Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of S. 1318, the Foreign Intelligence Accountability Act, and I thank Chairman Crawford for his leadership and steadfast support for reauthorization of FISA 702.

During the last reauthorization in 2024, I and many other Members led the committee's task force on FISA reforms, and I think it is important to clarify what FISA 702 is and what it isn't.

FISA 702 cannot be used to target U.S. persons, period. Under current Federal law, it is illegal to target U.S. persons under this authority. Section 702 only allows for the collection on foreigners located overseas and who are reasonably believed to possess certain types of foreign intelligence information.

Throughout our reform process in 2024, we worked with our Judiciary Committee colleagues and spent over a year working to address unacceptable section 702 abuses by the FBI with the goal of preserving constitutional liberties afforded to all U.S. persons, ensuring events like Crossfire Hurricane never happen again, and holding the FBI accountable.

The last reauthorization, the Reforming Intelligence and Securing America Act, RISAA, targeted 56 reforms and meaningful changes to the FBI. It is the largest reform to the FBI in a generation. The Department of Justice Inspector General's Office has confirmed today that the FBI has implemented all 56 of these requirements.

These requirements over the last 2 years have worked, by everybody's account, holding the FBI accountable; increasing criminal penalties on agents and analysts, making the FBI more compliant with what they have to do; reforming the FISC, the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court; and a number of other reforms that are working.

I strongly believe the unintended consequences of letting FISA 702 expire would result in risking national security and making the United States less safe for American families.

If we just look over the last year here, the strategic strike in Venezuela, the Israeli hostages who were recovered from the tunnels in Hamas, taking out Iran's nuclear capabilities and the success we have had there, the taking out of drug cartel bosses in Mexico, going back to the first administration and what happened with Soleimani and al- Baghdadi, and many other instances that we can't talk about here, all of it derived from FISA 702.

Prior to coming to Congress, I spent time as a Federal prosecutor and the chief terrorism prosecutor in the U.S. Department of Justice. I know firsthand how FISA can be used for the proper prosecution of terrorists and non-U.S. citizens who want to harm America. Putting people in jail who want to hurt America would not happen but for FISA and section 702.

Today, FISA 702 delivers unique foreign intelligence that allows the U.S. Government to better protect U.S. military forces abroad, disrupt malicious hackers targeting U.S. infrastructure like emergency medical services and transportation services, and thwart potential efforts by terrorist groups that may be plotting attacks on our homeland.

Mr. Speaker, the bottom line is that FISA is an indispensable national security tool. We ought to support this bill to protect America and our citizens, and I urge its adoption.

Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 97, and YEA on Roll Call No. 98.

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize John W. Rauber, Jr., and congratulate him on his retirement after 25 years of distinguished service at John Deere. Joining Deere in 2000, John played an instrumental role in John Deere's U.S. and International Government Affairs and International Finance Teams, serving most recently as Regional Director & Counsel for Government Relations, and led the global Government Affairs organization.

At John Deere, John helped strengthen business opportunities for dealers globally, develop innovative solutions for Deere customers, and build public affairs operations in Europe, Asia, and South America. John was instrumental in developing sound public policy to support the agriculture' community in Illinois, the Midwest, and throughout the United States--advocating for key provisions in the Farm Bill and prioritizing broadband connectivity for precision agriculture.

Throughout his career, John has been known in Washington and around Capitol Hill for his effective advocacy, dedication, and leadership. He's been a trusted colleague and friend--well respected by Members of Congress on both sides of the aisle and his peers in Washington. A consummate professional, John was a reliable resource to those who sought advice or counsel. No matter one's role, John treated those around him fairly and with respect, providing mentorship and guidance to those in need.

As native of Bethesda, Maryland, John's roots run deep in the greater Washington, D.C., area. Graduating from Georgetown University and George Washington University Law School, John has committed his life to serving his community and giving back to those who helped him along the way. Above all else, I know what John enjoys most is being a loving husband to his wife Diane, and an incredible father to their four sons, John, David, Michael, and Andrew. In retirement, John will continue to serve his community, enjoy his summers at the beach, and complete his 10th Boston Marathon.

I want to extend my sincere congratulations to John for his distinguished career and significant contributions to John Deere--which will leave an indelible mark on a great American and Illinois manufacturer. I wish John, and his wife Diane, all the best as he enters the next chapter in his life.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the Chairman for having this Special Order here tonight and also for the introduction of the special resolution that lays out the justification and why we took out Nicolas Maduro.

Mr. Speaker, I rise tonight in strong support of the capture of Nicolas Maduro. Nicolas Maduro and his corrupt inner circle have been U.S. law enforcement targets for over 15 years with multiple agencies, including the U.S. Department of Justice, the DEA, and the FBI, working toward his arrest and his prosecution.

In 2020, under the first Trump administration, the United States unsealed a superseding indictment out of the Southern District of New York against Maduro and more than a dozen of his associates, along with offering a $15 million reward for his capture.

The 2020 indictment described how Maduro and his top lieutenants served as leaders of the Cartel de los Soles for over two decades and partnered with known designated foreign terrorist organizations to move, at the time, over 250 tons of cocaine through Venezuela--cocaine that was cultivated, manufactured, and moved through Venezuela.

Then, fast-forward to January 2025. The Biden administration and the Biden Department of Justice, at the time relying on the same indictment from the Trump administration, increased the bounty and reward for Maduro to $25 million. That is the same reward offered for information leading to Osama bin Laden's capture.

Under the second Trump administration, last month, a superseding indictment was unsealed with updated estimates of cocaine smuggling linked to Maduro, now exceeding thousands of tons.

The new indictment highlights other criminal activity directly tied to Maduro, including providing fake travel documents to facilitate drug smuggling under the guise of diplomatic cover and partnerships with the Sinaloa Cartel boss El Chapo.

The bottom line is that Maduro is a thug. He is a dictator. He is an international criminal. That was recognized by the Biden administration and obviously the Trump administration.

The Department of Justice was in charge of this mission. It was their mission, and there were a lot of details that came out after the execution of this mission.

Yet one thing that didn't get covered enough was that there were lawyers who immediately met Maduro when he was brought into United States' custody. He was read his rights. He was given the opportunity to read the indictment before he was brought to the Southern District of New York.

Narcoterrorism is a serious, serious charge. If you look at the allegations in there, Maduro and his associates essentially flooded the United States with thousands and thousands of tons of cocaine.

The other thing that doesn't get mentioned enough is the fact that our adversaries--Iran, China, and Russia--

essentially have used Venezuela for the last 20 years as a base and a platform to spy, threaten and cause chaos in the Western Hemisphere and the United States. That will no longer happen because of the brave work that was executed by our Special Forces on January 3.

I give a lot of credit to the Trump team: Secretary Rubio, Director Ratcliffe, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, General Caine, and obviously President Trump. None of this would have happened without that team that was in place.

Venezuela is going to be a better place without Maduro. The region is going to be better off, and the world will be a better place.

The reality is that Maduro's capture and prosecution will save American lives, and I commend the Trump administration for taking this decisive action.

There are additional targets of Maduro's criminal enterprise who remain at large and now know that the United States will no longer tolerate or turn a blind eye to the transshipment of their cocaine and other drugs across our borders.

I thank Chairman Crawford, and I thank the members of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence for being here tonight and look forward to continuing to work with the Trump administration to make the Western Hemisphere a safer place.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor and remember Hal Smith of Springfield, Illinois, a devoted public servant, respected community leader, and most importantly, a loving husband, father, and grandfather. Hal passed away on December 3, 2025, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of leadership and service.

A proud 1968 graduate of Springfield High School, Hal went on to earn his Bachelor of Arts in Business from Sangamon State University in 1972 and later a master's degree in public administration in 1976. From the very beginning of his career, Hal embodied the best qualities of a servant leader. His work for U.S. Senator Charles H. Percy beginning in 1977, quickly established him as a trusted member of the district team, known for his warm personality, strategic insight, and unwavering commitment to helping others.

In 1984, Hal transitioned to the private sector, beginning a thirty- year career with three global gaming and entertainment companies. His love for history and Illinois heritage led him to serve as executive director of the Looking for Lincoln Heritage Coalition from 2008 to 2010, where he shared lessons of leadership drawn from Abraham Lincoln and other notable Illinois leaders.

After decades of private sector success, Hal announced his retirement, but public service called him back. In 2016, newly elected Congressman Darin LaHood asked Hal to join his district team, where he oversaw operations of the Springfield office. In that role, Hal once again served his community with humility, kindness, and deep respect for the people of Central Illinois.

Always embracing new challenges, Hal left the congressional office in 2019 to become Executive Director for Development at the SIU Foundation at the School of Medicine. His exceptional communication skills and genuine passion for people made him an invaluable asset, earning admiration from colleagues throughout the School of Medicine.

Above all, Hal was grounded by faith and family. He was an active member of Blessed Sacrament Church and the devoted husband of forty-two years to Meg Moore Smith. He was a loving father to Elizabeth Lucin and David Reid and a proud granddad to Madison and Caden. Hal will be deeply missed by all who knew him and will be remembered as the epitome of a servant leader whose faith, character, and dedication to his community will endure for years to come.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize Dr. Sheila Quirk- Bailey, President of Illinois Central College, for her outstanding leadership and over three decades of dedicated service to higher education. Since becoming president in 2016, Dr. Quirk-Bailey has guided Illinois Central College through a period of significant progress focused on student success, equity, and workforce development.

Under her leadership, Illinois Central College achieved five consecutive semesters of enrollment growth, improved graduation and retention rates, and reduced developmental education placements by sixty-six percent while maintaining strong student outcomes. Dr. Quirk- Bailey led the creation of nationally recognized workforce programs including the Workforce Empowerment Initiative, the Information Technology Workforce Accelerator, and the first prison education program in the Nation funded by federal Pell grants. The Workforce Empowerment Initiative alone has helped lift more than 1,200 individuals out of poverty, with participants seeing an average increase of nearly thirty-three thousand dollars in yearly earnings.

Dr. Quirk-Bailey also laid a strong foundation for ICC's next decade of growth. Through the College's strategic plan, she advanced a year- round eight-week scheduling process, expanded micro and stackable credential pathways, supported the development of boot camps and competency-based education models, and guided the implementation of a new enterprise resource planning platform to modernize operations and meet future workforce demands.

Central Illinois is fortunate to have had a leader whose vision, professionalism, and dedication to expanding educational opportunity, have strengthened our region for many years. Dr. Quirk-Bailey's unwavering commitment to student success and workforce advancement is truly inspiring, and her retirement marks the closure of a remarkable career devoted to improving lives through education. I am honored to recognize her for her extraordinary service and congratulate her on her well-earned retirement. I wish Dr. Quirk-Bailey and her loved ones the very best in the years ahead.

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize Mike Oltman for more than 40 years of public service with the Woodford County Emergency Management Agency. Throughout his career, Mike has demonstrated unwavering commitment, technical expertise, and a deep devotion to protecting and serving his community.

Mr. Oltman began his service as a senior at Roanoke Benson High School when the agency was known as the Emergency Services and Disaster Agency. Throughout his career, he has held key roles in emergency preparedness and response, including serving as Deputy Director, chief storm spotter, and a member of the damage assessment team. In these pivotal positions, he worked closely with the IEMA and FEMA to map disaster areas and support response operations that benefited the county, first responders, and residents.

His extensive experience in emergency operations uniquely equipped him to guide the county through major crises, including his leadership during the activation of the Emergency Operations Center in the COVID pandemic. This expertise made him an essential leader at the county and state levels, where he successfully coordinated emergency procedures and supported critical public safety decisions during one of Woodford County's most challenging periods.

Throughout his service, Mr. Oltman has dedicated himself to strengthening emergency response capabilities and supporting those around him. As a driver and Emergency Medical Responder with the Roanoke ambulance service and as a staff member with the Salvation Army, he has extended his commitment far beyond EMA. His dedication and leadership were further recognized in 2017 when he received the Volunteer of the Year Award from the Illinois Emergency Services Management Association, leaving a lasting impact on the agency and the community he has faithfully served.

Woodford County is fortunate to have a volunteer whose service, professionalism, and passion for public safety have spanned more than four decades. Mike's commitment to his community is truly inspiring, and his retirement marks the conclusion of a remarkable career devoted to serving others. I am honored to recognize him for his extraordinary service and congratulate him on his well-earned retirement. I wish Mike and his loved ones the very best in the years ahead.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the 125th anniversary of FamilyCore. For more than a century, FamilyCore has served as a pillar of support for families in Central Illinois, and now provides counseling, foster care, adoption, youth outreach, and family preservation services to more than 17,000 clients each year.

Founded in 1900 in the Assembly Room of Peoria's City Hall, FamilyCore began as Associated Charities and Philanthropies with the

mission of coordinating charitable efforts and uplifting families in need. While its name and services have changed over the past 125 years, the mission of strengthening families for a stronger community has stayed constant.

FamilyCore's impact has been bolstered by innovative thinking with a focus on collaboration. From its early efforts to establish a juvenile court and public health initiatives to its current work in behavioral health and family well-being, FamilyCore's positive effect in Central Illinois continues to grow.

As we celebrate 125 years of FamilyCore's service, we honor its proud history and the generations of staff, volunteers, and community partners who have made a lasting difference in the lives of thousands. I am proud to recognize this extraordinary organization and ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating FamilyCore on 125 years of strengthening families and building a stronger Peoria.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 200th anniversary of Peoria County, located in the heart of Illinois. Along the Illinois River, Peoria County spans 629 square miles and is home to more than 181,000 residents who embody the resilience, innovation, and community spirit that define central Illinois.

For two centuries, Peoria County has served as an economic anchor for our state. From its fertile farmland producing corn, soybeans, and livestock, to manufacturing giants like Caterpillar and Komatsu, the region's foundation remains strong. Over time, Peoria County has diversified into healthcare, education, research, and entrepreneurship, with a thriving reputation for innovation and investment.

Peoria County serves as a hub for arts, culture, and recreation, with attractions such as the Peoria Riverfront Museum and Peoria

Civic Center, embodying the best of the Midwest and providing metropolitan amenities within a welcoming, mid-sized community. Peoria is also home to Bradley University and Illinois Central College, preparing the next generation of leaders in Central Illinois.

Above all, Peoria County is a wonderful place to call home. The many diverse communities which compromise Peoria County carry forward a tradition of family values, hard work, and small-town charm that continue to define the region.

As we celebrate the bicentennial of Peoria County, we honor its proud past and look forward to the continued leadership role in Illinois and across the Midwest. I am pleased to represent this remarkable community and ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Peoria County on 200 years of history and progress.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 75th anniversary of the General Wayne A. Downing Peoria International Airport, a cornerstone of transportation and economic growth in the heart of Central Illinois. Since its establishment in 1950, Peoria's International Airport has connected our region to destinations across the country while embodying the innovation and community spirit that defines Peoria.

Peoria's ties to aviation stretch back more than a century. From the Wright Brothers' exhibition flight in 1910, to Charles Lindbergh's

mail route between St. Louis and Chicago, our region has long been part of America's aviation story. In 1932, 261 local businessmen came together to purchase land for Peoria's first airfield, laying the foundation for what would become one of Illinois's most important regional airports. Over the decades, the airport has evolved from four shale runways to a modern international facility. In 2008, it was renamed in honor of Four-Star General Wayne A. Downing, a Peoria native and distinguished U.S. Army leader whose legacy continues to inspire our community. The airport expanded further in 2016 with the dedication of the Ray LaHood Terminal, recognizing the former Congressman and Transportation Secretary's lifelong commitment to infrastructure and service.

Peoria International Airport serves 12 nonstop destinations, offers the longest runway in Illinois outside of Chicago, and operates the state's only 24-hour FAA control tower beyond the Chicago area. From welcoming just 50,000 passengers in the 1950's to a record 689,000 passengers in 2019, PIA has become an indispensable hub for business, travel, and commerce in Central Illinois.

As we celebrate 75 years of service, we honor the vision of those who built and sustained this airport--leaders, workers, and community members whose dedication continues to strengthen our regional economy and connect Central Illinois to the world. I am proud to represent this remarkable community and ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the General Wayne A. Downing Peoria International Airport and their leadership on 75 years of aviation excellence and progress.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of former Illinois Governor Jim Edgar, who passed away on September 14 at the age of 79.

Raised in Charleston, Illinois, Governor Edgar devoted his life to public service with integrity, humility, and thoughtfulness. After attending Eastern Illinois University, where he met his beloved wife, Brenda, he embarked on a career that led him to serve as the 38th Governor of Illinois.

Governor Edgar embodied the very essence of principled public leadership. From his early service in the Illinois House to his distinguished tenure as secretary of state and, ultimately, his election as Governor in 1990, he went on to win election by the widest majority of any incumbent Illinois chief executive.

Confronting the largest deficit in State history, he exercised prudence and courage, restoring fiscal discipline, reforming welfare, and advancing education for every child in Illinois.

In 2013, I was honored to participate in his namesake, the Edgar Fellows program, which reflects his vision of fostering bipartisanship and developing the next generation of principled leaders in Illinois.

Mr. Speaker, my heartfelt prayers are with his wife, Brenda; his children, Brad and Elizabeth; and the entire Edgar family. His legacy of service, statesmanship, and decency will endure for generations to come.

Rest in Peace, Governor Edgar.

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize and celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the Technology and Manufacturing Association. Founded in 1925 by eight Chicago area manufacturers, the organization has grown into a leading advocate and resource for small and midsize manufacturers that remain the backbone of our state's economy.

Illinois is home to nearly 13,600 manufacturers employing more than 724,000 workers. Manufacturing contributes over 135 billion dollars annually, roughly 12 percent of our state's GDP. Notably, three quarters of these workers are employed by manufacturers with fewer than 500 employees, underscoring the critical role of small and midsize businesses.

For a century, TMA has provided training, advocacy, and a network of support to help Illinois manufacturers remain strong, innovative, and competitive.

On behalf of Illinois' 16th District, I extend my congratulations to the members, leadership, and supporters of the Technology and Manufacturing Association. I thank them for a century of service and best wishes for continued success in the years ahead.

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise today to recognize and celebrate the 100th anniversary of Caterpillar Inc., marking a century of customer-centric innovation and industry-leading transformation. With a strong history in my district, Caterpillar serves as a cornerstone example of American innovation and industry leadership.

Founded in 1925, when the Holt Manufacturing Company and the C.L. Best Tractor Company merged to form what became the Caterpillar Tractor Company, the business began with its first track type tractor designed to pull combine harvesters. Now, Caterpillar delivers autonomous construction and mining equipment and engines that power the world, helping customers complete infrastructure projects that have shaped the modern era.

Caterpillar is a consistent leader in industrial innovation. With more than 113,000 employees worldwide, this American based company continues to serve customers across the globe. Through their work and customer focus, Caterpillar helps communities in Illinois, across our country, and around the world rise to meet challenges and build a better future.

As we commemorate this incredible milestone. I want to recognize the entire Caterpillar team for their entrepreneurial spirit, strong values, and unwavering commitment to manufacturing and innovation in the United States.

I congratulate Caterpillar on 100 years of American excellence. May the next century strengthen the values that make Caterpillar, Illinois, and our Nation strong.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate the 100th anniversary of Libby's Pumpkin Factory in Morton, Illinois. For a century, Libby's has been at the heart of our agricultural economy, building a legacy that has made Morton the ``Pumpkin Capital of the World.''

Since commencing operations in 1925, the Libby's plant in Morton has grown into the largest pumpkin canning operation in the United States. Its operations have had an immensely positive impact on local family farms, the environment, and cultivating the next generation of agricultural professionals.

The plant's local impact is remarkable, sourcing more than 90 percent of its pumpkin crop from within a 45-mile radius of Morton, supporting countless family farms and providing an economic boost to the area.

The Morton facility has a stellar record of environmental sustainability, operating as a zero-waste-for-disposal facility, recycling water used during pack season, and ensuring that every part of the pumpkin--from seed to stem--is repurposed.

Libby's has also invested in the next generation of agricultural professionals by partnering with regional institutions of higher education, including the University of Illinois, to fund scholarships and create innovative opportunities for learning best practices.

Mr. Speaker, today we honor Libby's and its employees past and present, for their enduring commitment to innovation, excellence, and positive community impact. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Libby's Pumpkin on 100 years of excellence and in recognizing Morton's proud legacy as the Pumpkin Capital of the World.

Mr. Speaker, I was unexpectedly detained during vote proceedings. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 242 and YEA on Roll Call No. 243.