Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Deion McShane, a junior at Freeport High School, for earning the Class 2A title for the Illinois State Championships in the 300 meter hurdles.

Deion McShane earned a time of 36.53 in the 300 meter hurdles to claim for himself the title of state champion, and I would like to recognize Deion for his tremendous accomplishment. Deion's dedication and passion for his sport meant that he was determined to win gold, breaking the all-time state record in the process. As a former athlete, I understand the amount of hard work and commitment to be awarded such a title. Deion is an example of the importance of perseverance and a strong work ethic. I am proud there is such young talent in our community, and to see him represent Freeport throughout the state.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate Deion McShane 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 congratulate Brayden Hamblen, a senior at Rock Falls High School, for earning the Class 2A title for the Illinois State Championships in the 3200 meter run.

Brayden Hamblen earned a time of 9:22.90a in the 3200 meter run to claim for himself the title of state champion, and I would like to recognize Brayden for his tremendous accomplishment. Brayden's dedication and passion for his sport meant that he was determined to win gold, adding another state championship to his list of other state titles. As a former athlete, I understand the amount of hard work and commitment to be awarded such a title. Brayden 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 Rock Falls throughout the state.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate Brayden Hamblen 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 Ella May Winger, an outstanding union woman who is being recognized by the UAW Local 865 Women of Excellence Award.

When I think of trailblazing women in our community, Ella May is at the top of my list. As a pillar in our community, she has tirelessly worked to better the lives of union workers and served as a role model in our community. She spent her career at John Deere Harvester Works where she helped start the first UAW Women's committee in Region 4. After being retired for more than 30 years, she continues to work every day at empowering her union brothers and sisters.

Mr. Speaker, once again I would like to honor Ella May Winger for her commitment to fighting for hardworking families and for all that she has done to strengthen our community. I congratulate her on the upcoming recognition she deserves.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Brian Curless of Pittsfield, Illinois, for being named the 54th annual World Livestock Auctioneer Champion by the Livestock Marketing Association.

Mr. Curless stood out amongst 30 other auctioneers in the World Livestock Auctioneer Championship, and was awarded this prestigious title after three rounds of competition. This event works to bring together North America's best livestock auctioneers, showcasing the skill and professionalism required in the livestock auction industry. As someone who has visited the LMA-member Fairview Sale Barn and learned how to be auctioneer from Mr. Curless during a ``Cheri on Shift,'' I can undoubtedly speak to his passion and talent.

Mr. Speaker, I want to again formally congratulate Mr. Curless on his title as the World Livestock Auctioneer Champion. I am proud to have Mr. Curless represent our strong agricultural community on the world's stage

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend George and Gloria Smith for all of the great work they have done in our community to raise awareness and funds for mental health research.

After the tragic loss of their son, Adam, the Smiths established AdamFest in their son's honor--an annual event to raise awareness and resources for mental health research. The Smith's steadfast beliefs and courage in a time of tragedy has inspired strength within our community, and for that I am very grateful. As a mother of three sons, my heart aches for the Smith's loss--and I deeply admire and share their resolve to ensure that no other family endure the pain they have felt. Their story is the reason awareness and research for mental illness is essential, and why events such as AdamFest are so important.

I am extremely grateful to be a part of such a strong community and I hope that we can continue to come together and share our support for one another. Mr. Speaker, again I want to formally thank George and Gloria Smith for all of the great work they have done for our community.

Mr. Speaker, I worked in healthcare for a decade. I have seen up close how healthcare impacts families. That is why I began a short video series that we call ``Hear from the Heartland''. In this, I listen to families about how TrumpCare would affect them.

I have spoken most recently with a woman named Anastasia. She has a little boy named Gryphon. They are from a town called Elizabeth, Illinois, just a small town.

Gryphon was born with cerebral palsy, and because of TrumpCare, Gryphon's family might not have anywhere to turn for affordable coverage and would be at risk of reaching their lifetime limits on their insurance.

Anastasia said it best when she said that her son's preexisting condition was simply being born.

Whether it is at a grocery store or small business, I hear it: people talking about their grave concerns about TrumpCare and what it would do to them.

I want us to work together on healthcare and make sure that we focus on lowering the costs for American families, but, instead, take a look at this. TrumpCare would raise costs, it would rip health insurance away from 23 million Americans, and it is so bad that, in the Senate, they are hiding their bill away. That is not what we were elected to do.

I want to work with my colleagues to improve the healthcare that we deliver to American families.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Jacie Kersh, a Galesburg High School senior, for being named the winner of District 205's Great Galesburg Shake.

The Great Galesburg Shake is an opportunity for young adults to demonstrate their manners and conversational skills in a professional environment. Thanks to this program, Jacie was able to learn important life skills such as engagement, confidence, a firm handshake, manners and conversational skills that will allow her to grow, succeed and become a leader in our community. I would like to recognize Jacie for standing out among the 120 students who participated, and for her tremendous composure which will serve her well in her bright future. I am proud to see such accomplished young individuals representing our community.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate Jacie Kersh on her incredible accomplishment, and I join the rest of our community in wishing her every success in the future.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Logan Lee, a sophomore at Orion High School, for being named the Class 1A 220-pound Illinois State Champion in wrestling.

Logan Lee claimed a 12-9 victory at the Illinois State Wrestling Championship, and I would like to recognize Logan for his tremendous accomplishment. Logan's dedication and passion for his sport allowed him to overcome a difficult season, and a state bracket that included the top seed in his path. As a former athlete, I understand the hard work and dedication that goes into being awarded such a title. Logan has dedicated himself to his sport, and shows us all the value of perseverance and a strong work ethic. I am proud there is such young talent in our community, and to see him represent our community throughout the state.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Tyler Fleetwood, for being named the Class 1A 120-pound Illinois State Champion in wrestling.

Tyler Fleetwood is now Fulton High School's first two-time state champion with an 11-5 victory over Aurora Christian in a 120-pound title match, and I would like to recognize Tyler for his tremendous accomplishment. Tyler's dedication and passion for wrestling secured him the state championship title yet again, and a state bracket that included the top seed in his path. As a former athlete, I understand the amount of commitment and hard work it takes to be awarded such a title. Tyler is an example of the importance and value of perseverance and a strong work ethic. I am proud that there is such young talent in our community, and to see him represent our community throughout the state.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Sheriff Jim Padilla, who retired as the Henry County Sheriff on May 28. Sheriff Padilla has honorably served Henry County over the past 41 years and he will be greatly missed.

Sheriff Padilla began a lifelong career in public service as a member of the Kewanee Police Department for 8 years, and later served 33 years with the Sheriff's Department. He has dedicated his career ensuring public safety and protecting the lives of all individuals within our community. Sheriff Padilla always exemplified what it meant to be a strong leader and worked tirelessly to pass the public safety sales tax, which provided the department with the resources it needed to better serve our community. I am proud to have such dedicated civil servants in our Illinois' 17th Congressional district.

Mr. Speaker, as the wife of a Sheriff, I know how hard law- enforcement officers work to keep our communities safe. I would like to again formally congratulate Sheriff Padilla 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 Professor Jeffrey Fahrenwald who is retiring from Rockford University. Professor Fahrenwald has become a pillar in the Rockford community, and he will be greatly missed.

Professor Fahrenwald is the Director of the MBA program at Rockford University, where he has taught in areas of human relations, management, leadership and international studies. He has enriched our community through his leadership in small business development, in addition to serving on numerous not-for-profit boards. Professor Fahrenwald's contributions to our community have not gone unnoticed, and he was named one of our region's ``People You Should Know'' in 2011, and ``Citizen of the Year'' in 2014 by the Rockford Chamber of Commerce for all his tireless work to empower those living in the Rockford community.

It is because of dedicated and selfless leaders such as Professor Fahrenwald that I am especially proud to serve Illinois l7th Congressional District. Mr. Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate Professor Jeffrey Fahrenwald on his well-earned retirement and thank him for all of his contributions and service to our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Julia Frances Mattocks, who celebrates her 99th birthday this Sunday.

Ms. Mattocks, Galesburg's `Rosie the Riveter', serves as a role model in our community due to her tireless work ethic and dedication to serving others. As the United States entered the war after the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, she stepped up and did her part to protect Americans abroad. With her sister Helen, Julia completed rivet work on B-17 Flying Fortresses, and worked at the Lockheed Vega plant in Burbank making Quonset huts for the military and airplane parts at Gale Products. Ms. Mattocks ultimately sacrificed her hearing in one ear and received chemical burns across her arms due to her work on behalf of our country. I celebrate and admire the role that she--and many other women--played in supporting our nation during a time of war.

Ms. Mattocks is a true inspiration for many people, and her passion and dedication makes her a uniting force within our community. Mr. Speaker, I am grateful for Julia's contributions and service to our community and our nation. I wish her a Happy 99th Birthday, with more to come

Mr. Speaker, yesterday, President Trump released his budget. And what he has shown is that rural America is just about at the bottom of his list.

His budget is a killer for the Department of Agriculture. The cuts to the rural development program would mean fewer jobs in small towns that are already struggling.

While he promised to ``end the war on the family farmer,'' President Trump slashes funding for the crop insurance program. And in Peoria, his budget would even close the Nation's largest agricultural research lab, a place for ag innovation that is part of the solution for renewed ag economy.

Time and time again, President Trump made a great big promise spelled out on his red ball cap. Now I am left wondering how a budget that would devastate Main Street and our family farmers would make anything great again.

Mr. President, middle America is not just flyover country. We value those who look us in the eye, tell us the truth, and then do what they say they are going to do.

So, President Trump, I ask you: Does your budget live up to what you spelled out on your ball cap?

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate May 21st, 2017 as Gaines Chapel A.M.E. Church's 100th Anniversary. As we celebrate its centennial, we celebrate the past while embracing all that the future holds for the congregation. On this occasion, I extend my gratitude to Claranne Perkins and Jeanette Hunter, Co-Chairs of this centennial celebration, and Pastor Cyrus Burns, the proud leader of this community.

Gaines Chapel A.M.E. Church has grown tremendously from its 10 original founders in 1917, and has since become an integral part of the City of East Moline. It has undergone many transformations over the past 100 years--new church buildings replaced old, and many different Pastors have contributed their wisdom. But from its original organization in Campbell School, the church has prospered and always remained true to its mission and values. Gaines Chapel A.M.E. Church has gone above and beyond to enrich our community through their youth programs and extensive charitable work.

Mr. Speaker, I would once again like to congratulate Gaines Chapel A.M.E. Church on their 100th Anniversary. I am proud to know that organizations such as Gaines Chapel A.M.E. Church, are flourishing and strengthening our community.

Mr. Speaker, on the first day of this month, President Trump promised an infrastructure package ``in the next 2 to 3 weeks, maybe sooner.''

Here we are into week three and in the middle of National Infrastructure Week. So, Mr. President, where is the plan?

I wish we were spending today working together to create jobs by making meaningful investments in our roads, our bridges, our rail, and our airports. That is what the hardworking men and women I represent wish Washington would focus on, too. But, instead, at breakfast tables all over the country, moms and dads turn on the morning news and have to explain to their kids what is an obstruction of justice before putting their kids on the school bus and traverse our bumpy and potholed roads.

This is a dark moment in our Nation's history. History demands that we rise to the occasion. Nobody is above the law, not even the President of the United States of America.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to do the right thing for the good of our country. Join us in demanding a true and independent investigation to get to the bottom of the President's ties to Vladimir Putin and any possible attempted coverup.