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Newsletter: Announcing Tenth District STEM ScholarsStopping 3D Printed Guns

August 6, 2018
Brad's Newsletter

I've heard from many constituents concerned about the potential release of online blueprints that would allow individuals to use a 3D-printer to manufacture a firearm. While a court order has temporarily delayed the release, legislation is needed to ensure the threat of 3D printed guns does not become a reality for our communities. Last week, I partnered with three of my colleagues to introduce new legislation that would keep these plans off the internet.

Additionally, I introduced a bill to prevent former Members of Congress who lobby from abusing the privileges of their previous public service on behalf of corporate clients. Learn more about both of these bills below.

Finally, we're continuing a jam-packed August of events across the district with a Wednesday Job Fair in Round Lake and Saturday Health Care Fair in Waukegan. You can access the full calendar of upcoming events at schneider.house.gov/events. I hope to see you around this summer!

STOPPING 3-D PRINTED GUNS

If detailed instructions for homemade plastic guns are readily available on the internet, with just a few clicks individuals could avoid a background check and build a deadly firearm undetectable by security systems. These 3D-printed guns are not toys but real weapons that pose a threat to the safety of our nation and communities. Congress must not wait for this threat to lead to tragedy, which is why, with three like-minded colleagues, I introduced a bill to keep these blueprints from being posted online. Our bill is the House companion to legislation introduced in the Senate by Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL).

I've previously introduced legislation to crack down on untraceable "Ghost Guns" bought and shipped as unassembled kits, and will continue to work to close loopholes allowing individuals to evade our nation's background check system.

Learn more about the 3D Printed Gun Safety Act

PROMOTING TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY IN CONGRESS

Serving in Congress is a high honor and great responsibility. In recognition of that service, former Members retain access to the Capitol and other selected spaces after they leave Congress. I believe those fortunate enough to have earned the right to represent our neighbors should not be able to use this access for personal gain upon retirement. Put simply, it's wrong for former Members of Congress to leverage their public service for personal profit lobbying on behalf of private clients or large corporations.This is why I introduced the Preventing Perks and Privileges Act which would shut down these abuses, as well as institute other commonsense good government reforms. Ultimately, when Congress is more accountable and transparent, we more effectively serve our constituents.

Specifically, my bill would:

  • Prohibit former Members of Congress who become lobbyists from receiving certain health and pension benefits, from access to the floor in either chamber, access to Member dining rooms, access to House and Senate document rooms, and use of the House Legislative Resource Center and Senate Library;
  • Require Members' annual financial disclosure statements to be posted on their websites;
  • Prohibit the use of taxpayer funds to pay for spouses that accompany Members on official travel; and
  • Prohibit Members from using airline miles accrued as a result of their service for personal use. Instead, the bill would require these miles to either be used for official travel or donated.

Learn more about the Prohibiting Perks and Privileges Act on my website.

JOB FAIR IN ROUND LAKE – WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 8

Join us this Wednesday for a great opportunity to meet more than 45 local employers with current job openings. State Sen. Melinda Bush and I are hosting a job fair for constituents from 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM in Round Lake. Bring your resume and find your next career opportunity. You can search a list of job openings and participating employers before you attend online here.

As we do with all our hiring events, preference during the first half hour will be reserved for veterans.

Wednesday, August 8, 2018 | 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
*Veterans preference for the first half hour*
John T Magee Middle School
500 North Cedar Lake Road, Round Lake, IL 60073
RSVP to attend today!

HEALTH CARE FAIR IN WAUKEGAN – SATURDAY, AUGUST 11

Join me and area health providers for a free health and wellness fair on Saturday in Waukegan. Participating organizations will offer free immunizations, health screenings, and information on a range of health-related topics.

Saturday, August 11, 2018 | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe Episcopal Church
2415 N Butrick St., Waukegan, IL 60087

RSVP to attend today!

NEIGHBORHOOD OFFICE HOURS

Our full August schedule of Neighborhood Office Hours is now on the website. This week, our constituent service representatives will be in North Chicago, Highland Park, Zion, and Grayslake. If you need assistance with a federal issue, please come see us!

View the full schedule on our website.

Thanks for reading!