Floor Statements

Madam Chair, I thank my colleague and ranking member, Mr. Fortenberry, for yielding, and I thank Chairman Bishop for including my amendment in the en bloc amendments.

Agriculture research plays a critical role in the future of our food supply. In our last spending bill, we helped secure

a 5 percent increase in funding for the USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture. That program had seen increased funding because of bipartisan support on the House Agriculture Committee from many of the members, including my good friend and fellow cochair of the Ag Research Caucus, Jimmy Panetta of California, who fondly likes to remind us all that he represents the Salad Bowl of America.

This year, I led a bipartisan letter signed by 111 of my colleagues advocating for robust funding for USDA NIFA's Agriculture and Food Research Initiative in the 2020 appropriations and I am extremely excited that the House appropriators increased funding by $45 million over fiscal year 2019 levels to $460 million for NIFA and AFRI.

I am proud to see such bipartisan support for ag research, because ensuring research is necessary and vital.

Madam Speaker, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall No. 356.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Rich and Judy Buchanan of Bloomington, Illinois who were among the honorees named as 2019 History Makers by the McLean County Museum of History.

Rich's career in public service started shortly after his marriage to Judy and spanned nearly fifty years. He was first appointed to the Regional Planning Commission in 1971 and shortly after was elected to the Bloomington City Council at the age of 31. He then served as Bloomington's mayor from 1977 to 1985. His final elected position was as a member of the McLean County Board from 2012 to 2017.

Judy was also active in politics at nearly every level: her own husband's campaign for mayor, state legislative races, congressional campaigns, and the campaign of former President George H.W. Bush, introducing him on his campaign stop in McLean County. Although, she is perhaps most well-known for her fierce advocacy on behalf of the Alzheimer's Association. Having lost her own mother to the disease at a young age, she spent countless hours at the Illinois State Capitol bringing awareness to mental health issues and funding for Alzheimer's centers across the state.

I am proud to call the Buchanans friends. They deserve to be recognized and thanked for their decades of leadership and service to their community.

Congratulations to Rich and Judy, on this wonderful accomplishment.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember John D. Miller of Monticello, Illinois. He was a beloved public servant and active community member who suddenly passed away last week.

After graduating from Monticello High School in 1971, John served in the United States Army and later in the National Guard and the Army Reserves. It was there that he began his career in law enforcement, serving as a military police officer and an instructor.

His civilian service started with the Decatur Police Department before he was named Argenta's chief of police. In 1995, he was appointed to the same role with the Monticello Police Department, where he went on to serve for 17 years until his retirement in 2012.

Throughout his tenure, he was known for his sense of justice, but also his sense of compassion. In total, he dedicated 34 years of his life to law enforcement.

In 2013, he once again answered the call to better his community, and he was elected as an alderman on the Monticello City Council. In 2017, he was reelected to a second 4-year term.

John lived his life in humble service to his friends and neighbors. For so many, he was a role model and a mentor, and he will be truly missed.

My prayers are with his wife, Karen, his children, and his grandchildren.

Congratulating Coach Jim Ott

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Coach Jim Ott and the men's golf team at Illinois Wesleyan University on their NCAA Division III national championship win last month for the 13th straight year.

Illinois Wesleyan University has made it to the national championship, but this year, they took home the trophy. When asked about the win, Coach Ott said: ``The nice thing is it was such a team effort.''

During the 3-day tournament, the Titans had led the scoreboard until the final nine holes, when the second-place team caught their lead and tied them.

Thanks to a 12-foot par putt on number 18 by junior Skylar LeVine and a 15-foot par putt on the final hole by senior Drew Pershing, the team secured their first-place ranking, earning them the title of national champions.

Illinois Wesleyan's win also earned Coach Ott the Dave Williams National Coach of the Year Award, presented by Golf Pride Grips. He has been the men's golf coach for the Titans since 2000 and led Illinois Wesleyan to eight wins in 11 tournaments this season. After coaching the Titans for 19 years, he can finally boast a national championship win.

Coach Ott has a lot to be proud of. I congratulate him and the entire Titan golf team.

Remembering the Life of Terry Todt

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember Terry Todt. Terry was a friend and a beloved community member who passed away on May 23.

Many of us in central Illinois grew up listening to Terry on the radio. For the past 41 years, he was the man behind the microphone announcing some of the most memorable moments in high school sports in central Illinois.

Terry got his first transistor radio at the age of 7. In 1978, his dream of becoming a broadcaster came true when he was hired by WSMI in Litchfield, the radio station he had listened to on that transistor radio while growing up.

Because of his excellence in sports announcing, he was inducted into the media division of the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame, as well as many other distinctions.

But Terry's love for youth sports went far beyond his broadcasts:

For many years, he officiated basketball, baseball, and soccer with the local sports association;

He was instrumental in expanding the Raymond Park District to add two athletic fields, including a soccer field that was named in his honor;

Last year, he began the T. Todt Shootout, a basketball benefit that raises money for the Montgomery County Cancer Association.

Terry left a lasting legacy that will long be remembered.

I remember meeting Terry in 1995, and he is just one of the most genuine people anyone could have ever met. He was an iconic member of the Raymond community, and he will be missed by many.

My prayers are with his wife, Brenda, their children, their grandchildren, and everyone who knew my friend Terry Todt.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember Valerie Hortenstine Sheldon, a beloved community police officer who tragically passed away at the age of 39 in a traffic accident last week.

Valerie was the chief of police in Raymond, Illinois, a small, tight- knit community just a few miles from my hometown of Taylorville. She served as a law enforcement officer in three neighboring communities before coming to Raymond in 2007. She was named

police chief 9\1/2\ years ago by Raymond's mayor, who said she ``fit the bill as the perfect small-town officer.''

Those who worked with her said she was always willing to do what she could to help out the village. She oversaw the Neighborhood Watch Program in Raymond, and she was a Montgomery County emergency management volunteer as well as a member of the Montgomery County search and rescue team.

There was nothing more important to Valerie than the safety of her community. Like most law enforcement officers, Valerie loved every day of her job, and she loved serving the people of Raymond. She made a profound impact on so many, and I know she will be greatly missed.

My prayers are with her two sons, Jake and Isaac, her family, and the entire town of Raymond during this difficult time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Jennifer Baumann, a high school senior from my district who was named the recipient of the Good Citizen Award by the Illinois Daughters of the American Revolution.

This year, over 400 high school seniors submitted essays for the DAR Good Citizenship scholarship application. Among these, district DAR chapters identified one student as the person who best exemplifies dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism in their area.

Jennifer was selected from Mt. Zion High School as the representative for the Stephen Decatur Chapter and attended the Illinois State DAR Conference, where she was named the statewide winner of the Good Citizen Award.

By all accounts, Jennifer demonstrates well the attributes of dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism. She is active in nearly every aspect of student life in her high school, where she is the captain of all three of her varsity teams: cross-country, basketball, and track and field. She also serves as the President of the National Honor Society and treasurer of the Student Council, and even finds time to dedicate to volunteering with both the Key Club and her church.

She plans to study speech, language, and hearing sciences at the University of Arizona in the fall.

I am proud to recognize outstanding students in my district, including Jennifer. I congratulate her on this prestigious honor.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Lieutenant Daniel Swaim for his exceptional service to the House CAO Office of Finance's Budget, Planning and Analysis (BPA) division.

Lt. Swaim was detailed to BPA during a vital period to coordinate the Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 budget formulation process and assist with execution of the House's FY 2019 resources. His superior knowledge of the federal budgeting process, keen analytical skills, and work ethic enabled BPA to mitigate its temporary personnel gaps. Lt. Swaim's efforts facilitated better insight on available resources, led to optimal decision making on allocation of funds, and ultimately enabled timely delivery of a well justified FY 2020 House Budget.

Lt. Swaim's stellar professionalism and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Coast Guard.

I ask my colleagues to join me today in commending Lt. Swaim for his dedication and service and wish him fair winds and following seas as he embarks on his next assignment as the Commanding Officer of USCG Cutter Sturgeon Bay.

Madam Speaker, on Friday, May 10th I was absent from the House to attend my daughter's college graduation. Due to my absence, I did not record any votes for the day. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 197; ``yea'' on rollcall No. 198; ``nay'' on rollcall No. 199; ``yea'' on rollcall No. 200; ``yea'' on rollcall No. 201; and ``yea'' on rollcall No. 202

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mrs. Susan Converse, who was recently named the 2019 Illinois Teacher of the Year by the Illinois State Board of Education.

Mrs. Converse teaches functional life skills at Edwardsville High School in my district. She takes a personal interest in her students, ensuring they have all the tools they need to succeed in the classroom and beyond.

If you ask her, she will tell you that the work she does every day is a dream come true.

As a functional life skills teacher, Mrs. Converse manages the Tiger Den at Edwardsville High School. It is a coffee shop staffed and run by students with disabilities.

Her students take the orders and work the register, teaching them consumer service skills and equipping them with vocational training to prepare them for life after they exit the school system.

As a father, I know the difference a teacher can make in the lives of our kids, and Mrs. Converse certainly has made a profound impact on each and every one of her students.

I am proud to recognize her today as one of the best educators in not just the State of Illinois but the entire country.

I congratulate Susan. It was great to see her out here in Washington last week, and I look forward to seeing her back home very soon.

Recognizing Audrey Ephraim Women's Center

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Audrey Ephraim Women's Center in Carlinville, Illinois, and Pastor Don and his wife, Deneane, who run this great facility.

As the southern Illinois site for Adult & Teen Challenge Illinois, this center is a critical resource in providing effective care to women who struggle with life-controlling problems.

Audrey Ephraim Women's Center is a residential program with a one-of- a-kind approach to caring for women in need of treatment.

For some, this program is a last chance before serving time in jail. For others, they come at their own will for help in seeking a road to recovery.

When I visited the center, I spoke with three women who told me that, upon their arrival, they had found a path to bettering their lives and finding purpose. For so many women, this center is a safe haven. It is a place for hope and a promise of a brighter tomorrow.

I am proud to represent facilities like the Audrey Ephraim Women's Center that provide this life-changing care to women who are in their most desperate times.

To all those at the center, I thank them for all they do. I am going to continue to pray for each and every one of them.

I really want to thank my new friends--Katrina, Alicia, and Rhonda-- who were not just an inspiration to me and my team but are an inspiration to this entire institution and our great country. I look forward to seeing them again.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my friend Ralph Vanni, the senior House audio technician who retired earlier this month.

For 34 years, Ralph has been the man behind this microphone and every microphone in this Chamber. When he took his job as the House technician in 1985, Ralph was no stranger to Capitol Hill. At the age of 16, he landed an internship with the then-Senate majority leader.

After two more internships and graduating college, Ralph had a hand in nearly every corner of the Capitol building, from doorkeeper for the Sergeant at Arms to working in the Senate Cloakroom.

In his most recent role, Ralph saw six Presidents give their State of the Union speeches, but the day he has said he will never forget is running audio from that perch right up there for Pope Francis' address to this Chamber in 2015.

I remember meeting Ralph on my first day as a newly elected Member of Congress during orientation in 2013. With the Speaker's permission, we could take photos on the House floor that day, and I took a minute to take one with Ralph and some of his team and the many folks who do a wonderful job guarding this Chamber every day.

Ralph became my friend that day and has been my friend for the last 6\1/2\ years I have had the chance to serve in this great institution. I wish him the best in his retirement. And I want to thank him personally, on behalf of every Member of Congress who stands behind any microphone in this institution.

Ralph made us sound better, and we appreciate him for doing that. I wish him good luck in his retirement and thank him for all his years of service.

I am going to miss Ralph, looking up in that perch, but I am going to get to know the folks who have replaced him so well. He has led a great generation into that seat to replace him now.

I thank Ralph Vanni.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to highlight the value and importance of international students in the United States. I am fortunate enough to represent numerous colleges and universities in my district. I have a deep appreciation for the important role these institutions play in providing opportunities for students around the globe.

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, the largest university in my district, enrolls over 10,577 international students from 116 different countries. Illinois State University boasts 502 students from 73 countries and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville has 368 international students from 24 countries--all of these numbers represent an increase in last year's numbers for each university.

I am proud to represent institutions like these that welcome the world's brightest learners. I believe that today's students become tomorrow's leaders. The former presidents of both Ecuador and the Philippines earned doctorate degrees from universities in my district, and I know that presidents and prime ministers all over the world have earned their college degrees right here in the United States.

Welcoming international students and scholars strengthens our diplomatic ties with countries across the globe and contributes significantly to national security and to our economy. International students are vital to our nation's fabric. Through the exchange of ideals, languages, and cultures, diplomacy is strengthened and our world is made a better place.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Michael ``Mike'' Pratt, who passed away on March 30th of this year. Mike Pratt worked as a Logistics and Support Specialist under the Chief Administrative Officer since November 2006. During those years, he worked diligently throughout the U.S. Capitol in his support role providing special event and furniture moving services to the Capitol and the Capitol Visitor Center.

Mike was a well-known face throughout the Capitol for his superior work supporting major events, such as multiple State of the Union Addresses, Presidential Inaugurations, Congressional Gold Medal Ceremonies, Congressional Transitions, and various other events that took place here in our nation's capital. However, what ingratiated Mike to the many offices and employees in the Capitol was his commitment to his day-to-day tasks.

It is the dedicated service of Mike and his colleagues that allow the U.S. House of Representatives to function seamlessly on a daily basis. Mike is survived by his long-time girlfriend, Renika Bridges and son, Caliea ``Spunky'' Hill. We remember him as a true professional and remain grateful for his many years of service to Congress. I extend my deepest condolences to his family, friends, and co-workers. He will be missed.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize one of the most well-known landmarks along Route 66 in Illinois, the Ariston Cafe, on its 95th year of operation.

After opening in 1924 along Route 4 in Carlinville, the Ariston actually predates Route 66. In 1935, it moved to its current location along the Mother Road in Litchfield, Illinois.

The Ariston Cafe is a member of the Route 66 Association Hall of Fame and Museum and is in the National Register of Historic Places in Illinois and the National Park Service.

The Ariston is one of the oldest restaurants along Route 66 and is the fifth-longest running restaurant in the entire State of Illinois.

Later this spring, the Ariston will be holding a relighting ceremony to celebrate the replacement of its classic neon sign, thanks to a grant from the National Park Service.

The Ariston Cafe is a treasure within central Illinois and along Route 66, and I look forward to many more years of success for this great restaurant.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Colonel Craig Osborne, a soldier in my district who will be retiring this week after 30 years of service in the United States Army.

Colonel Osborne graduated from Illinois State University in 1989 as a distinguished military graduate, and during his time with the Army, he has participated in a total of five combat deployments: Operation Desert Shield, Operation Desert Storm, Operation Joint Guard, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Time and time again, Colonel Osborne has answered the call to serve his country. He has served at the headquarters of Allied Land Forces Southeastern Europe in Turkey, as well as the chief of staff for a combined, joint, and interagency task force in Kabul, Afghanistan.

In his current position with the National Defense University, he contributes to the education of future generations of our servicemembers.

Among his many distinctions, Colonel Osborne has earned three Defense Superior Service Medals, the Legion of Merit, five Bronze Star Medals, three Defense Meritorious Service Medals, the Combat Infantryman's Badge, and numerous other awards.

Words cannot express how thankful I am for Colonel Osborne's service. He is a great example of someone who has dedicated his life to serving his country, and I am proud to honor him today.

Congratulations on your retirement, Colonel.

Remembering Gary Jones

Madam Speaker, I rise today to remember Gary Jones, a good friend and dedicated police officer who passed away earlier this month after a long battle with cancer.

Gary and I both grew up in Taylorville, Illinois. After graduation, he went on to serve in the Army and in the Army National Guard. He eventually became a police officer in our hometown. He was proud of his job and always loved going to schools to teach students about the police station and his job protecting our community.

Outside of work, Gary's greatest hobby was firearms. He was a gunsmith, a proud member of the NRA, a master firearms instructor, and my and my wife's concealed carry instructor. Gary loved teaching people about the responsibility of owning firearms and teaching people the importance of gun safety.

I will remember Gary as a true example of patriotism and service to our community that we share as a hometown. He made a tremendous impact on the lives of many in Taylorville, and he will truly be missed.

My prayers are with his wife, Gina; their four children, Logan, Kaylee, Tanner, and Dylan; and all those like me who were blessed to know Gary Jones.

Slow Down to Protect First Responders

Madam Speaker, I rise today to highlight a dangerous, disturbing, and unacceptable trend in Illinois and across the country. It is the rising number of first responders being struck by drivers.

We are not even 3 months into this year, and 14 members of the Illinois State Police have been struck by drivers while on the road or responding to incidents. These accidents have resulted in one fatality and more than a dozen injuries.

Our first responders put their lives on the line every day to protect us, and it is inexcusable to have this number of them injured by errant and distracted drivers. These numbers average out to more than one trooper struck per week and is nearly double the number of incidents in all of 2018.

Even though every State has laws requiring drivers to change lanes or slow down when vehicles or emergency personnel are on the side of the road, these tragedies keep occurring. For the safety of our first responders, construction workers, and tow truck drivers, please slow down, avoid distractions, and be alert on the road to help save lives and buck this tragic trend.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and service of Captain Jake Ringering, a beloved member of the Godfrey Fire Protection District who tragically lost his life in the line of duty on March 5.

While responding to a fire in Bethalto, members of the Godfrey Fire Protection District were attempting to suppress the fire from outside when the building partially collapsed. Captain Ringering and Firefighter Luke Warner both sustained injuries from the collapse.

Captain Ringering served as a firefighter for more than 18 years, beginning with the East Alton Fire Department before joining the Godfrey Fire Department in 2010. He was promoted to captain in May 2014.

The Godfrey fire chief described him as ``gold'' and leaving a legacy that will be remembered for a long time. Godfrey's mayor, and my friend, Mike McCormick, said his passing leaves ``hard boots to fill.''

Captain Ringering is survived by his wife and three young children. Please join me in keeping his family, as well as the Godfrey community, in your thoughts and prayers.