Brad's Newsletter

As we approach the end of the year, Congress has an extraordinarily long to-do list, including funding the government, setting spending levels for next year, reauthorizing the Children’s Health Insurance Program, and finally passing the DREAM Act.

I hope everyone had a happy and restful Thanksgiving filled with family and friends. As Congress returns to work this week, much remains to be done before the end of the year, including funding the government beyond December 8, approving spending levels for 2018, reauthorizing the expired Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and at last passing the DREAM Act.

Let me start this week by wishing everyone Happy Thanksgiving. May this be a time for family and friends, and reflection on all for which we can be thankful.

This past weekend we observed Veterans Day throughout the district. I had the honor to personally thank area veterans at events in Grayslake, Waukegan, Fort Sheridan, and Highland Park.

Once again we are broken hearted by senseless gun violence. Our nation is mourning for the victims of the horrific shooting in Sutherland Springs, TX and praying for their loved ones.

November 1 is a big day as the annual open enrollment period for health care insurance begins. If you purchase your own health insurance, it’s important to know the available time for open enrollment is shortened this year.

During this week-long district work period, I had the opportunity to connect with hundreds of constituents at more than two dozen events in 18 different communities across the Tenth District.

Last week, President Trump continued his destructive efforts to undermine the Affordable Care Act – first through an executive order unravelling parts of the law and second through an announcement that the Administration would end Cost Sharing Reduction (CSR) payments that help lower out-of-pocket costs.