Kendall County Times

Illinois state Sen. Jim Oberweis (R-Sugar Grove) is challenging his 2020 opponent in the 14th Congressional District, U.S. Rep. Lauren Underwood (D-Naperville), to take a stand for veterans.

Oberweis is urging Underwood to publicly support House Resolution 96, which would guarantee dental care for veterans by designating it as being the same as any other medical coverage.

“Sometimes it seems like the only people Underwood wants to help are illegal immigrants,” Oberweis said in a press release of his opponent, who also sits on the Veterans Affairs Committee. “Anyone who has a plan to provide taxpayer benefits to illegal immigrants, Underwood is right there lending her support. But when it comes to helping our nation’s veterans she is nowhere to be found.”

U.S. Rep. Lauren Underwood (D-Naperville)

Oberweis previously blasted Underwood over her support for the creation of a digital medical records system designed for illegal immigrants. The U.S. Border Patrols Medical Screening Standards Act requires implementation of an Electronic Health Records (EHR) system for all immigrants attempting to enter the country at the U.S. border.

As for HR 96, thus far 62 co-sponsors have joined in support of the bill, with Oberweis insisting that he plans to file a joint resolution of support in the Illinois Senate.

“Dental care is important to people’s overall health and it makes sense to provide dental benefits to our veterans,” he said. “We have an obligation to take care of the health needs of our veterans and fulfilling that obligation is a top priority for me.”

Oberweis is part of a crowded Republican primary field that also includes state Sen. Sue Rezin (R-Morris) and former Kendall County Republican Chairman James Marter.

Currently in his sixth year in Springfield, Oberweis serves on the House Appropriations, Labor and Commerce, and Environment and Public Health committees. His 25th District includes portions of St. Charles, Geneva, Batavia, Elburn, Sugar Grove, Aurora and North Aurora.