10th NEWS: Town Hall Update, Stopping the Trump Administration
Last week I was home in Illinois for only the second week this year and had the chance to travel around the district. I visited Buffalo Grove, Glencoe, Grayslake, Greenwood, Highwood, Lincolnshire, McHenry, Mundelein, Northbrook, Vernon Hills, Wheeling, Waukegan and had the chance to talk to many different people about what’s happening in Illinois and Washington.
I kicked off the District Work Week with celebrations of St. Patrick’s Day in Lake Forest and Holi in Grayslake. I spoke at two town halls: a big one in Grayslake and a smaller one in Highwood, sponsored by State Representative Bob Morgan. I also had town hall style conversations with seniors at Victory Centre in Vernon Hills and with sixth graders at McHenry Middle School who are participating in the annual Capitol Hill Challenge Stock Market Game. I visited companies across the district to talk about the impact President Trump’s “on again, off again” tariffs were having on their businesses. And I toured the proposed Silver Creek Prairie Habitat Restoration project with representatives from McHenry County Conservation District.
Medicaid Day of Action Roundtable
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One of the most informative conversations of the week was at a roundtable I hosted with representatives from several groups that will be affected by the Republicans' proposed cuts to Medicaid, including the Lake County Health Department, Erie Family Health Centers, Glenkirk and Jewish Family and Community Services. We were also joined by the mother of two adult children who are in their 50s who are able to live independently and get critical healthcare only because of Medicaid, as well as a physician caring for many people dependent on Medicaid.
10th District Town Hall
The big event of the week was my town hall at the College of Lake County on Wednesday evening. Nearly 500 people braved torrential rain and thunderstorms to attend in person, and we had more than 2,000 watch the live stream on Facebook and YouTube. We spoke about how to address the Trump Administration’s attacks on our Constitution, Elon Musk’s and DOGE’s dismantling of the federal government (often in ways that benefit Musk financially), the dangerous weakening of our democracy, and the impact of destroying our alliances around the world on our national security and our economy.
I know there is a lot of outrage in our community and across the nation about what the Trump Administration and in particular Elon Musk are doing. I feel the outrage in the 5,000-10,000 letters, emails and calls we are getting to the office each week (versus the traditional 1,000 or so). I heard it in the three telephone town halls we have done so far this year, reaching more than 20,000 people. I see it on social media and experience it as I travel around the district.
I believe the election last year was about fixing the economy, lowering costs, securing our community and our border, and strengthening our national security and defense. People want a government that listens to them, understands their needs and priorities, clears barriers and opens pathways to opportunity. But that’s not what most are seeing from this administration. Instead, they see Elon Musk—an unelected, unvetted, uninformed, and in my opinion, dangerous oligarch—running roughshod over their elected government (both the legislative and executive branches). Instead of lowering costs for working families, they see President Trump recklessly throwing tariffs on our closest trading partners and raising the costs of everything from groceries, cars and new homes, all while cozying up to authoritarian regimes around the world. And they see a Republican Congress more intent on enriching the President’s mega-wealthy friends than responsibly funding the government and lowering our nation’s debt.
In Congress, I promise to do all I can to defend the Constitution and strengthen the checks and balances that have protected our nation from wannabe monarchs, autocrats and oligarchs. I am committed to returning to the civil discourse, vibrant debate, and thoughtful deliberation that the Founders intended to be the guiding light of our democratic republic. I will work with anyone who wants to work together to (1) build an economy of where families can not only make ends meet but can get ahead, (2) ensure all Americans can live in healthy and safe communities, and (3) invest in strengthening our national security and national defense.
You can watch the full Town Hall here.
Keep reading for more about my week in the district as well as an update on what’s happening in Washington.
OUT AND ABOUT IN THE TENTH
Holi Celebration
It was a great honor to join the Hindu Mandi of Lake County in Grayslake to celebrate the holiday of Holi. I enjoyed watching fabulous dance performances and appreciated the chance to tour the temple. I was particularly moved by the sheer joy of the participants as they covered each other in bright colors. Thanks to all for a wonderful experience.
Purim Carnivals
Though Purim March 14, I visited a few Purim Carnivals on the 16th at Congregation Beth Judea in Long Grove, Shir Hadash in Wheeling and B’nai Jehoshua Beth Elohim in Deerfield. As always, it was fun to see families enjoying the holiday together. I was struck that Wicked seemed to be the theme everywhere this year.
St. Patrick's Day Dance Party
Continuing what has become a tradition, I joined families from across the district for the Fitzpatrick School of Irish Dance’s annual St. Patrick’s Day celebration. It was good to see so many young people embracing the holiday.
Response Center for Teen
I was honored again attend the annual Response Center event recognizing Larry Dobkin. The honoree this year was Devra Shutan to shine a spotlight on her support for the program and for the greater Jewish community.
Tariff Tour of the Tenth
I visited Treasures Gifted in Waukegan, Novelis in Lincolnshire, E-Blox in Buffalo Grove and Scoops Café in Mundelein to hear first- hand about the impacts of Trump’s tariffs. Everyone shared their concerns about the apparent lack of a strategy in slapping on and then delaying or cancelling tariffs. As businesses, big and small, work to make critical investment decisions for their future, the whiplash of the President’s policies is making life extraordinarily difficult.
Victory Centre Town Hall
It was, to say the least, a vibrate conversation in Vernon Hills talking about what President Trump, Elon Musk and Republican Members of Congress are considering with respect to the future for Social Security.
McHenry Middle School Capitol Hill Challenge
Every year, middle school students across the country participate in the annual Capitol Hill Challenge Stock Market Game to learn about the importance of saving and the power of investing for one’s future. Thousands of schools across the country participate and as of last Friday, two of the teams from McHenry Middle School were among the top 20! I was so impressed by the breadth and substance of the students' questions.
Silver Creek Habitat Restoration
I appreciated the chance to tour the Silver Creek Prairie Habitat Restoration with members of the McHenry County Conservation District. This important program was one of the 15 community projects for which we had hoped to secure some federal funding. Unfortunately, the decision by Congressional Republicans to not pass any funding bills for the current fiscal year means that none of these projects will be funded. Below is the full list of Community Project Funding programs that were affected by the Continuing Resolution.
1.2024 Lead Service Line and Water Main Replacement Project – $1,105,800
For a project in North Chicago that would have replaced lead service lines with safer pipe materials.
2. Antioch Downtown Improvement – Lake and Main – $580,694
Antioch is completing the final stage of its downtown corridor revamp, which involves reconstructing and/or replacing more than 25,000 square feet of sidewalk infrastructure.
3. Antioch Township Sanitary Sewer Improvements – $1,105,800
Funding for Lake County Public Works replace septic tanks in Antioch with a township-wide sewer system.
4. College of Lake County Urban Farm Center – $250,000
For the construction of an Urban Farm Center in downtown Waukegan. This collaborative project aimed to strengthen Lake County’s food system by providing training and infrastructure to address poor health outcomes, the decline of local food production, and the need for workforce development.
5. Construction of a New Wastewater Treatment Plant – $1,105,800
In funding for a new wastewater treatment plant. This project would enable the village to support several thousand new residents by facilitating the development of higher-density, more affordable housing.
6. Fuller Road Reconstruction with Pedestrian Improvements – $850,000
To help Gurnee reconstruct Fuller Road and add an 8-foot pedestrian path as well as implemented drainage improvements, pedestrian enhancements, and road realignment to make Gurnee more walkable.
7. George B. Prindle Water Treatment Plant, Intake Improvements – $1,105,800
To extend the plant’s primary Lake Michigan intake to shore, construct a new shore well with a traveling screen and baffles to capture large debris and sand, and repair the Zebra Mussel control system feed line.
8. Improving Natural Resources at Gander Mountain Forest Preserve – $1,000,000
To complete ecological restoration on 250 acres at Gander Mountain Forest Preserve, a local resource utilized by Lake County residents for outdoor recreation.
9. Lake Bluff Downtown Flood Mitigation Project – $250,000
For Lake Bluff to improve flood-mitigation investments in the downtown community.
10. North Chicago Police Two-Way Radio Communications Modernization – $447,000
To modernize police radio technology and improve communication between law enforcement agencies and jurisdictions.
11. North Suburban Affordable Housing Hub – $1,000,000
To help Lake County build a one-stop shop to provide HUD-certified housing counseling and education
12. Northwest Regional Water Reclamation Facility Upgrades – $1,105,800
For the Northwest Regional Water Reclamation Facility to upgrade its compressor and blower system, as well as broadly improve its drinking water infrastructure, which currently serves nine surrounding communities.
13. Round Lake Beach Police Department Communications Technology Modernization – $240,000
For new, state-of-the-art in-car mobile data terminals for each patrol squad and detective to help officers receive emergency calls, access critical information in the field, and support public safety.
14. Silver Creek Habitat Restoration and Flood Reduction Project – $300,000
For the McHenry Conservation District as it seeks to restore ecological diversity in wetlands and native prairies along the floodplain of Silver Creek, a primary tributary to Nippersink Creek in north-central McHenry County, through the removal of invasive brush and fallen trees, as well as stream bank planting.
15. Village of Wilmette Lead Service Line Replacements – $1,105,800
To eliminate lead service lines and infrastructure for residential drinking water, serving more than 120 households.
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN WASHINGTON
Congressional Republicans Refuse to Pass Any 2025 Funding Bills
Earlier this month, House and Senate Republicans essentially relinquished their Constitutional duties to Donald Trump and Elon Musk when they chose to pass a full year “Continuing Resolution,” or “CR,” instead of passing any 2025 funding bills. Republicans have now given a blank check to Trump, and empowered Musk and his DOGE lackeys to continue their devastating campaign of chaos through the federal government.
I voted against the Republican CR for many reasons. First, it is the responsibility of Congress to decide each year where our federal government will, and will not, spend taxpayers’ money. Second, by not making the hard spending decisions, Congressional Republicans are actually increasing costs on the American people by delaying important infrastructure projects, deferring important investments in national security and defense, and continuing spending on programs that are no longer needed. Finally, included in the Republican CR are many extreme and harmful policies and programs that do not reflect the priorities or values of Illinois’ tenth district.
House Democrats were united in rejecting the extreme funding bill, and we remain opposed to it. We all supported legislation that would have kept the government open with a temporary funding bill that gave time for Congress to negotiate responsible, full-year funding legislation that reflects the priorities, and addresses the needs of the country.
Unfortunately, because House Republicans had all left Washington, DC three days before the funding deadline, that was not an option. Had the Senate blocked the CR, there would have been a government shutdown of at least a few days. It is quite possible that President Trump would have used those few days to find a way to lock out Congress and extend his already egregious actions to shutter virtually all government agencies.
We will never know if allowing the Republicans to shut down the government would have been better or worse than allowing the irresponsible Republican CR to pass. What I do know is that we need to continue to do everything possible to protect the checks and balances established in our Constitution.
GOP 2026 Budget Resolution Threatens Seniors, Children, Farmers and Families
Last month, House Republicans passed their Fiscal Year 2026 federal budget resolution on a party-line vote (only Thomas Massie of Kentucky voted with every Democrat in opposition). The Republican budget resolution allows them to use a process known as “reconciliation” to try to pass an expanded legislative package without a “cloture” vote in the Senate, which would require at least some Democratic support. Put simply, the budget vote in February is the first step in moving President Trump’s agenda (also known as Project 2025) through Congress without needing to find common ground or seek any compromise with Democrats.
A budget resolution gives very specific instructions to each House committee—guidance that must be strictly adhered to. The resolution passed last month, for example, instructs the Energy & Commerce Committee to cut $880 billion in spending for programs like Medicaid and Medicare, and instructs the Ways and Means Committee to reduce tax revenues by $1.5 billion. Taken all together, rather than cutting total spending and reducing the national debt (already $37 trillion), the instructions in the Republican budget resolution would decimate many vital federal programs that our nation’s seniors, veterans, farmers, and students rely on, while increasing our annual budget deficits by more than $300 billion a year.
I joined every House Democrat in rejecting the Republican budget resolution because it gives a free ride to billionaires like Elon Musk, while putting the burden for funding our government on working families and main street businesses. It blindly slashes funding rather than strategically looking to refine, streamline, and strengthen the federal programs benefiting millions of American citizens and communities across the country. And by increasing deficits rather than reducing them, the Republican budget adds more than $20 trillion to our debt over the next decade, putting our children’s and our nation’s future at risk.
My focus remains on lowering costs for families, giving more people access to affordable healthcare, strengthening our nation’s security, and taking other actions to improve lives and enhance communities. I will continue to work with my colleagues, on both sides of the aisle, to try to find common ground to develop common sense solutions to the challenges we face. I will also do all I can to protect the checks and balances established by our Constitution and hold the Administration accountable for putting the interests of the American people above politics, and not faithfully executing the laws as written and intended by Congress.
CHECKS AND BALANCES
Updates on efforts to push back on the Trump Administration’s chaotic, harmful policies
1.DOGE Data Access Blocked—A federal judge in Maryland blocked Elon Musk and DOGE employees from accessing Americans’ sensitive data through the Social Security Administration.
2.Calling on Musk to Testify before Congress—I joined my Democratic colleagues on the House Ways and Means Committee to demand Elon Musk appear before the Committee to address the access his and DOGE’s access to millions of Americans’ personal and confidential tax, worker, Social Security, health and other private information.
3. Reinstating Federal Workers—Following a Maryland judge’s order, the Trump administration says it is now working to reinstate more than 24,000 wrongfully fired federal workers.
4.Demanding Answers from National Security Leaders Involved in Group Chat— I joined the Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee to call on the Chairman of the Committee to convene a hearing regarding the shocking report that national security officials such as Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Vice President JD Vance and several other senior officials discussed a highly sensitive military operation on a Signal group chat that included the Editor-in-Chief of The Atlantic. This is a deeply concerning report that raises alarming questions about the security and preservation of communications by the most senior national security officials – something that could pose a serious threat to our troops..
5. Saving Climate Grants…For Now—A federal judge temporarily blocked an EPA effort to cancel more than $14 billion in Biden-era climate funding.
IN CLOSING:
If you know a high school student interested in exploring a future in the US military, my Service Academy Night is the perfect chance for them to stop by and learn more! Representatives from each service academy will be there to provide valuable insights and answer any questions. My event will be held on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, from 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM CDT. Click here for more information.
Stay strong, stay safe, stay healthy.
Sincerely,
Bradley S. Schneider
Member of Congress