Floor Statements

Madam Speaker in 2016, my deputy chief of staff, Kate Jennings, first joined our office. After working with political greats like then-Senator Barack Obama and Senator Dick Durbin, our team was lucky that Kate would be bringing her passion and her dedication to our work.

Over the next 5-plus years, there would not be one day when Kate didn't put the people who we serve at the very heart of everything she did. When COVID-19 hit Illinois last year, our office learned of a family sheltering in a hotel, unable to feed themselves or feed their children. So in the middle of this spreading pandemic, what did Kate do? She put herself at risk, went to the grocery, packed a box full of food, and delivered it to the door at the hotel where this family was sheltering so the children would not go hungry.

And every year, Kate would take Valentines to our veterans to make sure that they knew that they were appreciated and that they were loved. She would travel thousands of miles across our vast Congressional district, and was unwavering in her hard work for all 14 counties in our district. She never tired and always worked to lift up the voices of the people that were fortunate enough to be able to serve.

Madam Speaker, Kate recently began her next chapter, and our entire team and our office and I wish her well on her new adventure. This week, as we continue to strive to always deliver for the people, I can think of no better celebration than to thank the person who spent nearly 2,000 days in our office putting the people we serve first.

Madam Speaker, I thank Kate for her dedicated service, her hard work, and her friendship for so many years. Everyone on our team knows that she will continue to deliver for the people of Illinois.

Madam Speaker, I rise to support the Social Determinants Accelerator Act.

The community that lives in the 61605 ZIP Code in Peoria, Illinois, is vibrant and beautiful, but they face significant challenges. It is one of the most distressed ZIP Codes in the entire Nation, a food desert. And soon its only pharmacy will shut their doors, leaving them with fewer options for basic healthcare.

Each of these factors can have a big impact on the health of every person in the community. All 14 of the counties in the district that I serve face healthcare provider shortages. Half of those counties face provider shortages for mental, physical, and dental healthcare.

That is why I introduced the Social Determinants Accelerator Act, to empower our local communities to address the day-to-day factors that affect their lives. Today, the Energy and Commerce Committee heard my bill. I thank Chairman Pallone for his leadership on this issue. I urge my colleagues to support it because communities like 61605 in Peoria, Illinois, deserve better.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of efforts to build back our care economy. I recently toured a place called Lifescape in Rockford, Illinois, where I met a woman named Miss Selma.

Miss Selma lives with her daughter and her granddaughter, and she has three generations under one roof. Three generations where she was the major caretaker for many years.

About a decade ago she had a stroke, and so now her daughter has to take care of her. But she has to go to work also. So it is places like Lifescape that help families get back to work so they can make sure that their loved ones are cared for while they also make a living.

The global pandemic put a spotlight on the need to invest in our care economy and places like Lifescape. Because of the CARES Act, Lifescape expanded their home meal delivery service by 800 meals every single day and allowed for the care of people like Miss Selma.

As we continue to negotiate an infrastructure package, we need to invest in our care economy in order to get our national economy back in place.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the transformation that the American Rescue Plan has made in all of our communities.

A week or so back, I traveled to a town called Kewanee, Illinois, to visit our Head Start classrooms there.

There was a teacher named Miss Candice, who told me that she loves her job. But she doesn't stay for the pay, she doesn't stay for the benefits, but for the families.

Miss Candice has a student in her class, and before that student, she had that student's siblings. All of the siblings in that family had passed through her classroom. She feels that she has helped this family grow up. And she has.

The American Rescue Plan isn't just about the numbers, though. It is about the 143,000 children in the district I serve who will be helped, the 27 million children nationwide. Child poverty cut in half. We are rebuilding our communities all over this great country, and we can't stop now.

We can keep rebuilding with the American Jobs and Families Act. Today and together, we can make this a once-in-a century investment in our families, the future of our children, and our Nation.

Let's make sure teachers like Miss Candice can continue helping our families.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Congresswoman Demings for putting this together. We are grateful to her.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize National Police Week. I stand here today with my heart full of gratitude, gratitude for the brave police officers who saved our lives, who saved the lives of the staff who were here on January 6, who saved our Nation from suffering further harm at the hands of those who would see our democracy destroyed.

It was January 6, and many of us stood on this floor. I was with many of the people here today that afternoon when the armed mob broke into our Nation's Capitol and threatened us, targeted us, hunted us.

The moment they reached that door right there, the one just a few rows back, and began to shatter the glass on that door, there was just a handful of police officers who bravely stood in their way.

It was in that moment that my thoughts were as a mother, as a daughter, as a citizen. Thoughts of legislation and budgets and parliamentary rules were not on my mind.

What I wanted to do that day, and those of us who were on the floor that day, we just wanted to live. But it was our Capitol Police officers who stood up, stepped up, and fought back that mob. They protected all of us that day. They put their lives on the line. One even made the ultimate sacrifice to keep us and to keep our democracy safe.

It wasn't until after those terrifying moments, when we reached a secure room, that I saw a text from my husband, who is the sheriff of Rock Island County, where we live and have lived for 30-plus years. He reminded me that the Capitol Police were there to protect us, and to listen to them. He could not have been more right.

Shortly after that day, after we returned to the Chamber where our lives had been in jeopardy, I shared my experiences. Here is what I wrote: ``I feel sure that the Capitol Police saved countless lives. I don't think that America yet fully comprehends just how close we came to seeing Members of the U.S. House and the U.S. Senate kidnapped, held hostage, or perhaps even murdered. That mob had lethal intent.''

But it is because of our Capitol Police, because they risked their lives, because Brian Sicknick gave his life, that I could walk through that door and stand here on this floor today and speak to you. I speak with gratitude.

Earlier this year, I was proud to vote to pass a bill awarding the Capitol Police a Congressional Gold Medal. It is my hope that the Senate will pass this legislation soon. But, today, I am so proud to be able to stand here to recognize National Police Week, a week to say thank you and to recognize those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

This year, 394 names were added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. Thank you to those 394 officers. Thank you to the nine Illinois police officers whose lives were part of that list. And as the wife of a sheriff, let me say that 394 is too many, and 9 is too many.

Thank you to my husband of--35 years?

I am sorry; I think that is right, Gerry, if you are watching.

Thank you to my husband. He has been in law enforcement for 38 years. I do know that number. Thank you for his service to our community and his career in law enforcement.

Thank you to the men and women in law enforcement who sacrifice and serve and protect others every single day.

Madam Speaker, I was unable to vote on the Legislative Day of April 19, 2021. For the purposes of supporting human rights around the world, had I been present for the roll call vote H. Res. 130--Condemning the continued violation of rights and freedoms of the people of Hong Kong by the People's Republic of China and the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative, I would have cast the following vote:

Roll Call 121: Yea

Madam Speaker, I was unable to vote on the Legislative Day of April 19, 2021. For public safety reasons, had I been present for the roll call vote H.R. 1996--SAFE Banking Act of 2021, I would have cast the following vote: Roll Call 120: Yea.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support H.R. 1868. I know we

have talked this morning about the importance of the bill protecting Medicare. I want to talk with you for a couple of minutes here about its protection of farm supports and other direct spending as it pertains to our family farmers.

As chair of the Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk Management, this bill will protect critical resources like the Commodity Credit Corporation, resources that our family farmers depend on now more than ever.

There are nearly 2 million farmers across our Nation. In the district that I serve, we have close to 10,000 family farms. But throughout our Nation, there is no farm that isn't touched by the Commodity Credit Corporation, not one American farmer who wouldn't be impacted by these cuts. In the district I serve, those close to 10,000 family farmers would have fewer resources if this were to happen and would face challenges as they try to pay their bills and put food on the table.

The truth is, our family farmers have seen an onslaught of challenges for years, each year worse than the one before it: extreme weather conditions; devastated crops; unstable and uncertain trade markets that held back exports and economic growth; and throughout the past year, a global pandemic that has left many of our farmers ravaged, even as they kept fighting for fellow Americans, to keep them fed.

COVID-19 has impacted all of us. But, thankfully, we have never truly seen empty store shelves. We have our American farmers to thank for that. We have our American farmers to thank for the stable food supply and for the certainty that, even after years of challenges, even at the height of this worldwide crisis, our American farmers have had our backs. Now, it is time for us to have theirs.

A vote against this bill is a vote to cut farm funding. I urge my colleagues to vote to protect our family farmers and vote ``yes'' on this critical bill.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support the American Rescue Plan.

Nearly 1 year ago, the first case of COVID-19 was confirmed in the district that I serve. Now, the virus has infected more than 100,000 people in my district. No family in our region, in our State, throughout our Nation has been left untouched. Our sense of urgency could not be stronger.

The American Rescue Plan is an opportunity to deliver help. My corner of Illinois has thousands of small businesses struggling to keep their doors open, 113,000 kids who have yet to return to the classroom, and 150 towns in the congressional district I serve that need help to keep essential services running.

Mr. Speaker, the bill would provide an estimated $27 million to Rock Island County, $55 million to Winnebago County, $35 million to Peoria County, and more than $85 million to the other 11 counties in between in the congressional district that I serve.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support and vote for the American Rescue Plan.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to thank the citizen soldiers and airmen of our National Guard for upholding their oath to the Constitution.

Just 1 week after the attack on our Capitol, the inauguration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris was peaceful. That is thanks to the 26,700 National Guardsmen and -women who answered our Nation's call to serve at this moment of need.

Their motto is ``Always Ready, Always There.'' During the past month, their actions have fully embodied that motto.

Like Lieutenant Colonel John Bryk, who juggles his commitment to our Nation with his commitment to the students he serves in Orland Park School District in my home State of Illinois, he is one of more than nearly 1,000 Illinois Guardsmen and -women who have been deployed to Washington. There are still 500 here right now.

I met with some of them this morning. I will meet with more of them tomorrow. Illinois' sons and daughters, who have chosen to serve and protect this government body and this sacred building, we are stronger for their sacrifice, and I thank them for their service.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Derek Bergsten for winning the Fire Chief of the Year Award from the Illinois Fire Chiefs Association. This honor recognizes an exemplary fire chief who makes ``significant ongoing contributions'' to the profession and who was a full-time chief serving a city of more than 25,000 people.

After joining the Rockford Fire Department in 1994, Derek worked his way through the ranks to become a Captain, In 2007, he was named chief, becoming just the 10th chief in department history since 1880, During his time he created a mobile integrated health program that has worked to reduce visits to area emergency rooms, hospital admissions, and ambulance calls, Derek is responsible for the success of departmental accreditation through the Center for Public Safety Excellence, Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services, and Accreditation for Government Fleet Management Services. He expanded the certified fire vehicle repair shop operated by the department to reduce down time for fire equipment across the region while creating revenue, He also created a program that allows Rockford fire personnel to transport patients experiencing a mental health issue to the Rosecrance Mulberry Center for evaluation rather than a potentially stressful emergency room, In order to prevent overdose deaths, he created a program that provides Naloxone kits and training to the families of those who have overdosed, driving down the number of opioid overdose deaths, Derek is the first Fire Chief from our region chosen for this honor in over forty years. I commend him on his work to better the Rockford community through his job as a fire chief.

It is because of leaders such as Derek Bergsten that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally recognize Derek Bergsten for winning the Fire Chief of the Year Award.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Moline Public Library for its work with people with disabilities. The library received an award from the American Library Association for their efforts--becoming the only library in North America to win in this category.

The Moline Public Library has made a special effort in recent years to make their library more accessible for everyone in their community-- beginning with a reading and education book club for people with disabilities. Additionally, the Moline Public Library works with ARC of the Quad Cities and Quad City Arts to provide programming and activities for engagement. I commend the Moline Public Library for its work with people with disabilities, and I thank them for their continued service to the Moline community.

It is because of community leaders such as the Moline Public Library that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally honor the Moline Public Library for winning an award from the American Library Association for its work with people with disabilities.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Kai Swanson for winning the ``I Have a Dream'' Award from the Rock Island Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center.

Kai is a Rock Island native who works as the Special Assistant to Augustana College's President. Kai gives so much of himself to help others, and it is truly inspiring. He has also received several awards for his service to the Rock Island community, such as a Rock Island Rotary community service award, the Habitat Hero award from Quad Cities Habitat for Humanity, the Professional Citizen of the Year (1998) from the City of Rock Island, and the Outstanding Community Service Award from the Metropolitan Community Church. Kai is currently serving on the Quad Cities Holocaust Remembrance Committee, is a member of the Rock Island NAACP and is a board member for the Doris and Victor Day Foundation. Apart from his duties on those boards, he is also a Visit Quad Cities board member and a Rock Island County board member. Additionally, Kai is president of the county Forest Preserve Commission. His commitment to his community is palpable and I commend him on his work to better the Rock Island community through lifting others and addressing problems head-on to affect change.

It is because of leaders such as Kai Swanson that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally recognize Kai Swanson for receiving the ``I Have a Dream'' Award from the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center in Rock Island, Illinois.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to thank the Sherrard High School FFA for donating over 2,766 pounds of homegrown produce to local food pantries in Sherrard and Milan, Illinois.

The Sherrard FFA manages a garden used to grow produce for local food pantries to help those with food insecurity. Students drive the produce to local food banks to donate to those in need. The COVID-19 pandemic has created heightened food insecurity in our communities and around the country. The Sherrard FFA provides a much-needed service to the local community. I commend the efforts of the Sherrard FFA, and I am proud of the selfless work they are doing to feed the hungry.

It is because of community leaders such as the Sherrard FFA that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally thank the Sherrard FFA for donating freshly grown produce to local food pantries, helping to alleviate the insecurities families in our district face today.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Joe Terronez the first Mexican-American Mayor in the State of Illinois and long-time Silvis City Council Member.

Joe was born February 15, 1929 in a boxcar in the Silvis yards, the son of Benito and Felisa Anguiano Terronez. He married Rebecca Herrera on November 6, 1948, and together they had 8 children. As a devout Catholic and lifelong member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, Joe was always a strong member of the community. Joe attended Silvis public schools and proudly graduated from United Township High School in 1947. He was employed by International Harvester Company in East Moline as a repairman and retired in 1984 after 33 years. Throughout his lifetime he was a member of several religious, labor, political, and civic organizations and was most proud to work with veterans. He was an Honorary member of the Mexican American Veterans Association (MAVA) and Hero Street Memorial Committee. He was also a proud union member and loyal to the Democratic Party. His love of family, faith, and community were most important through his life. He served the City of Silvis and his community for 30 years--26 years as First Ward Alderman and four years as Mayor. Joe was honored to be the first elected Hispanic Mayor in the State of Illinois. He worked tirelessly in the renaming of 2nd Street in Silvis, Illinois to ``Hero Street, USA'' and establishing ``Hero Street Memorial Park'', a living memorial to the eight Mexican Americans from Hero Street and all the heroes from Silvis. I thank him for his life of service to his community and honor his legacy.

It is because of leaders such as Joe Terronez that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally recognize and honor the life of former Silvis Mayor, Joe Terronez.