Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Saturday, October 10, 2026, as the inaugural National Independent Costume Store Day. Created by the National Costumers Association to celebrate independent costume stores across the country, this day recognizes the pivotal role these stores play in our communities.

Independent costume stores across the Nation will create their own celebrations, including customer appreciation events, costume showcases, behind-the-scenes tours, cosplay gatherings, theater partnerships, educational programs, charity fundraisers, and other activities that highlight what makes their businesses special.

This day celebrates independent costume stores' support for schools, theaters, performers, community events, local traditions, and creative expression. These neighborhood businesses are filled with creativity, expertise, history, and passion for making our communities stronger. Our own local family business, Chicago Costume Company, serves Chicagoland and beyond, helping bring local productions, celebrations, educational programs, and public events to life.

Small businesses like Chicago Costume Company are a pillar of our creative community, most recently supplying the ``Pope Hats'' for the Chicago White Sox. Not only do these endeavors keep manufacturing and design jobs local; they showcase our community to the world--Pope Leo XIV received his own Pope Hat from the Chicago Costume Company at the Vatican.

Mr. Speaker, I ask everyone to join me in recognizing National Independent Costume Store Day and thanking Chicago Costume Company for their commitment and service to the Chicago community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar in his 70th year and honor his 45 years of humanitarian and spiritual service through the Art of Living Foundation to communities around the world.

Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar was born on May 13, 1956, in Papanasam, Tamil Nadu. Before becoming a spiritual leader, Shankar studied physics at St. Joseph's College in Bangalore. He has been a tireless advocate for peace across conflict zones, eventually earning recognition as the Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian honor.

The Art of Living Foundation, founded in 1981, proudly commemorates 45 years of promoting mental wellbeing, stress relief, conflict resolution, and meditation programs. A globally revered humanitarian, spiritual leader, and ambassador of peace, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar expanded the Art of Living Foundation through more than 180 countries and reached over 800 million people.

Shankar and the Art of Living Foundation achieved international success for pioneering the SKY Breath Meditation, also known as the Sudarshan Kriya. Researchers and leading institutions worldwide recognize it as an effective measure in reducing stress, anxiety, PTSD symptoms, and depression.

The Art of Living Foundation has contributed to a number of humanitarian causes, including providing educational support in India and improving water pollution in India. The Foundation champions youth and women's empowerment, rural development programs, and educational outreach initiatives.

Mr. Speaker, I ask everyone to join me in recognizing Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and the Art of Living Foundation on their 70th and 45th years, respectively, for their service to the international community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the Vietnam and Korean War veterans who traveled to Washington, D.C., on September 23, 2026, with Honor Flight Chicago, a program that provides WWII, Vietnam, and Korean War veterans the opportunity to visit their memorials on The National Mall in Washington, D.C. These memorials were built to honor their courage and service to their country.

The American Veteran is one of our greatest treasures. The Soldiers, Airmen, Sailors, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen who traveled here on September 23 answered our Nation's call to service during one of its greatest times of need. From the Pacific Asian Theatre to the Korean Theater, these brave Americans risked life and limb, gave service, and sacrificed much, all while embodying what it is to be a hero. We owe them more gratitude than can ever be expressed.

I welcome these brave veterans to Washington and to their memorials. I am proud to submit the names of these men and women for all to see, hear, and recognize, and I call on my colleagues to rise and join me in expressing gratitude. I include in the Record their names:

Kenneth C. A11ison, Dennis J. Archer, Robert C. Arthurs,

Michael B. Bagby, Stephen H. Bailey, Dale T. Beeson, Gerald

G. Bernatski, Craig Boss. Verne L. Brace, Henry F. Brill,

Turhan P. Brown, Kenneth C. Butler, Richard Cadena, Glenn

Cekus, Michael J. Celeski, Gary W. Clausen, Leonard M. Corso,

Cloys I. Darnall, Alfred P. Davidson, Dick DeForte, Dan H.

DeMass, Richard Doughty, Anthony Drobut, John R. Farrell,

Larry D. Fikes, Edward Fisher, Gerald A. Frank, Joseph

Gandurski, Gerald Gende, Leroy C. Gesbeck, III, Vanessa

Gibbs, Michael Giera, Charles F. Gilbert, Paul E. Glombowski,

John Gorby, Richard M. Graham, Hiram Grau, Robert Groth,

Robert J. Harrison, Lavern E. Hein, Richard J. Hejna, William

G. Hendry, Terry Hillard, Thomas J. Hoover, Daniel W. Horton,

William A. Jackson, Joseph Jedlovec, Jr., Rudolph Jennings,

Laurence J. Jones, Burton L. Kline, Edward T. Knutsen, James

D. Kunitzer, James M. Kush, Dennis J. Lake, Richard Lebeter,

William Leider, Robert J. Lenhart, Jr., Steven Lesher, Harry

Lopez, Henry Mazik, Walter H. McBride, III, Thomas

McGladdery, David W. McNaughton. Michael J. Meyers, William

H. Miller, Randall L. Mitchell, Louis Molina, Martin T.

Montano, Jimmy Mote, James Mukoyama, Jr., James A. Murphy,

Sr., John Myers, Ernest R. Neely, Chris Orozco, Jack Dean

Parr, Gerald H. Patterson, Gerald M. Pawlus, Arthur D.

Pinelli, Jon G. Platakis, Eugene A. Potter, Michael T. Ray,

Donald W. Reutzel, Jr., Barry E. Roberts, Dennis H, Robison,

Lawrence W. Rogers, Jose A. Rosales, Roy D. Schickedanz,

Anthony S. Risichella, Allen Sellers, Stephen E. Sellers,

Richard Shronts, Raymond E. Siebert, Richard Sollinger,

Richard I. Surma, Thomas N. Svestka, John ter Horst,

Guadalupe Trevino, Robert Van Tholen, Louis M. Vidales,

Donald R. Voris, Robert M. Wagner, Jacob Walker, Jr., Charles

T. Wesley, Robert H. Wolf, Douglas M. Woods, Ronald L. York,

Robert L. Young, Robert A. Zanella, and James W. Zita.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the Vietnam and Korean War veterans who traveled to Washington, D.C. on August 26, 2026, with Honor Flight Chicago, a program that provides WWII, Vietnam, and Korean War veterans the opportunity to visit their memorials on The National Mall in Washington, D.C. These memorials were built to honor their courage and service to their country.

The American Veteran is one of our greatest treasures. The Soldiers, Airmen, Sailors, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen who traveled here on August 26 answered our Nation's call to service during one of its greatest times of need. From the Pacific Asian Theatre to the Korean Theater, these brave Americans risked life and limb, gave service, and sacrificed much, all while embodying what it is to be a hero. We owe them more gratitude than can ever be expressed.

I welcome these brave veterans to Washington and to their memorials. I am proud to include in the Record the names of these men and women for all to see, hear, and recognize, and I call on my colleagues to rise and join me in expressing gratitude:

John D. Abram, David R. Allen, Jr., G. Wayne Apgar, Martin

E. Anrold, Randall P. Arnold, Robert P. Ballard, Harold J.

Benedict, Edward J. Brunner, John T. Bryla, Raymond R.

Buckhanan, Randell R. Canene, Ronald A. Carlson, Larry R.

Carr, Bertram N. Clarbour, Gary J. Cloonen, John M. Corcoran,

Glee E. Cox, Paul G. Cravens, Sr., Robert A. Cravens, Butch

R. Decker, David E. Dial, Steven M. Engelking, Dennis W.

Erickson, Darryl L. Faye, Alfred C. Feagins, Gregory A.

Fisher, Alden R. Gagna, John G. Gay, Charles H. Goebel,

Richard T. Gooding, William L. Gould, William R. Gran, Eugene

Gruszka, Gregory G. Gumuls, James B. Hamilton, Bruce C.

Hedlund, Dennis M. Howard, Wayne G. Howard, William P.

Hunter, Brian R. Johnson, Ronald Kachnowski, William R.

Kalata, Donald L. Kennedy, Lovell Kennedy, Beverly M. Klee,

Kenneth M. Knowles, Dennis J. Kochan, Joseph A. Krincuis,

Raymond F. Kubiak, Robert S. Kurpius, Allan V, Larson, Ronald

Lata, Larry A. Leriger, Ivan D. Lundin, Jr., Daniel P. Lynch,

Juan M. Magana, John S. Malacina, Michael K. Manderfield,

John A. Mangiaguerra, Leon N. Marquardt, Robert A. Marusin,

Archie Mason, Jr., Eusapien J. McDuffie, Jr., Daniel P.

McCarthy, Clifford S. McChesney, Duane E. McNichol, Kenneth

J. Milausnic, Larry M. Miles, Jerrold T. Miller, Terry T.

Minick, Barry D. Mishler, Anthony Moreno, Michael B. Morris,

James M. Morsovillo, Salvatore Napolitano, John R. Noll,

Dennis W. Nush, Richard W, Nystrom, James E. Olin, Donald R.

Olsen, Walter S. Parus, Dale E. Pfeiffer, William M. Poole,

Richard T. Provot, John J. Puccinelli, Ben Rizzi, George

Rizzo, Jon T. Robbins, George M. Rozovics, David R. Ruiz,

Dennis B. Samoska, Joseph A. Sendejas, Charles J. Sitzman,

Robert C. Spang, Melvin E. Spears, James W. Squires, Ronald

A. Squok, Laverne Gene Stadt, Walter A. Suyko, John

Szczepanski, Edward R. Taylor, Charles J. Tittelbach,

Rigoberto G. Trevino, Fernando A. Vargas, Scott A. Vliek,

Theodore J. Walczak, Robert C. Webster, Edward T.

Weingartner, Gerald M. Williams, Thomas J. Witkowski, Glenn

K. Yamamoto. John F. Zehner, Edgar J. Zellers, and Michael R.

Zientara.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from Colorado for her kind remarks.

Mr. Speaker, several years ago, a Chicagoan named Brian Wallach came to my office and shared the fact that he was just diagnosed with ALS, a devastating disease that steals a person's ability to move or speak.

The average life expectancy at the time with someone diagnosed with ALS was 2 to 5 years. When Brian came to visit us in Congress, that was the reality he was facing.

He cofounded an organization called I AM ALS with his wife, Sandra Abrevaya. Sandra's life changed overnight, too when she became an ALS caretaker. Since then, she cofounded a company to improve the care of people living with ALS.

This awe-inspiring couple came to my office with a big idea to advance ALS research and access to treatments. After meeting with Brian and Sandra, I was convinced that ALS was not incurable. The research was just underfunded. I was moved by their dedication to each other and the cause.

Like too many families across the country, my family has been touched by neurodegenerative disease. I lost my father to Parkinson's. However, since I started working on the first Accelerating Access to Critical Therapies for ALS Act, there hasn't been one Member of Congress whom I talked to who didn't have a personal story or know the impact of one of these diseases.

Our bipartisan work on the first Accelerating Access to Critical Therapies for ALS Act broke through the bitter politics that can divide this place. I believe we have the opportunity to do that again today.

In the last 5 years, ACT for ALS programs have helped people living with ALS to access promising therapies. They have created new methods for researchers to share their work and sustain critical natural history studies.

Since we passed the first bill 5 years ago, we have been able to secure over $350 million in Federal funding for these programs. Today, we are voting on a bill to extend these programs for 5 more years.

To everyone living with ALS who has advocated for this bill, I hope today's vote shows that Congress hears you and we are here for you and that, every once in a while, we break through. At those moments, I am proud to serve here.

To Brian who is still with us fighting the disease and Sandra: Thank you for your tireless advocacy and big dreams.

Finally, I thank Representative Ken Calvert for his work on this with me in the House, and Senators Chris Coons and Lisa Murkowski for their work in the Senate.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes.''

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the Vietnam and Korean War veterans who are traveling to Washington, D.C. on June 24, 2026, with Honor Flight Chicago, a program that provides WWII, Vietnam, and Korean War veterans the opportunity to visit their memorials on The National Mall in Washington, D.C. These memorials were built to honor their courage and service to their country.

The American Veteran is one of our greatest treasures. The Soldiers, Airmen, Sailors, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen who travel here on June 24, 2026, answered our Nation's call to service during one of its greatest times of need. From the Pacific Asian Theatre to the Korean Theater, these brave Americans risked life and limb, gave service, and sacrificed much, all while embodying what it is to be a hero. We owe them more gratitude than can ever be expressed.

I welcome these brave veterans to Washington and to their memorials. I include in the Record the names of these men and women for all to see, hear, and recognize, and I call on my colleagues to rise and join me in expressing gratitude:

Jerry W. Anderson, Leon E. Ausec, Marlowe Bacon, James E.

Baker, Jr., John Balkema, Arthur T. Baltazar, Lawrence K.

Barber, Donald Barnacle, James Barnacle, Joseph J. Barrett.

Robert T. Barrett, Anthony Barrios, Walter Beckman, Sherlen

Bell, Stephen D. Bennett, Thomas Bergthold, Ronald R. Bielke,

Wayne R. Biasen, Gary F. Bliss, Rockne Bork, Stephan M.

Brennan, Michael R. Brittain, Roy D. Brown, Michael J.

Bunton, Thomas P. Bunton, Phillip Buoscio, Gary W. Butler,

James S. Butridge, Daniel Buzinski, Bruce D. Callen, Robert

Capuani, Donald L. Carroll, Victor Chacon, Jr., Richard D.

Clayton, John W. Cliffe, William Collins, William H. Crotty,

Walter F. Cudecki, Henry L. Dean, Merle J. Denker, James J.

Dennis, Jr., William T. Diaz, Michael O. Downing, Willie

Ellis, Jr., George Engelthaler, John Evans, Philip M. Foss,

Ernesto Garcia, Vanessa Gibbs, Robert W. Glines, Thomas C.

Greenan, Richard Grenda, Dennis Habbley, Albert R. Harris,

Claude C, Harris, David W. Heath, Terry D. Henderson, Robert

J. Hluchy, David L. Hoffman, Herbert E. Hogberg, Jr., Richard

G. Howard, Joseph E. Idaszak, Julius H. Igyarto, Jeffery A.

Jordan, Dennis C. Kane, Michael R. Kearney, Donald T. Keegan,

Lowell E. Killion, Francis M. Kirkpatrick, Dale L.

Klinefelter, Charles H. Kock, John Kranz, Anthony W. Kubon,

Russell Leaich, Charles L. Lenzini, Richard Lisy, Kalman J.

Mager, Richard Malvestuto, Charles L. Meyer, David Miller,

Rex A. Miller, David E. Mills, Virgil M. Mitchell, Richard

Mix, Jr., Andrew Nixon, Jr., Dennis J. Nowicki, Cesar A.

Pantoja, John P. Parrish, John J. Pawelski, Lawrence A.

Pebelske, Frederick T. Pennix, Jr., Edward J. Piane, Mitchell

S. Pierce, Robert Pruter, John M. Puskar, Gene Sbalchiero,

Joseph C. Schmidt, Vivin F. Schultz, George W. Smuckel,

Robert Tamillo, John D. Totemeier, John W. Tracy, Sidney M.

Victor, John C. Volkmann, Marjorie R. Walton, James T. Watts,

Paul White, Warren W. Wiggenhauser, Michael C. Williams,

Eugene W. Wright, John E. Yaun, John O. Young, Charles R.

Zelinski, and Francis L. Zmuda.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Dr. Allison Arwady on her exceptional leadership and service as the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Center for Injury Prevention and Control. Prior to this role, she served as the commissioner of the Chicago Department of Public Health.

For more than two years, Dr. Arwady led the Injury Center with distinction, bringing to the role a depth of expertise and a steadfast commitment that have defined her career in medicine and public health. Her leadership has made our Nation stronger, safer, and better equipped to protect Americans from injury and violence.

During her tenure, the United States saw a significant decline in drug overdose deaths, returning to prepandemic levels. This progress reflects the strength of the Injury Center's data-driven approach and the impactful work it supports at the state and local levels. Even amid staffing challenges and ongoing budgetary pressures, Dr. Arwady successfully secured full congressional funding for the Center's critical programs while maintaining strong partnerships with public safety leaders across the country.

Dr. Arwady consistently demonstrated an ability to communicate the importance of the Injury Center's mission in ways that resonated with policymakers, funders, and the public. Her advocacy ensured that this vital work remained a national priority.

Mr. Speaker, I ask everyone to join me to congratulate Dr. Allison Arwady for her outstanding contributions and in expressing our deep appreciation for her leadership and enduring impact on public health.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life and achievements of Allan Mellis. Allan passed away peacefully at 81 years- old at Illinois Masonic Hospital on Sunday, April 26, 2026. After joining the Wrightwood Neighbors Association board in 1974, he remained there for over 50 years, serving a two-year stint as president.

Allan was brought to Chicago through his work for IBM where he was responsible for, and the first employee of, IBM's desktop publishing department. Allan quickly became an integral part of the community and served Wrightwood Neighbors, Lincoln Park, and Chicago for decades. Even after suffering a stroke in 2021, Allan, a master negotiator, fiercely advocated for one of the most densely populated neighborhoods in the city.

Allan spearheaded a yearslong campaign to transform Lincoln Park library, including designing plans and securing funding. Today, it's one of the busiest library branches in Chicago. He was a firm supporter of disabled rights and helped make Fullerton Station accessible to disabled riders in 2008. He helped to start the Taste of Lincoln Avenue street festival, which has been replicated in similar events around the city. He was affectionately known as ``the mayor of Lincoln Park'' and that is reflected by the 93 boxes of his community papers housed at DePaul university. Allan also collected over 30,000 items of ice cream memorabilia throughout his life, a portion of which has been on display at the Museum of Science and Industry for fifty years, earning him the nickname ``Mr. Ice Cream.''

Allan's legacy will be one of caring for the community, being a good neighbor, and consistently performing small selfless acts to create a lasting impact on those around you. Evidence of his decadeslong commitment to his community will endure for years to come throughout Lincoln Park.

Mr. Speaker, I ask everyone to join me in recognizing Allan's five decades of service and his commitment to, and success in, improving every community he was a part of.

Mr. Speaker, I have some questions.

My first question is: If my friends across the aisle don't like this bill, why don't they draft their own? Why did this bill have to be forced on them? Why was it necessary to do a discharge petition? Where was their excitement about doing anything?

My second question is: Why hasn't the President of the United States said who he wants to win this war? He still has not said who he favors.

My next question is: When my friends talk about peace and they say that we need to be flexible, I want to know details. Does that mean we are going to give Putin a reward for raping and pillaging the Ukrainian people and that we are going to reward them with the land that they took in this aggressive nature?

This is the time to make those decisions.

We are now about to celebrate our 250th anniversary of independence, and we are reminded that our Nation was born in defiance of tyranny. Ukraine is fighting that same fight today, and this fight is the same reason we fought the Second World War.

Putin's goal stretches well beyond Ukraine. He seeks to erase a democracy, to replace freedom with fear, and to prove that brute force can triumph over the rule of law.

We cannot allow that to stand.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the Vietnam and Korean War veterans who will travel to Washington, D.C. on May 20, 2026, with Honor Flight Chicago, a program that provides WWII, Vietnam, and Korean War veterans the opportunity to visit their memorials on The National Mall in Washington, D.C. These memorials were built to honor their courage and service to their country.

The American Veteran is one of our greatest treasures. The Soldiers, Airmen, Sailors, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen who will travel here on May 20, 2026, answered our Nation's call to service during one of its greatest times of need. From the Pacific Asian Theatre to the Korean Theater, these brave Americans risked life and limb, gave service, and sacrificed much, all while embodying what it is to be a hero. We owe them more gratitude than can ever be expressed.

I welcome these brave veterans to Washington and to their memorials. I am proud to include in the Record the names of these men and women for all to see, hear, and recognize, and I call on my colleagues to rise and join me in expressing gratitude.

Kenneth D. Agema, Robert D. Anderson, Dennis J. Archer,

Darryl E. Backstrom, Larry C. Beall, Karl A. Berglund, Peter

J. Bistolfo, William J. Bleecker, James G. Buer, Leonard

Bunge, Edward J. Butler, Mario O. Candia, Michael B. Casale,

Joseph D. Cecala, Sr., Daniel B. Clark, Michael A. Connelly,

Thomas J. Connors, William J. Connors, Robert L. Coyer, Roger

S. Dabrowski, Michael R. Del Castillo, Gerald Den Hamer,

David Frank Dillman, Stephen J. Dionne, Patrick H. Dowd,

Rodney H. Dowell, James B. Ferguson, Stephen H. Fleming, Jose

A. Flores, Richard M. Friedman, William J. Gallagher, Jr.,

Carl V.

Gatto, Dennis L. Hansen, Rickey Hardy, Robert J. Harrigan,

James E. Harris, Jerry Hendershott, Michael J. Higgins,

Robert M. Hinton, William N. Hobday, Robert C. Holliday,

Robert H. Honzik, Jeffrey C. Isenhart, Hobie T. Jackson,

Robert C. Keller, Arthur E. Kent, Harold F. Kern, James W.

Keyser, Edward F. Kneip, Terry W. Knowles, Raymond J.

Kolasinski, William R. Kot, Leonard Kukulka, Dennis J. Kwait,

Paul T. La Falce, Donald F. Lundy, Denise M. Lynch, Wayne T.

Macejak, John W. Mason, Douglas M. Massier, John A.

McAndrews, Jr., William E. McCabe, Stanley J. McGraw,

Terrence McLoughlin, Robert J. Mizgata, James C. Mladic,

William J. Mladic, William T. Morrison, Othos E. Morrow,

Richard J. Mrozinski, Jr., Steven F. Munz, Michael F.

Napadow, Gary W. Nielsen, John J. Orlando, Thomas W. Osowski,

George J. Palka, Joseph P. Palm, Brian A. Pate, Gregory L.

Patras, William Perrill, Michael L. Pfeffer, Joseph W.

Pisterzi, Trainimair C. Platte, Jr., James C. Prorok, Winston

C. Rasmussen, Jack C. Rauscher, Sylvester Roach, John J.

Rogan, Adrienne L. Rubinkowski, Terrence P. Ruettiger, Gerald

L. Sandretto, Bruce A. Scariano, David Scariano, Donald A.

Schoenfielder, Robert J. Schutte, William B. Sebrell, Lynetta

Smith, Joseph J. Sowinski, Charles W. Speake, Raymond W.

Stetz, Ronald W. Stevenson, Dennis D. Story, Douglas A.

Strasburg, Donald J. Tira, Joel R. Tira, Robert J. Tracy,

Michael B. Troth, James J. Utz, Maximo Valdez, Peter A. Van

Merkestyn, Stanley Vaughn, Gregory J. Vickner, Thomas J.

Wadman, William H. Webb, Richard K. Wilken, Jerome J.

Wojtena, and Thomas M. Woods.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate John Peller's 12 years of service as CEO of the AIDS Foundation Chicago (AFC). As he transitions to the next step in his career, we look back at a career of committed service to AFC.

After receiving a Master of Public Policy from the University of Chicago, Mr. Peller joined AFC in 2005 and served at state and national levels as vice-president of policy, before becoming CEO in 2014. He led advocacy efforts, campaigning for those with HIV to be supported through federal and state healthcare systems. Additionally, Mr. Peller led the Getting to Zero Illinois initiative, a plan to end the statewide HIV epidemic by 2030.

Mr. Peller has strived to amplify AFC's impact, expanding the scope of their services to include underrepresented factors that can prevent access to HIV treatment, including housing instability, racial inequalities, insurance, and dental care. He has overseen a truly transformational period for AFC and LGBT rights in Chicago. Over the course of his leadership, AFC's budget increased by 68 percent and staff increased by over 50 percent. AFC is now able to reach and serve over 9000 people annually. Mr. Peller has also helped advance federal reforms, including the Affordable Care Act.

As a result of his longstanding and dedicated service, Mr. Peller was inducted into the Chicago LGBT Hall of Fame in 2024 and will leave a legacy of unwavering service. He has greatly improved the quality of life and safety of healthcare across the country and especially in Chicago. His work will have a lasting impact on every community he has served over his career.

Mr. Speaker, I ask everyone to join me in congratulating John Peller on his two decades of service and his commitment to ending the HIV epidemic.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate Michael Herman on his work with Chicago House as acting Chief Executive Officer for seven years, serving communities impacted by HIV/AIDS in Chicago.

Mr. Herman grew up in a large Irish, German, Lithuanian, and Catholic family that put an emphasis on family, faith, and education. Living in Chicago's Southwest side, Mr. Herman attended school at the church across the street from his childhood home. He entered the seminary at a young age, eventually attending college seminary at Loyola University, and moving on to getting his Master of Divinity. In 1989, Mr. Herman was ordained as a Catholic priest and went on to serve the Hispanic communities of Chicago.

Valuing service but wanting to live as a gay man, Mr. Herman left active ministry and became Chicago House's Chief Development Officer (CDO), serving the LGBTQ+ community and those vulnerable to HIV and AIDS. During his time as CDO at Chicago House, Mr. Herman also became Vice President of Philanthropy at Kohl Children's Museum. In 2019, Michael took the role of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at Chicago House.

Mr. Herman's work with Chicago House has improved the lives of thousands of Chicagoans affected by HIV and AIDS. Serving as CEO, he led Chicago House's efforts to end the AIDS epidemic in Illinois by 2030, while also providing housing support, healthcare, employment counseling, and care for transgender individuals. Continuing to embrace his lifelong values of family, faith, and education, Mr. Herman's work has touched vulnerable communities across Chicago.

Mr. Speaker, I ask everyone to join me to congratulate Michael T. Herman on his seven years as the Chicago House CEO. Mr. Herman is a striking example of leadership and service to one's own community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the Chicago Cubs' 150th anniversary and their enduring contributions to the State of Illinois and the City of Chicago. Since joining the National League as a charter member in 1876 under the leadership of William and Albert Spalding, the Cubs have remained an influential team in Major League Baseball.

From their historic home at Wrigley Field to baseball legends such as Ernie Banks, Ryne Sandberg, and many more, the Cubs have thrilled generations of fans. Their achievements include 17 National League pennants and 3 World Series titles, highlighted by the unforgettable 2016 World Series championship. Beyond the field, the Cubs have supported more than $62 million in donations through Cubs Charities since 2009. These donations promote youth sports and well-being, and improve lives and communities across all 77 neighborhoods of the City of Chicago and throughout the State of Illinois. As we celebrate this milestone, we honor not only a

baseball team but a club that has united communities, inspired pride, and enriched our national pastime. The Chicago Cubs remain a timeless symbol of resilience, tradition, and hope.

The recognition of the Chicago Cubs' 150th anniversary underscores the franchise's enduring place as one of the most historic and beloved institutions in American sports and affirms the team's unique role in shaping the identity and spirit of the City of Chicago and the State of Illinois. Their legacy extends far beyond the baseball diamond through the countless memories shared by millions of fans around the world.

Mr. Speaker, please join me and all my colleagues in congratulating the Chicago Cubs on their 150th anniversary.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the Vietnam and Korean War veterans who traveled to Washington, D.C. on April 15, 2026, with Honor Flight Chicago, a program that provides WWII, Vietnam, and Korean War veterans the opportunity to visit their memorials on The National Mall in Washington, D.C. These memorials were built to honor their courage and service to their country.

The American Veteran is one of our greatest treasures. The Soldiers, Airmen, Sailors, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen who traveled here on April 15 answered our Nation's call to service during one of its greatest times of need. From the Pacific Asian Theatre to the Korean Theater, these brave Americans risked life and limb, gave service, and sacrificed much, all while embodying what it is to be a hero. We owe them more gratitude than can ever be expressed.

I welcome these brave veterans to Washington and to their memorials. I am proud to

include in the Record the names of these men and women for all to see, hear, and recognize, and I call on my colleagues to rise and join me in expressing gratitude.

Joseph Aceto, Lawrence Acre, Dale W. Adolfson, Marc

Albertario, Peter T. Alexander, Ricardo P. Almaguer, Benjamin

G. Baldwin, Jr., Herbert E. Banach, Russell E. Becker,

Richard Beintum, Robert J. Beran, Francesco A. Bertolli,

Peter H. Billing, Charles B. Bosko, James W. Cebulski,

Richard E. Chapman. Peter R. Conboy, Walter E. Counts, Jose

Cruz, Thomas J. Czajka, John E. Davenport, Alfonso Ferreira,

Sr., Lynn A. Ferris, Leon W. Francis, Robert J. Gilmore,

Edward J. Glenney, Michael E. Granberry, Clifford D. Hall,

Clifford E. Hall, James A. Hanson, Adrian W. Harries, Joseph

H. Heater, Edward Hines, Gary L. Hoffman, Burnell Holman,

Michael E. Hurst, Richard A. Jensen, Robert G. Jeropke,

Edward L. Johnson, Robert V. Johnson, Jr., Stanley J.

Joswiak, Joan E. Kateiva, John J. Kelly, Jr., Eugene R. Kirk,

Patrick E. Kitching, James J. Klimes, Jr.. Dale A. Kriesel,

William T. Kucharzyk, Eugene R. LaFleur, Kenneth J. Laning,

Brandt L. Leischner, John H. Lindemulder, Arthur R. Lubben,

Willie Lucas, Jr., Frederick C. Mark, Joseph C. Marshall,

Robert J. Mathisen, Jr., James M. McKee, Joseph J. Medveskas,

Herman Mendez, Jerry F. Meredith, Kenneth J. Michalak, Melvin

C. Murray, John E. Musial, Joseph Nootens, Richard O'Brien,

Joseph F. O'Connor, Richard L. Partlow, Jr., Gloria J.

Patterson, Maurice A. Patterson, Lothar Perignon, James V.

Polich, Frank P. Qualtier, Billio D. Riley, Charles C.

Robinson, John W. Rost, James C. Russell, Robert J. Russell,

Sr., Alfred A. Russo, Donald E. Scheidt, Jerome Schmidt,

Raymond M. Schmitz, Glen R. Schwartz, Roy V. Silvester,

Michael C. Sims, Dennis R. Singer, Robert K. Slevnik, Terry

L. Snyder, Jay A. Stob, John T, Storrs, Martin C.

Strausberger, Herman G. Taylor, Warren F. Tejes, Lucian S.

Tessmann, Gary G. Todd, Walter P. Trock, III, Joe Vance,

Lawrence F. Vasquez, Sidney M. Victor, Robert H. Voss, James

J. Wall, Terry D. Welch, William W. Westerhof, Scott C.

Whelan, John H. Whiteside, Henry B. Winkler, William M.

Wolff, Harley Woodhouse, and Aloysius J. Zupancic.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Theodore Wrobleski on his retirement from the Sheffield Neighbors Association after 50 years of dedicated service to his community.

Theodore ``Ted'' Wrobleski is a son of Chicago's south side, known to everyone as ``Ted,'' growing up in West Lawn Neighborhood and lawyer of fifty-five years. He moved to the Sheffield Neighbors community in 1975, first renting, then buying his home in 1977, and began volunteering for Sheffield Neighborhood Association's (``SNA'') Sheffield Garden Walk in 1976.

He continued as a committed volunteer and elected board of directors in 1981. He rolled up his sleeves, sharing his talents to further the group's work in the community. His passion for his neighborhood, Chicago history, and its architecture led to hosting architectural tours of the Sheffield Neighbors from 1985 to 2020. Introducing the extraordinary, unique craftsmanship of his neighborhood to tens of thousands of visitors.

Ted's steady and thoughtful demeanor negotiated many longstanding large agreements with some of the largest developers and employers on the near north side of the city, in an effort to make certain that the neighborhood was being looked after.

Ted Wrobleski has been valued by business owners and neighbors far and wide, he has served on the DePaul University Neighborhood Advisory Council since 1990, continuing that service today; Ted co-founded the Lincoln Park Community Research Initiative in 1998; and served as a founding board member of the Armitage-Halsted Landmark District Committee; served as Treasurer of the Lincoln Park Conservation Association, the Children's Memorial Hospital Advisory Committee and Saint Teresa's of Avila Parish.

Mr. Speaker, I ask everyone to join me in congratulating Ted Wrobleski on his retirement and 45 years of service to the Sheffield Neighborhood Association's Board of Directors. Ted is a prime example of a community leader, and his work will outlive us all.