Newsletter: Election Security, Family Reunification, Upcoming August Events & more
As Congress prepared to recess until after Labor Day, things were busy last week in Washington. We had hearings in all three of my committees (Small Business, Judiciary and Foreign Affairs), meetings with constituents, a telephone town hall, and put the finishing touches on our August calendar.
Of particular note, last week I led a rare bipartisan letter from the entire Illinois House delegation to Attorney General Jeff Sessions and Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen asking for a briefing on our state's election security efforts. The recent indictment of 12 Russian intelligence officers for trying to hack into our election in 2016 is further proof that we need to urgently take action to secure our systems and protect the integrity of every American's vote.
Separately, I was pleased that two amendments I introduced were included in the final version of the National Defense Authorization Act. I hope you'll read more about both developments below.
On Friday I had the chance to visit a facility in Chicago for immigrant children, including several who were separated from the parents by the Trump Administration's border policy. My goal was to get clarity on the status of the court-ordered reunification effort and gain confidence that these children, as well as other young people who entered our country as unaccompanied minors, are properly cared for.
Last week's pace isn't going to change while I am home. We have a great series of events planned throughout August – including a Job Fair in Round Lake and Health Care Fair in Waukegan. Please check out the full list of upcoming events on our website at schneider.house.gov/events.
LEADING BIPARTISAN LETTER ON ELECTION SECURITY
Meeting with Lake and Cook County Clerks to discuss election security efforts in February.
Last week, I led all 18 House members of the Illinois congressional delegation urging federal action to improve our state's election security after we were targeted in 2016. In a letter to Attorney General Jeff Sessions and Secretary of Homeland Security Kristjen Nielsen, we requested a briefing on federal efforts to partner with Illinois election officials to defend against foreign interference.
The new Mueller indictments raise additional questions about the extent of Russia's meddling in the 2016 election and our preparedness for when they try again. I'm encouraged that the entire Illinois House delegation is united in seeking answers to protect the integrity of our elections.
The Chicago Tribune called the letter "a rare showing of bipartisanship during an election year from Illinois' D.C. delegation." Read their coverage here.
VISIT TO MIGRANT CHILD FACILITY IN CHICAGO TO INVESTIGATE FAMILY REUNIFICATION
On Friday, I visited a facility in Chicago housing children who were separated from their parents by the Trump Administration to get answers on reunification efforts. I was accompanied by two of my colleagues, Reps. Bobby Rush and Raja Krishnamoorthi. As you may know, Thursday was the court-imposed deadline to reunited all families, but despite this fact, too many families held across our country are still apart. We must reunite these parents and children separated by this shameful policy as soon as possible, and work to reform our broken immigration system.
Watch me share my thoughts at a press conference following the visit
TWO AMENDMENTS INCLUDED IN NDAA
As the House of Representatives passed the finalized version of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), two amendments I introduced to support small business research and hold Iran accountable were included in the legislation.
This bill now heads to the President's desk for his signature, and I'm hopeful it will be signed in to law.
Learn more about the amendments on our website.
JOB FAIR IN ROUND LAKE – WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 8
State Sen. Melinda Bush and I are hosting a job fair for constituents next month in Round Lake. More than 45 area employers who are currently hiring will be on-site to meet with job seekers. You can search a list of job openings and participating employers before you attend online here.
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 NEIGHBORHOOD OFFICE HOURS
Join me and area health providers for a free health and wellness fair. Participating organizations will offer free health screenings and information on a range of health-related topics. Attendees may also enjoy free Zumba class!
Saturday, August 11, 2018 | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe Episcopal Church
2415 N Butrick St., Waukegan, IL 60087
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 Highwood, Waukegan, Mt. Prospect, and Lake Forest. If you need assistance with a federal issue, please come see us!
View the full schedule on our website.
WEEKLY WRAP-UP
I'm proud to be an original co-sponsor of the bill to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act. Last week, I stood with my colleagues, advocates and survivors of abuse to call for action before the Act expires on September 30. #VAWA
We had lots of great questions on last week's telephone town hall. Thank you to the 4,600 constituents who dialed in!
I'm part of a bipartisan group working to overcome the gridlock preventing Congress from making progress for the American people. Last week, we proposed rules changes would empower those working to solve problems instead of the ideological extremes. Read more about the proposal from the Problem Solvers Caucus.
Thanks to all who joined our most recent Congress on Your Corner in Bannockburn. This was our 26th town hall so far this term.
Thanks for reading!