Brad's Newsletter
By now you probably know that on Friday night, at 11:24 pm to be more precise, Congress passed the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, a once-in-a-generation investment to rebuild, and in many ways, reimagine, our nation's base infrastructure. Key aspects of the bipartisan bill include repairing crumbling roads and bridges, expanding public transport, building electric vehicle charging stations around the country, modernizing airports, bringing broadband access to every American home and replacing lead pipes in our communities.
The big news last week was the announcement of a compromise agreement between the House, Senate and Administration on a $1.75 billion national investment in our young people, our seniors and our communities. The agreed-to framework will be the largest investment ever in addressing climate change, and continues our efforts to ensure every American has quality, affordable healthcare. Ultimately, this bill will be a middle- and working-class tax cut that will get America back to work and help secure our children's future.
Congratulations to the Chicago Sky for winning their first ever WNBA title! I am in Washington so can't make the celebration today but we should all be proud of the players (local star Candace Parker, Lexie Brown, Finals MVP Kahleah Copper, Diamond DeShields, Stefanie Dolson, Dana Evans, Ruthy Hebard, Astou Ndola-Fall, Allie Quigley, Azura Stevens), coaches and everyone else who mad this great achievement possible. Chicago shines brighter because of every one of you!
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. Add to that the Blackhawks opened their season last night and the Bulls begin next week.
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. While I was disappointed that Senate Republicans blocked a vote on this bill yesterday, I remain hopeful they will find a path forward before Thursday.
In addition, the House considered several other bills (see below).
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. The Build Back Better Act is an unprecedented investment in America's fight against global climate change, invests in the competitiveness of American workers and businesses, enhances support for American families, and most importantly, lifts 3.6 million American children out of poverty.
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 enjoyed speaking with businesses large and small about how the pandemic was affecting them, and how the assistance passed by Congress was making a real difference.