Brad's Newsletter
Here at home, and around the world, we all still watch with horror as Vladimir Putin continues his unprovoked, genocidal assault on Ukraine. Over the weekend I attended two local vigils in solitarily with Ukraine, and everywhere I went, people asked me how we can help the Ukrainian people resist the Russian onslaught.
As I write this newsletter, President Biden has announced more sanctions against Russia, including a ban on Russian oil imports. More on that in a moment.
Let me start with sharing my solidarity with, and profound respect and sympathy for, the people of Ukraine. America and the world stand with the people of Ukraine.
First, I hope you had a nice Presidents Day weekend. I am actually writing to you this week from Jerusalem, where I am part of a congressional trip to Israel and the Palestinian territories. I will write more next week about what I am sure will be a remarkable trip.
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.
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 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.