Newsletter: Reducing Gun Violence From Stolen Firearms

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Here's a shocking statistic: every two minutes, a gun is stolen in America. Not surprisingly, these stolen guns are more likely to be used in violent crime, which is why last week I introduced new legislation to help address this dangerous and growing problem.

In other news, I am proud to be a member of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus and I'm encouraged by progress we've made toward finding health care solutions after the defeat of the Senate repeal bill. More about our work is included below.

Last but not least, later this month, I'm hosting a health and wellness fair in Grayslake with community health organizations who will be offering free screenings, physicals, information, and more. Details are included below - hope you can join us!

REDUCING GUN VIOLENCE FROM STOLEN FIREARMS

Our country is suffering from an epidemic of gun violence, and stolen firearms represent a growing source of the guns used in these crimes. More than 18,000 firearms were reported stolen or lost in 2016 from Federal Firearm Licensees (FFLs) – a year over year increase of 20 percent.

Last week, I introduced the SECURE (Safety Enhancements for Communities Using Reasonable and Effective) Firearm Storage Act would address this problem by requiring all firearms to be securely stored when a federally-licensed gun dealer is not open for business. In an editorial, the Chicago Sun-Times said this bill was "so obviously right it's hard to believe it is even necessary."

I agree – the SECURE Firearm Storage Act is a commonsense improvement to ensure gun dealers are properly safeguarding their inventory so fewer of these weapons can be easily stolen and later used in violent crimes. I remain committed to finding further thoughtful ways to advance gun safety in our communities.

Read more about this legislation here.

BIPARTISAN PROGRESS ON HEATH CARE

Last week's defeat of the Senate health care bill presents a crucial opportunity for both parties to move beyond hyper-partisan politics and work together in a constructive way to stabilize the individual market and improve our health care system.

I'm proud to be part of a bipartisan group of members in the Problem Solvers Caucus that outlined areas of common ground today where we're willing to explore solutions – including continuing cost sharing reduction (CSR) payments, creating a dedicated stability fund, and repealing the medical device tax.

This proposal is a first step, but it shows when people come together with open minds, ideas and a willingness to work together, progress is indeed possible. I'm looking forward to gathering feedback from constituents and stakeholders over the August recess on these initial ideas

Read coverage about the health care proposal from the Problem Solvers Caucus here.

YOU'RE INVITED: HEALTH AND WELLNESS FAIR

This August, I'm hosting a health and wellness fair in partnership with local health and medical organizations. We'll have health screenings and other information and resources available. Come out and enjoy free zumba classes, cooking demonstrations, and meet dogs from the Lake County Sheriff's Department K-9 Team. On-site registration will also be available for District 116 students.

Saturday, August 12, 2017
12:00 PM – 3:00 PM CDT
Round Lake High School
800 Panther Blvd, Round Lake, IL 60083

More information and registration is available here.

UNDERSTANDING DEBT AS NATIONAL SECURITY ISSUE

Our nation's fiscal health and our national security are inextricably intertwined, and we cannot wait to take action against this growing threat.

Last week, I partnered with Rep. Vicente González (TX-15), my co-chair of the Blue Dog Task Force on National Defense on a Medium post outlining our thoughts on this issue.

Read our Medium post and join the discussion online to #BringDowntheDebt.

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 Buffalo Grove and Waukegan. Check out the full schedule on our website and come meet with us when we're in your community!

WEEKLY WRAP-UP

Filling a backpack to support the work of Operation Homefront caring for military families at an event on Capitol Hill.

Speaking with some attendees from Illinois after addressing the Korean American Civic Empowerment (KACE) Gala in Washington about my support for the US-Korea relationship. Great to see so many young people involved!

It's no substitute for meeting in person, but telephone town halls are a great way to stay in touch while I'm in Washington. We held our sixth last week, and more than 20,000 constituents have participated since January.

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