Newsletter: Advocating for Tenth District Priorities
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Today, we remember this day sixteen years ago when 19 attackers struck the heart of our nation, killing nearly 3,000 people. We pause to remember those who died in New York, Pennsylvania, and at the Pentagon. We honor the brave first responders who selflessly rushed into the Twin Towers to save others. And we reflect on the countless people who have served in the years since, in ways known and unknown, to protect our nation.
We also wake this morning to the devastation of Hurricane Irma. Our thoughts are with the people of Florida and the Caribbean who have suffered the wrath of the storm, and the people still in its path. What we saw in 2001 and we will see again, is neither human action nor the power of Mother Nature will break the American spirit. As we did then, we will come together to help those in need, to rebuild our communities even stronger, and to show the world what truly makes America one nation.
Please read on for an update on my work last week as Congress debates funding for the next fiscal year, as well as an invitation to our Job and Resource Fair this Friday in North Chicago.
ADVOCATING FOR TENTH DISTRICT PRIORITIES
Last week, Congress began consideration of an appropriations package to fund the government for the next fiscal year. I spoke in support of an amendment that would strike a provision seeking to undermine the National Ocean Policy, making it harder for agencies to coordinate with states, local governments, and other agencies to protect our Great Lakes.
I also offered an amendment to protect the State Department Office of the Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism. Keeping this office intact, appointing a Special Envoy, and providing adequate staff is incredibly important as we continue the fight against anti-Semitism overseas.
I'm very pleased that both amendments were adopted and included in the final package. Congress will continue debate on the bill when it returns this week.
YOU'RE INVITED: JOB AND RESOURCE FAIR THIS FRIDAY IN NORTH CHICAGO
Looking for a job or planning a career transition? We're hosting a job and resource fair with State Rep. Rita Mayfield in North Chicago on Friday, September 15.
More than 60 area employers and social service organizations will be on hand to meet with attendees.
STRENGTHENING TIES WITH OUR ALLY SOUTH KOREA
Meeting with President Moon Jae-in in Seoul, South Korea.
In the last week of August, I had the opportunity to travel to South Korea with Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee Ed Royce and four other Members of Congress. We met with Korean President Moon Jae-In, visited the Demilitarized Zone on the border with North Korea, and heard from key US-trading partners. During our visit, North Korea fired a ballistic missile test directly over Japan, underscoring the volatility of the region and the sever security threats faced by South Koreans. The defense, economic, and cultural bonds between our two countries benefit us both, and I am grateful for this chance to gain a greater firsthand understanding of a critical ally.
At the Joint Security Area (JSA) of the DMZ at Panmunjom.
YOU'RE INVITED: CONGRESS ON YOUR CORNER IN ZION
This Saturday, I'll be in Zion for our next Congress on Your Corner event. I'm looking forward to hearing from you and answering any questions you may have. Hope you can join us!
Saturday, September 16, 2017
11:00am – Noon
Zion City Hall
2828 Sheridan Rd., Zion, IL 60069
WEEKLY WRAP-UP
Answering questions on the steps of US Capitol from the students of Lake Forest Country Day School on their 8th grade trip to Washington, DC.
Following President Trump's cruel decision to end the DACA program, the Democratic Caucus stands united to finally pass legislation to create a secure future and protect Dreamers.
It's great to have the support of Gov. John Kasich and Governor Hickenlooper for the work of bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus. I'm glad to be part of a group of Democrats and Republicans that recognize it's time for Congress to move beyond harmful repeal debate and begin working together to improve our health care system.
Joining the Indian Trails Public Library District in Wheeling for the dedication of their new Reading Garden. A wonderful new addition for the community.
Visit our Facebook and Twitter pages for more photos and updates.
As always, please continue to stay in touch and share your thoughts, either by calling our DC office at (202) 225-4835 or emailing via our website.
Thanks for reading!