Brad's Newsletter

Forgive me for not writing last week. Unfortunately, last Tuesday I tested positive for COVID-19 and have been isolating since then in my apartment in Washington. Thankfully, I have experienced only mild symptoms and am able to effectively work virtually from home. And I am grateful to everyone who has reached out to wish me well.

Cold air, snow on the ground and gray skies. It must be Chicago in winter. I hope you and your loved ones are staying warm despite the single-digit temperatures this week. At least there is good news that we may have started to turn the corner on omicron. But don't let down your guard. Remember the peak is the middle of the wave, not the end.

This week, our nation honored the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who challenged us to see that "injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." Though I was only a toddler when Dr. King famously spoke on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, his "Dream" has inspired me throughout my life. Shortly after that speech, our nation passed the Voting Rights Act.

Congress kicked off the second session of the 117th Congress this week. I am excited to be back in Washington with the House voting on, among other bills, legislation to expand post-9/11 GI Bill educational assistance to reach more servicemembers trying to pay for college or other educational opportunities. In addition to the bills on the floor this week, I am doing everything I can to ensure the John Lewis Voting Rights Act gets to President Biden's desk as soon as possible.

I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the long last year and the work Congress has done in that time to serve the Tenth District.

I am proud to report that my team has helped countless constituents navigate federal agencies and resources:

I want to wish everyone celebrating a very Merry Christmas, a joyous Kwanzaa, and to all a Happy New Year. May this be a time that fosters joy, peace on earth, and goodwill to all. And I pray 2022 will be a year of good health, happiness and progress for our nation and our community.

It's the home stretch of the holiday season and, if you are like me, I suspect you are rushing to wrap up many projects before 2021 ends. Besides working on the debt limit, the 2022 defense bill, and hopefully the Build Back Better Act, I am excited to send out our annual holiday card. Yesterday I was joined in my district office by Lucy Holloway whose artwork was selected for this year's card. Here's me and Lucy with a picture of her winning design (more at the bottom).

Winter has clearly arrived, but at least we can all enjoy the holidays. First, I hope those who celebrated Hanukkah had a nice time with family and friends. I am looking forward to hopefully seeing many more of you at holiday gatherings in the weeks ahead. My prayer for this holiday season is that the spirit of the season brings us all together in health, happiness and peace.