Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate the 200th anniversary of the City of Washington, Illinois, a proud and resilient community I am honored to represent.

Founded in 1825 by blacksmith William Holland, Washington began as Hollands Grove and was renamed in 1837 to honor President George Washington. The city quickly grew, electing its first town president in 1839, officially incorporating in 1857, and reorganizing as a city in 1878 with Peter Fifer as its first mayor.

Washington holds a strong connection to Abraham Lincoln, who visited often while traveling the Tenth Judicial Circuit. In 1857, he defended two residents accused of helping escaped slaves along the Underground Railroad, marking a powerful moment in the city's history.

Washington later gained national recognition through George Heyl's pony farm, home to champion Shetland ponies including King Larigo and Creations King. The original barns still stand on North Main Street as a tribute to that chapter.

The city's strength was tested in 2013, when a powerful EF-4 tornado destroyed more than one thousand structures and took the lives of three residents. In the aftermath, the people of Washington came together with courage and compassion, rebuilding stronger than ever.

Today, Washington is home to more than 16,000 residents. The city has become a destination for visitors who annually flock to its Good Neighbor Days festival in the spring and to the quaint locally owned businesses occupying century-old buildings lining its historic downtown square.

I congratulate the City of Washington on its bicentennial and commend its citizens for carrying forward a legacy of perseverance, service, and pride. I look forward to its continued success in the years ahead.

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize and celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Dirksen Congressional Center. Located in Pekin, Illinois, the Dirksen Congressional Center has served as a national leader in congressional research, civic education, and the preservation of American political history.

Founded in 1975, the Dirksen Congressional Center began with a mission to honor the legacy of Senator Everett McKinley Dirksen by promoting a deeper understanding of Congress. Over the past five decades, it has expanded its reach and influence, serving tens of thousands of students, educators, researchers, and citizens who have benefited from its programs and resources.

The Dirksen Congressional Center has distributed more than $1.4 million in grants to fund groundbreaking research into Congress and its history, trained hundreds of teachers to deliver high-quality civics education through its Congress in the Classroom workshops and produced more than 20 books and monographs about Congress, its leaders, and its operations. Additionally, the Dirksen Congressional Center's archival collections now preserve the papers of nine Members of Congress, making primary-source documents widely accessible through projects like the American Congress Digital Archives Portal.

Through its Ray and Kathy LaHood Scholarship, the Dirksen Congressional Center has supported Illinois college students for more than two decades, while the Michel-LaHood

D.C. Summer Internship Program now offers fully funded experiential learning for young people pursuing careers in public service.

From groundbreaking scholarships to hands-on education, the Dirksen Congressional Center continues to advance understanding of Congress while forging strong partnerships nationwide. Its pioneering efforts have made it a cornerstone institution for those who study, teach, and practice American democracy.

As we commemorate this remarkable milestone, I want to recognize the staff, leadership, and patrons of the Dirksen Congressional Center for their dedication, vision, and enduring service to our Nation.

I congratulate the Dirksen Congressional Center on 50 years of advancing civics, scholarship, and public service. May the next 50 years strengthen its vital mission of connecting Americans to their Congress and history.

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize and celebrate the 50th anniversary of Marquis Energy. Located within Illinois' 16th Congressional District, Marquis serves as a cornerstone example of American entrepreneurship and energy leadership.

Founded in 1975, Marquis began as a grain merchandising business in rural Buda, Illinois. Now, Marquis is the largest dry-mill ethanol facility in North America, producing clean, homegrown American biofuels and value-added coproducts that support thousands of farm families and strengthen America's energy independence.

Marquis is a consistent national leader in biofuel innovation. Through their work and advocacy, Marquis continues to shape the future of clean energy and rural investment, advancing next-generation corn markets for producers and farmers alike.

From ethanol production to carbon capture, Marquis forges new opportunities that support American families and put our farmers first. What started as a local operation grew into a prosperous company that has created over 450 jobs and purchases over 140 million bushels of corn annually. Still today, the deep roots of family farming and a strong commitment to the agricultural community continue to be the foundations of Marquis' success.

As we commemorate this incredible milestone, I want to recognize Mark Marquis, Tom Marquis, the whole Marquis family, and their entire team for their entrepreneurial spirit, strong values, and unwavering commitment to their community and country.

Congratulations to Marquis on 50 years of American excellence. May the next 50 years strengthen the values that make Marquis and rural America strong.

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize Collis Jones, Vice President of Global Government Affairs, for his nearly 37 years of distinguished service at Deere & Company. Throughout his career, Jones demonstrated unwavering dedication, strategic insight, and a deep commitment to advancing the company's mission and values.

Collis joined John Deere in 1989 as a financial services representative. Throughout his career, he has held key positions in Sales, Marketing, and Government Affairs, including serving as the director of U.S. Public Affairs before leading the Global Government Affairs organization. In this pivotal role, he developed Deere's strategy and advocacy priorities leading to legislative, regulatory, and public policy outcomes that ultimately benefited the company, customers, employees, and business partners.

His extensive experience with product sales uniquely equipped him to educate policymakers and regulators about the company, its products, and processes. This expertise made him an effective advocate at the global, federal, and state levels, where he successfully influenced policy discussions.

Throughout his career, Collis has dedicated himself to building and leading effective teams and mentoring numerous colleagues. As a strong brand ambassador, he has served on several boards, including the Thurgood Marshall College Fund and The Congressional Award Foundation. His dedication and leadership have left a lasting impact on the company and his many colleagues across the enterprise.

Collis and his wife Stefanie, who also recently retired, plan to spend time traveling, enjoying family and friends, and perfecting their golf game. I wish Collis, Stefanie, and their daughter, Camryn, all the best in the years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize James Collins for his extraordinary twenty-year tenure as President of Loras College. As the longest-serving president in Loras college's 185-year history, Collins has left an indelible mark on Iowa's oldest institution of higher education.

Collins earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from Loras College in 1984. After graduation, what began as a brief visit to his alma mater evolved into a lifelong career of service. Starting as an admissions representative in 1984, he advanced through various leadership positions before being selected as President in 2004 at age 42, making him the youngest president in the school's history.

During Collins' tenure at Loras College, the institution achieved unprecedented success. He oversaw the most successful, comprehensive campaign in history, increasing the endowment by 67 percent, and under his leadership, the college completed major capital improvements, including the construction of the Lillis Athletic & Wellness Center, renovation of Rock Bowl Stadium and Keane Hall, and the construction of the Tucker Tennis Complex. Collins also expanded graduate and professional programs, achieved ABET accreditation for engineering programs, and led the college to consistent recognition by U.S. News as a top fifteen Midwest baccalaureate institution.

President Collins' visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to Catholic higher education has strengthened the Loras College mission and impacted thousands of students. His dedication to academic excellence, innovative partnerships, and community service have advanced the institution's legacy and I want to congratulate Jim on his remarkable career, thank him for his decades of service to Loras College, and wish him all the best in this well-deserved retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Lynne Jolly Richardson--a devoted public servant, loving wife and mother, and proud daughter of South Carolina--who passed away a year ago, on August 1, 2024.

Lynne Richardson was a woman of great intellect, integrity, and compassion. Born on August 19, 1955, in Anderson, South Carolina, she was raised in the close-knit community of Pendleton. A proud graduate of both Pendleton High School, where she served as Salutatorian, and Clemson University, where she earned her undergraduate degree in Political Science, Lynne was later awarded a Master of Business Administration in Finance from The George Washington University.

Lynne dedicated much of her professional life to public service, including a distinguished twenty-year career in the United States House of Representatives. She began and ended her tenure in this Chamber in the Office of our late

colleague, Congressman Butler Derrick of South Carolina. Over the years, she held a variety of roles in Congressman Derrick's office, ultimately rising to become his final Chief of Staff. In all her roles, she earned the respect and admiration of colleagues on both sides of the aisle for her steady leadership, policy expertise, and deep commitment to the American people.

She also spent several years on the staff of the Committee on the Budget where she served as Director of Task Forces and Associate staff. It was during this time that Lynne met her husband, Kevin Richardson, who was then serving on the staff of the Committee on the Judiciary. Their story began when they met in H-127 of the U.S. Capitol during a House-Senate Conference Committee meeting on the 1986 Consolidated Budget Reconciliation Act. It ultimately grew into a 36-year marriage defined by joy, partnership, and unwavering support. Together, they built a loving home, eventually settling in Lake Barrington, Illinois, in 1997. Lynne continued her service to the community through her long- standing role as Finance Director at Barrington United Methodist Church, where she was also an active congregant and faithful servant.

Lynne's greatest pride was her family. Her beloved daughters, Mary Ellen Richardson and Charlotte Richardson, carry forward her legacy of excellence, compassion, and service as both have established distinguished careers of their own in Washington, D.C.

Lynne was many things to many people--a mother, a sister, a mentor, a neighbor, a friend. She was an avid gardener, a beach enthusiast, a reader, a traveler, and a loyal Clemson Tiger. She was equally at home discussing federal budget policy as she was assembling a family jigsaw puzzle or tending to her roses. Throughout her life, she remained grounded in her faith, her family, and her belief in the power of community.

Lynne Jolly Richardson's life was a testament to service, intellect, grace, and love. She enriched every community she was part of--from the foothills of South Carolina to the halls of Congress to the neighborhoods of Lake Barrington. Today we honor her legacy that will be long remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Lynne's memory and offering our deepest condolences to the Richardson and Jolly families. May her memory be a blessing, and may her life continue to inspire those of us who follow in her footsteps.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate Illinois Fourth District Appellate Court Justice, James ``Jim'' Knecht, as he reaches the milestone of serving 50 years as a judge.

Jim was born in Lincoln, Illinois in 1944 and graduated from Lincoln Community High School in 1962. Afterwards, he attended Illinois State University and earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Illinois College of law in 1973. While in law school, Jim was an editor of the Law Review and was honored as a member of the prestigious national law school honors society, the Order of the Coif.

Jim began his judicial career as a law clerk to Illinois Supreme Court Justice Robert C. Underwood before serving as an Associate Circuit Judge for 3 years and as a Circuit Judge for 8 years. In 1986, Judge Knecht was elected to the Illinois Fourth District Appellate Court. Currently, he is the longest serving judge in Illinois court history and an accredited leader within the Illinois law community. He is a member of the Illinois State and McLean County Bar Associations, the American Judicature Society, the Illinois Judges' Association, the Appellate Lawyers Association, and is a fellow of the Illinois Bar Foundation.

Outside of the courtroom, Judge Knecht is heavily involved in our Illinois communities and within his alma maters. He serves on the Illinois Family Violence Coordinating Council and on the National Advisory Board of the Corporate Alliance to End Partner Violence. Additionally, he spent time as an adjunct professor at both Illinois State University and the University of Illinois College of Law. At Illinois State University, his time as an adjunct professor lasted nearly three decades and he is a recipient of their Distinguished Alumni Award.

I want to congratulate Judge Knecht on this momentous achievement and thank him for his continued service to the state of Illinois. I wish Judge Knecht, his wife Ruth, their children and grandchildren many years of happiness and success in the future.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate Illinois' Fourth District Appellate Court Justice James ``Jim'' Knecht as he reaches the milestone of serving 50 years as a judge.

Jim was born in Lincoln, Illinois, and earned his juris doctor degree from the University of Illinois College of Law in 1973.

In 1975, Jim began his judicial career serving as an associate circuit judge and was soon after promoted to circuit judge. In 1986, Judge Knecht was elected to the Illinois Fourth District Appellate Court. He is currently the longest serving judge in Illinois court history and an accredited leader within our Illinois legal community.

Outside of the courtroom, Judge Knecht is heavily involved in communities across Illinois and with his alma maters. He serves on both the Illinois Family Violence Coordinating Council and on the National Advisory Board of the Corporate Alliance to End Partner Violence.

At his undergraduate alma mater, Illinois State University, Judge Knecht was an adjunct professor for nearly three decades and is a recipient of their Distinguished Alumni Award.

Again, I congratulate Judge Knecht on this momentous achievement in his legal career and thank him for his continued service to the State of Illinois. I wish Judge Knecht, his wife, Ruth, their children and grandchildren all the best in the future.

I congratulate Judge Knecht.

Recognizing James Collins, President of Loras College

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Jim Collins for his extraordinary 20-year tenure as president of Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa. As the longest serving president in the school's history, Jim has left a lasting impact on Iowa's oldest institution of higher education.

President Collins earned his bachelor of science degree in finance from Loras College in 1984. After graduation, he began as an admissions representative and advanced through various leadership positions before being selected as president in 2004 at the age of 42.

During President Collins' tenure at Loras College, the institution achieved unprecedented growth. He oversaw actions to raise the endowment by 67 percent to support students, expanded graduate and professional programs, spearheaded the completion of multiple campus renovations, and led the college to consistent recognition by U.S. News as a top 15 Midwest baccalaureate institution.

President Collins' visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to Catholic higher education has impacted thousands of students who attended and graduated from Loras College.

I congratulate Jim, his lovely wife, Lisa, and their children and grandchildren on this remarkable career. I thank him for his decades of service to Loras College and wish him all the best in his well-deserved retirement.

Go Duhawks.

Madam Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to this misguided amendment.

The longstanding U.S. military investment for the independent Lebanese Armed Forces, also known as the LAF, has worked to support U.S. security interests in the Middle East for close to 20 years.

As co-chair of the U.S.-Lebanon Friendship Caucus and a member of the House Intelligence Committee, I work closely with the brave men and women in the U.S. military who work alongside the LAF to ensure robust oversight of U.S. military funding and training resources.

The stability of the LAF is important not only to the security of Lebanon but also their neighboring countries and the United States. That stability is more important than ever as the LAF works to permanently disarm and destroy Hezbollah's presence in Lebanon.

Building on the tremendous success of Israel in weakening Iran and eliminating Hezbollah's terrorist leader network, Hezbollah is now at its weakest point. This is a tremendous opportunity for the LAF and for the people of Lebanon to root out terror proxy influence from within their borders.

The LAF has an active mission and expectation from the United States and others to fully disarm Hezbollah, and they are working to accomplish that every day.

Eliminating military funding from the LAF now will only serve to further embolden Hezbollah and allow them to regroup. This cannot happen with Hezbollah on their back foot. U.S. support and funding for the LAF is more important than ever.

This amendment is misguided. To prove that point, I will reference an article from earlier this week, from July 12 of 2025: This week the Trump administration, the State Department, and the DOD approved $100 million to go to the LAF for the Super Tucano aircraft.

In listening to what the State Department said regarding the sale of military equipment to Lebanon, this is their statement: ``This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by improving the security of a partner country, [Lebanon,] that continues to be an important force for political stability and economic progress in the Middle East.''

Madam Chair, I include in the Record an article dated July 12, 2025, which shows that the current Trump administration supports military funding to the LAF.

[From L'Orient Today, July 12, 2025]

US Approves Potential $100 Million Sale to Lebanon for A-29 Super

Tucano Maintenance

Beirut--The U.S. State Department has approved a potential

$100 million sale to Lebanon for maintenance services and

support equipment for the A-29 Super Tucano aircraft, the

Pentagon announced in a statement Friday. The Super Tucano is

a multi-mission aircraft used for training and light attack

operations.

According to the statement, the ``government of Lebanon has

requested to buy support equipment, and other related

elements of a logistics program and support.''

``This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and

national security of the United States by improving the

security of a partner country that continues to be an

important force for political stability and economic progress

in the Middle East,'' the statement read.

The State Department noted that the Lebanese Armed Forces

(LAF) were deployed to southern Lebanon to help implement the

November 2024 cease-fire, which followed 13 months of

conflict between Hezbollah and Israel.

``Sustainment of the A-29 fleet will support the LAF's role

in maintaining the cessation of hostilities by ensuring

maintenance of this critical aircraft, which is used for

Close Air Support in ground maneuver operations, as well as

manned Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance

missions,'' the statement added.

``The sale of A-29 sustainment will support the LAF's

implementation of the cessation of hostilities by providing

maintenance for this critical aircraft, which is used to

conduct Close Air Support as part of ground maneuver

operations, as well as manned Intelligence, Surveillance, and

Reconnaissance,'' the statement adds.

Moreover, the State Department noted that the ``principal

contractor will be Sierra Nevada Corporation [SNC], located

in Sparks, NV'', adding that at this time, the ``U.S.

Government is not aware of any offset agreement proposed in

connection with this potential sale.''

During the clashes in March between clans close to

Hezbollah and the Syrian army along the Lebanese-Syrian

border, the LAF deployed its Super Tucano attack aircraft to

strike at a position in Syria, demonstrating its growing

operational capabilities and use of such weapons. Despite the

cease-fire agreement, Israel has continued to carry out near-

daily airstrikes, mainly in southern Lebanon, and maintains

control over five areas within Lebanese territory.

Madam Chair, I oppose this misguided amendment, and I urge my colleagues to do the same.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to enter into a colloquy with the gentleman from Missouri regarding the termination of the commercial clean vehicles credit in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

Is it your understanding and intent, Chairman Smith, for the purposes of this provision, vehicles shall be treated as ``acquired'' as of the date on which a written binding contract is entered into for their acquisition and a payment has been made?

Mr. Speaker, I associate myself with the comments of the managers. I am pleased to know their legislative intent.

Mr. Speaker, in closing, I urge my colleagues to support this commonsense legislation.

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to congratulate Greg Batton and Dan Diorio as their morning radio show reaches an incredible milestone. For 20 years, they have been the voice of the Greg and Dan Show on WMBD Radio in my hometown of Peoria, Illinois. Both have dedicated themselves to providing residents of Central Illinois with relevant

and reliable news to keep the public informed and entertained.

They have brought a personal and powerful form of communication to their audience. The Greg and Dan Show serves as a bridge between communities, providing a unique space where local stories, issues, and voices can be heard.

Greg and Dan have played a significant role in amplifying the voices of politicians, local leaders, and members of the community to ensure their listeners are informed on public events and both national and local issues.

WMBD is the oldest commercial radio Station in Peoria, and for 20 years of its rich history, Greg and Dan have been working together to better the lives of listeners and give back to communities and organizations across Central Illinois.

This is a monumental moment for the Greg and Dan Show. I congratulate them on their 20 years of success. I look forward to listening to their show for many more years to come.

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize Don Johnson for his decades of dedicated service in the nonprofit sector and his impactful tenure as President and CEO of Goodwill Industries of Central Illinois. In this role, Johnson led the organization to expand workforce development efforts and launched new initiatives aimed at supporting some of the most vulnerable populations in Central Illinois.

Johnson earned his Bachelor of Science from Eastern Illinois University and a Master of Science from Western Illinois University. Before joining Goodwill in 2016, he served as Executive Director of the Hult Center for Healthy Living and as Vice President of Community Investments at the Heart of Illinois United Way. In those roles, he championed data-driven community investments, built expansive volunteer networks, and led public health and education initiatives, including 211, Success by Six, and Supporting Student Access.

During Johnson's tenure at Goodwill, the organization broadened its mission beyond traditional job training and donation-based stores. Under his leadership, Goodwill introduced innovative programs that supported children and families at risk of violence and created a new job placement program for neurodivergent young adults. One of his biggest projects being the expansion of the General Wayne A. Downing Home for Veterans, which helped raise nearly $1.5 million for the strengthening of services for local veterans.

Don Johnson's tireless leadership and commitment to the non-profit sector has left a lasting impact on Central Illinois. His work has advanced economic opportunity, human dignity, and community well-being. I congratulate Don on his retirement and wish him, his wife Kim, and their two daughters all the best in this next chapter of life.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life and legacy of Sister Rosemary Connelly of Chicago, Illinois, who passed away on June 19 at the age of 94.

During her extraordinary life, Sister Rosemary served with unmatched devotion as the longtime executive director of Misericordia, a home for children and adults with developmental disabilities on Chicago's north side. She started her work in 1969, when Misericordia was a small and underresourced institution caring for about 50 children with profound challenges.

Sister Rosemary brought a bold vision rooted in compassion and dignity, and over the next five decades she transformed Misericordia into one of the Nation's most respected care facilities, serving hundreds of residents and employing over 1,200 staff and volunteers. She spearheaded fundraising, created jobs through social enterprises like the Hearts & Flour Bakery, and expanded the campus to include community-integrated homes.

Revered across northern Illinois and beyond, Sister Rosemary was widely recognized for her impact on families and her unshakable belief that every life has purpose.

I extend my condolences to all of Sister Rosemary's family, friends, and colleagues on this immense loss.

Mr. Speaker, I was unexpectedly detained during vote proceedings. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 162.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

For the past year, Republicans on the Ways and Means Committee have worked to craft tax policy legislation that delivers on our promises to the American people and will provide rocket fuel to our economy.

By making President Trump's historic tax cuts permanent, expanding the child tax credit, removing taxes on tips and overtime pay, delivering tax relief for seniors, permanently expanding the small business deduction, and putting in place the research and development tax credit, and much more, H.R. 1 will give a vital boost to our families, workers, farmers, and businesses nationwide.

I am proud to say that this package also includes language from my bipartisan legislation, the Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act. I have heard from constituents and local leaders across Illinois' 16th Congressional District that have expressed that a lack of available, affordable housing is one of the most significant barriers to economic success in their communities and across the country.

By expanding and improving the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit, H.R. 1 will jump-start the development and construction of affordable housing nationwide and support the needs of our growing workforce.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the bill.