10th News: One Year After the Dobbs Decision
As the 118th Congress approaches its six-month milestone, it’s good to be home for the Independence Day holiday, especially after seven consecutive weeks in Washington. So far, since coming home on Friday, among other things, I was in Wheeling to start the Run the Runway 5k, Highland Park for the Walk to Cure Scleroderma, had a remarkable town hall in Antioch, and rolled out the first ball for the finals of the National Bocce Championships in Highwood.
Today I will be in Fox Lake to attend the groundbreaking for their Lake Front Park redevelopment project. I was pleased to be able to successfully advocate for $750,000 in federal assistance for this important project. And tomorrow, I will actually be in Brussels, Belgium, for two days of meetings on combating online antisemitism.
Returning for a moment to the recent session in Washington, for all the motion and noise, there is, unfortunately, very little progress to report. The most important thing this Congress, under Speaker McCarthy, has accomplished to date is avoiding defaulting on the nation’s debt and avoiding a self-inflicted economic crisis. That’s significant.
The Bipartisan Budget Agreement that passed at the end of last month did hold early promise. The 99-page bill reflected a hard-fought compromise between Speaker McCarthy and President Biden and garnered 165 Democratic and 149 Republican votes. Besides paying our bills for already approved and incurred expenditures, the agreement protected the advances made last Congress with the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the bipartisan CHIPS + Science Act, and the bipartisan PACT Act. (Yes, Congress can actually work together to accomplish significant things.)
The agreement also protected the climate investments of last year’s Inflation Reduction Act, the largest investment yet in addressing climate change. The heat wave engulfing the South this week, the massive tornados, and the smoke from Canadian forest fires that covered much of the United States earlier this month are just examples of the consequences we face from the unprecedented challenges confronting us and the world. I am proud that the U.S. is leading in the efforts to unite the world to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and try to limit the impacts of climate change.
Lastly, this weekend we marked one year anniversary of the Supreme Court’s ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson, overturning nearly a half-century of protections for women’s reproductive rights. The impacts since the court’s decision have been devastating. Several states have enacted outright bans on abortions, and many Republicans in the House are trying to impose a nationwide ban. Countless women have been forced to travel hundreds of miles across state lines to get the health care they need and deserve. Many doctors have shared stories about having to withhold necessary care from women facing life-threatening conditions. States like Illinois are leading the way to ensure access to abortion for millions of women. But we must guarantee access for women everywhere.
Last year, after the Dobbs decision was announced, I joined with my House Democratic colleagues to pass the Women’s Health Protection Act of 2022. Sadly, without 60 votes in the Senate to close the debate, the bill never even got a vote. This week I was proud to join my colleagues in forcing Republicans to bring the Women’s Health Protection Act to the floor. We must work together to reverse Dobbs and all its abhorrent consequences.
Please keep reading to learn more about happenings in Washington and here at home.
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN WASHINGTON
Boots To Business Passes the House
Last Tuesday, my bill, the Veteran Entrepreneurship Training Act of 2023, unanimously passed the House. I have been working for years on this important legislation to support our veterans as they return to civilian life. My bill will formally enshrine the already successful Boots to Business program that has provided entrepreneurship training to more than 150,000 veterans, active armed forces members, and their spouses through the Small Business Administration.
You can read the full text of my bill here. Watch video here.
Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi Speaks to Joint Session of Congress
I was again honored to join my colleagues In the House and Senate to welcome the Indian Prime minister for his second address to Congress. He spoke of the growing ties between our two nations and his vision for the future of his country. I was pleased to invite Karishma to attend the event as my guest. Karishma is a rising senior at Woodland Academy and was selected by a drawing from the names of students who participated in our 2022-23 STEAM scholars’ program.
The High Cost of the GOP Tax Plan
Earlier this month, the Ways and Means Committee held a markup hearing to consider several unfounded Republican tax bills (almost immediately after some Republicans nearly forced a default on our debts). During the hearing, I highlighted the high cost of implementing the GOP’s new tax plan, which seeks to extend the 2017 tax provisions, giving a tax cut to the highest earners while substantially adding to our deficit.
In what was the first tax markup of the 118th Congress, I would have liked to have seen the Ways, and Means Committee focus on proven economic solutions to support families, such as the Child Tax Credit, which halved childhood poverty, enacted paid leave, and boosted the Earned Income Credit.
You can watch my remarks here.
Countering China’s Coercive Belt and Road Diplomacy
It’s critical now more than ever that we ensure that the United States maintains its leadership role and stands up to the actions of China’s government. That’s why the House Foreign Affairs Committee held a hearing on Wednesday on U.S. Efforts to Counter China’s Coercive Belt and Road Diplomacy. We must remain united as a single voice in Congress, ensuring China doesn’t grow and displace the role of the United States.
You can watch my full discussion with the hearing witnesses here.
Hearing on the War in Ukraine
The Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Europe held a hearing on the upcoming NATO Summit in Vilnius, Lithuania, and specifically on U.S. policy towards Europe in light of the war in Ukraine. Of course, the hearing was last week, before the extraordinary events in Russia over the weekend. I will continue to watch closely as the effects of the attempted coup on Saturday develop.
You can watch my questions for the witnesses here.
Hearing on Antisemitism and Anti-Israel Bias in the UN, Palestinian Authority and NGO community
I joined the Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Global Health, Global Human Rights, and International Organizations for a hearing to discuss the pervasive bias at the UN, within the Palestinian Authority, and among many non-governmental organizations (NGOs). We heard from an impressive panel of expert witnesses. You can watch my conversation with the panel here.
Illinois Broadcasters Association
I welcomed Paul Rennie of WGN, Melody Span Cooper of WVON, Edna Uribe of Univision Chicago and Bill Murdoch of WGN Radio from the Illinois Broadcaster’s Association to discuss H.R 3413, AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act. Local news stations, TV, and radio, play an important role in keeping communities informed and connected to the events happening around them.
Dean of Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management
As a proud Graduate of Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management, I was pleased to share a moment with Kellogg Dean Francesca Cornelli in the Capitol to discuss the current state of graduate education and how we can prepare to educate the next generation of business leaders to address the global business challenges of the future. We also talked about some of the fascinating developments at Kellogg.
Israel National Defense College
I was honored to meet with a delegation from the Israel National Defense College, including 9 Foreign Military Officers from the U.S., Canada, Britain, Germany, Italy, Greece, India, and Singapore. We had a very productive discussion on how Congress works and some core issues driving US policies.
Meeting with the Ambassador of Cyprus
I was proud to welcome the Ambassador of Cyprus, Marios Lysiotis, to my office. We had a wonderful conversation about many of the great opportunities in Cyprus, especially in energy. We also talked about my role as co-chair of the Congressional Hellenic-Israeli Alliance and how members of Congress can continue to support Cyprus and the expanding Cypriot, Greek, and Israeli trilateral relationship.
Meeting with the Ambassador of Greece
I also had a wonderful lunch with Greek Ambassador Alexandra Papadopoulou, though in Lake Forest rather than Washington. Ambassador Papadopoulou is the first female Ambassador of Greece to the US. Prior to that, she was also the First Female Permanent Representative of Greece to the European Union. We talked about the special relationship between our two parties, opportunities for the US to expand our relationships within the European Union and developments in the war in Ukraine.
AROUND THE DISTRICT
I was in Antioch this past Saturday for a terrific town hall conversation on topics ranging from infrastructure, women’s rights, and foreign policy. I was honored to be joined by several local elected officials, including Antioch Mayor Scott Gartner and Fox Lake Mayor Donnie Schmit. I was also pleased to be able to present to the Antioch Police Department a flag I had flown over the Capitol in their honor.
Antioch Wizard Weekend
While in town for our town hall, I stopped by the Antioch Library to visit one of several events as part of the Antioch Chamber of Commerce’s Wizard Weekend. Kids had a blast dressing up as wizards and learning from Harry Potter characters about broom flying, quidditch playing and divination.
Father’s Day Across the District
I am fortunate to have two wonderful sons and enjoyed having my oldest son, Adam, in town for Father’s Day (Daniel could not break from his work as a zookeeper in California). Besides sneaking in a bike ride, I attended a number of events related to the holiday.
Men’s Roundtable in Waukegan
The weekend started with the second annual Men’s Roundtable in Waukegan. I shared a few remarks before the conversation and was inspired by the courage shown by the panelists in telling their stories.
Donuts with Dad’s
I also enjoyed “Donuts for Dads” at Step-by-Step Daycare Inc. in North Chicago. Thank you to, Reggie and Kristi Boyson, for inviting me to this great gathering.
Juneteenth
This is the third year since Congress passed legislation making Juneteenth a national holiday. We celebrated at events around the district, including in Waukegan, North Chicago, and Mundelein. Known as our nation’s “second Independence Day,” Juneteenth commemorates when, in Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865, the last enslaved people were informed of the Emancipation Proclamation giving them their freedom.
Rededication Am Echad Cemetery in Waukegan
Last November, the Am Echad Jewish cemetery in Waukegan was vandalized, and several gravestones were defaced with antisemitic graffiti. The local police and city immediately acted to clean the gravestones and secure the cemetery. The local community and area synagogues and churches also mobilized. Though the police acted immediately, the perpetrators have yet to be found and held to account.
Yesterday, Congregation Am Echad and the Waukegan community, joined by Mayor Ann Taylor and Police Chief Edgar Novarro, gathered to rededicate the hallowed ground.
US Bocce Federation 2023 National Championships
I had a blast at the Bocce National Championships hosted this year by the Highwood Bocce Club. The club is more than just a space for playing bocce. Since 1969, the club has been a place for the local community to gather, celebrate happy occasions, and even support each other in times of sorrow. It was the fourth time the club had hosted the national championships.
Arden Shore’s 125th Anniversary
I was happy to join the celebration of Arden Shore Child and Family Services' 125th anniversary and street naming event in Waukegan. Congratulations, and thank you to Arden Shore for their support of local families and kids.
STEM Girls
It was wonderful to meet the students who took part in the STEM Girls Camp at Cristo Rey St. Martin in Waukegan. The dedicated staff and volunteers have been organizing this summer camp for many years to encourage and enhance the STEM skills of young people.
Another Weekend of 5ks
It was fun to launch the start of walk/run events in Wheeling and Highland Park. It was the 8th Annual Run the Runway at Chicago Executive Airport and the 21st Annual Walk to Cure Scleroderma.
Ribbon Cutting – Arize School of Music
I was privileged to speak at the celebration for the grand opening of the Arize School of Music in Waukegan. Yolanda Brooks created Arize to share her love of music with the community and pay tribute to her parents and teachers for instilling music into her life.
Kohl’s Children’s Museum Pop-Up
I enjoyed visiting Kohl’s pop-up museum at Belvedere Mall in Waukegan. The space is open to serving children and families in under-resourced areas by bringing their museum's great exhibits and programs directly to the children's community, inspiring future generations in their neighborhoods.
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—
Last Monday, there was good news for a change when delegates from the 193 member nations of the United Nations adopted the first-ever treaty to protect marine life on the high seas. This treaty comes at a critical time when our oceans face several threats from over-fishing, climate change, and pollution. I hope this is just the first of many more steps we can take as a planet to protect our shared home.
You can read all about the treaty here.
Stay strong, stay safe, stay healthy.
Sincerely,
Bradley S. Schneider
Member of Congress