Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to call up H.R. 471, the PAUSE Act, to protect all Americans from Biden's border crisis.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the United States men's national soccer team on qualifying for the 2022 World Cup this November in Qatar.

Last night, the U.S. men's national soccer team completed their qualifying campaign in Costa Rica. It was a fitting ending to the team's qualifying run, filled with ups and downs and exciting matches, including big wins over Mexico, Panama, Jamaica, and Costa Rica.

After missing out on the 2018 World Cup, the United States team is headed back to the World Cup for the first time in 8 years.

From day one of the 2022 qualifying campaign, Coach Gregg Berhalter and the team set out on one mission and one goal, and that was to qualify. Bolstered by a golden generation of young and exciting talent, including players such as Christian Pulisic, Gio Reyna, Weston McKennie, Tyler Adams, Tim Weah, and many others, the U.S. put together a strong qualifying performance, including an undefeated record against the Mexican national team this past year, which is the first time that has been done in decades.

I am proud that Illinois is home to the United States Soccer Federation, which supports our men's and women's programs at all levels.

I know I join with many in Congress and across the country in congratulating the U.S. men's national soccer team. This qualification is a well-deserved result that is a testament to the hard work put in by all of U.S. soccer and the men's team.

The team has made their country proud, and I look forward to cheering them on at the World Cup in November.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in the strongest possible terms to condemn Russian President Vladimir Putin and his ongoing war crimes against the people of Ukraine.

In the last month, the world has witnessed Putin's brutality and capacity for evil against the innocent people of Ukraine.

In the lead-up to the invasion of a sovereign, democratic Ukraine, Putin lied to the world, asserting that he did not want war, that he did not want to invade Ukraine, and that the troops amassed on the Ukrainian border were only conducting training exercises.

Putin claims that any effort to expand NATO is a mission aimed only to destabilize Russia; however, it is exactly the opposite. NATO is solely a defensive alliance that has never sought to destabilize or challenge Russia but, rather, to support the maintenance and respect for sovereignty and peace.

At no time during the lead-up to Russia's criminal invasion did Ukraine or NATO provoke Vladimir Putin to act. Despite this, Putin launched a full-scale, illegal, and unjustified invasion of Ukraine under the false pretense of ethnic solidarity and denazification.

The bottom line is: Putin is a liar and cannot be trusted.

The world has witnessed Putin's indiscriminate bombing of residential areas and civilian infrastructure across Ukraine. Putin's authoritarian brutality has included the horrific bombing and destruction of a maternity hospital in Mariupol, where he murdered women and children. He also ordered the bombing of a community theater where hundreds of innocent civilians were sheltering.

Fears remain that Russian forces, at the sole discretion of Putin, will use chemical weapons against innocent Ukrainians, as they did in Syria in 2015.

In the face of Putin's criminal war, the Ukrainian people and their President, President Zelenskyy, have shown immense courage, resilience, and determination as they defend their country. The world stands united with them.

As a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, I believe it is vital that the United States continue to maximize available intelligence-sharing with our Ukrainian and international allies and also maintain robust military and humanitarian assistance.

The United States must also work to declassify intelligence that reveals evidence of Vladimir Putin's malign intentions and actions, including war crimes committed.

Putin is a thug, a dictator, and an authoritarian war criminal whose crimes--past, present, and future--should be known and exposed across the world. Pulling back the veil on his actions will ensure that we hold Putin accountable and prosecute him for the war criminal he is.

America and its people will continue to show solidarity with the Ukrainian people.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of SECURE 2.0. As a member of the Ways and Means Committee, I thank Chairman Neal and Ranking Member Brady for their bipartisan work on this legislation that will help workers save for retirement at all stages of their career and protect American futures.

This bill includes two key provisions that I was proud to work on, Retirement Parity for Student Loans Act and the Public Service Retirement Fairness Act.

The Retirement Parity for Student Loans Act allows workers to make student loan payments while receiving employer matching contributions into their retirement plan. This will allow individuals to pay down student loan debt and save for retirement at the same time.

The Public Service Retirement Fairness Act creates parity between the public and private sectors, ensuring public-sector and nonprofit retirement-saving programs have the same access to low-cost investments as private sector retirement plans.

SECURE 2.0 supports workers at all stages to save for retirement, helps small businesses create retirement plan options, and builds on bipartisan success of the SECURE Act passed last Congress.

Madam Speaker, I want to thank my colleagues that worked in a bipartisan effort for their work on this vital legislation, and I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes''.

Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the life and legacy of Barbara Rowell of Quincy, Illinois, who passed away in November 2021 at the age of 85.

A native of Quincy, Illinois, Barbara Rowell attended Culver Stockton College where she majored in Speech and Drama and graduated Cum Laude in 1958. During her time at Culver Stockton College, Barbara was active in student theater, Greek life, and was the host of the Culver Stockton Callboard television show. During which, she had the opportunity to interview then President of the Screen Actors Guild, and future President of the United States, Ronald Reagan.

Barbara's passion for the theater and her community led her back to her hometown, Quincy, where she taught Speech and Drama courses at Quincy High School and Central High School. In addition, she was an active leader in the Quincy Live Theater where she held the title of actress, managing and artistic director, and board member. During her tenure at the Quincy Live Theater, she was a part of an estimated 136 productions.

Barbara was not only an iconic figure in the Quincy community but provided critical leadership in improving the Quincy Community Theater. Her accolades demonstrate how her determination and vision did not go unnoticed. Barbara was a 25-year member of the American Association of Community Theaters and recipient of the YWCA Woman of Achievement Award and the City of Quincy Arts Award. The Quincy community has been fortunate to benefit under the leadership of Barbara Rowell.

I want to offer my condolences to the Rowell family and the people of Quincy on the loss of a great woman. Barbara left a lasting impact on those who had the pleasure of knowing her. May her memory be eternal.

Madam Speaker, I would like to honor and congratulate Bradley Men's Basketball Public Address Announcer, Paul Herzog, on his retirement after 45 years.

Paul Herzog has been announcing Bradley University men's basketball home games since the 1976-77 season. Paul had never missed announcing a game until the COVID-19 pandemic forced him out of the booth during Bradley's 2020-2021 men's basketball campaign. During his time as the public address announcer, Paul called 660 games which matched his idol's, Willie Mays, 660 home run total.

Paul has always been committed to his work and his community. It is my privilege to congratulate Paul on his retirement. We have all been blessed to have had Paul on the microphone for so many memorable and pivotal Bradley basketball moments.

Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the life and legacy of Mel F. Campbell of Chillicothe, Illinois, who passed away on January 12, 2022, at the age of 96.

Mel Campbell, born on August 6, 1925 in New Brighton, Pennsylvania, was a distinguished World War II veteran who served in the United States military with the 87th Infantry Division in Europe. During his service career, Mel received a Purple Heart after receiving wounds from a grenade in 1944. After being transferred to a hospital in Nancy, France, he quickly recovered and rejoined his unit just days after sustaining his injury. Only a few months later, he received a Silver Star due to the heroic role he played in capturing German engineers who were attempting to detonate charges on a bridge to delay Allied movements. His actions allowed Mel and his Regiment to cross without delay. In addition to receiving the Silver Star and Purple Heart, Mel received three Bronze Stars during his service.

After his military service, Mel went on to be a leader and pillar of his community through his long career as a banker and his involvement in community affairs. After graduating from Muskingum College with his bachelor's degree, Mel attended the University of Wisconsin's Graduate School of Banking and pursued a career in banking where he worked for 24 years. During his tenure; Mel was the president of the Chillicothe State Bank, and then became the Secretary of the J.T. Fennel Co. Inc. prior to his retirement in 1988. He continually served others throughout the community and most notably served as a member of the Advisory Board of Heritage Manor in Chillicothe, the president of the Chillicothe Rotary Club, the president of the ``Chillicothe Development Company, the president of the Chillicothe Chamber of Commerce, and a charter member of the Pearce Community Center. Through his 36 years in the central Illinois region, Mel made many contributions to better the lives of those in his community.

Mel will be remembered for his love and commitment to his wonderfui family. He was preceded in death by his wife Jean, whom he was married to for 66 years, as well as his brother Richard. He was blessed with one son, Clyde, three grandchildren, and nine great grandchildren.

I want to offer my condolences to the Campbell family and the people of Chillicothe on the loss of a great man. Mel left a lasting

impact on those who had the pleasure of knowing him. May his memory be eternal.

Madam Speaker, I would like to congratulate Bishop Daniel Jenky, the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Peoria, who is retiring after 20 wonderful years of service across Central Illinois.

Bishop Jenky attended the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana, where he obtained his Bachelor of Arts and Master of Theology degrees. Bishop Jenky spent the beginning of his service in the priesthood at his alma mater, the University of Notre Dame, where he spent 25 years as a priest and as Rector of the Sacred Heart Basilica. He was later ordained as Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Fort Wayne- South Bend in December 1997. Bishop Jenky served as the Auxiliary Bishop of Fort Wayne-South Bend for five years until his next appointment as Bishop to the Catholic Diocese of Peoria.

Appointed by Pope John Paul II in February of 2002, Bishop Jenky served the Diocese of Peoria for two decades. His passion about Catholic education and supporting the poor and marginalized led to numerous community projects, most notably, the diocese's construction of the Spalding Pastoral Center and Sacre-Coeur Retreat Center. In addition, Bishop Jenky led the charge as the primary advocate for the canonization of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, a Peoria, Illinois native.

Bishop Jenky's commitment to lead, educate, and strengthen the Roman Catholic community embodies the attributes of a true servant of Christ. As a native of Peoria and practicing Catholic, it is my privilege to honor and thank Bishop Jenky for being a faithful servant to Illinois' Eighteenth Congressional District.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding the time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to the so-called America COMPETES Act. Instead of following the productive bipartisan efforts initiated in the Senate, House Democrats have chosen the go-it-alone approach that fails to meet the urgent needs to strengthen U.S. competitiveness and protect our national security as it relates to China.

On the Committee on Ways and Means, I have worked across the aisle on China policy with my Democrat colleagues, including trade priorities to bring manufacturing back to the United States, to hold China to their trade commitments, and to prioritize digital trade agreements with like-minded allies to combat China's abusive digital standards.

Yet here we are today. Democrats are pushing partisan legislation stocked with more D.C. control over our economy that fails to address the critical trade initiatives to put American workers and businesses first and to counter the market distorting and dangerous economic practices of China.

As a member of the Intelligence Committee and the China Task Force, and the co-chair of the bipartisan U.S.-China Working Group, I understand the unique and urgent action required to strengthen American competitiveness and combat growing challenges from China. It is disappointing that House Democrats are again ignoring this opportunity to work together with Republicans as they did in the Senate, Republicans and Democrats together, to put forth a commonsense bill. Where is that bill? It is not here.

We need to address the real challenges presented by China, and instead, we are cynically pushing forward unrelated liberal agenda items.

Vote ``no.''

Mr. Speaker, I echo the comments of both Congressman Bost and Congressman Davis. It is bittersweet to be here tonight to honor the life of Vicki Dixon, who was a friend to many in Illinois and here in Washington, D.C.

Vicki passed away too early, but I am glad we have the opportunity tonight to pay tribute to her wonderful career, her generosity, and her support of so many.

I thank you, Congressman Davis, for organizing this Special Order.

When you think about Vicki Dixon and her career, you can't help but think about Illinois. She was a native of Shelbyville, Illinois. Vicki felt a call to service at a very young age. From 1979 to 1989, Vicki worked for former Illinois Congressman Dan Crane and then went on to work for Mr. Derwinski at the Department of Veterans Affairs before serving at the Interior Department until she retired in 2016. She served many different Secretaries at the Department of the Interior.

Vicki was a proud Illinois Republican, and she always supported the party back there and many of our candidates and elected officials. Vicki was integral in the development of something called the Lincoln Series. The Lincoln Series was a leadership program for young Republican women in Illinois dedicated to increasing the number of young Republican women serving in government and political positions. That Lincoln Series would not have happened without Vicki Dixon.

There are many people that graduated from the Lincoln Series, so we owe a debt of gratitude to so many people that Vicki helped touch by that program. It was just one of many things that Vicki did that was impactful on so many different folks.

Vicki was known to many of us here in the Halls of Congress for her work specifically at the Department of the Interior and the Capitol Hill Club.

Many of us got to know Vicki. Vicki was very involved with the Capitol Hill Club and many of our activities over there. Vicki was always kind and generous, had a smile on her face, and was willing to help.

Vicki will be sorely missed by everyone who knew her here in D.C. and, of course, back home in Illinois. My prayers remain with Vicki's family. May she rest in peace.

Madam Speaker, today, I recognize the thousands of faithful and devoted students from central and west-central Illinois and around the country who are participating in this year's March for Life celebrations. The March for Life began in Washington, DC, as a small demonstration and has since become the largest pro-life event in the world.

I am proud to represent Catholic schools in my district, like Peoria Notre Dame High School, Quincy Notre Dame High School, Routt Catholic High School in Jacksonville, Sacred Heart-Griffin High School in Springfield, and Bloomington Central Catholic, as they continue to show unending and unwavering support for the pro-life movement. I am honored to recognize the efforts of pro-life advocates across the 18th District who have

worked tirelessly to protect unborn infants and provide necessary support and resources to pregnant mothers.

On this 49th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade ruling, we must continue to pursue a national culture that promotes and protects life for all individuals. The right to life is a human right, and it is critical that our current and future generations work towards a pro-life future. Students, such as the ones that I represent in the 18th District, continue to play an integral role in fighting for the lives of the most vulnerable.

As we aspire for a world where every life is celebrated and protected, I want to commend the support for pro-life values in my district and the annual support of March for Life celebrations across the country.

Madam Speaker, I would like to recognize Jim Ardis for his leadership and

dedication to the City of Peoria. Ardis retired in 2021 as the longest serving Mayor in the history of the City, serving for 16 years. Prior to his 4 terms as Mayor, he also served on the City Council for 6 years. We thank Mayor Ardis for his tireless advocacy and dedication to move the City forward through times of prosperity and adversity. His unwavering commitment to the community is a testament to his perseverance and love for Peoria.

During his tenure, Peoria earned the unique distinction of being named an All-America City. Mayor Ardis led the effort to create a one- of-a-kind program called Peoria Promise, which gives all students in the City the opportunity to attend community college with tuition reimbursement. Mayor Ardis's leadership also helped to develop Peoria's warehouse district which has brought economic development to the area and transformed downtown. That effort has continued recently with OSF Health Care's new headquarters also coming to Downtown Peoria. His influence on the City of Peoria over the years is endless.

In addition, Jim is a caring person that has always generously given his time and resources to many charities and philanthropic efforts that help people. One shining example is his dedication to the St. Jude Memphis to Peoria Run that raises money for children with cancer. Jim has dedicated his professional and personal life to the Peoria community and continues to do so now after his time as Mayor with his role at the OSF Foundation. I appreciate our friendship and his commitment to public service. I wish Jim great success in all his future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the life of former Peoria City Clerk Mary Haynes, who passed away at the end of 2021. Mary Haynes represented the best of Peoria.

In 1985, Mary was elected as the first woman Peoria city clerk. For over 25 years, she made local government work better. Being the city clerk was a passion of Mary's, and she was beloved by her colleagues. She ensured transparency in city government and worked to educate other city clerks throughout Illinois.

One of her most satisfying roles during her time as clerk was heading up the Rediscovering City Hall project, which restored Peoria City Hall to its monument form.

Above all, Mary was a devoted mother and grandmother and one of the kindest people you could meet. She was a friend to everyone who knew her, and her presence will be missed dearly in Peoria.

My prayers are with Mary's children, grandchildren, and loved ones. May she rest in peace.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate and honor the service of newly retired FBI Special Agent (SA) Brendan J. O'Leary. SA O'Leary dedicated 22 years of his life to the FBI and served his country with distinction. Brendan was born and raised in Chicago and received his undergraduate degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and his law degree from the John Marshall--UIC School of Law. Prior to joining the FBI, Brendan served honorably as an Assistant State's Attorney with the Cook County State's Attorney's office prosecuting criminal cases. After being selected into the FBI, SA O'Leary spent most of his career in the Chicago Field office investigating and overseeing public corruption cases,

In 1999, SA O'Leary began his FBI career in the Las Vegas Division where he quickly established himself as a competent and hardworking agent. He was immediately assigned to a significant public corruption investigation in which business owners were bribing elected county commissioners and other public officials in return for official acts intended to hamper investigations of their businesses. The case was named ``Operation G-Sting'' and it ended up being the largest and most comprehensive public corruption case in the history of Nevada. In 2004, after a successful assignment in Las Vegas, SA O'Leary transferred to the Chicago Division and was assigned to a public corruption squad, where he used his experience to address the systemic corruption in the City of Chicago, Cook County, and the State of Illinois.

In 2012, SA O'Leary became the Supervisory Special Agent (SSA) for WC-2. As the SSA, he oversaw a number of high-profile public corruption investigations. These investigations included cases involving members of the U.S. Congress, the Illinois State Legislature, the Chicago City Council, and other local politicians. Over the last two years, he was the acting Assistant Special Agent in Charge over the White-Collar Branch, and not only oversaw several cases involving complex financial crimes, health care fraud, and money laundering investigations, but also very significant ongoing public corruption investigations. Throughout all of this, SA O'Leary continued to take an active role in cases, utilizing his experience and insight. He advocated on behalf of agents and programs and represented the FBI in a professional and intelligent manner when speaking to community groups or at school events. SA O'Leary not only had a passion for the public corruption program, but always followed the path of righteousness when fighting for the citizens of Chicago, the State of Illinois, and the United States of America. Agent O'Leary established a reputation for his relentless pursuit of justice and holding elected officials and government employees accountable under the rule of law.

Throughout the course of his 22 years, SA O'Leary was a reliable and steady leader who set a standard for excellence. Brendan J. O'Leary's professional accomplishments were achieved with the loving support of his wonderful wife Chris and their four beautiful daughters.

Madam Speaker, I rise to commemorate the service of Brigadier General William ``Robbie'' Robertson on his retirement from the Illinois Air National Guard.

A Peoria native, General Robertson served 41 years in the Armed Forces, much of it as a member of Peoria's 182nd Airlift Wing of the Illinois National Guard. He served in various capacities as a security policeman, a pilot, a forward air controller, chief of operations, wing commander, and chief of staff for the Illinois Air National Guard.

General Robertson was integral in making the 182nd one of the best C- 130 units in the country. During General Robertson's time at the 182nd, the unit earned five Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards, and nine times reached the highest C-130 Hercules mission capable rates in Air Mobility Command.

General Robertson is known throughout the Peoria community for his steady leadership and integrity. He is beloved by those who worked with him and know him.

I want to thank him for his service to our country and to our community and wish him well in his retirement.