[This article marks the second article of the Young Forwardists’ "Watchdogs of Democracy" series, where we aim to educate the public and hold elected officials accountable by evaluating whether their actions align with the promises they made to their constituents]

A logical, bipartisan veteran of the House of Representatives - Brad Schenider (D-IL) has worked to reach across the aisle to his Republican counterparts over his 12 year congressional career. But, does he truly support the interest of his constituents?

Brad Schneider is a House Representative from the Tenth District of Illinois. Over his six terms as a representative, Schneider has co-sponsored 1,728 bills, yet only sponsored 191 bills - meaning he has only introduced 191 bills. The distinction in sponsored vs. co-sponsored is significant, as it does not take much effort for a representative to place their name on a bill - they could essentially make a phone call or write a singular email - but introducing a bill requires time, research, and expertise/constituent advocacy for subsequent implementation. Furthermore, when evaluating these ideas, it is important to understand that in a relative lens, while representatives as a whole may fail to introduce many bills, it is the desire of the constituency to enact significant change. 

Representative Schneider has introduced bills on various issues, ranging from taxation to healthcare over his tenure. Yet, over the past two sessions of Congress, while he has introduced some resolutions that promote American interests, Schneider has participated in extensive performative action - where he has introduced resolutions that denounce the actions of others (H.Res.68), and co-sponsored many bills to show his support for issues.

Inflation, Rising Prices & Jobs: C

Related Bills: HR 3729, HR 5350, HR 5350

On the campaign trail in 2022, and 2024, Schneider promised to continue to support small businesses through the House Committee for Small Business, economic growth through job creation, workforce development & training programs, R&D and Innovation, and modern infrastructure.

As prices fluctuate in America, the resolutions that Schneider has introduced have added benefits through aspects of social security while awarding grants and expanding training programs to offset job losses from the rise in AI - both crucial points of legislation that would significantly benefit Americans if passed.

Yet, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, food prices rose 1.7% in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin Region in 2024. In addition, homelessness is on the rise in Lake County, Illinois, a county that encompasses Schneider’s district. According to the Lake County Coalition for the Homeless, the county saw its highest number of homeless people since they began collecting data in 2009. Overall, these statistics show how despite Schneider’s efforts, there are many places that could better improve the lives of not just his constituency, but all Americans as well.

Gun Policy: A

Related Bills: HR 816, HR 817, HR 1097

On the campaign trail in 2022, and 2024, Schneider promised to reduce gun violence through enacting safe gun policy, like expanding background checks, restricting large capacity ammunition, and reinstating the Federal Assault Ban. Furthermore, given the Highland Park Shooting which occurred in Schneider’s County in 2023, Schneider has been active at work in regards to gun policy. In the last congressional session, he introduced a resolution that would expand requirements for gun-importers, manufacturers and dealers to secure their guns - which he tried to introduce during this congressional session  as well. Furthermore, last year he tried to improve the national criminal background check system, which added protections against giving guns before background checks are completed.

All this legislation fulfills his campaign promises, and works to help Lake County residents in his district - especially given the gun violence in towns such as Waukegan and North Chicago. 

Education: C

Related Bills: HR 3265, HR 4588, HR 10404, HR 10164

On the campaign trail in 2022 and 2024, Schneider promised investment in early-learning programs, supporting teachers and quality education for children across the US, creating shared learning standards that prepare youth for a competitive global economy, and reducing the price of higher education. 

Since the 118th congress, Schneider has introduced some legislation related to education. Specifically, he has presented tax credits for early educators and undergraduate grants to study abroad - but has failed to address students in the public school system (primary and secondary education) and the inequalities associated. Furthermore, he has introduced legislation in investing in teacher development but can improve on addressing teacher burnout and teacher shortages among other levels of education.

In Lake County, the massive geographical inequalities persist. According to the Illinois Report Card, 73.9 percent of math students in Stevenson High School met academic proficiency. Yet in Waukegan and Round Lake High School, two high schools that are located up north in the county, 6.5% and 7.8% of students met or exceeded the math academic proficiency, respectively. Overall, these data points show room for improvement in supporting students.

To conclude, it is important to underscore the fact that these issues should not be the sole focus of Congress; rather, these issues, as well as this series, should be utilized as a way to improve government representation by fulfilling the desires of its constituency.

Grade on Issues: B

Given these three crucial issues, Schneider has room for improvement in many issues like gun policy, but has room for improvement on a handful of promises to better represent Lake County - thus giving him a “B” in active representation of his constituents. He is very active, but once again can improve. To do so, Schneider can work on curbing the impacts of inflation through relief checks, and funding programs that help the homeless, among continuing to host roundtables to understand what needs to be done. Overall, while the end of Schneider’s congressional career isn’t visible in the near future, he may have put in the work but he still has much work left to do.