undermine Americans' faith in our government. You can read the entire report here.
Keep reading for more information about what’s happening in Washington and at home.
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN WASHINGTON
Because the selection of the Speaker consumed the entire week, there’s not much more to share from last week. This week, the House is focused on completing its formal organization, including passing a new rules package, selecting committee chairs, and assigning new members to committees. We will also consider several bills reflecting the new Republican majority’s first priorities, including bills to raise the deficit by $114 billion, further restrict women’s reproductive rights, and set up two new committees. I am supportive of the committee to address competition with China. I strongly oppose what will effectively be a committee giving Rep. Jim Jordan unlimited investigative powers and the ability to undercut standing committees and the authority of the Speaker.
Discussing the Speakership Vote on CNN
Last Thursday, I joined CNN” s Laura Coates to discuss the Republican’s dysfunctional vote for Speaker, and the Democrat’s unified commitment to fighting for the American people. If you missed my interview, you can watch it here.
Condemning the Assault on Democracy in Brazil
I joined President Biden, Secretary Blinken and all others committed to democracy in condemning Sunday’s violent attacks on Brazil’s Presidency, Congress, and Supreme Court. The U.S. steadfastly stands with Brazil’s democratically elected government, and my office stands by to help any constituents in the area in need of assistance. To learn more on the situation in Brazil click here.
AROUND THE DISTRICT
Here to Help
The 4-day delay in electing a speaker meant that the Members-Elect were not officially able to conduct business. Our district office, however, remained open, and my team continued to assist all constituents. This gives me a good opportunity to remind you that if you have an issue with any federal agency, including social security and Medicare, veteran’s benefits, tax refunds, or help getting a new passport, please don’t hesitate to call our office. We are here to serve you.
You can reach our Lincolnshire District Office at (847) 383-4870 or our DC office at (202) 225-4835 during regular business hours. You can also contact us on through our website or send an email.
Community Project Funding — Federal Support Around the District
Lastly, we continue to be proud and excited about the many projects around our district that received federal support in the Omnibus bill that passed the House and the Senate and was signed into law by President Biden last month. These include local water projects, road work, economic development, gun violence prevention, flooding prevention, climate change prevention, education programs, homeless programs, and bike safety programs. I encourage you to read Charles Selle’s column on this special funding here.
RESOURCES TO HELP YOU AND YOUR COMMUNITY
Please visit my website to find resources for the following services, and more:
IN CLOSING –
I usually try to close with an uplifting thought, but this week I want to share some sad personal news with you. My father, Frank Schneider, was recently diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Before the New Year, I traveled to Denver to help move him to a home hospice where he is resting comfortably and surrounded by family. Julie, Adam, and Daniel joined me in Denver this past weekend. I will be returning to Denver frequently over the next several weeks.
My parents are unquestionably the most influential people in my life, giving me my values and instilling in me my commitment to service. I am grateful for the support of my family, my team, and the community during this time.
Sincerely,
Bradley S. Schneider
Member of Congress