Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Milan Post 569's baseball team for winning the Illinois American Legion third division tournament.

Milan Post 569's team defeated Oneida Legion Post 727 2-1 to advance to the state tournament for the first time, and I would like to recognize the team for their tremendous accomplishment. The team's dedication and passion for their sport is evident in their quest for victory at the tournament. 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 talent in our community, and to see them represent Milan throughout the state.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate the Milan Post 569's baseball 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 recognize Dr. George Inglett who is turning 90 years old. Dr. Inglett is a pillar in the Peoria community, and has advocated for a safer and healthier food supply at the National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research.

Dr. George Inglett is best known for the development of a family of food ingredients based on cereal glucans, known collectively as the Trim Technologies. His research on these ingredients has led to them being used as fat substitutes, fiber additives, texturizers, and emulsion stabilizers in many foods. In 2005, Dr. Inglett was chosen as one of the Laureates of the Lincoln Academy of Illinois, the highest honor the State of Illinois can bestow on a person who was born or has resided in Illinois for outstanding achievement. Over the course of his career Dr. Inglett has been presented numerous awards for his years of work in agricultural research.

It is because of dedicated and selfless leaders such as Dr. George Inglett that I am especially proud to serve Illinois 17th Congressional District. Mr. Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate Dr. George Inglett on his 90th birthday and thank him for all of his contributions and service to our community.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of my bill, the Gold Star Spouses Leasing Relief Act. This bipartisan bill would support the widows and widowers of our fallen heroes by allowing them to terminate residential leases without penalty in the wake of a servicemember's death.

This issue first came to my attention when I met a Gold Star spouse, Kylie Riney of Farmington, Illinois, which is in a central part of the congressional district that I serve.

Kylie's life was forever changed on October 19, 2016, when her husband, Sergeant Douglas Riney, tragically died defending our freedom in Kabul, Afghanistan.

Kylie and her two young children, James and Elea, were living in Texas at the time. This is their beautiful family before tragedy hit. They had moved there when Sergeant Riney was

assigned to Fort Hood before deploying in support of Operation Freedom's Sentinel.

After her husband's death, Kylie chose to be back in Illinois with her family, surrounded by those whom she loves and love her so they could mourn together this inconceivable loss. But in the wake of this tragedy, their landlord refused to allow Kylie to terminate the lease that she and her husband had signed--I mean, it is just hard to even get those words out--refused to allow them to get out of their lease.

The families of our fallen heroes have already sacrificed far too much, and we should do everything in our power to ensure grieving spouses receive the support that they need. For this reason, I was proud to introduce this commonsense, bipartisan bill, the Gold Star Spouses Leasing Relief Act.

Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my colleague, Congressman Brad Wenstrup, who is also an Army Reserve officer and a physician, who helped introduce this with me. I would also like to thank Chairman Roe and Ranking Member Tim Walz for their work in bringing this to the floor.

Currently, the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act protects servicemembers from lease termination fees when they deploy or receive a permanent change of station. Our legislation narrowly extends that law's residential leasing protections to the surviving spouses of servicemembers who are killed while serving their country.

Ranking Member Walz helped ensure the bill would protect all these families, including those who lose a member of the National Guard or Reserves. He has been a tireless advocate for the National Guard in Congress, and it is a pleasure to be able to work with him.

I can hardly think of anything worse than taking advantage of a grieving widow or widower whose spouse made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to support this bill to ensure this does not happen again.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Knox County Farm Bureau on its 100th Anniversary. Ever since the Knox County Farm Bureau Foundation was organized in 1918, it has served an essential role in the growth and development of the agriculture industry throughout Illinois.

The Knox County Farm Bureau advocates for agriculture, assists farmers with legislative issues and provides leadership opportunities for members of all ages. The organization's Committees and Task Forces provide their members with many programs, functions, and opportunities to continually improve their farming practices. Community and farmer education, in addition to your scholarship and internship programs have also increased awareness and spurred innovation on the issues that relate to the future success of agriculture in Knox County and ultimately the quality of life in our region.

It is because of dedicated groups such as the Knox County Farm Bureau that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Mr. Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate the Knox County Farm Bureau on its 100th Anniversary and thank the organization for all of its service to the farmers in our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Y Quad Cities Rowing program's junior women's crew for winning the Diamond Jubilee Challenge Cup at the Henley Royal Regatta in England. This is a first for the rowers, who are based out of the Sylvan Boat House in Moline, Illinois.

Coached by Dr. Peter Sharis and Assistant Coach Jamie Whalen, scullers Caroline Sharis, Delaney Evans, Emma Mask and Taylor English set a new course record at the prestigious regatta on the Thames River, becoming one of only two American crews to win at Henley this year and the first overseas crew ever to win the Diamond Jubilee Challenge cup. This impressive victory followed the team's win at the USRowing Youth National Championships in June.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate the Y Quad Cities rowers 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 recognize Katie Miller of Cambridge, Illinois, who was named the 2018 Outstanding Junior of the Year by the Illinois Beef Association.

Katie Miller has excelled on campus at Western Illinois University, where she recently completed her junior year. Her studies in agricultural sciences with an emphasis on animal science were inspired by the time she spent alongside her grandparents working with beef producers. Following the completion of her undergraduate work, she plans to pursue a graduate degree in ruminant nutrition or meat science, while partnering on the farm with her grandparents. Outside of the classroom, Ms. Miller is the Vice President of the Illinois Junior Beef Association Board and has held various other local and state leadership positions with the Illinois Beef Association further demonstrating her qualifications for this award.

It is because of dedicated citizens like Katie Miller that I proudly serve the people of the 17th District of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I would like to formally congratulate Katie Miller on her outstanding achievement and journey into agricultural science.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Carmen DeVries, as the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Class 1 A 400 meter dash gold medalist in the 2018 track and field state championships.

This was DeVries' fourth trip to the state championships, and she was determined to go home with a gold medal her senior year. She persevered and completed the 400 meter dash with a first place time of 57.04 seconds. In the same competition, she also achieved a bronze medal in the triple jump, stretching for 37ft., 4\1/4\ inches in the Class 1A triple jump. DeVries also earned her personal best time in the 400 meters with a time of 57.95 seconds, which set the new school record at Lena-Winslow High School. I want to commend this student athlete on her tremendous accomplishments and work ethic. It takes a great deal of discipline and talent be awarded such titles. The great state of Illinois is very proud that our small towns produce giant athletes.

Mr. Speaker, I want to again formally acknowledge Carmen DeVries on winning the first place title in the IHSA state competition for the 400 meter dash. I join the community in congratulating her and we look forward to seeing her future achievements.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Emily Offenheiser, a senior from Stockton Senior High School, for earning the Class IA Illinois High School Association (IHSA) first place championship in discus throw.

Emily Offenheiser has often been recognized as a star athlete playing several sports such as basketball, softball, shotput, and discus. In 7th grade she began discus and has qualified for the state championships four times since. She has demonstrated a tremendous dedication to track and field, and in the recent state championship accomplished a personal best discus throw of 151-08, which decided her victory. Additionally, she earned second place in the Class IA IHSA shot put championship and was also named the WREX news Athlete of the Week. It takes a tremendous amount of commitment and hard work to be presented with such tremendous accolades. Emily has demonstrated leadership, admirable determination, and I am proud that she represents the Stockton community. I look forward to watching her advance in her athletic career as she begins her college education.

Mr. Speaker, it is once again my honor to formally congratulate Emily Offenheiser on winning gold, and the rest of Illinois joins me in wishing her great success in the future.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mardell Urish, who in her 93 years on earth, has lived an inspiring life as one of the nurses in the Cadet Corps in World War II.

Ms. Urish raised a farm family of six with the help of her beloved husband, Richard. Throughout her life, she has run two assisted living facility businesses, and still runs one today. Her dedication to ensuring that the elderly have a home has undoubtedly enriched

our community and the lives of those she has touched.

It is because of dedicated women such as Ms. Mardell Urish that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Mr. Speaker, I would like to again formally honor Ms. Mardell Urish's life and her service to this great country.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize columnist William ``Bill'' Wundram for 74 years of honorable service to the Quad-City Times newspaper. Mr. Wundram is a pillar in the Quad Cities community, and his knowledge and ability to generate creative ideas will be missed.

Bill Wundram has made a longstanding career of writing stories that are substantive, interesting, and newsworthy for the Quad-City Times. Of his 39 years as a columnist, 36 were spent writing 7 days a week. This has been hailed by many as a marvelous feat for American journalists. Bill has achieved countless accolades: a green space named William Wundram Parkway, becoming the ``Honorary Mayor for Life'' in Davenport, Iowa, and a bronze statue in Bix Plaza in front of the Quad- City Times will forever stand in his honor. As a former journalist, Bill's legacy and contributions have a special place in my heart. He understands what it takes to create a good story, and presents it in a way that is engaging to his audience. His career reached beyond writing, as he connected to the hearts of the people in our community. The skillset and historical knowledge that Bill possesses is something that can never be replaced. Yet at the age of 93, Bill Wundram has decided to rest his pen and enjoy retirement alongside his wife Helen and dog Molly.

It is because of dedicated citizens like Bill that I proudly serve the people of the 17th District of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I would like to formally congratulate William Wundram on a tremendous career. I join the rest of the community in thanking him for the contributions he has made to journalism, and for setting an example of how to live a life of excellence.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Hayley Huls, Payton Peckham, Sarah Litchfield, and Jordan Peckham from Farmington High School, for earning the Class lA title for the Illinois State Championship in the 4x400 relay.

Hayley Huls, Payton Peckham, Sarah Litchfield, and Jordan Peckham took first in finals with a time of 4:02.92 to claim their title as state champions, 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 Farmington throughout the state.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate Hayley Huls, Payton Peckham, Sarah Litchfield, and Jordan Peckham 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 the Rock Island Softball Team, the Lady Rocks, from Rock Island High School, for earning the Class 4A title for the Illinois State Championship in softball.

The Lady Rocks took first in finals to claim their title as state champions, 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 Rock Island throughout the state.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate the Rock Island Lady Rocks Softball 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 Maverick McPeek, a senior from Dakota High School, for earning the 220 pound Class IA title for the Illinois State Championship in Wrestling.

Maverick McPeek defeated his opponent 3-2 to claim his title as state champion, and I would like to recognize Maverick for his tremendous accomplishment. Maverick's dedication and passion for his sport meant that he was determined to win gold and cap off his season of 40 wins and 2 losses. As a former athlete, I understand the amount of hard work and commitment to be awarded such a title. Ian 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 Dakota, Illinois throughout the state.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Rockridge Softball Team from Rockridge High School, for earning the Class 2A title for the Illinois State Championship in softball.

The Rockets took first in finals to claim their title as state champions, 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 Taylor Ridge throughout the state.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate the Rockridge Rockets Softball 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 Chloe Lindeman, a junior from Fulton High School, for earning the Class 1A title for the Illinois State Championship in shot put for track and field.

Chloe Lindeman threw the shot put 47 feet to claim her title as state champion, and I

would like to recognize Chloe for her tremendous accomplishment. Chloe's dedication and passion for her sport meant that she was determined to win gold. As a former athlete, I understand the amount of hard work and commitment to be awarded such a title. Chloe 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 Fulton throughout the state.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate Chloe Lindeman on her title, and I join the rest of the community in wishing her every success in the future.