Brad's Newsletter
The 118th Congress is at last getting organized, committees are starting to meet, and the Capitol is filled with visitors again. In other words, it was a busy week last week. And this week the focus is on President Biden’s State of the Union speech.
Let me first start by again thanking everyone who sent condolences, prayers, and positive energy to me and my family last week following the death of my father. Losing a loved one is never easy at any age. Nevertheless, we are comforted by 89 years of memories of a fulfilled life and strengthened by the support of our incredible community.
Regular readers of this newsletter know that I talk a lot about bipartisanship. Not only because I think it’s good politics, but because I believe that the only way to create sustainable solutions to the greatest challenges we face is by bringing people together across differing perspectives to work together towards common ground.
I want to begin by wishing everyone a Happy New Year! May 2023 by filled with health, happiness, and prosperity for our communities, our state and our country.
It’s hard to believe 2022 is coming to an end. Our office will be closed next week for the holidays, so this is my final newsletter of the year. That is assuming Congress passes legislation funding the government this week.
I am back in Washington this week, hopefully able to make progress towards passing several end of year priorities. The top issue for Congress is funding the government for Fiscal Year 2023 before the current funding extension expires on Friday.
I hope you had a good Thanksgiving and holiday weekend, whether here at home, or, like millions of other Americans, traveling around the country. I had a very nice, mostly quiet weekend at home with family. I did make time on Wednesday to visit with seniors in Waukegan and sailors at Naval Station Great Lakes to enjoy an early Thanksgiving meal.