Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, on Roll Call No. 121, I mistakenly voted YEA when I intended to vote NAY.

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to congratulate WJBC as they reach a monumental milestone. For 100 years, WJBC has been the voice of McLean County. The hosts have dedicated themselves to providing residents of Central Illinois with timely and reliable news to keep the public informed.

Local radio station's are more important than ever. They bring a unique, personal, and powerful form of communication to their audience. WJBC serves as a bridge between communities, providing a unique space where local stories, issues, and voices can be heard.

WJBC has welcomed Presidents, governors, politicians, celebrities, and local voices to keep us informed about public events and connect our community.

The station has been home to legendary on-air personalities, including Don Newberg, Don Munson, Steve Vogel, Ken Behrens, Dick Luedke, Scott Laughlin, and current morning host Scott Miller, who have all enriched the lives of listeners and made significant contributions to the communities and organizations across Central Illinois.

This is a monumental moment for WJBC, and I congratulate them on their 100 years of success. I look forward to listening to WJBC for many more years to come.

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to honor and congratulate Gary Manier for his 24 years of service as the Mayor of Washington, Illinois.

Mayor Manier is a proud Washington native and graduated from Washington Community High School in 1972. Gary attended Illinois Central College and, upon graduation, started what would eventually become a 42-year career at Caterpillar, Inc. until his retirement in 2015.

Before becoming Mayor of Washington, his career of public service began on the Washington Community High School Board, where he served as both Vice President and President. In April of 2001, Manier was first elected as Mayor of Washington in a competitive election with four other candidates.

Throughout his decades long tenure as Mayor, Gary accomplished many projects on behalf of the city of Washington. These include, but are not limited to, the opening of the Five Points Community Center, a new Washington City Hall and police station, implementation of incentives to attract business investments in Washington, improvement of local streets and major roads, and an upgrade of the city's sewer system to accommodate the growth of the community.

One of the most pivotal times of Mayor Manier's tenure came after the historic and devastating EF-4 tornado on November 17, 2013. Tragically, the city of Washington suffered loss of life, approximately $1 billion in property damage to more than 1,100 homes, and the priceless loss of cherished personal belongings. I know many in Washington hold Mayor Manier in high esteem for his strong, critical leadership during that extremely challenging time for the community.

Mayor Manier has earned numerous accolades including the President's Servant Leader Award from Eureka College, being named Washingtonian of the Year in 2014, and being elected twice as the Second Vice President of the Illinois Municipal League.

Undoubtably, Mayor Manier's leadership will leave a lasting impact on the city of Washington and Central Illinois. It is my pleasure to congratulate him on his retirement and wish him, his wife Lada, daughter Brooke, son Chase, and their seven grandchildren the best in the future.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of my bill, the Electronic Filing and Payment Fairness Act.

This commonsense bill, which has been included in the ``National Taxpayer Advocate 2025 Purple Book'' of legislative recommendations, would amend the tax code to apply the ``mailbox rule'' to electronic submissions of payments and documents to the Internal Revenue Service.

As the chairman articulated, under current law, if a taxpayer physically mails a payment or tax return to the IRS that is postmarked on the due date, that payment or tax return is considered timely even if it is received a week later. If a taxpayer submits the same payment or return to the IRS electronically on the due date, however, it is considered late if the IRS receives or processes it the following day.

This disparity punishes taxpayers electing to correspond with the IRS electronically, which should be the preferred method of communication in this day and age.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Smith for his leadership and for making tax administration and improved efficiencies a priority within the Ways and Means Committee.

Mr. Speaker, I also thank my bipartisan co-leads on this bill, Representatives DelBene, Feenstra, Schneider, Fitzpatrick, and Panetta.

This is a great step in our effort to modernize the IRS and make it more user-friendly, especially for the roughly 90 percent of taxpayers already filing electronically.

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

Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Smith for his leadership on this very important topic.

I rise in strong support of H.R. 1156, the Pandemic Unemployment Fraud Enforcement Act. This bill extends the statute of limitations for CARES Act unemployment fraud from 5 to 10 years to provide law enforcement agencies with more time to go after the fraudsters and international criminal organizations.

Nearly 5 years after the CARES Act was signed into law, we are facing the expiration of the statute of limitations for holding criminals accountable.

Congress must act quickly. We cannot retroactively change criminal liability for Federal crimes.

As chairman of the Work and Welfare Subcommittee, we have done considerable oversight to investigate the size and scope of unemployment fraud throughout the pandemic.

GAO estimates between $100 billion and $135 billion, with a b, was lost to fraud, yet only $5 billion has been recovered.

This February, our subcommittee held a hearing with fraud experts from across the country. One of our witnesses said that as much as 70 percent of the fraudulent unemployment benefits went to Russian mobsters, Chinese hackers, and Nigerian scammers.

A recent DOJ case involved a Pennsylvania man obtaining $59 million in public benefits and laundering the proceeds to China. As a member of the House Select Committee on China, cases like this are deeply concerning to me and confirm our worst fears regarding the attacks on our institutions by hostile nations such as China and the CCP.

Witnesses also told us that fraud is continuing to happen. Fraudsters are now targeting the disaster unemployment benefits using stolen identities of California fire victims.

The Pandemic Unemployment Fraud Enforcement Act is a commonsense bill that doubles the statute of limitations so we can recover hundreds of billions of stolen taxpayer dollars.

Prosecuting bad actors has a ripple effect that will deter crime and prevent additional losses to the Federal Government and American taxpayers.

The DOJ has more than 1,600 open, uncharged COVID-19 criminal matters, and the Department of Labor inspector general has yet to investigate 157,000 UI fraud hotline complaints.

This bill is simple. Once the statute of limitations expires, these cases will go cold and criminals will go unpunished.

Let me be clear. A vote against this bill is a vote to surrender to fraudsters and criminals. Don't let the criminals and fraudsters win.

I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to honor the life and legacy of Craig Roberts of Alton, Illinois, who passed away on February 15, 2025, at the age of 62.

Born and raised in Illinois, Craig graduated from Western Illinois University with a bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, and political science in 1984. Craig's passion for politics and government along with his personal attachment to Illinois led him to begin his career in state government.

During this time, Craig worked as the Republican Staff Director on Issues Development for the Illinois House of Representatives, Assistant to the Illinois Lieutenant Governor, and the Executive Assistant for Programs and Policy Development for the Illinois Secretary of State. For over a decade, Craig served the state of Illinois and left a lasting impact on many through his commitment to our state government.

In 1997, Craig made the transition to the United States House of Representatives. Here he worked as long-tune Chief of Staff for Representative John Shimkus for 24 years while also serving as President of the House Chiefs of Staff Association from 2015 to 2020. Craig ended his career in the House as a Special Advisor to the House Administration Committee and afterward held the role of Senior Vice President at Milne, Wiener & Shofe Global Strategies.

Craig was a long-time mentor to up and coming Hill staff, supported numerous Members of the Illinois delegation as they transitioned to Congress, and was a true example of what dedicating your life to public service really means.

Craig was undoubtably a dedicated and impactful figure in both the state of Illinois and here in Washington and while his legacy will live on, he will be truly missed as a friend to so many. I want to offer my condolences to the Roberts family and their loved ones on the loss of a great man who will be fondly remembered by all those who knew him.

Mr. Speaker, I had to miss votes today to travel back to Illinois. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 61 and YEA on Roll Call No. 62.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor Dr. Keith D. Thibo, who celebtates forty years pastoring at Bay View Baptist Church in Washington, Illinois and fifty years in full-time ministry on Match 2, 2025.

Born and raised in Michigan, Pastor Thibo first attended Bob Jones University before transferring to Maranatha Baptist Bible College in Watertown, Wisconsin. In May of 2010, he received his Doctorate of Divinity from Hyles-Anderson College.

Pastor Thibo met and married his wife, Christine, on December 20, 1978. He was called to Bay View Baptist Church in March of 1985 and, with the support of his wife and daughters, he founded King's Kids Clubs, a children's Bible memorization program. King's Kids Clubs has impacted over 2,000 churches in over 100 countries around the world and thousands of young people. Pastor Thibo has also authored four books on Bible Doctrine and Apologetics. His ministry has not only shaped the lives of his congregants but has made a lasting impact on faith worldwide.

Pastor Thibo's remarkable life of service, faith, and leadership will continue to inspire all who have been touched by his ministry. Please join me in thanking Pastor Thibo for his many years of service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Mr. Bennet ``Ben'' Chiotti, of Roanoke, Illinois, who passed away on February 9 at the age of 93.

Ben was born in Saluzzo, Italy, in 1931, where he grew up under the oppression of the Italian Fascist regime.

One of four brothers, Ben immigrated to the United States as a teenager with little money and speaking very little English, hoping to pursue the American Dream.

After immigrating, Ben went on to serve in the United States Army during the Korean war before settling in Roanoke, Illinois, outside of Peoria, where he lived for 70 years.

Ben was an active community member and local businessowner. He started Roanoke Plumbing, Heating and Cooling in 1968, a business still run today by his family.

Ben was married to his late wife, Evelyn, of Metamora, Illinois, for nearly 50 years. Ben is survived by his older brother, Louis, who is currently 100 years old, four children, and many grandchildren.

I offer my sincere condolences to the Chiotti family and their loved ones on the loss of a great husband, father, grandfather, and veteran of our Nation.

Ben's commitment to his community will leave a lasting legacy and impact on central Illinois for years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for his leadership on this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the United States- Taiwan Expedited Double-Tax Relief Act.

In today's global economy, it is customary for the United States to enter into tax treaties with like-minded allies to lessen potential double-tax burdens and encourage cross-border investment.

The United States currently has tax agreements with over 60 foreign tax jurisdictions. Yet, due to its unique political status, even as our seventh largest trading partner, we do not have a formal tax arrangement in place with Taiwan.

This bipartisan legislation before us today would finally change that. This bill makes necessary changes to our tax code to provide much-needed certainty to businesses and workers between our two countries.

As a member of both the Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee and our Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party, I know how important our relationship with Taiwan is, both in terms of trade and national security.

This bill will open the door for us to continue to develop a strong economic partnership, especially in the technology and semiconductor sectors, and help the United States reduce our reliance on China.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman, Speaker Johnson, and all the members of the Ways and Means Committee for bringing this legislation to the floor today.

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize David Zimmerman for his decades of service to the Central Illinois community. Zimmerman served on the Tazewell County Board for 27 years and was the Chairman of the Board for the last 16 years.

Zimmerman graduated from Illinois State University with a degree in Political Science and began his service to the Tazewell County Board in 1997. Before becoming Chairman, Zimmerman held many responsibilities as a Board Member including Finance, HR, Insurance Review, and Land Use Chair. During his tenure on the Board, Zimmerman positively influenced the lives of his constituents by improving the well-being of Tazewell County.

Outside of his work on the Tazewell County Board, Zimmerman has served the people of Central Illinois through different public service roles. Examples Include the Greater Peoria Economic Development Commission Executive Board, United Counties Council of Illinois Vice- President, Tazewell County and Peoria Salvation Army Board Member, and Berean Prison Ministry Board Member, among others. A strong leader within the Central Illinois community, Zimmerman was also recognized in the Peoria Magazine through their ``40 Leaders Under 40'' award.

David Zimmerman's decades long efforts have left a lasting impact on the Greater Peoria community and the state of Illinois. His commitment to our community is truly inspiring and I wish him the best in all future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor and congratulate Omer Osman on his retirement from the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) after 35 years of service to the people of Illinois.

Secretary Omer Osman was born in Kerma, Sudan, the son of Zumrawi and Fatima Osman. He was the fourth of eleven children, all receiving a college education. Osman received his bachelor's degree in engineering from Southern University followed by his master's degree in engineering from Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois.

Beginning as a civil engineering trainee in Peoria, Osman quickly ascended to the position of District Bureau Chief of Operations, followed by Region 5 Engineer, Chief Engineer, Director of Highways, and Deputy Secretary. On June 1, 2019, he was confirmed as the Secretary of the Illinois Department of Transportation, the thirteenth person to hold that title and the first person of color.

In his capacity as Secretary of Transportation, Osman had the responsibility for oversight of 80 airports, an expansive waterway infrastructure, 300,000 miles of roads and bridges, and a railroad system that transports 25 percent of the country's freight passing through Illinois.

Secretary Osman is credited by the Administration with increasing diversiety at all levels of the Department of Transportation, as well as improving access to department partnerships for minority and female owned businesses.

Secretary Osman's accomplishments during his tenure leading the Illinois Department of Transportation include, but are not limited to, the new Mississippi River Bridge and Route 24 widening, relocation of Illinois Route 3 in East St. Louis, the Interstate 74 Mississippi River Bridge in the Quad Cities, the interstate 74/155 interchange reconstruction in Morton, the Interstate 74 Murray Baker Bridge, the Illinois Route 13 expansion between Carbondale and Interstate 57 in Marion, and the rehabilitation of the US 150 Illinois River Bridge in Peoria.

Secretary Omer Osman will forever be known as one of Peoria's greatest public servants. It is my privilege to congratulate him on his retirement and we wish him, his wife Dr. Magda Osman, sons Khalid and Waleed, and daughter Nadeen the best in the future.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate my fellow Peorian, Omer Osman, on his retirement as secretary of the Illinois Department of Transportation.

Omer comes from very humble beginnings. Born in the country of Sudan the fourth of 11 children, he learned English by watching American Westerns and soap operas on television. He moved to the United States as a young man for college and graduated from Southern University, where he studied civil engineering before beginning a career in Peoria, Illinois.

Osman began at IDOT, the Illinois Department of Transportation, as a civil engineer in 1989 and worked his way up the ranks, becoming, in 2019, Illinois' 13th transportation secretary. In 2021, he was the first person of color to be confirmed in the role.

Along the way, he became a proud graduate of Bradley University, located in my district, with a master's degree in civil engineering in 1995.

In his role as transportation secretary, Omer oversaw over 80 airports, an expansive waterway infrastructure system, and 300,000 miles of roads, bridges, and railroads that transport 25 percent of the country's freight, which passes through Illinois.

The bottom line is that Secretary Osman has lived the American Dream and has been an integral part of preserving and growing the infrastructure we have today in Illinois. His legacy will last for years to come.

It is my privilege to congratulate my good friend on his retirement and wish him and his lovely wife, Magda, and their three children all the best.

Mr. Speaker, I had to miss votes on December 6, 2024, to travel back to Illinois. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 492.

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize David Zimmerman for his decades of service to the Central Illinois community. Zimmerman served on the Tazewell County Board for 27 years and was the chairman of the board for the last 16 years.

Zimmerman graduated from Illinois State University with a degree in Political Science and began his service to the Tazewell County Board in 1997. Before becoming chairman, Zimmerman held many responsibilities as a board member including Finance, HR, Insurance Review, and Land Use Chair. During his tenure on the Board, Zimmerman positively influenced the lives of his constituents by improving the well-being of Tazewell County.

Outside of his work on the Tazewell County Board, Zimmerman has served the people of Central Illinois through different public service roles. Examples include the Greater Peoria Economic Development Commission Executive Board, United Counties Council of Illinois Vice- President, Tazewell County and Peoria Salvation Army Board Member, and Berean Prison Ministry Board Member, among others. A strong leader within the Central Illinois community, Zimmerman was also recognized in the Peoria Magazine through their ``40 Leaders Under 40'' award.

David Zimmerman's decades long efforts have left a lasting impact on the Greater Peoria community and the state of Illinois. His commitment to our community is truly inspiring and I wish him the best in all future endeavors.