Skip to main content

A New Day

January 20, 2021
Brad's Newsletter

"This is America's Day. This is Democracy's Day."

Today begins a new chapter for our American story. President Joe Biden's swearing-in gives all of us the chance to hope again, to believe again, and most importantly, to unite once again in that 245-year-old pursuit of a "more perfect union." Whether it was seeing the gathering of past presidents, Democrat and Republican, or hearing Lady Gaga sing our national anthem, or watching Capitol Police Officer Eugene Goodman, the officer who heroically led the Capitol attackers away from the Senate chamber entrance, accompany our Vice President Kamala Harris out of the Capitol, my pride in and love for my country was almost overwhelming.

The past few weeks and months have been sobering, and so clearly demonstrated that we desperately need an experienced leader who will bring us together and restore America's faith in our future and our standing in the world. That leader is Joe Biden. I am so proud that he and Vice President Kamala Harris begin their work today, and incredibly honored to be your Representative in this historic moment.

This inauguration looked undeniably different from years' past, due to ongoing security threats around the nation and the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these challenges, I hope that you were able to take a moment today to watch the ceremony and celebrate the new administration. Today represents a moment of hope in what has been a dark time in our nation's history.

Now there is a new leader at the helm of our country. Joe Biden has the seriousness and expertise we need to address the COVID pandemic and put our country on the path to healing by reopening our economy and renewing the bonds that unite our nation. I look forward to working closely with my colleagues in Congress to help in every way we can.

On another, brief note: Thank you to those near and far who have reached out to ask how I'm feeling after receiving a positive test for COVID-19. I am grateful that my symptoms have all been very mild, and I am thankful that my steps to isolate have kept everyone around me, including my wife, in good health. Please know your concern and positive energy help me grow stronger every day.

Please keep reading for more on an important bill I introduced this week to address domestic terrorism, COVID related developments in the district, and our small business webinar tomorrow night.

THE WEEK IN WASHINGTON

Introducing New Bipartisan Domestic Terrorism Legislation

Following the terrifying attack on the U.S. Capitol, and with the entire nation fearful of more terrorist attacks in every state capital and communities around the country, I worked with Senator Dick Durbin and a bipartisan group of House colleagues to reintroduce the Domestic Terrorism Prevention Act. This bill passed the House last year with overwhelming bipartisan support, only to be blocked by Ron Johnson in the Senate.

The Domestic Terrorism Prevention Act of 2021 would strengthen the federal government's efforts to prevent, report on, respond to, and investigate acts of domestic terrorism by authorizing offices dedicated to combating this threat; requiring these offices to regularly assess this threat; and providing training and resources to assist state, local, and tribal law enforcement in addressing it.

Domestic terrorism is not a Democrat or Republican issue: It is an American issue, and a threat that we must address together. Just a few days before the Capitol attacks, my colleagues and I took an oath to protect our country against all enemies ‘foreign and domestic.' To fulfill this oath, we need to be vigilant, and the DTPA gives our government the tools to do so. Domestic terrorists pose a threat to all Americans and the United States itself.

The legislation is nearly identical to the Domestic Terrorism Prevention Act of 2020, which was endorsed by a broad coalition, including the Anti-Defamation League, Arab American Institute, Bend the Arc: Jewish Action, Center for the Study of Hate & Extremism, Human Rights Campaign, Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, Muslim Advocates, NAACP, NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc., Sikh Coalition, Southern Poverty Law Center Action Fund, and Unidos.

COVID IN THE DISTRICT

Please find detailed information, reference data regarding COVID and various assistance programs on my website.

Drive-Through COVID Vaccination Site Opens at Lake County Fairgrounds

Last week, the Lake County Health Department began offering COVID-19 vaccinations by appointment through AllVax at the Lake County Fairgrounds, located at 1060 East Peterson Road in Grayslake.

In order to receive a vaccine, you must be registered through the AllVax Portal, which you can do here. When the Health Department receives a shipment of vaccine doses, a limited number of people who are eligible to receive the vaccine are notified to schedule an appointment through the AllVax system. Anyone who lives or works in Lake County may sign up to be notified of when it's their turn to be vaccinated.

As of today, vaccinations are available for those in Phase 1A: Frontline Healthcare Workers and Long-Term Care Facility Residents and Staff.

Volunteer to Help Respond to COVID-19

Lake County is calling for volunteers who are able to help the community respond to COVID-19. There are a variety of ways to get involved, from delivering meals to seniors, donating blood, donating PPE, and more.

Learn more and view a list of volunteer opportunities at: https://www.lakecountyil.gov/4413/How-You-Can-Help.

RELIEF FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

On Thursday, January 21st, I will be hosting a webinar with the SBA to help small businesses navigate the options that are available to them on Thursday January 21st. Register here.

Among other things, we will touch on:

Onward,

Newsletter image

Bradley S. Schneider
Member of Congress