10th News: Wrapping Up the 118th Congress
Happy Holidays! Irrespective of the temperate weather outside, I hope you can find time to celebrate the season and spend special time with family and friends, enjoy delicious meals, and exchange thoughtful presents.
But many people in our community don’t experience the holidays with positive feelings, so this season may we all find a place in our heart for those who struggle during the holidays, whether by extending just one more invitation to our gatherings or finding one more present for a child who might otherwise go without.
Congress is in session for three weeks this month working to complete important legislation still outstanding before the end of the year. Last week the House passed the National Defense Authorization Act for FY2025 (NDAA), though it unfortunately included a poison-pill rider that Speaker Johnson inserted at the last minute. (You can read my statement about the rider here.) This week we are expected to pass a stopgap funding bill to avoid what would be an irresponsible and wholy avoidable government shutdown on December 20. As of today (Monday), the language of the funding bill has not yet been released. Unfortunately, the important Farm Bill is likely to get pushed into next year, leaving our country’s farmers, including here in Illinois, in a difficult position.
Despite the busy schedule in Washington, I am grateful to get home for the weekends. Earlier this month I visited Naval Station Great Lakes with Senator Duckworth to talk about how we are training our Navy recruits to protect our nation at sea and around the world. The very next day I welcomed to my office more than 30 high school seniors who are applying to one of our nation’s Service Academies (Army, Navy, Airforce and Merchant Marine) for their nomination interviews. This past Saturday, I took part in the annual Wreaths Across America program at the American Legion in Round Lake Park, before heading to the VFW in Gurnee to honor 32 local Vietnam War era veterans at what is my 11th Recognition Ceremony. I also joined the Lake County Indian Association in Vernon Hills this month as part of a national effort collecting 4,000 pounds of food. And I had the opportunity to meet with local farmers at the annual Illinois Farm Bureau convention.
Syrians celebrate the end of the Assad regime, source: PBS News
Beyond the 10th District, so many things are happening around the world, from President-elect Trump forming his governing team, to the collapse of the governing coalition in France, and of course the collapse of the Assad regime in Syria after more than 50 years of brutal rule. All of these events are of great importance, and I suspect each will shape the future in different, though connected ways.
With respect to Syria in particular, while we should all welcome the demise of Assad and his regime, it’s too early to tell what direction things will go in the future, positively or negatively. President Biden said it well: “a fall of the regime is a fundamental act of justice. It’s a moment of historic opportunity for the long-suffering people of Syria to beguile a better future for the proud country.” And I fundamentally disagree with President-elect Trump’s assertion that the U.S. has no interest in the direction things take in Syria. Syria, and the entire Middle East is an important region for the U.S. and the world. We should do what we can to support those who will move Syria forward in a direction that advances regional security and peace, and give the Syrian people the promise of a government that truly represents their diversity and serves all the people in the country, rather than the nefarious interest of outside nations such as Iran and Russia. (You can read President Biden’s full statement here.)
Finally, I want to share some good personal news that also has relevance to the people here in the district. Just before Thanksgiving I was elected by my colleagues as the next Chair of the New Democrat Coalition (New Dems) for the 119th Congress. The New Dems are a group of moderate Democratic Representatives committed to working with our colleagues across our Caucu and across the aisle to find common ground and address the priorities and challenges of the American people. In the coming Congress, New Dems will have at least 110 members, making it the largest of the ideological caucuses.
I look forward to telling you more about our important work in the coming year. I am excited to have this expanded responsibility and new opportunity to further advance the interests of our district here in Washington, at the leadership table with both Democrats and Republicans. You can read my full statement on my election as chair here. I also spoke with our local paper, the Lake County News Sun about what this new role will mean for our district. You can read that story here.
Please keep reading to learn more about happenings in Washington and here at home.
AROUND THE DISTRICT
STEAM Scholars Cohort 7 Kicks Off at Abbott Laboratories
One of the highlights of each fall is the kickoff of my annual STEAM Scholars program with local high school students from around the district. During the year, this program provides hands-on learning experiences at some of the leading tech-based employers in our region. I am excited to announce that we have 36 new STEAM Scholars this year from 14 different high schools in our community. To kick off this year’s programming, we visited Abbott Laboratories to see their virology and traumatic brain injury labs and speak with scientists. Thank you, Abbott, for showing our students the incredible career opportunities in STEM that exist right here in the 10th district!
Talking Shop with Mundelein High School AP U.S. Government Students
I always enjoy speaking with Mr. Kuhn's AP US Government class at Mundelein High School. As always, the students asked insightful questions and our discussion touched on a wide range of topics. I am looking forward to coming back next year!
Exploring the Federal Death Penalty with Vernon Hills Students
Daniel and Joaquin from Vernon Hills High School stopped by my Lincolnshire office to talk about the federal death penalty and the role of the federal government as part of their AP civics project. They were particularly interested in inequalities in death penalty sentences and how the federal government can work to rectify that.
Service Academy Interviews
Each year I have the honor of nominating exceptional local students for our prestigious military service academies. A key part of the process for the applicants is their personal interview with my Military Service Academy Selection Committee. We interviewed 36 driven young men and women eager to share their aspirations for attending a service academy and dedicating themselves to serving our nation.
Touring Halsey Village and Naval Station Great Lakes in North Chicago
I had an informative visit to Naval Station Great Lakes with Senator Tammy Duckworth, Lake County Board Member Sandy Hart, North Chicago Mayor Leon Rockingham, and other Navy officers. We toured Halsey Village in North Chicago to discuss next steps in transforming the land to better serve our community. Additionally, we met with ROTC officials to learn about the progress being made in recruiting and developing the next generation of young officers.
Lake County Indians Association Food Drive
Thank you to the Lake County Indians Association for organizing a successful food drive for the Vernon Township Food Pantry! The Food Pantry serves 275 families every two weeks and processes 4,000 pounds of food, and is an incredible resource for those in need.
Community Project Funding at Work
With the help of $1,126,734 from the Federal government, Prospect Heights successfully completed a new stretch of sidewalk along Wolf Road. This vital project enhances public safety for nearly 6,000 residents, providing safer access to transportation, local businesses, and Harper College. I was proud to help secure the funding to make this project possible and was honored to join local officials for the ribbon cutting. Together, we’re making our community safer and more connected.
Young Artists’ Exhibit and Celebration in Vernon Hills
I had the pleasure of attending the Pasily Academy Art Exhibition in Vernon Hills, organized by Piyas Bhattacharjee. The event was a wonderful celebration of creativity, with student artists exploring themes of peace and love through their works. Inspiring to meet so many gifted young creators and witness their passion firsthand!
An Extraordinary New Keshet Facility in Highland Park
I was honored to attend the Keshet Groundbreaking for the new Justin Coe Center on the new Kersten Campus in downtown Highland Park. I can’t think of a more beautiful way to honor both Justin’s legacy and the Kersten Family than by creating an inclusive community center for people of all abilities to come together as one community.
Medicare Enrollment Briefing in Round Lake
My team hosted a Medicare Enrollment Briefing with a Medicare expert from CMS at the Avon Township Building in Round Lake. This hybrid event provided more than 50 seniors with vital healthcare information and helped them navigate making important healthcare coverage decisions at a pivotal time in their lives.
Visiting Farm Bureau Members
I recently had the chance to speak with over 30 members from the Farm Bureau about what are the most pressing challenges our farmers are facing. From crop failure to increasing prices, it is essential that Congress passes a bipartisan farm bill that gives our farmers the ability to remain competitive on the world stage, the resources for dire times, and the opportunity for growth. Thank you to all the farmers that help keep our country fed and running. If you would like to read more about this event, you can find the article here.
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN WASHINGTON
Illinois Credit Unions’ Annual Visit
Thank you to the Illinois Credit Union for stopping by my office to discuss their priorities, hopes and concerns for the new year.
Catching Up with AJC AND HALC
Meeting with Friends from the Hellenic Republic
Discussing Estonia’s Important Role in Europe
I had a great meeting with members of Estonia’s Riigikogu (parliament): Marko Mihkelson, Chairman of Estonia’s Foreign Affairs Committee, and Eerik-Niiles Kross. We spoke about the US – Estonia relationship and Estonia’s work in helping Ukraine. The United States and Estonia remain committed to furthering our mutual prosperity in national security and democratic values.
Meeting with NATO’s Newest Member - Sweden
I also sat down with Mangus Berntsson, a member of Sweden’s Riksdag (parliament) to discuss the importance of supporting the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and help defend Ukraine from the unjust Russian invasion. Strengthening our alliances across the Atlantic Ocean continues to be a priority of mine and I continue to work to ensure our country’s relationships with our European allies remain strong.
Meeting with Paul Smyke from the World Economic Forum
I sat down with Paul Smyke, World Economic Forum’s Head of North America, in my Washington, D.C. office discuss some of the pressing domestic and international political challenges facing the United States. I’m always grateful for the opportunity to connect with organizations and exchange perspectives on these critical issues.
Fall 2024 Interns Wrap Up Internship
From Right to Left: Alex G., Negar F., Jamie Z., Talan M.
Throughout the year, a select number of interns join my DC and district offices to help serve our constituents and explore a career in government. Our Fall 2024 DC interns are wrapping up their internships and heading home for the holidays, but before they left DC I had the chance to sit down for a breakfast and conversation about what they learned, loved, and would change about Congress. These interns gain invaluable hands-on experience, from drafting research memorandums and attending policy meetings to assisting with constituent services. I’m incredibly proud of this talented group and wish them all the best as they embark on their professional journeys.
Here are a few takeaways they wanted to share about our internship program:
Alex:
I really enjoyed my time in Representative Schneider's office during my internship here this fall. My favorite part of my internship was answering calls from constituents and writing bill recommendations for the Congressman. I also really liked getting to explore the Capitol complex and seeing all the ins and outs of Washington, D.C.'s political life. I am so thankful for my time with the Congressman's office and can't wait for the future!
Negar:
This semester, I moved to Washington, D.C., as part of Loyola University Chicago’s “LUC in D.C.” program. I am truly grateful for the invaluable experience I gained in Congressman Schneider’s office. I developed personally and professionally, completing fun and insightful tasks that allowed me to learn more about the 10th District of Illinois, where I also reside. Everyone in this office is incredibly hardworking and kind, and I am grateful for the opportunity to work with them!
Jamie:
Interning for the Office of Congressman Schneider has been an incredible first internship experience. As a sophomore majoring in Public Relations and Political Science at American University, this congressional internship was a perfect opportunity to expand my knowledge through real-world participation in our government’s processes. I gained valuable experience in both legislative and communications by working alongside the Congressman’s experienced team. I chose to go to college in D.C. for experiences such as this internship, and I am so grateful that I had this opportunity to learn from my home representative for the semester. This internship has truly been a highlight of my D.C. college experience.
Talan:
My name is Talan, currently sophomore at George Washington University, and I am from Hampshire, Illinois. My experience interning with the office of Congressman Schneider has been beyond my expectations. I have really enjoyed understanding the structure of how a Congressional office works, as well as working with the staff in the office, who have been amazing. The number of unbelievable things I have seen and been a part of working for Congressman Schneider was more than I could have asked for. I am truly grateful to the office for allowing me to serve our government and our country through this internship.
If you’re interested in interning in my Washington, D.C., or Lincolnshire district office, please submit your application to my official website. We will soon be looking for summer 2025 press and legislative interns.
Sharing a Couple of Media Appearances
Discussing the Future of the New Democratic Coalition as Chair-elect with CNN
I had the chance to join CNN’s This Morning with Kasie Hunt to chat about the 2024 election and what the future holds for the Democratic Party – watch here.
Talking about Trump’s Tariffs Plan on MSNBC
Rather than launch a trade war, we need to focus on policies that make childcare accessible, good education attainable and food affordable. I joined MSNBC’s The Weekend to discuss how the New Democrat Coalition is helping US businesses stay competitive while reinforcing an economy for everyone. Please click here to watch the full interview.
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.
In Closing –
Holiday Cards for Heroes
Finally, thanks to everyone who participated in our 9th annual "Holiday Cards For Heroes" program! You helped us share holiday cheer with our heroes in the armed forces by writing them holiday cards showing our gratitude to these service members who may be far from their families this holiday season.
Stay strong, stay safe, stay healthy.
Sincerely,
Bradley S. Schneider
Member of Congress