10th News: Progress for American Families

It's the home stretch of the holiday season and, if you are like me, I suspect you are rushing to wrap up many projects before 2021 ends. Besides working on the debt limit, the 2022 defense bill, and hopefully the Build Back Better Act, I am excited to send out our annual holiday card. Yesterday I was joined in my district office by Lucy Holloway whose artwork was selected for this year's card. Here's me and Lucy with a picture of her winning design (more at the bottom).

Last week I was in Washington the entire week. The House passed several bills, including the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022, the Protecting Our Democracy Act (PODA), the Accelerating Access to Critical Therapies for ALS Act, the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, and legislation to prevent Medicare cuts at the end of the month. Wednesday was a particularly hectic day with a series of 30 votes extending from about 5:00 PM until well almost 10:00 PM.

I only mention that vote series because we had a previously scheduled telephone town hall on Wednesday, smack dab in the middle of the votes. Thanks to the heroic efforts of my team, and a last minute partnership with Lake County Board Chair Sandy Hart, we successfully hosted the town hall from the House Cloakroom. We had a wide ranging conversation on the bipartisan work that Congress is doing to invest in America's infrastructure, cut the cost of prescription drugs, and fight climate change.

If you missed last week's call, you can join us tonight for another telephone town hall at 7:00 PM. You can dial in at 855-859-7337 to join in English, or 855-962-1312 para Espanol. And because I am unexpectedly back in the Capitol today pending possible legislation coming over from the Senate, we might even get to reprise the "cloak room shuffle."

Today, the Senate is expected to pass legislation to avoid a catastrophic default on our nation's debt. While I am relieved that we will likely avoid a default at this time, we must more fully address the debt ceiling process so that we don't repeatedly face this situation over, and over, and over again. If the U.S. were to ever default on our debt, the economic devastation to our country would be unprecedented.

Additionally, I am watching with care and concern as we continue to receive horrible news from multiple states hit by devastating tornadoes over the weekend, including Illinois. When Americans experience unforeseeable, unimaginable tragedy like this, it is on all of us to heed the call and respond as one nation. I've called for an Emergency Declaration from the President to make sure that those effected get the resources they need. I'd also like to extend condolences to loved ones of those killed, and prayers for all those hurt or otherwise affected by the storms.

Keep reading for more information on what's happening in Washington and around the district.

What's Happening in Washington

Combatting EtO

Last week, as Chair of the bipartisan EtO Task Force, I was pleased to be joined by several of our members at a meeting with EPA Administrator Michael Regan. Administrator Regan was a heartfelt listener and demonstrated a commitment to addressing our constituents' concerns about the effects of EtO on our communities.

We discussed the need to rebuild public trust in the agency's work to combat the harmful effects of EtO through stronger EPA engagement with impacted communities, especially environmental justice communities like Waukegan. We also agreed that ambient air monitoring must be a central part of the EPA's work going forward. The Task Force and Administrator Regan are all committed to assuring the public that the air they breathe is safe, and we pushed the EPA today to conduct a residual risk review for EtO. I look forward to our continued partnership with Administrator Regan and the EPA to protect the public from the harmful effects of EtO emissions.

Expanding Paid Leave

The House voted last week to pass the Fiscal Year 2022 National Defense Authorization Act. This bill included one of my amendments that gives federal employees two weeks of paid leave specifically to mourn the loss of a child.

The NDAA demonstrates Congress's bipartisan commitment to national security and our servicemembers and their families who serve and sacrifice in defense of our country. The priorities encoded in the NDAA reflect the shared values of our nation, and I am grateful that, for the first time ever, in this bill Congress is guaranteeing paid leave for the loss of a child for federal employees. This legislation represents the most progressive reform for federal bereavement leave to pass Congress in U.S. history. The death of a child is an unimaginable loss, and I am deeply proud that my amendment will now give grieving parents time off in order to begin the recovery process. Now, we must work to expand this leave for all workers," Schneider said.

Federal Government Going Carbon Neutral by 2050

Last week President Biden signed an executive order to make the federal government carbon neutral by 2050. This action will help us tackle the climate crisis while creating jobs and strengthening our economy. If our country is going to get serious about achieving net-zero emissions, the federal government must lead by example.

Making College More Affordable

We recently learned that the Department of Education has forgiven $66 million in student loans for 1,050 Illinoisans. For students who have been drowning in debt, this action will change their lives. It's a big step but we can and must do more to resolve our nation's student debt crisis.

District Connections

Brad's Bookworms

Reading books opens new worlds, no matter your age. The Brad's Bookworms Program encourages K-5 readers to read 10 books and discover new worlds — while also bringing the community together to help their students reach their reading goals. Learn more and apply here: /bookworms.

COVID-19 Update

While Lake County continues to lead the state in child vaccinations, cases are rising in the Tenth District and Illinois. The good news is that preliminary data from last week shows that the booster shots are effective against the Omicron variant.

It is clear the booster shots are critically important to protecting against serious illness. I encourage everyone to get your booster (or first shots) as soon as possible so that we can continue to enjoy holidays and special occasions surrounded by loved ones.

• The vaccine is safe and effective. Currently, 95% of COVID-19 hospitalizations are people who are not vaccinated, and, tragically, 99.5% of all COVID-19 deaths are people who were not vaccinated.
• All Americans ages 16 and up are now eligible for COVID-19 booster shots. As long as you are six months past your last Pfizer or Moderna shot, you can now get a booster by visiting your local doctor's office or pharmacy. If you received Johnson & Johnson originally, you are eligible to receive a booster no matter how much time has passed since your dose.
• The vaccine is saving lives. So again, tell your loved ones, your friends, neighbors and coworkers, join the fight and get your shot!

Resources

DEADLINE TOMORROW: Sign Up for ACA Open Enrollment

Everyone deserves access to affordable, quality healthcare. Open enrollment is happening now: Sign up by December 15th at healthcare.gov to get coverage for next year.

Unincorporated Residents Eligible for Flood Insurance Premium Discounts

If you live in unincorporated Lake County, you may be eligible for up to $297 in savings per year on flood insurance policies. Through the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Community Rating System (CRS) program, residents within unincorporated Lake County – who meet certain requirements – are eligible for up to 20 percent savings on flood insurance premiums

Contact your insurance agent for coverage information, pricing and CRS flood insurance discount information. You can also visit Lake County's flood coverage website for more information.

Long Waits For Passports: Look Before You Book

As more and more people get vaccinated, travel is starting to pick back up again. My office has received a major uptick in calls asking to expedite passport renewals lately. If you plan to travel internationally, remember to check the expiration date on your passport before you book your trip. It is taking much longer than normal to renew a passport, so make sure to plan ahead.

Check the passport website to get an idea of processing time -- expedited processing is now taking 5-7 weeks from submission to receipt, with regular processing taking 8-11 weeks.

At this point, expedited exceptions are only being made in case of emergency travel. In other words, apply now for that passport you will need for the trip you might take over Winter Break. Passports last for 5 or 10 years depending on what age you were issued your first passport.

Lake County: COVID Rental Assistance Programs Open Now

Lake County is offering rental assistance programs for those who face financial hardships related to COVID-19 and are struggling to pay rent. The deadline to apply for rental assistance in Cook County has passed.

Learn more and apply here for the Lake County Federal Emergency Rental Assistance Program.

In Closing

As I mentioned above, I am excited to announce the winner of my 2021 Holiday Card Design Contest. Congratulations to Buffalo Grove fifth-grader Lucy Holloway! Lucy's beautiful artwork (above) shows the many ways we can spend time together this holiday season, especially after the last holiday season spent apart. My hope is that Lucy's creativity will inspire all of us to come together in health, happiness, and peace this holiday season.

More about Lucy: As a 10 year old and 5th grader at Prairie Elementary in Buffalo Grove, Lucy enjoys horseback riding, playing her violin, reading, and of course, creating art in her free time. At school, she is proud to be part of the student government with her favorite subjects being writing and art class. Lucy also finds herself busy at home with her older brother, Caleb and younger siblings, Rebecca and Micah. She dreams of owning her own horse someday and has even bigger hopes of one day leading others toward protecting and caring for our planet. Lucy wishes all her friends, family, and neighbors a happy, healthy, and safe holiday season.

Onward,

Bradley S. Schneider
Member of Congress