Brad's Newsletter
Last week ended on a high note with the Sox, Sky and Bears all winning. Of course, the baseball season in Chicago came to an end on Tuesday but, as we know too well, there's always next year. Meanwhile, the Sky are tied in the WNBA Finals with the series now in Chicago for games Friday and Sunday. And it looks like Justin Fields is starting for the Bears on Sunday.
Before I get to the business of government, let me first wish both the Chicago Sky and the Chicago White Sox success in the playoffs! In case you missed it, last night the Sky defeated the Connecticut Sun to advance to the WNBA Finals for the first time. And this afternoon the White Sox will meet the Houston Astros in the MLB Divisional Playoffs.
The entire nation is looking to Congress as several critical pieces of legislation work their way through the House and Senate this week. Last week the House passed a bill to both prevent a government shut down on October 1 and ensure the U.S. won't default on our past obligations two weeks later. The Senate must now act with similar urgency.
It's now officially fall! Our first fall weekend brought beautiful weather and also quite a few local events around the district. I hope you had a chance to get out and enjoy some of what our communities have to offer.
This week, Congress is back in full swing working on the Build Back Better Act and continuing infrastructure negotiations, among other priorities.
I hope you and your families had a restful and enjoyable Labor Day weekend, and for those observing the holiday, a meaningful Rosh Hashanah.
With the week shortened by the holidays, I am not sending a full newsletter. Instead I wanted to focus on marking and remembering the the heinous attack on our nation twenty years ago tomorrow.
Thanks to everyone who participated in one of our many August events, programs or our over 70 constituent meetings who made it a truly remarkable month at home. Among the highlights, it was wonderful to hear from neighbors at one of four town halls about the issues they care about most.
I am writing this week's newsletter from my desk in Washington, having just returned to the office after voting to pass H.R. 4, The John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. You may have heard me share that my office office was previously occupied by my colleague and American Hero of voting rights -- the late, great John Lewis.
I will be honest with you: With some of the things happening around the world this week, I've struggled tying off this newsletter issue to send to you. From the unfolding crisis in Afghanistan to the earthquake in Haiti and then yesterday's bomb scare at the Capitol, it's been hard to find the right words, or even the right tone.
Dorothy was right: "There's no place like home." It was so good to be home and working in the district last week and I am looking forward to many more events throughout the month of August.