Newsletter: Defending Israel's Military Edge
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Despite the activity surrounding last week's testimony of former FBI Director Comey, it was another good week for our work, both legislatively and at home. On Thursday, I introduced a bill to ensure Israel's security in light of the Administration's commitment to sell more than $100 billion in arms to Saudi Arabia. Among the events around the district, we held our tenth Congress On Your Corner Saturday in Mundelein. Please read on for full updates on the highlights of the week, including a progress report on a bill to fight LGBT housing discrimination.
DEFENDING ISRAEL'S MILITARY EDGE
Last week, I introduced bipartisan legislation to protect the qualitative military edge (QME) of Israel over regional adversaries. The Defending Israel's QME Act of 2017 improves our coordination by requiring the US to consult with the Israeli government before any future regional arms sales, and comes in the midst of serious concerns by Israel over a proposed arms deal with Saudi Arabia announced by President Trump which is awaiting congressional approval.
The QME policy has a long history of robust support from both parties, and I'm very pleased to work with my colleague Rep. Claudia Tenney (R-NY) on this bipartisan bill.
More information about the QME bill is available on our website, as well as in coverage by Haaretz.
I also had the privilege to speak at a memorial service on June 6 sponsored by HIAS for the Jewish refugees on board the MS St. Louis that were denied entry into the United States and forced to return to Nazi-occupied Europe.
We must carry the lessons of this dark moment in our history forward, committing to never again allow fear to close the door on the next generation of refugees seeking a safe home here.
FIGHTING LGBT HOUSING DISCRIMINATION
I'm very pleased to see the fight against LGBT housing discrimination gaining momentum this Pride Month 2017. Earlier this year, I joined Rep. Scott Taylor (R-VA) to help introduce the bipartisan Fair and Equal Housing Act, and last week U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) announced he is introducing the Senate companion.
No American should face discrimination finding a home because of who they are or who they love, and I'll continue to work to ensure all people have equal protection under the law.
Read more about the Fair and Equal Housing Act on HRC's website.
NEIGHBORHOOD OFFICE HOURS
As a reminder, our office hosts frequent Neighborhood Office Hours for constituents to more easily meet with caseworkers and staff to discuss any federal issues that they may have. We're here to help if you have issues with Medicare, Social Security, the Veterans Administration, immigration and more.
This week, we'll be in Grayslake, Des Plaines, Zion, and Waukegan. Check the schedule on our website for details and to find out when our team will be in your community.
WEEKLY WRAP-UP
Enjoyed meeting with everyone who turned out to our most recent Congress On Your Corner on Saturday in Mundelein. Great questions on health care, education, the environment, and more.
I had a great time in Waukegan participating in a citizenship class for those studying with the Father Gary Graf Center to take the US citizenship test. What a wonderful way to mark this Immigrant Heritage Month.
I stopped by the Northbrook Public Library to read to some younger constituents in the library's story time series. Although most kids are not in school during the summer, its critical that they continue to read and hone their learning skills before returning to the classroom in the fall.
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!
Sincerely,
Brad Schneider
Member of Congress