Newsletter: Government Funding and School Safety

March 26, 2018

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Dear Friends,

Last week was another active one, both in Washington and at home. Congress at last passed a bill funding the government through the end of the fiscal year, ending the absurd cycle of shutdowns and continuing resolutions that harms both our nation's military and federal agencies. I voted for the bill, and I share below some of the successes as well as my concerns with this bill and the process that led to this point. Among other items, I was particularly proud that a school safety provision I introduced in January was included in the final bill and signed into law by the President.

Last week, I also took steps to protect the Mueller investigation from interference. Here at home, I completed a number of "Brad At Your Business" visits, including the chance to work behind the counter at Thornton's in Fox Lake. One last thing: our office is partnering with the Department of Education to host an event explaining the FAFSA and financial aid process. More information on all these topics is included below!

FUNDING THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT

The "omnibus" spending bill passed by Congress and signed by the President last week was far from perfect: it piles on yet more debt just days after our national debt surpassed $21 trillion, and it was released just hours before a vote and days ahead of a potential government shutdown, leaving inadequate time for review. Nevertheless, I supported this bill because it funds priorities critical to Tenth District communities.

Among some of the important items, the bill fully funds the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative for the current fiscal year, it funds critical research into addressing the opioid crisis, invests in our election security, includes a pay raise for our troops and additional resources for veteran medical care, and funds important US-Israel joint defense programs.

However, I am profoundly disappointed that Speaker Ryan continues to refuse to allow Congress to address the DACA crisis created by President Trump. I join my colleagues calling on Speaker Ryan to allow what is call a "queen of the hill" vote on the various proposals from both sides.

Ultimately, the American people deserve better from Congress. As we take up funding for the next fiscal year, I urge leadership to allow the appropriations process to run through regular order with sufficient oversight.

Read my full statement on the omnibus on our website.

SCHOOL SAFETY PROPOSAL SIGNED INTO LAW

Included in the omnibus was a bipartisan school safety proposal I introduced with Rep. Mike Bost (R-IL) to help schools install panic buttons in the classroom to notify first responders and law enforcement in an emergency. I am incredibly proud that this measure was signed into law.

However, I won't stop repeating this: the only way to truly improve the safety of our students is through sensible reform of our gun laws. This bill should be just the start of our work here in Congress on solutions to reduce gun violence and improve student safety, and I will continue to push to build on this progress in the days ahead.

PROTECTING THE MUELLER INVESTIGATION

Last week, I co-sponsored a bill to protect Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation from political interference by allowing the removal of a special counsel only if a panel of three federal judges finds there is cause.

We can't effectively protect our future elections if we don't understand the full extent of Russia's meddling in our past elections, and hold those responsible to account. The Mueller investigation is critical to this effort and we must ensure it continues unhindered to completion. President Trump's actions, words, and tweets show a disregard for the independence of the Mueller investigation and willingness to undermine its work. This bill sends a clear message that Congress will not tolerate a politically-motivated firing.

FAFSA EVENT UPCOMING IN MAY

This May 1, I'm joining with the Department of Education to host an informational session in Round Lake on the FAFSA application process and available federal student aid.

RSVP today to register for the event!

Tue, May 1, 2018 | 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Round Lake High School, Main Gym
800 Panther Blvd
Round Lake, IL 60073

Learn more and RSVP on our Eventbrite website.

CONGRESSIONAL ART COMPETITION ENTRIES DUE APRIL 13

We've kicked off the annual Congressional Art Competition and are accepting submissions. Area high school students are encouraged to submit outstanding pieces of art they have created in the past year, which will be judged by a panel of local educators and artists. The winning submissions will hang in the U.S. Capitol and my offices in Lincolnshire and Washington for a year. The first place winner will also receive two round-trip tickets to visit the Capitol and see their artwork hung.

We are hoping to receive submissions from throughout the district. If you are an art teacher, or just know talented high school students, please encourage them to take this opportunity to showcase their work. The deadline to submit artwork for the competition is April 13, 2018. Please drop-off all submissions at our office at 111 Barclay Blvd, Suite 200, Lincolnshire, IL (Monday-Friday, 9:00am-5:00pm).

The schools in our district are full of fantastically creative students and I can't wait to see what you create!

More important information about the competition on our website.

NEIGHBORHOOD OFFICE HOURS

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 and learn more about services our office can provide. 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 Wheeling and Gurnee. Check out the full schedule on our website and come meet with us when we're in your community!

WEEKLY WRAP-UP

Now this was fun. On Friday morning, I visited Thorntons in Fox Lake to talk with the team and even serve a few customers. Abi, who trained me, has been with Thornton's for 18 years. Fuel retailing and convenience stores employee around 3,200 people in 200 stores across the Tenth District, so I appreciated this chance to learn more about the industry's challenges and opportunities. #BradAtYourBusiness

I had an informative visit at the Genoa Pharmacy at Lake County Health Department to learn about their work in our community and innovative approach to improving patient compliance with prescriptions. #BradAtYourBusiness

I appreciate Dundee Pharmacy for inviting me to visit and learn more about the challenges and opportunities facing independent community pharmacies on the front lines of our health care system. #BradAtYourBusiness

On Thursday, I met with local advocates from the American Diabetes Association. I'm proud to support federal research programs at NIH and elsewhere to help prevent and cure the disease.

I'm always glad to spend time with young people participating in YouthBuild Lake County and Youth Conservation Corps. Thursday's omnibus bill included funding for these important programs.

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,

Bradley S. Schneider
Member of Congress