10th News: One Step Forward, One Step Back
Last month, when we were up against a debt ceiling deadline, the House came together to work for American families and find common ground to reach and pass the Bipartisan Budget Agreement. I think everyone breathed a sigh of relief that the United States was not going to default for the first time in our history. And we all cheered the fact that 314 Representatives voted in favor of the bill (149 Republicans and 165 Democrats). Maybe, just maybe, it was a sign of new bipartisan possibilities.
Unfortunately, the positivity did not last long. Last week, a breakaway faction of the House Republican Freedom Caucus staged a protest against the Bipartisan Budget Agreement and blocked any bill from moving to the floor for a vote. Their obstruction effectively shut down the House for five days until Speaker Kevin McCarthy apparently conceded to the group’s extreme demands. It now looks like the Speaker is reneging on his negotiated agreement with President Biden in May, supported by more than two-thirds of the whole House, and similarly in the Senate.
I think it is unfortunate that too many of my colleagues believe their job is more about grandstanding and playing political games than actually getting things done for the American people. It is more concerning that a handful of uncompromising Representatives can hold the rest of us and the entire nation over a barrel in pursuit of their maximalist demands. For my part, I will continue to fight against extremism in all forms and will continue to live up to my commitment to work across the aisle to craft workable, bipartisan solutions to the challenges we face.
Please keep reading to learn more about happenings in Washington and here at home.
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN WASHINGTON
Gun Violence Prevention Task Force Hearing
Gun violence not only kills but also leaves an indelible mark of trauma on all those who bear witness. The House Gun Violence Prevention Task Force Hearing panel explored ways to reduce gun violence and trauma. We have passed several significant gun reform bills, culminating last year in the House passing an Assault Weapons Ban.
You can watch my full remarks at hearing here.
We also had several gun violence prevention advocates in DC last week. I was pleased to welcome Ashbey Beasley, her husband Chip, and their son Beau to the office.
Protecting and Expanding Telehealth Access
The Ways and Means Committee considered nine healthcare-related bills last week, including the Telehealth Expansion Act of 2023, which I am proud to cosponsor. During the pandemic, telehealth played a crucial role in assisting patients, giving new access, offering greater flexibility, and often providing patients with desired privacy. We should continue to make sure telehealth is an option for patients to ensure they can still receive essential care, like primary care.
You can watch the full markup, including my remarks here.
Connecting with UL Solutions
UL Solutions’s CEO Jennifer Scanlon visited my office to talk about UL’s work advancing safety science from its headquarters in Northbrook. Earlier this year UL graciously hosted our STEAM Scholars for a wonderful tour of their facility in Northbrook.
Faces And Voices of Recovery
From Left to Right: Debra Lewis, Dr. Roberson, Tiffini Yost, and Senior Legislative Assistant Chelsey Rice-Davis
I welcomed members of the Faces and Voices of Recovery Services to discuss increases in funding for the Substance Use Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery Services Block Grant, and how Congress can continue to support the expansion of recovery programs nationwide. I appreciated the whole team stopping by, and it was especially nice to see Dr. Mary Roberson and Debra Lewis of the Northern Illinois Recovery Community Organization.
American Israel Public Affairs Committee
Happy to have welcomed the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) for an in-depth discussion about advancing the Abraham Accords and addressing Iranian actions in the region, especially preventing Iran from ever acquiring a nuclear weapon. The relationship between Israel and the United States is one of our most important strategic alliances, and I am proud to continue leading initiatives in Congress to strengthen that bond and work toward promoting regional stability, security, and peace.
Speaking about the Abraham Accords at the Center for a New American Security
I joined one of my co-chairs of the bipartisan, bicameral Abrahma Accords Caucus, Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA), at the Center for a New American Security conference. Speaking to a live audience and people joining virtually, we had an excellent discussion moderated by Jonathan Lord about the future of the Abraham Accords.
Watch our panel here.
AROUND THE DISTRICT
Congress on Your Corner Antioch
I hope you can join me for a Congress on Your Corner town hall on Saturday, June 24th, at 11:00 am in Antioch. We will discuss common-sense gun violence prevention, making health care more affordable, and Congress's work to support our families. I will answer your questions about all of that and more while providing an update on my work in Washington fighting for Illinois families.
Congress on Your Corner: Antioch
Saturday, June 24th
11:00 am
RSVP here (exact location provided upon RSVP)
Service Academy Sendoff
Every year I am honored to recognize the students from the 10th district who have been selected to attend our military service academies. This year, we celebrated with six of the eight students headed to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, and the U.S. Air Force Academy t Colorado Springs. Celebrating their achievements with their families is always fun, and this year we added a special treat with Homer’s Ice Cream in Wilmette.
Broadband Roundtable
Reliable and affordable broadband internet is vital for access to information, education, and more in all communities, big or small. Friday, I hosted a roundtable in Richmond with the Department of Commerce and local officials to discuss expanding broadband access for all. Thank you to the Nippersink Public Library District for hosting us.
WBEZ radio aired a story about federal investments in Illinois’ broadband that you can listen to here.
Brad at Your Business: Scot Forge
First founded as a small hammer shop in Chicago in 1893, Scot Forge, now headquartered in Spring Grove, Illinois, is an employee-owned manufacturing firm. I was thrilled to visit their Spring Grove facility, where they forge parts weighing up to 300,000 pounds. Thanks to CEO Jong Cain, COO Ron Hahn, Manager of Executive Office Operations Michelle Riedel, and the whole Scot Forge team for warmly welcoming me.
Waukegan To College Graduation Celebration
One of my favorite things of the year is to attend Waukegan to College Graduation Celebration, recognizing the achievements of high school and college graduates. These students have made their families and community incredibly proud. I wish them all the best as they continue to work towards fulfilling their dreams.
Lake County Pridefest
I also had a great time joining the community in celebration at this year’s Lake County Pridefest in Round Lake Beach. A huge crowd came together on a beautiful day. Thanks to all the groups who set up tables to talk about resources in our community.
Gigi’s Playhouse 5k
Gigi’s Playhouse hosted a great Run – Walk – Dash in support of their programs. GiGi’s Playhouse in Deerfield is one of 58 Down Syndrome Centers nationwide that focuses on providing free educational, therapeutic-based, and career development programs for individuals with Down Syndrome.
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 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—
I want to close this week with the incredible story of survival against all odds from the four indigenous children of Colombia who survived a plane crash in the Amazon and spent 40 days in the jungle alone. On Saturday, Colombian soldiers found them alive, and they are now receiving medical treatment in a military hospital in Bogota. It's truly awe-inspiring to see the resilience and determination of these indigenous children in the face of such adversity. I wish the children the best in their recovery and encourage you to read the full story here.
Stay strong, stay safe, stay healthy.
Sincerely,
Bradley S. Schneider
Member of Congress