10th News: Thank You for Speaking Up
The House is in session this week wrapping up a busy July. Last week, among other bills, the House passed a "minibus" appropriations bill, consolidating funding for 6 of the 12 Appropriations committees. While the bill provides funding for diverse areas such as housing, transportation agriculture and veterans affairs, it also includes funding approvals for Community Projects across the country. I am pleased to share that all 15 Illinois Tenth District projects for which we sought funding are included in the bill. I will continue to advocate for these local priorities as the legislation proceeds to the Senate, and ultimately to the President's desk. (You can read more about our district's 2023 Funding Requests here.)
As well as the Appropriations legislation last week, the House passed bills responding to recent Supreme Court attacks on individual rights and personal freedoms, particularly comments from Justice Clarence Thomas targeting contraception and marriage equality. On Tuesday, all Democrats and 47 Republicans voted for the Respect for Marriage Act enshrining marriage equality for the purposes of federal law. And on Thursday, 8 Republicans again joined every Democrat in passing the Right to Contraception Act. This bill protects peoples' rights to obtain and use contraceptives.
In a major development, thanks to the advocacy of our Highland Park community and other like-minded communities across the country, the House is working to possibly vote this week on an assault weapons ban. Although the news is exciting, things are in the early stages. While it is possible that colleagues from gun-friendly districts will hold up this vote, I have been talking to my colleagues, in person and on the phone. to try and convince them of the benefit and necessity of this bill. (You can read more below about the incredible work of leaders and residents from our community at home and in Washington.)
to advocate for Congressional action to address gun violence.
Last but not least on the legislative front, the House passed the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023. I was pleased my amendment to direct the Secretary of Defense, the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security to report to publish a report that analyzes and sets out strategies to combat White supremacist and Neo-Nazi activity in the uniformed services and federal law enforcement agencies, was included in the bill sent to the Senate.
While it's been busy in the Capitol, things haven't slowed down at home. This past weekend we hosted another excellent Congress on Your Corner Town Hall, this time in Libertyville. If you missed it, I invite you to join our next COYC in Gurnee on August 2 (more details below).
I also hosted a Telephone Town Hall from my office in D.C. on July 14th with more than 2,000 people joining the conversation. As well, I was honored to join approximately 1,000 people (in person and virtual) at a Moms Demand Action meeting in Northfield on July 12th. And last Friday I started by day at a wonderful gathering with the Consul General from Mexico and the Deputy Consul General from Israel for a panel discussion about the importance of building bridges between the Latino and Jewish communities. I then had the privilege to meet with students in Waukegan participating in the Employee Connections summer jobs program. And finished the day celebrating at the Northern IL Recovery Community Organization 1st Annual Gala.
Keep reading for more details about important legislation, my travels around the district, and my work supporting our community in the aftermath of the July 4th shooting, as well as information on about resources available for anyone needing support processing the tragedy.
AFTER THE HIGHLAND PARK JULY 4TH SHOOTING
Highland Park, with the support of surrounding communities, is starting the long road toward healing and recovery following the horrific attack on the Independence Day Parade that killed 7 loving people and wounded dozens of others. I continue to hear emotional stories of people's personal experiences that day, and the remarkable heroism of first responders and fellow citizens who saved lives and demonstrated extraordinary human kindness. The outpouring of care and support from friends and neighbors, near and far, has been a source of strength for so many.
That strength has been on display in the days and weeks since the shooting. I've been honored to join several vigils and gatherings organized by faith communities, student activists and other concerned citizens. I've been inspired every time by the strength and resolve of everyone I meet as they call for federal action to reduce the gun violence tearing apart communities across the nation.
Two weeks ago, many of our neighbors gathered in Washington, bringing their stories and their call to action to the Capital. After meeting with survivors from Highland Park, I spoke to the March Fourth rally demanding, among other things, a ban on the sale of assault weapons like those used in the shooting in Highland Park, Uvalde, Buffalo and many others. These are weapons of war that belong on the battlefield, not in our schools and communities. You can also watch my speech at the March Fourth rally here.
I was also privileged join the Illinois delegation and the entire House of Representatives in a moment of silence honoring the lives of the seven people murdered: Katherine Goldstein, Irina McCarthy, Kevin McCarthy, Stephen Straus, Jacki Sundheim, Nicolas Toledo Zaragoza, and Eduardo Uvaldo. Each of these people were the center of the universe for their families and pillars of strength for their communities.
You can watch my remarks here.
May the memories of these seven precious people forever be a blessing.
In addition to a moment of silence, I also was honored to have extended floor time provided to more fully honor the victims and heroes of the July 4th Shooting. Our entire community is incredibly grateful for the prompt action taken by heroic first responders and the many everyday citizens who immediately stepped in to assist the wounded and save lives. Law enforcement and first responders from communities across the area did not hesitate to support our community for one second.
I appreciate the dedication and leadership of Mayor Nancy Rotering, Police Chief Lou Jogmen, Fire Chief Joe Schrage, Lake County Sheriff John Idelburg, State's Attorney Eric Rinehart and all the others working to ensure justice is served.
You can watch and listen to full speech honoring our heroes here.
Senate Hearing on Assault Weapons
Last week, Illinois's Senator Dick Durbin held a hearing in the Senate Judiciary Committee on assault weapons. Highland Park Mayor Nancy Rotering gave compelling testimony on how she's dealt with the shooting and the impact on her city. She has been a source of great strength as she has led Highland Park through a tragedy shared by too many other communities.
From Sunset Park to the Senate Judiciary Room, the message expressed by thousands of concerned families, children, and grandparents across our nation has been the same. An assault weapons ban means protecting communities. No one should ever again have to go through the pain and grief Highland Park is enduring right now.
I thank everyone who has made their voice heard in this process and encourage those who haven't yet to do so. Whether it's making a phone call, writing a letter, or attending a town hall like the one I hosted last Saturday, thank you for speaking up.
AROUND THE DISTRICT
Congress on Your Corner: Libertyville
After a night of heavy rains last week, we hosted another great town hall on Saturday in Libertyville. It is always an honor to join everyone to discuss the issues impacting our district and nation. Our discussion touched on common sense gun control, mental health, family resources, to name a few. A big thank you to everyone who came out, and shared their stories, and ideas on how I can help our families succeeded and stay well.
If you missed the town hall you can watch it here.
Our Next Congress on Your Corner is August 2 in Gurnee
Please join us next Tuesday, August 2nd, for a Congress on Your Corner Town Hall Conversation. This will be an opportunity to discuss what's happening at home and in Washington, DC. Come out and share your thoughts, priorities and ideas, and maybe even make a new friend. Please register here to join us on the 2nd.
Gun Violence Telephone Town Hall
As mentioned above, on Thursday the 14th, I hosted a Telephone Town Hall with state Rep. Bob Morgan to discuss the need for common sense gun violence prevention. I'm thankful that so many of you picked up your phones to listen in and ask state Rep. Morgan and I questions. Hearing you share your stories was very meaningful, and I hope to hear more soon. Keep an eye on my social media for upcoming telephone town hall announcement. I hope to hear from you soon!
If you missed last week's call you can listen to it here.
Employee Connections Lunch & Learn
Last Friday, I was in Waukegan with the students of Employee Connections. We shared a nice lunch and great conversation; about life in general, as well as things I as their Representative can do to give our young people their best shot a success. Additionally, the students asked me some great questions that reminded me of one of the most important things that keep me motivated. Amazing young people like these are truly an inspiration for so much of what I do. I wish the students of Employee Connections only the best as the move forward with their education and careers.
Northern IL Recovery Community Organization 1st Annual Gala
On Friday evening, I joined the Northern IL Recovery Community Organization to celebrate their first annual gala. It was a great event filled with local leaders and community advocates. The event titled "Building on the Pillars of Recovery" highlighted the work NIRCO has done to support community members through Support Systems, Education, Advocacy, and Oriented Systems of Care. I thank NIRCO for all the work it has done to help those in our community face complex life challenges. I look forward to seeing more people in the community be positively impacted by their work.
WHAT'S HAPPENING IN WASHINGTON
Appropriations Minibus
This week the House passed six bills that will provide $405 billion in discretionary funding for Agriculture/FDA, Energy and Water Development, Financial Service and General Government, Interior-Environment, Military Construction-Veterans Affairs, and Transportation-Housing and Urban Development. Other highlights form the bill include the following:
- EtO: This bill will increase funding for toward EPA compliance and monitoring accounts used towards ethylene oxide monitoring, rulemaking, and community engagement.
- DACA: This bill will expand federal employment to individuals in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.
- Addressing Vulnerabilities in the Medical Supply Chain: A provision in this bill will advise the FDA to work with Congress to ensure it has the appropriate tools and resources to mitigate supply chain shortages and maintain an ample supply of devices for health care continuity.
You can read the full bill here.
Protecting the Right to Contraception
The house passed a bill that would establish a statutory right for a person to access contraceptives, and for health care providers to provide contraceptives, along with information regarding contraception to patients. This just one of our responses to the Supreme Court's that overturned Roe v. Wade. Additionally, this bill would protect the rights in Eisenstadt v. Baird, a landmark Supreme Court decision that established the right of unmarried people to possess contraception. You read the full bill here.
Respecting the Right to Marriage
In response to comments by Justice Thomas in his concurring opinion that the ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson that could be used to overturn the right to same-sex (Obergefell v. Hodges) and interracial marriage (Loving v. Virginia), the house passed the Respect for Marriage Act. The bill repeals DOMA (a 1996 law that discriminates against married same-sex couples); enshrines marriage equality in federal law; and prohibits state laws from not recognizing marriages performed legally in other states on the basis of the sex, race, ethnicity, or national origin of the individuals in the marriage. You can read the full bill here.
This week, the House will consider several bills, including the following:
Wildfire Response & Drought Resiliency Act
This bill addresses the drought in the western US and accompanying rise in wildfires by creating a new federal agency to examine natural disasters in their aftermath and make recommendations to prevent and reduce the severity of wildfires, permanently increasing the pay for federal wildland firefighters, authorizing $3 billion for Western water projects, and creating programs to mitigate loss of life and other harms. You can read the full bill here.
Advancing Telehealth Beyond COVID-19 Act
Reps. Liz Cheney and Debbie Dingell introduced this bill which would extend expanded Medicare beneficiaries to continue using telehealth flexibilities (e.g., telehealth access from any sites, audio only, mental health visits w/o in-person visit), originally provided by the 2020 CARES Act, through Dec. 31, 2024. If passed this bill would allow many to continue receiving important healthcare from home as many did during the pandemic. You can read the full bill here.
Big Cat Public Safety Act
I am cosponsoring this bill with Reps. Mike Quigley's and Brian Fitzpatrick, which would prohibit the private breeding and possession of big cats with a few exceptions. This bill would also protect big cats as well as the public and first responders, and still allow licensed exhibitors to own and breed big cats. You can read the full bill here.
RESOURCES TO HELP YOU AND YOUR COMMUNITY
9-8-8 Suicide Prevention Lifeline is Live
After becoming law with bipartisan support in 2020, we now have a new nationwide number to call for suicide prevention, mental health and substance use crises: 9-8-8. You can call or text to be connected to trained crisis counselors who can help you or someone you know.
How will 9-8-8 and 911 work together?
Law enforcement officers agree that they're often not the best equipped to respond to a mental health emergency. In most cases, a call to 988 doesn't involve law enforcement – if available, a mobile crisis team may be dispatched to help an individual in need of further support.
9-8-8 for Veterans
If you a Veteran in crisis or concerned about one. You're not alone — the Veterans Crisis Line is here for you. You don't have to be enrolled in VA benefits or health care to call 9-8-8 for free and confidential support through the Veterans Crisis Line, 24/7, 365 days a year.
Maternal Mental Health Hotline
The Health Resources and Services Administration has launched a new National Maternal Mental Health Hotline. This new service provides 24/7, free, confidential support before, during, and after pregnancy.
Callers can expect to receive:
- Phone or text access to professional counselors
- Real-time support and information
- Response within a few minutes, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- Resources
- Referrals to local and telehealth providers and support groups
- Culturally sensitive support
- Counselors who speak English and Spanish
- Interpreter services in 60 languages
For additional information visit the HRSA website.
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.
Introducing Ride Lake County!
Lake County, Pace Suburban Bus, and the Lake County Coordinated Transportation Services Committee (LCCTSC) came together with members of the community to launch Ride Lake County, a borderless, countywide paratransit service that provides transportation to anywhere in Lake County for seniors ages 60+ and people with disabilities.
For additional information about Ride Lake County, visit their website.
Uniting for Ukraine
Applications are open for a new streamlined process for Ukrainians seeking asylum in the United States. This represents a key step toward fulfilling the President's commitment to welcome Ukrainians fleeing Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Uniting for Ukraine builds on the robust humanitarian assistance the U.S. government is providing as we complement the generosity of countries throughout Europe that are hosting millions of Ukrainian citizens and others who have been displaced. You can learn more here.
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 Summer Break. Passports last for 5 or 10 years depending on what age you were issued your first passport.
In Closing – "We Will Grow Back"
made from flowers in March's garden. (the Record North Shore)
Out of incomprehensible tragedy, I have found much comfort in the stories of countless inspired people who have found innovative and elegant ways to bring some joy back to our community. One such story is of Amy March, a Highland Park school teacher, who is using her talents as a gardener to lift the spirits of survivors of the July 4th shooting struggling to make sense of it all. I read about her on the plane this morning and wanted to share it with. You can read the full story in The Record North Shore here.
Wishing you a strong and inspired week.
Stay strong, stay safe, stay healthy.
Sincerely,
Bradley S. Schneider
Member of Congress