Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, today, I am reflecting on a moment that occurred just after I was sworn in to this office.

My former Republican colleague Mark Kirk gave me some of the best advice I had ever received. He said: In the end, anything that gets done here that is any good gets done in the middle, through compromise.

It begs the question: Are we currently in a position to work well together? Can we effectively govern?

The fact is, right now, the occasions when we work together are few and far between. No established democracy in recent history has been as deeply polarized as the United States is now.

A study from the National Bureau of Economic Research found that polarization in the U.S. has increased more dramatically since the late 1970s than in any other country they have examined.

We are not just uniquely polarized on the world stage. We are also uniquely polarized in the context of our own history.

Here is one example. In 1960, 4 percent of Republicans and 4 percent of Democrats said they would be displeased if their son or daughter married someone of the opposite party. In 2019, that number is 45 percent of Democrats said they would be unhappy

if their child married a Republican, and 35 percent of Republicans said they would be unhappy if their child married a Democrat.

Well, the reasons are manyfold. Americans today read less print than ever before. They can now pick and choose their own news, perspectives, and facts. Cable news channels have moved further to the extremes to keep their audiences engaged. When we all read news designed to affirm our own thoughts, we lose empathy and understanding of how other people come to their decisions.

We must each take responsibility for broadening our sources. You don't have to seek out the opinions of extremists to do this. Seeking out balanced news and news sources, supporting local news, and not rewarding so-called hot takes with money and clicks can all get us closer to a return to more fact-based news.

The rise of social media has also heightened tensions and encouraged extremism to flourish. In an environment where the loudest voices rise to the top, it is all too easy for politicians and elected officials to begin believing that they, too, must be the loudest, most extreme voice.

The words of our leaders have always carried significant weight, but in today's world of heightened tensions, they have even more ability to shape the perceptions of our citizens. As leaders, we have a responsibility to cool the temperature of public discourse. Instead, many conservative speakers have chosen to ramp up the temperature and exploit the tensions that exist.

Dangerous, polarizing rhetoric is not the answer. It is poison. Ultimately, we have a responsibility to lead through example in how we address one another.

At the time of our greatest division, the President stressed the importance of leading ``with malice toward none, with charity for all.''

As John Adams said: ``I fear that in every [elected office,] members will obtain an influence by noise, not sense; by meanness, not greatness; by ignorance, not learning. . . . There must be a decency and respect.''

There must be decency and respect on both sides.

Gerrymandering has also played a role in our national polarization. Let's look at it. Between our two parties, only about 60 of the 435 seats in this House are truly contested in general elections. A lack of true swing districts means that candidates are driven to the polls to win their primaries and that fewer are concerned about appealing to the center in a general election. As a result, items that were once nonpartisan have become bitterly so, issues like funding the government, violence prevention, trade, and even raising the debt ceiling.

Now, finding common ground on core issues can be nearly impossible. Dismantling gerrymandered districts can help put our country on the path of depolarization and produce a Congress and State legislatures that are more reflective of the majority of Americans' views.

Our country has faced deep, polarizing challenges before. To put our current moment in perspective, let's look back at the words of the President who guided our country through the most divided of times.

In a January 1838 speech in Springfield, Illinois, Lincoln said: ``At what point, then, is the approach of danger to be expected? I answer, if it ever reach us, it must spring up amongst us. It cannot come from abroad. If destruction be our lot, we must ourselves be its author and finisher.''

We must heed the call to action from these words. We must change how we address our country, how we are elected, how we speak to each other, and how we learn and get informed. We must all learn that empathy and compromise should be commended, not condemned. Our success or failure will determine if ``any nation so conceived and so dedicated can long endure.''

Mr. Chair, I claim the time in opposition to the amendment.

Mr. Chair, I yield myself 1\1/2\ minutes.

Mr. Chair, the reality is that Ukraine needs these munitions. Until the West can meet the full demands of the war in Ukraine, these munitions will fill the gaps and ensure a successful Ukrainian counteroffensive and ensure that the Ukrainians are not defenseless.

The goal is to give Ukraine the tools it needs to end this war quickly. A protracted war will cost more lives and allow Putin to commit more war crimes.

Mr. Chair, I was in Bucha and stood where some of these crimes were committed. Ultimately, this amendment was not introduced out of concern for civilians. No. This amendment exists because a very few Members across the aisle don't seem to mind if the Russians win, and then we would see democracy fall and authoritarianism rise.

To ensure a Ukrainian victory, we must continue to make these very tough decisions that will end this war and ultimately save lives.

Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Chair, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Wilson).

Mr. Chair, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Crow).

Mr. Chair, we hear a lot about humanity here. Let's put the facts in front of that. The Ukrainians are firing as many artillery shells in 2 days as we produce in a month. They will run out. They will be defenseless.

If you are now suddenly worried about civilians, Mr. Chair, watch what Putin has already done: raped, murdered, and tortured innocent civilians, targeted civilians. If there are no artillery shells to defend them, then he will go unabated. Then you will see inhumanity that we have not seen since the Second World War.

Mr. Chair, vote against this amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Chair, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the Vietnam and Korean War veterans who traveled to Washington, D.C. on July 12, 2023, 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 June 12th 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.

David Lee Allen, Louis Allen, William Paul Altgilbers, Ronald Michael Andrus, Oray Baker, Jr., Randy Barham, Donald Barker, John C. Baumgart, Dennis L. Behnke, Norman Bowens, Jr., Leroy Allen Buss, Duane A. Buttell, Jr., Freddie Cagle, David B. Carlyon, Thomas Cellini, Louis J. Cicchetti, Louis E. Ciesla, Henry Clark, James Darcy, James R. Davidson, Steven L. Devereaux, Richard Jesus Diaz, Vincent Domino, Ildephonse J. Dorado, Leslie Duncan, Gerald Fedyski, Hal Melland Finkle, Frank Freemont Fisher, William G. Fountas, Herbert E. Fuqua, Joseph P. Gagliano, Robert Halvey, Kenneth George Hauser, Phillip F. Hauze, Bruce Ramond Heldt, John E. Hielema, James Richard Hoder, James R. Hoder, Robert Horwath, Thom Howell, Ronald E. Johnson, Anthony Juszynski, Ted Alan Kachlic, Louis Kahn, George J. Kane, William Keogh, Randall J. Kethcart, Fred E. Kogler, Mitchell Koonce, Lawrence J. Kozak, Thomas W. Krakowski, James R. Kramer, Richard Krol, Leonard J. Kulasa, Madore Lanoue, Richard A. Luemen, Renzo Manfredini, Julius M. Marbury, Costante James Martello, Daniel Martinez, Michael H. Masello, Dwight Mayberry, Patrick E. McDonald, Terrence McHugh, Roy Meldahl, Wayne Raymond Melichar, Jr., Michael W. Micetic, Robert J. Miller, Sr., James J. Morgan, Eugene J. Mudgett, Kenneth J. Murawski, Richard J. Otto, Lawrence Pagliaro, Terry Pappas, George J. Parsons, Jr., John E.

Pasala, Scott G. Phillips, Leonard Porter, John J. Quigley, Terrance J. Quigley, David M. Ramirez, Michael Alexander Rechenmacher, Theodore Rounds, Andrew Rueb, Jr., Dennis Joseph Ryczek, Eugene Rymut, Jerome Rymut, Edward Saibert, Richard Sandine, James Sawyer, Russell P. Scardigli, Monroe Smith, Jr., Michael E. Sons, Dennis Soroka, Ronald Stark, Grant E. Steeve, Donald F. Swift, Irvin Termuende, Raymond Travis, William L. Troth, Stanley Tylinski, Harry E. VanBeek, Richard Lynn Wagner, John Joseph Wagner, Jr., William Ward, James Robert Wasser, Sr., William E. Watters, Howard Westphal, Frank L. White, Ronald G. Williams, Francis S. Willsey, George M. Wolk, Donald Yozeitis, Laverne C. Zorbaugh, Joseph B. Zych.

Mr. Speaker, I had the honor of serving with the gentleman from California on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence for 8 years. I had an in-the-ring view of his work.

Obviously, it is not what Mr. Schiff did that was wrong, it is what he did so well. That is what bothers the majority. He defended our country from threats, foreign and domestic. He defended the rule of law. He defended our democracy at one of its most critical and pivotal points. He held the ethically and legally challenged former President accountable.

What really gnaws on the majority and what really bothers them is that Mr. Schiff was way better than anybody on their team at debate, at leadership, at messaging, and at legal knowledge. He kicked their ass. He was better, he was more effective, and that still bothers them.

They couldn't beat him on the field, so they voted him off. We voted people off committees because they posted threats, not because they can't compete.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the Vietnam and Korean War veterans who traveled to Washington, D.C. on June 14, 2023 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 June 14th 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 C. Alvers, James R. Bandy, Cordell T. Barr, Richard P. Bazeluk, Robert E. Beauprez, Ronald W. Bennett, Vernon C. Blessing, Harry J. Boerema, George Bogdanowicz, Francis J. Borowski, Harold J. Brazzale, Lewis M. Breese, Keith H. Bristow, Michael O. Brown, James J. Burnett Sr., Russell F. Caforio, David C. Caso, James F. Castello, Arthur Chavez, Paul T. Chavez, Jack D. Chavez Sr., Peter N. Chelemengos, Kenneth Chrobak, Ronald F. Clarke, Humphrey L. Cobb, Terry F. Constantino, Edward C. Cook, Thomas Cooper, Robert A.T. Daehnke, John Danehy, Ralph Deschaaf, John T. Doody, Chris Drikakis, Donald L. Duffy, Samuel D. Edgin, Narvin A. Efferson, Norman R. Ellison, Mark E. Ethridge, Robert C. Evans, Charles W. Fisher, Adelbert Fry, George W. Giddens, George I. Green, Peter E. Habath, Ronald C. Harry, Gerald R. Havens, Richard P. Hernandez, Roger F. Hoffman, Fred W. Hoffmeyer, Kenneth R. Holmes, Nathaniel Holmes, Thomas J. Honzik, Richard Jenkins, Dennis R. Jensen, Ron S. Johnson, Phillip J. Kaemerer, Daniel H. Keen, Danny B. Kent, Lawrence L. Kieklak, Jeffrey J. Kiser, Leonard M. Kregel, George Kuczero, John R. Kuhn, Joseph S. Kwasny, Bruce A. Langman, Harold R. Lawrence, Jack R. Leder, George E. Lind, Ludwig P. Lingwai, Gaetano LoGiudice, William R. Lovegren, Cecil M. Lumley. William J. Madej, George L. Malone, Joseph E. Martinet, James F. McQuillen, James A. Mooney, Charles W. Morgan, Jon C. Morris, William C. Nickels, Kent W. Nylander, Wayne E. Paarlberg, Keith R. Ray, James W. Reilly, Terry F. Richard, Alonzo J. Rodgers, Henry F. Rohs, Frank C. Rompala, Lawrence O. Ruettiger, Raymond H. Sauerbier, John M. Sauerbier, Carl R. Schoeneman, Joseph M. Sebring, Terrence J. Shaughnessy, Timothy M. Sheehan, August L. Sisco, Willie F. Smith, Ronald F. Sprycha, John P. Stewart, Patrick L. Stramaglio, Donald C. Strauss, David J. Stukel, Timothy P. Sullivan, Michael G. Sutherland, Gary W. Swanson, Samuel Sylvester, Paul J. Szachnitowski, Sr., James C. Taylor, Edward C. Tucker, James H. Veld, Randall R. Veugeler, Andrew Von Vogt, Gary J. Wasemann, Alphonse S. Weick, John E. Wierl, Edward C. Wilhusen, David A. Wilkins, Herbert Williams Jr., John L. Wilson, and David L. York.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 50th anniversary of an important Chicago organization--Mujeres Latinas en Accion.

Mujeres Latinas en Accion was founded in 1973 by the late Maria Mangual for the purpose of providing shelter to young women fleeing violence in the Pilsen community. Since their founding, they have expanded to Brighton Park and North Riverside.

Back in 1982, they established the Healing and Prevention of Domestic Violence program, to provide services for survivors of domestic violence.

In 2002, they expanded their family support services in partnership with the Illinois Department of Family Support Services. With this, they created the only free Supervised Visitation and Safe Exchange program designed specifically for Spanish speaking low-income families.

Seven years later, they established the Community Engagement and Mobilization Program to bring the voice of Latina immigrants and survivors of trauma to the work of immigrant and women's coalitions.

These are just a few of the ways their organization has worked to uplift women in our community and connect them with critical resources.

I am honored to help Mujeres Latinas en Accion commemorate its 50th year of providing innovative and empowering services for Latinas.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the World War II, Vietnam and Korean War veterans who traveled to Washington, D.C. on May 10, 2023 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 10th 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 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.

Thomas J. Alcock, Donald B. Anderson, Rogelio Arredondo, Walter H. Arvesen, John W. Beaty, John M. Beele, Charles J. Bellock, William D. Benne Sr., John E. Berry, Joseph B. Bibro, Mark C. Bonen, Vernon F. Bremer, Francis J. Brow, Robert B. Burch, Anthony J. Caliendo, James T. Campagna, Robert K. Campbell, Ronald S. Carlow, Joseph Chavez, Robert E. Chavez, Phil C. Coffing, Anthony J. Conniff, Bruce L. Cook, Jerry M. Cowsert, Douglas R. Deetjen Sr., Jerome B. Dubaka, Lester L. Dunscomb, Jr., Gary L. Eich, Bertram Farrington, Bernard T. Fearon, Steven L. Fick, James A. Fredrickson, Donald R. Frost, Walter E. Fuja Jr., Ronald L. Gallman, Dennis R. Gardner, John L. Garstka, Henry L. George, David P. Giere, Erik J. Godvik, Richard D. Goulet, William C. Grizzle, Jr., Edward N. Gustovich, Herman J. Hamlet, Edward L. Hartman, John L. Hill, Gerald Hoenig, George E. Hresil, Alan M. Hunter, Carmen W. Iacullo, Richard L. Inskeep, Alan W. Jarasius, Clark Jennings, Wendell A. Johnson, Edward M. Kasper, Gary W. Kiefer, William R. Klein, John E. Kleinfeldt, Robert P. Klett, Steve Korovesis, Joseph S. Koscal, Charles F. Krasneck, Kris Kringle, John I. Krupiczowicz, Michael A. Kurzydlo, Arthur J. LaCroix, Martin Lampert, Thomas E. Law, Brian R. Lupescu, Norman P. Lupescu, George A. McCoy, Bruce A. McDonald, Kenneth J. Merritt, Steven L. Meyer, Erwin Moehl, Robert V. Morgan, Curtis J. Norman, Dale L. Norwood, Anthony S. Novak, Edward H. Novak, Mark L. Payton, Thomas L. Pelt, Dante H. Plata, John J. Ptak, Rocco M. Revello, Herman Richardson, Ramon R. Rivera, Richard S. Rock, Casimir Romanowski, Andrew R. Samborski, Frank P. Scellato, Robert A. Schiavo, Karl E. Schmidt, Terry M. Schnell, Duane C. Schroeder, Arnold H. Schweitzer, Charles L. Singleton, Dennis Smothers Jr., Jack F. Sokol, Robert J. Spalo, Arthur J. Steinke, Milton Stennis, Raymond F. Szweda, Christopher Tavlas, Rickey L. Taylor, Joseph Tremmel, Virgle R. Tyler, Ruben Vasquez, Paul Waters, Glenn J. Waver, Emmett A. Williams, James E. Wilson, James C. Wiora, Jeffrey R. Wombold, Raymond A. Ziehmer, Charles M. Zynda.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Chicago's iconic hot dog stand--Superdawg.

Established in May of 1948 by high-school sweethearts Maurie and Florence (Flaurie) Berman, Superdawg first opened at the corner of Milwaukee and Devon in Chicago. Today, Superdawg continues to be family owned and operated in the same location.

Despite the small changes they have undergone over the past 75 years, the infamous Superdawg recipe and the drive-in concept have remained the same. Just as they did in 1948, customers can order from their car and have a carhop deliver their order on a tray.

Superdawg has remained committed to providing quality products and service, making each customer's meal to-order, and affirming the belief that the customer is always right. They continue to insist that the customer should be treated as family--setting them apart from other fast-food establishments.

In 2010, I spent the day working at Superdawg as part of my Undercover Congressman series. There, I learned how to make the famous Superdawg and gained an inside-look into what has made them so successful.

As someone who has been a beloved Superdawg fan throughout my life, I am honored to help them celebrate this exciting milestone.

Madam Speaker, as we reflect on the 1-year anniversary of Putin's war against Ukraine, it cannot help but remind us of why we fought in the Second World War and that the fight in Ukraine embodies the very same principles we fought for in the Second World War.

First: Preventing authoritarian regimes from wiping out sovereign democratic countries.

Ukraine is a sovereign democratic nation. They have held free and fair elections since 1991. They have freedom of expression, press, and speech, while Russia is an autocratic nation led by an authoritarian dictator who represses personal expression, the free press, and free speech. He invaded Ukraine expressly to expand his sphere of autocratic control and subvert the will of the free people of Ukraine.

The second principle: To prevent further genocide.

Putin's invasion has been characterized by the commission of war crimes. One year ago this month, Russian forces deliberately targeted a civilian shelter. That same month they struck a children's hospital and maternity ward. The next month, over 400 bodies of civilians were found in mass graves in Bucha after the city was liberated. In September, 450 bodies, mostly of civilians, were found in mass graves in Kharkiv.

I visited Ukraine last summer, where I met with President Zelenskyy and traveled to Bucha and saw the mass graves firsthand.

In the Second World War, we vowed, ``Never again.'' Removing ourselves from this effort would be an egregious breach of that commitment and would demonstrate that we have not learned the lessons of those who gave their last full measure of devotion in the Second World War.

The third principle we defended in World War II was the preservation of a liberal world democratic order.

As we have seen in history, the actions of one autocratic nation can inspire the actions of others. Allowing Russia to conquer Ukraine will send the message to other autocrats that their expansion to free nations will not be opposed. This cannot be the future we allow.

President Biden's recent historic trip to Kyiv highlighted these reasons, but it also recalled the words of FDR in his last inaugural address in the months leading up to the end of that great conflict. He said, ``We have learned that we cannot live alone, at peace; that our own well-being is dependent on the well-being of other nations far away. . . .

``We have learned the simple truth, as Emerson said, that `The only way to have a friend is to be one.' We can gain no lasting peace if we approach it with suspicion and mistrust or with fear.''

Just as the world has borne witness to Putin's relentless violence, we have seen the resilience and determination of the Ukrainian people. Their fight is the reason we formed the United Nations and NATO in the first place. Quite simply, they have earned that support.

As President Zelenskyy said:

Aid is not charity, it is an investment in the global

security and democracy.

He is right.

Our efforts to defend Ukraine are to protect Ukraine's right to self- determination and protect the future of democracy around the globe.

We are, indeed, facing a turning point in this war, and I am reminded of Winston Churchill's words after Britain's victory in the second battle of El-Alamein: ``Now this is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning.''

We are today at the end of the beginning of Putin's campaign in Ukraine and his efforts to recreate the Soviet Union. We must be united in our efforts to defend Ukraine and democracy.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life of LGBTQ activist, community advocate, and friend Lauren Verdich.

During the mid-1980s, Lauren became part of a group of volunteers at the AIDS Memorial Quilt Display at Navy Pier who came together to provide hot meals to homebound Chicagoans with HIV/AIDS. She helped to found Open Hand, an organization which served meals to people impacted by HIV/AIDS, and which still lives on today as part of Heartland Health Alliance.

She pursued her passion for cooking by starting Lauren's Catering in 1986, donating tens of thousands of dollars' worth of goods and services to nonprofits over the years. She was a founding member of the Chicago Area Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, founded in 1995. To honor all of her achievements, Verdich was inducted into Chicago's LGBT Hall of Fame in 2015.

I was honored to have her join my LGBT Advisory Committee and help educate me on the needs of the LGBT community in my district. She was a strong force, a fearless advocate and a friend who will be missed.

She is survived by her spouse Gail Morse; son Jordan Wolski and their son Zachery Wolski; daughter Dana Bennett; sisters Roberta Heinrich, Andrea Reich and Linda Mankoff; brother Steven lsaacson; loving nieces and nephews; countless friends and those whose lives she touched.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to talk about what has been and should always be a bipartisan issue, raising our Nation's debt ceiling.

Raising America's debt ceiling ensures we do not default on our financial obligations to those we have borrowed from and prevents economic catastrophe in the process. Don't take my word for it.

Listen to American businesses, economists, and financial institutions who know the drastic consequences a debt default would have for the U.S. economy and working Americans.

The business roundtable, which represents the CEOs of some of the Nation's largest companies, has said about raising the debt limit: ``Failure to lift the Federal debt limit to meet U.S. obligations would produce an otherwise avoidable crisis and pose an unacceptable risk to the Nation's economic growth, job creation and financial markets.''

If you don't want to take their word for it, I recommend heeding these words:

``The full consequences of a default--or even the serious prospect of a default--by the United States are impossible to predict and awesome to contemplate.'' Those are the words of President Ronald Reagan.

Mr. Speaker, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment today to ensure that the President and the Secretary of Energy are able to use the Strategic Petroleum Reserve without arbitrary limitations during a time of war.

This amendment allows for the U.S. to have the full capabilities of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve at its disposal without restrictions for as long as Russia continues to illegally attack Ukraine.

On February 24, 2022, Russia launched an illegal invasion of Ukraine, altering the geopolitical landscape, not only in Europe but across the globe. President Biden and our allies took swift and significant action to support Ukraine by banning Russian energy imports. These actions have put pressure on Putin and allowed Ukraine to continue defending its sovereignty, and with it, our democratic ideals.

Putin's war has caused a global energy crisis which has been exacerbated by increased demand as we recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Americans felt the energy and gas prices rising as U.S. energy suppliers worked to meet the need. Thankfully, the U.S. has the strategic reserve at its disposal. This reserve is the world's largest supply of emergency crude oil with the sole purpose of meeting energy demands in times of crisis.

President Biden smartly utilized all the tools at his disposal to limit energy supply constraints and released enough barrels of crude oil to fill the gap left by Russian oil. Experts show that Biden's actions helped lower the price of gasoline for Americans everywhere from 13 to 31 cents a gallon.

Sadly, almost 1 year later, the international landscape continues to be in crisis. We are no closer to re-establishing Ukrainian sovereignty, while Russia continues to launch offenses.

Until Ukraine is free, until Ukrainians feel safe, until Russia is held accountable, our global energy markets are at risk.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Point of Order

Mr. Chair, for these purposes, the subject matter can be construed as preventing certain SPR drawdowns until the administration develops a production increase plan. This amendment narrowly addresses the same subject matter without broadening the plan. Rather, it ensures a timeline conducive with our current state of international crisis.

This amendment says the plan can't be implemented before the Secretary of Energy certifies that Russia's invasion of Ukraine has ended. It does not condition the effectiveness of the bill, nor does it require any extraneous action or bring any new statute or new committees of jurisdiction.

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

Madam Speaker, almost 11 years ago today, I spoke on the anniversary of two Chicago treasures: Radio station WXRT and one of its beloved hosts, Lin Brehmer.

This weekend, we lost Lin at the age of 68 after a long battle with cancer. Lin was a Chicago icon, a poet, a Renaissance man, and a friend. For my colleagues who have not lived in Chicago, let me explain.

In the movie, ``Almost Famous,'' there is a scene where the protagonist's oldest sister has left her record collection, and she tells him, ``Look under your bed. It will set you free.'' That is what XRT did for us in Chicago and that is what Lin did for me and so many Chicagoans.

Before XRT, AM radio, a dry, repetitive desert was our only option for music. After XRT, we were transformed. It became a 24-hour station in 1976, demonstrating our city's unique commitment to independent thinking and an unbridled celebration of art and music.

Like many others, XRT linked us to a new world. XRT encouraged me to leave my sterile environment and travel to the Earl of Old Town to see Steve Goodman and my first concert at the Aragon Ballroom to see Mott the Hoople and the New York Dolls, not to mention other famous haunts like the Metro, the Vic, Checkerboard Lounge, to see greats like Iggy Pop, David Bowie, Muddy Waters, Frank Zappa, Roxy Music, and so many others.

When Lin became the music director at WXRT in 1984, he helped introduce us to new music, new genres, and new emotions. Today, when so much of music is driven by algorithms and data, it can be difficult to imagine a time when a station could often be steered by a single man's eclectic tastes, but that is what Lin did. He played what he wanted to hear, and somehow, he always knew what the city needed to hear.

He opened my eyes to the true power of music. He taught me that music can show you new worlds, can help you understand new perspectives. It can often soothe during difficult times and inspire you to explore what you never considered exploring before.

Lin Brehmer was my friend, but I recognize that I am far from the only one who could claim that coveted title. He was born a New Yorker and began his radio career filling in at his university's student-run station during the summer.

The first song he ever performed was The Beatles' ``Within You Without You.'' Later, he would explain that he chose it because ``I have always felt that life flows within you, but most of all without you.''

At Albany's WQBK-FM, he became known as the ``Reverend of Rock `n' Roll'' for his penchant for reciting poetry during song introductions. Lin came to Chicago in 1984 to become the music director, and his taste left an indelible mark on the station and on the entire city.

He hosted the morning drive for more than 30 years talking to thousands of Chicagoans over the years on their daily commutes. He loved the Cubs, Chicago's music, theater, and dining, and he shared those loves with us.

From Lin, we learned about the best restaurants in the city. We shared in the Cubs' wins and often losses, and gained new perspectives from his essays in ``Lin's Bin,'' a rare combination of nostalgia, humor, empathy, kindness, and spirituality.

I was honored to have lunch with Lin at some of Chicago's most iconic locales like Manny's and Ann Sather's, and to have spent a memorable Cubs' game at his side.

As he himself described, he regularly went out in his ``eating pants,'' an outfit with enough give to accommodate another Chicago meal at places like the Wiener's Circle.

Last July, he shared with his listeners that he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer and began a leave of absence to undergo treatment. This November, I know I wasn't the only Chicagoan who was delighted when he briefly returned to the airwaves.

Now, during his time at WXRT, he was named music director of the year three times and was voted the music director of the decade by readers of the

Hard Report. He was so much more than a radio host. He was Chicago's best friend in the whole world.

When something big happened, Chicago would turn to Lin for his take on the events. Whether celebration or tragedy, he knew what to say. Now in the wake of his loss, we turn to the dial wanting.

He was married to his college sweetheart, Sara, and they shared a son, Wilson. They were both by his side in his final moments. My thoughts and deepest condolences are with his family and with all Chicagoans as we mourn his loss.

In closing, as Lin always reminded us, never take anything for granted. It is great to be alive.

Offered By: Mr. Quigley

Amendment No. 125: Page 2, line 13, strike ``date of

enactment of this subsection'' and insert ``date on which the

Secretary certifies that Russia's invasion of Ukraine has

ended''.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 100th Birthday of Beatrice Stieber.

Beatrice (Kramer) Stieber was born on December 14, 1922 in the Bronx, New York. She married Robert Stieber on February 7, 1943. After 52 years together he passed away on April 4, 1995. They had two children, Jay and Dean.

Bea loves to spend time with her grandchildren, Tami, David, Brennan and Haley and her great grandchildren Grace, Jordan, Hadley and Scarlett.

Her happiness comes from her family, and she brings joy to all who know her. She is an outstanding cook and is passionate about food. At this milestone birthday, Bea continues to live a full and rewarding life.