Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mayor Tyrone Echols of Venice, Illinois, and to congratulate him on his retirement after more than 40 years in office.

As a graduate of Madison High School and Southern Illinois University, Mayor Echols is a true son of downstate Illinois. He has dedicated his career to serving our community.

Before he was elected mayor, Mayor Echols worked as a city alderman, a union steward for the International Union of Operating Engineers, and a legislative aide to the State Representative Jim McPike. He also proudly led as president of the Illinois chapter of the National Conference of Black Mayors.

As mayor, he prioritized bringing new business opportunities to Venice and making sure that his door was always open to constituents.

His dedication to public service is truly an inspiration, and I am honored to call him my friend.

I thank Mayor Echols for all he has done for our community and congratulate him on his retirement.

Mr. Speaker, just a few weeks ago, I was speaking in committee to celebrate the bipartisanship of this important legislation and the urgent need to pass it out of the House. Today, we are one step closer to making that a reality.

First, I thank Representative Young Kim for her leadership and collaboration on this bill, and I thank our veterans for their service and bravery.

This bill is needed for so many of those veterans who have endured sexual trauma while in service. When these veterans go to file military sexual trauma claims, navigating the VA system should never add to the pain they have already endured. That is why I introduced this bipartisan legislation to ensure the VA's claims process supports rather than retraumatizes survivors of MST.

Right now, contracted disability compensation examiners are only required to complete outdated online sensitivity training before handling these deeply sensitive claims. This insufficient preparation can make the claims process retraumatizing for those who have already suffered.

MST affects veterans of all genders. While it is more common among women, many male veterans are also impacted. We must ensure that all of our survivors are treated with dignity and care.

The Improving VA Training for Military Sexual Trauma Claims Act would modernize and strengthen the training required for VA staff and contractors who work on MST claims and help cut through the red tape that too often delays justice and support.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the victims of the horrific car crash that occurred in Chatham, Illinois, on Monday afternoon: Alma Buhnerkempe, Kathryn Corley, Ainsley Johnson, and Rylee Britton.

As we mourn the four children killed in this unthinkable tragedy, it is hard to find the words to describe the magnitude of our grief. It is a loss that no parent, no family should ever have to endure.

Please join me in praying for them and for the swift recovery of those who were injured.

I am grateful to the first responders who rushed to the scene and for the school staff, faith leaders, and volunteers who have stepped up to assist our community in the aftermath.

As we struggle to come to terms with this loss in the days and weeks ahead, I pray that our community can continue to lean on each other and begin to heal.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Clear Communication for Veterans Claims Act, bipartisan legislation that would simplify the Department of Veterans Affairs' correspondence for our Nation's heroes. I am proud to lead this bill with Chairman Tom Barrett, who I serve with on the House Veterans' Affairs Technology Modernization Subcommittee.

Every day, my office hears from veterans who are struggling to get the benefits that they earned because of overcomplicated documents and bureaucratic red tape. Correspondence from the VA regarding benefits decisions, often called notice letters, usually contain complex legal jargon, which can be confusing, frustrating, and stressful for veterans and their families.

The Clear Communication for Veterans Claims Act is a commonsense solution to this problem. This legislation would require the VA to study and provide recommendations for simplifying VA notice letters. The goal is to make these letters shorter, easier to understand, and more comprehensive so veterans have the information they need for the next step in their claims process.

Our veterans have sacrificed so much in service to our Nation, and we must do more to improve access to the critical services they need and deserve. Right now, our veterans are facing great uncertainty and anxiety. This bill would make a real change in their lives. We owe it to them now more than ever before.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this important bill.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the incredible career of Glyn Ramage and to congratulate him on his retirement.

A resident of Millstadt, Illinois, and a lifelong labor champion, Glyn has inspired so many, including myself.

For 25 years, Glyn served as business manager for the Downstate Illinois Laborers' District Council. During that time he fought to secure better benefits and higher wages for more than 10,000 union families.

As a member of the Illinois Capital Development Board, Glyn brought workers' voices to the table that oversees State construction projects.

He also chairs the Illinois Laborers' and Contractors' Joint Apprenticeship and Training Program to help build the next generation of construction workers.

I thank Glyn for all he has done for Illinois' workers, the labor movement and our community.

I congratulate Glyn on his retirement.

Mr. Speaker, today I honor the life of Penny Etson Rinehart of Olney, who passed away earlier this year.

Born in Utica, New York, in 1953, Penny later attended the University of Illinois, where she double-majored in psychology and social work. After graduating, she dedicated her career to helping others, first as a probation officer and then as a drug and alcohol counselor.

While in college, Penny met Eric Reinhart, whom she married in Olney, Illinois, in 1977. Their marriage was a testament to love and partnership, filled with cherished adventures, including memorable beach trips to Florida.

Above all, Penny was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend to all who knew her. She and Eric raised two sons, Jonathan and William, and were blessed with two granddaughters, Claudette and Camille. During this difficult time, I hold Penny's family in my thoughts and prayers.

Penny's love, humor, and kindness touched the lives of many. Her impact will be deeply felt by those who knew her and by the Springfield community she called home. Penny will be greatly missed, but her legacy of compassion and warmth will endure.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Robert Gao from Champaign-Urbana on being selected as one of five National Student Poets.

The National Student Poet Program is one of our Nation's highest honors for youth poets presenting original work. It is an incredible accomplishment that reflects Robert's talent, artistry, and the power of his work to inspire others.

Robert says that his writing is influenced by his family and exploring his identity. He described that he fell in love with poetry because it allowed him to put his soul onto paper in a way that nonfiction writing couldn't.

Previously, Robert has been recognized by The New York Times, the National Young Artist Foundation, and the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers.

We are all so proud of Robert and cannot wait to see him continue to grow as an author and an artist.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding class of interns who supported my office during the Fall 2024 term. Whether they were working in the bustling U.S. Capitol or amongst the cornfields of Illinois, their contributions to Illinois' 13th Congressional District have made a significant impact.

In my Washington Office, I was honored to work alongside Daryl Salinas, Wedad Osman, Stella Linn, and Sophia Hinich. These four interns have worked tirelessly to support my staff, skillfully navigating the complexities of working on Capitol Hill. They have been instrumental in managing direct correspondence with our constituents, drafting numerous memos and letters, and assisting with in-depth policy research. I am especially grateful for their work in preparing my office to transition to the 119th Congress.

Back in Illinois, I was honored to work with Avery Martin in my Champaign Office. Her commitment to constituent service by assisting my casework team has been tremendous, and I applaud her for the dedication she showed to the people of Central and Southern Illinois while also being a full-time student at the University of Illinois.

The impact that these five individuals left in my office will be felt for years to come as we transition to the 119th Congress, and we will be very sad to say farewell to this spectacular group of interns. I thank Daryl, Wedad, Stella, Sophia, and Avery for their service. I wish them all the best as they continue their professional and academic journeys.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize two State champion football teams in my district, the East St. Louis Flyers and the Belleville Althoff Crusaders.

Under Coach Darren Sunkett's leadership, the Flyers went 13-1 this season, winning their 11th State championship on November 28 with a 48- 28 victory over Geneva.

I also congratulate the Crusaders football team for winning the 2024 1A Illinois State championship and running back Dierre Hill, Jr., on being named the 2024 Illinois Gatorade Player of the Year. What an incredible accomplishment.

I know that each and every player, coach, and staffer put in hours of practice and preparation to help the Flyers and the Crusaders achieve their goals on and off the field this season.

Your dedication to the game of football and our local community is an inspiration.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the East St. Louis Flyers football team for winning the 2024 Illinois State championship.

Under Coach Darren Sunkett's leadership, the Flyers went 13-1 this season, averaging an astonishing 43 points per game while giving up an average of just 7 points per game.

On November 28, the team finished their season with a 48-28 victory over Geneva, marking East St. Louis' 11th State championship and Coach Sunkett's fifth State title with the Flyers.

I want to personally congratulate each and every player, coach, and staffer who helped the Flyers achieve their goals on and off the field this season. I know that behind each win were hours of practice and preparation. Mr. Speaker, their dedication to the game of football and our local community is an inspiration.

Go Flyers.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding to me. I rise today to celebrate National Rural Health Month and bring attention to rural healthcare challenges.

In the communities that I am so proud to represent in central and southern Illinois, independent pharmacies are a lifeline. However, for too long, predatory drug middlemen, called PBMs, have squeezed independent pharmacies out of business through their unfair, anticompetitive practices.

I recently hosted a roundtable, where I heard from several independent pharmacists throughout my district, including Michelle Dyer, the owner of Michelle's Pharmacy in Carlinville, Illinois. In 2022, as PBM s consolidated, she was forced to close multiple locations of her business, leaving three rural towns in Macoupin County without access to a reliable pharmacy.

Our conversation made clear that we must take action to rein in PBMs, who have gone unchecked for far too long. We must pass the Pharmacists Fight Back Act to provide transparency, accountability, and guardrails. We need to protect independent pharmacists and support the health of our rural communities.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my Democratic colleague for yielding me time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in very strong support of H.R. 82, the Social Security Fairness Act.

Right now, millions of Americans who have paid into Social Security are being cut short in their benefits. Police officers, firefighters, and educators, working people who have devoted their professional lives to public service, are being unfairly punished by the windfall elimination provision and the government pension offset.

Mr. Speaker, the Social Security Fairness Act is a bipartisan bill to fix this, restoring benefits that our public servants have paid into throughout the years and ensuring that every American receives the Social Security benefits that they have earned and deserve.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues from both sides of the aisle to come together this evening to support this legislation so that we can give these working people the retirement security that they have worked for and earned.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the incredible career of Blackburn College president, Dr. Greg Meyer, and to congratulate him on his retirement.

Dr. Meyer began his time at Blackburn College in 1981 as the college's first full-time chaplain. During his 43 years at Blackburn, Dr. Meyer served as interim dean of students, a college counselor, director of church relations, chair of the philosophy and religion department, and college president.

His long and diverse tenure reflects his tireless dedication to bettering the lives of his students.

Beyond teaching, Dr. Meyer led a student music group called The Joyful Noise and participated in Blackburn's Midwinter Folk Festival. From hosting an annual Christmas vacation board game night to marrying approximately 100 couples on campus in Clegg Chapel, Dr. Meyer was always finding ways to bring our community together, and I am so grateful to call him a friend.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Dr. Meyer for all that he has done to inspire and shape the next generation of thoughtful, passionate leaders, and I congratulate him on his retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Eric Leroy Rinehart, an incredible public servant from Olney, Illinois. Eric was born in Fort Bragg, North Carolina, on February 19, 1953. After graduating from Flora High School, Eric chose to attend the University of Illinois, where he received his degree in mathematics. After college, Eric dedicated his career to his community and worked for the Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs.

After retiring in 2005, Eric became dedicated to gardening, establishing gardens around the Springfield region. If you used to call the Illinois Extension Office about which vegetables grow the best in Central Illinois' climate, you'd be transferred to Eric. Eric's passions extended beyond gardening; he especially loved spending time with his family, Manchester City Football Club, Star Trek, and Science News Magazine.

As a computer programmer in the 1970s and an early adopter of the internet, he was constantly learning about and fascinated by the latest developments in the tech world. He enjoyed discussing science, engineering, physics, technology, and statistics with anyone.

Eric's greatest accomplishment, however, was his incredible family. Eric married his wife, Penny, in 1977 after meeting her at the University of Illinois. Penny and Eric had two sons, Jonathan and William, and two granddaughters Claudette and Camille. I will be keeping them in my prayers during this very difficult time. Eric's incredible life has left a lasting mark on his family and community. He will be deeply missed by all of those who call Central Illinois home.

Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise today to honor the life of a local hero, Juliana Turchetti, who lost her life fighting the Horse Gulch wildfire in Montana.

Many central Illinoisans know Juliana as the owner of Aviatori Coffee House in Springfield and will remember her for her warm smile, but she was also a skilled and passionate pilot and an admired figure in our aviation community.

With over 6,000 flight hours, she has been flying airplanes for 17 years, from agricultural dusting planes to her favorite, the Fire Boss.

A few months ago when she took the next step to become a full-time aerial firefighter, Juliana said that it was a dream job and that she was proud to be part of a mission.

She answered the call to service, stepping up to help protect communities and save lives.

Juliana will be remembered for her bravery and passion, her devotion to her son, and her love of good coffee.

Mr. Speaker, as we mourn her loss, let us send our thoughts and prayers to her loved ones and everyone who has been touched and inspired by her life.