Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise to reflect upon a decade of service in Congress.

Mr. Speaker, 10 years ago, when I was first elected, I jotted down a list of goals that I hoped I would accomplish while serving the 17th Congressional District of Illinois.

As I was cleaning my office recently, I ran across that list again. A window into what I was thinking before I was even first sworn into office.

On that list: to build an exceptional constituent service program; to secure generous Federal funding and support local projects; and to develop innovative and practical solutions to the real problems that people face every day.

Reading it, I realized I never lost sight of what I came to Washington to do.

Goal number one: to serve the people in central, northern, and northwestern Illinois. That is why I was so proud when my team was honored as the top Democratic office for constituent services in Congress.

Goal number two: to deliver funding to help our communities.

Well, in 2021, I was the top House Democrat in bringing home Federal community project funding.

And goal number three: to listen to the people I serve and focus on solutions, such as when I helped pass two farm bills and prepare for a third; helped pass two surface transportation packages; wrote, passed, and saw enacted groundbreaking legislation to restore the rights of sexual assault and harassment survivors; and worked across the aisle to secure the largest investment in the Mississippi River since the Great Depression.

Each of these accomplishments speaks to who I have always looked out for: our family farmers, and the nearly 10,000 family farms that I represent. They are why I served on the House Agriculture Committee every year since I have been in Congress;

Our 90,000 labor households: That is why I fought to make sure that we pass bipartisan, once-in-a-generational investment in rebuilding our infrastructure;

And our working men and women: the people I met at every supermarket Saturday who took a moment to chat in the grocery store aisles;

And during 120 Cheri on shifts, which is what we call our own version of job shadowing. During my Cheri on shifts, I was a baker, a cattle auctioneer, a tow boat operator, and I even drove a Zamboni.

Every Cheri on shift gave me a firsthand view of how hard people worked to support their families and what they need from us here in Washington.

Like when Sarah Miller in Galesburg, Illinois, reached out to me. The mother of two young children, Sarah's drinking water had lead in it, but in order for her to afford to fix it, she would have had to drop out of nursing school. So I helped the city secure $4 million in grants, and Sarah became one of several hundred families to have their solid lead water pipes replaced.

This is a picture of me working on replacing water pipes.

Listening to the stories of the people I serve has helped guide the work that I have done in Congress, but no one succeeds alone. Everything I have accomplished has been with the help and support of others, so I would like to say thanks.

Thanks to those who taught me what it means to lead. To Majority Leader Steny Hoyer who has always been a true friend; to Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who proved that even while navigating treacherous waters, we never have to lose our way; and to my mentor, Senator Dick Durbin, without whom I would not be standing here today.

When I was first elected, I was told it wasn't possible to make friends in Washington, but I was lucky enough to find a group of truly best friends here. Thank you to the pink ladies: Congresswomen Lois Frankel, Grace Meng, Ann Kuster, Julia Brownley, and our whip-elect, Katherine Clark, who are truly outstanding leaders for our Nation.

Thank you to everyone who has been part of Team Bustos over the years; and to the most important part of my team, my family: My sister, Lynn; our three sons, Tony, Nick, and Joey; our daughters-in-law; and grandchildren.

Our families don't sign up for the long hours and missed birthdays, but I have had their support every step of the way.

And thank you most to my husband, Gerry. Gerry and I first met when he was a rookie police officer and I was a rookie police reporter.

Two weeks ago, he retired after almost 40 years in law enforcement as the sheriff of Rock Island County. He has stood by me all of these years.

Finally, I say thank you to the people of the 17th Congressional District of Illinois. I am humbled that for a decade you put your faith in me. Thank you.

I have been honored to be your voice here in Washington.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to thank Team Bustos. Every Member of Congress knows that the real work is done by staff.

Those with me from day one are: Lucie VanHecke, Miranda French, Ellie LaBotte, and Katie Papa.

Our dedicated and determined district team include: Laura Rude, Dennis Littlejohn, Austin Stadelman, and Coburn Gillies.

The legislative team that makes our accomplishments possible are: Elaine Ansah, Noah Emanuel, Jon Heppen, Yusuf Nekzad, and Leighton Huch.

The communications team that makes sure everyone back home knows we are working for them are: Katie Anderson, Philip Shelly, and Heather Sager.

The person who keeps the train on its tracks is Mitchell Dunn.

My chief of staff who has helped me complete 10 years of service is Trevor Reuschel.

Because of each of them and those who have served on Team Bustos over the years, peoples' lives are better, and Illinois is stronger. It has been my honor to serve with them.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize D H Brown's in Springfield, Illinois, for bringing Illinoisans together for decades.

An iconic downtown establishment located in former President Abraham Lincoln's hometown, D H Brown's caters to patrons from every walk of life. It is a staple in Central Illinois, and a gathering place for individuals to engage in thoughtful discussion on how to strengthen communities throughout the state. While the Illinois General Assembly is in session, it is not uncommon to see state legislators from both parties frequenting D H Brown's, talking directly with constituents and other Illinoisans alike. Owned by Alex Preston, it is a vital fixture that helps to embody the culture of Springfield. I'm confident that D H Brown's will continue to contribute to this deep political heritage for many years to come.

It is because of Illinois' quintessential establishments like D H Brown's that I am especially proud to serve in Congress. Madam Speaker, I would like to, again, formally honor D H Brown's in Springfield for their decades of service to Illinoisans.

Madam Speaker, I rise to strongly support the Speak Out Act. It is carried by my dear friend and colleague, Congresswoman Lois Frankel.

Madam Speaker, I want to talk to you about why this is so important. Eight months ago, I stood in this Chamber to speak about my bill to expand the rights of sexual assault and sexual harassment survivors to seek justice.

I wrote a bill that is now law after reading the haunting stories of the thousands of women from a company called Sterling Incorporated, the parent company of Kay and Jared Jewelers. Each story was more disturbing than the one before it: managers demanding sexual acts in exchange for employment benefits and company events where women were expected to undress publicly. In one story, a former employee attended an overnight meeting where she woke up with her underwear pushed to her ankles and her manager raping her.

All of this stayed quiet, in secret for years all because of a few words that are hidden away in legal language filed alongside other forms and filled out as part of employment paperwork.

The women at Sterling Incorporated were silenced by forced arbitration clauses that prevented them from seeking justice in a court of law. But we know that these aren't the first nightmare stories that we have heard, and they won't be the last.

For way too long, the sinister culture of silence has protected predators and has shamed survivors. But as the saying goes, sunshine is the best disinfectant. The one way to dismantle this culture of silence is to let the voices and

the stories of the survivors be heard because those stories are powerful.

Survivors' stories launched the #MeToo movement. Survivors' stories inspired my bill to end forced arbitration and today's bill, and it will be those stories that will continue to bring change.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to stand on the right side of history and support the Speak Out Act.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Rock Island Public Library on its 150th year of serving residents of Rock Island, Illinois, and the Quad-Cities region.

Founded on November 25, 1872, upon the passage of the Illinois Library Act, the Rock Island Public Library has been a core institution and forum for learning for all to utilize and enjoy. This crucial public resource prides itself on its longevity and positive impact on its surroundings, and it has always helped to connect residents to information, services, events and each other. The renewed commitment of the Rock Island Public Library to offer equitable access to facilities and vibrant spaces where all are welcome, as well as a mandate to foster lifelong learning and education, aids in driving innovation across our region. It is a valuable member of Illinois' exemplary public library system.

It is because of vital pillars of the community, such as the Rock Island Public Library, that I am especially proud to represent Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again, formally recognize the Rock Island Public Library on its 150th anniversary.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Lissa Druss for being named Woman of the Year by Enterprising Women Magazine.

For more than 30 years, Lissa has established a powerful reputation as a highly seasoned communications strategist, crisis management leader, nine-time Emmy award-winning television journalist, media consultant, guest lecturer and client advisor. In her role as a consultant, she specializes in government affairs, crisis communications, municipal relations, media relations/training, corporate communications, communications strategy and social media.

During the 1990s, Lissa covered headline stories including the Persian Gulf War, the Oklahoma City bombing, the O.J. Simpson murder trial and the Chicago Bulls championships. Her clients include companies of all sizes, celebrities, municipalities and law enforcement agencies across the United States and, in some cases, the world. She has written and produced for news, entertainment and sports. She spent 21 years with CBS Television both in Chicago and Los Angeles and served as the executive producer, launching the Comcast SportsNet network in Chicago, San Francisco, Boston, and New York, winning her the 2009 Chicago Journalism Award in Sports.

In addition to this accomplishment as Woman of the Year, Lissa has been the recipient of the National 2019 Professional Women in Advocacy Award and the 2016 Filipo Mazzei Award for Excellence in Public Affairs. In 2018, she received one of the highest honors from the Italian government, the Knight of the Order of the Star of ltaly, bestowed upon her by the President of the Italian Republic.

Madam Speaker, I would like to again, formally recognize Lissa Druss for being named Woman of the Year by Enterprising Women Magazine.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Michelle Ball from Galena, Illinois, for her efforts in aiding our Afghan allies in a time of crisis.

Michelle is currently a graduate student at the Fletcher School of International Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University and has held a leadership role in the counter terrorism working group at Fletcher. Formerly, she was an intern for the Jamaican consulate, the Bureau of Oceans International, Environmental and Scientific Affairs at the U.S. Department of State. Michelle later volunteered with Syrian refugees for a nongovernmental organization in Jordan for a total of 350 hours. Prior to her education at Fletcher, she graduated from North Park University.

Upon the collapse of the Afghan government in August of 2021, Michelle immediately sprang into action, assisting the Fletcher Afghanistan Evacuation & Resettlement Working Group's founder Lark Escobar in registering hundreds of Afghans for evacuation. During the course of these efforts, Michelle's brother, who was stationed in COP Charkh in Logar Province, mentioned that his interpreter had contacted him for help evacuating from Afghanistan. Michelle helped prepare his evacuation applications and compiled all the necessary components of his visa for the Department of State vetting. This interpreter had been wounded in combat by the Taliban while supporting Michelle's brother in their duties and has successfully been relocated out of Afghanistan, in addition to his wife and 9 children. These people will now have a safe future because of Michelle. She has saved 11 lives and aided countless others.

It is because of the leadership displayed by Ms. Ball that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again, formally recognize Michelle Ball for her selfless efforts to aid and find safety for our Afghan allies in danger.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate and recognize the work of Laura Rude, my former Senior Constituent Services Advocate in Rock Island, Illinois.

Laura has given nine years of dedicated service to the communities that make up Illinois' 17th Congressional District. She oversees our Congressional Record program, where she writes and edits submissions, and has nearly doubled our output per year during our final term in Congress. Laura has also written over 3,000 congratulations letters to constituents on my behalf. During her time in our office, Laura successfully closed over 2,500 cases, encompassing every single type of casework and working with every federal agency. She is truly a jack of all trades.

Laura, who received her Master's Degree in Social Work from Illinois State University, is truly the ``do-it-all'' caseworker. She is profoundly kind and understanding when assisting constituents, and has handled every type of miscellaneous case that others would consider out-of-the-box or difficult. One of her most memorable cases was assisting Laura Thomsen, who contacted our office because she was approved for Social Security Disability Insurance in November 2021, and had waited past the 120-day wait period to receive her benefits. Laura swiftly contacted the Social Security Administration on Ms. Thomsen's behalf and kept her updated on the case. Finally, on July 14, 2022, the Social Security Administration released the $71,317.81 in backpay that was owed to Ms. Thomsen. This is a lifechanging amount of money for anyone, let alone someone who was unable to work due to a disability. Without a doubt, Laura has made a significant difference in the lives of countless constituents.

It is because of kind and dedicated leaders such as my former Senior Constituent Services Advocate, Laura Rude, that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to, again, formally celebrate the exceptional work of Laura Rude.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Chief Jeff Yerkey, who is retiring from the Rock Island Fire Department after 33 years of service.

Chief Yerkey first joined the Rock Island Fire Department in 1990, appointed as a firefighter paramedic. Exercising diligence and initiative throughout his tenure, Chief Yerkey

helped found the Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedic program in 1991, a core unit still in place today. His honorable stewardship to his community earned him a promotion to lieutenant in 2000. As he continued to set an example of excellence among his peers, he was elevated to Captain in 2006, then Battalion Chief in 2008. His innovative approach to protecting and serving his neighbors was unrelenting in every respect. Two years later, he was promoted to Assistant Fire Chief, where his experience was an asset to boosting public safety. On April 4, 2016, he ascended to Fire Chief, a role he carried out with rare courage, dedication and spirit. Always committed to bettering his city, he took on the additional role of Assistant City Manager in July 2021. Chief Yerkey's contributions to the City of Rock Island are deeply admirable. His impact on our region will be remembered for generations to come.

It is because of heroic and determined leaders such as Chief Yerkey that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to, again, formally recognize Rock Island Fire Department Chief Jeff Yerkey on his retirement and thank him for his 33 years of service to our community.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate and recognize the work of Ellie LaBotte, my former Director of Casework and Constituent Services in Rock Island, Illinois.

Ellie was the very first intern to be hired in my district office, and due to her exceptional work, was hired as a Constituent Advocate before she even graduated college. She quickly moved up to Senior Constituent Advocate and was later promoted to Director of Constituent Services. In our office Ellie handled Veterans and Department of Defense casework, and was instrumental in identifying issues with the Department of Veterans Affairs on the ground. She also ran our robust intern program in Illinois, maintaining strong ties to many former interns and assisting them in their future careers.

Ellie was responsible for getting military medals for many constituents. However, the one that meant the most to her and was a major casework achievement, was getting a Prisoner of War Medal for Richard Holmquist, who earned this during his service in the Korean War, and had previously fought in World War II. I had the great pleasure of presenting the award to his son, Paul Holmquist, during a prominent medals ceremony with participation from the Deputy Commanding General of First Army at the Rock Island Arsenal. During her time in the office, Ellie successfully closed nearly 2,000 cases and has made a significant difference in the lives of countless constituents.

It is because of dedicated and impactful leaders such as my former Director of Casework and Constituent Services, Ellie LaBotte, that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to, again, formally celebrate the amazing work of Ellie LaBotte.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Huckleberry's Pizza in Rock Island, Illinois for having provided excellent customer service, delicious pizza and calzones and lasting memories to residents of the Quad Cities community for 30 years.

Located in downtown Rock Island, Huckleberry's Pizza has been a staple in the Quad Cities region since it opened. The restaurant's owner, Jon Keim, has been instrumental in growing the popular eatery into what it is today. He purchased the restaurant's current building three decades ago, and despite it not originally being a restaurant, he built a kitchen, knocked down interior walls, and worked tirelessly to make his vision a reality. As it continued to grow, so did his dedication to his business and his desire to forge a dining environment that would unify the region. When the COVID-19 pandemic and ensuing labor shortage challenged small businesses like Huckleberry's Pizza, it forced the iconic dining room to close. But once again, Mr. Keim did not relent. Thirty years later, his restaurant is still serving customers. I look forward to Huckleberry's Pizza's continued presence in downtown Rock Island for many years to come.

It is because of seminal establishments such as Huckleberry's Pizza that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to, again, formally congratulate Huckleberry's Pizza in Rock Island for their contributions to the Quad Cities community for over 30 years.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Lieutenant General Steve Gilland on having taken command as the 61st Superintendent in the history of the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, New York.

Born in Rock Island and a graduate of Sherrard High School, LT GEN Gilland earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the U.S. Military Academy and later, a Master's degree in military operational art and science from the Air Force's Air Command and Staff College. He was commissioned from West Point in 1990, which marked the official start of his service in the U.S. Army. Since then, LT GEN Gilland has deployed numerous times and supported multiple operations across the Middle East and Northern Africa. Most recently, he was the Deputy Commander of III Corps at Fort Hood in Texas from July 2021, until June 2022. LT GEN Gilland has received many awards and decorations throughout his service including the Army Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal with V Device, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Military Free Fall Jumpmaster Badge, and the Combat Infantryman's Badge. He was confirmed for promotion to Lieutenant General in June 2022. On June 27, 2022, he assumed his duties as Superintendent of the U.S. Military Academy. LT GEN Steve Gilland is a hero and will perform admirably in his new capacity.

It is because of honorable and dedicated leaders such as LT GEN Steve Gilland of the U.S. Military Academy that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to, again, formally congratulate him as the newest Superintendent of the U.S. Military Academy.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Candice Diduch for winning a national wrestling title.

Candice Diduch was one of 15 qualifiers from Illinois with the opportunity to compete at the national tournament to become a national champion in girls wrestling. Candice went 10-1 at a 10-day national tournament in Fargo, North Dakota, making her one of the top female wrestlers in the nation. With her exceptional athleticism, Candice Diduch is one of three girls' IHSA state champions from the Freeport area that qualified for nationals, along with 11 boys from the region. Candice is known for being competitive and has made a name for herself in two sports. She started on Freeport's girls' soccer team in her first year, helping the Pretzels win NIC-10 and Regional Championships. Now she is the 16U U.S. Nationals women's freestyle champion. As a former athlete, I applaud Candice for her accomplishments and skills in athletics. I commend her talent and dedication to her sport and I am proud to see her achieve such an esteemed title.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to congratulate Candice Diduch for winning a national title for women's wrestling. I am proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District and incredibly pleased to recognize the hard work of hard-working athletes like Candice.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Dougal Nelson for receiving the Karl Flemke Pioneer Achievement Award for his work with Junior Achievement of the Heartland through Junior Achievement USA.

Mr. Nelson was very honored to win this award, which is given to first-time presidents of Junior Achievement organizations throughout the country with between 2 and 6 years of service in their role. Nelson was among five others nominated. Junior Achievement of the Heartland, a member of the global JA network, has been serving young people in the Quad-Cities and surrounding areas for 66 years--equipping them with the skillset and mindset to create sustainable businesses, find meaningful employment, and build thriving communities. Mr. Nelson exemplifies the mission statement of Junior Achievement of the Heartland, which is to ``inspire and prepare young people to succeed.'' As CEO, Mr. Nelson believes it is his job to put the right people in the right places to help children succeed and says that his staff and the community are to thank for him receiving this award. Because of his strong leadership, he was able to build a culture of trust within the organization and make a big difference for youth in the community. I commend Mr. Nelson for his resolve to help the youth in the Quad Cities and surrounding areas.

It is because of strong community leaders such as Dougal Nelson that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate Dougal Nelson for winning the Junior Achievement organization's Karl Flemke Pioneer Achievement Award.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Corporal Nathan Carlson, who tragically passed away during an Osprey crash on June 8, 2022, along with four other Marines.

Corporal Nathan Carlson was born in Rockford, Illinois and graduated from Harlem High School in 2019, where he was captain of the swim team. Upon graduation, he followed his dream and enlisted in the Marine Corps, like his father before him, and attended boot camp at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego. He graduated in August of 2019 and officially earned the title of marine. After a year of additional training, he reported to Marine Air Group 39, specifically Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 364, in September of 2020. It was here that he was promoted to the rank of Corporal and served as a leader in the Flight Line Division, both as a Basic Instructor Crew Chief and Plane Captain. In April 2021, he deployed to Al-Jaber Air Base in Kuwait, followed by Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia. Upon his return, he married the love of his life, Emily. He continued to train to become a Low Altitude Tactics Instructor, Night Systems Instructor, Tail Gunnery Instructor, as well as a Collateral Duty Inspector. Corporal Carlson amassed over 500 total flight-hours and over 70 combat-hours while at Squadron 364. Corporal Carlson was described as someone who always wanted to help others. My condolences go out to his wife Emily, his parents Karry and Eric, his sisters Casey and Mylee and the rest of the Carlson family.

It is because of the selfless character displayed by Corporal Carlson that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again, formally recognize Corporal Nathan Carlson for his honorable service to our country.