Newsletter: Two Amendments Pass House
Like many of you, I closely followed President Trump's travel to Europe and meeting today with Russian President Vladimir Putin. I continue to be alarmed and astonished that President Trump is willing to forgive Russia's transgressions, while threatening our close NATO allies.
This meeting should not have taken place, and I wrote as much to President Trump in a letter last week. The fact is, the Russians attacked our nation and sought to undermine our democracy during the 2016 election. It's unacceptable and disgraceful that President Trump continues to refuse to hold Putin and the Russian government accountable for these actions. The Trump Administration needs to treat foreign election interference with the seriousness it deserves and take the necessary steps to protect against this threat before Americans vote in November.
Please continue reading to learn about two of my amendments that passed the House last week, information about SBA loans for businesses affected by 2017 flooding, and more.
TWO AMENDMENTS PASS HOUSE
Last week, two amendments I introduced were included in H.R. 6237 – the Intelligence Authorization Act. The first amendment expands a new public election security report from the intelligence community to require a list of foreign state or foreign nonstate actors involved in the threats to election campaigns for Federal offices. The amendment will help inform the public of those responsible for election interference.
The second amendment directs the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) to report on Iran's support for proxy forces in Syria and Lebanon, including Hizballah, and an assessment of the threat posed to Israel and other U.S. regional allies. This bipartisan amendment was introduced with Reps. Mark Meadows (R-NC), Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ), and Norma Torres (D-CA).
SBA LOANS AVAILABLE FOR BUSINESSES AFFECTED BY 2017 FLOODING
The U.S. Small Business Administration is reminding businesses in Illinois that working capital loans are still available to small businesses and private nonprofit organizations affected by severe storms and flooding on July 11-27, 2017.
Working capital disaster loans up to $2 million are available at 3.215 percent for small businesses, and 2.5 percent for private nonprofit organizations with terms up to 30 years. The loans are intended to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other expenses that could have been paid had the disaster not occurred.
The deadline to apply is August 13, 2018.
More information is available on the SBA website.
CONSTITUENT SUCCESS STORY – RECOVERING MEDICARE BENEFITS
Alexander discovered his father's Medicare and Medicaid benefits had been terminated due to an administrative mistake. For more than 6 months, he couldn't get an answer on what happened and how to correct the situation. After contacting our office, we were able to follow up with CMS to reinstate the benefits within the week. If you have an issue with the federal government, please get in touch at (847) 383-4870. #HeretoHelpIL10
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, our team will be in Mt. Prospect, Grayslake, Glenview, and Lake Bluff.
Check out the full schedule on our website and come meet with us when we're in your community!
WEEKLY WRAP-UP
I met with some incredible young women from Illinois visiting DC through Girl Up, a grassroots movement hosted by the United Nations Foundation focused on supporting girls in developing countries.
I had a wonderful conversation with Zack from Mundelein (and his family) talking about what he's been learning in pursuit of his Citizenship in the Nation merit badge.
I was honored to have Moms Clean Air Force stop by the office last week during their visit to the Capitol to advocate for clean air and a brighter future for our children. They do wonderful work at home and around the country.
I was glad to meet with constituents and speak at the Korean-American Grassroots Conference last week about strengthening the economic, security, and cultural bonds between our nations. I was especially impressed by the intelligent questions the students asked, and their commitment to staying engaged in our community.
I also met with pharmacy students from Illinois. We discussed my support for the Pharmacy and Medically Underserved Areas Enhancement Act and efforts to address opioid crisis.
Last but not least, I stopped by Greek Fest at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Libertyville. This is always one of my favorite events of the year.
Thanks for reading!