Brad's Newsletter
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.
First, I want to reflect on the remarkable rescue of eight young soccer players from a flooded cave in Thailand. I continue to pray for those remaining trapped and for their rescuers. I also extend my sympathies to the family of the rescue diver who died in the process.
I was honored and inspired to join so many people in our community, and around the country, speaking out this weekend to say that Families Belong Together, and standing up in opposition to the Administration's policy that separated parents and children at the border.
I am continuing to closely monitor the situation on our southern border and the fallout from the Trump Administration's decision to separate children from their parents when apprehended by border security.
First, I hope all the Dads in the community had a wonderful Father's Day. Thank you for all you do to love, support, and encourage our daughters and sons of every generation.
This week I want to focus on the outrageous decision by the Department of Justice to separate children from their parents at the border, even in cases of families seeking asylum in our country. Last month, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced a new "zero tolerance" border policy to criminally prosecute all individuals who illegally enter the United States. The cruel effect of this policy is to separate parents, who are referred for prosecution, from their children, who are held in shelters or placed in the custody of a sponsor.
Last week I was home for a district work period. The week started with a number of Memorial Day events in Glencoe, Grayslake, and Mundelein. It was a source of pride to see all our local communities commemorate and honor the memories of those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation and the freedoms we all enjoy.
On Friday, our hearts again broke watching news of yet another deadly school shooting – this time in Santa Fe, Texas. According to an analysis by CNN, this was the 22nd school shooting so far this year and the 16thduring school hours.
First and most importantly, to the mothers and grandmothers reading today, I hope you had a wonderful and relaxing Mother's Day weekend!
In Washington, last week was active on the legislative front. On Thursday, my amendment to help communities dealing with stranded nuclear waste, such as Zion, IL, overwhelmingly passed the House of Representatives. I also introduced new legislation to strengthen our efforts to counter foreign propaganda and secure our elections. More details on both of these items are included below.
Last week the House was not in session, so I was able to be home and travel throughout the district. It was Small Business Week, and I took the opportunity to visit with several small businesses and entrepreneurs in our community. On Wednesday, I joined Senator Durbin talking about the opioid epidemic with pharmacy students at Rosalind Franklin University, engaging Woodland Middle School students in a frank discussion on reducing gun violence, touring the Center for Enriched Living in Riverwoods, and lastly talking with the League of Women Voters in Lake Forest.