Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, as the father of three school-age boys, the health and well-being of children and school kids across America is one of my top priorities.

As we continue to navigate the COVID pandemic, I have heard repeatedly from parents across the 18th District of Illinois about getting our kids back in the classroom and back on the athletic field.

Throughout this pandemic, we have heard from experts and now President Joe Biden about the importance of trusting the science. When it comes to schools, the science is clear: Students and teachers can go back to in-person learning safely. The CDC is also clear on this. Risk of transmission of COVID-19 in the classroom is extremely low.

Getting back in the classroom won't just help our kids achieve their academic goals, it will also help with their mental and physical health, areas that many students have struggled with during this pandemic.

Hospitals across the country have seen increases in child suicide attempts and mental health admissions. Nothing is zero risk, but the consequences of keeping our children out of the classroom far outweigh the risk.

Our kids are suffering mentally and academically. The science is clear. Let's put our children first and get students back in the classroom as soon as possible.

Madam Speaker, I would like to honor and congratulate Police Chief Loren Marion III on his retirement from the Peoria Police Department after 26 years.

Loren Marion was hired as a Police Officer by the City of Peoria on October 3, 1994. During his career, he worked in Patrol, on the Community Area Target Team, the Street Crimes Unit, the Vice and Narcotics Unit, and the Target Offender Unit. Chief Marion also held the collateral duty of Task Force Officer with the Drug Enforcement Administration. On November 14, 2018, he was selected as Police Chief of the Peoria Police Department. Before working for the City, Chief Marion also served on active duty with the Army Military Police.

During his time with the Peoria Police Department, Chief Marion has been recognized with numerous awards and accolades for his service and exemplary professional performance. In 2008, Loren was named ``Officer of the Year'' and awarded the American Legion Meritorious Service Award. Chief Marion was known for his dedication to his fellow officers and he established an Officer Wellness program that provides peer to peer support as well as a Police Chaplain that assists officers who have been exposed to trauma.

In May of 2019, under Chief Marion's leadership, the Peoria Police Department became fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies due to the improvement of community and police relations, policies and procedures, management, operations, and support services.

Chief Marion has always been committed to his work and his community. It is my privilege to congratulate Chief Marion on his service to the Peoria Police Department. We have all been blessed to have Chief Marion serving and protecting us. The City of Peoria is a better place because of his service.

Madam Speaker, I would like to honor and remember the life of Richard Pepper, who passed away peacefully on January 28, 2021, at the age of 90.

Born in Barrington, Illinois in 1930, Richard, at an early age, displayed natural gravitation towards construction and philanthropy. Richard began his career working as an estimator for Pepper Construction in 1957. Soon after marrying his beloved wife, Roxy, Richard assumed leadership of the company after the sudden passing of his father, Stanley Pepper. Despite his young age, Richard showed the maturity and inclination to grow and foster the company and the ideals that his father had implemented. Under Richard's leadership, Pepper Construction strived to ensure their building decisions impacted the future to create a better quality of life for all.

Richard grew Pepper Construction into the nationally recognized construction firm known by so many across the Midwest. Richard held several leadership positions in the construction industry, including serving as president of the Associated General Contractors of America in 1983. He received the Jack Kinnaman Leadership Award from the American Institute of Constructors in 2015, which honors corporation leaders who have taken a visible leadership role in the American Institute of Constructors.

Richard's leadership at Pepper Construction has fostered a corporate culture that promotes community and industry involvement. During his time, Richard was well-known for his outspoken support of community improvement, advocating for bold initiatives, and striving to transform tomorrow.

We mourn the passing of Richard, a friend, and mentor to many. He left a lasting impact on those who had the pleasure of knowing him. May his memory be eternal.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Orion Samuelson on his retirement and to thank him for his 60 years of work at WGN Radio and Nexstar Media.

Orion's Hall of Fame career leaves behind a legacy known throughout the country, especially in our agriculture community in central and west central Illinois.

Born on a dairy farm in La Crosse, Wisconsin, Orion got his start in radio in Appleton and Green Bay. In 1960, he came to Chicago and joined WGN Radio as their farm director. In the six decades since, Orion has become the best known voice in agriculture radio. From presenting his signature farm reports to anchoring ``The Noon Show'' and hosting his ``U.S. Farm Report,'' which still airs today, Orion is a legend in broadcasting and agriculture. In 1963, Orion was the first to read the on-air bulletin that President Kennedy had been assassinated in Dallas.

His booming and distinctive voice is known well throughout Illinois and in our agriculture community. We will miss hearing his voice on air, seeing him at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield, and hearing his reports that helped guide our farmers to success over the years.

I want to thank Orion for his years of work and service, and I hope he enjoys a well-earned retirement.

Madam Speaker, I would like to honor and remember the life of Ronald Francis Dwyer, who passed away on December 24, 2020, at the age of 77 after an eight-year battle with cancer.

Born in Edwards, Illinois in 1943, Ron displayed natural gravitation towards community and teaching. Ron worked in education for 46 years as a teacher/counselor, coach, and principal for Spalding High School, Limestone High School, East Peoria High School, Notre Dame High School, Armstrong Oakview Grade School in East Peoria, Paul Bolin Grade School in East Peoria and Central Junior High School in East Peoria. After he retired from 23 years in public schools and 23 years in private schools, Ron began serving for three years as a bailiff for the Peoria County Court House. Ron spent 21 years as a sports official in basketball, baseball, and football. Ron is a member of the Peoria Sports Officials Hall of Fame.

Ron was a man of deep faith and a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Kickapoo, Illinois, where he belonged to Bishop Rosati Council of the Knights of Columbus. Ron's devout service awarded him the PRO Ecclesia ET Pontific Medallion from the Diocese of Peoria in 2000, the Peoria Notre Dame Foundation award in 2004, and the Alumni of the Year Award in 2017. The religious values and foundation of faith instilled through Ron's teachings will continue to strengthen our community for years to come.

From teacher, coach, administrator, sports official, husband, father, and grandfather, Ron lived his life serving others with honesty, humility, and integrity. We mourn the passing of Ronald Dwyer, a friend and hero to many across the state of Illinois. He left a lasting impact on those who had the pleasure of knowing and learning from him.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Bishop Abdallah Elias Zaidan of the Maronite Catholic faith and a valuable member of our Lebanese American community in the United States.

Born in Ksseibe, Lebanon, Bishop Zaidan is the youngest bishop to lead the Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon of Los Angeles. As a Lebanese American myself, I am honored to have Bishop Zaidan come to Washington to open the House floor for prayer this morning.

In 1984, Bishop Zaidan professed his perpetual vows as a member of the Congregation of the Lebanese Maronite Missionaries and was ordained a priest 2 years later. Since then, Bishop Zaidan committed his life to serving others and was recognized for that service with his appointment by Pope Francis as the third bishop of the eparchy.

I would like to commend Bishop Zaidan for his continued service in the community and as a champion for the protection of children and a missionary to those of all faiths. I am grateful for his work in the Lebanese American community, and I would like to sincerely thank him for coming this morning to bless the House in prayer.

Madam Speaker, I would like to honor a remarkable organization, the Menard County Farm Bureau. The Menard County Farm Bureau in central Illinois is a vital organization in the area that promotes agricultural prosperity. After many years of success and service, the Menard County Farm Bureau is celebrating their 100th anniversary.

The Menard County Farm Bureau was chartered on March 19, 1919, to unite farmers in the area and advocate for central Illinois agriculture collectively. Today, the members of the organization work hard to support the community and economy throughout the county.

The Menard County Farm Bureau provides a voice for farmers, promotes the development of agriculture, and educates and empowers future leaders in the industry. Additionally, Menard County Farm Bureau coordinates with other associations and agencies to promote the wellbeing and interests of its members.

Illinois has become a major economic force within the agricultural sector because of farm bureaus like Menard County that come together and enhance opportunities for farmers, their families, and the community. I extend my sincere congratulations to Menard County Farm Bureau for their outstanding accomplishments and contributions to Illinois.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to take from the Speaker's table H.R. 3401, with the Senate amendment thereto, and concur in the Senate amendment. This bipartisan bill passed the Senate with 84 votes and could be sent to the President's desk for his signature today.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Peoria County State's Attorney Jerry Brady, who was laid to rest this week. Jerry Brady was an admired public servant in the Peoria legal community and beloved by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Jerry grew up in Peoria, attending Spalding Institute High School and graduating from Bradley University and Saint Louis University law school.

In 1981, he became an assistant state's attorney in Peoria County and went on to run a successful law practice for nearly 30 years, where he served until his unfortunate passing.

Inside the courtroom, Jerry was known as one of the most principled and hardest working legal minds in all of central Illinois. Outside of the courtroom, he was known as a benefactor, friend, and role model throughout the community.

Jerry was instrumental in numerous fundraising efforts to support the Peoria community, including the recent completion of our veterans memorial in downtown Peoria.

Jerry was a selfless public servant who left a profound impact on our community, and Peoria, Illinois, misses him and will miss him in the future.

As our community mourns his loss, my thoughts and prayers are with his wonderful wife, Sue, and their three children. He will be missed.

Madam Speaker, I would like to recognize Edgar J. Curtis for receiving the Order of Lincoln award from the Office of the Governor. This prestigious award is the highest honor that the state of Illinois can present for professional achievement and public service.

Ed currently sits as the President and Chief Executive Office of Memorial Health Systems in Springfield. He is also a member of the Southern Illinois University Board of Trustees, and a Southern Illinois University--Edwardsville School of Nursing Hall of Fame member. Throughout his professional career and philanthropic efforts, Ed has had tremendous impact on the medical community in Illinois.

Ed has always had a passion for helping others and improving the lives of those around him. Since junior high, he has wanted to make a difference in the medical field. Ed attended Southern Illinois University--Edwardsville, where he received his bachelor's degree in nursing. Later Ed earned an MBA from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana, who also named him an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters. After his schooling, Ed turned his focus to helping others, and has done just that throughout his career.

Again, I extend my sincere congratulations to Edgar J. Curtis for receiving the Order of Lincoln award.

Madam Speaker, I would like to honor Doug Wilson for his retirement as the mayor of Henry, Illinois.

Mayor Wilson will retire after eight years of service in local government. Wilson began serving as a member of the City Council in 2011 before becoming mayor in 2014. One of the most important causes that Mayor Wilson championed was the Port of Henry. Wilson worked tirelessly to lure in a new industry with the ability to spark considerable economic growth to the area. After nearly a decade of dedication to the people of Henry, Mayor Wilson's public service has left a profound impact on our community.

I am grateful for Mayor Wilson's time and commitment to the city of Henry. His work as a public servant has left a legacy in our community that will remain for generations to come.

Madam Speaker, I would like to recognize Thayer United Methodist Church of Thayer, Illinois, for celebrating their 115th anniversary.

In 1904, Thayer United Methodist Church was officially opened as a place of worship for the residents of the town. Since then, the church has grown immensely; it now provides the area with far more than a place to pray. This is where the residents of Thayer come to make strides towards improving their local community.

The Thayer United Methodist Church is known throughout the area for the services that it has provided for the community over the last 115 years. Today, we celebrate the church for their dedication to serving Thayer. I extend my sincere congratulations to the Thayer United Methodist Church for a successful 115 years, and I wish them even more success going forward.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on the Judiciary be discharged from further consideration of H.R. 962, the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act. This legislation will help the most vulnerable human beings in our society, and I ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Madam Speaker, if this unanimous consent cannot be entertained, I urge the Speaker and the majority leader to immediately schedule the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act, so we can stand up and protect the sanctity of human life, and I would ask all others to join in that request.

Madam Speaker, I would like to recognize Cummins Inc. for celebrating their 100th anniversary. Cummins has become the benchmark for engine design and engine related products.

In 1919, the Cummins Engine Company began producing engines on a mass scale. Since then, the company has grown immensely; it now designs and manufactures a wide variety of products. With operations all over the globe, it makes me proud to say that Cummins has a home in the 18th Congressional District with its branch in Bloomington, Illinois.

I extend my sincere congratulations to Cummins Inc. for a successful 100 years, and I wish them continued success going forward.

Madam Speaker, I would like to honor a remarkable organization, the Pike County Farm Bureau. The Pike County Farm Bureau in central Illinois is a vital organization in the area that promotes agricultural prosperity. After many years of success and service, the Pike County Farm Bureau is celebrating their 100th anniversary.

The Pike County Farm Bureau was chartered on May 10, 1919, to unite farmers in the area and advocate for central Illinois agriculture collectively. Today, the group has 2,200 members supporting the community and economy throughout the county.

The Pike County Farm Bureau provides a voice for farmers, promotes the development of agriculture, and educates and empowers future leaders in the industry. Additionally, Pike County Farm Bureau coordinates with other associations and agencies to promote the well- being and interests of its members.

Illinois has become a major economic force within the agricultural sector because of farm bureaus like Pike County that come together and enhance opportunities for farmers, their families, and the community. I extend my sincere congratulations to Pike County Farm Bureau for their outstanding accomplishments and contributions to Illinois.