Rep. Elect Brad Schneider (D-Deerfield) may be the only member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee from Illinois after being appointed to the panel today by House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), according to a news release from her office.
Unless the Republicans appoint a representative not currently on the committee, Schneider will be Illinois’s only representation on the panel. Rep. Don Manzullo (R-Rockford) is currently a member but will not be returning for another term in January.
Earlier: Schneider Beats Dold in 10th District Race
Working on foreign relations with members of Congress is nothing new to Schneider. As a member of New Leadership Network of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (Aipac) 12 years ago, his lobbying led to a change of opinion by then Rep. Barron Hill (D-IN). Schneider continues to understand the importance of international relations.
"In an increasingly complex world, sound foreign policy is a critical component in securing our long-term prosperity and security,” Schneider said in an email to Patch today. “Global affairs and U.S. leadership in the world are of particular interest to the residents of the 10th District.”
Schneider also sees membership on this committee as a way to continue to a path he has followed since college. “In addition to addressing other pertinent foreign policy, I look forward to continuing my advocacy for a strong U.S.-Israel relationship,” he said.
More than anything, Schneider is ready to begin representing the citizens of the 10th District Jan. 3. “I’m eager to begin working with my colleagues on tackling the challenges our country faces, especially strengthening our economy, helping our small businesses grow, and securing the opportunities for the next generation," he said.