Newsletter: Speaking Out Against Gun Violence

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Last week, I took the opportunity to call some of the many constituents who had written in about the horrific mass shooting in Las Vegas. I share with them the heartbreak at the senseless killing and frustration with continued inaction from Congress in the face of this epidemic of gun violence that claims innocent lives everyday across our nation. I was profoundly touched by each personal story and the wide cross-section of our district that supports taking concrete legislative action.

Please read on for an update on this issue, as well as a summary of my work to improve the cybersecurity of small businesses and an invitation to an upcoming health care hiring event I'm hosting with Rep. Jan Schakowsky.

SPEAKING OUT AGAINST GUN VIOLENCE

Last week, I spoke for an extended period on the House floor urging my colleagues to act to address gun violence. There is no one solution to prevent gun violence, but we must take steps and make progress where we can. I highlighted two commonsense bills I recently introduced earlier this year that would improve safety -the SECURE Firearm Storage Act and Ghost Guns Are Guns Act.

Click the above image to watch the YouTube video of floor speech.

I also joined my colleague Rep. David Cicilline's (D-RI) bill to ban the sale of bump stocks. These modifications that turn semi-automatic guns into what are basically fully-automatic weapons have no place in our communities. This must be just one of many responses we consider to improve gun safety.

IMPROVING SMALL BUSINESS CYBERSECURITY

Small businesses face a real and growing threat from cyberattacks, which put both the targeted business and customer data at risk. A recent report found 42 percent of small businesses have been the victim of a cyber-attack," and the average loss to a business whose banking account was compromised by a cyberattack was more than $32,000.

Last week, I introduced bipartisan legislation with Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) to help small businesses take the necessary steps to protect themselves and customers.

Learn more about the Small Business Cybersecurity Enhancement Act.

YOU'RE INVITED: HEALTH CARE HIRING EVENT

I'm partnering with Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) to host a Health Care Hiring event at Oakton Community College - Skokie Campus next week. Participating employers include health care providers, nursing homes, pharmacies, pharmaceutical companies, and more.

Monday, October 16, 2017
10:00am - 1:00pm
Early entry for veterans beginning at 9:30am

Oakton Community College - Skokie Campus
7701 Lincoln Ave., Skokie, IL

RSVP: /hiringevent

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 Deerfield, Des Plaines, Zion, Waukegan, and North Chicago. Check out the full schedule on our website and come meet with us when we're in your community!

WEEKLY WRAP-UP

Standing with Gabby Giffords, John Lewis, and other members of the Democratic caucus for action in response to the mass shooting in Las Vegas. Congress should create a bipartisan, select committee to study and report back on solutions.

Attending a roundtable meeting with the bipartisan Heroin Task Force and Doctors Caucus on improving prescribing practices to fight the opioid epidemic. Earlier this year I introduced the Opioid PACE Act which would require continuing education for prescribers to better equip doctors to prevent and treat addiction

Honoring my friend and mentor Elaine Nekritz for her years of service to our communities. We will all miss your energy, dedication, and tireless commitment to your constituents. Click above image to watch video.

Stopped by and lent a hand at The Great Highwood Pumpkin Festival to benefit Make-A-Wish Illinois.

Visiting Siemens in Buffalo Grove and welcoming Winix to their new facility in Vernon Hills on National Manufacturing Day.

Visit our Facebook and Twitter pages for more photos and updates.

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!