10th News: Standing With Ukraine
As I write this newsletter, President Biden has announced more sanctions against Russia, including a ban on Russian oil imports. More on that in a moment.
I hope you had a chance to watch President Biden's State of the Union last week. The President made clear that the State of our Union is strong, because the American people are strong. We should take pride, and find hope in the fact that last year our economy added more than 7 million jobs, GDP grew at near record levels, and thanks to the success of vaccines developed and manufactured here in the United States, the world is hopefully, finally, beating back the pandemic. We also face real challenges, even before the crisis in Ukraine. Amongst the most pressing is the global rise in inflation as a consequence of broken supply chains and unprecedented spikes in demand around the world. But, again, the American people are strong and we will work through this together.
Turning back to Ukraine, over the weekend I joined an emotional, inspiring conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and almost 300 other members of Congress. President Zelensky asked for more help from the U.S. and our allies to support his nation's struggle to defend their cities and their freedom. We made clear that the United States stands with the people of Ukraine and will continue to provide military and humanitarian assistance, while at the same time increasing international pressure on Russia and Putin to end the war.
Last week in Washington, besides the State of the Union on Tuesday, I participated in two important hearings. The first, in Foreign Affairs, related to the 2001 Authorization to Use Military Force (AUMF) and the need to review, refine and rethink it to match the threats the United States faces today. The second was a Ways and Means committee hearing on mental health, suicide and drug addition.
In addition to the zoom call with President Zelensky, my too brief weekend at home allowed me the chance to be out and about the district. I was grateful to visit EVBox in Libertyville to learn about their plans for building electric charging stations for installation around the country. I also toured the University Center at College of Lake County in Grayslake, and received an update from leadership at James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center in North Chicago. Saturday, at an event graciously hosted by Naval Station Great Lakes, I was joined by local military leaders to celebrate the exceptional students I had the privilege to nominate to our military service aademies. And right before that, in Waukegan I was honored to formally present the family of Reverend H.D. Darby the remarks I submitted into the Congressional Record reflecting on his place in history helping to secure voting rights for African Americans in the late 1950s.
This week, I am back in Washington to pass legislation increasing pressure on Russia and hopefully pas an omnibus funding bill that will include monetary aid for Ukraine. The House will also take up legislation condemning the recent attacks on HBCU campuses across the country, another bill condemning the January terrorist attack at Congregation Beth Israel in Texas, as well as several bills to improve our homeland security and cybersecurity capabilities.
Finally, please join me on Saturday, March 26th for a Congress on Your Corner town hall in Round Lake Beach. I will give an update about my work in Washington and answer questions from attendees. Register at schneider.house.gov/events.
Keep reading for more information about what's happening in Washington and around the district.
Around the District
Recognizing the Military Academy Class of 2026 Nominees
Nominating Tenth District students for a military service academy is one of the highest honors of my job. Congratulations to the seventeen students who were nominated based on their exceptional leadership, scholarship and patriotism. I wish them great success in their studies at the U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Military Academy, and U.S. Naval Academy, and their subsequent service to our nation.
The following Tenth District students received a military academy nomination:
- Jaeger Breault, Grayslake Central
- U.S. Naval Academy
- Samantha "Tess" Clark, Lake Forest Academy
- U.S. Naval Academy
- James Delia, Lake Forest Academy
- U.S. Military Academy
- Tuguldar Erdenebat, Stevenson
- U.S. Naval Academy
- Alex Remus Hotca, John Hersey High School
- U.S. Air Force Academy
- David Kwon, Glenbrook South
- U.S. Military Academy
- Raymond Oliphant, Lawrence Academy
- U.S. Air Force Academy
- Owen Ray, Vernon Hills
- U.S. Military Academy
- Andrew Terkildsen, Lake Forest Academy
- U.S. Naval Academy
- Robert O'Neil Vedra, Lake Forest
- U.S. Military Academy/U.S. Naval Academy
- Anderson Walkes, U.S. Air Force Academy Prep School
- U.S. Air Force Academy
- Todd Wagner, Glenbrook South
- U.S. Naval Academy
- Emmeline Bae, U.S. Air Force Academy Prep School
- U.S. Air Force Academy
- Joseph Morris, U.S. Military Academy Prep School
- U.S. Military Academy
- Aamir Tanveer, Libertyville
- U.S. Military Academy
- Charles Tomsheck, Glenbrook South
- U.S. Naval Academy
- Theodore Zinox, Highland Park
- U.S. Air Force Academy/Military Academy/U.S. Naval Academy/Merchant Marine Academy
Honoring Local Civil Rights Heroes
Last month, as part of our honoring Black History Month, I hosted a fireside chat with local leader and civic activist, Brotha Blanks. Brotha Blanks had previously shared with me the story of his late grandfather, Rev. H.D. Darby, who was instrumental in helping secure the right to vote for Black people in the south during the 1950s. Represented by, among others, future Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, Rev. Darby successfully sued in Mississippi in the landmark case Darby v. Daniel to end discriminatory election practices. It's estimated that his courageous stand opened the door for approximately 1,300 African Voters in Jefferson Davis County to finally cast their vote and have their voice heard. Rev. Darby eventually moved to Waukegan where his family, including his daughter, grand children, great, great great, and great great great grandchildren still live to this day.
On Saturday, I was able to present Brotha Blanks and his family with a formal copy of the Congressional Record statement honoring his grandfather's life and achievements.
Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Making Electric Vehicles A Reality in Illinois
I visited Libertyville company EVBox last week. Companies like EVBox are already helping make Illinois a leader in affordable electric vehicles. With the historic investment in electric vehicles from the bipartisan infrastructure law, Illinois will expand its EV charging network and reduce emissions while creating quality, well-paying jobs along the way.
Touring the University Center of Lake County
Thanks to University Center of Lake County for the tour! It was great to meet new Executive Director Myra Gaytan-Morales and learn more about her new plans for the University Center of Lake County.
Mitzvah Day at Beth El
I had a great time at North Suburban Synagogue Beth El for their annual Mitzvah Day over the weekend. Some of the projects we worked on were food collection for Moraine Township Food Pantry and packing supplies for the Highwood Public Library. Both of these organizations do so much for our community and I was glad to be able to give back what I could.
What's Happening in Washington
Congress Stands With Ukraine
Last week Congress expressed our resolute support for Ukraine in their defense against an imperialist Russia by passing a bipartisan resolution to support the people of Ukraine. The United States must act immediately, together with our NATO allies, to put a stop to Putin's tyrannical warmongering once and for all.
COVID-19 Update
Governor JB Pritzker has lifted the mandatory mask mandate in most public settings in Illinois. Masks are still required in spaces like public transportation, airports and congregant living facilities. Masks are now optional in schools. While this is good news and a sign of how far we've come in beating back the virus, we must remain vigilant by getting vaccinated and testing frequently to keep case numbers low.
- We are moving forward safely: Over 200 million people are vaccinated and 2 out of 3 eligible Americans are boosted. As a result, nearly 70% of Americans now live in an area where the CDC no longer recommends universal masking.
- Every American is now eligible to receive free, at-home COVID-19 tests. Eligible Americans can order up to 4 free tests at covidtests.gov. Tests are expected to ship in 7-12 days.
- The vaccine is safe and effective. If you are unvaccinated, you are 17 times more likely to be hospitalized and 20 times more likely to die from COVID-19 than those who are vaccinated.
- All Americans ages 12 and up are 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.
- The vaccine is saving lives. So again, tell your loved ones, your friends, neighbors and coworkers, join the fight and get your shot!
Resources
Tax Season Runs from January 24 - April 18, 2022
This year's tax filing season will open on January 24 and close on April 18 – starting earlier than last year in order to give Americans more time to file their returns. The IRS recommends filing your taxes electronically as soon as possible and opting for direct deposit. You can prepare your federal income tax returns online for free using the IRS partner site, Free File.
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in IRS office closures and staffing issues, which are expected to continue into the 2022 season. As a result, the IRS is still processing a significant backlog of 2020 returns as we begin this next filing season. You can still file your 2021 returns even if you are waiting for 2020 returns to be processed.
Have questions about filing your taxes? Join me and representatives from the IRS for a webinar discussing tax assistance options available in the Tenth District next Tuesday, February 15th from 6:30 – 7:30 pm. Register here.
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
At our reception honoring the seventeen students nominated to a military service academy, one of our guest speakers was Colonel Megan Stallings. I was so moved by her remarks that I wanted to share them with you here:
"Congressman Schneider, distinguished guests, nominees, family and friends. It is my privilege to be here today. First - to all the nominees – Congratulations!
The standards to earn a nomination are high, so be proud of yourselves. Believe in yourself….
I also want to congratulate the nominees who already received an appointment to one of the service academies – what an exciting time for you!
Many many years ago, I was standing in your shoes – having received a nomination to the United States Military Academy at West Point. As Captain Williamson said, I would trade places with any of you.
Today's nominees represent some of our nation's best and brightest rising stars. What a significant accomplishment it is to successfully navigate each step of the process of nomination, qualification, and admittance to a service academy. It is a rare honor that few have the willingness to pursue or determination to complete.
As a West Point grad, I am going to focus on a few stats from West Point, but all the academies are similar. Take for example, the West Point class of 2025, who arrived last summer, graduated high school last May/June. Of nearly 14,000 applicants, roughly 4,000 received nominations – less than 30 percent. Of the 4,000 nominees, fewer than 2,000 qualified. Of the qualified, 1,200 were admitted. Those students had an average SAT of 1316 and an average ACT of 30. Eighty-nine were valedictorians, 125 were class presidents, 752 were team captains and more than 1,000 earned varsity letters. To be anywhere in that process is incredible and says so much about who you are and the character you embody.
How many of you here today applied to West Point? I may be biased, but West Point IS the preeminent leader development institution in the world. Founded in 1802, it is built on more than 200 years of excellence and tradition. Its alumni include Philip Sheridan – for whom Fort Sheridan – just down the road – was named … Douglas MacArthur, George S. Patton, Dwight D. Eisenhower, and Astronaut Buzz Aldrin. More recently, Lloyd Austin, a retired four-star general and the current Secretary of Defense, and Jen Easterly, the U.S. Director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency at the Department of Homeland Security. The other academies have similar distinguished lines of lineage.
All of the academies boast a 47 month long leadership process, led by first-class teams of staff and faculty who teach, coach, mentor, develop and provide support to the cadets, midshipmen, and their families.
Let me share the West Point mission … it is "to educate, train, and inspire the Corps of Cadets … so that each graduate is a commissioned leader of character … committed to the values of Duty, Honor, Country … and prepared for a career of professional excellence and service to the nation … as an officer in the United States Army."
Some of you in the audience may have run across this "mission" before … but let me give you a hint …
Anyone headed to West Point needs to read the mission – know it – be it – live it – and memorize it now, because I guarantee someone will ask you to recite it. My advice is – be ready!
I'd also like to address the nominees' family members and friends. Thank you for supporting their decisions. The nominee you see here will someday transform from a civilian to a military officer of the highest caliber. They made a choice to pursue this path and I ask that you continue to support them as they go through the next few formative years. Your support cannot be underestimated – give a lot and give often.
They are on a course to swear an oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States. That oath will set them apart from their peers. Your family member or friend stands at the threshold of an exciting, rewarding – and very challenging – adventure.
Nominees, as you continue achieving your goals, I want to remind you of why your choice to serve is so important. The United States Armed Forces are critical to our country's ability to defend America from attack, and preserve our influence around the world. This is particularly evident in current times.
The education and training you receive will cement your role as a key member of a highly trained team. Each of you has the opportunity to make a difference … make a positive impact … and shape and define today's Armed Forces.
I know I speak for everyone here today when I tell you how proud we are of each of you. And one last thought – the two most important words all West Point nominees need to know – BEAT NAVY!"
Onward,
Bradley S. Schneider
Member of Congress