Newsletter: Honoring Vietnam Veterans
On Friday, our hearts again broke watching news of yet another deadly school shooting – this time in Santa Fe, Texas. According to an analysis by CNN, this was the 22nd school shooting so far this year and the 16thduring school hours. We cannot continue go on this way without taking concrete action to keep our kids safe. While we mourn for the victims of Santa Fe, we also have to start talking about real, commonsense legislative solutions to reduce gun violence in our communities. It's too late to act for the victims and families of Santa Fe, or any of the other attacks this year and before, but we don't have to wait for the next tragedy to take action. I will continue to advocate for commonsense reforms to our gun laws and urge my colleagues in Congress to end the obstruction and take action to save lives.
In other news, I was very proud to host my third Vietnam Veterans recognition ceremony, this time at Indian Trails Library in Wheeling. These gatherings are part of the ongoing national Vietnam War 50th Commemoration initiated by Congress in 2012 and continuing through Veteran's Day 2023.
Separately, I was pleased to see the House Foreign Affairs Committee vote to advance legislation I helped introduce to ensure the Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism is filled. Anti-Semitism is on the rise around the world, including here in the U.S. There is no good reason for the President to refuse to fill this important position.
Closer to home, please join me this Saturday in Lake Bluff for our next Congress on Your Corner. These are great opportunities to meet face-to-face and talk about the important issues facing our community and our nation.
Lastly, I want to take an opportunity to congratulate all of the Tenth District's graduates, from Pre-school to Ph.D., on reaching your major milestone. As a famous Dr. once so perfectly said: "Oh the places you'll go…". Wishing you all much success and happiness in your lives.
HONORING VIETNAM VETERANS
Last weekend, I hosted local Vietnam Era Veterans for a recognition ceremony in honor of their service to our nation. These events are always emotional, and I value this opportunity to thank these brave individuals, and their families, for their sacrifice. We will be hosting another ceremony later this year. If you are a Vietnam Era Veteran or the family member of a deceased veteran who is interested in participating, please fill out the form on our website and we will contact you when we schedule the event.
Later this month, I'm hosting a resource fair for veterans of all ages at Round Lake High School. We'll have on-site representatives from the Chicago Regional Office of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs as well as more than 20 local veteran organizations. The VA Regional Office representatives will answer benefits questions regarding benefits compensation, Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment, and will accept new applications during the fair.
Veteran Resource Fair
Thursday, May 31, 2018 | 4:00 – 8:00pm
Round Lake High School
800 Panther Blvd, Round Lake, IL 60073
Find out more and RSVP online here.
SPECIAL ENVOY LEGISLATION PASSES COMMITTEE
Last week, the House Foreign Affairs Committee voted to advance bipartisan legislation to elevate the Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism at the U.S. State Department to the rank of Ambassador, and require the President nominate a Special Envoy within 90 days of enactment.
The Special Envoy position is currently vacant and has been so since the start of the Trump Administration. Against the deeply troubling backdrop of rising incidents of anti-Semitism worldwide, it is incomprehensible that the State Department office tasked with countering this hate remains unfilled. That's why I joined with Reps. Chris Smith (R-NJ), Eliot Engel (D-NY), and Peter Roskam (R-IL) to introduce this bipartisan bill, and hope to see it advance to the floor for a vote soon.
Learn more about the legislation on our website.
PARTISAN FARM BILL FAILS
Last week, the GOP majority attempted to pass harmful cuts to crucial safety net programs under the guise of the Farm Bill, undermining legislation with a history of bipartisan support. We know that SNAP leads to better health and education outcomes, yet a projected 2 million families would have seen their benefits reduced or eliminated entirely under this proposal.
Past Congresses have always found common ground in a Farm Bill that offers assistance and security to farmers and needy families alike. Now that this bill has failed, we have a second chance to do the same. In the days ahead, I hope my colleagues prove willing to reach across the aisle to find a constructive way forward to meet our nation's critical agricultural and nutritional needs.
I also spoke on the House Floor about the legislation, which you can watch online here.
BAGELS WITH BRAD OPEN HOUSE – Wednesday, May 23
Every week that Congress is in session, our DC office hosts an open house on Wednesday mornings. All visiting constituents are invited to drop by for coffee, bagels and a chance to say hello in person. Last week, I was joined by several Tenth District advocacy organizations and businesses. If you're in Washington for business or vacation, I hope you'll join us at our next #BagelsWithBrad at 8:30am on Wednesday, May 16 at 1432 Longworth House Office Building. Call our office at (202) 225-4835 to RSVP!
CONGRESS ON YOUR CORNER IN LAKE BLUFF – Saturday, May 26
Please join me this Saturday, May 26 for our next Congress on Your Corner in Lake Bluff. I'm looking forward to hearing from you and answering your questions! No RSVP is necessary.
Saturday, May 26, 2018 | 10:00 – 11:00am
Lake Bluff Village Hall
40 E Center Ave, Lake Bluff, IL 60044
HIRING EVENT IN DES PLAINES – Thursday, May 31
We have more than 90 area employers with 750+ current openings lined up for our Hiring Event on Thursday, May 31.
Thursday, May 31, 2018 | 10:00am – 1:00pm
Oakton Community College - Tenhoeve Room
1600 E Golf Rd, Des Plaines, IL 60016
NEIGHBORHOOD OFFICE HOURS
Our office also 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. This week, we'll be in Wheeling and Libertyville. Check out the full schedule on our website and come meet with us when we're in your community!
WEEKLY WRAP-UP
I testified at the House Veterans Affairs Committee about funding priorities for our district, including supporting job training and transition programs, improving the Veteran Choice health program, and helping veterans dealing with the effects of environmental exposure.
I was glad to join the Waukegan Main Street luncheon and support their work attracting new businesses and investment to downtown and surrounding neighborhoods.
Last year, more than $47 million in federal grants were awarded to organizations and local governments in our district. Last week, we hosted a grants workshop at Northbrook Public Library with information on how to find and apply for federal grants. Our office is available to help with any questions at (847) 383-4870. Thanks to Jan Schakowsky and Senator Tammy Duckworth for partnering with us on this event!
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!