Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize WHBF-TV for being named 2020 Medium Market TV Station of the Year by the Illinois Broadcasters Association.

The Illinois Broadcasters Association is the leading advocate for the broadcast industry in Illinois and is engaged in shaping public policy to create a positive legislative and regulatory environment for its members. They award TV stations who are the best at what they do, and they have named WHBF-TV the best of the medium market TV stations in Illinois. As a former journalist, I understand the importance of local media and the prestige carried by this award. I commend WHBF-TV for the work that they do to inform the public and create a positive work environment.

It is because of community leaders such as WHBF-TV that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate WHBF-TV for receiving the 2020 Medium Market TV Station of the Year Award.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate WRMJ for receiving the 2020 Small Market Station of the Year Award from the Illinois Broadcasters Association.

The Illinois Broadcasters Association is the leading advocate for the broadcast industry in Illinois and is engaged in shaping public policy to create a positive legislative and regulatory environment for its members. Through their Silver Dome Awards, the Illinois Broadcasters Association recognized WRMJ's broadcasting excellence in TV, distinguishing WRMJ as one the best of the small market TV stations in Illinois. This award is a well-deserved honor, and as a former journalist, I commend the hard work they do to keep the public informed.

I would also like to congratulate Jim Taylor, WRMJ's News & Sports Director, who received the Illinois Broadcasters Association's Best News Reporter and Best Sportscaster Award. His dedication and love for our community does not go unnoticed.

It is because of community leaders such as WRMJ that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate WRMJ for winning the 2020 Small Market Station of the Year Award.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the acquiring of the Carroll County Mirror-Democrat by Bob Watson on November 19, 1980. Bob's lifelong goal was to acquire and operate the Carroll County Mirror-Democrat because his father, Thomas A. Watson, and his mother, Grace, purchased the Mirror-Democrat in 1950 and ran it until 1962. The Watson family has been personally connected to the Carroll County Mirror-Democrat for 70 years.

Bob was raised in Mount Carroll, Illinois, and graduated from Mount Carroll High School in 1968. After earning a bachelor's degree in Journalism from Northern Illinois University in 1972, he spent eight years working for weekly and daily newspapers in Northwestern Illinois. Thomas Sr. and Grace Watson ran the Mirror-Democrat from 1950 until Thomas Sr. passed away in 1962. The newspaper was sold in 1963, and did not become available for purchase again until autumn of 1980, when Bob was able to acquire it. On April 1, 1990, he also purchased the Savanna Times-Journal. His wife, Paula, who is a retired grade-school teacher, and Bob are the co-publishers of the Mirror-Democrat. They are very proud of their son, Thomas R., who is a graduate of the College of Business at the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana and is employed by a large marketing and advertising company in Chicago. They maintain offices in downtown Mount Carroll and Savanna, publishing both weekly newspapers with a talented, veteran staff of four employees. As a former journalist, I admire their dedication to journalism and the determination they demonstrate across generations.

It is because of leaders such as Bob Watson that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate Bob Watson for 40 years of owning the Mirror-Democrat.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of the National Defense Authorization Act.

Just this week, I returned from a bipartisan congressional mission to the Middle East that underscored the importance of investing in our national security and, of course, in our men and women in uniform.

This year's bill is the most robust military authorization in the history of our country and includes a much-needed pay raise for our troops.

I was also proud to add support for the Rock Island Arsenal, which is in my district and has supported our men and women in the military going all the way back to the days of the Civil War.

My amendment would allow Army arsenals to approve leases for underused space and would require the Army to study how they can better market available space on military installations.

The House also approved my amendment to expand important leasing protections for Gold Star spouses and injured servicemembers.

Finally, I amended this bill to recognize cadet nurses as honorary veterans for their patriotic service in World War II.

That is why today I will proudly cast a ``yes'' vote for this National Defense Authorization Act.

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to clause 1, rule I, I demand a vote on agreeing to the Speaker's approval of the Journal.

Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Mr. Speaker, it is a fact that Russia, a foreign adversary, interfered in our election and even breached the voter database for the State of Illinois, my home State.

For the sake of our national security, this is an issue that must be addressed by the United States Congress because this isn't a Republican issue and it is not a Democratic issue. It is our duty as Americans and elected officials to protect our democracy.

That is why, this week, we will pass the Securing America's Federal Elections Act. Our bill would require voting machines to be manufactured in the United States of America. It would also make investments to secure our elections and prevent interference from foreign enemies in the future.

As Members of Congress, we take an oath to protect our Constitution and our democracy. I hope both Republicans and Democrats will come together to support this bill and secure our elections.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Illinois Marine Corps League on its 75th Annual Department of Illinois Convention. Congratulations for serving the United States Marine Corps in Illinois for 75 years.

The Marine Corps League was founded by Major General John A. LeJeune and has ever since been committed to upholding the ideals of the United States Marine Corps. Throughout the years, the League has provided a place for Marines to come together in the common bond they shared in service to our nation. The League also has the ability to bring together Marines who are currently serving with those who have been honorably discharged, making the group span across generations of leadership in the Marine Corps. It is my hope that this convention allows this group to celebrate the goals of the Marine Corps League and all they have accomplished in service to our nation.

It is because of dedicated community organizations such as the Illinois Marine Corps League that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate the Illinois Marine Corps League on its 75th Annual Department of Illinois Convention.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Quad Cities Vet Center on 40 years of assisting the veterans of this community. As a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, I'm committed to serving the men and women who've worn our country's uniform--making sure they have the resources they deserve and have earned.

The Quad Cities Vet Center was established in 1979 as a response to the lack of services that veterans received after the Vietnam War. Today, the center provides a wide range of social and psychological services, such as individual, group, marriage and family counseling. I am proud to represent a community that provides such essential services to veterans and their families, and I look forward to the continuation of their program. I join the Quad Cities community to celebrate this milestone and commend them on all of their efforts to improve the lives of those who have served our nation.

It is because of philanthropic services such as this that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate the Quad Cities Vet Center on their 40th Anniversary and all that they do to enrich our community.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Everett Whitcher for winning the Citizen of the Year Award through the Kewanee Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Whitcher's dedication to organizations in the Kewanee community is admirable.

Mr. Whitcher is a graduate of Wethersefield High School and went on to pursue his career in the grocery business. Since 1989, Mr. Whitcher has been the owner of the Super Value grocery store, which is now Save- A-Lot in Kewanee, Illinois. In 2015, Mr. Whitcher needed to keep up with the demands of the community so he moved his Kewanee store to a bigger location on South Main Street where he expanded his food and meat inventory. Mr. Whitcher is an active participant in the local community and has contributed a great deal to Kewanee's economy. In addition to running his business, he assists all the food pantries in Kewanee and donates pet food to the Humane Society. Mr. Whitcher has been an active member of the Kiwanis Club since 2007 and serves on the Board of Directors in a continued effort to give back to his neighbors. I admire Mr. Whitcher's service to the community and thank him for his many contributions as he accepts the Citizen of the Year Award.

It is because of community leaders like Mr. Whitcher that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate Everett Whitcher for winning the Citizen of the Year Award given by the Kewanee Chamber of Commerce.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Amber Patch- Troxell for winning the Meritorious Service Award through the Kewanee Chamber of Commerce. Ms. Patch-Troxell's dedication to the Kewanee community is admirable, and I commend her for winning this award.

Ms. Patch-Troxell graduated from Wethersfield High School in 1999 and went on to pursue a career in insurance. She has been with Farmers Insurance for 11 years, and is an asset to the Kewanee community. So much so that she has been recognized in the community already by receiving the Elks Club Citizen of the Year award and the Kewanee Park District's Child's Best Friend award. Ms. Patch-Troxell also started Patchy's Toy Drive and has provided Christmas gifts to children and teenagers in need in the community, while also providing a helping hand to families who are faced with loss due to fire or a medical emergency. Her fundraising events have become community happenings where her kindness and generosity have not gone unnoticed. I admire Mr. Whitcher's service to Kewanee and thank her for her many contributions to the community.

It is because of community leaders like Ms. Patch-Troxell that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate Amber Patch- Troxell for winning the Meritorious Service Award given by the Kewanee Chamber of Commerce.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Bradley University Speech Team on their victories at the American Forensics Association and National Forensic Association national tournaments. Bradley University is the only team to win a national championship every decade since 1980 and is one of the most winning teams in the country.

Bradley's Speech Team is an extremely accomplished program and impressively have now added two more national titles to their long list of championships. The program has also claimed more than 150 individual national champions and has served as a special place on campus for students to come together, tell stories and improve their communication skills along the way. The speech community unites students across the country and provides them with a community to share their passions and discuss topics important to them. I understand the amount of hard work and commitment to have a team as special as this. They are an example of how a strong work ethic and dedication can lead to victory. I am proud there is such young talent in our community, and to see them represent Peoria throughout the state and country. I look forward to following them as they continue their work and build skills that will last a lifetime.

It is because of dedicated leaders such as the Bradley University Speech Team that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate the Bradley University Speech Team on their victories at the American Forensics Association and National Forensic Association national tournaments.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Michael Allen for his promotion to National Chair of the Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA). Mr. Allen will rise from the position of Chief Financial Officer at OSF Health Care in Peoria, Illinois.

Mr. Allen began his career after earning an accounting degree from Illinois State University and a master's degree in healthcare administration from the University of Minnesota. Mr. Allen then went on to gain more than 25 years of experience in business and the healthcare industry--making him well qualified to take on this new role with the nation's largest membership organization for healthcare financial management executives and leaders. Leadership experience is something Mr. Allen gained in his 19 years as Chief Financial Officer for health systems and eight years in public accounting. Mr. Allen is no stranger to HFMA--he has been a member since 1993, and has chaired the Board of Examiners and served on the National Advisory Council. Mr. Allen will bring a new set of eyes to HFMA, having selected ``Dare You to Move'' as this year's theme to encourage members to get out of their comfort zone. I want to thank Mr. Allen for his work in healthcare and for his service to the Peoria community.

It is because of dedicated leaders like Michael Allen that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate Michael Allen on his promotion to National Chair of the Healthcare Financial Management Association.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Gaye Dunn for winning the Middle/Junior High School Counselor of the Year Award given by the Illinois School Counselors Association. Ms. Dunn will be retiring after 42 years in the education system and has been a school counselor in the East Moline School District for more than 25 years.

Ms. Dunn got her start at the University of Illinois and University of Kansas before going on to earn a master's degree in School Counseling from Eastern Illinois University. During the course of her career, Ms. Dunn has earned a reputation among her peers as a team player who will do anything to improve her community. Ms. Dunn dedicated herself to being a positive resource for the students of Glenview Middle School and someone they can turn to. The ``Builders Club'' was established by Ms. Dunn to fundraise and provide gifts to other students and families in the area. Additionally, she initiated GBAY, which operates in a similar concept to EBAY, where students donate and then bid for holiday presents for community members. Annual Career Fairs are also a tradition jumpstarted by Ms. Dunn and have even included visits by students to local nursing homes. Ms. Dunn is an asset to the East Moline community and her students, and I thank her for all of her tremendous work.

It is because of dedicated leaders like Ms. Dunn that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate Gaye Dunn for winning the Counselor of the Year Award.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Jail Hill Inn for winning first place in the Travelers' Choice Award for TripAdvisor in the United States and for being named second place globally for the bed-and-breakfast/inn category.

The brick building where Jail Hill Inn operates today has been around for 140 years and originally served as a jail until 1977. The Jail Hill Inn was lovingly restored and revitalized by its owner, Matthew Carroll, and has been a hotel for the last 17 years. The hotel has six luxurious rooms complete with a fireplace, wet bar, king-size bed, high-end linens and a Bluetooth-connected sound system. Those who stay in all six of the rooms are dubbed ``repeat offenders'' for their frequent visits to the inn. Galena's historic Main Street and downtown area are only a short walk away and provides guests with easy access to all Galena has to offer. I commend Matthew Carroll for creating an excellent stop for visitors hoping to catch a glimpse of some of the beauty our region has to offer and look forward to hearing about the Jail Hill Inn's future successes.

It is because of creative entrepreneurs like Matthew Carroll that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate the Jail Hill Inn for its rise to the top of TripAdvisor's Travelers' Choice Awards.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Jail Hill Inn for winning first place in the Travelers' Choice Award for TripAdvisor in the United States, and for being named second place globally for the bed-and-breakfast/inn category.

The brick building where Jail Hill Inn operates today has been around for 140 years and originally served as a jail until 1977. The Jail Hill Inn was lovingly restored and revitalized by its owner, Matthew Carroll, and has been a hotel for the last 17 years. The hotel has six luxurious rooms complete with a fireplace, wet bar, king-size bed, high-end linens and a Bluetooth-connected sound system. Those who stay in all six of the rooms are dubbed ``repeat offenders'' for their frequent visits to the inn. Galena's historic Main Street and downtown area are only a short walk away and provides guests with easy access to all Galena has to offer. I commend Matthew Carroll for creating an excellent stop for visitors hoping to catch a glimpse of some of the beauty our region has to offer and look forward to hearing about the Jail Hill Inn's future successes.

It is because of creative entrepreneurs like Matthew Carroll that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate the Jail Hill Inn for its rise to the top of TripAdvisor's Travelers' Choice Awards.