Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mark the beginning of my final year in Congress. Throughout my five terms, I have always made working families my number one priority.

So, in my final year, what is at the top of my list to make sure that I am focusing on? Well, right now it is reinstating the child tax credit that just expired this month. Hardworking families who are just trying to get by have come to count on that support month to month since we passed that last year.

Now, there are 71,000 families, just in the congressional district that I serve, who won't see that deposit into their bank account starting this month. So let's get to work.

In Illinois, more than half of the children living in poverty don't have a seat in the pre-K classroom. So let's get to work.

Parents across our Nation are spending a good chunk of their take- home pay for the childcare that they need in order to be able to go to work, and it is our job to help make that more affordable. So let's get to work.

I have got 1 year left in Congress and so much to accomplish, so I say to my own staff, I say to myself, I say to everybody in this body, let's get to work.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Doug House, who is retiring as Deputy Secretary of the Illinois Department of Transportation after two and a half years of service.

Throughout his life, in every action he has undertaken, Mr. House has selflessly served the public in pursuit of delivering a better Illinois. He has always been a fighter for meaningful change and produced real results for Illinoisans. His journey began in the Quad Cities region, when he graduated from Rockridge High School in Taylor Ridge, Illinois. Mr. House became a Staff Sergeant in the 182nd Airlift Wing of the Illinois Air National Guard in Peoria in 1980. He joined the 682nd Engineer Battalion of the U.S. Army Reserve in 1983, where he helped train heavy construction equipment operators to build roads until his honorable discharge in 1986. Mr. House's commitment to revitalize our state's infrastructure was only beginning and would stay with him over the next four decades. He oversaw the progress of many public works projects while presiding over the Illinois Chapter of the American Public Works Association. Mr. House, an advocate for workers' rights, was named to The Indiana, Illinois, Iowa Foundation for Fair Contracting as a construction analyst in 2016. In April 2019, he was hired as Deputy Secretary of the Illinois Department of Transportation. One of his proudest moments was being in Moline, Illinois on December 1, 2021 for the opening of the I-74 Bridge, which will symbolize the hard-working spirit of our region for generations to come.

It is because of diligent and noble leaders such as Doug House that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate Doug House on his two and a half years of service as Deputy Secretary of the Illinois Department of Transportation.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Fourth Wall Films for receiving a MidAmerica Emmy Award for their short documentary, ``Over & Under: Wildlife crossings.''

The Emmy awarded film aired earlier this year on WQPT PBS which allowed viewing for many Illinoisans from the northwestern region, serving the Quad Cities. The Fourth Wall Films is a film and video production company from Moline, Illinois. The Fourth Wall Films serves the Northwestern region of Illinois and specializes in Midwestern Historical documentaries for public television broadcast and other streaming services.

Other awards and accolades earned by Fourth Wall Films are eight mid- America Emmy nominations, video and television Telly Awards, film festival Best Documentary Awards, and abundant amounts of recognition for their excellence and outstanding skill in the film and television industry.

It is because of the wonderful talent of the Fourth Wall Films that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate the Fourth Wall Films for receiving a Mid-America Emmy Award for their short documentary, ``Over & Under: Wildlife crossings.''

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Jeff ``The Ironman'' Downer on

his retirement after 36 years as a Groundskeeper at Pekin Community High School.

Jeff started working at Pekin Community High School as a Groundskeeper in 1985 after graduating in 1977. His professionalism, attention to detail, and strong work ethic will make him difficult to replace. Jeff noticed when he first started work at the high school that the field was brown in the middle. It took two and a half years, but he was able to grow the field to be green and presentable for the students who use it. Jeff is respected because of his dedication to his profession and to the school, and is well-liked by everyone there. I commend Jeff for his hard work over the years to make Pekin Community High School a beautiful place where students are able to learn.

It is because of community leaders like Jeff Downer that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate Jeff Downer on his retirement from Groundskeeping at Pekin Community High School.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Dr. Duane Esarey, who is retiring from the Dickson Mounds Illinois State Museum in Lewistown after many years of tireless service.

Dr. Esarey has been committed to the disciplines of archaeology and anthropology throughout his life, especially in Central Illinois. He started his career in 1977, working in the field as an archaeologist in the Archaeological Research Labs at Western Illinois University. In 1982, Dr. Esarey earned a promotion to Director of the Archaeological Field School of the University. The following year, he relocated to Lewistown and accepted a position as Collections Manager for the Dickson Mounds Illinois State Museum. Dr. Esarey served as Collections Manager until 1994, when he became Assistant Curator of Anthropology for the Museum. He worked in this capacity until 2004 when he left to complete his Ph.D. at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill and work as Assistant Director for the Illinois State Archaeological Survey in Champaign-Urbana. After 15 years, the Museum welcomed him back on March 10, 2019 as Director. Dr. Esarey's contributions have been significant and irreplaceable to the profile and growth of Dickson Mounds Illinois State Museum, and the fields of archaeology and anthropology in Central Illinois.

It is because of dedicated, innovative, and insightful leaders such as Dr. Esarey that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to, again, formally recognize Dr. Duane Esarey and thank him for his service to the collective Central Illinois community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and celebrate the life of Lieutenant Garrett Ramos of Sterling, Illinois. Thirty-eight- year-old Lieutenant Ramos served the Sterling Fire Department for a decade before losing his life late last week.

Late Friday night in Rock Falls, Illinois, Lieutenant Ramos responded to a call for help. As he was bravely fighting a house fire, the floor collapsed beneath him. But while Lieutenant Ramos' life was cut short, his memory will live on.

Described as an amazing individual of the highest caliber on and off duty, Lieutenant Ramos carried on his family's legacy of service when he became a firefighter, just like his father.

Lieutenant Garrett Ramos was a good man, a good firefighter, a good friend, and a good Cubs fan. But above all else, he was a son, a husband, and a father to two little children who will dearly miss him.

He was a true hero to the community he served. The community is asked to put a red light on their porch in honor of Lieutenant Garrett Ramos.

My deepest condolences to his loved ones. May they be comforted by his memory.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Detective Timothy Metzger, who is retiring from the Rock Island Police Department after 28 years of service. His last day was Friday, November 12.

Detective Timothy Metzger joined the Rock Island Police Department in December 1992. A graduate of Blackhawk College and Western Illinois University, Detective Metzger reported to duty each day with impeccable work ethic and compassion for the neighbors he strived to protect. After nearly 20 years, his peers and principals rewarded him for his commitment to the City of Rock Island by promoting him to Detective of the Police Department. For almost 10 years, Detective Metzger has handled every facet of investigations conducted by the Police Department. He specialized in computer, cellphone, and video forensics and helped with the Illinois Attorney General Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force at a local level. When he was not putting himself in harm's way, he enjoyed giving back to the area he served, helping coach youth softball and baseball teams in Rock Island.

It is because of committed and honorable leaders such as Detective Metzger that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to, again, formally congratulate Detective Timothy Metzger on his retirement and thank him for his 28 years of service to our community.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Galesburg Police Department Lieutenant Jason Shaw on receiving a Life-Saver Award by Galesburg Mayor Peter Schwartzman on November 1, 2021.

Fellow GPD Officer Chris Hootman experienced a medical emergency at his residence and contacted Lieutenant Jason Shaw, who acted swiftly to dispatch paramedics and Officer Dan Williams to the scene. After Lieutenant Shaw helped assess that Officer Hootman would require more care than St. Mary Medical Center in Galesburg could offer, with Lieutenant Cromien following behind, Officer Williams and Lieutenant Shaw transported Officer Hootman by ambulance to St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria. On the way, paramedics had to pull over to provide immediate life-saving measures. While Officer Williams and Lieutenant Shaw rendered these mitigations, Lieutenant Cromien got out of her car and drove the ambulance the rest of the way. He was able to receive necessary medical care and is now recovering from his sustained trauma.

Officer Chris Hootman was recently named School Resource Officer at Galesburg High School. Lieutenants Shaw and Cromien and Officer Williams saved his life, and thanks to this act of valor, he can continue to keep our children safe.

It is because of committed and selfless leaders such as these three first responders that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to, again, formally congratulate Lieutenant Jason Shaw and thank him for saving the life of Officer Chris Hootman.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Galesburg Police Department Officer Dan Williams on receiving Life-Saver Awards by Galesburg Mayor Peter Schwartzman on November 1, 2021.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Galesburg Police Department Lieutenant Stephanie Cromien on receiving a Life- Saver Award by Galesburg Mayor Peter Schwartzman on November 1, 2021.

Fellow GPO Officer Chris Hootman experienced a medical emergency at his residence

and contacted Lieutenant Jason Shaw, who acted swiftly to dispatch paramedics and Officer Dan Williams to the scene. After Lieutenant Shaw and Officer Williams determined that Officer Hootman would require more care than St. Mary Medical Center in Galesburg could offer, with Lieutenant Cromien following behind, Officer Williams and Lieutenant Shaw transported Officer Hootman by ambulance to St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria. On the way, paramedics had to pull over to provide immediate life-saving measures. While Officer Williams and Lieutenant Shaw rendered these mitigations, Lieutenant Cromien got out of her car and drove the ambulance the rest of the way. He was able to receive necessary medical care and is now recovering from his sustained trauma.

Officer Chris Hootman was recently named School Resource Officer at Galesburg High School. Lieutenant Cromien helped save his life, and thanks to this act of heroism, he can continue to keep our children safe.

It is because of committed and selfless leaders such as these three first responders that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to, again, formally congratulate Lieutenant Stephanie Cromien and thank her for saving the life of Officer Chris Hootman.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Coney Island's 100th year in business. Coney Island was founded in 1921 by brothers Paul and George Nickolpolous. Through many changes of ownership over the years, Coney Island has remained a staple in the Galesburg community. Current owners Maria Valdez and her son, Jesus Valdez, have operated Coney Island since 2004. Each day, the restaurant serves up its famous Coney Island pork hot dogs with brown mustard and onions, covered in beef sauce. The topsecret recipe has remained largely the same over the years and the grill and dining counter are the originals from 1921. I commend Coney Island for its 100 years serving customers.

It is because of strong businesses such as Coney Island in Galesburg, Illinois that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate Coney Island on its 100th Year in business.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Marla Clay on her retirement following 27 seasons as coach of the Galesburg High School Volleyball Team.

Marla started coaching the Silver Streaks volleyball team in 1994 and currently holds a 407-429 career mark with the team. Throughout her tenure, she has helped countless young athletes develop their skills and a lifetime a love of sport. I want to thank Marla for her many years of service at Galesburg High School as a coach and teacher.

It is because of leaders such as Marla Clay that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate Marla Clay on her retirement after 27 years as the Silver Streaks' volleyball coach.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Drew Hall for winning the IHSA Class 1A State Championships for Golf.

Drew Hall first picked up a golf club 15 years ago, and with his skills on the green and the support of his family, he won first place at the IHSA State Championships. Drew recorded a 36-hole score of 144 at state and now joins Rockridge boys' golf history as one of the only state champions in golf in Rockridge High School history. At the end of the season, Hall's 3-under par 68 at Riverdale's Wayne Brinkmeier Invitational tied the 18-hole record and was the third of his three tournament titles. He also won gold at the Monmouth-Roseville Invite and Kewanee's Boiler Invite. As a former athlete, I commend the determination and hard work Drew has shown this season. I am proud to see him represent his community so well throughout the state with his dedication and passion for golf.

It is because of student leaders such as Drew Hall that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate Drew Hall for winning the IHSA Class 1A State Championship in golf.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Chief Jeffrey R. VenHuizen, who is retiring from the Rock Island Police Department after nearly 29 years of service. His last day with the Department will be October 31, 2021.

Chief VenHuizen first joined the Rock Island Police Department on February 1, 1993, after earning a degree in Law Enforcement Administration from Western Illinois University. From K-9 Officer to Patrol Lieutenant, Chief VenHuizen has held every position imaginable at the Department. His peers rewarded him for his hard work and steadfast dedication to protecting our community when he was named Chief of Police on December 10, 2012. Under his tutelage, the Department made outstanding strides forward. He helped enact the first body camera system in an agency of its kind in the Quad Cities region, implement community-oriented policing strategies, and reduce crime to unprecedented levels. Chief VenHuizen, along with his selflessness and dedication to the city of Rock Island, will be dearly missed.

It is because of courageous and venerable leaders such as Chief VenHuizen that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to, again, formally recognize Chief Jeffrey R. VenHuizen on his retirement and thank him for his almost 29 years of service to our community.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Jeff Rankin, who is this year's recipient of the Distinguished Service Award by Monmouth College.

Mr. Rankin has always been drawn to Monmouth College, as his father played football for Monmouth. Further, his twin brother attended the institution and is now its Director of Theater. A strong affinity for Monmouth College is a part of the fabric of his family, which is why Mr. Rankin has truly been dedicated to sharing the story of Monmouth with the world for nearly his entire life. From 1992 until 2015, Mr. Rankin was Director of Communications for the College, where he served as an ambassador and one of its strongest advocates. He now assists the institution in a new position as the College's historian. Mr. Rankin's contributions to advancing the rapid progress of Monmouth College have been significant and invaluable.

It is because of passionate and leaders such as Jeff Rankin that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to, again, formally congratulate Jeff Rankin on receiving the Distinguished Service Award and thank him for his service to the Monmouth community.