Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise to congratulate the Eureka College men's basketball team, which last weekend clinched their first ever Division III NCAA tournament bid.

On Saturday night, the Red Devils knocked off top-seeded Webster 70- 69 on the road to secure their conference championship, assuring their spot in the Division III tournament.

With just a few weeks remaining in the regular season, the Red Devils needed to win out their remaining four games to enter the conference tournament, and they did just that.

The never-give-up spirit embodied by the team is a testament to the great work done by Coach Chip Wilde, and I have no doubt it will carry them through the NCAA tournament.

Our community in central Illinois is immensely proud of the historic accomplishments of this year's Eureka men's basketball team, and we will be cheering them on as they take on the number-one-seeded Nebraska Wesleyan this weekend.

Congratulations, and go Red Devils.

Madam Speaker, today I would like to congratulate Dr. Richard Pearl on his retirement as the OSF Children's Hospital Surgeon- in-Chief.

Dr. Pearl has committed his life to the practice and growth of medicine. He studied at Wright State University College of Medicine, where he was first in his class. After his schooling, Dr. Pearl completed his surgical residency at the Harvard Surgical Service at the New England Deaconess Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts.

In his career, Dr. Pearl has made it his priority to do all that he can for others. He served honorably in the U.S. Army, reaching the rank of Colonel, with a distinguished career spanning nearly thirty. He served his country first as an Infantry Officer and then as a helicopter pilot. He was given command of a helicopter company in the First Cavalry Division in Vietnam. Dr. Pearl has received numerous Military Honors and awards including three Bronze Stars, the Legion of Merit and The Air Medal for Valor. Dr. Pearl has also devoted a great portion of his time to sharing his knowledge and research. He has published over 85 articles in peer-reviewed journals and 22 book chapters.

During his tenure, the medical community has had no better champion than Dr. Pearl. He has always been a fierce advocate for the advancement of Pediatrics. Central lllinois will forever be grateful for Dr. Pearl's years of service.

Madam Speaker, today I would like to congratulate Dr. Stephen Bash on his retirement from the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria.

Born in Indianapolis, Indiana, Dr. Bash decided to dedicate his life to medicine at a young age. He attended Indiana University at Bloomington before receiving his MD from Indiana University Medical School at Indianapolis. After his schooling, Dr. Bash served honorably in the U.S. Navy as a Lieutenant Commander.

In his career, Dr. Bash has made Pediatrics a top priority. In private practice and in public service, Dr. Bash has made a lasting impact at every stop. He has held Directorships at both the Regional Sleep Apnea Center and at the Pediatric Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory at the Children's Hospital of Illinois at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria, Illinois. Dr. Bash has also dedicated time to research. He has been a Principal Investigator for two clinical studies and has been the author of many articles. To give back to his community, Dr. Bash has served on the Board of Directors for the Marvin Hult Health Education Center and Heartland Community Health Center.

During his tenure, the medical community has had no better champion than Dr. Bash. He has always been a fierce advocate for the advancement of Pediatrics. Central Illinois will forever be grateful for Dr. Bash's years of service.

Madam Speaker, today I would like to congratulate Dr. Jitendra Shah on his retirement from the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria.

Originally from India, Dr. Shah decided to dedicate his life to medicine at a young age. He studied Preparatory Science and Pre- Medicine at Maharaja Sayajirao University in Baroda, India, where he also attended Medical College. After his schooling, Dr. Shah made his way to Philadelphia to complete his residency at Philadelphia General Hospital.

In his career, Dr. Shah has made Pediatrics a top priority. While teaching and in practice, Dr. Shah has made a lasting impact at every stop. He has held Directorships at the Pediatric Cardiac Noninvasive Services, Regional Sleep Apnea Center and Pediatric Cardiac Catherization Laboratory at the Children's Hospital of Illinois at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria, Illinois. Dr. Shah has also dedicated his life to research. He has received approval for four Medical Grants through the American Heart Association. To recognize his ability, in 1986 and 1992 the Pediatric Resident Physicians at St. Francis Medical Center and University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria presented Dr. Shah with awards for his impressive teaching methods.

During his tenure, the medical community has had no better champion than Dr. Shah. He has always been a fierce advocate for the advancement of Pediatrics. Central Illinois will forever be grateful for Dr. Shah's years of service.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the 2018 recipients of the prestigious Ellis Island Medal of Honor.

Presented annually, the Ellis Island Medals of Honor pay tribute to our Nation's immigrant heritage, as well as individual achievement. The Medals are awarded to U.S. citizens from diverse ethnic backgrounds who exemplify outstanding qualities in both their personal and professional lives, while continuing to preserve the richness of their particular heritage and culture. We honor these outstanding individuals because the important work they do today, creates a better world for all of us tomorrow. This momentous occasion was celebrated with a patriotic ceremony on Ellis Island and a recommitment by the leaders of the organization to their mission of honoring diversity, fostering tolerance and promoting religious and racial unity across America.

Since the Medals' founding, more than 2,500 American citizens have received the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, including seven American Presidents, numerous United States Senators and Congressmen, two Nobel Laureates, and many athletes, artists, clergy, and military leaders. This Medal is not about material success, nor is it about the politics of immigration; it is about the people who have committed themselves to this nation, embraced the opportunities America offers, and most importantly, who have used those opportunities to not only better their own lives but make a difference in our country and in the lives of its people.

Citizens of the United States hail from every nation known to man. The iconic metaphor of this nation as a veritable melting pot of cultures continues to ring true, and it is this diversity that adds to the unique richness of American life. It is the key to why America is the most innovative, progressive and forward thinking country in the world. The Ellis Island Medals of Honor not only celebrate select individuals but also the pluralism and democracy that enabled our forbearers to celebrate their cultural identities while still embracing the American way of life. This award serves to remind us all that with hard work and perseverance anyone can still achieve the American dream. In addition, by honoring these remarkable Americans, we honor all who share their origins and we acknowledge the contributions they have made to America. I commend National Ethnic Coalition of Organizations and its Board of Directors headed by Nasser J. Kazeminy, for honoring these truly outstanding individuals for their tireless efforts to foster dialogue and build bridges between different ethnic groups, as well as to promote unity and a sense of common purpose in our nation.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the good works of NECO and in congratulating all of the 2018 recipients of the Ellis Island Medal of Honor. I include in the Record the names of this year's recipients.

2018 Ellis Island Medal of Honor Recipients

Ziauddin Ahmed, MD, Nancy Anschutz, Phil Anschutz, Dr. Bahman Atefi, Maryam

Banikarim, Michael Barnard, Marta Batmasian, Diana L. Bennett, Nicolas Berggruen, John P. Bilezikian, MD, Lieutenant General Gwen Bingham, Dr. Ed Bosarge, Vanu C. Bose, Denis A. Bovin, Kay Buck, Sanford R. Climan, William A. Colon, Armand C. Dellovade, Peter P. Dhillon, Robert Dilenschneider, General Larry R. Ellis, USA (Ret), Akram Elias, Adam S. Falkoff, Farnaz Fassihi, David S. Ferriero, Captain Liam J. Flaherty, Honorable Albert A. Frink, Honorable Edward M. Gabriel, Larry Gagosian, Professor Henry Louis Gates, Major General Cedric George, Charles M. Ghailian, Barbara Grapstein, Murat Guzel, Rosemary Hanley, Franco Harris, Dottie Herman, Dave A. Isay, John W. Jackson, Susan G. Jackson, Naveen Jain, Francisco S. Jin, Dean Kamen, Farooq Kathwari, Bibiji Inderjit Kaur Khalsa, James K. Kim, General Joseph Lengyel, Sheriff Joseph M. Lombardo, Jacob Lozada, PhD, Mun Y. Lum, Colonel Patrick Mahaney, USA, Commissioner Robert Manfred, Honorable Michael McCaul, Scott L. Menke, Rita Moreno, Chief Terence A. Monahan, Jeanne D. Mrozek, MD, Angella Nazarian, David Nazarian, Steven D. Nerayoff, Esq., Hadi Partovi, Rear Admiral Steven D. Poulin, Eduardo Rodriguez, Michael Rogers, USN, Jerrold F. Rosenbaum, MD, Albeti I. Salama, Qiongzhao E. Schicktanz, PhD, Jeff Schottenstein, Khosrow Semnani, Vicken P. Sepilian, MD, FACOG, Sir Bruno Serato, Rahmat A. Shoureshi, PhD, Mark Solazzo, Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Shari Staglin, Garen Staglin, Philip E. Stieg, PhD, MD, Richard W. Stocks, Daniele C. Struppa, PhD, Jon Stryker, Dennis W. Sullivan, Ardeshir Tavangarian, Dr. Masoud Tayebi, Anthony K. Tjan, Major General Hugh Van Roosen, Marica F. Vilcek, Jan T. Vilcek, Josef H. von Rickenbach, Vincent Wang, DO, MD, Arieh Warshel, PhD, Honorable James W. Ziglar, Anita G. Zucker.

International Ellis Island Medal of Honor Recipients

Stefan W. Hell, Hinduja Foundation, Albert II Prince of Monaco.

Mr. Speaker, I want to say thanks to Mrs. Walorski, my colleague on the Ways and Means Committee, for yielding to me and for her leadership in putting together this Special Order and her tireless fight for life.

Mr. Speaker, I come to the floor today in defense of life and the unborn. Over the last few weeks, we have witnessed extreme abortion views pushed in States across the country.

In New York, the State legislature passed and the Governor signed into law an abortion bill so broad it effectively allows abortion on demand until birth while removing protections for infants born alive during an abortion. Barbaric legislation such as this is nothing to cheer about.

In Virginia, the Governor tried to soften the blow of his infanticide endorsement by saying ``the infant would be kept comfortable'' while a decision was made on whether to abort the infant.

These disturbing and extreme trends seeping into the mainstream of the Democratic platform underscore the need for its leaders in Congress to stand up, to fight for life in the face of these abhorrent actions.

Now more than ever, leaders in Washington need to stand up for life.

I stand committed with the millions of pro-life advocates around the country to make sure infanticide is condemned and the voiceless are given a voice.

Mr. Speaker, as the co-chair of the Alzheimer's Working Group on the Ways and Means Committee, I rise today to raise awareness about this disease that has a profound impact on so many families across Illinois and our country.

Alzheimer's is the most common form of dementia, causing issues with memory and behavior. More than 3 million individuals are diagnosed with Alzheimer's per year.

Alzheimer's transcends race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic standing, touching families of all backgrounds. For 2019, more than $400 million was allocated for research, but it is more than just funding that is needed to find a cure.

As a Member of Congress, I have been proud to support legislation aimed at finding a cure for this disease, such as the RAISE Family Caregivers Act and the BOLD Infrastructure for Alzheimer's Act, both of which were signed into law.

While we have taken important strides to find a cure for this disease, we still have much work to do. I look forward to working with Members on both sides of the aisle to find a cure for this devastating disease.

Madam Speaker, on Wednesday, January 30, 2019, I missed votes in the House due to inclement weather in Illinois. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 60, NAY on Roll Call No. 61, NAY on Roll Call No. 62, YEA on Roll Call No. 63, NAY on Roll Call No. 64, and NAY on Roll Call No. 65.

Madam Speaker, as we recognize National Catholic Schools Week of 2019, I would like to recognize all the Catholic schools and parishes in the 18th Congressional District of Illinois and across the nation that will be participating in this year's activities. This week, over six thousand Catholic schools will host more than two million students to celebrate this year's theme: ``Learn. Serve. Lead. Succeed.''

As a graduate of St. Anne Grade School in East Moline, Illinois and Spalding Catholic High School in Peoria, Illinois, it is my privilege to celebrate with Catholic schools across my District. The education and religious values that these institutions instill serve as a strong foundation for a devoted relationship with God and inform our daily lives with lessons of faith.

This week we recognize the value Catholic education provides to young people and its contributions to Church, communities, and the nation. I would like to formally recognize the Catholic Schools in Illinois' 18th Congressional District celebrating this week:

St. Edward Catholic--Chillicothe; Our Saviour--Jacksonville; Blessed Sacrament--Quincy; Holy Cross Catholic--Mendota; St. Patrick Catholic-- Springfield; Carroll Catholic--Lincoln; St. Patrick Catholic-- Washington; St. Mary's--Bloomington; Holy Family Parish--Peoria; St. Philomena--Peoria; Corpus Christi--Bloomington; Epiphany Catholic-- Normal; Routt Catholic High--Jacksonville; Quincy Notre Dame High-- Quincy; Christ the King--Springfield; St. Vincent de Paul Catholic-- Peoria; Peoria Notre Dame High--Peoria; St. Mary's Grade School-- Metamora; St. Mary's Catholic--Kickapoo; Central Catholic High-- Bloomington; Little Flower Catholic--Springfield; Blessed Sacrament Catholic--Morton; St. Thomas the Apostle--Peoria Heights; St. Agnes-- Springfield; St. Paul Catholic--Macomb; Sts. Peter & Paul--Nauvoo; St. Jude Catholic--Peoria; St. Peter--Quincy; St. Joseph Catholic--Pekin; St. Francis Solanus--Quincy; St. Aloysius--Springfield; St. Dominic-- Quincy; St. Mary--Mt. Sterling; St. Mark Catholic--Peoria.

While we reflect this week on the impact that our schools have had on our spiritual growth, let us also recognize the contributions that the National Catholic Educational Association continually provides for our communities. Once again, I am pleased to commemorate the 2019 National Catholic Schools Week and I look forward to many more years of continued success and celebration.

Madam Speaker, on Thursday, January 24, 2019, I missed votes in the House due to a family commitment in Illinois. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on Roll Call No. 50; and ``nay'' on Roll Call No. 51.

Madam Speaker, today, I recognize the Center for Prevention of Abuse (CFPA), in Peoria, Illinois, and their vital services offered to Illinois communities. As we recognize Human Trafficking and National Slavery Prevention Month, it is important we also commemorate organizations, like CFPA, across the nation that work relentlessly to combat the growing humanitarian crisis of human trafficking.

Started in 1975 as a single rape crisis hotline, CFPA has grown to a highly respected statewide organization with a dynamic and effective leadership team. Along with human trafficking services, CFPA is the only organization in Illinois that provides domestic violence, sexual abuse and assault, and adult protective services under one roof. Last year, CFPA provided comprehensive care to seventeen victims of labor and sex trafficking. Additionally, CFPA provides a safe place to escape and receive the necessary care to those being exploited for sex and labor purposes.

While Central and Southern Illinois may not be major hubs for human trafficking, CFPA has helped residents of small and rural communities across the state recognize the seriousness of this hidden crime occurring in our back yards. In 2018, CFPA conducted forty-eight hours of training for law enforcement, first responders, and medical providers. CFPA has continued to work tirelessly to raise awareness by training community members and providing the necessary resources so trafficking crimes can be effectively reported.

The state of Illinois has benefitted greatly from the efforts and resources provided by CFPA. I extend my sincere appreciation to the leadership team and volunteer staff at the Center for Prevention of Abuse for their continued work raising awareness and helping victims of human trafficking.

Madam Speaker, this month, we celebrate Human Trafficking and National Slavery Prevention Month, and I rise today to draw attention to the importance of combating this epidemic.

Human trafficking takes many forms, including sex, forced labor, and domestic servitude. Educating individuals about human trafficking is essential to thwarting this modern day form of slavery.

This need for increased awareness is why I have partnered with the Center for Prevention of Abuse in Peoria, Illinois, and also the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to host two human trafficking awareness prevention roundtables in my district, bringing together State, local, and Federal officials. We held valuable dialogues with those on the front lines of this crisis about ways to end human trafficking for good.

This week, I am proud to be joining my colleague, Congresswoman Val Demings from Florida, to introduce a resolution to formally recognize January as National Trafficking and Modern Day Slavery Prevention Month in Congress.

As I have learned firsthand, combating human trafficking will take a multifaceted approach, but if we continue to educate and make resources available at all levels, important strides can be made and we can end this crisis.

Madam Speaker, on November 29, 2018, Deputy U.S. Marshal Chase White was senselessly killed in the line of duty while serving a warrant in Tucson, Arizona.

Born and raised in Peoria, Illinois, Chase led a life committed to serving his community and his country. Known as a leader amongst his peers, Chase entered the Air Force following graduation from the University of Illinois and served Active Duty from 2000 to 2007. He was set to leave for deployment as a lieutenant colonel in the Air Force Reserves the same week he was tragically murdered.

A loving father of four, his mother, Reverend Lynnda White of Peoria's Universalist Unitarian Church, described him as a ``hero'' to his children ``because his family was his life.''

This week, we recognized National Law Enforcement Appreciation. While we take one day to celebrate the service of those who protect our communities, it is important we never forget the brave men and women, like Chase, who have paid the ultimate sacrifice.

Each day, law enforcement officers leave their families with no certainty they will return home safe, yet they are willing to face these risks to keep their communities safe. I am grateful for the courageous men and women, like Chase, who button up their uniform each day, and we thank them for protecting our families so bravely.

Madam Speaker, at this time, I would ask for a moment of silence for Chase White

Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Chairman Brady for yielding time, and for his tireless leadership on improving our country's Tax Code.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 88, the Retirement, Savings, and Other Tax Relief Act of 2018.

Since the passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act last year at this time, our economy has boomed. And under the direction of Chairman Brady, the Ways and Means Committee hasn't stopped working on advancing and improving our Nation's tax laws.

In doing so, our committee has worked to make positive reforms to the IRS, and I am proud that this legislation includes language from my bill, the Improving Assistance for Taxpayers Act, which will bolster protections for taxpayers by requiring the IRS to respond promptly to Taxpayer Assistance Directives issued by the Taxpayer Advocate Service.

Specifically, the IRS would be required to respond to Taxpayer Advocate Directives within 90 days.

Implementing these changes will improve accountability and, therefore, more efficiently address systematic issues within the IRS. Not only does H.R. 88 take important steps to make our tax system more accountable, but it also includes important provisions that will provide certainty to our agriculture community in central and west central Illinois.

Representing the country's eighth largest congressional district in terms of corn and soybean production, I have seen firsthand the positive impact of the Biodiesel Tax Credit on our agriculture community.

Biodiesel producers have been hurt in the past by lapses in this credit, which has hindered their ability to plan for the future. H.R. 88 provides a long-term extension and a path forward for the Biodiesel Tax Credit, which will provide positive assurances for our producers in the Midwest.

As Americans continue to reap the benefits of pro-growth tax reform, it is important we continue to fine-tune our Tax Code to work better for the citizens of this country. H.R. 88 takes important steps toward doing just that, and I have been proud to work alongside Chairman Brady and the other members of the Ways and Means Committee to ensure we put taxpayers first, and that is what this bill does.

I urge my colleagues to stand with me and support this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to honor the life of an American hero and son of Illinois.

Last Thursday, Corporal Daniel Baker of Tremont, Illinois, was aboard a KC-130 refueling aircraft that collided with an F/A-18 Hornet during a training mission over the ocean south of Japan. Following a search and rescue mission, Corporal Baker was declared deceased this past Tuesday morning. He was 21 years old.

Born and raised in Tremont, Illinois, Daniel Baker was known by friends and family to be a man of deep faith who was kind, compassionate, and sincere.

In 2015, Daniel graduated from Tremont High School and felt a deep calling to serve his country in the military. Corporal Baker served 2 years in the United States Marine Corps. He received the National Defense Service Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.

Corporal Baker was taken from this world way too early, but he embodied every quality we seek to impart upon young men and women in this country, and he will be deeply missed by his friends, family, and the Tremont community.

May we continue to keep Daniel and his family in our thoughts and prayers. We will never forget his selfless sacrifice to our country.

At this time, Mr. Speaker, I would request that the House of Representatives honor his service with a moment of silence.