10TH NEWS: SPRING IS IN THE AIR
Spring is in full swing here in Illinois’ 10th District and back in Washington, DC – I hope you’ve been able to soak in the warm weather and plan for a fulfilling summer ahead.
Initial Reflections on The White House Correspondent’s Dinner
Let me first say that I am grateful that everyone at this weekend's White House Correspondents Association Dinner, including President Trump, Vice President Vance, cabinet members, members of Congress, attending press and all their loved ones are safe and secure. I want to extend a special call-out to the Secret Service and other first responders for their swift response that prevented a potential national disaster.
We still don’t have all the details of the intentions or motivations of the attacker, but it is clear that this was an act of political violence. We have sadly seen a rise in both acts of violence and divisive rhetoric demonizing political opponents and too often even inciting violence in our communities. The rise in hateful rhetoric and demonizing those with whom we disagree on social media, in the press, as well as within our government must not be tolerated. We will always have our differences of opinion, diversity of priorities, and debates about the direction we want to take our country. No matter how stark our differences, political violence has no place in our country and must be condemned in all circumstances.
Why the Gap in Newsletters
It’s been a while since my last newsletter. Please forgive my absence. Last month I underwent a planned but significant reconstruction surgery on my right foot and have been slowly recovering since. I am still not up to 100% capacity, but with the help of my wife and my incredible team in both Illinois and Washington, we are making sure everything gets covered. Thanks to everyone who reached out with concern, care, and support. I look forward to getting back on two good feet soon.
The Latest in Washington
The doctor gave me special permission to travel back to Washington ahead of schedule so I wouldn’t miss votes. I’d like to say my first two weeks back were filled with big, bold congressional action. Sadly, that would be wishful thinking. Here are some of the highlights (lowlights) from the past two weeks in the nation’s capital:
- RFK Jr. Visits Capitol Hill
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. appeared before multiple House and Senate committees last week, including the House Ways and Means Committee, where I pressed him directly on how his leadership is undermining science and slowing progress on treatments and cures that could save lives. Regrettably, in every hearing, Secretary Kennedy offered more spectacle than substance.
- Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding
After more than two months, Congress and President Trump are still at an impasse on DHS funding. The Senate, as well as House Democrats agreed to fund all DHS agencies except Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Patrol (CBP). Both these agencies received more than adequate funding as part of the “One Big Beautiful Bill” passed last July. Unfortunately, House Republicans refused to pass the Senate bill and so President Trump authorized DHS to move moneys around to pay federal workers engaged in critical homeland security functions like the TSA, Coast Guard, and disaster response.
Simply put, Democrats are demanding that federal law enforcement officers operate under the same rules and standards that we expect of local law enforcement—including wearing body cameras, dropping their face masks, presenting appropriate ID, and requiring judicial warrants to make arrests. Republicans, meanwhile, have struggled to reach consensus within their own conference, continuing to push for additional ICE and CBP funding.
I hold some hope that the House will this week take up legislation passed last month in the Senate. I will continue to stand firm and oppose any legislation that gives additional resources to ICE and CBP without the necessary reforms to their policies, processes, training, and accountability.
- The Ongoing War with Iran
President Trump continues to send mixed and often contradictory signals about his goals in his war with Iran, as well as his strategy for achieving those goals. The President’s incoherence is creating uncertainty not just for our troops involved in the battle, but for our allies in the region, and around the world. His lack of clear strategy is having significant adverse effects on the global economy, with many economists warning of a global recession because of the war.
I have supported multiple War Powers resolutions to reaffirm what the Constitution makes clear: only Congress has the authority to authorize war and the President has so far failed to make the case to Congress or the American people why this war is necessary in this moment.
- Cabinet Reshuffling Increases Administrative Chaos
Recent weeks have seen notable departures across the administration, including Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer, and Attorney General Pam Bondi. All three of these officials brought shame to the departments they served and I am glad they are no longer in their roles. Unfortunately, I have little confidence their successors will improve on their performance given the corruption that runs rampant in the Trump Administration.
Keep reading for updates in Washington and around the district.
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN WASHINGTON:
Questioning Health Secretary RFK Jr. in Ways and Means
RFK Jr. has unquestionably failed to "make America healthy again." Instead, his shameful leadership has weakened research into lifesaving cures and treatments and undermined our healthcare system.
When he came before the House Ways and Means Committee, I pressed Secretary Kennedy on why he's chasing American scientists and doctors who are developing lifesaving treatments away from our country, and away from advancing the research that can save or improve millions of American lives.
Tackling Healthcare Fraud in Ways and Means
Fraud in our healthcare system is a real problem – one my colleagues and I are committed to tackling, ideally in a bipartisan way.
Unfortunately, President Trump is encouraging the corrupt individuals who commit Medicare fraud by pardoning the fraudsters themselves!
I called out Trump's corruption in a Ways and Means Committee hearing looking at Medicare fraud -- tune in.
Transparency in Trade Policy at Ways and Means
Transparency in trade policy is essential -- how can we evaluate the effectiveness of trade agreements when the terms are not fully disclosed? During a Ways and Means hearing, with United States Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer, I questioned why this administration continues to pursue furtive, backdoor arrangements that lack meaningful public access or accountability.
While the administration has emphasized the need to confront unfair trade practices that leave American innovators at a disadvantage, it has failed to take the steps to protect U.S. producers and innovators here at home. Without transparency, these agreements risk undermining the very industries they claim to support.
Addressing “The Human Cost of Terrorism” with the Embassy of India
I was honored to speak at a program hosted by the Embassy of India marking the one-year anniversary of the Pahalgam terror attacks, in which 26 people were murdered. This anniversary is a reminder that only our shared humanity can defeat terror. I spoke to the families from across India that miss their loved ones, and paid homage to Syed Adil Hussain Shah, whose bravery in fighting to save Hindus and Christians will not be forgotten.
Honoring Holocaust Victims and Survivors
To mark Holocaust Remembrance Day, I joined my colleague Congressman David Kustoff, the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum Council, and 20 Members of Congress to read some of the names of the 6 million Jews murdered during the Holocaust by the Nazi regime.
We read their names so that we never forget their stories. Every day, we must recommit to honoring the memory of those murdered during the Holocaust.
Supporting Students with the American Federation of Teachers
Thank you to the American Federation of Teachers for taking the time to visit my office to discuss affordability, education funding, and how we can better support students. I appreciated the thoughtful conversation and the opportunity to hear directly from advocates and constituents, including Ami Montalbano, about the challenges facing our education system and the solutions needed to address them.
Combating Harmful Tariffs with One Voice for Manufacturing
The Trump Administration’s tariffs have not only affected producers and consumers of groceries and gas -- U.S. manufacturers that work with metals and machinery are facing negative impacts from these rising costs as well. I met with One Voice for Manufacturing to discuss what we can do to mitigate these impacts and prevent them from happening in the future. Thanks for stopping by!
Tackling Rising Transportation Costs
The National Limousine Association promotes and protects international and national interests of chauffeured transportation. I had a great meeting with the National Limousine Association and Spring Grove resident Arthur Rento, where we discussed the rising cost of ground transportation insurance and passenger safety. Thanks for stopping by!
Welcoming the Joint Action Committee to Washington
It was a pleasure to welcome the Joint Action Committee to my DC office. We had a thoughtful conversation on advancing shared priorities rooted in Jewish values, including reproductive health, gun violence prevention, combating antisemitism, addressing climate change, upholding the separation of religion and government, and strengthening the U.S.-Israel relationship.
Tackling Diaper Insecurity in Illinois
Thank you to the National Diaper Bank Network, along with constituents Jackie Leavenworth and Sara Harty, for coming into the office to discuss diaper insecurity in Illinois. Caring for a child – especially in this economy – is expensive, and I appreciated our conversation around how diaper banks are supporting families across communities in Illinois. During their visit, we also discussed key legislation, including the Military Family Diaper Assistance Act and the End Diaper Need Act, both of which aim to expand access to essential resources for families.
Reinforcing a Strong U.S.-Egypt Relationship
Thank you to the American Chamber of Commerce in Egypt for coming in to discuss shared goals of economic growth and stability reinforcing broader U.S.– Egypt strategic interests in peace, security, and prosperity. We shared perspectives on recent reforms impacting investment climate and private sector participation, and Egypt’s geographic position as a natural hub for U.S. companies seeking to expand into Africa, the Middle East, and Europe.
OUT AND ABOUT IN THE 10TH
Talking Election Security
I appreciated the opportunity to meet with the Lake County Clerk Anthony Vega, Cook County Clerk Monica Gordon, and Cook County Deputy Clerk of Elections Ed Michalowski to discuss election security and how to ensure integrity of November’s midterm elections.
Lake County Partners Big Event
I was honored to join Lake County business leaders, elected officials, and many others for the annual Lake County Partners Big Event at the Lincolnshire Marriott. Lake County continues to grow and prosper, and this breakfast is always a great chance to talk about all that the county has to offer.
Mikva Challenge
One of my favorite events each year is visiting the Mikva Challenge Showcase at Waukegan High School where students from Waukegan, North Chicago and Stevenson High Schools present their research and ideas for addressing some of the most pressing challenges facing our community. I love talking to the students, learning about their projects, and hearing their ideas for making our communities and our nation stronger.
Special Visit to Naval Station Great Lakes and Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center
Before my surgery, I had the opportunity to take my good friend and colleague Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, the senior Democrat on the Military Construction/VA Appropriations subcommittee, to Naval Station Great Lakes (NSGL) and the Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center in North Chicago. As Ranking Member of the MilCon/VA subcommittee, her leadership is critical to supporting installations like Great Lakes and Lovell FHCC, as well as the service members who train there.
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, and various help lines.
And, as always, I’m happy to meet constituents in my Lincolnshire office to share ideas, discuss legislation, or catch up on what’s happening in our community. If you want to schedule a meeting with me, you can do so here.
One of the most meaningful parts of my work is helping constituents navigate challenges and find real solutions. This week, we were especially grateful to hear from a constituent who wrote in to share how our casework team was able to help. Stories like this are a powerful reminder of why responsive, people-centered service matters.
IN CLOSING
April is Earth Month in the 10th District! Waukegan marked Earth Week 2026 with a series of community-driven events aimed at improving environmental sustainability. During April, residents are encouraged to participate in activities like downtown cleanups, harbor and beach litter removal, and citywide beautification efforts, all designed to protect local natural spaces and reduce waste. The initiative also includes programs like free yard waste collection to make eco-friendly practices more accessible. Overall, the week highlights a collaborative push to engage the community in hands-on environmental stewardship and long-term sustainability efforts.
Stay strong, stay safe, stay healthy.
Sincerely,
Brad