Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Raymond Torres for being a recipient of the Illinois Bicentennial Honor 200 campaign. The award is given by the Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs and the Illinois Bicentennial Office to honor veterans who have given back to their communities after their service.

From Sterling, Illinois, Mr. Torres honorably served our nation in the Vietnam War, where he was wounded in the battle of Khe Sanh. Upon his return, Mr. Torres developed Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and has since made it his mission to help others who have gone through similar experiences. In 2015, I had the privilege of meeting Mr. Torres and his family in my Rock Island Office where I presented him with service medals he had not previously received. Mr. Torres' honors consist of a Purple Heart, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Presidential Unit Citation and a Combat Action Ribbon. It is fitting that Mr. Torres is honored for both his past and present service to our state and our nation, as Illinois celebrates its 200th birthday. His service is exemplary and I am humbled to have had the opportunity to meet him.

It is because of dedicated leaders such as Mr. Raymond Torres that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate Mr. Torres for receiving this honor and thank him for all he does for veterans in our communities.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize John David, who is retiring from Moline, Illinois' TV station, WQAD. Mr. David has been reporting for 29 years at WQAD and has become an integral part of the Quad Cities community.

Mr. David grew up in Southern California, where he began his broadcasting career at age 16 for KCSN-FM. He graduated cum laude from Occidental College in Los Angeles with degrees in Political Science and Theater Arts and Rhetoric. He then went on to receive a Master's degree in Broadcast Journalism with distinction from Northwestern University. Mr. David is best known for reporting on the rise and fall of American manufacturing and its toll on the workforce. His documentary, ``Where Did the Jobs Go?'' received the 2006 Regional RTNDA Edward R. Murrow Award for a news documentary. As a former reporter, I understand the demands of this work and thank David for his commitment to informing our community.

It is because of dedicated community leaders such as Mr. David that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Mr. Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate Mr. David on his well-earned retirement and thank him for all of his contributions and service to our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Margo Price, who has been nominated for a 2019 Grammy Award for Best New Artst. Ms. Price is a talented country musician and I would like to congratulate her on this achievement.

Ms. Price grew up in Aledo, Illinois, where she played piano and sang in church choir before studying dance and theater at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, Illinois. At age 20, she moved to Nashville where she worked a number of jobs while pursuing her music career. She and her husband, Jeremy Ivey, were part of the band ``Secret Handshake'' before they started ``Buffalo Clover'' and ``Margo and the Pricetags.'' Ms. Price has been on Saturday Night Live and her music was featured on the show ``Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown.'' Her first album, ``Midwest Farmer's Daughter,'' went to number 10 on the U.S. Country chart and her second album, ``All American Made,'' went to number 12 on the U.S. Country chart.

It is because of talented artists such as Ms. Price that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Mr. Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate Ms. Price on her Grammy nomination and her commitment to making music for so many fans to enjoy across the country.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Tom Connaughton, who is retiring from Cook Medical Group in Canton, Illinois. Mr. Connaughton served as Vice President of Government Affairs for Cook Medical Group for 15 years, and has had a stellar career in public service.

Mr. Connaughton served as a staff member for Senator Birch Bayh for many years. He began working for Sen. Bayh in 1969, and in 1970, was called to active duty in Vietnam as a captain in military intelligence, where he was awarded a Bronze Star. He returned to Sen. Bayh's staff in 1974, where he served as Counsel to the Senate Judiciary Committee. He then served as Issues Director for Sen. Bayh's reelection campaign in 1974 and presidential campaign in 1976. Mr. Connaughton moved to Sen. Bayh's personal staff in 1978 taking on the position of Legislative Director, and later becoming an Administrative Director from 1979 to 1980. After leaving Sen. Bayh's staff, Mr. Connaughton became a founding partner and managing partner of Bayh, Connaughton, and Stewart. From 2000 to 2003 Mr. Connaughton was the President of the American Association for Homecare, and from 2003 to 2018 he served as the Vice President of Government Affairs for Cook Group. I commend Mr. Connaughton on an outstanding career of public service and wish him the best as he begins to enjoy a well-earned retirement.

It is because of dedicated leaders such as Mr. Tom Connaughton that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th District. Mr. Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate Mr. Tom Connaughton for an exceptional career and thank him for all of his contributions and service to the community of Canton.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Gary Perinar who is being honored with the George Meany Award in recognition of his incredible contributions to the community and the working families of union trades. Mr. Perinar currently serves as executive secretary- treasurer of the Chicago Regional Council of Carpenters, which consists of more than 30,000 workers pursuing careers in the trades.

Mr. Perinar completed his apprenticeship with the Carpenters Local 174 before going on to become a 40-year member as a third-generation business representative of the union. During Mr. Perinar's stellar career he has taken on multiple roles, such as becoming a full-time business representative at the age of 32 and then assistant to the president. In addition, Mr. Perinar performed multiple leadership roles on various committees and boards while serving as both a vice president and a delegate on the Regional Council. Under the leadership of Mr. Perinar, an emphasis was placed on both character and skills development in order to embody responsible citizenship. Mr. Perinar recognizes the investment that must be made in young people looking to build a career in the trades and I would like to congratulate him on all his efforts and accomplishments.

It is because of dedicated leaders such as Mr. Gary Perinar that I am especially proud to serve Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate Mr. Gary Perinar on earning the George Meany Award for his exceptional service and thank him for all his contributions to the community.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from New York for yielding me time. I appreciate it.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of my bipartisan bill, the All- American Flag Act. This commonsense legislation will require all American flags purchased by the Federal Government to be made entirely in the United States from materials grown or manufactured in the United States.

The idea for this bill came to me when I was sitting down and talking with a Vietnam vet. We were at a VFW hall, and he pointed to the corner, saw an American flag there, and said: Do you know that the American flag can be made in China?

I was very surprised that that could even happen. I will never forget when he looked at me and said: ``I didn't fight for China. I fought for the USA.''

I later learned that, in 2015 alone, taxpayers footed the bill to import American flags to the tune of $4.4 million, $4 million of which went straight to China.

Since that conversation, I have worked with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to require the Department of Defense to purchase 100 percent American-made flags. With the support of my colleagues today, we can ensure that all American flags purchased with taxpayer money are 100 percent American made.

There is no reason that the symbol of our Nation, our freedoms, and our values, proudly worn on the sleeves of our American soldiers or displayed right here, like right behind me, in our Nation's Capitol should be manufactured anywhere but in the United States of America.

By purchasing flags made on American soil, we can ensure that the symbol of our Nation is preserved, while supporting American jobs and manufacturing.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Sterling High School Golden Warriors for earning the Class 3A title for the Illinois State Championship in volleyball.

Claiming a state title is something to be proud of and I would like to recognize them for their tremendous accomplishment. Their dedication and passion for their sport meant that they were determined to win gold. As a former athlete, I understand the amount of hard work and commitment to be awarded such a title. 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 Sterling throughout the state.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate the Sterling High School Golden Warriors Volleyball Team on their title, and I join the rest of the community in wishing them every success in the future.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Marcus Smith, from Winnebago High School, for earning the Class 1A title for the Illinois State Championship in golf.

I would like to recognize Mr. Smith for his tremendous accomplishment. His dedication and passion for golf meant that he was determined to win gold. As a former athlete, I understand the amount of hard work and commitment to be awarded such a title. He 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 Winnebago throughout the state.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate Marcus Smith on his title, and I join the rest of the community in wishing him every success in the future.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize all of our rural hospitals on National Rural Health Day. Small towns and rural communities across our country face unique obstacles, and access to affordable quality care is one of them.

Our doctors, nurses, and other rural hospital employees work tirelessly to help patients overcome many of the health care challenges they face on a daily basis, including limited access to primary care providers and specialists. Additionally, rural hospitals face larger financial barriers. That is why I have continually fought for Medicare and The Affordable Care Act which are critical lifelines for rural patients and providers. Medicaid expansion alone has provided nearly 1.7 million additional rural Americans with access to care.

As an advocate for rural America, I have also helped to overcome these obstacles by expanding broadband access and removing barriers to telehealth that have the ability to provide 21st century care. I introduced the Special Registration for Telemedicine Clarification Act with my colleague Congressman Buddy Carter. I was proud to see our common sense provision signed into law that will provide more treatment options to rural communities through telemedicine.

On National Rural Health Day, it is important that we take a moment to thank those who serve our nation in rural hospitals and provide access to quality health care. I look forward to working with my colleagues to provide the resources necessary to ensure the health of rural America is never left behind.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Whitey's Ice Cream from the Quad Cities for placing first with their ice cream sandwiches at the National Dairy Expo. Whitey's Ice Cream has been serving Illinois since 1933, and has a large following in our Congressional district.

Whitey's Ice Cream was founded and owned by Chester ``Whitey'' Lindgren until 1953, when he sold it to Bob and Norma Tunberg. Their sons, Jon and Jeff Tunberg, serve as its current owners, but leave the President position open for Bob, who has passed on. Whitey's expanded in 1977 from just Moline to East Moline and Rock Island. In 1984, they expanded to Bettendorf, Iowa and other locations. Since 1988, their ice cream has been able to be purchased in grocery stores across the Midwest. Their ice cream sandwiches, or ``Chippers'' as they call them, have now placed first at the National Dairy Expo.

It is because of businesses such as Whitey's Ice Cream that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Mr. Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate Whitey's Ice Cream for placing first at the National Dairy Expo for their ``Chippers.''

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Pekin Chamber of Commerce on its 125th Anniversary. The Chamber has joyfully served the Pekin community since 1893.

In October of 1893, what is now the Pekin Chamber of Commerce was formed by five businessmen who originally named their new organization the Citizen's Improvement Association of Pekin. The organization set out with the goal of ``advancing the business interest and promoting the commercial growth of the City of Pekin.'' Although the organization went through several name changes, before settling on the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce, their mission remained the same. Today, the Pekin Chamber of Commerce continues to serve businesses and consumers in the region as they work to grow and strengthen the local economy. I commend them on their 125th Anniversary for all of the work they have done for the residents of Pekin and look forward to seeing their continued efforts.

It is because of groups such as the Pekin Chamber of Commerce that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Mr. Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate the Pekin Chamber of Commerce on its 125th Anniversary and thank them for their service to the community.

In October the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce will be finishing 125 years of leading Pekin businesses.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dan Roach, who is retiring from the Illinois State Police. Mr. Roach has a diverse background in police work, and has been an asset to the community.

Mr. Roach has served as an Illinois State Police law enforcement professional for 26 years, including over 21 years of investigations, patrol, and administrative leadership experience, retiring as Captain. Mr. Roach served as the Deputy Chief of the Schaumburg Police Department for the last 4 years, where he oversaw the Patrol Division, the Investigations Division, and the Special Operations Division. Mr. Roach has accrued extensive experience in team-building, and interpersonal and management skills such as employee development, problem-solving, and networking with diverse groups of people at all levels. I commend Mr. Roach on an outstanding career of public service and wish him

the best as he begins to enjoy a well-earned retirement.

It is because of dedicated leaders such as Mr. Dan Roach that I am especially proud to serve Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate Mr. Dan Roach for an exceptional career and thank him for all of his contributions and service to the community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Katherine L. Cruz on her retirement from the U.S. Army Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center in Rock Island, Illinois.

Ms. Cruz has spent over 34 years in federal civilian service at the Rock Island Arsenal, which plays such an important role in providing our soldiers with the resources they need at war and at peace. In her role as a Product Quality Manager for Small Arms, Ms. Cruz was committed to ensuring our troops were well equipped by manufacturing a variety of products. Throughout her time at the Arsenal, Ms. Cruz gained the reverence of her colleagues due to her attention to detail, deep knowledge of her work and friendly spirit. I would like to recognize her years of service and thank her for her commitment to the Rock Island Arsenal and our troops. I wish her well as she begins to enjoy a well-deserved retirement and exits a role she dutifully performed.

It is because of dedicated and hardworking people such as Ms. Cruz that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Mr. Speaker, I would like to again formally recognize Ms. Cruz for an outstanding career.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Justin and Ellen Rahn of Mount Carroll for receiving the 2018 Illinois Farm Bureau Young Leader Achievement Award.

The Illinois Farm Bureau Young Leader Achievement Award recognizes exceptional young farmers for not only their success in agriculture, but for their strong leadership and commitment to our farming community. Justin and Ellen Rahn have been leaders within the Farm Bureau since 2005. From hosting young leaders' meetings to serving on the Farm and Fork Committee, their involvement has enriched our community. Justin and Ellen Rahn both grew up on their family farms in northwestern Illinois, learning the strong work ethic of our farmers at an early age. Ellen went on to receive a degree in agronomy from Iowa State University and gained seed corn brokerage experience before later managing the Illinois territory for Hartung Brothers, Inc. Justin earned his degree in agricultural production and management from Kirkwood College. Justin and Ellen now run their own farm in Carroll County in addition to operating a seed dealership.

It is because of dedicated and hardworking people such as Justin and Ellen Rahn that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Mr. Speaker, I would like to again formally recognize Justin and Ellen Rahn for all they do in the farming community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Project NOW from the Quad Cities on its 50th Anniversary. Project NOW has been joyfully serving thousands in Rock Island, Henry, and Mercer counties since 1968.

Project NOW (Neighborhood Outreach Work, Inc.) was founded by former Father Jim Real and Father Tom Murphy in the mid 1960's with the goal of providing residents in the area with the resources needed to meet basic needs. To accomplish their goal and address the needs of the community, Project NOW provides programs that assist with issues such as housing, nutrition, clothing, utilities, and more. The organization was first established and recognized by local governments in May of 1968. The following year, Project NOW earned designation from the federal government as a Community Action Agency and began to receive federal funds. Project NOW works to address the issue of poverty by taking action in the community and

also holding onto the words of Martin Luther King Jr., ``Change does not roll in on the wheels of inevitability, but comes through continuous struggle.'' Project NOW's commitment to strengthening our communities does not go unnoticed and I look forward to seeing their continued work.

It is because of dedicated and selfless groups such as the Project NOW that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Mr. Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate Project NOW on its 50th Anniversary and thank the organization for all of its service to the community.