Newsletter: Remembering Dr. King

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Today, our nation recognizes Martin Luther King Jr. Day. We honor Dr. King's memory as well as the legacy of all those who struggled during the Civil Rights Movement to end racial segregation and discrimination, and build a more just and equal nation.

Dr. King challenged us to see that "injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." I hope these words continue to motivate us as we address the racial and other inequalities that remain in our society.

Inspired by his example, people across the country will be participating today in a National Day of Service. I invite you to join us. You can learn more about opportunities to serve in your local community here.

Sharing some of Dr. King's words with a Head Start classroom in North Chicago this past Friday, as part of MLK Reading Day sponsored by the Community Action Partnership of Lake County.

CONDEMNING PRESIDENT TRUMP'S COMMENTS

In the shadow of Dr. King's message of equality and tolerance, President Trump's vile comments about immigrants dishonor our national ideals.

I want to be clear: the President's racist comments show he doesn't have a clue about what it means to be an American or the values that make our nation of immigrants a shining light to the rest of the world.

My thoughts immediately went to the naturalization ceremony that I attended last fall in Waukegan with almost 300 new citizens from 59 countries ranging from Armenia to Zambia. Each of these people, and their families who joined them, understood what President Reagan eloquently stated 30 years ago:

"America represents something universal in the human spirit. I received a letter not long ago from a man who said, 'You can go to Japan to live, but you cannot become Japanese. You can go to France to live and not become a Frenchman. You can go to live in Germany or Turkey, and you won't become a German or a Turk.' But then he added, 'Anybody from any corner of the world can come to America to live and become an American.'"

Almost all of us are descendants of people from different corners of the world. But we are all united in the never ending pursuit of "a more perfect Union."

Some photos from last fall's U.S. Citizen Naturalization Ceremony in Waukegan.

PUSHING FOR CHIP REAUTHORIZATION

For the first time in over 20 years, Congress allowed the Children's Health Insurance Program to expire without reauthorization. More than 8 million children in the United States, and approximately 325,000 children in Illinois, depend on this program, Their coverage and their future health is in jeopardy without a long-term extension. Congress is playing games with short-term extensions and it's time to end the uncertainty.

Last week, I spoke on the floor about the need to reauthorize CHIP. This is just one of the urgent items on Congress's agenda at the start of 2018, in addition to passing the DREAM Act, ensuring funding for Community Health Centers, and more.

PROMOTING HUMAN RIGHTS IN IRAN

The Iranian regime's response to widespread peaceful protests has been draconian. I was please the House overwhelmingly passed a resolution supporting the people of Iran in their demonstrations, and urging targeted sanctions to counter the regime's human rights abuses.

CONSTITUENT CASEWORK: HELP WITH VETERANS ADMINISTRATION

Did you know our constituent service representatives can help with issues involving the Veterans Administration or any other federal agency? Here's what Tim in Zion had to say about his experience with our office:

"I am a Tricare for Life beneficiary, but was incorrectly being charged copays at Lovell Federal Health Care Center. I requested help from Congressman Schneider's office, who contacted the Veterans Administration liaison in North Chicago on my behalf. Their advocacy gained much appreciated traction on my behalf to resolve this issue."

My team and I would love the opportunity to help you if you have an issue with the VA or any other federal agency. Contact our Lincolnshire Office at (847) 383-4870 for help.

DACA REAUTHORIZATION AVAILABLE

Due to a court order, the Administration announced on January 14, 2018 that it is again accepting Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) renewal requests. More information is available on the Department of Homeland Security website. If you have questions or need assistance, caseworkers in our Lincolnshire District Office are available to help. Contact us at (847) 383-4870.

This change in policy is a positive step, but does not alter my urgent commitment to passing the DREAM Act as soon as possible. The DREAMers in our communities deserve a permanent legislative solution to allowing them to live, work, and build a future here in the United States, their home.

NEIGHBORHOOD OFFICE HOURS
Our office is continuing to host 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 Lindenhurst, Glenview, and Mt. Prospect. Check out the full schedule on our website and come meet with us when we're in your community!

WEEKLY WRAP-UP

Answering questions from constituents at our first Congress On Your Corner of 2018 at the new Lake Forest Hospital.

Very grateful for all the hard working volunteers who partner with the Lake County Veterans Assistance Commission to care for the veterans in our community.

Glad to join the Puerto Rican Society of Waukegan last week. We must continue to help our fellow Americans in Puerto Rico rebuild from the devastation of Hurricane Maria.

Celebrating contributions of Korean American community at Korean American Day event on Capitol Hill.

Proud to stand with my Democratic and Republican colleagues to launch the Bipartisan Heroin Task Force agenda for 2018. The opioid epidemic is affecting communities across our country and addressing it will require bipartisan action.

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!