Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Sue Malahy for winning the Golden Apple Award. Ms. Malahy is the first educator from downstate Illinois who has received this award.

Ms. Malahy serves as the Principal at Charles Lindbergh Middle School in Peoria, Illinois. Upon receiving the award, she was greeted in the school's gymnasium by golden balloons and singing middle school students to show their appreciation for her work and congratulate her on this outstanding achievement. Ms. Malahy as earned the admiration of her colleagues and students through her leadership. After five years with Ms. Malahy as principal, Lindbergh Middle School is known for having a positive culture for students and teachers to grow and support one another inside and outside of the classroom. One of the area where Ms. Malahy has led the way is helping teachers use data to recognize students' achievements. In addition, she has introduced programs for students to arrive early before school to study subjects such as algebra and Spanish. As a result of winning this award, her middle school will receive a prize to put towards enhancements at the school, while Ms. Malahy will use her prize to help prepare Illinois undergraduate students interested in pursuing a career in education. I applaud Ms. Malahy's successful efforts to make her school a better place to learn.

It is because of dedicated leaders such as Ms. Malahy that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate Ms. Malahy on winning the Golden Apple Award.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Gwen Tombergs for winning the Quad-Cities Athena Leadership Award for empowering and mentoring women throughout their careers. Ms. Tombergs is the first female president in the Southern Professional Hockey League for the Quad-City Storm.

The Quad-Cities Athena Awards were founded 14 years ago by a group of women focused on female leadership and gender diversity. Ms. Tombergs embodies the spirit of this award through her work in our community. She has had an outstanding career where she led the way and shaped the lives of women at places such as casinos, Lujack's, the Quad-City Times and the Quad-Cities Chamber of Commerce--culminating with the nomination for this distinguished award. However, Ms. Tombergs did not stop there--she has taken on multiple leadership roles within the Quad- City Thunder CBA Basketball Team, the Quad-City Sports Center, the New York Mets and now the Quad-City Storm hockey team. Ms. Tombergs has been a steadfast advocate for young women in the Quad-Cities region, and is an asset to our community. I am grateful for her leadership and wish her continued success in the future.

It is because of dedicated leaders like Ms. Tombergs that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate Gwen Tombergs for winning the Quad-Cities Athena Award and thank her for empowering women in everything she does.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Richard Seidler for his retirement from UnityPoint Health-Trinity as president and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Seidler has 37 years of leadership experience within the health care industry.

Mr. Seidler received his MBA and BBA from the University of Miami in Florida, and is Board Certified in Health Care Management. He is a Fellow in the American College of Health Care Administrators and received the Distinguished Service Award in 2011. Mr. Seidler's professional experience ranges from Assistant Administrator, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Executive Officer when he was in California. His vision and expertise have driven the success of facility mergers, managed care organizations, primary care group acquisitions, market share and referral increases, new partnerships with insurers and the development of comprehensive outpatient campuses and cardiovascular centers. Mr. Seidler came to Trinity and the Quad- Cities in 2010 following twelve years leading Allen Health System in Waterloo, Iowa. He also serves on several boards and has shown a continued dedication to the Quad-Cities community.

It is because of dedicated leaders such as Mr. Seidler that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate Mr. Seidler on his retirement and thank him for his service to the community.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize David Mingus for his retirement from the position of mayor in East Peoria, Illinois. Mayor Mingus has served as the mayor of East Peoria for 12 years.

Mayor Mingus' retirement from this position brings to an end a long chapter in his outstanding career in public service. As a certified counselor and social worker, Mayor Mingus has used his knowledge and expertise to better the East Peoria community. In addition to serving as the city's mayor, Mayor Mingus spent three terms on the City Council and served on the local School Board. Serving his community has always been a passion of Mayor Mingus' ever since he earned a master's degree in counseling and human development, and went on to begin a career in the mental health field. He served as director of Neighborhood House in Peoria, as well as CEO of the Tazwood Mental Health Board. I commend Mayor Mingus for all of his efforts to better the community of East Peoria and wish him well as he takes on new professional opportunities in his career.

It is because of dedicated leaders such as David Mingus that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate David Mingus on his retirement as mayor and thank him for his service to the community.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Paul Rumler for winning the Quad-Cities Male Champion of Change Award for his work as president and CEO of the Quad-Cities Chamber of Commerce.

The Quad-Cities Athena Awards are given to one woman and one man who are committed to gender diversity and empowering women in leadership. Under Mr. Rumler's leadership, 13 women have been hired or promoted within the Quad-Cities Chamber of Commerce, which was one of his top goals in the role. These efforts to make the organization more inclusive and, as a whole, more representative of our community. Mr. Rumler is dedicated to his work in the Quad-Cities region and is an asset to the community where he has fought for women's aspirations and goals. I commend Mr. Rumler for his work and look forward to seeing his future accomplishments.

It is because of dedicated leaders such as Paul Rumler that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate Paul Rumler for winning the Quad-Cities Male Champion of Change Award and thank him for empowering women in our community.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Susan Kuborn of Rockford for winning a gold medal at the 2019 Special Olympics World Games held in Abu Dhabi.

Susan Kuborn knew that this was a ``once-in-a-lifetime'' opportunity and she trained hard to win gold in the 1,500 meter run. Ms. Kuborn was one of only seven athletes from Illinois to compete at the Special Olympics World Games. As a former athlete, I appreciate the fortitude Ms. Kuborn displayed to achieve her dream of winning gold and commend her for her outstanding efforts. Ms. Kuborn is an example of the importance of dedication and a strong work ethic. I am proud there is such young talent in our community, and to see her represent Rockford not just here at home but throughout the world.

It is because of leaders such as Susan Kuborn that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate Susan Kuborn on her gold medal win at the Special Olympics World Games.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Peoria Players Theatre on its 100th anniversary. This milestone now makes the Peoria Players Theatre the oldest running regional theater in Illinois and fourth oldest in the nation.

The Peoria Players Theatre first got its start back in 1919, where it originally was called the Peoria Women's Club home. Prior to settling in their current location in Lakeview park, where they have been since 1957, the Peoria Players Theatre has put on shows in places like the abandoned fire station on Jackson Street to the local high school auditorium--all without missing a beat. Not once has the Peoria Players Theatre closed its doors throughout its 100-year history; instead, they just kept entertaining the people of Peoria with everything from original plays to musicals. Peoria is lucky to have the Peoria Players Theatre represent the community so well, and I cannot wait to see what local talent they produce over the next 100 years.

It is because of dedicated organizations such as the Peoria Players Theatre that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate the Peoria Players Theatre on its 100th anniversary.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize John Reid for his election into the National Academy of Engineering through his company, John Deere. Election to the Academy is among the highest professional distinctions accorded to an engineer, and Dr. Reid was elected for innovation in automation technologies for agricultural systems.

Membership in the National Academy of Engineering honors those who have made outstanding contributions to engineering, including significant contributions to the engineering literature and to the pioneering of new and developing fields of technology, advancements in traditional fields of engineering, or innovative approaches to engineering education. John Reid graduated from Virginia Tech with a bachelors and master's degree in agricultural engineering. He obtained his Ph.D. from Texas A&M in 1987. Dr. Reid is currently the Director of Product Technology & Innovation at John Deere, and is also a full professor at the University of Illinois at Urbana--Champaign. Dr. Reid has created several patents with the U.S. Patent Office in the years he has worked at John Deere. He is also on the board of several organizations in the Moline area.

It is because of dedicated leaders such as John Reid that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate John Reid for his acceptance into the National Academy of Engineering.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Johanna Hager for her work at the Braveheart Child Advocacy Center. Ms. Hager serves as a Diplomate Certified Practitioner and a Certified Child Forensic Interview Trainer who has done remarkable work.

Johanna Hager, a member of First Lutheran Church in Geneseo, is committed to assisting members of the community through her expertise in child trauma. Ms. Hager earned a master's degree in Marriage, Family and Child Therapy and has gone on to work closely with the National Association of Forensic Counseling and the American Academy of Certified Forensic Counselors. Ms. Hager actively assists the State Police on how they can best communicate with children who are affected by criminal investigations. She has also used her knowledge to support and aid adults, children, and families dealing with grief, trauma and recovery from child sexual abuse and severe physical abuse. In addition, Ms Hager has testified as an expert witness in many cases and has assisted with the establishment of a nationwide competency exam for Child Forensic Interviewers. Ms. Hager is an asset to the community and provides much-needed services for those she assists.

It is because of dedicated leaders such as Johanna Hager that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally honor Johanna Hager on her service to the community and thank her for all she does for those who are in need of assistance.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Debbie Simon on her retirement. She is the current Chief Executive Officer of UnityPoint Health.

Ms. Debbie Simon earned a bachelor's degree of nursing from the University of Illinois before beginning her outstanding career at Methodist Hospital. Ms. Simon then later pursued a master's degree in business administration from Bradley University before furthering her training and education by completing both the Wharton Nurse Executive Fellowship and Henry Crown Fellowship. With this extensive knowledge, Ms. Simon stood out as a leader at Methodist and eventually became the regional chief executive officer. In 2011, Methodist Hospital integrated with UnityPoint Health and she led the expansion further into central Illinois. Ms. Simon's leadership has contributed to major growth at Methodist College where over 600 students are pursuing degrees. In addition to her stellar career, Ms. Simon has taken the time to serve on many boards and is a fierce advocate for the health and wellbeing of the Peoria community. I wish her the best in her well- earned retirement and thank her for her many years of service.

It is because of dedicated leaders such as Debbie Simon that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate Debbie Simon on her retirement and thank her for her service to the Peoria community.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Logan Lee, a senior from Orion High School, who won the Illinois High School Association's Class 1A State Finals Wrestling Tournament. Lee completed a 21-1 season by securing a 7-5 decision over Tyler Elsbury of Byron.

Logan Lee captured the 285-pound state title in exciting fashion on the University of Illinois' campus. After conceding a controversial takedown to his opponent with only :54 seconds left in the match, Logan quickly escaped to even the match at 5 points apiece. With overtime approaching, Logan went on the offense, and showed great determination to secure the go-ahead takedown with only seconds left in the bout-- leaving his opponent next to no time to respond. As a former athlete, I appreciate the fortitude Logan displayed to achieve his dream of being a state champion and commend him for his efforts and attitude. Logan is an example of the importance of dedication and a strong work ethic. I am proud there is such young talent in our community, and to see him represent Orion so well throughout the state.

It is because of student leaders such as Logan that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate Logan Lee on his Class 1A State Finals title in wrestling.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Shaun Livingston for his willingness to invest in the Peoria community where he grew up. Mr. Livingston is a 31-year-old point guard for the National Basketball Association's Golden State Warriors.

Mr Livingston recently made a one-million-dollar donation to his elementary school, Concordia Lutheran School, in Peoria, Illinois. The veteran point guard's generosity will be put towards expanding the school. Specifically, the expansion will consist of a performance stage for band and theater, a renovated gym, new offices and locker rooms and a storm shelter. As a former athlete, I understand the amount of hard work and commitment it takes to have a career as successful as Mr Livingston's. I am grateful for his passion to give back to the community and am confident his selfless actions will help provide young students with the opportunity to succeed. His leadership demonstrates to kids everywhere that they too can follow their ambitions and reach their goals.

Dedicated leaders like Mr. Shaun Livingston make me especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally thank Mr. Shaun Livingston on his investment in the Peoria community, and commend him on his kindness and generosity.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Bradley University Men's Basketball Team on capturing the Missouri Valley Conference title, earning them a spot in the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament.

The Braves defeated Northern Iowa University in St. Louis by a score of 57-54 to capture an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament and finish off a stellar Missouri Valley Conference tournament. Bradley pulled off an outstanding comeback in the second half after trailing by as many as 18 points with only 17 minutes left in regulation. This title is the first the Braves won since 1988 and will be their first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2006, where they made a thrilling run to the Sweet Sixteen. As a former athlete, I understand the amount of hard work and commitment it takes to put together such an outstanding season. They are an example of the importance of dedication and a strong work ethic. I am proud there is such young talent in our community, and to see them represent Peoria so well throughout the state and country. I will be rooting them on in the NCAA Tournament and wish them continued success.

It is because of dedicated leaders such as the Bradley University Braves Men's Basketball Team that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate the Bradley University Braves Men's Basketball Team on their Missouri Valley Conference title, and wish them luck in the NCAA Tournament.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Danny Weiss for his service to Speaker Pelosi, to our House Democratic Caucus, and to our country.

Danny is one of the many staff members who has worked tirelessly for the people's House. He has never viewed his service on Capitol Hill as a temporary stint. This was his life's work and a true call to public service.

Most recently, as the Speaker said, I worked with Danny during my tenure as co-chair of the Democratic Policy and Communications Committee during the last session of Congress.

As then-Leader Pelosi's chief of staff, Danny helped our Caucus develop our For the People agenda to clean up corruption in Washington, lower healthcare costs, and rebuild our country through investments in our infrastructure. Developing this agenda was no easy task, and as anybody like Danny knows, it is just as hard to keep Members of Congress on message--I thought that was funny--but Danny tried his hardest.

With Danny's efforts and with his persistence, we were successful and gained a historic majority and a record number of women in the 116th session of Congress. To say that Danny was instrumental in our efforts would be an understatement.

His career will also be defined by his undying belief that this body and each and every one of us can make a difference in the lives of the people whom we serve. Danny knows that even amid the chaos and the sensational headlines, we all have the power to be a force of good in this world.

I would like to join my colleagues in thanking Danny Weiss for not just his years of service, but for always keeping his eye on the prize and on the purpose and for his dedication to this institution.

Madam Speaker, we are delivering a major victory for American families today, a victory for transparency, integrity, and accountability in our democracy.

I am proud to have helped introduce H.R. 1, the For the People Act, because, in every corner of Illinois, I hear from folks who are frustrated about politics. They are frustrated with the secret and dark money that enters politics; they are frustrated by the self-dealing in Washington; and they are frustrated by the culture of corruption that rewards the powerful while the voices of hardworking Americans are drowned out.

Our For the People Act will bring fundamental change to Washington. Our bill will end the dominance of big money in politics; it will ensure that elections are fair; and it will make sure Congress is working for the people instead of for themselves, banning Members from serving on corporate boards.

Our For the People Act will make it easier to vote.

Madam Speaker, the American people sent us here to clean up the mess in Washington. Today we are delivering on that promise.