Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I have a motion to recommit at the desk.

I am opposed.

Mr. Speaker, this is the final amendment to the bill which

will not kill the bill or send it back to committee. If adopted, the bill will immediately proceed to final passage, as amended.

The Russians attacked our democracy. They will be back and we are not ready. The President is unwilling to meet this challenge, but we must be willing to meet this challenge.

The last time our electoral process was called into question post- Bush-Gore, this government spent $3.5 billion to upgrade our election systems because we treasured the integrity of our democracy. I hope we still do.

Earlier this year, we appropriated $380 million to the Election Assistance Commission to provide grants for training, equipment, and software which will help States fortify and protect our election systems. This amendment appropriates an additional $380 million to grants that continue to improve those defenses because our election infrastructure remains outdated, low tech, and nowhere where it needs to be to prevent future intrusions.

In the lead-up to the 2016 elections, the Russians targeted the election systems of at least 21 States and as many as 39. Through the special counsel's investigation, we now have the names of 12 Russian intelligence officers that carried it out.

When President Trump was given the opportunity to challenge President Putin in Helsinki this week, he, instead, condemned his own intelligence agencies while praising the Russian President.

Mr. Speaker, it was embarrassing, it was un-American, and it was a clear sign from the President that he will continue to stand by as President Putin orchestrates additional attacks on our democracy.

This latest episode of capitulation to the Russians was a step too far for many of you. But tweets will not stop the Russians. This moment demands action.

The Director of National Intelligence, Dan Coats, recently confirmed that the Russians continue to target our elections. Forty-two States continue to use outdated voting machines susceptible to cyber intrusions. Thirteen States continue to use voting machines that fail to produce a paper ballot or record.

The overwhelming demand for assistance is there. The EAC issued a public announcement just 3 days ago that every single State and eligible territory has requested grant funding with almost 90 percent of the existing funds already transferred out. But the amount distributed is only a fraction of what the States need. Election experts believe that the bare minimum required is $1.25 billion while this bill zeros out those grants.

We now have the chance to do the right thing. Equipped with the new revelations from the Mueller investigation and the realization that President Trump will do absolutely nothing to defend our elections systems from foreign interference; and with Russia attempting to cast doubt, uncertainty, and suspicion over the integrity of our election process, now is the time to double down on our efforts to prevent election hacking.

The American people are watching, and we must ensure that we, unlike our President, are on the right side of history during this pivotal moment in our democracy.

Mr. Speaker, I yield the remainder of my time to the distinguished gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer).

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. Chair, I claim the time in opposition, although I do not oppose the amendment.

Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of this amendment.

I was disappointed that this bill originally cut CDFI by $59 million and was very supportive of the full committee amendment that Mr. Palazzo offered to add $25 million to the program, which passed with bipartisan support. This amendment simply allocates that increase among the various worthy programs in CDFI.

I am particularly pleased to note that the Bank Enterprise Award Program and Healthy Food Financing Initiative received some of the funding, although I would like to point out that this increase alone does not bring any of the individual programs to their enacted levels and still leaves CDFI $34 million, or 14 percent, below the current level.

I urge support of the amendment and hope that we will be able to work towards getting the CDFI the additional increases it needs in conference.

Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Chair, I claim the time in opposition.

This amendment is another in a long line of attacks on the Affordable Care Act. It is, unfortunately, an example of Republicans turning to the appropriations process, instead of working through the appropriate channels via the authorization committees.

Weighing down bills with partisan riders does nothing but make it more difficult to enact these spending bills, especially in a timely manner.

Turning to the substance of the amendment, our constituents would be better served if we focused our efforts on extending quality, affordable coverage to more individuals, not eliminating plans.

Healthcare is an essential right, and a healthy America is a more productive, safer, and better place to call home. I suggest my colleagues vote ``no'' on the Meadows amendment.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.

Madam Chair, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding.

Madam Chair, I first want to thank Chairman Graves, whom I had the privilege of working with for a second year in managing this bill. Our discussions have been both passionate and productive, and I thank him for always allowing for vigorous debate throughout the process.

And, of course, I would again like to thank the staff on both sides for their work behind the scenes that went into preparing this bill for floor consideration. In particular, I would like to recognize and thank committee staff on the minority side, Lisa, Chris, Angela, Martha, as well as Doug from my personal office.

But with that said, I continue to strongly oppose the bill before us today.

Given its flat allocation of $23.4 billion, this bill does not adequately meet the growing needs of our small businesses, taxpayers, and middle class consumers and investors.

To be fair, I do want to acknowledge how pleased I was to see increased funding for the Office of Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, Federal Defender Services, and the Small Business Administration, three very different priorities, each critical in its own right; but this does not negate the cuts suffered by some of our most important agencies tasked with missions ranging from policing Wall Street to supporting investment in our most underserved communities.

After losing over a billion dollars in funding and 18,000 staff between 2010 and 2017, my friends in the majority have reversed course and have begun providing the IRS with additional funds to implement their new law, yet taxpayer service is cut by $15 million. GSA's funding for new construction is cut by over $400 million, and funds for major and basic repairs and alterations come in at $194 million below the requested amount.

The SEC, which is tasked with protecting investors and ensuring fairness in our capital markets, is cut by over $200 million, even though the Commission's budget is financed by industry fees.

The CDFI Fund, after receiving increased funding of $250 million in fiscal year 2018, was inexplicably cut by $59 million in the original draft. With an additional $25 million for CDFI approved in committee, it is still not enough. Failing to fully fund the program means fewer resources to spur economic growth and revitalization in our most underserved communities.

In addition to these cuts, the bill contains a long list of partisan riders, both old and new, blocking the IRS from enforcing the Johnson amendment and restricting the SEC from requiring companies to disclose political contributions. It would interfere in the local affairs of D.C. in an infinite number of ways, which simply must stop.

Let's talk about the business at hand. I was heartened to see Republicans speak out against the President's performance in Helsinki. The reaction to the President not understanding the full breadth and width of the Russian attack on our democratic process was extraordinary. The Russians attacked us. They will be back. Most likely, they probably never left. But those tweets are one thing. You have to put your dollars and your votes where your tweets are.

After providing the States with $380 million in grants to help fortify and protect election systems from cyber hacking, this bill zeroes out that fund for 2019. I have made this argument time and again, but it is worth repeating that the $380 million that has been allocated is a step in the right direction, but it is only a down payment. For a majority of the 13 States that still use voting machines with no paper trail, at most, the funds they receive only cover half the replacement costs. Forty States use old equipment, which cannot handle modern anti-cyber hacking software.

The entity that manages these grants, EAC, has announced that every State has requested funding, showing overwhelming demand for these resources. That is why I offered an amendment in the committee markup to restore funding for the program. Unfortunately, it failed in a party-line vote.

Let me emphasize, again: We must do more to protect our democratic process from those who wish us harm, not just for the upcoming midterms, but for 2020 and beyond.

Most States maxed out the amount of money they could request from this program. Obviously, many other States, I suspect, would be a little more enthusiastic if the President didn't tell them this was a witch hunt or a hoax.

So there is much more we can do toward that end. Let's remind ourselves of the last time we had an election debacle of this magnitude: Bush-Gore. This government spent $3.4 billion. Why? Because we treasure the democratic process. We want every vote to count, and we certainly don't want a foreign adversary to be able to detract from that.

Madam Chair, I just ask my colleagues, let us join together. There was never a more important time to treasure our democracy and fund the programs that protect them.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the distinguished career of Rosetta Sexton, a valued, respected and devoted member of my staff. After over twenty-one years of service to the constituents of the Fifth Congressional District of Illinois, Mrs. Sexton will be retiring from her role as Senior Outreach Coordinator with the U.S. House of Representatives.

Rosetta, one of 5 children born in Chicago, Illinois to Joe and Rose Ferazzo, attended St. Angela Grade School. She attended Notre Dame High School for Girls located on the northwest side of the City of Chicago. When she was 15, she met the love of her life, John Sexton. They married in 1972 and together raised their family. John and Rosetta were very active in the 36th Ward Regular Democratic Organization working with Alderman William J.P. Banks and State Senator James DeLeo. In 2001, when John was diagnosed with throat cancer, Rosetta remained by his side offering immeasurable love and support and living up to her designation as the rock of their family. Since her husband's death in 2004, she continues to provide the same warmth and strength to her family.

Rosetta would be the first to tell you that her family is her first priority; they are the loves of her life. Her family includes her daughter, Laurie Moran and her husband, Joseph, and their children, Jack and Alyssa; her son, John Jr., and her daughter Diana Bowler, her husband, Matt, and their children, Blake, Brooklyn, Brynn, and their fourth child due in July. I am pleased that her retirement will offer her the opportunity to spend more quality time with those closest to her.

I invite my colleagues, my staff, and my constituents to join me in thanking her for her unrelenting dedication to the people of Illinois' Fifth District. I thank her for her invaluable service, professionalism and friendship and wish her well in all future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, perhaps now more than ever, we need to recognize the critical role a free press plays in our democracy and those who play that role so well.

Today, I rise to honor the life and legacy of an award-winning journalist and dedicated public servant, Elizabeth Brackett, who died on June 17, following a tragic accident. Her death is already being felt by her colleagues at WTTW, the entire Chicago journalism community, and all of the Illinois residents who have relied on her reporting for unparalleled insight into the pressing challenges that confront our Nation and our world.

Working at four television stations spanning five decades, Elizabeth was an accomplished journalist and news program host who asked public officials questions that really matter.

In the past, people have asked if I am afraid of a journalist who raises tough questions. The answer is no. I'm afraid of a journalist who asks the wrong questions, who doesn't know what questions to ask.

Elizabeth was a journalist's journalist who knew not only what to ask, but how and why. Her thoughtful, smart, and incredibly well- researched approach made us all better at our jobs.

After retiring from her full-time position at ``Chicago Tonight'' in 2014, Elizabeth continued to contribute to the network primarily on environmental topics, such as the health of the lakes in which she frequently swam.

In particular, I remember one of the most recent interviews in 2017 when she asked me about efforts to keep Asian carp out of the Great Lakes. It was Elizabeth who asked me about the environmental impacts in such detail and accuracy, providing viewers, listeners, and readers alike with an in-depth understanding of the invasive species, a critical issue for our Great Lakes.

``Resourceful'' and ``passionate'' were two words often used to describe her. Carol Marin, Elizabeth's colleague at ``Chicago Tonight,'' said it best: ``Elizabeth was always going to be your competitor. She was out there to get the story, get it first, and get the story best. That is what made her so good at what she did.''

In addition to journalism, her ambition was, front and center, in her unmistakable athleticism. She began competing in triathlons at the age of 50 and became a national champion in her age group.

From beginning her broadcast career in 1977 as a researcher at WBBM- TV to becoming a weekend anchor and going on to win national Emmy and Peabody awards, Elizabeth was an institution.

I extend my thoughts to her husband, Peter Martinez, and her entire family, including 10 grandchildren.

She was a role model and a force for truth. We will all miss her expertise and energy both in and out of the news studio.

Mr. Speaker, in less than a week, my office has received over 800 phone calls, emails, and letters from constituents regarding the crisis at the border, constituents who are alarmed, ashamed, and angry. Their outrage is warranted, and I share it.

A Chicago public school teacher called, in tears, unable to shake the vision of her second graders locked in cages.

A U.S. marine called to share his recent bouts of PTSD and explained that the crisis reminded him of the time he and other American soldiers were forced to take Vietnamese children away from their parents.

Countless constituents have pointed out the parallels between this inhumane practice and the internment of Japanese Americans in the 1940s and even the concentration camps of World War II. Countless more wanted to commit to a call to action, but they don't know where to start or what could be done to combat the deplorable steps this administration has taken.

While an active and engaged constituency is imperative to a strong democracy, this isn't their problem to fix. The primary solution to this humanitarian crisis must come from the administration that arbitrarily created the problem in the first place.

Instead of stepping up to right this wrong and finally embrace the principles on which this country was founded, the President and his administration have spent the past week blaming the Democrats for the heartbreaking, life-changing mess that he has made.

Their attempts to cast blame and distract attention from the emergency at hand does not change the facts. At least 2,300 children remain separated from their parents, living in unconscionable conditions, many behind cage-like fencing and unsure of when or if they will be reunited.

In fact, the administration still does not have a coherent process for reuniting families, nor have they indicated that there ever will be one.

If the President wants a legislative fix to this solution, we have one for him. Earlier this week, I joined 190 of my Democratic colleagues to introduce the Keep Families Together Act. Unlike the meaningless executive order the President signed, this bill carries real weight and, with it, real change by effectively ending this abhorrent policy of separating families seeking safety and opportunity.

It clearly stipulates that no child is to be removed from their parent's custody, except under the most extreme of circumstance: instances of neglect, abuse, or risk of being trafficked. Beyond that, it establishes that no government agency can separate children from their parents for the sole purpose of deterring immigration to this country.

These children, the most innocent and vulnerable population, should never be used as leverage or a political bargaining chip. That is exactly what the President has tried to do.

We will not stand by and let the administration get away with that. Neither will the American people. We will continue to fight for a fairer immigration system that is humane, smart, and cost effective. First and foremost, we must address this horror at the border.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for providing this time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the World War II and Korean War veterans who traveled to Washington, D.C. on June 6, 2018 with Honor Flight Chicago, a program that provides World War II 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 June 6th answered our nation's call to service during one of its greatest times of need. From the European Campaign to the Pacific Asian Theatre to the African 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.

Robert Allen, Richard R. Atkinson, Delford Clarence Becke,

Raymond V. Biliskov, Michael Bosak Jr., Patrick T. Brady,

Julius E. Brasini, Jesse L. Bryant, Clifton C. Capp, Peter L.

Carfagno, Percy Carroll, Anthony Cesaretti, Lloyd Keith

Chapman, Edward Chatman, Walter A. Ciszak, Nealand J. Conway,

John A. Cooper, Curtis Cowan, Willie C. Cross, John J. Danko,

Eugene C. Donka, Peter Dykstra, Charles J. Everett, John M.

Fitzgerald, Jules H. Fortin, Michael Conrad Gebhardt, James

J. Godfrey, Jerry Goodman, William J. Haggerty, George A.

Hartfield Jr., Harry R. Hinrich, Donald J. Hosek, Richard D.

Houlihan, Alvin P. Izbicky, Robert A. Jaegers, Vilnis

Jakobsons, Robert H. Keel, Joseph J. Kirasich, George R.

Kleffel, Benjamin M. Kobit, Joseph C. Kremposky, Raymond J.

Kula, Alan H. Langefeld, Burton W. Lee, Sr., Gerald

Lichtenberger, Roger G. Liddicoatt, Marvin G. Lloyd, Walter

R. Magnuson, Thomas G. Maksud, Virgil W. Marsh, James H.

Massey, Donald W. McKay, Ralph J. Melda, Richard G. Mikal,

Nathaniel Moffett, Earl L. Morris, Merle C. Morris, Virgil A.

Naumann, Gerald Wayne Newman, James R. Nichols, Howard Ralph

Norberg, Dale R. Norton, Charles J. Novotny, James J. O'Hara,

William T. O'Neill, Adolph E. Olivi, Richard H. Oosterhoff,

Henry Albert Pahl, Arnold R. Painter Jr., Richard J.

Pniewski, Robert F. Prior, Richard Champion Pruett, Marlyn

Reishus, Ralph F. Riccio, Lloyd K. Richardson, Myron D.

Sailer, James N. Sallwasser, Arthur J. Sawyer, Richard

Schaap, John E. Senter, William B. Shoemaker, Vitus A.

Skimina, John H. Smith, Edward Stanley, Richard E. Summit,

Harley B. Tucker Jr., Carl R. Ulrich, Ronald J. Vergo, Henry

L. Vervoort, Avelino C. Vidal, Walter C. Voss, Billy Joe

Waterman, Donald R. Watson, Jerome N. Weinberg, Charles A.

Wellman, Bernard D. Whitehead, James B. Wood, Wayne O.

Woodbury, Thomas D. Woodward, Valentino Zazzetti, George A.

Zykan.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate the 150th Anniversary of Temple Sholom in the Lakeview neighborhood of Chicago, IL. Temple Sholom plays a critical role in the Reform movement in my home city of Chicago and throughout the world.

Founded in 1867, Temple Sholom is one of the oldest synagogues in the city. At the time, most Jewish institutions were located on the south side of Chicago, and Temple Sholom filled that neighborhood void by establishing a new community on the North Side. Having faced the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 and endured moves to several other locations over the years, the beautiful lakeside plot that is home to the synagogue today proves that this institution is so much more than one building or address.

During the Civil Rights movement, Temple Sholom joined forces with a variety of religious groups to stand strong in defense of equal rights for all people--regardless of race. On October 21, 1964, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. spoke to Chicago and the world from the sanctuary at Temple Sholom, which drew crowds from people of all denominations and backgrounds. Temple Sholom actively supports the same ideals of inclusion, diversity, and opportunity for all to this day.

The success of this congregation and its positive impact on the community is the direct result of the commitment and passion of its clergy, staff, and members. For 150 years, Temple Sholom has provided a place of comfort during painful times, a place of celebration during momentous occasions, and always, a safe, hospitable place for reflection and prayer. This institution continues to advance the vibrancy of the 5th Congressional District's diverse community.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the 150th Anniversary of Temple Sholom. I offer my sincere congratulations to Rabbi Edwin Goldberg, Rabbi Scott Gellman, Associate Rabbi Shoshanah Conover, Cantor Sheera Ben-David, and Board President Marc Kaufman, the congregation's past and present staff, and the congregates who are celebrating this important milestone. I wish all the best in the years ahead and hope for another 150 years of important work for Temple Sholom.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of an integral member of the Chicago community.

On April 11th, we lost a dedicated leader of the Jewish faith. Mr. Aaron Elster, Vice President of the Illinois Holocaust Museum and a Holocaust Survivor passed away at the age of 86 on Holocaust Remembrance Day, Yom HaShoah.

Mr. Elster worked tirelessly to ensure that the history of the Holocaust was not forgotten. He sought to provide all those he met with a greater understanding of what this tragedy meant for the victims, the survivors, their descendants, and the entire world--both then and now.

He was open about his personal experiences, recollections, and lessons learned--deciding to share these dark times with others in order to inspire a deeper sense of compassion and civility, while illustrating the dangers of intolerance.

During the holocaust, Aaron lived in the Sokolow Ghetto with his two sisters, mother, and father until the closing of the ghetto in September of 1942. He was able to escape the liquidation by hiding in surrounding farms until eventually seeking refuge in the attic of a Polish family's home, where he hid for two years until the end of the war. Only Aaron and his older sister, Irene, survived before eventually being smuggled out of Poland to DP Camps in Western Germany.

Aaron and his sister arrived in the United States in June of 1947. He was educated in Chicago and then went on to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces in Korea. He was the co-author of ``I Still See Her Haunting Eyes,'' which chronicled the unfathomable atrocities and heartbreak he endured throughout one of the darkest times in our entire world history. Aaron spoke regularly to student groups and was especially dedicated to the Holocaust Museum's Brill Law Enforcement Action in Democracy Training, where he shared his childhood experiences with Chicago Law Enforcement Officers, helping them to understand their responsibilities while working to protect and serve our diverse community.

I echo the sentiments made by the CEO of the Holocaust Museum, Susan Abrams, when she wrote the following in Mr. Elster's Obituary: ``Aaron was an incredible communicator, able to empathize with all walks of life--students, police officers, any group who visited the museum. Aarron spoke about his experience in the Holocaust with such emotion that you could not help but be moved and have a desire to act and make the world a better place.''

Luckily, future generations will have the privilege of hearing Aaron Elster's story through his interactive hologram, which can be viewed at the Illinois Holocaust Museum's ``Take a Stand'' Center. He was one of fifteen survivors selected worldwide, a tremendous honor, of which he was incredibly--and justifiably--very proud.

Mr. Elster is survived by his wife, Jacqueline, two sons, and three grandchildren. Today, I ask my fellow colleagues to join me in honoring and celebrating the rich life and many accomplishments of Mr. Aaron Elster.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the World War II and Korean War veterans who traveled to Washington, D.C. on May 9, 2018 with Honor Flight Chicago, a program that provides World War II 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 May 9th answered our nation's call to service during one of its greatest times of need. From the European Campaign to the Pacific Asian Theatre to the African 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 Albanese, Richard A Anderson, Jerome Bartkiewicz, Richard J Bauer, William J Bauer, Donald E Bennett, Dale Berman, Frank W Braman Jr., William K Bruinius, Edvins Budenieks, Dale P Buhl, James J Burke, David Byster, Walter R Cannon, Roy A Carlson, Michael L Carreon, Clement J Cerney, Ernest E Chapman, Steve Cizmar, Don R Copeland, John R Cory, Arnold D Cowen, Ernest D Curtis, Einar S Dahl, Robert J Dahms, William T DeCicco, Louis G Diaz, Thomas J DiBernardo, Robert H Dolph Sr., Donald L Earley, Eugene Ehrhardt, Adolph F Ermer, Calvin Farmer Jr., Justin R. Farrar, Frank Femali, William E Fishman, Robert L Fogt, John V Frega, Gerald Gardner, Charles Glickman, Earle F Griebler, Charles A Griffea, Terry S Hensley, Richard W Hess, John F Homan, Leroy A Howatt, Clifford W Jenkins, Edward Kadlec, Kenneth D Koehler, Kenneth Kuhr, Florian Kurcab, Donald LaMorte, Andrew Langas, Daniel Leary, Jack E Levitt, Maurice Lord, Edward A Lustyk, Lewis J Maine, Jack EMartin, Robert Mau, Harry M McCullagh, Lowell G McDonnell, Joel D Meisles, Donald E Mentz, Norbert Milzarek, LeRoy Mistro, Walter C Moore, Ralph W Mueller, Jerry Netolicky, Gerald W Nordengren, Thadeus Obora, Gilbert D Oden, Neil C Olson, Jerome J O'Reilly, Arden Peterson, Leonard Petrulis, Richard Pisarcik, Roland Puccinelli, Joseph A Putz, John A Raven, George Revelas, George A Riebesehl, Wally Rivera, Henry B Roberson, Donald E Roberts, Robert J Saraz, Jimmie Vavern Schoon, Edwin Schwendt, Robert E Shea, Ralph F Sherman, John H Skipworth, John Spoor, Walter Spuck, Stanley J Stanish, Robert Stavrakas, Richard A Stuercke, Joseph H. Taylor, Gordon A. Vaundry, Robert M Ward, Paul J Weiss, Gordon Westlind, Thomas A Wisinski, Donald A Yarashus, Phillip C Zagon.

Mr. Speaker, 60 years ago, Willie O'Ree broke the color barrier in professional hockey, all while overcoming racial slurs, doubt, and blindness in his right eye.

Often referred to as the Jackie Robinson of hockey, Willie has been a trusted champion for diversity, a proponent of inclusion, and an inspiration for so many young players both off and on the ice.

Each February, we celebrate Black History Month as well as Hockey is for Everyone Month, and no one embodies both of those tributes as profoundly as living legend Willie O'Ree.

He is as humble as he is inspiring, often reminding fans that he only played in the NHL for 45 games, and while that may be true, he changed the game forever.

There are few players worthier of being inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame, and it is long overdue that Willie's name be added to that list.

As the Hockey Hall of Fame continues to accept and review nominee submissions before the March 15 deadline, I want to remind everyone of the countless ways Willie strengthened and supported this sport.

I thank him for his continued efforts to increase access for all people of all backgrounds to get out on the ice and play the greatest game.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to talk about a legendary Chicagoan, Mr. Eddie Olczyk, a former star player and a current voice of the Blackhawks. A native son of Chicago, Eddie exemplifies the heart, grit, and character of the city we both call home.

Eddie first made his way into Chicago's collective heart as a member of the 1984 U.S. Olympic Hockey Team at the young age of 17. From there, he went on to play 16 seasons in the NHL and later coached the Pittsburgh Penguins. In 2012, Eddie was inducted into the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame.

Eddie currently works as a broadcaster for both the Blackhawks and nationally as a color commentator for NBC Sports. He is the best in the business. Those outside of Chicago may know Eddie from his time covering horse racing for NBC.

Today, Eddie is facing another battle. This one is off the ice. Last year, he was diagnosed with colon cancer. As he describes it, sometime last summer, he began feeling pain in his lower abdomen. Initially, the pain was intermittent and he thought nothing of it. But when it persisted for several days, he decided he should get things checked out. It was then that his doctor found a tumor, and he was quickly scheduled for surgery to have it removed. For the past 6 months, Eddie's been undergoing chemotherapy, and he just completed

his 11th treatment. Thankfully, he has one more treatment to go.

Clearly, Eddie knows what it means to be tough. But to really be tough, men in particular must know that it is okay to say something when things don't feel right.

The American Cancer Society estimates that 1 in 22 men and 1 in 24 women are at risk for developing colorectal cancer in their lifetime.

Colorectal cancer is currently the third leading cause of cancer- related deaths in the United States. In 2017, it is expected to cause over 50,000 deaths. That is particularly important for men who don't want to consider the dangers of colon cancer. This doesn't have to be. When detected early, treatment for colorectal cancer is effective, especially when polyps are removed before they become cancerous.

More young men are being diagnosed with young-onset colorectal cancer than ever before. According to the Colorectal Cancer Alliance, 11 percent of colon cancers and 18 percent of rectal cancer diagnoses occur in those under the age of 50.

Young men, even those in their thirties and forties, must be aware of the risk for this disease and advocate for their health. Talk to your doctor regularly if you are feeling pain, and get screened regularly.

Back in his playing days, Eddie would have been nervous about what a coach or teammate would have thought if he complained of pain. But, in part, to voices like his, the sports culture is changing and more athletes are speaking up when something is wrong. We should all learn from his and their example.

After he was diagnosed, Eddie felt like his pride took a hit. Like many others who have faced cancer, he was concerned that he was letting people down and he began to question his mortality. But as he went through treatment and reflected on this ordeal, he started to recognize that it was okay to be scared.

He has used this platform to speak out about colon cancer, about the need for screening, and for research for a cure. He knows it is important to emphasize that there is nothing wrong with people getting colonoscopies at an earlier age. He knows that if he can help just one individual get a checkup sooner, he will feel like his battle was worth it.

Eddie has many people to thank for their support; most importantly, his family: his wife, Diana; and four children, Eddie, Nick, Zandra, and Tom; the entire Blackhawk organization, especially John McDonough and Jay Blunk; his broadcasting partner, Pat Foley.

To Eddie and to all fighting cancer, stay strong and know that we are with you.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate David St. Pierre, Executive Director of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD), on his election as the President of the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA).

Under Mr. St. Pierre, MWRD and its nearly 2,000 staff members work to effectively protect the health and safety of the public in the Greater Chicagoland area, protect homes and businesses from flooding, protect the quality of its Lake Michigan water supply and improve water quality in regional waterways across MWRD's nearly 900 square mile service area.

In 2011, Mr. St. Pierre was unanimously selected by the Board of Commissioners as Executive Director. He brought to the District more than 25 years of experience working in the water industry in several cities and a record that included significant reductions in operating costs and improvements in utility performance and customer satisfaction. Mr. St. Pierre earned his Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering from Southern Illinois University and is a licensed Professional Engineer.

MWRD owns and operates seven water reclamation plants, including one of the world's largest. Its Tunnel and Reservoir Project (TARP) is one of the country's largest public works projects for pollution and flood control. MWRD treats an average of 1.4 billion gallons of wastewater each day and has over 2.0 billion gallons per day total capacity. Its role in preserving the health, environmental quality

and economy of the region cannot be understated.

Mr. St. Pierre has been a tremendous leader for the District, breaking new ground in promoting the District's resource recovery program across MWRD to transform water treatment and encourage new technologies. Mr. St. Pierre has focused on finding sustainable solutions, including adapting for climate change through storm water management, enhancing resource recovery to generate renewable energy and phosphorus, implementing biosolids composting, developing disinfection facilities, and greening Chicagoland's schoolyards. Mr. St. Pierre has also been instrumental in NACWA's peer-to-peer program, working to partner clean water agencies for mentorship and collaboration.

Mr. Speaker, once again, I congratulate David St. Pierre on his election as the President of NACWA. As he has done with the MWRD, he will lead the Association with integrity and ingenuity. I wish him, MWRD, and NACWA the very best in their endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate WTTW's Emmy- Award winning series, Chicago Tonight: The Week in Review, on its 40th Anniversary. January 19, 2018 will also mark Mr. Joel Weisman's final appearance as host and senior editor of the program.

Chicago Tonight: The Week in Review is the longest running series in the history of WTTW and a staple of Chicago news media, representing the city's longest running television series with a single host or anchor. Mr. Weisman has been senior editor since the show's inception.

Mr. Weisman is a lifelong Chicagoan and has been with WTTW since 1973, beginning as political editor and commentator on WTTW's nightly news program, The Public News Center. When The Week in Review premiered on January 20, 1978, it served as a 30-minute conversation series. Throughout its four-decade history, Mr. Weisman welcomed hundreds of reporters to his rotating four-person weekly panel long before this format became commonplace in national TV programming. At. Mr. Weisman's insistence, the panelists were nonpartisan and diverse, first representing print and broadcast, and later, digital media.

In 2008, he was deservedly inducted in the Silver Circle of the Chicago/Midwest chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.

Mr. Speaker, I applaud Mr. Joel Weisman for his tireless dedication to WTTW's Chicago Tonight: The Week in Review throughout his long and storied career delivering vital information--and entertainment--to Chicagoans. I urge my colleagues to join me in congratulating Mr. Weisman on his invaluable contribution to WTTW and our community's civic dialogue.

Mr. Speaker, it has been 5 years since 20 children were senselessly murdered in the Sandy Hook massacre. And while we will never forget the young lives we lost that day, we must also remember that this tragic, life-altering and life-robbing epidemic continues to impact thousands of other families across the country.

Two weeks ago, I had the honor of meeting the parents of Alexandria Burgos. On October 19, 2014, Alexandria was picking up her brother from a friend's house when her life was cut short by a stray bullet shot through an apartment window. She was 18 years old. She worked with kids at the local YMCA and hoped to be a social worker after graduating from college.

Like her parents, I am telling her story to push the conversation forward, the conversation that includes thoughts and prayers, but also must lead to action.

Alexandria's story and the pain felt by her loved ones is something that far too many have had to endure in this country. Let 2018 be the year that we do more than reflect on the lives we have lost and finally step up to find the courage to confront gun violence.