Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise with my colleagues today to call out the House GOP's big billionaire bailout at the expense of my neighbors back home in Illinois-17.

Their bill would take away food from hungry families and kick people off their health insurance, all so the richest people who walk the face of the Earth get a bigger tax break.

The other side claims to be fiscally responsible, but they are blowing a $5 trillion hole in our national debt to do it.

What am I supposed to say to Mary Anne from Morrison, Illinois, who says she can't feed her kids without SNAP, or a veteran like Mike, who stopped in for his one meal a day at the veteran drop-in center in Rockford?

Republicans in committee voted unanimously against our amendment that would protect veterans from cuts.

They are saying this is about waste, fraud, and abuse? Give me a break. This bill is a disaster for anyone who is struggling to make ends meet, and it will be a disaster for our country, all so the filthy rich get richer. Vote ``no.''

Mr. Speaker, this is National Police Week when we honor the brave men and women who serve and protect us every day, but it is also a good reminder that they deserve our thanks every day. We also need to thank the spouses and the children of our law enforcement who deal with the risk of their loved ones who may not come home.

Finally, we remember the family members who made the ultimate sacrifice for our safety. Serving in the people's House means we support law enforcement. I am proud to have secured funding for police training and safety.

From Rockford to the Quad Cities, Peoria to Bloomington-Normal, our officers go above and beyond every day to keep us safe, many days without the support that they need to deal with the stress.

That is why I am so proud of the Invest to Protect Act, my bipartisan legislation that gives small and midsized police departments the funding that they need for training, recruitment, and mental health resources.

Mr. Speaker, happy National Police Week. My hope is that everyone wearing a badge right now stays protected, safe, and feels their Nation's thanks.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an extraordinary milestone in the Quad Cities--the 30th anniversary of the Channel Cat passenger ferryboat service. What began as a bold idea in 1994, led by Kathy Wine, Executive Director of River Action, has since become a vital part of our region's transportation network and a celebrated symbol of innovation along the Mississippi River.

With early support from the Riverboat Development Authority and a coalition of local leaders, the first water taxi launched over the July 4th weekend in 1995, connecting communities and offering a new way to experience our historic river. Since MetroLINK assumed operation in 1998 under the direction of CEO Jeff Nelson, the Channel Cat has grown tremendously. Federal grants have helped fund three ADA-accessible vessels powered by biodiesel, construction of improved riverfront docks, and even plans for future electric ferries.

The Channel Cat has provided over one million rides, giving residents and visitors alike a unique and sustainable way to cross the Mississippi River--connecting two states, three downtowns, and countless cultural and recreational opportunities.

On May 23, 2025, we celebrate three decades of impact and innovation. I proudly recognize the Channel Cat for its outstanding service and commend Kathy Wine and Jeff Nelson for their visionary leadership and unwavering dedication to environmental stewardship and public access along our riverfront. The Quad Cities is a better, more connected place because of their work.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a true institution in Central Illinois--WJBC Radio--as it celebrates its 100th anniversary. For a century, WJBC has been the trusted voice of McLean County, keeping families informed, entertained, and connected to the heart of our community.

As an avid listener and frequent guest, I know firsthand the dedication of WJBC's incredible team--past and present--who have made this station a pillar of local journalism. From legendary broadcasters like Don Munson and Steve Vogel to today's voices like Scott Miller, WJBC has been a reliable source of news, sports, and thoughtful discussion.

WJBC continues to cement its legacy as a cornerstone of regional media--but more than that, WJBC has been a constant companion to its listeners, always delivering the stories that matter most. On this historic milestone, I congratulate WJBC on 100 years of excellence and look forward to many more years of trusted reporting and community service.

Mr. Speaker, April 19 will mark 30 years since the deadliest act of domestic terrorism in the United States, when 168 innocent lives were taken on that quiet morning in Oklahoma City.

As many as 750 people were hurt, and thousands more were scarred by trauma. The main perpetrator was radicalized by extreme hate toward the Federal Government. He was quickly captured, convicted, and put to death for his crimes.

Today, we think of the toddlers at the Murrah building's daycare center who would be in their thirties today. We pray for their moms and their dads, but we must also pray for our country again. The rise in political tribalism and the hate for others must stop. Our faith in this government must never be diminished in any way that turns to hate and violence.

American author Napoleon Hill wrote that ``Every adversity, every failure, and every heartache carries a seed of an equal or greater benefit.'' May we never forget those words.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Blake Schwarz, a constituent of mine from Chadwick, Illinois, who lost his life to suicide 2 years ago, leaving behind a loving wife and a daughter who he never had a chance to meet.

Blake spent the last 3 years of his life as a corrections officer at the Thompson Correctional Center. I don't think most of us understand how hard these law enforcement officers work. For Blake, he did not have the resources when he was struggling, and he did not survive.

I have heard stories from correctional officers across the country who say they need more. The Corrections Officer Blake Schwarz Suicide Prevention Act will provide officers across the country with the resources they need to live.

When Michelle came to my office and asked if I would champion this bill in honor of the love of her life, with tears welling up then as they are now, I said yes.

Today, I call on House Republicans to stop their delay and bring this bill to a vote in the name of our hero from Chadwick, Illinois.

Mr. Speaker, looking around this room, I ask: Shouldn't our government benefit those we represent back home?

However, what is being presented by my Republican colleagues today is a plan that would gut healthcare for 152,483 of my neighbors at home who depend on Medicaid, more than 66,000 kids under the age of 19. Ten thousand seniors back home rely on Medicaid in Illinois' 17th District for their nursing home coverage.

While you may see this as a numbers game in a budget, I see families. I see neighbors. I see loved ones.

Let me let you in on a secret because there aren't any Republicans in this room. There are more Republican constituents of mine that are calling my office saying: We may have voted for Donald Trump, but we didn't vote for him to do this.

This is cruel and unusual punishment to single out everyday Americans, making them go without.

Also, billionaire donors and big corporations get tax breaks to make them more wealthy.

Let's get back to doing the work for the American people who need us to do this work the most.

Mr. Speaker, across America, working families and seniors are feeling the high costs of goods. All the while, scammers are using AI technology to impersonate loved ones, their banks, or even their government. Too often, it ends up with people being duped.

Every sheriff in my district tells a similar story. Police reports get filed. In some instances, hundreds of thousands of dollars are gone. Many of these hustlers are not even in our country.

That is why I am reintroducing the QUIET Act. My bipartisan legislation would increase the penalties for any scammer who thinks that they can use AI to make an easy buck off of a senior citizen by stealing their Social Security check.

Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to stand up to these bad actors and join me in this fight.

Mr. Speaker, as the only meteorologist in Congress, I rise today to honor one of the best in the career field of atmospheric science, Mike Nelson of Denver's Channel 7, on a remarkable 40-year career.

For decades, Mike was the trusted voice that families turned to in order to prepare them for what is ahead. Blizzards, tornadoes, devastating wildfires, Mike tracked them all.

His impact did not stop there. Early on, Mike took the initiative to communicate how our climate was changing. In addition to those watching his broadcasts, more than a million school-age students learned from him.

A 20-time Emmy Award winner, a member of the Emmys Silver Circle, and a fellow of the American Meteorological Society, Mike's contributions are extraordinary. With many thanks, he signs off from Denver7 News this week.

From Capitol Hill, I am forecasting a sunny and well-deserved retirement ahead. I congratulate Mike on a job well done.

Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from Colorado (Ms. Caraveo).

Mr. Speaker, finally, a last word of advice for our friend, Mike Nelson. On his last broadcast day, when his executive producer gets into his ear and says he has gone over in time, he should finish his work and then say: I yield back.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Raskin) and the gentlewoman from South Carolina (Ms. Mace) for working on this effort with me.

Today, I ask this governing body: What is the most American thing that Members can think of? Is it George Washington, who looks over us? Is it the dome of the Capitol Building, under which Members do the work of the people?

Mr. Speaker, I believe the most American thing is the symbol that flies on my home in Moline, Illinois, on top of this important building, on the back of every ship that carries our military, and which is displayed so proudly behind the Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to stand here and see S. 1973, the All- American Flag Act, considered on the floor of the House of Representatives. Under current law, the government can buy flags that contain just 50 percent American-made materials, but I believe that American flags, paid for by American taxpayers, should be entirely made in the greatest country in the world, by the greatest workers in the world.

My bill would require the Federal Government to buy flags that are manufactured 100 percent in the United States, with materials 100 percent grown or produced in the United States.

In 2021, my home State of Illinois passed a law that all American flags purchased must be American made.

This legislation will bring the values of our neighbors back home to the Federal Government. Whether it is over a post office in Kewanee, Illinois, accompanying our troops to battle, or on a casket of a fallen hero, our patriotism has to begin and end here in this country.

In 1906, George Cohan wrote ``You're a Grand Old Flag.'' The song's signature lyric, ``She's a Grand Old Flag,'' came from a conversation that he had with a Civil War veteran who fought at Gettysburg.

My bill will ensure that all grand flags are made in this grand land. I am proud to see my bill come to the House floor today, and I urge all of my patriotic colleagues to be proud of their support for its swift passage and for our great Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I missed one vote on July 8, 2024. Had I been present, I would have voted: YEA on Roll Call No. 336 on Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended: H.R. 897--Alabama Underwater Forest National Marine Sanctuary and Protection Act.

Mr. Speaker, I missed nine votes on June 28, 2024 due to contracting COVID-19. Had I been present, I would have voted:

NAY on Roll Call No. 327 on Agreeing to the Amendment: Tenney of New York Part A Amendment No. 163;

NAY on Roll Call No. 328 on Agreeing to the Amendment: Tenney of New York Part A Amendment No 164;

YEA on Roll Call No. 329 on Agreeing to the Amendment: Titus of Nevada Part A Amendment No. 171;

YEA on Roll Call No. 330 on Motion to Recommit: Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2025;

NAY on Roll Call No. 331 on Passage: Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2025;

YEA on Roll Call No. 332 on Motion to Recommit: Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2025;

NAY on Roll Call No. 333 on Passage: Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2025;

YEA on Roll Call No. 334 on Motion to Recommit: Making appropriations for the Department of State, foreign operations, and related programs for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025, and for other purposes; and

NAY on Roll Call No. 335 on Passage: Making appropriations for the Department of State, foreign operations, and related programs for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025, and for other purposes.

Mr. Chair, I missed thirty votes today due to contracting COVID-19. Had I been present, I would have voted:

NO on Roll Call No. 297, Brecheen Amendment No. 1;

NO on Roll Call No. 298, Brecheen Amendment No. 2;

NO on Roll Call No. 299, Brecheen Amendment No. 3;

NO on Roll Call No. 300, Burchett Amendment No. 4;

NO on Roll Call No. 301, Burchett Amendment No. 9;

NO on Roll Call No. 302, Gosar Amendment No. 13;

NO on Roll Call No. 303, Gosar Amendment No. 14;

NO on Roll Call No. 304, Gosar Amendment No. 15;

NO on Roll Call No. 305, Gosar Amendment No. 16;

NO on Roll Call No. 306, Greene of Georgia Amendment No. 18;

NO on Roll Call No. 307, Greene of Georgia Amendment No. 19;

NO on Roll Call No. 308, Greene of Georgia Amendment No. 20;

NO on Roll Call No. 309, Hageman Amendment No. 21;

NO on Roll Call No. 310, Hageman Amendment No. 22;

NO on Roll Call No. 311, Mace Amendment No. 35;

NO on Roll Call No. 312, Mace Amendment No. 36;

AYE on Roll Call No. 313, Moskowitz Amendment No. 45;

NO on Roll Call No. 314, Ogles Amendment No. 50;

NO on Roll Call No. 315, Perry Amendment No. 54;

NO on Roll Call No. 316, Spartz Amendment No. 59;

NO on Roll Call No. 317, Steube Amendment No. 61;

NO on Roll Call No. 318, Tenney Amendment No. 63;

NO on Roll Call No. 319, Tenney Amendment No. 64;

NO on Roll Call No. 320, Tiffany Amendment No. 68;

NO on Roll Call No. 321, Waltz Amendment No. 72;

NO on Roll Call No. 322, Wilson of South Carolina Amendment No. 75;

NO on Roll Call No. 323, Greene of Georgia Amendment No. 56;

NO on Roll Call No. 324, Greene of Georgia Amendment No. 57;

NO on Roll Call No. 325, Jayapal Amendment No. 72; and

NO on Roll Call No. 326, Moore of Alabama Amendment No. 129.

Madam Chair, I missed fourteen votes today due to contracting COVID-19. Had I been present, I would have voted

NAY on Roll Call No. 283 on ordering the previous question on H. Res. 1316,

NAY on Roll Call No. 284 on agreeing to H. Res. 1316,

NO on Roll Call No. 285 on agreeing to the Biggs amendment,

NO on Roll Call No. 286 on agreeing to the Clyde amendment,

NO on Roll Call No. 287 on agreeing to the Greene (GA) amendment,

NO on Roll Call No. 288 on agreeing to the Grothman amendment,

NO on Roll Call No. 289 on agreeing to the Ogles amendment,

NO on Roll Call No. 290 on agreeing to the Ogles amendment,

NO on Roll Call No. 291 on agreeing to the Ogles amendment,

NO on Roll Call No. 292 on agreeing to the Rosendale amendment,

NO on Roll Call No. 293 on agreeing to the Roy amendment,

AYE on Roll Call No. 294 on agreeing to the Steube amendment,

NO on Roll Call No. 295 on agreeing to the Tiffany amendment, and

NO on Roll Call No. 296 on agreeing to the Tiffany amendment.

Mr. Speaker, I missed three votes today due to contracting COVID-19. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 280, YEA on Roll Call No. 281, and YEA on Roll Call No. 282.