Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise to commemorate the Irving Park YMCA's 100 years of service and support in Chicago's Northwest side.

Since its construction in 1925, the Irving Park YMCA has averaged 10,000 members per year assisting in youth development and serving Chicago's adult populations. Through summer camps, outdoor experiences, sports programs, life-saving swimming lessons, Leader's Club, Girls on the Run and more, the Irving Park YMCA has fostered lifelong healthy habits, leadership skills, and success for city children and teens.

The YMCA has served Chicago families by offering drop-in childcare services, FitStart, a personalized 12-week program to support wellness goals, SilverSneakers, a fitness program for older adults, affordable accommodations, and support services, promoting stability, safety, and healthy habits. Through its centennial, the Irving Park YMCA has been a hub for health, wellbeing, and youth development.

From hosting world events and international expositions in the 1920s and 1930s, to providing one of the first strength training facilities in the NFL to the Chicago Bears, to offering childcare for first responders, and essential workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Irving Park YMCA remains a pillar to the city of Chicago.

As the Irving Park YMCA enters its next 100 years of service, it will continue to pursue its mission to strengthen community by connecting all people to their purpose, potential, and each other.

Mr. Speaker, please join me and all our colleagues in the House of Representatives in celebrating this remarkable contribution.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Daniel James Sullivan of Chicago, a veteran, a man of deep faith, and, above all, a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.

Daniel served our country during the Korean war where his compassion stood out, once building a false-bottom delivery truck to secretly deliver bread to nuns at a nearby orphanage.

Daniel brought that same spirit to his family, his church, and his community. A loyal Chicagoan and a proud Chicago sports fan, nothing gave him more joy than the time he spent with his six grandchildren.

Of his six grandchildren, I had the pleasure of working with Catherine Flannery who interned in my Washington, D.C., office.

Mr. Speaker, we remember and honor Daniel Sullivan not just as a veteran but as the kind of American we should all aspire to be. May his memory be a blessing.

Mr. Speaker, last weekend, I visited Saint Sabina Church in Chicago for emergency food distribution.

There, I talked to a single mother with a young child with disabilities. She showed up in the cold 4 hours early for a food distribution of a single box of food. Without her November SNAP payment, she said that she would have to skip meals to make ends meet.

I also talked to seniors who were deciding whether to purchase their groceries or their medicine for the month.

For these Chicagoans, the administration's delay in SNAP benefits made for a brutal month. For the 360,000 Illinoisans who will be cut off of SNAP because of the big, ugly bill, they will be weighing these tradeoffs for years to come. Veterans, older Americans, and kids aging out of foster care will lose benefits.

They deserve better. We must keep fighting for them.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Jane L. Campbell on her retirement after an extraordinary career as the U.S. Capitol Historical Society CEO, former Mayor of Cleveland, and influential staffer in the Senate.

Campbell made history as the first and still only woman to serve as Mayor of Cleveland. Her impact went beyond City Hall. She held six terms in the Ohio House of Representatives and served as a Chief Staff and Staff Director at the U.S. Senate. During her time with the Senate, Campbell championed recovery efforts after Hurricane Katrina, supported small businesses, and opened doors for women entrepreneurs across the country.

Throughout her career, Campbell brought people together across communities and causes to find real solutions that improved lives. She led the National Development Council's Washington office and guided national efforts to strengthen women's economic opportunities. Campbell has always served with three things in mind: her vision, compassion, and belief in public service.

As she begins this new chapter, I offer my gratitude and congratulations. Jane Campbell's legacy will continue to inspire leaders and communities for years to come.

Mr. Speaker, please join me and all our colleagues in the House of Representatives in recognizing Jane Campbell for her immense contribution.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the Vietnam and Korean War veterans who will travel to Washington, D.C. on October 15, 2025, 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 October 15, 2025, 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.

Chris Argianas, Richard L. Askam, Andrew Baldacci, John

Barszcz, Ronald Barwegen, Dennis R. Beach, James F. Bennett,

Jr., Peter Biancalana, Donald Blair, William M. Blair, Mose

H. Bonds, James E. Bowen, Lawrence J. Bruce, Garrick

Bukowski, Daniel E. Burress, Harold V. Campbell, Dennis P.

Claxton, John P. Clyde, Gary M. Collins, Richard J. Connell,

Charles A. Coppess, Ronald R. Cunz, George R. Cwik, Steven D.

Davis, Michael A. DeSmedt, David Dima, John R. Dolan, Terence

J. Dolan, Michael D. Dorr, Patrick V. Duffy, Timothy J.H.

Dummer, Daniel J. Fontanetta, Thomas Frankiewicz, Mark L.

Fumagalli, Kenneth Furto, Robert Garcia, Frank Gawel, Alfred

W. Geiersbach, William Geigner, John S. Gritsuk, Walter R.

Guest, Myron Gulych, Ellery P. Gunther, Jr., Thomas A.

Haggerty, Martin E. Hall, Jr., Michael P. Harrington, John

Herrera, Paul R. Herrold, Gilbert R. High, Lawrence A. Hodek,

Terrance L. Holz, James E. Johnson, Jr., Ronald E. Kalemba,

Marton Kander, Stanley L. Kasprzak, Robert Keehnast, Edward

Klama, Andrew F. Knauf, Jr., Kenneth Kroll, John P. Lahey,

Daniel Lardi, Charles A. Larson, Peter L. Larson, Robert F.

LeClercq, Mark Liset, John W. Long, Steven A. Lumbert, Thomas

Malesky, William Malesky, Robert J. Marcinek, Gary C.

Middleton, Glen Missaggia, Peter H. Monday, John F. Morgan,

Rickey Morris, Frank D. Mossman, Harry F. Murphy, Gary E.

Nelson, Donald E. Nordyke, Glen D. Norquist, Robert B. Novak,

Martin J. O'Brien, Jr., Stephen N. Olejniczak, Gerald Paris,

Arthur W. Parsons, Jr., Gloria Patterson, Maurice Patterson,

Robert J. Payne, Sidney R. Peterson, Peter Rampe, Andrew C.

Reitz, Gary Roberson, Danny J. Rudy, James C. Russell, John

W. Sass, Richard H. Schultz, Martin H. Sloan, Timothy

Sorensen, Larry W. Steele, Johnny L. Stewart, William F.

Stewart, Donald L. Stoops, Lawrence P. Studer, John C.

Swiderski, Donald F. Tilton, Anthony Trekas, Frank C. Trout,

John D. Varble, Pedro B. Velez, Thomas T. Wefler, Warren W.

Wiggenhauser, Richard J. Wittkofski, and Sharon Zajac.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew on his receipt of the Templeton Prize this September.

The Templeton Prize has been awarded to other prominent philanthropic figures including Jane Goodall, Desmond Tutu, and Mother Theresa. Established in 1972, the Prize was created by Sir John Templeton to recognize prominent spiritual discoveries and insights. 55 Laureates from all major faiths and numerous countries have received this prestigious award. Recipients of this prize have gone on to win the Nobel Peace Prize, with one even becoming a canonized saint.

As the leader of the Eastern Orthodox church, Ecumenical Patriarch has been working to achieve religious and ecological equality since he was elected in 1991. From holding interfaith seminars after 9/11, to cosponsoring international peace conferences, his leadership has exemplified humility and the inclusion of people from all backgrounds. His Holiness has also focused on climate issues and protecting our environment. As Ecumenical Patriarch, he organized symposiums with world-renowned scientists and was able to secure grants to combat the destruction of Europe's marine areas--efforts that landed him the title of ''the Green Patriarch''.

Before becoming Ecumenical Patriarch, Demetrios Arhondonis was born in Turkey and received his elementary and secondary education in Istanbul. He completed his undergraduate studies at the Theological School of Halki in 1972, before completing graduate studies at three different universities in Europe. He also obtained a doctorate from the University of Athens. After being ordained to the Diaconate and, years later, to the Priesthood, he became Assistant Dean at the Theological School of Halki before being appointed as the Personal Secretary to the late Ecumenical Patriarch Demetrios. These educational milestones were enhanced as he has been awarded over 10 honorary doctorates from globally recognized universities.

It should come as no surprise that after 36 years of leading the Eastern Orthodox church, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew is receiving this award. It is with great respect that I honor his Holiness and his tireless efforts for equality and peace.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the Vietnam and Korean War veterans who traveled to Washington, D.C. on September 17, 2025, 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 17, 2025, 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.

James B. Ayres, John H. Ball, Richard Banko, James T.

Bator, Paul E. Bauer, Dallas Beecher, Jody R. Bennett, Larry

G. Bird, Harvester Bond, Eddie. Jr. Brown, Manuel Castillo,

Gilbert A. Cipriano, James Cole, Carl Conti, Gregory S.

Craig, Thomas M. Curran, William Davis, Jr., Eddie B. Davis,

John E. Debner, Thomas E. Duffy, Dwight C. Dwomik, John

Engeriser, Kevin Fitch, Rodney E. Franklin, Jay R.

Fredrikson, Walter L. Fullilove, John Green, Donald M.

Gregory, Jr., Gregory Gremba, Frank F. Gudausky, William E.

Haines, Micheal Heavrin, William A. Herod, Kevin M. Holly,

Leigh Holzwart, Edward R. Howe, Joseph F. Inserro, Donald L.

Iwanski, Robert D. Jarman, Robert A. Johnson, David B. Jones,

William E. Kaczmarski, George Kartsounes, Robert A. Kosmicki,

Melvyn J. Kovacik, Edward R. Koziorowski, Warren J. Kutlik,

Francis J. Kwasny, Gordon D. Lauer, Cedric C. Lewis, Michael

Liacone, William J. Lopina, John A, Mamak, Archangel

Mastrangelo, Ernest R. McGee, James R. Mendenhall, Gerald E.

Mertes, Jr., Arthur A. Moeller, Leslie J. Montag, Michael G.

Moorehead, Raymond J. Morris, Darrell L. Morrison, Raymond D.

Muccianti, Thomas Muth, William Muth, Emery E. Myers, Larry

M. Narum, Harold Noftz, Arnold S. Oskin, John G. Pappas,

Terrance W. Parr, Michael L. Passman, Dennis M. Perz, Joseph

J. Pilch, Domenico Pinto, James T. Pioth, Warren Powell,

Richard J. Provost, Robert T. Przybylinski, David E. Quigley,

William J. Quinn, Jr., Peter A. Regnier, Scott R. Ripper,

John Rohlfing, Robert J. Rucinski, Edward A. Sarnecki, Thomas

L. Sbertoli, Michael R. Scott, Robert Shrutek, Leon E. Smith,

Robert S. Smith, Robert Spencer, John Z. Stajcic, Michael G.

Stalzer, Boykin L. Stewart, Jr., John S. Strama, Matthew J.

Strama, Robert Strickland, Howard Strickler, John J.

Tengelitsch, Anthony J. Thomas, Terrence J. Thompson, Sr.,

William A. Trader, Frank C. Trout, Douglass M. Vines, Leonard

Vinyard, John A. Weiler, Paul Wiltjer, Robert M. Witt, Walter

Yanta, David Yost, John Zaragoza, Thomas Zasadil, and Raymond

F. Zipko.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life and legacy of Bob Newhart, TV star and comedian.

In 1972, The Bob Newhart Show premiered and catapulted Bob into a new tier of critical acclaim, adoration, and commercial success. Known for its dry humor and heart, The Bob Newhart Show drew millions of viewers into a Chicago-based story about a psychologist and his clients and friends. With incredibly strong ratings and significant praise, the show ran for six seasons, leading to his other acclaimed show, Newhart. Through these efforts, Bob connected with homes and families through his extraordinary storytelling skills. He was described by coworkers and friends as kind, funny, and intellectual, and is remembered as humble and warm despite his fame.

Before reaching comedic stardom, Bob graduated from Loyola University Chicago with a bachelor's degree in business management. He then served two years in the Army during the Korean War and held jobs in accounting prior to recording the comedy album that won him Album of the Year at the 1961 Grammys, ``The Button-Down Mind of Bob Newhart''. Bob had a love of philanthropy and used his comedic talents to emcee at various benefits from childhood cancer to Scleroderma research. He was adamant about using his career and success for the benefit of others and showed the world how important that mission was to him by raising $350,000 for the National Children's Cancer Society.

Bob was a true Chicagoan and proved that through the exposure he gave the city in his show as well as his enthusiastic support for the Cubs. The city is proud to honor his life and legacy through renaming the street by the Edgewater condominium to ``Bob Newhart Way''. Thanks to him, this building is one of the most recognizable in Chicago, appearing in The Bob Newhart Show's opening credits for 142 episodes.

The city of Chicago and the whole country have lost an incredible figure who shaped modern comedy and sitcom TV, and he will be dearly missed. His legacy lives on through his children, grandchildren, and friends, and he will be remembered by the lives that he touched through his work and philanthropic efforts. I am forever grateful to Bob for shining a light on this incredible city and showing was it means to be a true legend.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life and legacy of Chicago LGBTQ+ activist, Lori Cannon.

For over four decades, Ms. Cannon--known as ``Chicago's AIDS Angel''--spearheaded some of the most important initiatives of Chicago's LGBTQ+ rights movement. Motivated by the inhumane treatment of those with AIDS and affected by HIV, Ms. Cannon co-founded a meal delivery service, Open Hand/Chicago, in 1988, to ensure that those suffering from AIDS would not go hungry. She then led Open Hand in its transition to a food pantry program known as ``Groceryland'', helping people in need obtain much needed nourishment. Also in 1988, Ms. Cannon co-founded ACT UP/Chicago, a grassroots protest group which put the AIDS epidemic front and center during a time when the government was ignoring the community's devastation. Ms. Cannon was instrumental in helping create the NAMES Project, bringing the Aids Memorial Quilt to Chicago in 1988, 1990 and 1994. Then, in 2010, she co-founded the Legacy Project, an organization committed to honoring the cultural and civic contributions of LGBTQ+ individuals, including placing bronze plaques along North Halsted Street.

A pillar of the community she loved so much, Ms. Cannon was unrelenting in her commitment to the well-being of each individual. When the government and the families of those affected by HIV/AIDS abandoned those who were suffering, Ms. Cannon stepped up to fill that void--organizing, volunteering, protesting, feeding, hugging, and loving each person when there was no one else. As her longtime friend Sharyl Holtzman remembers, ``She took care of the whole universe.''

Ms. Cannon was born and raised in West Rogers Park. Her father, Lee Cannon, was a champion of Native American rights. Her younger brother, J.H., was born with a defective heart, leading to a lifelong disability. After her older brother Jules suffered a horrific motorcycle accident, she became the caretaker for both of her brothers, a precursor to her life of service.

When Lori Cannon passed away on Sunday, August 3, 2025, Chicago and its LGBTQ+ community lost a selfless champion. Her legacy will live on in the community that she supported and loved so much. I am forever grateful for her immeasurable contribution and impact on the City and its LGBTQ+ community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the Vietnam and Korean War veterans who traveled to Washington, D.C, on July 23, 2025, 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 July 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 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:

James L. Ammirati, Juan C. Anzaldua, Richard E. Arcand,

Thomas A. Balding, Patrick L. Benson, Ronald E. Bills, David

D. Blackburn, Lawrence F. Blanchette, Raymond G. Brown,

Michael J. Bubacz, Robert E. Bulanda, John B. Burke, John M.

Bzdusek, Leroy W. Carmichael, Charles W. Cavett, Paul L.

Clausell, Larry P. Clemens, Jerry Cleveland, Michael P. Cole,

Joel J. Conrad.

Richard V. Corbett, Michael J. Deaville, Cornelius H.

Dekker, Jr., Edward D. Donohue, Willie L. Driver, Rodney G.

Early, Daniel R. Ehart, Craig Fischel, Edward Fitzpatrick,

Julius D. Fliehler, Richard W. Foster, Ricky A. Frank, Harold

D. Fross, Joseph Furgal.

Charles T. Garrett, James F. Grauvogl, Shallie C. Griffin,

Malcolm A. Halsted, Calvin L. Hammond, Leonard T. Harbacek,

Richard J. Hattan, Chris E. Hebert, Mark L. Hebert, Michael

N. Hendrix, Charles M. Hill, Ronald E. Jankun, Sr., Elroy

Johnson, Ronald A. Johnson, Terry B. Johnson, Gregory A.

Jones, Albert A. Jurs, Robert A. Kane, Robert Klodnicki,

Louis E. Konc, Richard L. Konc.

Gary A. Kuntz, Kenneth F. Lavorata, Donald G. LeMonnier,

Jeffrey A. Little, Joel G. Loven, Edward D. Marcheleta,

Robert Martin, Jerry Mason, Donald J. Matker, Wallace W.

McGee, James P. McKevitt, Lawrence McNamee, Willis Miles,

Bruce A. Miller, Patrick Molloy, Robel1 C. Mueller, Richard

C. Nielsen, John M. Niziolek, Ronald Pallack, Robert C.

Pearson, Franz O. Perfect, David Peterson.

Lawrence E. Pluhar, Louis H. Ramirez, Robert F. Roan,

Ronald Robinson, William Robinson, Robert Rogers, William S.

Rogers, Bernard J. Rokita, John R. Rosewell, Richard A. Ross,

Willie M. Rush, Robert W. Sanders, Juan R. Sandoval, Harold

Schwind, Francis T. See, Kenneth C. Sell, Frank C. Sims,

Robert E. Sivulich, Leonard E. Skiroock, Dennis A. Smith,

Patrick A. Smith.

Thomas R. Smith, Philip M. Stebbins, William F. Stender,

Lyle F. Stevenson, Jr., Clifford D. Struthers, Gary J.

Sullivan, John A. Szostak, Dean R. Theis, James M. Thompson,

Robert L. Vipham, John T. Waite, Terrance W. Whitney,

Patricia A. Williamson, Louis J. Winder, Edward Wisniewski,

Leo J. Wojtaszek, Jr., John A. Wright, Donald O. Young,

Richard A, Young.

Mr. Speaker, ``diversity'' has become a bad word here in D.C., but diversity has never been a weakness. It has always been our greatest strength.

Without the calculations of Katherine Johnson, a Black mathematician at NASA, American astronauts may never have successfully returned from space.

Without the code talkers, Native Americans who turned their indigenous language into an unbreakable code, American soldiers may not have been victorious in the Second World War.

Without the bravery of the Tuskegee Airmen who courageously flew into battle abroad, despite facing discrimination at home, the freedom of all Americans might have been at risk.

Throughout this Nation's history, countless people have had to fight for their right to be included. My good friend Brad Lang, and his father, Donald, are powerful examples of that fight.

In 1942, Donald W. Lang, Sr., enlisted in the Army with dreams of becoming a pilot. Like many men at the time, Donald felt it was his duty to serve his country, but despite scoring well on the aptitude test, he, like many other qualified Black men, was forced to wait while White pilots were fast-tracked for training.

By the time he was accepted for pilot training at the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama in 1945, the Second World War was coming to a close.

While he never made it overseas, Mr. Lang rose to the rank of master sergeant at the Army Air Corps, received three medals for his service, and served directly under Colonel Noel Parrish, the commander of the Tuskegee program.

Mr. Lang didn't open up about his military service until his son, Brad, showed an interest in aviation in the 1970s. On Sundays after church, Donald would take his family to Newark Airport to watch flights take off and land. That is where Brad's fascination with airline flying began.

A decade later, he achieved what his father couldn't do. Brad earned his pilot's license in college before enrolling as the only Black student in Purdue University's aviation program. At a time when Black pilots were still rare, he became a captain for Delta Air Lines.

Through it all, he never forgot to pay homage to those who made his career in aviation possible. He volunteered with a Commemorative Air Force Red Tail Squadron for 29 years to ensure that his father's legacy and that of the Tuskegee Airmen is preserved and shared.

In 2015, Brad participated in the arsenal of democracy flyover to mark the 70th anniversary of victory in Europe. He flew a P-51C Mustang ``Tuskegee Airmen'' over the Capitol in a tribute to our Nation's first Black military pilots.

He once said about his father: ``His experience at Tuskegee was a paramount experience for him in terms of directing his life after the military. He would always relate to the discipline and the moral integrity that was part of the esprit de corps that was at Tuskegee. . . . He was motivated to see other people like himself, motivated to aviate and also fight for the country. They all had that common core experience.''

Brad and his father, Donald's, story is an American story. It is a story of a father whose dreams were denied and a son who honored his legacy by breaking barriers of his own. It is a story of persistence, pride, and progress. Brad captured it best when he said: ``No matter what the circumstances that you are up against, it is possible to rise against adversity, just like the airmen did, and succeed in life.''

Their story is a reminder that American progress has also depended on those who persevered in the face of prejudice. Their story shows that diversity is not a threat nor a weakness. It is a competitive advantage. It is a source of national strength. It has driven innovation, expanded opportunity, and is a common theme throughout our shared American story.

In a time of rising division, these stories call upon us to remember who we are at our best: a nation that does not just tolerate differences but draws power from them.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize E.J. Basler Co. in Schiller Park, Illinois.

E.J. Basler Co., a family-owned manufacturing company, has been based in Schiller Park since 1957. The company was built on the core values of quality and customer service, founded by Erv and Anne Basler, children of immigrants. Now in its third generation of family leadership, E.J. Basler Co. is run by Dennis and Brian Basler. Their ongoing commitment to responsive service and high-quality manufacturing has supported strong, long-term relationships with clients and vendors in Illinois' fifth district and across the globe. E.J. Basler Co. has achieved lasting success by staying true to its original values while evolving with current times.

E.J. Basler Co. offers precision machinery services that leverage different techniques, cutting-edge technology, and expertise to create the most cost-effective solutions for customers. They manufacture from iconel, brass, steel, plastic, and copper. Manufacturing is crucial to the global economy, and E.J. Basler Co. delivers high-quality solutions across industries, working with the best of agriculture, plumbing, automotive, industrial, defense, and medical companies. The close proximity to E.J. Basler Co. and its valuable services offer companies in Illinois' fifth district a competitive advantage and drive economic development within the district.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the longstanding dedication and success of E.J. Basler Co. I am honored to have such an exceptional company in my district.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to demand the resignation of Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., as Secretary of Health and Human Services.

Since taking office, RFK Jr. has failed to recommend the measles vaccine for children, even after the deaths of two children. He said pregnant women should not receive COVID vaccines. He has pulled funding for vaccines for diseases like bird flu and HIV. He has spread lies and stigma about autism. Last week, he released a report citing research that does not exist--written by AI.

How many children have to die from measles and other preventable diseases for RFK Jr. to resign? How many pregnant women have to get sick with COVID and risk miscarriage? How many people have to get hurt before Congress holds RFK Jr. and this administration to account?

This is why Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., needs to resign as Secretary of Health and Human Services.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the Vietnam and Korean War veterans who traveled to Washington, D.C. on May 14, 2025, 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 May 14 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.

Richard Adamo, Richard G. Aiello, Robert Alicea, Ronnie R.

Anderson, Enrique Araujo, Michael Barrows, John M. Bauer,

Charles Bauman, Donald L. Beach, James O. Beatty, John D.

Bogumil, Edward J. Bosic, William A. Browne, Steven J.

Burval, Richard E. Butt, Paul E. Canik, Robert A. Clavenna,

Theodore Clemon, Jr., John Conroy, John C. Cosentino, James

D. Cox, Edward Cruz, Michael A. Dantino, John H. Dotson,

Charles J. Drosos, Bruce Engel, Gerald J. Ewalt, Larry L.

Ferris, Philip S. Fertitta, Mario Fontana, Raymond M.

Furlong, Ronnie J. Gagnon, Sylvester Gant, Marvin D.

Goldberg, Anthony J. Gomez, Walter A. Gorak, Charles O.

Grafton, Frank J. Haggerty, Harold E. Hanson, John K. Harper,

Jr., Robert E. Hess, Rodney L. Hiltz, Gregory Hines, Alan

Hoeksema, John H. Hollmeyer, Paul Isenmann, George Jonkman,

Jr., Richard Karwowski, Arthur L. Kavanaugh, Gerald Kielian,

Robert C. Kielian, Billy W. Knight, Patricia D. Knight,

Donald Kochevar, Robert J. Kowalsky, Walter C. Koziel, Harold

Kuras, Donald E. Lange, William D. Langele, Michael E.

Lareau, Gary L. Lockridge, Sr., Marvin L. Losey, Norman M.

Lurie, Robert H. Marcinkowski, Timothy J. Marden, Dennis C.

McCarroll, Thomas Merchant, Thomas S. Messenger, Willis

Miles, Ronald J. Miller, Eric E. Miller, John Milton, Jeffery

Monahan, Dennis P. Monroe, James L. Moore, Robert J. Mrozek,

Theodore Musak, Gerald Musak, Terrance W. Niewiadomski,

Donald E. Nixon, Frank Ochoa, Jr., Joseph A. Panarale, James

R. Phillips, Michael Pisauro, Stephen Prado, Alan R. Pringle,

Bruce Riemenschneider, Keith M. Roseland, Russell Ruzanski,

James P. Ryland, Charles E. Sampson, Abdias Sauceda, William

Schell, Rodney L. Schuler, Thomas J. Schwartz, Leonard W.

Seltzer, Fred T. Short, Leonard R. Sklaney, Philip G.

Spotofora, Thomas W. Stefanski, William F. Stewart, Ronald G.

Stille, James S. Strugala, Richard P. Sutton, Richard A.

Tamborski, Thomas Therkildsen, Edward Thoele, Maynard L.

Visser, Randall J. Voorn, Edgar L. Ward, David C. Wegner,

Bartel Zandstra, Robert Zichmiller, Frank Zlatos

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, for 1,176 days, people of Ukraine have lived under constant threat of attack and attack. As the war has dragged on for over 3 years, Ukrainians have refused to submit to Putin's violence. At every turn, they have shown the world what it means to be fighting on the front lines for democracy. At every turn, the Ukrainian people have been willing to do what is necessary for protection and for peace.

When their sovereignty was threatened by Putin, they defended their country courageously. When the opportunity for diplomatic negotiations arose, they were willing to come to the table. In exchange for their bravery and sacrifice, all they have asked for is respect for their independence, their autonomy, and their democracy.

Peace between Ukraine and Russia must not come at Ukraine's expense. We want peace. Ukrainians desperately want peace, but it cannot be a Russian victory. In order to have a just and lasting peace, we must return Ukraine to its 1991 borders. Ukraine must also have serious security assurances from the U.S. and NATO so that Putin is deterred from ever threatening the country again.

Russia must alone help fund this great construction after targeting civilian infrastructure, including energy facilities, hospitals, and schools. We must also hold Putin accountable for his army's war crimes, like those in Bucha, which I witnessed, and for the kidnapping of thousands of Ukrainian children.

As the Trump administration continues to push for negotiations between Ukraine and Russia, we must all keep in mind exactly who we are dealing with. Putin has refused to negotiate in good faith, reportedly violating the very same cease-fire he unilaterally declared last week. So far, he has refused to even direct negotiations with President Zelenskyy in Turkiye.

This is the same man who has welcomed China's, Iran's, and North Korea's support for his war effort. He has shown contempt for all international democratic norms, both in his own country and in dealing with others.

This is why the only way to deal with Putin is by sending a clear message--a message of strength and of unity. As the United States has for the better part of a century, we must continue to stand up to tyrants and defend freedom. We have learned that isolationism and appeasing autocrats is a losing strategy. As President Trump and his administration continue to push for negotiations between Ukraine and Russia, I encourage them to remember history. Remember the reasons we fought the Second World War and the reasons we founded NATO.

Now is not the time to abandon our values or our position as a leader of the free world. Now is the time to pressure Putin to end this brutal war for good. The future of the Ukrainian people, the future of Europe, and the future of democracy are dependent on how we meet this moment. This is a moral, tactical, and strategic imperative.