{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where party = \"Republican\", state = \"IL\" and year = 2016 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://kinzinger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399466", "Congressman Kinzinger Holds Agriculture Advisory Meeting", "2016-12-23", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Adam Kinzinger", "K000378", "kinzinger.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Last week, Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R-Channahon) held his semi-annual meeting with the IL-16 Agriculture Advisory Committee at City Hall in Ottawa.\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      OTTAWA, IL  Last week, Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R-Channahon) held his semi-annual meeting with the IL-16 Agriculture Advisory Committee at City Hall in Ottawa. Formed in 2013, the Committee of 26 active members is made up of representatives from each county in the district. This proactive partnership meets to address agriculture issues on the local, state, and national level.\nThe meeting last week covered a range of topics from crop insurance to the 2018 Farm Bill. Following the meeting, Congressman Kinzinger released this statement:\nI'm fortunate to have the opportunity to listen and learn from members of the Agriculture Advisory Committee, who not only represent each of the fourteen counties in my district, but serve as community leaders. It's important to have their input and for their voices to be heard  especially when it comes to decision making on the policies that impact their bottom line. \nAgriculture in Illinois is essential. The industry generates $19 billion annually and employs nearly one million people throughout the state. Looking ahead to the 115th Congress, I will work with my colleagues to ensure Illinois farmers remain competitive internationally and here at home, while making sure we get our economy growing again.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://roskam.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/roskam-condemns-obama-s-disgraceful-un-action", "Roskam Condemns Obamas Disgraceful UN Action", "2016-12-23", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Peter Roskam", "R000580", "roskam.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Wheaton, IL \u2014 U.S. Representatives Peter J. Roskam issued the following statement in response to the Obama Administration\u2019s failure to veto an anti-Israel measure at the United Nations Security Council:\n\u201cThe Obama Administration's decision to abstain from today's UN Security Council vote is disgraceful. The adopted resolution is anti-Israel and anti-peace.\u200e\u00a0Congress and the incoming administration will stand with our friends and allies, and oppose all efforts to delegitimize Israel.\u201d\nRep. Roskam serves as Co-Chairman of the GOP Israel Caucus\u00a0and the Bipartisan Taskforce for Combating Anti-Semitism.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lahood.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/president-signs-first-lahood-bill-law", "President Signs First LaHood Bill Into Law", "2016-12-20", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Darin LaHood", "L000585", "lahood.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.\u2014On Friday, December 16, President Obama signed the Water Infrastructure Improvements for our Nation (WIIN) Act into law, which includes H.R. 5765, legislation introduced by Rep. Darin LaHood entitled the Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act of 2016. This bill supports fish and wildlife in the Great Lakes, and will revitalize daily commercial, recreational, and preservation activities throughout the waterways in Illinois, which borders Lake Michigan.\n\u201cI am pleased to see legislation that I introduced in the House earlier this year signed into law by the President. As a father who regularly enjoys the outdoors with my three sons, modernizing the Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act will revamp conservation efforts for outdoorsmen and increase economic opportunities for our fishermen,\u201d stated Rep. Darin LaHood. \u201cI want to thank my colleagues, Rep. Debbie Dingell (MI-12) and Rep. Candice Miller (MI-10), for joining me in introducing this legislation and for their\u00a0 bipartisan efforts to protect our Great Lakes and wildlife conservation efforts. The Midwest is the fortunate home of the beautiful Great Lakes region, and improving its conservation will surely improve state\u2019s commercial, recreational, and preservation activities throughout our waterways.\u201d\nThe Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act was last reauthorized in 2006. H.R. 5765 directs the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) to work with states and other agencies to develop and execute proposals to conserve, restore and manage fish and wildlife populations, and their habitats. Since 1998, the Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act has provided federal funding to 148 research and restoration projects in the Great Lakes Basin that target challenges like habitat restoration, fish species reproduction, and Asian Carp.\nTo learn more, click\u00a0here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://kinzinger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399465", "Rep. Kinzinger Nominates Students for U.S. Military Academies", "2016-12-16", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Adam Kinzinger", "K000378", "kinzinger.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "On Monday, Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) nominated nine students of the 16th Congressional District of Illinois to attend one of the United States Military Academies. \r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Washington, DC \u2013 On Monday, Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) nominated nine students of the 16th Congressional District of Illinois to attend one of the United States Military Academies. At a reception held in the Ottawa district office, Congressman Kinzinger presented the students with certificates and celebrated their accomplishments with their families.   \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n    \r\n        \r\n            \r\n        \r\n    \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\u201cIt is an honor and a privilege to nominate the best and brightest from #IL16 to attend one of the U.S. Military Academies. I\u2019m impressed and proud of their willingness to serve our country. Congratulations to all of our 2016 nominees, and wishing them all the best of luck in earning their respective acceptances.\u201d \u2013 Rep. Adam Kinzinger\r\nThe IL-16 students nominated by Congressman Kinzinger this year are listed below:\r\n\r\n\r\n    \r\n        \r\n            \r\n            John Adee\r\n            Rockford, IL\r\n            \r\n            \r\n            Navy\r\n            \r\n            \r\n            Boylan Catholic High School\r\n            \u00a0\r\n            \r\n        \r\n        \r\n            \r\n            Joel Bottarini\r\n            Ottawa, IL\r\n            \r\n            \r\n            Army\r\n            \r\n            \r\n            Marmion Academy\r\n            \r\n        \r\n        \r\n            \r\n            Hunter Haggestad\r\n            Rochelle, IL\r\n            \r\n            \r\n            Air Force\r\n            \r\n            \r\n            Rochelle High School\r\n            \r\n        \r\n        \r\n            \r\n            Owen Mallery\r\n            Hennepin, IL\r\n            \r\n            \r\n            Army\r\n            \r\n            \r\n            Putnam County High School\r\n            \r\n        \r\n        \r\n            \r\n            Jacob Martocci\r\n            Belvidere, IL\r\n            \r\n            \r\n            Navy\r\n            \r\n            \r\n            Belvidere North High School\r\n            \r\n        \r\n        \r\n            \r\n            Robert Raleigh\r\n            Rockford, IL\r\n            \r\n            \r\n            Navy\r\n            \r\n            \r\n            Keith Country Day School\r\n            \r\n        \r\n        \r\n            \r\n            Robert Shields\r\n            Wilmington, IL\r\n            \r\n            \r\n            Navy\r\n            \r\n            \r\n            Wilmington High School\r\n            \r\n        \r\n        \r\n            \r\n            Kaylynne Terry\r\n            Streator, IL\r\n            \r\n            \r\n            Navy\r\n            \r\n            \r\n            Streator Township High School\r\n            \r\n        \r\n        \r\n            \r\n            Andrew Valentino\r\n            Lee County, IL\r\n            \r\n            \r\n            Air Force\r\n            \r\n            \r\n            Sterling High School", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399188", "Rep. Rodney Davis Announces 2016 Congressional App Challenge Winners in the 13th District", "2016-12-14", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Rodney Davis", "D000619", "rodneydavis.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Rep. Rodney Davis Announces 2016 Congressional App Challenge Winners in the 13th District \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Taylorville, IL,\r\n        December 14, 2016\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) today announced the winners of Congressional App Challenge (CAC) in the 13th District of Illinois, Seth Davey and Ian McAtee, both of Edwardsville, with their submission of Interactive Computer Diagram, which shows various components of computer hardware and their functions providing for an interactive educational experience.The CAC encourages high school students to learn how to code by creating their own applications. The 2016 competition had more than 2,100 students participate with 650 original apps submitted from 123 congressional districts across 33 different states. Innovation and technology drive the success of our nation, said Davis. This competition not only highlights how critical STEM education is to our economy but it also encourages more students to engage in these fields. Congratulations to Bliss and all of this year's winners for their impressive submissions. Davey and McAtee are both currently enrolled as students at Edwardsville High School where Rep. Davis visited them to congratulate them on their success. Judges for the CAC included representatives from State Farm Research and Development Center and the National Center for Supercomputing Applications (NCSA), both located at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. According to the Davey and McAtee, The Interactive Computer Diagram is intended to provide an engaging educational experience. The app aims to help users to memorize computer hardware and their use. The diagram provides a visual reference and a detailed description of the components function. Additional information about the challenge can be found here.  \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399187", "Davis Statement on Granite City Works Announcement", "2016-12-13", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Rodney Davis", "D000619", "rodneydavis.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Davis Statement on Granite City Works Announcement \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Granite City, IL,\r\n        December 13, 2016\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) released this statement after U.S. Steel announced it will bring back roughly 227 workers who were laid off in January of 2016 to the Granite City Works.This is great news for many Granite City employees and their families, said Davis. Good-paying, manufacturing jobs like these are critical to our economy and to many trying to achieve the American Dream. There is no doubt that trading with other countries leads to job creation but we need to do a better job of enforcing these deals so countries like China are not breaking the rules and putting American workers at a disadvantage. Since we were successful in passing stronger trade enforcement provisions last year, the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) has ruled in favor of American steel companies several times to help level the playing field for American workers. However, more can be done and I'm looking forward to working with President-elect Trump on this issue. Davis introduced the American Trade Enforcement Effectiveness Act in response to American companies like U.S. Steel being put at a disadvantage because countries like China are cheating the system and break our trade laws. This bill was included as part of a larger trade package that was signed into law last year. It strengthens enforcement provisions against illegal trade practices such as the dumping of foreign products like steel into U.S. markets.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399183", "ICYMI: Senate is Choosing Bureaucrats Over Veterans", "2016-12-09", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Rodney Davis", "D000619", "rodneydavis.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Reps. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) and Ted Yoho (R-Fla.) are disappointed that Senate Democrats are holding up their veterans bill to seemingly protect the VA from greater transparency. The WINGMAN Act will create more transparency within the claims process, which as of July the VA had a 70,000 backlog in disability claims. This bill passed the House with unanimous support. Below is an op-ed by Davis and Yoho published in The Hill: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Sen. Harry Reid (D-Nev.) are standing in the way of improving customer service for our nation's veterans.  We introduced WINGMAN (H.R. 5166) in May of this year with broad bipartisan support - 137 of our colleagues in the House signed on as co-sponsors. The bill allows trained congressional caseworkers to check the status of a veteran's claim and view relevant files within the VA's claims system. Veterans often contact our offices as a last resort because they have already spent weeks or months waiting for the VA to respond to their request. This will streamline the claims process by eliminating the burdensome step of having to use the VA as a middle-man. WINGMAN will reduce the wait time for file requests by veterans, which can take weeks or even years. This past week the House unanimously passed WINGMAN and sent it to the Senate. The Senate has the opportunity to hotline this commonsense bill so we can begin to help frustrated veterans and their families before this Congress adjourns. Unfortunately, Sen. Reid and a few Democrats in the Senate are blocking these efforts seemingly to protect the VA. Two years ago, along with more than a hundred of our colleagues, we approached the VA about changing the way constituent caseworkers could expedite the claims process.  Months later, we received a polite response explaining the VA was working to better serve veterans and looked forward to working with Congress moving forward. We continued to write the VA and they continued to make politely vague comments while veterans who have contacted our office for help continue to wait for answers.  The thing about VA management is, it does not like change, it fears transparency, and it has virtually no accountability unless Congress chooses to flex its muscle and hold them accountable.  Throughout the process of moving WINGMAN through the House, the VA has attempted to thwart the bill. They have tried to stall progress by delaying responses and sending inflated figures to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO). Senate Democrats have reportedly said they are concerned with the cost but this bill does not create any new system nor does it authorize any additional spending. It simply grants congressional offices access to a system already in place. Additionally, the bill caps VA spending on implementation at no more than $10 million. In the long term, this bill has the potential to save the VA money by allowing congressional offices to help. Less than a month ago, our nation celebrated Veterans Day. For a day, the nation was unified in a moment of remembrance and gratitude. We passed this bill thinking of the faces of each veteran whose hand we shook that day, every medal ceremony we attended since being elected, and honor flight we have greeted at the World War II monument. But most of all we are thinking of the numerous heart wrenching stories we have heard from veterans and their families who feel abandoned by the agency whose sole mission it is to care for them. The term customer service is too often forgotten in federal bureaucracies. And in lieu of the many scandals within the VA system, one would think any relief or improvement would be welcomed. Congress owes it to those veterans we represent to do our job and hold the VA accountable. WINGMAN had the support of every member of the House VA Committee and received unanimous support by the 435 members of the U.S. House of Representatives. However, Sen. Reid stands in WINGMAN's way. Does Sen. Reid know more than the 435 members of the House or the unanimous support of the House VA Committee? We will not forget the promises we made to our veterans. We will fight for them every day of every year that we are in office.  We are deeply saddened that a few of our colleagues in the Senate cannot, or will not, do the same.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399185", "House Keeps Promise, Reauthorizes Another Water Resources Bill", "2016-12-09", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Rodney Davis", "D000619", "rodneydavis.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "House Keeps Promise, Reauthorizes Another Water Resources Bill \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington, DC,\r\n        December 9, 2016\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) today released this statement after the House passed the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act, which includes the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA). This bill is expected to be signed into law after passage in the Senate this week.As a member of the House Transportation Committee, we promised to reauthorize the water resources bill every two years to ensure proper oversight of the Army Corps so we can repair and enhance our waterways, said Davis. I believe the Corps can and must do better than taking 10 or 20 years to get projects off the ground. This is why I am requesting a study on the cost and benefits of transferring management of the Inland Waterway Trust Fund to a not-for-profit or government-owned corporation. Our farmers need, and taxpayers deserve, a reliable system to move their products to market. Other 13th District priorities in the bill include:  Directs a study on systematic flood damage reduction in the Upper Mississippi and Illinois River Basins;  \r\n Improves the Army Corps of Engineers Section 408 permitting process without expanding Federal jurisdiction; and  \r\n Language allowing approval of state programs for the control of coal combustion materials, including coal ash.  \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://kinzinger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399462", "House Votes to Invest in Waterway Infrastructure", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Adam Kinzinger", "K000378", "kinzinger.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, the House passed legislation that addresses the needs of waterways infrastructure throughout the country. Following votes, Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) released this statement:\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Washington, DC \u2013 Today, the House passed legislation that addresses the needs of waterways infrastructure throughout the country. Following votes, Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) released this statement:\r\n\u201cToday, the House passed legislation that will help to ensure the integrity and effectiveness of waterways systems throughout the nation. These systems are vital sources of drinking water for our communities, transportation for our businesses, and places of enjoyment for our families. Included in this legislation are important reforms to encourage greater oversight of water infrastructure projects around the country while giving local voices a stronger say in project selection. These improvements for our drinking water and infrastructure will be critically important not only here in Illinois, but across the nation. \r\n\u201cAs the House concluded its legislative business today by passing a continuing resolution to fund the government through April 28, 2017, the next step in working for the American people begins. And, as the Majority Leader said in closing, we are looking forward to a busy and productive 115th Congress.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://kinzinger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399463", "Rep. Kinzinger on the Passing of American hero, John Glenn", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Adam Kinzinger", "K000378", "kinzinger.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "After the news of the passing of astronaut, combat veteran, and former Senator John Glenn, Congressman Adam Kinzinger (IL-16) released the following statement:\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Washington, DC \u2013 Congressman Adam Kinzinger (IL-16) released the following statement on the passing of astronaut, combat veteran, and former U.S. Senator John Glenn:\r\n\u201cA member of the Greatest Generation, John Glenn was an American hero at a time when we needed it most during the Cold War.\u00a0 He left an indelible mark on history when, in 1962, he became the first U.S. astronaut to orbit the Earth.\u00a0 He also served as a military pilot in WWII and the Korean War, and later represented the state of Ohio in the United States Senate. \r\n \u201cMy thoughts and prayers are with his wife and family, and the entire NASA community.\u00a0 As a nation, we are eternally grateful for John Glenn, for his service to us and the world of space and science. His legacy will continue to encourage us all to dream, discover, and explore.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lahood.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/lahood-bill-included-water-resources-infrastructure-measure-one-step", "LaHood Bill Included in Water Resources, Infrastructure Measure is One Step Closer to President's Desk", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Darin LaHood", "L000585", "lahood.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.\u2014Congressman Darin LaHood voted today to pass the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act, comprehensive legislation to address the needs of America\u2019s harbors, locks, and dams, flood protection, and other water resources infrastructure critical to America\u2019s economy. The WIIN Act includes a bill introduced by Rep. LaHood\u2014the Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act of 2016. WIIN passed the house today by a vote of 360-61.\n\u201cWater infrastructure in central and west-central Illinois is critical to the success of economic development and job growth, which is why I\u2019m thrilled to see this bill pass with such strong support. The Illinois River touches 11 of the 19 counties I represent in the 18th District, with nearly two million jobs tied to related activities. It\u2019s crucial that our waterways operate efficiently and effectively, especially given the fact that more than 600 million tons of cargo worth more than $230 billion moves throughout our national network annually. The Mississippi River and the Illinois River collectively transport almost 65,000 tons of this cargo each year. By providing vital support, this bill supports the life blood of the economy: \u00a0efficient transportation of goods on our waterways, which ultimately supports manufacturing and agriculture.\u201d stated Rep. LaHood. \u201cAdditionally, I am pleased to see legislation that I introduced in the House earlier this year included in this bill. As a father who regularly enjoys the outdoors with my three sons, modernizing the Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act will improve conservation efforts for outdoorsmen and increase economic opportunities for our fishermen.\u201d\nThe WIIN Act authorizes $10 billion in fully offset funds for critical projects and activities related to the key missions of the Army Corps of Engineers, builds on the bipartisan reforms of WRDA 2014, and continues to restore the two-year WRDA cycle that is critical to Congressional oversight.\nFor more on the Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act of 2016, click here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399184", "Davis Statement on Rivan Automotive's Discussions to Purchase Closed Mitsubishi Plant in Normal", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Rodney Davis", "D000619", "rodneydavis.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Davis Statement on Rivan Automotive's Discussions to Purchase Closed Mitsubishi Plant in Normal \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Springfield, IL,\r\n        December 8, 2016\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) today released the following statement following the news that Rivan Automotive is in discussion to purchase the closed Mitsubishi Motors plant in Normal:\"This is great news for the Bloomington-Normal community,\" said Davis. \"We have always known that this community is home to some of the most-talented, driven workers right here in Central Illinois and this is reflected by Rivian's desire to invest and create jobs here. It's also because of the diligent efforts led by the Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council, Town of Normal and Mayor Koos, the McLean County Board, and the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity to recruit new employers to the area.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://shimkus.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/as-congress-adjourns-shimkus-recalls-accomplishments", "As Congress Adjourns, Shimkus Recalls Accomplishments", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "John Shimkus", "S000364", "shimkus.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, as the U.S. House of Representatives adjourned for the 114th Congress, Congressman John Shimkus (R, Illinois-15) touted a number of his recent legislative accomplishments.\n\u201cThere is this media-driven myth that nothing good ever gets done on Capitol Hill anymore,\u201d said Shimkus. \u201cBut if you look past the partisan bickering and hyped-up controversies that grab headlines, I think most Americans would be surprised at what the 114th Congress actually accomplished.\u201d \u00a0\nDuring the two-year session, Shimkus introduced eight bills that were signed into law.\nEnacting Chemical Safety Reform\n\u201cMy top legislative achievement this Congress was undoubtedly bringing the Toxic Substances Control Act into the 21st Century,\u201d said Shimkus. \u201cVirtually every manufactured good we come into contact with each day \u2013 from carpets to car seats to cleaning solutions \u2013 is touched by a law that had not been updated in 40 years. The bipartisan legislation I authored and negotiated will give consumers confidence that the products they buy are safe for their intended use, and will give industry the certainty they need to grow and create jobs.\u201d\nShimkus\u2019s chemical safety legislation, which was signed into law last June, had broad support from industry and environmental groups alike \u2013 including a number of chemical manufacturers and distributers with ties to southern Illinois.\nMaking Improvements to FDA Reviews\n\u201cIn the coming days, policy ideas from six healthcare bills I authored will also be signed into law as part of the 21st Century Cures legislation,\u201d Shimkus said. \u201cMy provisions included in that bill seek to speed up FDA\u2019s review and approval processes for medical devices, as well as allow for more review exemptions for devices needed to treat some of the rarest diseases. Along with another provision aimed at treating drug-resistant infections, these improvements to our healthcare system will help maintain American leadership in medical innovation.\u201d\nA summary of Shimkus-sponsored provisions included in the Cures bill can be found HERE.\nKeeping the Promise to Veterans\nIn the 114th Congress, Shimkus also supported more than a half-dozen bills aimed at improving care and benefits for our nation\u2019s veterans. Those that have been signed into law include the Hire More Heroes Act, authored by Congressman Rodney Davis (R, Illinois-13), and the No Veterans Crisis Line Call Should Go Unanswered Act, which Shimkus cosponsored.\nConstituents and veterans in Vermilion County will also benefit from legislation Shimkus worked to have signed into law this year. That bill, now law, allows for a mutually beneficial land transfer between Danville Area Community College and VA Illiana Health Care System.\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399182", "Davis Statement on Health Care Fix for Miners in Next Spending Bill", "2016-12-07", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Rodney Davis", "D000619", "rodneydavis.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) released this statement after a provision to protect retired miners' health care benefits was added to the continuing resolution, a bill to fund the federal government. Many retired miners will lose coverage on December 31, 2016 without congressional action. The provision is authorized through April 28, 2017. The House is expected to vote on this bill tomorrow.While I am disappointed that we are not voting on a permanent solution that ensures both health care and pension promises to miners are kept, having this provision in the continuing resolution ensures miners will not lose their health care benefits at the end of the month, said Davis. This gives us time to work with the Trump administration to pass the Coal Health Care and Pension Protection Act, which I believe is the best way to protect miners' hard-earned pensions and health benefits. Problem Pension and health care benefits for retired miners and their families are in jeopardy because the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) 1974 Pension Plan is underfunded. Financial losses in 2008 and EPA overregulation forcing many mines to close have left these funds insolvent. There are currently only 10,000 active workers to support 120,000 retirees. Solution Davis is a cosponsor of the Coal Health Care and Pension Protection Act, a bill to transfer funds from the Abandoned Mine Land (AML) Trust Fund, which contains roughly $400 million set aside to clean up abandoned mines, to address the pension and health care benefits shortfall.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lahood.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-darin-lahood-hits-milestone-constituent-service-cases", "Congressman Darin LaHood Hits Milestone for Constituent Service Cases", "2016-12-05", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Darin LaHood", "L000585", "lahood.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Peoria, IL\u2014Congressman Darin LaHood recently passed a constituent casework milestone, completing 1,500 requests for assistance from individuals in the 18th District. As of today, 1,504 cases have been closed. Over the past year, constituents from across Central and West-Central Illinois have contacted LaHood for assistance pertaining to federal issues in numerous areas, including veterans\u2019 affairs, IRS issues, passports, Social Security, and Medicare.\n\u201cMy focus, each and every day, is providing the people of the 18th District with strong constituent service. That\u2019s accomplished by ensuring the best service to the citizens of this District who need help navigating the federal bureaucracies,\u201d said Rep. Darin LaHood. \u201cThis position is about helping people and my hope is that this milestone is a reminder that my offices can be a resource to any individuals seeking assistance at the federal level.\u201d\nLaHood currently has four district offices, located in Peoria, Springfield, Jacksonville, and most recently in Bloomington. Constituent Service Representatives regularly hold mobile office hours each month at various locations across the district\u2019s 19 counties to meet one-on-one with constituents and review current cases or open new cases. LaHood\u2019s office information is listed below:\n\u00a0\nPeoria  \n\t100 NE Monroe St, Rm. 100, Peoria, IL 61602  \n\t(309) 671-7027Springfield  \n\t235 S Sixth St, Springfield, IL 62701  \n\t(217) 670-1653Jacksonville  \n\t201 W. Morgan St, Jacksonville, IL 62650  \n\t(217) 245-1431Bloomington  \n\t3004 G.E. Road, Suite 1B, Bloomington, IL 61704  \n\t(309) 205-9556", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kinzinger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399460", "House Passes National Defense Authorization Act", "2016-12-02", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Adam Kinzinger", "K000378", "kinzinger.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, the House voted on final passage for the National Defense Authorization Act. With a tradition of strong bipartisan support, this annual legislation funds our military, protects the homeland, and supports our troops. Following this vote, Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) released the following statement:\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Washington, DC  Today, the House voted on final passage for the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). With a tradition of strong bipartisan support, this annual legislation funds our military, protects the homeland, and supports our troops. Following this vote, Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) released the following statement:\nIt is critically important that we fund our military and support the men and women who protect us here at home. The FY 2017 NDAA passed the House with strong support, continuing a 55 year tradition of bipartisan work on behalf of our troops. \nIncluded in the NDAA budget is language from the bicameral 'Countering Disinformation and Propaganda Act' - legislation I developed with Congressman Ted Lieu (CA) to help America's allies counter government propaganda from nations like Russia, China, and others. This legislation will streamline our counter-propaganda efforts by creating a new Global Engagement Center, and will reaffirm our commitment to empowering our allies against foreign manipulation.\nSupporting our troops is paramount to our national security, but we must also be sure to keep our promises to those that made sacrifices to serve and assist the United States military overseas. Section 1214 of the NDAA extends the Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program for four years and permits 1500 additional visas. These Afghan men and women who would be eligible for these visas risked their lives, and the safety of their families, to serve and help the United States. We cannot leave them behind, and we cannot go back on our word. Senator John McCain (AZ), Congressman Earl Blumenauer (OR), and I have been very outspoken on the importance of sustaining the SIV program, and I'm glad to see these provisions included in the final NDAA package.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lahood.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-darin-lahood-votes-rebuild-military-provide-largest-pay-raise", "Rep. Darin LaHood Votes to Rebuild Military, Provide Largest Pay Raise to Troops in Six Years", "2016-12-02", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Darin LaHood", "L000585", "lahood.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.\u2014Today, Congressman Darin LaHood voted for the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for FY2017. The bill, which funds the Department of Defense, rebuilds our military, and ensures our troops have the tools necessary to carry out missions, passed with a bipartisan vote of 375-34.\n\u201cThis is about our national security and supporting those who protect it. This bill will ensure that our military has the resources they need to protect themselves and those at home. Additionally, thanks to this bill, our troops\u2014who serve and sacrifice for the sake of our freedoms\u2014will be receiving the largest pay increase in six years,\u201d stated Rep. LaHood. \u201cThe decades of support for this annual bill show that we all have a mutual duty and desire to support our troops and their efforts to keep Americans safe at home and abroad.\u201d\nThe annual defense authorization fulfills Congress\u2019 Constitutional responsibility to \u201cprovide for the common defense.\u201d Among many measures, FY17 NDAA authorizes $619 billion for the national defense, improves access to health care for our troops and their families, prohibits the transfer of detainees at Guantanamo Bay to the U.S., and provides resources to combat Islamic extremists. Funding also targets core defense requirements and military readiness with support for increased personnel, training, maintenance, and procurement.\nCongressman Darin LaHood proudly serves the constituents of Illinois\u2019 18th Congressional District, consisting of more than 710,000 constituents across 19 counties throughout Central and West-Central Illinois. Darin was born and raised in Central Illinois and currently resides in the Peoria area with his wife, Kristen, and their three children.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399179", "Davis Statement on Passage of State Energy Bill", "2016-12-02", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Rodney Davis", "D000619", "rodneydavis.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Davis Statement on Passage of State Energy Bill \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Springfield, IL,\r\n        December 2, 2016\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) today released the following statement after the Illinois state legislature passed an energy bill to help Exelon's nuclear plants: I commend Governor Rauner and state legislators, including Chapin Rose and Bill Mitchell, for working together to pass an energy bill that will help keep DeWitt County's largest employer open for business, said Davis. Clinton Power Station is responsible for thousands of good-paying jobs and economic benefits that will stay in this community because of this legislation. This gives us ten years to develop better policies to ensure base load power stations, like Clinton, remain an integral part of our energy grid. Davis and other members of the Illinois Congressional Delegation sent a letter back in May urging state action.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399180", "Bill to Fund Cancer Moonshot, Accelerate Medical Treatments, & Reform Mental Health Passes House", "2016-12-02", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Rodney Davis", "D000619", "rodneydavis.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) today released this statement after the House passed the House-Senate compromise for the 21st Century Cures Act, which includes funding for the Cancer Moonshot,' accelerates development of life-saving and life-improving medical treatments, and includes major mental health reform legislation the House passed in September.The 21st Century Cures Act includes funding for the Cancer Moonshot' initiative to that Davis has worked to pass.  \nToday, it takes an average of 15 years to move a drug from the lab to our local pharmacies, said Davis. And like too many of my constituents, my family has been impacted by illness, both successful and unsuccessful battles with cancer, so if we can speed up this process by even just one year by cutting through bureaucratic red tape, we must do so. Curing cancer must be our next mission to the moon and this legislation helps us get one step closer. Additionally, this legislation includes major mental health reform legislation passed by the House earlier this year. H.R. 2646, the Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act, which was written by the only clinical psychologist serving in Congress, represents the first significant changes our mental health system in more than a decade. The Washington Post has called this bill a remarkable achievement' to reforming our nation's mental health system. Whether it's another mass killing or another suicide, which is now the second leading cause of death for adolescents and young adults, we're reminded each time that our country is facing a mental health crisis that we cannot afford to ignore, said Davis. We are pouring billions of dollars every year into a system that is broken and failing to help those who need it. This bipartisan legislation changes the way we treat mental illness in this country and will help those suffering get the care they need before it's too late. The bill takes steps to prevent our jails from being the de facto holding facilities for the mentally ill, coordinate more than 112 existing federal mental health programs, and improve communication between providers, families, and patients. Learn more about the 21st Century Cures Act and the Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://roskam.house.gov/Roskam-Deutch-Campus-Anti-Semitism", "Roskam, Deutch Target Campus Anti-Semitism", "2016-12-02", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Peter Roskam", "R000580", "roskam.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Today, U.S. Representatives Peter J. Roskam (R-IL) and Ted Deutch (D-FL) introduced bipartisan legislation to combat the rising tide of anti-Semitism at our nation\u2019s college campuses. The Anti-Semitism Awareness Act broadens the Department of Education\u2019s (DOE) criteria to include all forms of discrimination against Jews, including extreme anti-Zionism and anti-Israel harassment. This legislation will equip the DOE to accurately identify, investigate, and punish all forms of Jew-hatred.\nAnti-Semitic attacks on college campuses have nearly doubled in recent years according to recent reports. Although the DOE\u2019s Office for Civil Rights has actively combatted these incidents, the Department lacks firm statutory guidance on how to define anti-Semitism. By codifying the definition of anti-Semitism adopted by the U.S. State Department\u2019s Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism, this legislation will enable the DOE to protect students from the most insidious and modern forms of anti-Semitism, which are often masked as anti-Zionism.\nPer the State Department\u2019s definition of anti-Semitism, shared by the European Parliament Working Group, \"[a]nti-Semitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of anti-Semitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities.\"\nExamples of anti-Semitism under this definition include the following:\n Calling for, aiding, or justifying the killing or harming of Jews\n\tMaking mendacious, dehumanizing, demonizing, or stereotypical allegations about Jews as such or the power of Jews as a collective.\n\tAccusing the Jews as a people, or Israel as a state, of inventing or exaggerating the Holocaust.\n\tAccusing Jewish citizens of being more loyal to Israel, or to the alleged priorities of Jews worldwide, than to the interest of their own nations.\n The State Department\u2019s definition also defines the three \u201cDs,\u201d which indicate when anti-Israel rhetoric is indeed anti-Semitic:\nDEMONIZE ISRAEL:\n Using the symbols and images associated with classic anti-Semitism to characterize Israel or Israelis\n\tDrawing comparisons of contemporary Israeli policy to that of the Nazis\n DOUBLE STANDARD FOR ISRAEL:\n Applying double standards by requiring of it a behavior not expected or demanded of any other democratic nation\n\tMultilateral organizations focusing on Israel only for peace or human rights investigations\n DELEGITIMIZE ISRAEL:\n Denying the Jewish people their right to self-determination, and denying Israel the right to exist\n See the full State Department definition here.\nReps. Nita Lowey (D-NY), Chris Smith (R-NJ), Eliot Engel (D-NY), Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Kay Granger (R-TX), and Steve Israel (D-NY),\u00a0who serve alongside Reps. Roskam and Deutch as Co-Chairs\u00a0of the House of Representatives Bipartisan Taskforce for Combating Anti-Semitism, are original co-sponsors of the legislation.\nRead the full text of the bill here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lahood.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-passes-bill-advance-cures-rare-diseases-lahood-support", "House Passes Bill to Advance Cures for Rare Diseases with LaHood Support", "2016-12-01", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Darin LaHood", "L000585", "lahood.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2014 This week, Rep. LaHood voted for the 21st Century Cures Act, legislation to accelerate the development of life-saving cures and treatments for patients suffering from terminal diseases. This bill modernizes health care infrastructure by supporting research and innovation that can lead to new medication development, streamlining the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulatory process, and improving the review of medical devices while maintaining safety standards.\n\t\u201cDisease runs in every family, and we only have cures for 500 of the 10,000 known diseases people are suffering from. Scientific advancement has the potential to save lives\u2014but red tape blocks the way and stifles innovation. We need to streamline the federal regulatory process and target funding towards research focused on expediting the discovery, development, and delivery of more treatments and cures,\u201d stated Rep. LaHood. \u201cThis bill also includes priorities for our district. It continues funding for the fight against heroin and opioid abuse, and includes key reforms of our mental health system in America\u2014such as strengthening the mental health workforce and coordinating mental health programs. I hear constantly from constituents whose loved ones are suffering and even dying from diseases without treatment or a cure. This bill is for them.\u00a0 It\u2019s a huge step towards relief and hope for patients and their families across America.\u201d\n\tThe 21st Century Cures Act allocates $4.8 billion in fully offset funding to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for research and development, $500 million to the FDA for regulatory modernization to get drugs and medical devices to patients who need them more quickly, and $1 billion for grants to states to supplement the fight against heroin and opioid abuse through expanded treatment and prevention programs. It passed the House by a vote of 392-26.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://hultgren.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/hultgren-supports-legislation-to-speed-up-life-saving-treatments-and", "Hultgren Supports Legislation to Speed Up Life-Saving Treatments and Overhaul Medical Research", "2016-11-30", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Randy Hultgren", "H001059", "hultgren.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2014 U.S. Representative Randy Hultgren (IL-14) voted in favor of the 21st Century Cures Act, which passed the House today. In addition to an updated bill (which Rep. Hultgren cosponsored and which passed the House earlier this year), the legislation includes the Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Reform Act and the Increasing Choice, Access and Quality in Health Care for Americans Act. Click here for a full summary of the fully paid for, fiscally responsible legislation.\n\u201c21st Century Cures is a monumental step forward for the people I talk to every day who suffer from an illness for which there is no cure or, at best, limited treatment options available,\u201d said Rep. Hultgren. \u201cThese men and women need more options and better access to more advanced treatments, and this bill gives them hope by streamlining FDA review of life-saving drugs, modernizing the clinical trial process and investing in our researchers.\u201d\nThe 21st Century Cures Act provides:\n $4.8 billion in funding for the National Institutes of Health for the Precision Medicine Initiative, brain research and cancer research.\n\t$500 million in funding for the Food and Drug Administration to support drug review and get new treatments and medical devices to patients more quickly.\n\t$1 billion in grants for the prevention and treatment of opioid abuse.\n \u201cThis legislation represents good government at its best. All new spending on research will be fully paid for, allowing Congress to invest in science in a sustainable, fiscally responsible way,\u201d said Rep. Hultgren.\nThe legislative package passed today also includes a number of provisions to provide support to families suffering from mental illness and substance abuse, give states flexibility to address these issues with in a more targeted way, and improve care and coverage in and for hospitals, small businesses, rural providers and seniors.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kinzinger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399459", "Rep. Kinzinger on Bringing Health Care to the 21st Century", "2016-11-30", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Adam Kinzinger", "K000378", "kinzinger.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, the House passed landmark legislation that fosters innovation and provides a once-in-a-generation opportunity to help researchers change the way we fight disease. After joining his colleagues in voting in favor of the 21st Century Cures Act, Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) released the following statement:\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Washington, DC  Today, the House passed landmark legislation that fosters innovation and provides a once-in-a-generation opportunity to help researchers change the way we fight disease. After joining his colleagues in voting in favor of the 21st Century Cures Act, Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) released the following statement:\nThe 21st Century Cures Act is an innovation game-changer for health care in the United States. I'm proud to work on the House Energy and Commerce Committee where Chairman Upton has championed this bill from day one. \nThe Cures Act makes research more collaborative, focuses on the patient, and puts us on a path to finding cures for the thousands of diseases that plague millions here at home and around the world. The bill contains funding for state grants to address the opioid epidemic, funding to focus on brain-related diseases like Alzheimer's and includes legislation to address the country's mental health crisis. I urge my Senate colleagues to act soon to keep the momentum going on this critically important legislation.\nThe bill received overwhelming bipartisan support in the House tonight, and is expected to be voted on in the Senate early next week. Additionally, over 300 outside groups have shared their support for the legislation. A list of these groups can be found on the House Energy and Commerce Committee website here, and featured in the graphic below.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399178", "Davis Bill to Help Improve Veterans Claims Process Passes House", "2016-11-29", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Rodney Davis", "D000619", "rodneydavis.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) released the following statement after his bill to improve the veterans' claims process passed the House today. Davis and U.S. Rep. Ted Yoho (R-Fla.) introduced H.R. 5166, the WINGMAN Act in May. This bill is similar to legislation Davis announced at his Veterans Resource Fair in Springfield last August.As members of Congress, helping constituents with casework, or ensuring federal agencies are being responsive to the people we represent, is one of the most important parts of our job, said Davis. Unfortunately, not only is the VA unresponsive to many of our constituents, they are also one of the most difficult agencies to work with when we contact them on their behalf. This legislation will not solve the systemic problems plaguing the VA but it will help us hold the VA accountable and get answers for the veterans we are honored to represent.\n    \n        \n            \n        \n    \n\nClick to download the above video.The WINGMAN Act will grant certified congressional staff access to the files they already have permission to, but eliminates the burdensome step of having to use the VA as a middle-man to receive them. Advocates will be able to access the status of a pending claim, medical records, comp and pen records, rating decisions, statement of the case, supplementary statement of the case, notice of disagreement, and Form-9 files. Text of Davis' prepared floor remarks are as follow: Carl, an Army veteran from Springfield, IL, couldn't get a response from the VA to receive a cancer treatment through the VA choice program. After multiple communications, my office was finally able to get authorization from the VA. Bette of Staunton, IL  the wife of a decorated Vietnam veteran who served his country for more a decade  waited over a year for an answer from the VA about benefits owed to her late husband. Finally, my office was successful in getting Bette, who was experiencing financial difficulty at the time, the accrued benefits owed to her husband. Kenneth of Urbana, IL  who received a Bronze Star while serving in Kuwait, Iraq, and Afghanistan  was denied benefits due to missing a doctor's examination because he was deployed at the time and the VA never rescheduled the appointment. He contacted my office and we worked with the VA to ensure his benefits were received. Lawrence of Palmer, IL, a Bronze Star and Purple Heart recipient, simply wanted a copy of his medical records but never heard back from the VA. After several months, he reached out to my office and we were able to get them from the VA. Another constituent of mine, recently asked my office for help after her husband, who was a veteran, passed away. She's been waiting for six months for an answer from the VA. And now, my office continues to wait for a response from the VA. These examples not only show the incompetence and unresponsiveness of the VA but they also show how important congressional offices are to getting answers veterans need and deserve. Many times, when a veteran contacts their member of Congress for help, it's as a last resort and they don't know where else to turn. Our caseworkers become the middle man between the veteran and the VA. VA casework in my office remains highest in volume  we currently have 96 open cases and we've closed nearly 1,000 during my four years in office. And ask almost any caseworker, and they will tell you that the VA is one of the most difficult federal agencies to get a response from. It's completely unacceptable that weeks or months pass before advocates are able to receive the files they've requested to help our veterans. HR 5166, the WINGMAN Act, simply allows certified constituent advocates access to certain VA files in order to check the status and progress of claims. This legislation will not solve the systemic problems plaguing the VA but it will help us hold the VA accountable and get answers for the veterans we are honored to represent. I want to thank my colleague Representative Yoho for working with me on this important issue and I urge my colleagues to help us help veterans by supporting this bill. I yield back.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399175", "Davis Celebrates Small Business Saturday With Visit to Dels Popcorn Shop", "2016-11-23", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Rodney Davis", "D000619", "rodneydavis.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Davis Celebrates Small Business Saturday With Visit to Del's Popcorn Shop \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Decatur, IL,\r\n        November 23, 2016\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) visited local small businesses on Merchant Street ahead of Small Business Saturday, which is November 26. Small Business Saturday is an opportunity to celebrate the contributions of small businesses across the country.  \n\n\n    \n        \n            \n        \n    \n\n  \n\n  \nDavis stopped by Del's Popcorn Shop on Merchant Street in Decatur. He visited with employees, met with owner Kemper Wilcutt II, and purchased a few bags of popcorn. Del's opened in 1934 as just 'The Popcorn Shop' and has been a Central Illinois staple ever since.  Small businesses represent first jobs, entrepreneurial aspirations, new opportunities, and the realization of the American Dream  they are the foundation of this country, said Davis. But they also represent hard work. Ask almost any small business owner and they'll tell you that this is a tough environment for them. It's one of the reasons I worked to pass the Hire More Heroes Act, which helps small businesses hire more veterans by providing some relief from Obamacare. House Republicans have released a plan  A Better Way  to make it easier for small businesses to succeed. From tax reform to overhauling our regulatory structure, we want a pro-growth economy that works for all Americans.  \nMore about A Better Way economic agenda.  \nSmall Business Facts  Half of all working Americans who have a job in the private sector are working at a small business.  \n Nearly 7 out of every 10 new jobs come from a small business.  \n Since 2008, more small businesses have closed than have opened.  \n 98% of American exporters are small businesses.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kinzinger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399456", "Rep. Adam Kinzinger to Collect Holiday Cards for Veterans", "2016-11-22", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Adam Kinzinger", "K000378", "kinzinger.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R-Channahon) will be collecting holiday cards for local veterans starting today. Members of the community are welcomed and encouraged to participate in sending a letter or card to the veterans of the Illinois Veterans Home in LaSalle. \r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      OTTAWA, IL  Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R-Channahon) will be collecting holiday cards for local veterans starting today. Members of the community are welcomed and encouraged to participate in sending a letter or card to the veterans of the Illinois Veterans Home in LaSalle. More information is provided in the following statement from the Congressman: \r\nThe holidays are right around the corner and many of us are gearing up to spend time with our family, friends, and loved ones. It's a time to give thanks and share in the joys of the freedoms we enjoy here in America. \r\nIt's important to think about our men and women serving overseas and all those who have served to protect and defend this great nation. \r\nPlease join me in thanking our military by writing a letter or card to our local veterans. To participate, please mail your letters/cards to my Ottawa office or, if you're in the area, please drop it off at the office during normal business hours. Our deadline will be December 8, 2016. I'll collect the letters and personally deliver them to the veterans at the Illinois Veterans Home in LaSalle on Monday, December 12. \r\nAs a community, this is one way we can give thanks to our veterans, and show our unwavering support and appreciation.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399173", "ICYMI: Davis Guest Post on Student Debt Featured in Forbes", "2016-11-22", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Rodney Davis", "D000619", "rodneydavis.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.), along with U.S. Reps. Scott Peters (D-Calif.), Tom MacArthur (R-N.J.), and the CEO of Natixis Global Asset Management, John Hailer, published a guest post in Forbes last week about their efforts to help more college graduates pay down student debt, which is now the second highest form of consumer debt. Davis' legislation, the Employer Participation in Student Loan Assistance Act, would provide a new tool to help employers recruit and retain employees by allowing them to help them repay student loans with pre-tax dollars. Below are excerpts from Davis' guest post in Forbes:  \nEconomic impact The class of 2016 graduated with the most student loan debt of any graduating class in history. The average graduate had more than $35,000 in loan debt, up 6% since 2015 Substantial student loan debt is not only a burden for graduates, but it hurts our economy Student loan debt results in fewer people starting their own business. It causes individuals to put off major life decisions, like getting married and having children. It delays major purchases like buying a new car or a first home. And it impedes retirement savings, especially for millennial workers  \nPrivate companies take the lead Fortunately, a small number of employers have decided to take the lead and begin offering student loan repayment assistance, and more should follow suit. Employers offering student loan repayment assistance not only help attract and retain top-level talent, but they also send a message that employers know they receive the benefit of an educated workforce and are willing to contribute. Only 3% of U.S. employers currently offer some form of student loan repayment assistance. This number needs to grow, and quickly  \nLegislative solutions Several pieces of legislation now pending on Capitol Hill would empower and enable such efforts and encourage more companies to help employees pay down student loans. These bills, the Student Loan Repayment Assistance Act and the Employer Participation in Student Loan Assistance Act, are bipartisan proposals that incentivize employers to help graduates pay down student loan debt through a tax-exempt benefit Why it works Recent studies have shown employer-provided student loan repayment assistance has long-term benefits. If an employer provides $100 a month towards student loan debt, it can shorten a ten-year loan by more than three years, saving over $4,000 in interest Read the entire post in Forbes.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://hultgren.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/hultgren-s-traveling-help-desk-to-assist-kane-kendall-will-county-residents", "Hultgrens Traveling Help Desk to Assist Kane, Kendall, Will County Residents", "2016-11-21", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Randy Hultgren", "H001059", "hultgren.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Campton Hills, IL \u2014 U.S. Representative Randy Hultgren (IL-14) today announced his Traveling Help Desk will visit Sugar Grove, Plainfield and Yorkville in the coming weeks to help assist residents of the 14th Congressional District. Staff experts will be available to address any issues constituents may have with federal agencies, listen to their concerns and deliver those concerns directly to the Congressman. Staff can give assistance regarding Social Security benefits, Medicare/Medicaid, Veteran\u2019s Affairs, U.S Citizenship and Immigration Services, international travel, the Internal Revenue Service and more.\n\u201cIt\u2019s easy to become cynical about Congress and the bureaucracy, but this experience has shown me that there is indeed a lot of good that is done.\u201d  \n\t\u2014Actual quote from Judi, Campton Hills resident, after receiving help from the office\nLocation and times include:\nWednesday, November 30  \n\t(Kane County)  \n\t11:30 a.m. \u2013 1:00 p.m.  \n\tSugar Grove Public Library  \n\t125 S. Municipal Drive  \n\tSugar Grove, IL 60554\nThursday, December 8  \n\t(Will County)  \n\t11:30 a.m. \u2013 1:00 p.m.  \n\tVillage of Plainfield  \n\t24401 W. Lockport Street  \n\tPlainfield, IL 60544\nThursday, December 15  \n\t(Kendall County)  \n\t11:30 a.m. \u2013 1:00 p.m.  \n\tYorkville Public Library  \n\t902 Game Farm Road  \n\tYorkville, IL 60560\nConstituents seeking assistance will be asked to fill out a consent form, which allows staff to begin the process of resolving their concern, and should also bring any pertinent information related to their issue.\nRep. Hultgren has traveled throughout the 14th District and has recently held Traveling Help Desks, Listening Sessions and Coffees with the Congressman in the following cities:\n Geneva\n\tHampshire\n\tHuntley\n\tPlainfield\n\tSt. Charles\n\tSugar Grove\n\tSycamore\n\tWoodstock\n\tYorkville\n\tGurnee\n\tMcHenry\n ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lahood.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-darin-lahood-votes-reign-midnight-regulations", "REP. DARIN LAHOOD VOTES TO REIN IN MIDNIGHT REGULATIONS", "2016-11-17", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Darin LaHood", "L000585", "lahood.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC\u2014 Rep. LaHood released the following statement on The Midnight Rules Relief Act of 2016, which passed out of the House today on a 240-179 vote:\n\u201cThe American people have spoken and the message was loud and clear\u2014\u2018we want less government and less regulation.\u2019 President Obama should respect that. \u00a0The House is working to keep all Presidents in check moving forward to prevent top-down regulations pushed through at the stroke of midnight. These \u201cmidnight rules\u201d defy the will of the voters and undercut public transparency. That\u2019s why the House passed H.R. 5982, the Midnight Rules Relief Act, which allows Congress to use one of its tools \u2013 the Congressional Review Act \u2014to disapprove of multiple regulations at once. Having a rapid-response method will help Congress combat regulations passed in lame duck sessions.\"\nThe Congressional Review Act (CRA) has been in place since 1996 to allow Congress to disapprove new rules, including midnight rules, within 60 days. Under current law, however, individual CRA resolutions can only disapprove one rule at a time. A wave of midnight rules thus can overwhelm Congress\u2019 ability to respond with CRA resolutions. H.R. 5982 amends the Congressional Review Act so multiple problematic midnight rules can be disapproved if necessary, and ensures there is enough time for consideration before an Administration leaves office.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://roskam.house.gov/House-Blocks-Boeing-Iran-Financing", "Congress Blocks Boeing Iran Financing", "2016-11-17", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Peter Roskam", "R000580", "roskam.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Today, the House of Representatives voted 243-174 to pass H.R. 5711, which blocks the Treasury Department from issuing licenses to finance aircraft sales to the Islamic Republic of Iran.\nThe Islamic Republic has a history of using commercial aircraft to transport weapons, missiles, troops, and cash to the Assad Regime in Syria and its other terror proxies around the world. The rogue state recently signed memoranda of understanding with both Airbus and Boeing to buy over 200 new planes, even as it continues its ballistic missile program and support for international terrorism.\nU.S. Representative Peter J. Roskam has led the charge to keep the Iranian Regime from acquiring military technology and capabilities. Watch Rep. Roskam debate H.R. 5711 on the House floor here.\nThe bill applies equally to both Airbus and Boeing, and includes Rep. Roskam\u2019s No Ex-Im Assistance for Terrorism Act, which bars the Export-Import Bank of the United States from facilitating such deals, directly or indirectly.\nBackground\nIn April, Rep. Roskam wrote an Op-Ed in The\u00a0Wall Street Journal urging Western companies not to do business in Iran. \u201cIf you wouldn\u2019t do business with Islamic State, you shouldn\u2019t do business with the Islamic Republic,\u201d he wrote. Rep. Roskam spoke with French and European media outlets to warn Airbus not to sell planes to the Iranians.\nIn May, he joined fellow Illinois Reps. Robert Dold and Randy Hultgren in sending a letter to Boeing\u2019s CEO urging the Chicago-based company not to empower the terror-sponsoring regime. Senior members of the Congressional delegation from Washington state, where Boeing is the largest private employer, crafted another letter of inquiry.\nIn June, Iranian regime officials announced their intention to buy and lease 109 new Boeing aircraft in a deal worth up to $25 billion, pending approval from the U.S. government. Rep. Roskam and Financial Services Committee Chairman Jeb Hensarling wrote to Boeing once again, asking specific questions to help them assess the national security implications of such a deal. Rep. Roskam wrote an Op-Ed in USA Today detailing his opposition to the misguided, dangerous proposal.\nIn July, the Financial Services Committee held a hearing on the implications of aircraft sales to Iran. Both Republicans and Democrats spoke out in support of legislation to block or impede the transfer of these militarily-fungible goods to the world\u2019s leading state sponsor or terror.\nThe House easily passed\u00a0two amendments authored by Rep. Roskam to block the controversial sales of both Boeing and Airbus aircraft to the Islamic Republic of Iran. The amendments to the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act passed by voice vote, indicating overwhelming, bipartisan support.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://hultgren.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/hultgren-acts-to-protect-victims-of-isis-perpetrated-genocide-and-assad-war", "Hultgren Acts to Protect Victims of ISIS-Perpetrated Genocide and Assad War Crimes", "2016-11-16", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Randy Hultgren", "H001059", "hultgren.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2014 U.S. Representative Randy Hultgren (IL-14) joined the House of Representatives in supporting and defending victims of genocide and civilians caught in the Syrian conflict from persecution and war crimes, and in holding perpetrators accountable.\nH.R. 5732, the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act, passed the House and would impose sanctions on the Assad regime and other people and entities responsible for supporting or committing war atrocities and human rights abuses in Syria. In addition, Rep. Hultgren has co-sponsored H.R. 5961, the Iraq and Syria Genocide Relief and Accountability Act of 2016. The legislation provides desperately needed humanitarian assistance for internally displaced families in the region, provides priority status for survivors of genocide\u2014Christians, Yazidis, Shia Muslims and other religious and ethnic minorities\u2014to apply for resettlement to the United States without needing a UN referral, and enables the careful investigation, documentation, and persecution of human rights violations as criminal acts, providing justice and long-term accountability for the perpetrators of these crimes.\n\u201cThe Syrian conflict has taken the worst toll on the civilian population caught in the crosshairs of warring parties which in many cases have ignored international humanitarian law and basic human dignity. Crimes against humanity committed by ISIS and the Assad regime are simply appalling,\u201d said Rep. Hultgren. \u201cJustice requires not only immediate aid to these victims, but the accountability of the perpetrators to the rule of law. As the conflict continues, it is essential war crimes and human rights abuses such as torture, rape, civilian killings, and the use of chemical weapons are recorded with precision and accuracy so perpetrators can be brought to justice once a peaceful solution is found.\n\u201cFurther, victims of genocide and persecution need direct assistance in country, and the ability to flee when their lives are threatened. The most vulnerable\u2014women, children, religious and ethnic minorities\u2014should have the ability to apply directly to the United States for assistance and resettlement.\u201d\nAmong other provisions, the Iraq and Syria Genocide Relief and Accountability Act of 2016:\n Directs the Secretary of State to identify threats of persecution, genocide and war crimes; the needs of survivors of such atrocities; and current assistance reaching these groups.\n\tCreates Priority Two (P-2) designation for genocide survivors and members of other persecuted religious and ethnic communities. With P-2 status, refugees will be able to apply for resettlement in the United States without needing a referral from the UN, and NGO, or a US Embassy.\n\tDirects the Secretary of State and Administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development to \u201cprovide funding and other assistance to support entities that are conducting criminal investigations, building Syrian and Iraqi investigative and judicial capacity, collecting evidence, and preserving the chain of evidence for eventual prosecution in domestic courts, hybrid courts, and internationalized domestic courts, against perpetrators.\u201d\n\tDirects the Attorney General to review existing U.S. criminal statutes for gaps in being able to prosecute Americans, or non-Americans present in the United States, for crimes against humanity or war crimes, and recommend whether additional statutory authorities are necessary.\n Rep. Randy Hultgren is an Executive-Committee Member of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission and Commissioner on the Helsinki Commission (Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe) and the Congressional-Executive Commission on China.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kinzinger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399455", "Office of Rep. Adam Kinzinger to Hold Traveling Office Hours", "2016-11-16", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Adam Kinzinger", "K000378", "kinzinger.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "OTTAWA, IL  Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R-Channahon) will hold traveling office hours throughout the Sixteenth District from November 30th to December 2nd. Staffers will be available to assist and provide guidance for constituents on issues such as veterans and social security benefits, Medicare, immigration, and more. Constituents are welcome to come share their questions and concerns. No appointments are necessary. Below is the full list of the traveling office dates, times, and locations: \r\n\r\n\r\n    \r\n        \r\n            \r\n            Boone County\r\n            Belvidere Traveling Office Hours\r\n            December 1, 2016\r\n            11:30 AM  12:30 PM\r\n            Belvidere City Hall\r\n            401 Whitney Boulevard\r\n            Belvidere, IL 61008\r\n            \r\n            \r\n            \r\n            LaSalle County\r\n            Earlville Traveling Office Hours\r\n            December 2, 2016\r\n            9:00 AM  10:00 AM\r\n            Earlville Village Hall\r\n            210 W. Railroad Street\r\n            Earlville, IL 60518\r\n            \r\n            \r\n        \r\n        \r\n            \r\n            DeKalb County\r\n            Waterman Traveling Office Hours\r\n            December 2, 2016\r\n            10:30 AM  11:30 AM\r\n            Waterman Village Hall\r\n            215 W. Adams Street\r\n            Waterman, IL 60556\r\n            \r\n            \r\n            \r\n            Livingston County:\r\n            Flanagan Traveling Office Hours\r\n            December 1, 2016\r\n            1:30 PM  2:30 PM\r\n            Flanagan Community Building\r\n            200 S. Main Street\r\n            Flanagan, IL 61740\r\n            \r\n            \r\n        \r\n        \r\n            \r\n            Ford County:\r\n            Sibley Traveling Office Hours\r\n            November 30, 2016\r\n            12:00 PM  1:00 PM\r\n            Sullivan Township Building\r\n            125 W. Ohio Street\r\n            Sibley, IL 61773\r\n            \r\n            \r\n            \r\n            Livingston County:\r\n            Fairbury Traveling Office Hours\r\n            December 1, 2016\r\n            3:00 PM  4:00 PM\r\n            Fairbury City Hall\r\n            201 W. Locust Street\r\n            Fairbury, IL 61739\r\n            \r\n            \r\n        \r\n        \r\n            \r\n            Grundy County:\r\n            Coal City Traveling Office Hours\r\n            December 1, 2016\r\n            9:00 AM  10:00 AM\r\n            Coal City Village Hall\r\n            515 S. Broadway Street\r\n            Coal City, IL 60416\r\n            \r\n            \r\n            \r\n            Ogle County\r\n            Rochelle Traveling Office Hours\r\n            December 1, 2016\r\n            1:30 PM  2:30 PM\r\n            State Representative Tom Demmer's Office\r\n            1221 Currency Court\r\n            Rochelle, IL 61068\r\n            \r\n            \r\n        \r\n        \r\n            \r\n            Iroquois County:\r\n            Gilman Traveling Office Hours\r\n            November 30, 2016\r\n            2:00 PM  3:00 PM\r\n            Gilman City Hall\r\n            215 N. Central Street\r\n            Gilman, IL 60938\r\n            \r\n            \r\n            \r\n            Will County\r\n            Channahon Traveling Office Hours\r\n            December 2, 2016\r\n            9:00 AM  10:00 AM\r\n            Channahon Village Hall\r\n            24555 S. Navajo Drive\r\n            Channahon, IL 60410\r\n            \r\n            \r\n        \r\n        \r\n            \r\n            Iroquois County:\r\n            Milford Traveling Office Hours\r\n            November 30, 2016\r\n            3:30 PM  4:30 PM\r\n            Milford Village Hall\r\n            15 S. West Avenue\r\n            Milford, IL 60953\r\n            \r\n            \r\n            \r\n            Winnebago County\r\n            Loves Park Traveling Office Hours\r\n            December 1, 2016\r\n            10:00 AM  11:00 AM\r\n            Loves Park City Hall\r\n            100 Heart Boulevard\r\n            Loves Park, IL 61111\r\n            \r\n            \r\n        \r\n    \r\n\r\n\r\n  \r\nNote: Those who cannot attend the traveling office hours but have questions for the Office can contact the Ottawa District Office at (815) 431-9271.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399168", "Davis Honors Officer Blake Snyder on House Floor", "2016-11-16", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Rodney Davis", "D000619", "rodneydavis.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Davis Honors Officer Blake Snyder on House Floor \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington, DC,\r\n        November 16, 2016\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) today honored the life and service of Officer Blake Snyder on the House floor. Snyder, a Madison County resident and member of the St. Louis County Police Department, was tragically killed in the line of duty on October 6, 2016.\n\n    \n        \n            \n        \n    \n\n  \n\nDavis' remarks are as follows:  \nI rise today to recognize Officer Blake Snyder, a 33-year-old police officer who was tragically killed in the line of duty in St. Louis County, Missouri on October 6, 2016. Officer Snyder, a long-time resident of Madison County, Illinois, had served as a member of St. Louis County Police Department for four years. His career in law enforcement was inspired by his brother-in-law and late father-in-law, who both served as police officers.Law enforcement leaders from across the region remember Officer Snyder as a dedicated public servant. St. Louis County Police Chief Jon Belmar said he was a tremendous police officer, and former St. Louis County Police Chief Ron Battelle said he was highly regarded by his fellow officers and command staff.Before joining the police force, Officer Snyder served on the board of directors for Riverbend Family Ministries where he worked to provide a safe environment for children of families in crisis. Officer Snyder was the 97th law enforcement officer killed this year. He is survived by his wife and two-year-old son.May God bless Officer Snyder and all the first responders who put their lives on the line to keep us safe. Please join me in keeping the Snyder family, and all the families of our first responders, in your thoughts and prayers.   \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://roskam.house.gov/Roskam-Vargas-BDS", "Roskam, Vargas Intro Anti-BDS Bill", "2016-11-15", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Peter Roskam", "R000580", "roskam.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Yesterday, U.S. Representatives Peter J. Roskam (R-IL) and Juan Vargas (D-CA) introduced the Protecting Israel Against Economic Discrimination Act to push back against the anti-Israel Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement. This bill specifically combats attempts by intergovernmental bodies such as the United Nations to engage in politically-charged economic warfare against Israel. U.S. Senators Rob Portman (R-OH) and Ben Cardin (D-MD) introduced companion legislation in the Senate.\nEarlier this year, the United Nations Human Rights Committee (UNHRC) adopted a resolution calling for foreign divestment of Israel. This resolution urged member countries to pressure companies to divest from, or terminate contracts with, Israel and even called for the creation of a \u201cblacklist\u201d of companies doing business with Israeli entities.\nIn May, Reps. Roskam and Vargas, along with Sens. Portman and Cardin, sent a letter to Secretary of State John Kerry and U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman urging them to oppose the UNHRC resolution:\n\u201cCongress has long combatted boycotts and other discriminatory treatment of Israel. \u2018Blacklists\u2019 are among the most nefarious, as they serve only to isolate and stigmatize.\u00a0 This new \u2018blacklist\u2019 is reminiscent of the Arab League boycott against Israel, and companies dealing with Israel, which for decades was used to strangle Israel\u2019s economy and coerce Israel into unilateral concessions. Any foreign company, including American ones, could be targeted by this effort even if they are conducting completely legal activities under U.S. and international law.\u201d\nThe lawmakers have long argued this UNHRC action greatly threatens the economic stability of America\u2019s strongest ally in the Middle East, as well as the countless American companies operating in Israel, and undermines efforts to achieve a lasting peace between the Israelis and Palestinians.\nThe Protecting Israel Against Economic Discrimination Act puts Congress on the record opposing the UNHRC resolution and other attempts to economically harm and delegitimize Israel. This legislation also requires the Export-Import Bank to consider BDS activity when evaluating potential applicants. U.S. taxpayer-backed financing should not be available to those who choose to conduct economic warfare against Israel.\nThe\u00a0Protecting Israel Against Economic Discrimination Act\u00a0\u201cis intended to address and counter only acts of boycotts, divestment, and sanctions against Israel. Nothing in this Act shall be construed to alter the established policy of the United States concerning final status issues associated with the Arab-Israel conflict, including border delineation that can only be resolved through direct negotiations between the parties.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://shimkus.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/shimkus-recognizes-lauren-chappell-charleston-high-school-girls-golf", "Shimkus Recognizes Lauren Chappell & Charleston High School Girls Golf Team", "2016-11-15", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "IL", "John Shimkus", "S000364", "shimkus.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Congressman John Shimkus (R, Illinois-15) entered a pair of statements into the permanent Congressional Record recognizing Lauren Chappell on her third IHSA Class 1A individual championship title, and the Charleston High School girls\u2019 golf team for their first Class 1A State Championship title.\n\u201cI would like to congratulate all members of the team, Coach Deb Landsaw, and Athletic Director Jim Wood on their hard earned victory and bringing a first ever girls\u2019 golf state title to their school. I would also like to congratulate senior member Lauren Chappell on her record-setting, third straight individual title,\u201d Shimkus said. \u201cI am very proud of the Charleston High School girl\u2019s golf team and wish them the best for another outstanding season next year.\u201d\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kinzinger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399454", "Rep. Kinzinger Hosts 4th Youth Leadership Summit at IVCC", "2016-11-14", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Adam Kinzinger", "K000378", "kinzinger.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Last week, Congressman Adam Kinzinger (IL-16) hosted the 4th Youth Leadership Summit at the Illinois Valley Community College.  \r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Last week, Congressman Adam Kinzinger (IL-16) hosted the 4th Youth Leadership Summit at the Illinois Valley Community College. The event was held all day Wednesday, November 9 and drew more than 200 junior and senior high school students from the Congressman's district. Students were selected by their teachers to attend the event and participate in workshops, leadership exercises and information sessions as well as hear from the Congressman, Carl Cannon (Youth Outreach Supervisor) and Al Bowman (former President of ISU).\nUsing the #KinzingerYLS hashtag, students were able to engage with each other on social media and share their perspectives on the event. Here's a highlight of what was shared:\n\n    \n        \n            \n        \n    \n\n  \n\n    \n        \n            \n        \n    \n\n  \nTo see more photos from the event, please visit the Congressman's Facebook page here. Local media was also invited to cover the event and their stories can be found in the links provided below. \n11/9  The Ottawa Times\n11/10  News Tribune", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://hultgren.house.gov/newsroom/in-the-news/20-vets-honored-at-arden-courts-in-geneva", "20 vets honored at Arden Courts in Geneva", "2016-11-11", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Randy Hultgren", "H001059", "hultgren.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "GENEVA\u00a0\u2013\u00a0Twenty veterans gathered in the community room at\u00a0Arden Courts of Geneva\u00a0to be honored at a Veterans Day event Nov. 11, a national holiday that honors military veterans.\n\tArden Courts provides residential care for those with Alzheimer\u2019s, dementia and other cognitive impairments, according to its website.\n\tU.S. Rep. Randy Hultgren R-Winfield presented each vet with a certificate of service recognition, followed by Geneva Mayor Kevin Burns, who presented each with a service pin provided by the facility. Both men also gave each vet a handshake and a thank-you.\n\t\u201cWe are so grateful for your service,\u201d Hultgren said. \u201cYou were willing to sacrifice everything. \u2026 And we want to thank you from the bottom of our heart for all you\u2019ve done for us.\u201d\n\tAs the two moved through the room, the solemnity of the occasion was also tempered with humor.\n\tHultgren thanked Dorothy Rothwell, noting she was a veteran Army nurse.\n\t\u00a0\u201cDon\u2019t thank me, I got myself a nice husband,\u201d Rothwell said, prompting an outburst of laughter.\n\tTo Stanley Benton, a Navy veteran, Burns quipped that the certificate was \u201cgood for a free lunch at the Mill Race Inn,\u201d also eliciting a laugh, as the restaurant was recently torn down.\n\tBurns commented about his height \u2013\u00a06-foot-5 \u2013 to Army veteran Robert Cummins.\n\t\u201cYou\u2019re tall,\u201d Burns said. \u201cI didn\u2019t know Army guys were that tall. \u2026 Did you play basketball?\u201d\n\tCummins said he played at Immaculate Conception High School.\n\t\u201cMan oh man,\u201d Burns said. \u201cThe Army could use you now.\u201d\n\t\u201cI could use them,\u201d Cummins replied, causing another outburst of chortling.\n\tArmy Air Corps veteran William Kramer flew more than 80 transport flights over the Himalayas during World War II, said Kathy Jarman, the veteran liaison for the agency.\n\t\u201cCongressman,\u201d Burns said to Hutgren after he gave Kramer his pin. \u201cMr. Kramer said he was with 80 goofy young men who were subject to discharge at any moment.\u201d\n\t\u201cThey got the job done,\u201d Hultgren said.\n\tVeteran Garry Smart served in the Australian Service.\n\t\u201cI hope it\u2019s OK that we give you a U.S. pin \u2026 with a United States flag on it,\u201d Jarman said, as he accepted the pin.\n\tBurns noted that veteran Robert Sejnost, who served in the Army, was a White Sox fan.\n\t\u201cDid you cheer for the Cubs the last couple weeks at least?\u201d Burns asked.\n\t\u201cNo,\u201d Sejnost said. \u201cNorthsiders are weird.\u201d\n\tThe program included patriotic songs led by music therapist Amber Johnson, \"Taps\" performed by John Carson on trumpet and the color guard was provided by American Legion Post 75 in Geneva.\n\tJarman also did a reading of \u201cBeatitudes of American Servicemen and Women.\u201d\n\t\u201cBlessed are you who labored for the greater good, for your sacrifice is a lesson in service,\u201d Jarman said. \u201cBlessed are you who stood in the face of dangers and fear, so we may rest in security and peace.\u201d\n\tMany vets had family and friends attend the ceremony and joined them with refreshments afterward.\n\tRoberta and Dan Koebele of Kaneville, attended for her father, Robert Michalski, 93, a World War II Army veteran who served in the infantry and who was awarded a Purple Heart.\n\t\u201cThe World War II guys are getting fewer and far between,\u201d Dan Koebele said. \u201cWe definitely need to honor them. They paid an ultimate major price for what they did \u2026 in the Pacific Theater and the European Theater. It was a very nice ceremony. We need to honor these guys every chance we get \u2013\u00a0and ladies.\"\n\tJoni Kupar and her daughter, Elizabeth, 21, of Elburn, attended for her father, John Storto, 87, a veteran of Korea.\n\t\u201cI thought it was very nice,\u201d Joni Kupar said. \u201cI thought it was nice for the congressman and mayor to come and personally honor them \u2026 it\u2019s very memorable for the family to know that they care.\u201d\n\tVeterans honored at Arden Courts in Geneva on Veterans Day:\n\t\u2022 Navy: Norman Bodda, Stanley Brenton Alan Daw, Hilda Flynn\n\t\u2022 Army: Marshall Brodien, Robert Cummins, Edward Giomi, John Jerrard, Robert Michalski, Collin Nicholson, Dorothy Rothwell, James Schmidt, Robert Sejnost, Francis Smoczynski, John Storto\n\t\u2022 Marines: Leslie Arno\n\t\u2022 Air Force: Michael Loughman\n\t\u2022 Army Air Corps: William Kramer, Lauri Kivisto\n\t\u2022 Austrailian Service: Garry Smart\n\tOn the Web\n\tVisit KCChronicle.com to view videos associated with this story.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://hultgren.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/hultgren-congratulates-2017-illinois-teacher-of-the-year", "Hultgren Congratulates 2017 Illinois Teacher of the Year!", "2016-11-04", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Randy Hultgren", "H001059", "hultgren.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2014 U.S. Representative Randy Hultgren (IL-14) is proud to join Illinois in congratulating Ricardo \u201cRicky\u201d Castro, a 14th District constituent from Warrenville who has earned the 2017 Illinois Teacher of the Year award. Castro, an English as a Second Language teacher at Elk Grove High School, was selected from a group of 10 finalists for the prestigious award earlier this year. He was announced as this year\u2019s top educator at the 42nd annual Those Who Excel/Illinois Teacher of the Year banquet.\n\u201cStudents in northern Illinois deserve the best our education system has to offer, and Mr. Castro has demonstrated his excellence in serving our students and communities. As I\u2019ve witnessed in meeting with my STEM Scholars class, the key to the learning process is sparking excitement in our students\u2019 hearts and minds and encouraging them to discover and experiment. Our future depends on great teachers like Mr. Castro. The 14th District is honored to celebrate yet another Teacher of the Year from our area, and we look forward to Mr. Castro\u2019s advocacy on behalf of our students across the state,\u201d said Rep. Hultgren\nAs Illinois Teacher of the Year, Castro will have an opportunity to share his knowledge and expertise outside the classroom. Beginning in the 2017 spring semester, he will be available to speak at teaching workshops, education conferences and community meetings. Castro will also represent Illinois at the NASA Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama, and the National Teacher of the Year program. He will also serve as an example to the people of the 14th District that their actions can and do have a positive impact on the world.\nRep. Hultgren is co-chair of the House STEM Education Caucus and recently launched his STEM Scholars leadership program. The program encourages highly-motivated and energetic high school students to become ambassadors in their communities for the possibilities provided by science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) through regular communication between 14th District youth and their U.S. Congressman, and with STEM experts and professionals in northern Illinois and beyond.\nPreviously, 14th District constituent and Second-Grade Sandwich educator Pam Reilly was named 2014 Illinois Teacher of the Year.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://hultgren.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/hultgren-hosts-14th-district-forum-on-veterans-treatment-courts", "Hultgren Hosts 14th District Forum on Veterans Treatment Courts", "2016-11-02", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Randy Hultgren", "H001059", "hultgren.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Campton Hills, IL \u2014 U.S. Representative Randy Hultgren (IL-14) this week hosted representatives from Veterans Assistance Commissions, Service Area Offices, Treatment Accountability for Safer Communities (TASC), the Illinois Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health and Justice, and several counties in the state to discuss best practices regarding the implementation of Veterans Treatment Courts.\nThis year Governor Rauner signed legislation that requires all Circuit Courts to set up Veterans Treatment Courts, which were established to meet the needs of veterans in the criminal justice system, many of who are suffering from mental health issues, traumatic brain injuries or substance abuse.\n  \n\t(Rep. Hultgren hosts forum on Veterans Treatment Courts at Kendall County Courthouse in Yorkville)\n\u201cSubstance abuse, combat-related mental illnesses and resulting involvement in the criminal justice system are significant and often unaddressed issues within the veteran community,\u201d said Rep. Hultgren. \u201cThese men and women who have served our country need our compassion and our help, and a designated, structured justice and treatment system for them is an important part of caring for our veterans.\u201d\nCounties that already have a Veterans Treatment Court in place, and who have tailored these courts to the needs of their veterans and active duty servicemen and women, shared best practices for establishing these courts and making them effective and veteran-focused. For example, Lake County incorporated successful elements of their existing drug courts and mental health system into their Veterans Treatment Courts, as veterans who come into the criminal justice system are often in need of this type of assistance.\n\u201cI am encouraged by the collaboration and information-sharing that took place at this event, and I look forward to continuing to work with stakeholders in our community to best serve the men and women who have served our country,\u201d Rep. Hultgren said.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://shimkus.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/shimkus-statement-on-early-voting", "Shimkus Statement on Early Voting", "2016-11-01", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "IL", "John Shimkus", "S000364", "shimkus.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Maryville, Illinois \u2013 Congressman John Shimkus (R, Illinois-15) released the following correction to his comments Monday on KMOX:\n\"I misspoke: Once your vote has been cast \u2013 whether during early voting, by mail, or on Election Day \u2013 your vote is final and cannot be voided or changed. Any voter who has a question about the election process should contact their county clerk\u2019s office.\u201d\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kinzinger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399439", "Rep. Kinzinger Leads Letter Urging President Obama to Act in Syria", "2016-10-28", "2016", "2016-10", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Adam Kinzinger", "K000378", "kinzinger.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) and his House colleagues sent a letter to President Barack Obama urging the Administration to take action in Syria.  The Administration has the tools they need to apply more pressure on dictator Bashar al Assad, Russia's Vladimir Putin and their allies. \r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Washington, DC  Today, Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) and his House colleagues sent a letter to President Barack Obama urging the Administration to take action in Syria. The Administration has the tools they need to apply more pressure on dictator Bashar al Assad, Russia's Vladimir Putin and their allies. \r\nThe Members of Congress who signed this letter did so on behalf of the innocent people of Syria who have been brutally murdered under the Assad regime and Russian airstrikes. This letter calls on the President to hold Assad and Putin accountable for the brutality they are committing and to reinvigorate faith in America's commitment to seeking justice for the victims. \r\nRather than trying to negotiate with our enemies like Vladimir Putin, we need the President  the Commander-in-Chief to the most powerful nation in the world  to stand up and act, said Rep. Kinzinger. We owe it to the innocent people of Syria to bring justice against the Assad regime, Russian military, and their allies and help the struggling people of Syria. I'm grateful to my colleagues for signing this letter and joining me in urging the President and his Administration to step up and take action. \r\nRepresentative Kinzinger is joined by the following Members of Congress in sending this letter (attached) to the President: \r\nRep. Todd Young (R-IN)\r\nRep. Bob Dold (R-IL)\r\nRep. Joe Heck (R-NV)\r\nRep. Carlos Curbelo (R-FL)\r\nRep. Will Hurd (R-TX)", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://hultgren.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/hultgren-stem-scholars-visit-scitech-in-aurora", "Hultgren, STEM Scholars Visit SciTech in Aurora", "2016-10-27", "2016", "2016-10", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Randy Hultgren", "H001059", "hultgren.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2014 U.S. Representative Randy Hultgren (IL-14) and the 2016 class of inaugural STEM Scholars held their second meeting at the SciTech Museum in Aurora to learn from STEM professionals and exchange ideas about STEM opportunities in their own schools. Arlene Hawks, Executive Director of SciTech, led the group on a tour of the hands-on museum, followed by presentations from professionals to hear how STEM is used in their various fields. Presenters included:\n David Alvarez, Project Engineer with ComED\n\tMeghan Jantelezio, Senior Design Engineer with MOLEX\n\tMichael Brown, AIA Associate, Managing Architect with Cordogan Clark and Associates\n\tLiz Foral, ZooKeeper with Phillips Zoo\n   \n\t(Scholars engaging with presenters David Alvarez and Liz Foral)\nAfter the tour and presentations, Rep. Hultgren led the scholars in an exchange of ideas about the benefits of and barriers to being involved in STEM programs. Students shared the challenges their schools face with either not having enough STEM-specific classes, or students not knowing how to tap into opportunities to engage in extracurricular activities to grow their skills. They also discussed ways in which STEM programming enriches both their academic and personal lives.\n\u201cSciTech Museum in Aurora was a fantastic backdrop for our STEM Scholars to see and hear first-hand the opportunities that are out there in STEM career fields. It is exciting to see the STEM leaders of the future connecting with the industry professionals of today,\u201d said Rep. Hultgren. \u201cWe discussed some obstacles to overcome in our communities regarding STEM education funding and focus, and lack of hands-on learning opportunities for high school aged students. We must ensure our schools see the value in promoting and getting their students excited about enrolling in science, engineering, math and technology related classes. The students are learning that STEM knowledge is important for every career in the future\u2014from becoming a retail clerk to a food scientist. I look forward to continuing the conversation at our next meeting.\u201d\n  \n\t(Rep. Hultgren talks STEM career opportunities with students)\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399158", "Davis Statement on Pentagon Reclaiming Overpayments to Service Members", "2016-10-26", "2016", "2016-10", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Rodney Davis", "D000619", "rodneydavis.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) released the following statement after the Department of Defense (DoD) announced it would halt the collection of overpayments mistakenly made to soldiers. Davis was among several members of Congress who put public pressure on the department to stop this practice immediately.The decision to do this in the first place was completely unacceptable, said Davis. It's a perfect example of bureaucracy acting without any regard to the real-world impact it may have. Some of these overpayments were made more than ten years ago but now soldiers - many of whom served multiple combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan - are being forced to go into debt to fix the DoD's mistake. I'm glad the DoD has halted this practice but we need to fix this issue permanently by having the House-passed NDAA signed into law. Section 642 of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that passed the House on May 18, will establish a statute of limitations on the military recovering future overpayments and scrutinize the Defense Finance and Accounting Service's management of existing cases of service member debt. However, the president has threatened to veto this bill.  \r\nAdditionally, Davis plans to lead a letter to the Government Accountability Office (GAO) requesting an investigation about why these overpayments are occurring and what can be done to prevent them. Background: Over the weekend, the Los Angeles Times reported more than 10,000 soldiers being asked by the DoD to return overpayments in re-enlistment bonuses and education benefits made to them nearly a decade ago.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://roskam.house.gov/Roskam-Renacci-World-Series-Bet", "Roskam, Renacci Make World Series Bet", "2016-10-26", "2016", "2016-10", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Peter Roskam", "R000580", "roskam.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Wheaton, IL \u2014 On the eve on the Chicago Cubs\u2019 first World Series appearance since 1945, U.S. Representatives Peter J. Roskam (R-IL) and Jim Renacci (R-OH) are placing a friendly wager on the outcome of the Fall Classic.\nRep. Roskam, who represents the western and northwestern suburbs of Chicago, has agreed to provide Chicago-style deep-dish pizza from Gino\u2019s East in the unlikely event the Cubs lose the series. Rep. Renacci, whose district includes the western suburbs of Cleveland, will send over corned beef sandwiches from Slyman\u2019s with Bertman Original Ball Park Mustard once the North Siders are crowned World Champions. It remains to be determined whether or not Trevor Bauer\u2019s drone will be made available to deliver the goods.\nThe loser has also agreed to wear a tie representing the winning team and extol the virtues of the winning city at an upcoming Ways & Means Committee hearing. Rumor has it Javier Baez will testify on efforts to combat Medicare fraud \u2013 no, seriously, the man can catch anything.\nRep. Roskam released the following statement:\n\u201cWe invented skyscrapers, improv comedy, and the Ferris Wheel \u2013 plus we figured out how to turn a hot dog into a hearty meal. I think Joe, KB, Rizz, and our Cubbies can handle the boys from the Mistake on the Lake. Also \u2013 just saying \u2013 we dye our river green intentionally.\u201d\nRep. Renacci released the following statement:\n\"In case my good friend from Chicago hasn't heard, Cleveland is now the City of Champions. It began this summer with the Cavs stunning the world to beat the heavily favored Warriors and the Tribe will end the year upsetting the still cursed Cubs. Lindor, Kipnis, Kluber, and rest of the gang will make sure that we will have one more Party at Napoli's to celebrate another Championship in the City of Cleveland.\"\nGo Cubs Go.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kinzinger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399436", "Rep. Kinzinger Statement on Veterans Repaying Bonuses", "2016-10-25", "2016", "2016-10", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Adam Kinzinger", "K000378", "kinzinger.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R-IL), a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and current Major in the Air National Guard, released the following statement in response to the Department of Defense's recent demand for veterans to repay their bonuses.\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Washington, DC  Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R-IL), a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and current Major in the Air National Guard, released the following statement in response to the Department of Defense's recent demand for veterans to repay their bonuses: \r\nIn what appears to be a gross mismanagement of payroll and benefits, our U.S. soldiers are being told to repay thousands of dollars, a decade later, to the Department of Defense The lack of accountability and leadership from the top should not be taken out on our soldiers who have time and again signed up to serve our great nation, willing to make the ultimate sacrifice. \r\nThe Pentagon and California National Guard need to work with Congress to address this issue, but not on the backs of our service members. A good place to start would be with the House passed resolution from May 2016. Section 642 of the National Defense Authorization Act establishes a statute of limitations on the military recovering future overpayments. \r\nThe bottom line here is that we cannot and should not allow the mistakes of the Department of Defense and California National Guard be taken out on our men and women in uniform who reenlisted in good faith on the terms presented, and have served our country so honorably. The House stands ready to work to protect service members from this unfair and unnecessary burden.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://hultgren.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cubs-date-change-hultgren-moves-coffee-meetings-for-baseball-fans", "Cubs Date Change: Hultgren Moves Coffee Meetings for Baseball Fans", "2016-10-24", "2016", "2016-10", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Randy Hultgren", "H001059", "hultgren.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Campton Hills, IL \u2014 U.S. Representative Randy Hultgren (IL-14) has rescheduled events in Gurnee and McHenry in order to allow loyal baseball fans to enjoy watching the Cubs beat the Indians in the World Series.\n\u201cLoyal Cubs fans like me have waited a long time to see our boys get to the World Series. No one wants to miss a single game after waiting more than 70 long years. Please join me for coffee and conversation in Gurnee and McHenry to celebrate our Cubs and talk about the issues that are on your mind,\u201d said Rep. Hultgren.\nRep. Hultgren has previously hosted a series of Traveling Help Desks and Coffees with the Congressman throughout the 14th District, most recently in Campton Hills, Yorkville and Woodstock.\nPlease see below for updated dates and locations:\nWednesday, October 26, 2016; Gurnee (previously on Tuesday, October 25)  11:30 a.m. \u2013 12:30 p.m.  \n\tGurnee Police Station Community Room  \n\t100 North Oplaine Road  \n\tGurnee, IL 60031  \n\t*In attendance: Gurnee Chief of Police Kevin M. Woodside\nThursday, November 3, 2016; McHenry (previously on Wednesday, October 26)  *Note:\n Rep. Hultgren will be scheduling ten-minute, one-on-one meetings with constituents on the evening of November 3rd in McHenry.\n\tPlease email IL14.Scheduling@mail.house.gov to RSVP.\n\tInterested residents will be notified of exact time and location next week.\n ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://roskam.house.gov/Roskam-Lieu-USCIRF", "Roskam, Lieu Urge Opposition to Anti-Israel UNESCO Resolution", "2016-10-21", "2016", "2016-10", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Peter Roskam", "R000580", "roskam.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Wheaton, IL \u2014 Today, U.S. Representative Peter J. Roskam (R-IL) and Ted Lieu (D-CA) wrote to Rev. Thomas J. Reese, Chairman of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), urging him to condemn the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization\u2019s (UNESCO) recently passed resolution which denies Jewish and Christian ties to Jerusalem\u2019s holiest sites.\nUSCIRF, created by Congress to monitor and defend international religious freedom, must strongly oppose UNESCO\u2019s drastic violation of international religious freedom as the international body attempts to erase history.\n\u201cYour commission, tasked with the critical issue of defending the freedom of religion, can send a strong message by taking a firm stand against such bigoted resolutions,\u201d the lawmakers wrote. \u201cWe hope you will join the many Members of Congress, from both parties, in speaking out against Item 25.\u201d\nLast week, Rep. Roskam sent a letter to incoming U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urging him to denounce UNESCO\u2019s attacks on religious freedom.\nRead the full letter here.\n\u00a0\nOctober 21, 2016\n\u00a0\nChairman Rev. Thomas J. Reese\nUnited States Commission on International Religious Freedom\n732 N. Capitol Street, N.W., Suite A714\nWashington, D.C. 20401\n\u00a0\nDear Chairman Reese:\nWe write to urge the\u00a0United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) to take a firm public stand against a controversial revisionist resolution\u00a0passed\u00a0by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). This resolution, Item 25 of the Executive Board\u2019s 200th session, titled \u201cOccupied Palestine,\u201d contemptibly denies Jewish and Christian ties to the Old City of Jerusalem and its holiest sites, the Temple Mount and the Western Wall.\nThe State Department made its disapproval clear last week, when spokesman Mark Toner\u00a0affirmed that such actions and resolutions \u201cdo nothing to advance constructive results on the ground. And we don't believe they should be adopted.\"\nUNESCO\u2019s very own Director-General, Irina Bokova, in condemning the action of her member states,\u00a0said \u201cthe heritage of Jerusalem is indivisible\u201d and \u201cto deny, conceal, or erase any of the Jewish, Christian, or Muslim traditions undermines the integrity of the site.\u201d\nU.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon also\u00a0rejected\u00a0the resolution, saying \"any perceived undertaking to repudiate the undeniable common reference for these sites does not serve the interests of peace and will only feed violence and radicalism.\"\nYour commission, tasked with the critical issue of defending the freedom of religion, can send a strong message by taking a firm stand against such bigoted resolutions. We hope you will join the many Members of Congress, from both parties, in speaking out against Item 25.\nSincerely,\n\u00a0\n  \n\tPETER J. ROSKAM\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 TED LIEU  \n\tMember of Congress\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Member of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://hultgren.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/helping-veterans-successfully-adjust-to-life-after-combat-and-deployment", "Helping Veterans Successfully Adjust to Life after Combat and Deployment", "2016-10-20", "2016", "2016-10", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Randy Hultgren", "H001059", "hultgren.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Campton Hills, IL \u2013 U.S. Representative Randy Hultgren (IL-14) invites all residents of the 14th Congressional District, especially veterans and their families, to an informational forum on \u201cone-stop shop\u201d Veterans Treatment Courts for all service members, including those struggling to successfully adjust to life after returning home from combat and deployment.\n\u201cOur veterans want to live successful, meaningful lives\u2014but overcoming the scars of deployment and battle is a struggle for many. We should help by giving them the tools they need,\u201d said Rep. Hultgren. \u201cVeterans Treatment Courts provide veterans the structure, accountability, treatment and access to the benefits they need to adjust back into their communities well and avoid incarceration. These veterans-only courts ensure the entire judicial system is focused on the variety of veterans\u2019 needs and struggles, and can support them through tough times. At the forum, I want to hear from community leaders already establishing these programs, and those who want to get these programs off the ground, and learn how I can help. I encourage the entire community to attend and learn more about these important lifelines for our veterans.\u201d\nAccording to Justice for Vets, one in five veterans has\u00a0symptoms of a mental health disorder or cognitive impairment and one in six veterans who served in the Iraq War suffer from a substance abuse issue. Substance abuse, combat-related mental illnesses and resulting involvement in the criminal justice system plagues the veteran community. Veterans Treatment Courts provide an alternative to incarceration and a support system for veterans to ensure they meet their obligations to themselves, the court and their community.\nThis year, Governor Rauner signed legislation that requires all Illinois counties to establish Veterans Treatment Court program by 2017. Currently, only 12 counties have done so, four of which are in the 14th District: DuPage, Lake, McHenry and Will.\nClick here to learn more about how Rep. Hultgren is fighting to veterans in Congress, including pushing for reform at the VA and supporting legislation to help veterans find jobs, protect their credit score and receive the benefits they have earned.\nWHAT:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n14th District Forum: \u201cVeterans Treatment Courts: Helping Returning Veterans Successfully Adjust to Life after Combat and Deployment\u201d\nWHO:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \nCongressman Randy Hultgren (IL-14)  Eric Weis, Kendall County State\u2019s Attorney  Jody Gleason, Kane County First Assistant State\u2019s Attorney  Jake Zimmerman, Superintendent, Kane County Veterans Assistance Commission  Kristy McNichol, Superintendent, Will County Veterans Assistance Commission  Chad Lockman, Kendall County Veterans Assistance Commission  Olivia Laschober, Kendall County Veterans Assistance Commission  Susanne Willett, Chief of Specialty Courts, Lake County; and Hitch, Lake County Veterans Court Comfort Dog  Additional invited attendees from all seven counties in the 14th District\nWHEN:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nTuesday, October 25, 2016  \n\t1:00 \u2013 3:00 p.m. CT\nWHERE:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nKendall County Courthouse  \n\t817 West John Street  \n\tYorkville, IL 60560\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://hultgren.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/us-rep-randy-hultgren-honored-as-guardian-of-small-business", "U.S. Rep. Randy Hultgren Honored as Guardian of Small Business", "2016-10-19", "2016", "2016-10", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Randy Hultgren", "H001059", "hultgren.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2014 The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), the nation\u2019s leading advocate for small businesses, today awarded U.S. Representative Randy Hultgren (IL-14) with its Guardian of Small Business Award for his outstanding support of America\u2019s small business owners in the 114th Congress.\n  \n\t(NFIB President and CEO Juanita Duggan presents award to Rep. Hultgren)\n\u201cMany elected officials claim that they are champions of small business, but our Guardian Award shows our members and other small business owners who is really fighting for them,\u201d said NFIB President and CEO Juanita Duggan.\u00a0 \u201cBased on his voting record, Rep. Hultgren is one of the most reliable advocates for small business in Washington.\u201d\nThe Guardian of Small Business is NFIB\u2019s most prestigious award.\u00a0 It is reserved for lawmakers who vote consistently with NFIB on the key issues identified by small business owners. Hultgren received a 100 voting record with NFIB during the 114th Congress.\n\u201cAs the engine of the American economy, small businesses create the bulk of American jobs and more than half of our economic output. They are central to ensuring Illinois residents are in the workforce,\u201d said Rep. Hultgren. \u201cI am honored to accept this award and look forward to continuing to represent the concerns of small business owners in Washington.\u201d\nAmong other actions, Rep. Hultgren has introduced H.R. 5374, the Bring Small Businesses Back Tax Reform Act, a bill which provides immediate tax relief and reduces administrative burdens for small businesses looking to grow and hire more workers.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399157", "Davis to Host Service Academy Night", "2016-10-14", "2016", "2016-10", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Rodney Davis", "D000619", "rodneydavis.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) today announced he will be hosting an Academy Night on October 20th in Urbana, IL to give junior high and high school students an opportunity to learn more about Federal Service Academies.The Academy Night will be held on Thursday, October 20th at 6:00pm at the Urbana Armory, 600 E. University Ave., Urbana, Illinois 61802. As a member of Congress, each year I have the honor of nominating well-qualified, accomplished young men and women to our nation's service academies, said Davis. I encourage any student interested in applying to a service academy to attend this event to learn more about the nomination process and speak directly to representatives from each of the service academies. Academy Nights give area students an opportunity to receive more information about the congressional nomination process and hear from representatives from the five Federal Service Academies, including the U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, U.S. Military Academy at West Point, U.S. Naval Academy and U.S. Coast Guard Academy. Service academies offer fully funded four-year scholarships to young U.S. Citizens who qualify by age and academics, who demonstrate desirable leadership qualities and who have the wherewithal to strive for excellence in all their endeavors. A four-year education at one of the service academies has an estimated value of approximately $300,000. The Academy Night is open to all junior high and high school students, parents, school administrators and guidance counselors. For more information or to RSVP for the event, contact Hubert Murray via email Hubert.Murray@mail.house.gov or by telephone 217.791.6224.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kinzinger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399435", "Rep. Kinzinger on the Passing of King of Thailand", "2016-10-13", "2016", "2016-10", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Adam Kinzinger", "K000378", "kinzinger.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) released the following statement in response to the passing of the world's longest reigning monarch, King of Thailand Bhumibol Adulyadej\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Washington, DC  Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) released the following statement in response to the passing of the world's longest reigning monarch, King of Thailand Bhumibol Adulyadej: \r\nToday, the world mourns the death of Bhumibol Adulyadej, the King of Thailand and the unifying voice for the Thai people.\r\nHe was The People's King' and was a fatherly figure to the millions of people in his country. He was a revered political figure who used his unexpected ascension to the throne at a young age to develop and build a nation heavily under military control. King Bhumibol worked from the villages and up to develop Thailand into what it is today. \r\nTogether, we in the global community feel the depth of this loss and stand with the people of Thailand in their grieving. It is my sincere hope that the memory and important legacy of King Bhumibol will live on in the history of Thailand and will continue to mold the nation's direction moving forward.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://roskam.house.gov/2016-ALZ-Assoc-Award", "Roskam Named Legislator of the Year by Alzheimers Association", "2016-10-13", "2016", "2016-10", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Peter Roskam", "R000580", "roskam.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Northbrook, IL \u2014U.S. Representative Peter J. Roskam received the \u201cLegislator of the Year\u201d Award from the Alzheimer\u2019s Association\u2019s Greater Illinois Chapter this week, at a dinner ceremony outside Chicago.\nIntroducing Rep. Roskam, Alzheimer\u2019s Association Greater Illinois Chapter CEO and President Erna E. Colborn, delivered the following remarks:\nToday, we have the very special privilege of being joined by Congressman Peter Roskam. Congressman Roskam is one of the strongest advocates for dementia-capable policies in Washington D.C.\nHe was instrumental in passing the record-breaking research funding increase authorized by Congress last December and is a sponsor of both of our main federal priorities:\n The HOPE for Alzheimer\u2019s ACT, which would ensure that doctors diagnose and document dementia when they see it and expand Medicare coverage to include care planning services; and\u200b\n\tPCHETA, which would provide grants to American medical schools to expand palliative and hospice care training.\n He has understood how important this issue is since he was first elected, having helped pass the National Alzheimer\u2019s Plan Act in 2010, which established the goal of effectively treating Alzheimer\u2019s disease by 2025, and the Alzheimer\u2019s Accountability Act, which from this year forward, will allow the National Institutes of Health to submit a proposed budget for dementia research directly to Congress, without any politically motivated alterations.\nWhile we have many wonderful partners in both the House and Senate, when we were discussing who we should name as our legislator of the year,\u00a0this year it was an easy call!!!!\nLadies and gentlemen, please join me in welcoming Congressman Peter Roskam!!!\nIn July, Rep. Roskam introduced bipartisan, bicameral legislation to support Alzheimer\u2019s patients and caregivers. Last summer, he ran a social media campaign encouraging families to share their #ALZSTORY.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://hultgren.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/hultgren-earns-manufacturing-legislative-excellent-award-promotes", "Hultgren Earns Manufacturing Legislative Excellence Award, Promotes Manufacturing Day at Scot Forge with Students", "2016-10-07", "2016", "2016-10", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Randy Hultgren", "H001059", "hultgren.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2014 U.S. Representative Randy Hultgren (IL-14) celebrated and promoted Illinois manufacturers and National Manufacturing Day at Scot Forge in Spring Grove with students from Crystal Lake South High School and Cary Grove High School. The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) once again awarded Rep. Hultgren the\u00a0NAM\u2019s Award for Manufacturing Legislative Excellence for supporting policies identified by the NAM as critical to the success of manufacturing in the United States during the 114th Congress.\n  \n\t(Rep. Hultgren addresses high school students at Scot Forge)\n\"Our manufacturers are a strong base of jobs and economic growth in the 14th District, and I\u2019m always impressed by innovators like Scot Forge that are on the cutting edge of technological achievement,\u201d said Rep. Hultgren. \u201cManufacturing means jobs, which is why we must continue to support our local businesses and inspire our young people to enter these fields. I want to thank the National Association of Manufacturers for their exceptional honor, and I am proud to be associated with the outstanding work NAM is doing on behalf of manufacturers in my district, Illinois and across the nation. A thriving manufacturing sector is vital to our economy, putting people to work and driving growth. I share NAM\u2019s vision of enhancing America\u2019s position as the best place in the world to manufacture and attract investment.\"\n  \n\t(Rep. Hultgren with Crystal Lake, Cary Grove high school students)\nThese awards are based on members of Congress\u2019s votes on key manufacturing legislation identified by the NAM in the 114th Congress. These included key votes on issues such as energy policy, taxes and regulations, among others. Voting records for all members of Congress and further details about NAM Key Manufacturing Votes are\u00a0available here.\nAbout the NAM:  The National Association of Manufacturers is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states.\u00a0Manufacturing has a presence in every single congressional district providing good, high-paying jobs.\u00a0For more information about the Manufacturers, please visit\u00a0www.nam.org.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399156", "U of I Dean and Ag Professor Chosen for EPA Ag Science Committee", "2016-10-07", "2016", "2016-10", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Rodney Davis", "D000619", "rodneydavis.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U of I Dean and Ag Professor Chosen for EPA Ag Science Committee \r\n   \r\n    \r\n      Committee Established by Davis to Give Farmers a Stronger Voice Within EPA Rulemaking \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington, DC,\r\n        October 7, 2016\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) today announced that Dr. George Czapar, Associate Dean and Director of University Extension and Associate Professor in the Department of Crop Sciences at the University of Illinois, was chosen to serve on the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Science Advisory Board (SAB) Agricultural Science Committee. Czapar is one of twenty board members that will advise the EPA on regulations impacting farmers. Davis authored the provision that created this committee in the 2014 Farm Bill and nominated Dr. Czapar in September 2015.I am pleased the EPA has finally moved forward with this committee and I believe Dr. Czapar is a great choice to give our ag community a stronger voice within the agency, said Davis. I included this provision in the 2014 Farm Bill to bring some commonsense to the EPA and hopefully avoid future rules like WOTUS or others that regulate dust and milk spills. I look forward to closely following the work of this committee and hope the EPA uses the experience and background of these ag experts as they consider rules that impact rural America. The Agricultural Science Committee will provide advice to the EPA's SAB, which was established in 1978 to advise the EPA on science-related issues, on matters that have been determined to have a significant direct impact on farming and agriculture-related industries. Davis has put continued pressure on the EPA over the last two years to establish this important agriculture committee.   \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://roskam.house.gov/Congress-Oppose-Iran-WTO", "Congress Urges USTR to Oppose Irans WTO Bid", "2016-10-07", "2016", "2016-10", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Peter Roskam", "R000580", "roskam.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Representatives Peter J. Roskam (R-IL), Dave Reichert (R-WA), Juan Vargas (D-CA), and Grace Meng (D-NY) wrote to U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman urging him to oppose Iran\u2019s efforts to join the World Trade Organization.\nAs first reported by The Wall Street Journal, the lawmakers warn that allowing Iran\u2019s admission to the international body could constrain future efforts to impose sanctions if needed.\n\u201cIn addition to further empowering and enriching Iran\u2019s tyrannical regime, Iranian accession to the WTO could seriously complicate our ability to combat Iran\u2019s support for terrorism, human rights violations, ballistic missile program and other illicit activity,\u201d the lawmakers wrote.\nReps. Roskam and Reichert serve on the Ways & Means Committee, where they respectively chair the Oversight and Trade Subcommittees. Reps. Vargas and Meng respectively serve on the Financial Services and Foreign Affairs Committees.\nIran remains the world\u2019s leading state sponsor of terrorism.\nRead the full letter here.\n\u00a0\nOctober 6, 2016\nThe Honorable Michael Froman\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0  \n\tU.S. Trade Representative\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0  \n\t600 17th Street, N.W.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0  \n\tWashington, D.C. 20508\nDear Ambassador Froman:\nWe write to gain information regarding the Administration\u2019s policy towards the possibility of Iran\u2019s accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO). We firmly believe that the United States must oppose Iran\u2019s membership in this important international body. In addition to further empowering and enriching Iran\u2019s tyrannical regime, Iranian accession to the WTO could seriously complicate our ability to combat Iran\u2019s support for terrorism, human rights violations, ballistic missile program, and other illicit activity.\u00a0\nIran, a WTO observer state, is seeking to accede to the 164-member international body. Following the implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the EU, the UK, and Switzerland have formally announced support for Iranian membership to the WTO; Oman, India, and other member nations have expressed a similar sentiment. The U.S. has historically pushed back against Iranian accession to this global body.\nWTO rules require Member States to engage in non-discriminatory trade practices with fellow members. America\u2019s ability to impose financial or economic sanctions against Iran may be constrained if Iran were to accede to the WTO. The U.S. and other WTO Members should not be forced to defend against potential WTO disputes if we continue to impose sanctions against Iran.\nAs Iran remains the world\u2019s leading state sponsor of terrorism and continues to be a destabilizing force in the Middle East, maintaining our robust sanctions regime is critical. Iran must be held responsible for its actions, and our ability to impose sanctions is vital in deterring Iran from engaging in nefarious activities. We request that you provide answers to the following questions:\n What is U.S. policy regarding Iranian accession to the WTO? Is the U.S. definitively opposed to Iran becoming a WTO member?\n\tWe understand that the U.S. rejected prior Iranian requests to join the WTO; what were the grounds and what, if anything, has changed?\n\tWhat activities is USTR undertaking with regard to Iran\u2019s efforts to join the WTO? What progress has Iran made and what timeframe is it pursuing for potential accession?\n\tAs consensus amongst its members is mandatory in determining WTO membership, will the U.S. block Iranian accession to the WTO?\n Despite implementation of the JCPOA, Iran\u2019s hostile behavior remains unchanged. The U.S. must take all necessary steps to ensure the viability of the sanctions regime against Iran. We look forward to working with the Administration on this issue.\nSincerely,\nPETER J. ROSKAM\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0DAVE REICHERT  \n\tMember of Congress\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Member of Congress\n  \n\tJUAN VARGAS \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0GRACE MENG  \n\tMember of Congress\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Member of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://hultgren.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/ahead-of-manufacturing-day-brown-perdue-hultgren-introduce-bipartisan", "AHEAD OF MANUFACTURING DAY, BROWN, PERDUE, HULTGREN INTRODUCE BIPARTISAN, BICAMERAL PROPOSAL TO BOOST INVESTMENT IN MANUFACTURING JOBS", "2016-10-06", "2016", "2016-10", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Randy Hultgren", "H001059", "hultgren.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Ahead of Manufacturing Day tomorrow, U.S. Sens. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and David Perdue (R-GA), along with U.S. Rep. Randy Hultgren (R-IL-14), announced new bipartisan, bicameral legislation that will expand financing opportunities for small and mid-size manufacturers in Ohio. The Modernizing American Manufacturing Bonds (MAMBA) Act, will modernize financing opportunities available to small and mid-size manufacturers to build new facilities. \n\u00a0\u201cWorkers and entrepreneurs in our state are eager to make more Ohio-made products \u2013 that\u2019s why it\u2019s important to make sure our growing manufacturers have the capital they need to expand,\u201d said Brown. \u201cBy making simple updates to the way manufacturers can use small issue private activity bonds, we can help Ohio manufacturers create jobs and boost our economy.\u201d \n\u00a0\u201cWe have seen incredible advances in American manufacturing,\u201d said Perdue. \u201cInnovation and investment have helped manufacturing survive the globalization of our economy. To ensure the federal government keeps up with this evolving industry, the definition of manufacturing needs to include high-tech manufacturing techniques. This simple change will open doors for our engineers and businesses who continue to drive the manufacturing renaissance we are experiencing in America today.\u201d\n\u00a0\u201cManufacturing bonds are a key tool for expanding and hiring more workers, but they haven\u2019t been updated in three decades. It\u2019s time to reform the outdated rules surrounding the use of these financing tools so that our manufacturers in Illinois and across the country can focus on growing their businesses and providing jobs for Americans,\u201d said Congressman Hultgren, sponsor of the companion bill in the House. \u201cI applaud Senators Brown and Perdue for propelling this bipartisan work forward in the upper chamber, and I look forward to both Houses sending a bill to the President\u2019s desk for his signature. Let\u2019s help our manufacturers invest, expand and hire.\u201d\n\u00a0MAMBA will:\n Triple the bond size limitation from $10 million to $30 million so qualified small issue bonds \u2013 the primary economic development tool for small and mid-size manufacturers \u2013 meet the demands of today\u2019s manufacturers. This outdated limit is not indexed to inflation and losing value every year, so raising it will increase access to capital for manufacturers. \n\tDouble the capital expenditure limitation from $20 million to $40 million. There is currently a limit on the value of tax-exempt bond financing a manufacturer can access over a six-year period. The limit has not been updated in ten years. This change will help better meet the capital needs of developing manufacturers. \n\tAllow up to a quarter of bond proceeds to be used for facilities that are located on the same site or ancillary to a manufacturing facility. \n\tExpand the definition of manufacturing to reflect today\u2019s advanced manufacturing environment, allowing more business to qualify for these financing opportunities. \n \u00a0###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://hultgren.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/hultgren-supports-legislation-to-scale-back-antiquated-death-tax", "Hultgren Supports Legislation to Scale Back Antiquated Death Tax", "2016-10-06", "2016", "2016-10", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Randy Hultgren", "H001059", "hultgren.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2014 U.S. Representative Randy Hultgren (IL-14) has joined 59 of his House colleagues in cosponsoring H.R. 6100, the Protect Family Farms and Businesses Act. Recent regulations from the Treasury Department artificially increase the value of many family farms and businesses, which could ultimately force them to pay more in estate, or \u201cdeath\u201d taxes. For years the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has discounted interest held in businesses for estate tax purposes\u2014now the IRS plans to count that interest as a percentage of what the business is worth. An inflated value for the interest means the next generation of farmers and small business owners will be paying up to 40 percent more in estate taxes.\n\u201cThe death tax hurts family farms and small businesses\u2014and it's bad tax policy. It is an unfair double tax on the families of individuals who have paid income taxes for their entire lives, and it is a costly financial burden on loved ones at an especially hard time,\u201d said Rep. Hultgren. \u201cAs we continue fighting for full repeal of the unfair death tax, this is an important step we can take now to rein in the IRS.\u201d\nRep. Hultgren is a cosponsor of H.R. 1105, the Death Tax Repeal Act, and voted in favor of the full estate tax repeal in the House last spring. He is also a supporter of H.R. 5204, the Stop Taxing Death and Disability Act, which would exclude student and private loans from gross income due to the death or disability of a student.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://hultgren.house.gov/newsroom/in-the-news/us-rep-randy-hultgren-talks-veterans-issues-trans-pacific-partnership-with", "U.S. Rep. Randy Hultgren talks veterans' issues, Trans-Pacific Partnership with residents", "2016-10-05", "2016", "2016-10", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Randy Hultgren", "H001059", "hultgren.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Rep. Randy Hultgren talked trade, veterans\u2019 issues and taxes during a town hall with constituents Monday afternoon at the Kendall County Courthouse in Yorkville.Hultgren, R-Plano, spoke with the group of residents from areas that included Yorkville, Oswego, Aurora, Sugar Grove, Plainfield, North Aurora, Batavia, Warrenville, McHenry, Sleepy Hollow and Orland Park.\n\t\tAlso attending the meeting were Chad Lockman, superintendent of the Veterans Assistance Commission of Kendall County; Olivia\u00a0Laschober, assistant superintendent of the Veterans Assistance Commission of Kendall County; and Michael Iwanicki, superintendent of the McHenry County Veterans Assistance Commission.\n\t\tDuring the meeting, some in the audience pressed Hultgren on trade and whether he supports the controversial Trans-Pacific Partnership, or TPP, agreement. He also was asked if the agreement would be addressed or voted on during Congress\u2019s \u201clame duck\u201d session after the Nov. 8 election and the swearing-in of a new Congress in January.\n\t\tHultgren said he doesn\u2019t foresee the issue being addressed or voted on, or being passed, during the lame duck session, giving it a single-digit percentage chance.\n\t\tFor his part, Hultgren said he opposes the TPP as it is written currently, but said he isn\u2019t opposed to trade agreements and could change his mind if certain elements of the agreement are changed.\n\t\t\u201cWhere it is right now, if it came up for a vote tomorrow or when we come back in November, I wouldn\u2019t support it; I couldn\u2019t support it,\u201d he said. \u201cThe big reasons for me are I just don\u2019t think it\u2019s strong enough for us. I think it\u2019s giving up too much of our autonomy to foreign jurisdiction, foreign court authority that I think is risky, and I just think we can do better. The reason I say \u2018in its current form\u2019 is, I still am supportive of trade. I am not an isolationist. I do not think we should just close our borders down.\u201d\n\t\tJohn Laesch of Aurora, who has been active in opposing the TPP, thanked Hultgren for his open forum and for his stance on the issue.\n\t\t\u201cI\u2019m thrilled about what you\u2019re saying about the TPP,\u201d Laesch said. \u201cI genuinely appreciate your open forum and the way that your staff has treated us. I think having these discussions is more than most members of Congress are doing, Democrat or Republican, and I think that helps.\u201d\n\t\tHultgren also discussed veterans\u2019 issues, including ongoing problems with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. He offered to let his office or the Veterans Assistance Commission know if a veteran is having problems.\n\t\t\u201cThese people are here to help, they\u2019re here to cut through the red tape,\u201d he said. \u201cThey\u2019re here to get things done. And we want to do the same thing. That\u2019s our first, primary focus.\u201d\n\t\tLaschober said veterans\u2019 disability claims have been moving faster through the VA system recently, but there are more claims than just disability claims, including pension claims and burial claims, and there are only three places in the U.S. that process those claims.\n\t\tLaschober said Congress also should focus on hiring more staff \u201cto have an efficiently running Department of Veterans Affairs to do said claims.\u201d\n\t\tA resident at the meeting said he had read that illegal immigrants get better health care than veterans. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has made such claims during his campaign, most recently during a Sept. 7 speech in Philadelphia.\n\t\t\u201cOur veterans, in many cases, are being treated worse than illegal immigrants,\u201d he said, according to national media reports.\n\t\tHultgren said such a claim isn\u2019t true.\n\t\t\u201cI don\u2019t think that\u2019s true,\u201d he said. \u201cThat illegal immigrants are getting better care than our veterans, I don\u2019t think that\u2019s true. I don\u2019t know where that came from.\u201d\n\t\tHultgren said there have been some reforms, but there is \u201cmore that needs to happen.\u201d He praised the VA for the experience he has had with his own father.\n\t\t\u201cMy dad\u2019s a veteran, and so grateful for the VA,\u201d he said. \u201cHines has been really good to him and also [James] Lovell [Federal Health Care Center] in North Chicago has been really great. And to me, that\u2019s one of those that really is a model: a joint VA and DOD facility relationship with Lovell. But almost everything we\u2019ve heard has been very positive. The quality of care is unbelievable. All the resources for our veterans are right there.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://hultgren.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/hultgren-financial-services-colleagues-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-expand", "Hultgren, Financial Services Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Expand Banking Access in Rural Illinois", "2016-10-05", "2016", "2016-10", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Randy Hultgren", "H001059", "hultgren.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2014 U.S. Representatives Randy Hultgren (IL-14), Scott Tipton (CO-03) and Terri Sewell (AL-07) introduced the bipartisan Making Online Banking Initiation Legal and Easy (MOBILE) Act of 2016 (H.R. 6287) to expand access to banking services for families in rural communities throughout Illinois and the United States.\n\u201cAs the needs of banking customers change in the 21st Century, hardworking Americans\u2014especially those with low and moderate incomes\u2014need access to traditional banking services that may not be easily accessible in their communities,\u201d said Rep. Hultgren. \u201cI am proud to cosponsor the MOBILE Act, which will make it easier for my constituents to open a bank account from their mobile device.\u201d\nThe MOBILE Act would clarify existing federal law and solidify a uniform standard of compliance for mobile banking services. Specifically, the bill ensures financial institutions can \u201cswipe\u201d the machine readable zone on state issued identification cards and record and store the information for the purposes of verifying the identity of a bank customer and preventing fraud or criminal activity.\n\u201cThere are many families in rural communities across the country who are struggling to achieve financial security because they can\u2019t easily get to a bank to open checking or savings accounts. Smartphones can change this, but we need our laws to catch up to the technology,\u201d Rep. Tipton said. \u201cThe MOBILE Act would help remove some of the barriers families in rural Colorado face when it comes to banking access.\u201d\n\u201cAccess to capital is a constant struggle for many rural communities in Alabama and across the country. As we work together to help bridge the gap of economic inequality and financial insecurity, access to traditional banking and financial services is critically important,\u201d added Rep. Sewell. \u201cThe MOBILE Act helps to ensure that our underserved and underbanked communities will be able to access and better manage their personal finances through the convenience of online banking using their mobile devices.\u00a0 I am proud to join my colleagues in introducing this bipartisan and common sense piece of legislation that expands traditional banking opportunities to millions of hardworking Americans.\u201d\nThe MOBILE Act has been referred to the House Committee on Financial Services, of which Hultgren, Tipton and Sewell are all members.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://hultgren.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/hultgren-invites-constituents-for-coffee-and-conversation", "Hultgren Invites Constituents for Coffee and Conversation", "2016-09-30", "2016", "2016-09", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Randy Hultgren", "H001059", "hultgren.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Campton Hills, IL \u2014 U.S. Representative Randy Hultgren (IL-14) today invited residents of the 14th Congressional District to meet and talk directly with him about the challenges they face, and discuss the best ways he can provide solutions to those concerns in Congress. Click here to download and print a flyer with dates and times.\n\u201cThe best ideas and solutions I bring to Washington are right here from residents in the 14th District. As your representative in Congress, I encourage you to join me for a cup of coffee so I can meet you, hear what\u2019s on your mind and look for ways to help,\u201d said Rep. Hultgren.\nRep. Hultgren has previously hosted a series of Traveling Help Desks and Coffees with the Congressman throughout the 14th District.\nMonday, October 3, 2016 (Campton Hills)  9:30 a.m. \u2013 10:30 a.m.  \n\tCampton Hills Village Hall  \n\t40W270 LaFox Road, Suite B  \n\tCampton Hills, IL 60175\nMonday, October 3, 2016 (Yorkville)  1:00 p.m. \u2013 2:00 p.m.  \n\tKendall County Courthouse  \n\t807 West John Street  \n\tYorkville, IL 60560\nTuesday, October 18, 2016 (Woodstock)  1:30 p.m. \u2013 2:30 p.m.  \n\tMcHenry County Sheriff's Training Center  \n\tRoom 250 Second Floor  \n\tMcHenry County Government Center  \n\t2200 North Seminary Avenue (Rte 47)  \n\tWoodstock, IL 60098\nTuesday, October 25, 2016 (Gurnee)  7:00 p.m. \u2013 8:00 p.m.  \n\tGurnee Police Station Community Room  \n\t100 North Oplaine Road  \n\tGurnee, IL 60031  \n\t*In attendance:  \n\tGurnee\u00a0Mayor Kristina Kovarik  \n\tGurnee Chief of Police Kevin M. Woodside\nWednesday, October 26, 2016 (McHenry)  7:00 p.m. \u2013 8:00 p.m.  \n\tCity of McHenry Council Chambers  \n\t333 S. Green Street  \n\tMcHenry, IL 60050  \n\t*Rep. Hultgren and McHenry Mayor Sue Low will join McHenry Police Chief John Jones\u2019 Coffee with the Chief\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lahood.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/dysfunctional-congress-targeted-bipartisan-house-bill", "A Dysfunctional Congress is Targeted in Bipartisan House Bill", "2016-09-30", "2016", "2016-09", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Darin LaHood", "L000585", "lahood.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "By Paul M. Krawzak, CQ Roll Call  \n\tLawmakers frustrated with what they say is continuing dysfunction in Congress want to start discussions about an overhaul, and their drive got off the ground this week with the introduction of bipartisan legislation.\nThe measure (H Con Res 169) to establish a Joint Committee on the Organization of the Congress is spearheaded by two House members from Illinois, Republican\u00a0Darin LaHood\u00a0and Democrat\u00a0Daniel Lipinski. It\u00a0was introduced Wednesday and would create a committee made up of 28 lawmakers evenly divided between the House and Senate and Democrats and Republicans.\n\u200bThe panel\u2019s mission would be to study the organization and operation of Congress and offer recommendations. These would be aimed at making lawmakers more accountable to their constituents, strengthening the relationship between the House and Senate and improving the \u201corderly, timely and effective consideration and disposal of legislation.\"\nThe legislation also directs the committee to study the organization of committees in the two chambers and their \u201ceffectiveness\u201d in addressing legislative responsibilities such as the authorization of government programs and \u201cfuture fiscal impact\u201d [curbing the growing cost] of entitlement programs.\nIn a joint interview with CQ on Thursday, LaHood and Lipinski said the panel would provide a bipartisan and bicameral forum for the discussion of changes in rules or laws that would relieve the \u00a0\u201cdysfunction\u201d in Congress.\n\u201cPeople complain all the time about Congress needs to be fixed, it\u2019s dysfunctional, it doesn\u2019t work, we\u2019re not getting the essential work that we need to get done done,\u201d LaHood, the chief sponsor and a first-term member, said. \u201cAnd so what do you do about it?\u201d\nAnswering his own question, he said a joint committee \u201cgives us a platform to have a debate on those issues.\u201d\nCosponsor Lipinski, who holds a doctorate in political science and once worked as a professor, said it \u201cdoesn\u2019t take a congressional scholar to know that Congress is broken. We\u2019re not getting our job done.\u201d Lipinski said rules changes \u201ccould make Congress work better.\u201d\nThe proposal, which grew out of a series of discussions among former lawmakers and senior staff sponsored by the Congressional Institute, has so far gained 38 cosponsors, including 11 Democrats. The Republican-leaning institute is a not-for-profit group that organizes legislative conferences.\nUnder the legislation, 12 members from each chamber would be appointed to the committee, with six each appointed by the House speaker and House minority leader, and by the majority and minority leaders of the Senate. The majority and minority leaders of both the House and Senate would be ex-officio members of the committee with full voting rights.\nThe proposal empowers the committee to hire staff and requires the panel to report its findings to Congress at the end of each session of the Congress.\nLipinski and LaHood both took a pass on advocating any particular changes in rules or policies, saying they do not want to create the wrong impression. \u201cWe\u2019re not looking at this as a way to implement something that we have in mind,\u201d Lipinski said.\nThe plan has been endorsed by former lawmakers and outside observers.\nIn an emailed statement, Robert L. Livingston, a former Republican House Appropriations chairman from Louisiana, urged support for the proposal \u201c if you are concerned as so many of us are that Congressional inertia has eroded the power of the legislative branch of government.\u201d\nFormer Pennsylvania Republican Rep. Robert S. Walker said in a statement the Congress is in need of \u201cstructural and process reform\u201d and that \u201cits structure must allow it to address 21st Century concerns in a timely way, and its processes must reinvigorate the marriage between policy setting and spending priorities.\u201d\nBoth Livingston and Walker are lobbyists. Livingston is a founding partner of The Livingston Group, while Walker is executive chairman of Wexler/Walker.\nJohn Fortier, director of the Democracy Project at the Bipartisan Policy Center, wrote that because society, communications systems and national imperatives have changed \u201cdramatically\u201d over the last 25 years, \u201cmuch will be gained from a broad and deliberate assessment of institutional strengths and needs.\u201d\nLaHood said he doubts the plan would get a vote before the end of the year. Introducing it now gives supporters \u201ca head start going into the next Congress,\u201d he said.\npaulkrawzak@cqrollcall.com\nSource:\u00a0CQ News\n\u00a9 2016 CQ Roll Call All Rights Reserved.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://roskam.house.gov/Childhood-Cancer-Awareness-Month", "Roskam Recognizes Childhood Cancer Awareness Month", "2016-09-30", "2016", "2016-09", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Peter Roskam", "R000580", "roskam.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 While today marks the end of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, the battle to find a cure and improve treatment options will go on. U.S. Representative Peter J. Roskam recently spoke on the House floor to recognize a very special constituent. Chase Ewoldt survived a rare form of childhood cancer and went on to become a nationwide Ambassador for St. Baldrick\u2019s Foundation.\nRep. Roskam co-sponsored the STAR Act late last year to support childhood cancer research. He previously recognized Chase with an Extension of Remarks in the Congressional Record and a ceremony at Emerson Elementary School in Wheaton.\nRead more about Chase\u2019s story and his family\u2019s efforts to raise awareness at http://www.chaseawaycancer.com", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://shimkus.house.gov/media-center/opeds/department-of-commerce-to-end-oversight-of-internet-domain-name-system", "Department of Commerce to End Oversight of Internet Domain Name System", "2016-09-30", "2016", "2016-09", "Republican", "House", "IL", "John Shimkus", "S000364", "shimkus.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "On Wednesday, Congress approved a bill to keep the federal government open through December 9. That continuing resolution ensures our troops will be paid, and includes funding to implement my landmark chemical safety legislation and fight the spread of Zika, without allowing those funds to be used to pay for abortions.\nOne thing the continuing resolution didn\u2019t include, however, was a provision to prevent the United States from relinquishing oversight of the Internet\u2019s Domain Name System (DNS). The DNS, which can be thought of as the Internet\u2019s master phone book, ensures that when you type in a web address (like house.gov) you reach the correct website. This matching process makes browsing the Internet possible for the average user.\nThe day-to-day management of the global DNS is handled by a California-based nonprofit group called ICANN, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers. ICANN, which is made up of engineers, academics, businesses and individual Internet users from all over the world, was created in 1998 to ensure the Internet would never be controlled by governments or an intergovernmental organization like the United Nations.\nMuch like the Framers of our Constitution sought to balance the influence and power that competing factions like political parties, unions or trade groups could exert on our Republic, ICANN\u2019s \u2018multi-stakeholder\u2019 structure seeks to prevent any one entity \u2013 be it a multinational corporation or a government \u2013 from gaining control of the DNS.\nTo help apply this uniquely American idea of government by the people to the global Internet, the U.S. Department of Commerce established itself as an overseer of ICANN and the DNS management it performs. This U.S. oversight was never intended to be a permanent feature of Internet Governance, but was thought of more like training wheels \u2013 a temporary measure to be removed once ICANN proved it could stand on its own, independent of government control.\nIn calls and emails I\u2019ve received over the last few days, many of my constituents have expressed a concern that this year was not the right time to end U.S. oversight of ICANN. I share those concerns, and that\u2019s why I immediately engaged on this issue in 2014 when the Department of Commerce announced they intended relinquish their oversight of ICANN and the DNS. That year I introduced legislation to ensure the change would be made only if it was found to be in the best interests of the American people and done in a way that preserved and protected the free and open Internet.\nMy legislation, which was approved by the House last June for the second time, would have empowered Congress with necessary and meaningful oversight of the proposed changes. It would have given us an opportunity to investigate whether ICANN was actually ready to operate on its own and would have allowed plenty of time to extend Commerce\u2019s oversight authority if it was not.\nUnfortunately, my bill was held up in the Senate until it was too late. So with Congress unable to fully consider this important change, I urged the Department of Commerce to extend their contract with ICANN and preserve U.S. oversight until we could be sure the time was right. I also communicated my desire to have a provision included in the continuing resolution to maintain our oversight until that time.\nAgain, however, the Senate failed to act and the provision was not included this week. As a result, the Attorneys General of Arizona, Oklahoma, Nevada and Texas filed a lawsuit to stop the Department of Commerce from moving forward with their plan on October 1. Like the attorneys general, I remain concerned that ICANN may not yet be fully prepared to stand on its own. Should their lawsuit prove unsuccessful, it will be up to the system of checks and balances established at ICANN to prevent foreign governments from seizing control.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://hultgren.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/how-long-will-va-sit-on-its-hands-while-our-heroes-suffer-and-wait", "How Long Will VA Sit on its Hands While Our Heroes Suffer and Wait?", "2016-09-29", "2016", "2016-09", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Randy Hultgren", "H001059", "hultgren.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2014 U.S. Representative Randy Hultgren (IL-14) sent a letter to the Secretary of the Veterans Administration, demanding answers on why, more than a year after a major VA overhaul was passed by Congress and signed into law, the VA has still not implemented a key portion of the law, the Veterans Choice Program.\nThrough the Veterans Choice Program, service men and women can receive vital home care services that are critical to follow-up care and medication adherence assistance, especially for disabled veterans and those without access to transportation. Yet local VA facilities are still refusing to work with new providers to get veterans the care they need.\n\u201cMy conversations with the VA have yielded only excuses,\u201d said Rep. Hultgren in a speech delivered on the House floor. \u201cOur vets deserve results. How many veterans are waiting for physician visits? How can the VA sit on its hands while our nation\u2019s veterans wait and suffer? I ask my colleagues to join me\u2014let\u2019s be a voice for our veterans and implore the VA to give these heroes access to and reimbursement for the care they need and deserve.\u201d\n  \n\t(Click picture to watch video)\nIn his letter \u00a0to the VA Secretary, Rep. Hultgren writes:\u00a0 \u201cTo me, it seems as if the VA is simply obstructing home care services for veterans either illegally, indolently, or both\u2026If \u2018the VA is determined to provide exceptional, high-quality care and services for our veterans,\u2019 as you said in your initial response letter to me, why aren\u2019t you following through on your promise to these men and women and promptly addressing this issue?\u201d\nRep. Hultgren has consistently stood up for veterans in Congress:\n Since the Veterans Health Administration scandal broke in 2014, he has visited and met with leadership at the Capt. James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center in North Chicago, and demanded\u00a0action for Illinois veterans whose healthcare needs may have been neglected or ignored at VA facilities.\n\tHe has convened VA representatives in Illinois to meet with local veterans to be held accountable for delays and mismanagement of care.\n\tHe cosponsored the Veterans Timely Access to Health Care Act (H.R. 241) to ensure veterans can get access to care within 30 days of original contact with the VA.\n\tHe has introduced legislation, the\u00a0Protecting Veterans Credit Act (H.R. 5593), to\u00a0protect the credit rating of veterans and prevent them from unnecessary financial hardship due to delayed payments associated with the Veterans Choice Program. VA errors in payment can make it more difficult and more expensive for veterans to buy a home or car, rent a place to live or be hired for a new job.\n\tHe supported House passage of the Hire More Heroes Act, a bill he cosponsored which passed the House overwhelmingly and encourages small businesses to hire veterans by providing relief from the Affordable Care Act\u2019s burdensome employer mandate.\n\tHe co-sponsored the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2015 (H.R. 969), a bill which enables eligible veterans members who served in the territorial seas of Vietnam during the Vietnam War to receive VA health benefits from diseases linked to Agent Orange.\n ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kinzinger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399433", "Fighting for the Priorities of the American People", "2016-09-29", "2016", "2016-09", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Adam Kinzinger", "K000378", "kinzinger.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Last night, the House passed a continuing resolution that would keep the government running and fund the priorities of the American people. After the overwhelming bipartisan support for the bill's passage, Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) released the following statement\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Washington, DC  Last night, the House passed a continuing resolution that would keep the government running and fund the priorities of the American people. After the overwhelming bipartisan support for the bill's passage, Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) released the following statement: \r\nThis is the People's House. We were sent here to fight for the priorities of our constituents and in the best interest of the country. Passing this bill not only keeps our government running, but it makes investments in our military, our veterans, and our communities. We were also able to include vital funding to begin implementation of the Comprehensive Addictions and Recovery Act, legislation I worked on to combat the opioid epidemic plaguing the nation. \r\nAlso included in this bill are the resources necessary to implement the Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act,' which will have a direct impact on manufacturing in my district. The regulatory reforms that come about as a result of this will strengthen protections for American families and workers, and will ensure that the United States is leading the world in safety and manufacturing in this industry. \r\nI'm proud this legislative body came together to work with true bipartisanship, and a shared goal of serving our constituents, to get this bill passed for the good of the country.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lahood.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/can-congress-be-fixed-us-rep-darin-lahood-champions-bipartisan-effort-try", "Can Congress be fixed? U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood champions a bipartisan effort to try", "2016-09-29", "2016", "2016-09", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Darin LaHood", "L000585", "lahood.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "There may not be much Americans agree on this political season \u2014 or any other \u2014 but a general disdain for Congress is near the top of the list.\nUnderstanding why is easy: constant gridlock, delayed action on issues, personal conflict between members, crucial matters remaining unaddressed, the lowest number of bills passed and signed into law in decades.\nFixing it seems harder, but two Illinois lawmakers are asking colleagues to adopt a relatively simple process that worked before to improve how Congress functions.\nU.S. Reps. Darin LaHood, R-Peoria, and Dan Lipinski, D-Western Springs, introduced a measure this week to set up a joint House-Senate panel, equally divided between Republicans and Democrats, to recommend reforms to make the legislative bodies, in LaHood\u2019s words, \"more efficient, effective and accountable.\"\nDoing so mirrors a process that successfully led to reforms in 1946, 1970 and 1995.\n\"It\u2019s the one way Congress has always successfully made major changes,\" said Mark Strand, the president of the nonpartisan Congressional Institute that is supporting the proposal. \"Every 20 years or so, the system starts to break down. \u2026 The way Congress has always (worked on fixing that) was through this joint committee.\"\nSome of the reasoning for such a committee is evident.\n\"Americans understand that the legislative process is not working when they see Congress continually waiting until the last minute to address major issues, and sometimes not acting at all as we saw with the government shutdown a couple of years ago,\" Lipinski said. \"Just this week, we pushed to the brink of a government shutdown and then put off action on spending for (the new fiscal year) until the lame duck session after the election.\"\nThough the Congressional Institute has suggestions for places to look for fixes \u2014 as do plenty of other groups \u2014 what is particularly important to the backers is that there is no set agenda.\n\"There\u2019s no mandate on what (members) have to do,\" LaHood said. \"It\u2019s just an opportunity for people to give ideas.\"\nThose ideas, if they attract bipartisan support, would later be forwarded to leaders for a vote.\nWhile the measure was introduced in the waning days of this congressional session \u2014 members are home on recess to campaign into November and will return for a brief, lame-duck session after the election \u2014 it\u2019s expected to be re-introduced in January.\nThe whole initiative has gathered support from members of leadership in each party \u2014 Strand said having Paul Ryan, a policy wonk, as speaker, is an instance of having \"the right speaker at the right time\" for the proposal to move forward \u2014 but frustration from rank-and-file lawmakers also is at a high.\n\"There\u2019s no one happy,\" Strand said. \"The conditions are such that it\u2019s broken down to the point that no one enjoys being here.\"\nPast members of both chambers are supportive, including former Senate leaders Tom Daschle and Trent Lott, who recently co-authored a book on fixing American government, and former House Minority Leader and longtime Peoria Congressman Bob Michel.\nCitizen frustration being at a peak \u2014 with a corresponding chasm in public approval for Congress \u2014 helps as well, with Lipinski, a former American government professor, noting that \"it doesn\u2019t take a student of Congress to understand that the legislative body is not working effectively for the American people.\"\nLaHood says he hears similar messages, and this offers an opportunity to respond credibly and with concrete results.\n\"When people say 'What are you doing to change things, what are you doing to fix things?' \u2026 this is a way that internally we can address this problem,\" he said.\nUltimately, proposed solutions are likely to run the gamut.\n\"There\u2019s some simple ones, there\u2019s some low-hanging fruit, there\u2019s some others that are a lot more complicated,\" Strand said.\nBut the message from all three is similar: Congress needs to start legislating again.\nChris Kaergard\u00a0covers politics and government. He can be reached at 686-3255 and ckaergard@pjstar.com. Follow him on Twitter @ChrisKaergard.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lahood.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/lahood-and-lipinski-introduce-measure-reform-congress", "LaHood and Lipinski Introduce Measure to Reform Congress", "2016-09-29", "2016", "2016-09", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Darin LaHood", "L000585", "lahood.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC\u2014Today, Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-18) and Congressman Dan Lipinski (IL-3) introduced legislation to reform Congress. Thirty-seven other members of Congress have already signed on in support. If passed by both the House and Senate, the measure would automatically establish an internally-focused Joint Committee.\u00a0 Composed of 28 members of Congress from the House and the Senate, the Joint Committee would serve as the mechanism for members of Congress to debate, discuss, and evaluate critical reforms necessary to make the institution more functional and effective at delivering results to the American people.\n\u201cI ran for Congress to help reform government, and Congress as an institution is no exception. By introducing this legislation today in a bipartisan fashion, we begin the process of trying to make Congress more efficient, effective, and accountable to taxpayers. Congress simply isn\u2019t getting essential work done. The American public\u2019s distrust of their legislative branch is legitimate, and things have to change,\u201d\u00a0stated Rep. LaHood.\u00a0\u201cHowever, real change requires real actions and real work. That\u2019s why I have joined with my colleague, Rep. Lipinski, to call for the formation of a Joint Committee to reform Congress, pulling together Democrats and Republicans from both the House and the Senate with a mandate to recommend major reforms in a timely fashion. We have the opportunity to restore Congress\u2019 responsiveness to the American people and rebuild their trust. Now is the time to act.\u201d\nNumbers show that the dysfunction in Congress has stretched for decades, regardless of which party is in the majority.\u00a0 The last time all individual appropriation bills were passed separately and on time was 1996\u201420 years ago. The Joint Committee would focus on restoring Congress\u2019 ability to fulfill its basic responsibilities, including oversight, authorizations, appropriations, legislation, and passing a budget. Specifically, the Joint Committee would first look to overhaul the legislative rules and procedures that control how Congress functions.\u00a0 Second, it would work to empower legislators to take ownership of the legislative process, debate issues, introduce amendments and get laws enacted.\u00a0 Third, the Joint Committee would make recommendations to improve the relationship between the people and Congress.\u00a0\nCongressman Lipinski, original lead Democrat cosponsor of the measure, stated:\u00a0\u201cThere is no doubt that a few reforms may come with the next Congress, but there is a need right now to make fundamental changes in congressional procedures, legislative process, and political behavior.\u00a0 In order to conduct the peoples\u2019 business, Congress as an institution must streamline rules and procedures, improve efficiency in the committees and on the floor of the House and Senate, institute regular order as much as possible, increase participation of the members in the legislative process, and encourage bipartisan cooperation.\u00a0 Congress should also strive to improve relationships among members of the House and Senate, between the House and Senate, and between Congress and the Executive Branch.\u00a0 Hopefully, this resolution is a first step to creating an environment in which governance is not only possible, but preferable to gridlock and dysfunction.\u201d\u00a0\nThis is not a new idea. Joint Committees on Congress have been created at crucial periods before\u2014and have yielded real results. Throughout its history, Congress has adjusted to changing political terrain by enacting reforms to preserve the integrity and effectiveness of the institution. Congress has undertaken similar efforts four times in the past century, each at about a quarter century interval. The last time such a committee was established was a quarter century ago.\nIllinois has a legacy of legislative reform. Rep. LaHood represents the same nine counties Abraham Lincoln represented during his one term in Congress. Central Illinois is also the home of Senate Minority Leader Everett Dirksen and former House Minority Leader Bob Michel, both strong leaders who worked across the aisle to solve problems for the American people.\nH.Con.Res. 169\u00a0will next be referred to a House Committee(s) for further evaluation.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399152", "House Passes Water Resources Reauthorization Bill", "2016-09-29", "2016", "2016-09", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Rodney Davis", "D000619", "rodneydavis.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "House Passes Water Resources Reauthorization Bill \r\n   \r\n    \r\n      Includes Davis Provision to Study Impact of Removing Army Corps from Managing Trust Fund \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington, DC,\r\n        September 29, 2016\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) today announced the House passed H.R. 5303, the Water Resources Development Act of 2016, which includes Davis' provision to study the benefits of removing the Army Corps of Engineers from managing the Inland Waterway Trust Fund. Authorized projects continue to wait years for implementation, including seven lock projects along the Upper Mississippi River and Illinois Waterway System that have been authorized since 2007.Davis spoke in support of his provision and the underlying bill on the House floor. CLICK HERE to watch. By passing a water resources bill every two years, Congress is providing much-needed oversight of the Army Corps but I believe more changes are needed, said Davis. Despite an 80-year-old navigation system, we have projects that continue to wait 10 or 20 years to get off the ground. The Army Corps has shown us time and time again how its own bureaucracy and failure to understand the economic significance of lock and dam projects have prevented them from effectively managing the Inland Waterway Trust Fund. This is unacceptable and it's time for a change. Our farmers need, and taxpayers deserve, a reliable system to move their products to market. Davis' provision requires a study by the Comptroller General on the costs and benefits of transferring management of the fund to a not-for-profit or government-owned corporation.  CLICK HERE for more information about H.R. 5303.   \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://hultgren.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/hultgren-statement-on-passing-of-shimon-peres", "Hultgren Statement on Passing of Shimon Peres", "2016-09-28", "2016", "2016-09", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Randy Hultgren", "H001059", "hultgren.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2014 U.S. Representative Randy Hultgren (IL-14) today released a statement following the passing of Shimon Peres, former prime minister and president of Israel, and recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize, Congressional Gold Medal and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.\n\u201cShimon Peres was a towering figure in Israel\u2019s history who led the nation militarily and exercised skillful diplomacy with its neighbors. The last of the nation\u2019s founding fathers, he devoted himself to defending the state of Israel, serving at all levels of the military and elected government. He was a true statesman, demonstrating unwavering determination to pursue the worthy goals of peace with Israel\u2019s adversaries and an independent standing in the world. His singular vision of a strong and peaceful Israel directed the actions of the nation through tumultuous decades.\n\u201cI met with Shimon Peres when I visited Israel two summers ago, and even into his 90s he was a strong advocate for peace. His peace center, just south of Tel Aviv, aims to bring together young people on each side of the Israel-Gaza conflict to resolve hostilities and build bridges of understanding. Our thoughts and prayers are with our ally Israel as its people mourn the passing of one of their greatest leaders.\u201d\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://hultgren.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/hultgren-supports-legislation-to-delay-burdensome-department-of-labor", "Hultgren Supports Legislation to Delay Burdensome Department of Labor Overtime Rule", "2016-09-28", "2016", "2016-09", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Randy Hultgren", "H001059", "hultgren.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2014 U.S. Representative Randy Hultgren (IL-14) voted in favor of the Regulatory Relief for Small Businesses, Schools and Nonprofits Act, which passed the House of Representatives today. H.R. 6094 would delay for six months the effective date of the Department of Labor\u2019s (DOL) new overtime pay rule.\nThis summer DOL finalized its overtime regulations that quickly and drastically expand the group of employees eligible for overtime pay. This step by the administration is advertised as a financial boon for salaried employees who work more than 40 hours per week. In reality, however, the rule\u2019s unintended consequences mean heavier burdens on colleges, nonprofits and small businesses\u2014our nation\u2019s biggest employers\u2014and a return to hourly work for salaried employees.\n\u201cWhile getting more take-home pay into workers\u2019 pockets is admirable, this move\u2014which sounds great in theory\u2014demonstrates again that the devil is in the details. When I ask businesses what prevents them from hiring more workers, they tell me overregulation is a key obstacle that gets in the way. They understand the new standard for what it is\u2014a well-advertised but empty promise from the administration that could really mean fewer hours for workers, slowed hiring for salaried employees and a shift for full-time employees into hourly work,\u201d said Rep. Hultgren.\nWhile H.R. 6094 does not remove the rule entirely, it does give employers and Congress a six-month delay while other alternatives are considered. Rep. Hultgren has signed a letter to Labor Secretary Thomas Perez urging the department to reconsider its proposal, and he joined 200 of his House colleagues in cosponsoring the Protecting Workplace Opportunity and Advancement Act to nullify the final rule.\n\u201cI will continue to do what I can to make the case against this misguided, one-size-fits-all proposal that would hurt not only employers and the business community, but the millions of Americans they employ,\u201d said Rep. Hultgren.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kinzinger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399432", "Rep. Kinzinger on the Passing of Shimon Peres", "2016-09-28", "2016", "2016-09", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Adam Kinzinger", "K000378", "kinzinger.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC  Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) released the following statement in response to the passing of former Israeli President Shimon Peres last night: \nI join my colleagues in mourning the loss of one of Israel's founding fathers and Noble Peace Prize laureate, Shimon Peres. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and all those who walk in the bright light that he created.\nShimon Peres enlightened the Jewish people by encouraging them to stand up, to innovate, and to dream big dreams. He was an immigrant to Israel, but Shimon Peres helped make Israel what it is today. He defended his country, served it for more than six decades, and wholly gave Israel his heart. \nThis loss is a loss for the world. Shimon Peres was a champion for peace, a true statesman, a giant for the state of Israel, and an inspiring global figure. May his love of country and impressive legacy continue to inspire generations to come. And may his memory forever be a blessing for all.\n\n    \n        \n            \n        \n    \n\nAugust 2011  Former President Shimon Peres and Congressman Adam Kinzinger in Israel.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lahood.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-lahood-votes-improve-water-resources-infrastructure", "Rep. LaHood Votes To Improve Water Resources Infrastructure", "2016-09-28", "2016", "2016-09", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Darin LaHood", "L000585", "lahood.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC\u2014Today, Rep. Darin LaHood voted for H.R. 5303, the Water and Resources Development Act (WRDA), a measure that provides critical support to America\u2019s ports, harbors, locks, dams, flood protection, and other water resources infrastructure in a fiscally responsible way while increasing transparency and oversight.\n\u201cWater resources infrastructure is vital to economic competition and growth, especially in Illinois. Over 600 million tons of cargo worth over $230 billion moves throughout our national waterways annually. The 18th district is uniquely positioned between the Mississippi River and the Illinois River\u2014which collectively transports almost 65,000 tons of cargo each year. It is imperative that we continue to invest in infrastructure that enables our farmers and manufacturers to move their commodities, facilitating trade that is essential for these local industries.\u00a0This is the third major infrastructure legislation that has passed the House since I was elected. First, we passed the FAST Act to revitalize our nation\u2019s roads, bridges, and rails. Second, we have reauthorized Federation Aviation Administration (FAA) to provide critical support and certainty to our airport infrastructure. I am thankful this crucial measure, which funds and improves our water resources infrastructure\u2014 the third pillar of transportation\u2014passed the House with such strong bipartisan support.\u201d\nWRDA provides $10 billion in fully offset investments in ports, channels, locks, dams, and other infrastructure supporting the maritime and waterways transportation system. H.R. 5303 would authorize 27 water projects which have been reviewed and recommended by the Army Corps of Engineers, and includes 29 feasibility studies. The measure also includes funding for certain projects that directly benefit Illinois, including in the Great Lakes Navigation System.\nH.R. 5303 passed out of the House on a vote of 399-25.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://shimkus.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congress-successfully-overrides-presidential-veto", "Congress Successfully Overrides Presidential Veto", "2016-09-28", "2016", "2016-09", "Republican", "House", "IL", "John Shimkus", "S000364", "shimkus.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Congressman John Shimkus (R, Illinois-15) released the following statement today after the House and Senate voted to override President Obama\u2019s veto of the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act:\n\u201cFamilies who lost loved ones to acts of international terrorism on American soil deserve the opportunity to seek damages from the foreign governments or officials who aided or abetted the terrorists. State sponsors of terrorism \u2013 whether they be officially listed as such or not \u2013 should not be able to evade justice.\n\u201cThe Constitution sets a high bar for Congress to enact a law over the President\u2019s objection, and I\u2019m pleased we were able to do so here. While the White House says this override is \u2018embarrassing,\u2019 I say it\u2019s long overdue.\u201d\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://hultgren.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/hultgren-joins-effort-protecting-states-rights-by-opposing-hhs-title-x", "Hultgren Joins Effort Protecting States Rights by Opposing HHS Title X Family Planning Rule", "2016-09-27", "2016", "2016-09", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Randy Hultgren", "H001059", "hultgren.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2014 U.S. Representative Randy Hultgren (IL-14) joined a bipartisan, bicameral letter, led by U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Congressman Diane Black (R-TN), to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Sylvia Burwell expressing their opposition to the Department\u2019s new proposed rule to amend regulations implementing the Title X Family Planning Program. The letter questions HHS\u2019 assertion that providers with a reproductive health focus are more \u201ceffective\u201d than other health care providers which offer more comprehensive care for women and men. This dubious claim, if pushed through, would all but establish a nationwide mandate that these more narrow providers receive priority for the receipt of Title X subawards\u2014at the expense of other entities like comprehensive primary care providers and community health centers.\nIn the letter to Secretary Burwell, the lawmakers stated, \u201cIf HHS cannot clearly define an \u2018effective\u2019 or \u2018high quality\u2019 provider, it is unclear to us how state and local project grantees are supposed to do so in order to comply with this proposed rule. It is also therefore unclear how HHS will be able to determine in every case whether state or local project recipients \u2013 who are generally closer to and more familiar with subrecipients and the patient base in their geographical region \u2013 have considered inappropriate criteria in evaluating subrecipients. Rarely do the American people benefit when the federal government attempts to substitute its judgment for that of state or local governments \u2013 particularly when the criteria used to inform that judgment are unclear, and that judgment is not supported by coherent and impartial facts.\u201d\nThe letter was also sent by Senators Roy Blunt (R-MO), John Boozman (R-AR), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Steve Daines (R-MT), Mike Enzi (R-WY), Deb Fischer (R-NE), James Inhofe (R-OK), James Lankford (R-OK), Mike Lee (R-UT), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Jim Risch (R-ID), Pat Roberts (R-KS), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Ben Sasse (R-NE), Tim Scott (R-SC), David Vitter (R-LA). In addition, Congressman Robert Aderholt (R-AL), Rick Allen (R-GA), Brian Babin (R-TX), Lou Barletta (R-PA), Andy Barr (R-KY), Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Charles Boustany, Jr. (R-LA), Kevin Brady (R-TX), Michael Burgess (R-TX), Earl \u201cBuddy\u201d Carter (R-GA), Tom Cole (R-OK), Chris Collins (R-NY), Doug Collins (R-GA), Mike Conaway (R-TX), Ron DeSantis (R-FL), Scott DesJarlais (R-TN), Jeff Duncan (R-SC), John Duncan, Jr. (R-TN), Stephen Fincher (R-TN), Chuck Fleischmann (R-TN), John Fleming, (R-LA), Bill Flores (R-TX), Jeff Fortenberry (R-NE), Virginia Foxx (R-NC), Trent Franks (R-AZ), Bob Gibbs (R-OH), Louie Gohmert (R-TX), Paul Gosar (R-AZ), Trey Gowdy (R-SC), Tom Graves (R-GA), Glenn Grothman (R-WI), Andy Harris (R-MD), Vicky Hartzler (R-MO), Jeb Hensarling (R-TX), Jody Hice (R-GA), Tim Huelskamp (R-KS), Bill Huizenga (R-MI), Lynn Jenkins (R-KS), Bill Johnson (R-OH), Sam Johnson (R-TX), Walter Jones (R-NC), Mike Kelly (R-PA), Trent Kelly (R-MS), Steve King (R-IA), Doug LaMalfa (R-CA), Doug Lamborn (R-CO), Robert E. Latta (R-OH), Daniel Lipinski (D-IL), Barry Loudermilk (R-GA), Mia Love (R-UT), Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-MO), Kenny Marchant (R-TX), Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), Rep. Mark Meadows (R-NC), John Moolenaar (R-MI), Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), Randy Neugebauer (R-TX), Pete Olson (R-TX), Steven Palazzo (R-MS), Gary Palmer (AL), Steve Pearce (R-NM), Collin Peterson (D-MN), Robert Pittenger (R-NC), Joe Pitts (R-PA), Ted Poe (R-TX), Bill Posey (R-FL), Tom Price (R-GA), John Ratcliffe (R-TX), Martha Roby (R-AL), Phil Roe (R-TN), Dana Rohrabacher (R-CA), Peter Roskam (R-IL), Keith Rothfus (R-PA), David Rouzer (R-NC), Steve Scalise (R-LA), Austin Scott (R-GA), James Sensenbrenner, Jr. (R-WI), Pete Sessions (R-TX), John Shimkus (R-IL), Adrian Smith (R-NE), Chris Smith (R-NJ), Ann Wagner (R-MO), Tim Walberg (R-MI), Randy Weber (R-TX), Brad Wenstrup (R-OH), Joe Wilson (R-SC), Kevin Yoder (R-KS), and Ted Yoho (R-FL) signed the letter.\nRead the full letter below or by clicking here.\n\u00a0\nThe Honorable Sylvia Mathews Burwell  \n\tSecretary  \n\tU.S. Department of Health and Human Services  \n\t200 Independence Avenue, S.W.  \n\tWashington, D.C. 20201\nDear Secretary Burwell,\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 We write to express our strong opposition to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) September 7, 2016, notice of proposed rulemaking titled \u201cCompliance with Title X Requirements by Project Recipients in Selecting Subrecipients.\u201d Although we appreciate the Department\u2019s intent to follow proper regulatory procedure pursuant to the Administrative Procedure Act, HHS\u2019s purpose for engaging in the rulemaking appears on its face to be an attempt to subvert the will of elected representatives.\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Moreover, apart from the Department\u2019s impetus for the notice of proposed rulemaking, we also question whether the Department\u2019s stated rationale adequately supports its conclusion that providers with a reproductive health focus are more \u201ceffective\u201d than other health providers that offer comprehensive care for women and men. Nowhere in the proposed notice of rulemaking does HHS clearly define what it means to provide Title X services in an \u201ceffective\u201d manner. It does appear to assert that a number of factors \u2013 such as the range of contraceptive methods on-site, the number of clients in need of publicly funded family planning services served, and the availability of preconception care \u2013 distinguish providers with a reproductive health focus as more \u201ceffective\u201d and \u201chigh quality\u201d than other types of providers. However, that list of factors falls far short of all of the attributes and recommendations included in the Centers for Disease Control and Office of Population Affairs report entitled \u201cProviding Quality Family Planning Services: Recommendations of CDC and the US Office of Population Affairs.\u201d\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 To further complicate the argument about quality and effectiveness, the data cited in the notice of proposed rulemaking is not adequate for determining patient outcomes. The Department relies heavily on utilization and demographic statistics, but appears to lack hard data regarding actual patient outcomes and need, as the Department does not require grantees to track patients or verify their income. As you know, the issue of inadequate data has previously been raised by the Institute of Medicine (IOM), after the HHS Office of Family Planning in 2007 asked IOM to provide a critical review of the Title X Family Planning Program. In addition to finding \u201cno clear, evidence-based process for establishing or revising program priorities and guidelines,\u201d IOM stated the following in its May 2009 Report Brief:\n\u201cThe committee concludes that the program does not collect all the data needed to monitor and evaluate its impact. Therefore, the committee proposes a comprehensive framework to evaluate the program and assess how well clinics meet the family planning needs of the program\u2019s clients. The committee concludes that additional data will be needed in the areas of client needs, structure, process, and outcomes in order to assess the program\u2019s overall progress.\u201d\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 We welcome evidence that this recommendation has been fully adopted, but are unaware of any clear evidence confirming that to be the case. If HHS cannot clearly define an \u201ceffective\u201d or \u201chigh quality\u201d provider, it is unclear to us how state and local project grantees are supposed to do so in order to comply with this proposed rule. It is also therefore unclear how HHS will be able to accurately determine in every case whether state or local project recipients \u2013 who are generally closer to and more familiar with subrecipients and the patient base in their geographical region \u2013 have considered inappropriate criteria in evaluating subrecipients. Rarely do the American people benefit when the federal government attempts to substitute its judgment for that of state or local governments \u2013 particularly when the criteria used to inform that judgment are unclear, and that judgment is not supported by coherent and impartial facts.\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Finally, if HHS is going to assert the authority to adapt its rules in order to address changing circumstances, we implore HHS to consider the recent general shift in health care policy toward comprehensive care. As HHS states on its website, in addition to assisting individuals and couples in planning and spacing births, part of the mission of Title X is to contribute to \u201cimproved health for women and infants.\u201d HHS\u2019s suggestion that subrecipients like federally qualified health centers \u2013 which provide greater preventive and primary health care services than providers with a reproductive health focus \u2013 are per se less \u201ceffective\u201d than providers with a reproductive health focus does not comport with that stated mission.\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 We urge HHS to reconsider this overreaching and ill-supported rule. We will continue to closely monitor this proposed rulemaking, and intend to submit this letter as a formal comment. We look forward to a detailed response from your Department.\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Sincerely,\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://hultgren.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/hultgren-supports-legislation-to-ease-financial-burdens-on-land-of-lincoln", "Hultgren Supports Legislation to Ease Financial Burdens on Land of Lincoln Plan-Holders", "2016-09-27", "2016", "2016-09", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Randy Hultgren", "H001059", "hultgren.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2014 U.S. Representative Randy Hultgren (IL-14) cosponsored and voted in favor of the CO-OP Consumer Protection Act, which passed the House of Representatives today. H.R. 954 provides a temporary exemption from the Affordable Care Act\u2019s (ACA) individual mandate for individuals who were enrolled in a Consumer Operated and Oriented Plan (CO-OP) that failed. Should these consumers decide to forego coverage for the rest of the year, they would not be subject to the individual mandate penalty. This measure would affect a large group of Americans\u2014including 50,000 Illinoisans\u2014in the 17 ACA CO-OPs that were liquidated.\n\u201cI have heard heart-wrenching stories from families in the 14th District who have loved ones with cancer and other complex conditions who are now left without a health plan,\u201d said Rep. Hultgren. \u201cTo make matters worse, any other plan they enroll in on the Illinois exchange gives them not just a narrower provider network, but a totally different one. They are left in a financially vulnerable, rushed and confusing position as they have to navigate a drastically changed exchange and costs for out-of-network care.\u201d\nIn July Illinois\u2019s CO-OP, the Land of Lincoln Mutual Health Insurance Company, began the process of liquidation after it was left with a $70 million shortfall related to the federal Risk Corridor Program. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services intended to sponsor these CO-OPs to increase competition in the exchange market; only six of the original 23 plans remain. Individual market exchanges in Illinois and across the country next year will continue on a path of limited options, narrow or completely different provider networks, and higher premium costs and deductibles.\n\u201cWhile this bill is not the solution to the ACA\u2019s worsening problems, exemption from the individual mandate stops the federal government from financially punishing consumers for not having health coverage after their ACA CO-OP fell apart,\u201d said Rep. Hultgren. \u201cWhile we work on a more comprehensive solution to the ACA\u2019s myriad of problems, the least we can do is offer these men and women some financial relief.\u201d\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://hultgren.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/kendall-county-celebrates-175-years-of-history-and-prosperity", "Kendall County Celebrates 175 Years of History and Prosperity", "2016-09-27", "2016", "2016-09", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Randy Hultgren", "H001059", "hultgren.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2014 U.S. Representative Randy Hultgren (IL-14) today delivered a statement on the House floor honoring and celebrating Kendall County, Illinois\u2019 175th anniversary.\n  \n\t\u00a0(Click picture to watch video)\nFollowing are Rep. Hultgren\u2019s prepared remarks:\nI rise today to honor the 175th anniversary of Kendall County, Illinois.\nFavorable conditions in the 1830s persuaded hundreds of immigrants to load their wagons and head west to settle on the Illinois prairie.\nThese early settlements became the seeds of Kendall County, a thriving, 320-square mile area west of Chicago that is home to friendly people, rich farmland, and a strong base of manufacturing and small businesses.\nThe legislation creating Kendall County, approved by the Illinois Senate and House, was passed into law on February 19, 1841.\nIt was named Kendall in honor of the U.S. Postmaster General, Amos Kendall, who served under President Andrew Jackson.\nThroughout its history, the county has stood the test of time, and continues to grow and prosper today.\nIn fact, the county boasts more than 114,000 residents and holds the record as the fastest growing county in the United States, with an impressive rate of more than 110 percent growth.\nI am proud to call Kendall County my home and celebrate its 175th year of history and prosperity.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://roskam.house.gov/Passing-Of-Shimon-Peres", "Roskam Statement on the Passing of Shimon Peres zl", "2016-09-27", "2016", "2016-09", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Peter Roskam", "R000580", "roskam.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2014U.S. Representative Peter J. Roskam released the following statement on the passing of Israeli statesman Shimon Peres z\u201dl:\n\u201cShimon Peres was a true Israeli hero and a source of great inspiration to me personally. He defended the Jewish people with an iron fist while relentlessly seeking peace and extending an open hand to Israel\u2019s neighbors.\n\u201cHe chose not to be a cynic, famously \u2018preferr[ing] to live as an optimist\u2019 because \u2018optimists and pessimists die the same way, they just live differently.\u2019 Shimon Peres did more with his time on Earth than most people could accomplish in 3 or 4 lifetimes.\n\u201cMay his memory be a blessing for the world to come. We mourn with the Peres family and the entire nation of Israel.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399150", "Davis: Four Percent is Not Enough", "2016-09-26", "2016", "2016-09", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Rodney Davis", "D000619", "rodneydavis.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) last week called for more than four percent of the National Cancer Institute's (NCI) budget to go toward pediatric cancer research. September is Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month.\n    \n        \n            \n        \n    \n\nCLICK HERE to learn more about Davis' fight against pediatric cancer.Text of Davis' prepared remarks:  \nMr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the month of September as Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month. Pediatric Cancer is the leading cause of disease-related deaths for children in the United States  43 are diagnosed with cancer everyday. While many adult cancers can be diagnosed early, pediatric cancers are more difficult to detect. In 80 percent of children, the cancer will have already spread to other parts of the body by the time of diagnosis. For the children who do survive, their battle doesn't end 95 percent of childhood cancer survivors will develop chronic health conditions. Despite these facts, only four percent of the National Cancer Institute's funding goes toward pediatric cancer. Since 1990, only ten drugs have been developed to treat pediatric cancer, compared to more than 200 for adults. My friend, Jonny Wade, is one of the many faces of pediatric cancer. Last Christmas Eve, his year-long battle with brain cancer tragically ended, but our fight to eradicate this disease has only begun. Mr. Speaker, four percent is not enough. I will continue my fight to get more than four percent, not for Jonny, but for his wish that no kid ever has to have cancer again. I yield back.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://hultgren.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/hultgren-announces-inaugural-stem-scholars-class", "Hultgren Announces Inaugural STEM Scholars Class", "2016-09-23", "2016", "2016-09", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Randy Hultgren", "H001059", "hultgren.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2014 U.S. Representative Randy Hultgren (IL-14) today announced his inaugural class of STEM Scholars from the 14th Congressional District. The new youth leadership program encourages highly-motivated and energetic high school students to become ambassadors in their communities for the possibilities provided by science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).\n\tCongressman Hultgren will join the STEM Scholars for their first meeting and hands-on learning experience at FONA International in Geneva. STEM Scholars will meet with experts in flavor chemistry, food science, sensory science, research and innovation as they create all manner of food flavors. The Scholars will have an opportunity to learn about FONA, the food industry and the science behind how we taste and experience food.\u00a0 Scholars will devote their year interacting with other scholars and developing their advocacy and leadership skills to advance the understanding of the role science, math and technology play in their own future careers and communities.\n\t\u201cI am very excited to announce this talented and enthusiastic group of students who are interested in exploring and promoting science, technology, engineering and math,\u201d said Rep. Hultgren. \u201cThese ambitious students are our next generation of innovative leaders, and I look forward to joining them at a creative and innovative manufacturer in the 14th District to see the results of STEM education in action. This kickoff event is just the first of monthly meetings I plan to have with these students over the course of the year to encourage them in their studies, expose them to the wide world of STEM fields and propel them to inspire others curious about what opportunities STEM education has to offer.\u201d\n\t2016 class of inaugural STEM Scholars:\n\n\n\tTherese Hein, Aurora Central Catholic High School  \n\t\tPatrick Stephen, Bartlett High School  \n\t\tAlly Bowgren, Batavia High School  \n\t\tDaniel Napierkowski, Batavia High School  \n\t\tEvan Pasero, Batavia High School  \n\t\tAudrey Godsell, Crystal Lake South High School  \n\t\tClaire Garretson, Homeschool (Crystal Lake)  \n\t\tLucas Kulesza, Homeschool (West Chicago)  \n\t\tMary Pelzer, Joliet West High School  \n\t\tKate Thompson, Marian Central Catholic  \n\t\tJosie Reed, Oswego East High School  \n\t\tTrisha Sudhakar, Oswego East High School  \n\t\tKyle Hines, Parkview Christian Academy  \n\t\tAndrew\u00a0Stutesman, St. Charles North High School  \n\t\tEmma Keicher, Sycamore High School  \n\t\tKevin Margis, Warren Township High School  \n\t\tEric Naumann, Yorkville High School  \n\t\tBen Tholen, Yorkville High School  \n\t\tFaith Twardzik, Yorkville High School\n\nThe STEM Scholars program is aimed at creating regular channels of communication between 14th District youth and Congressman Hultgren, including promoting and sharing ideas and presenting solutions to today\u2019s pressing issues, and will include programming specifically designed to expose students to STEM careers and to build STEM leadership qualities and skills. STEM Scholars will grow their leadership skills through presentations, higher-level discussions and on-site visits to some of the 14th District\u2019s premier STEM facilities.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kinzinger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399398", "Congratulations to Illinois' 2016 Rio Olympians and Paralympians", "2016-09-23", "2016", "2016-09", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Adam Kinzinger", "K000378", "kinzinger.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Yesterday, the House passed H.R. 5946, the U.S. Appreciation for Olympians and Paralympians Act to amend the federal tax code so that Olympic medalists will not be taxed on their victory' bonus.  Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) joined his colleagues in support of this legislation, as it passed the House with overwhelming bipartisan support. \r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Washington, DC  Yesterday, the House passed H.R. 5946, the U.S. Appreciation for Olympians and Paralympians Act to amend the federal tax code so that Olympic medalists will not be taxed on their victory' bonus. Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) joined his colleagues in support of this legislation, as it passed the House with overwhelming bipartisan support. This past Monday concluded the 2016 Rio Paralympic Games. In conjunction with the bill's passage and the end of the 2016 Summer Olympics, Congressman Kinzinger released the following statement to congratulate all the athletes from this year's games: \nCongratulations to our 2016 Olympians and Paralympians across the country and here in Illinois who represented Team USA so proudly. The 2016 Summer Games were incredible to watch and as a nation, we couldn't be prouder of all our athletes. \nThis week, the House voted to exempt medalists from the burdensome taxes on their winnings. You worked hard, represented your country on the world stage, and we are proud to serve you here in Congress. Again, congratulations on your impressive achievements.\nCongressman Kinzinger's constituent Jese Schag played on the Men's Sitting Volleyball Team and attended Serena High School here in the 16th district. Below are all of the 2016 Rio Olympians and Paralympians from Illinois: \n\n    \n        \n            \n            \n            \n            \n            \n            \n                \n                    \n                        \n                    \n                \n            \n            \n            \n                Morolake Akinosun\n                Track and Field\n                Aurora, IL\n                Gold medal\n            \n            \n            \n            \n            \n                \n                    \n                        \n                    \n                \n            \n            \n            \n                Haley Augello\n                Wrestling\n                Lockport, IL\n            \n            \n            \n            \n            \n                \n                    \n                        \n                    \n                \n            \n            \n            \n                Kelsey Card\n                Track and Field\n                Carlinville, IL\n            \n            \n            \n            \n            \n                \n                    \n                        \n                    \n                \n            \n            \n            \n                Kevin Cordes\n                Swimming\n                Naperville, IL\n                Gold medal \n            \n            \n            \n            \n            \n                \n                    \n                        \n                    \n                \n            \n            \n            \n                Daniel Dennis\n                Wrestling\n                Ingleside, IL\n            \n            \n        \n        \n            \n            \n            \n                \n                    \n                        \n                    \n                \n            \n            \n            \n                Lauren Doyle\n                Rugby\n                Boody, IL\n            \n            \n            \n            \n            \n            \n                \n                    \n                        \n                    \n                \n            \n            \n            \n                Conor Dwyer\n                Swimming\n                Winnetka, IL\n                1 gold & 1 bronze medal\n            \n            \n            \n            \n            \n                \n                    \n                        \n                    \n                \n            \n            \n            \n                Ryan Held\n                Swimming\n                Springfield, IL\n                Gold medal\n            \n            \n            \n            \n            \n                \n                    \n                        \n                    \n                \n            \n            \n            \n                Thomas Jaeschke\n                Volleyball\n                Wheaton, IL\n                Bronze medal\n            \n            \n            \n            \n            \n                \n                    \n                        \n                    \n                \n            \n            \n            \n                Evan Jager\n                Track and Field\n                Algonquinn, IL\n                Silver medal\n            \n            \n            \n            \n            \n            \n                \n                    \n                        \n                    \n                \n            \n            \n            \n                Ben Kanute\n                Triathlon\n                Geneva, IL\n            \n            \n        \n        \n            \n            \n            \n                \n                    \n                        \n                    \n                \n            \n            \n            \n                Kelly Murphy\n                Volleyball\n                Wilmington, IL\n                Bronze medal \n            \n            \n            \n            \n            \n                \n                    \n                        \n                    \n                \n            \n            \n            \n                Kelsey Robinson\n                Volleyball\n                Bartlett, IL\n                Bronze medal\n            \n            \n            \n            \n            \n                \n                    \n                        \n                    \n                \n            \n            \n            \n                Monica Rokhman\n                Gymnastics\n                Northbrook, IL\n            \n            \n            \n            \n            \n                \n                    \n                        \n                    \n                \n            \n            \n            \n                Olivia Smoliga\n                Swimming\n                Glenview, IL\n                Gold medal\n            \n            \n            \n            \n            \n                \n                    \n                        \n                    \n                \n            \n            \n            \n                Laura Zeng\n                Gymnastics\n                Libertyville, IL\n            \n            \n            \n            \n            \n                \n                    \n                        \n                    \n                \n            \n            \n            \n                Zach Ziemek\n                Track and Field\n                Itasca, IL\n            \n            \n        \n    \n\n  \n\n    \n        \n            \n            \n            \n            \n                \n                    \n                        \n                    \n                \n            \n            \n            \n            \n            \n            \n                \n                    \n                        \n                    \n                \n            \n            \n            \n                Joe Berenyi\n                Cycling\n                Aurora, IL\n                Silver medal \n            \n            \n            \n            \n            \n            \n                \n                    \n                        \n                    \n                \n            \n            \n            \n                Sarah Chung\n                Judo\n                Crystal Lake, IL\n            \n            \n            \n            \n            \n                \n                    \n                        \n                    \n                \n            \n            \n            \n                Leslie Cichocki\n                Swimming\n                Palos Hill, IL\n            \n            \n            \n            \n            \n                \n                    \n                        \n                    \n                \n            \n            \n            \n                Marco DeLaRosa\n                Shooting\n                Chicago, IL\n            \n            \n            \n            \n            \n                \n                    \n                        \n                    \n                \n            \n            \n            \n                Alyssa Gialamas\n                Swimming\n                Naperville, IL\n            \n            \n        \n        \n            \n            \n            \n                \n                    \n                        \n                    \n                \n            \n            \n            \n                Kelsey LeFevour\n                Track and Field\n                Chicago, IL\n            \n            \n            \n            \n            \n            \n                \n                    \n                        \n                    \n                \n            \n            \n            \n                Amanda McGrory\n                Track and Field\n                Savoy, IL\n                1 silver, 2 bronze medals\n            \n            \n            \n            \n            \n                \n                    \n                        \n                    \n                \n            \n            \n            \n                Chuck Melton\n                Rugby\n                Richview, IL\n                Silver medal\n            \n            \n            \n            \n            \n                \n                    \n                        \n                    \n                \n            \n            \n            \n                Nichole Millage\n                Sitting Volleyball\n                Champaign, IL\n                Gold medal\n            \n            \n            \n            \n            \n            \n                \n                    \n                        \n                    \n                \n            \n            \n            \n                Susannah Scaroni\n                Track and Field\n                \n                Urbana, IL\n                \n            \n            \n            \n            \n            \n                \n                    \n                        \n                    \n                \n            \n            \n            \n                Jese Schag\n                Sitting Volleyball\n                \n                Normal, IL", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lahood.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-darin-lahood-supports-bill-prohibiting-future-cash-ransom-payments", "Rep. Darin LaHood Supports Bill Prohibiting Future Cash Ransom Payments To Iran", "2016-09-23", "2016", "2016-09", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Darin LaHood", "L000585", "lahood.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC\u2014This week, Rep. Darin LaHood and a majority of the Members of Congress voted to prohibit future cash payments to Iran. LaHood released the following statement:\n\u201cIt should be common sense that the United States of America should not send untraceable pallets of cash on an airplane to the leading state sponsor of terrorism\u2014in the midst of a global war on terror. But this bill spells it out. H.R. 5931 makes it clear that the Obama Administration violated America\u2019s long-standing policy by exchanging cash for the release of prisoners (commonly known as a ransom payment). More importantly, it prohibits any more cash payments to Iran, regardless of the rhetoric or reasoning behind it. The most powerful nation in the world cannot be a country that negotiates and sends cash to countries that fund terrorism. Period.\u201d \nTo view Rep. LaHood speak in support of this measure on the House Floor, CLICK here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399141", "Davis Votes to Prevent Future Cash Payments to Iran", "2016-09-23", "2016", "2016-09", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Rodney Davis", "D000619", "rodneydavis.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Davis Votes to Prevent Future Cash Payments to Iran \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington, D.C.,\r\n        September 23, 2016\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) last night voted for H.R. 5931, the Prohibiting Future Ransom Payments to Iran Act, which would prohibit the administration from making future cash payments to Iran.I never thought we would have to pass a bill to prohibit the president of the United States from giving cash payments to the world's leader in state sponsored terrorism, said Davis. But then again, this is just one more in a long line of concessions made by this administration to Iran. This ransom payment has not only put a price tag on every American but it's made it easier for Iran to funnel money to Hezbollah and other terrorist organizations. Last month, it was revealed that the administration had misled the American people about the reason for a $1.7 billion cash payment  money that is entirely untraceable  to Iran. The payment coincided with the release of five unjustly detained Americans. H.R. 5931 is in addition to several other bills passed by the House this year to prevent more concessions and instead hold Iran accountable for their unlawful actions.  \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399147", "Decatur Family Recognized as Angels in Adoption in Washington, DC", "2016-09-23", "2016", "2016-09", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Rodney Davis", "D000619", "rodneydavis.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Decatur Family Recognized as Angels in Adoption' in Washington, DC \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington, DC,\r\n        September 23, 2016\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n       U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) today announced that Pastor Chadwick Anderson of Decatur's Moundford Free Methodist Church and his wife Sarah Anderson were recognized as 'Angels in Adoption' this week in Washington, D.C. Davis nominated the Anderson family for the program in May after helping them put pressure on the Congolese government to finalize their adoption.We owe so much to families who open their homes to children in need, said Davis. Like many who adopt, this was a long process for the Anderson family to finally bring Phoebe home. It was great being able to honor the Andersons and celebrate their new family out in DC this week.  \n\n    \n        \n            \n        \n    \n\nAnderson family honored as 'Angels in Adoption' in Washington, D.C. \nLeft to Right: Pastor Chadwick Anderson and Sarah Anderson (back row); Addison Anderson, Sophie Anderson, Ruby Anderson, and Phoebe Anderson (front row)The Angels in Adoption program is a public awareness campaign through the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute (CCAI), which provides members Congress with the opportunity to honor their constituents who have enriched the lives of foster children and orphans as well as highlight the importance of adoption.\n    \n        \n            \n        \n    \n\nDavis meets with the Anderson family on the steps of the U.S. Capitol.The Anderson family began the adoption of their daughter, Phoebe Benedicte Anderson (age 4), from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in 2012. With the help of Davis' office, the family finalized the adoption four years later in April 2016. Davis' office helped the family put pressure on the Congolese government and expedited the family's I-600 form, which is needed for an adoptive child to enter into the U.S.CLICK HERE to see a video of Phoebe's arrival into the United States. Download the above photos by clicking HERE. \n  \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399148", "Davis Statement on VA Naming Permanent Director of St. Louis VA Health System", "2016-09-23", "2016", "2016-09", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Rodney Davis", "D000619", "rodneydavis.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Davis Statement on VA Naming Permanent Director of St. Louis VA Health System \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington, DC,\r\n        September 23, 2016\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) released this statement after the VA announced it will name Keith Repko as the new director of the VA St. Louis Health Care System. Repko has been acting director since January 2016.Hopefully this announcement will mean greater certainty and quality of care for veterans at the St. Louis VA, said Davis. St. Louis-area veterans have waited far too long for a permanent leader at this facility. They deserve a VA that is focused on responsiveness and one that provides them with the best care possible. I hope Mr. Repko's familiarity with the facility will make this a seamless transition and I look forward to working with him to ensure veterans are receiving the care they deserve. Davis, along with other members of the St. Louis-area congressional delegation, has repeatedly urged the VA to appoint a permanent director of the St. Louis VA facility.  \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://shimkus.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/shimkus-backs-bills-targeting-iranian-cash-payments-assets", "Shimkus Backs Bills Targeting Iranian Cash Payments, Assets", "2016-09-23", "2016", "2016-09", "Republican", "House", "IL", "John Shimkus", "S000364", "shimkus.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Congressman John Shimkus (R, Illinois-15) backed two House-passed bills this week to prohibit any future cash payments to Iran and to bring transparency to the Islamic Republic\u2019s corrupt financial dealings.\n\u201cAccording to President Obama\u2019s own State Department, Iran is the world\u2019s leading state sponsor of terrorism,\u201d said Shimkus. \u201cUnder no circumstances should the United States send Iran cash that can and will be used to fund acts of terror against civilians, our troops or our allies.\u201d\nH.R. 5931, which passed the House on Thursday with bipartisan support, would prohibit the United States from making any cash payments to Iran until the President certifies that Iran is not a primary money laundering concern or a state sponsor of terrorism. The bill reiterates that it is the policy of the United States Government not to pay ransom or release prisoners for the purpose of securing the release of United States citizens taken hostage abroad.\n\u201cWhen we think of our nation\u2019s efforts to stop terrorism, we often imagine airstrikes in Iraq or special forces in Afghanistan,\u201d continued Shimkus. \u201cThose military campaigns are important, but we must also target the flow of money that funds terrorist organizations and operations.\u201d\nH.R. 5461, which passed the House on Wednesday with even greater bipartisan support, would require the Treasury Secretary to develop and post online a list estimating the \u201cfunds and assets\u201d held by senior Iranian political and military leaders, along with a description of how they acquired the assets and what those assets are used for. This report would be posted on the Treasury Department\u2019s website in English, but also translated into the three main languages used inside Iran, and would be available in any of those forms in a way that is easy to download and share.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://shimkus.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/shimkus-statement-on-new-st-louis-va-director", "Shimkus Statement on New St. Louis VA Director", "2016-09-23", "2016", "2016-09", "Republican", "House", "IL", "John Shimkus", "S000364", "shimkus.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Maryville, Illinois \u2013 Congressman John Shimkus (R, Illinois-15) released the following statement on the appointment of Keith Repko as the new director of the VA St. Louis Health Care System:\u00a0\n\u201cAfter three and a half years, eight interim directors, and multiple letters and inquiries from the region\u2019s congressional delegation, I\u2019m pleased to learn today that care for veterans served by the VA St. Louis Health Care System will finally be managed by a permanent director. I look forward to working with Mr. Repko in his new capacity to ensure that area veterans are getting the timely and quality health care they have earned.\u201d\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://hultgren.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/hultgren-supports-bill-to-boost-employee-investment-and-take-home-pay", "Hultgren Supports Bill to Boost Employee Investment and Take-Home Pay", "2016-09-22", "2016", "2016-09", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Randy Hultgren", "H001059", "hultgren.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2014 U.S. Representative Randy Hultgren (IL-14) supported House passage of H.R. 5719, the Empowering Employees through Stock Ownership Act, a bill he cosponsored which would allow employees to defer taxes on income they make from stock they are given by their employers. The move would encourage employee ownership, and personal and financial investment in these businesses. This tax incentive would also increase employee take-home pay by allowing them to get a higher return on their investment.\n\u201cI am encouraged by efforts in the House this year to better engage and incentivize employees to contribute to their companies\u2019 success,\u201d said Rep. Hultgren. \u201cWorkers who own a stake in the business they work for every day have an interest in seeing the business succeed. It is best for businesses when its success is tied to the hard work and investment of its employees.\u201d\nRep. Hultgren\u2019s employee ownership bill, the Encouraging Employee Ownership Act, passed the House as part of the Capital Markets Improvement Act earlier this year. The bill opens up more opportunities for employees to share a stake in the companies that employ them.\nWarren Ribley, President and CEO of the Illinois Biotechnology Industry Organization, an association that represents companies and thousands of their employees in the 14th Congressional District, believes that making it easier for companies to offer employees stock and ownership helps Illinois businesses grow, and offer these opportunities to more workers. \u201cAs someone who has worked in economic development for most my career, I know that offering an ownership stake to employees is a critical tool in recruiting top talent to job-generating companies,\u201d said Mr. Ribley. \u201cThere is no doubt that an equity stake encourages employees to drive hard for success of the enterprise.\u201d\n\u201cThis movement toward employee stake in smaller and mid-market companies is important to employers and their workers, job creation, access to capital and the economy as a whole,\u201d said Rep. Hultgren.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kinzinger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399397", "Houses Passes the STAND for Ukraine Act", "2016-09-22", "2016", "2016-09", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Adam Kinzinger", "K000378", "kinzinger.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Yesterday, the House unanimously passed H.R. 5094, the Stability and Democracy for Ukraine Act (or STAND for Ukraine Act) by a voice vote to send a strong message of support for Ukraine.  \r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Washington, DC  Yesterday, the House unanimously passed H.R. 5094, the Stability and Democracy for Ukraine Act (or STAND for Ukraine Act) by a voice vote to send a strong message of support for Ukraine. Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) co-authored this bill with Congressman Eliot Engel (D-NY) in April 2016 and garnered strong bipartisan support to move the bill to the House floor. The legislation seeks to contain, reverse, and deter Russian aggression in Ukraine, to support the sovereignty of Crimea against Russia's illegal annexation, and to ultimately assist Ukraine's democratic transition. \r\nUpon the bill's passage, Congressman Kinzinger released the following statement: \r\nAs a nation, we must STAND with our allies and we must STAND for Ukraine. I'm proud of the bill's passage and thank Congressman Engel for his hard work in getting this legislation through the committee. This legislation shows American support for Ukraine in a number of ways while also putting additional pressure on Russia for its continued violation of Ukraine's territorial sovereignty. Today, the House acted to stand with Ukraine legislatively and most effectively.\r\nLast night, Congressman Kinzinger also submitted remarks to the Congressional Record in support of this legislation, and those remarks can be found here and below: \r\nMr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 5094. Ukraine continues to face significant challenges from Russian meddling and aggression. We in Congress are under no illusions when seeing Vladimir Putin's true intentions for Ukraine. \r\nVladimir Putin and Russia are tearing Europe apart. Russian-backed separatists continue their shelling of Ukrainian military positions in Donetsk and Donbass, which in some cases has killed civilians. \r\nAdditionally, Vladimir Putin and Russia are delivering bombs on medical facilities and on children in Syria. Further proof that they are no ally of ours. \r\nRather than continuing to negotiate with Putin, we need to stand up to him. The best way to push back against Russia is to give the Ukrainians what they need to defend their sovereign territory, such as lethal weaponry to counter the Russian-backed little green men. \r\nThis important bill does a number of things to continue to show American support for Ukraine while also putting additional pressure on Russia for its continued violation of Ukraine's territorial sovereignty. \r\nMore importantly, this bill states the the United States will never recognize Russian sovereignty over Crimea, which it illegally annexed in 2014. \r\nThis bill would also enhance our sanctions regime on Russia for its ongoing illegal and destabilizing activities against Ukraine. \r\nIn our history, we have always seen the impact that our nation has on others when we stand up and help them achieve a better tomorrow. It is imperative that we continue to help Ukraine achieve that better future for its citizens. \r\nMr. Speaker, I was proud to work with Congressman Eliot Engel to introduce this critical bill. By reaffirming U.S. support for Ukraine's self-defense, emphasizing that we never have nor will recognize Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea, and by holding Russia accountable for its continued violation of Ukraine's sovereignty, we will Stand with Ukraine' legislatively and most effectively.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399140", "Reps. Davis and Yoho Bill to Improve VA Claims Process Headed to House Floor for Vote", "2016-09-22", "2016", "2016-09", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Rodney Davis", "D000619", "rodneydavis.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) today announced that his bill, introduced with U.S. Rep. Ted Yoho (R-Fla.), to improve the Veterans Affairs (VA) claims process passed the House VA Committee and is expected to be voted on by the full House next week. Davis and Yoho introduced H.R. 5166, the WINGMAN Act in May to improve veterans' access to the VA claims process. This bill is similar to legislation Davis announced at his Veterans Resource Fair in Springfield last August.Veterans should not have to go through their member of Congress to get answers from the VA but the fact is, we are oftentimes a last resort for many veterans, said Davis. Our bill will allow my office, and other congressional offices, to better assist veterans by creating more transparency within the claims process and hopefully allow the VA to be more efficient. By moving this legislation forward, we are another step closer to getting veterans the answers they need and deserve in a timely manner. Our Veterans have put their lives on the line for our nation and they deserve the very best. Today we are one step closer in improving their benefits claims process. It is unacceptable that the brave men and women who stepped up to serve and protect our freedoms, should wait extended periods of time to receive the care and benefits they so rightly deserve, Yoho said. The WINGMAN Act will grant certified congressional staff access to the files they already have permission to, but eliminates the burdensome step of having to use the VA as a middle-man to receive them. Advocates will be able to access the status of a pending claim, medical records, comp and pen records, rating decisions, statement of the case, supplementary statement of the case, notice of disagreement, and Form-9 files.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://roskam.house.gov/House-Unanimously-Passes-RESPECT-Act", "House Unanimously Votes to End IRS Forfeiture Abuse", "2016-09-22", "2016", "2016-09", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Peter Roskam", "R000580", "roskam.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Today, the House of Representatives voted 415-0 to unanimously pass the \u201cClyde-Hirsch-Sowers-RESPECT Act\u201d to rein in IRS asset forfeiture abuse in structuring cases. The bill, introduced by U.S. Representatives Peter J. Roskam (R-IL), Chairman of the Ways & Means Subcommittee on Oversight, and Joseph Crowley (D-NY), is named for Andrew Clyde; Jeffrey, Richard, and Mitch Hirsch; and Randy Sowers \u2013 all small business owners victimized by the IRS.\nChairman Roskam issued the following statement:\n\u201cToday we took a big step toward delivering justice for victims of IRS abuse. It\u2019s clear to everyone involved that the IRS and DOJ abused their authority and took money from people who did nothing wrong. With today\u2019s legislation, we\u2019re making sure they can never do it again. I want to thank the Clyde, Hirsch, Sowers, and Taylor families for their bravery and willingness to share their stories in the hopes of preventing future injustice. I appreciate the support of Ranking Member John Lewis and Congressman Joe Crowley on this bipartisan bill. I\u2019m glad we can finally put this ugly chapter to rest.\u201d\nRep. Crowley issued the following statement:\n\u201cCivil asset forfeiture might have started out as a way to combat criminal activity but it has morphed into a complicated process that unfairly entangles innocent people. There is no question that the laws were deeply flawed and the process was riddled with abuse. I was proud to work with Congressman Roskam on this legislation, and I\u2019m pleased that we are one step closer to it becoming a reality.\u201d\nU.S. Senators Tim Scott (R-SC) and Sherrod Brown (D-OH) have introduced companion legislation and expect the upper chamber to pass the measure in short order.\nBackground\nIn May, Chairman Roskam\u2019s Ways & Means Oversight Subcommittee held a hearing on Protecting Small Businesses From IRS Abuse. Both Republicans and Democrats expressed outrage over the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and Department of Justice (DOJ)\u2019s actions to seize the bank accounts of law-abiding American citizens. Watch Chairman Roskam\u2019s opening statement here and read the remarks here.\nIn June, under intense pressure from Congress, the IRS finally agreed to send letters to everyone from whom it had seized assets based on allegations of \u201cstructuring\u201d cash deposits. These people, who had done nothing wrong, can finally get some or all of their money back.\nRandy Sowers, a Maryland dairy farmer who testified at the May hearing, finally got his money back in July as a result of the Subcommittee\u2019s work.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://shimkus.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/shimkus-recognized-as-guardian-of-small-business", "Shimkus Recognized as Guardian of Small Business", "2016-09-22", "2016", "2016-09", "Republican", "House", "IL", "John Shimkus", "S000364", "shimkus.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Congressman John Shimkus (R, Illinois-15) received the National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB) Guardian of Small Business Award for his pro-jobs, pro-growth votes in the 114th Congress.\nJuanita Duggan, President and CEO of NFIB, presents Congressman Shimkus with the Guardian of Small Business Award for the 114th Congress.\n\u201cI regularly visit businesses of all sizes across the 15th District,\u201d said Shimkus. \u201cIn every one of the 33 counties I represent I\u2019ve heard stories of rising regulatory costs, our nation\u2019s complicated tax code, and federal rules and mandates that make it difficult to run a small business. I\u2019m thankful to NFIB for recognizing the importance of not only taking those concerns back to Washington, but voting for solutions to the challenges my constituents face.\u201d \u00a0\u00a0\nNFIB's Guardian of Small Business award is given every two years based on key pro-business votes. Key votes in the 114th Congress included those to approve the Keystone XL Pipeline, repeal Obamacare, reduce frivolous lawsuits and protect Americans from tax hikes \u2013 including a repeal of the death tax.\nMembers of Congress who supported NFIB's position on at least 70 percent of key votes receive the award. Shimkus voted in support of small businesses 100 percent of the time.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://hultgren.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/house-acts-to-expose-corrupt-iran-leadership-and-terrorism-funding", "House Acts to Expose Corrupt Iran Leadership and Terrorism Funding", "2016-09-21", "2016", "2016-09", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Randy Hultgren", "H001059", "hultgren.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2014 U.S. Representative Randy Hultgren (IL-14) today voted with the House to pass H.R. 5461, the Iranian Leadership Asset Transparency Act, which sheds light on the financial assets of top leaders in Iran, the world\u2019s largest state sponsor of terrorism. Much of the funding of terrorism is done through private entities of funneled money, controlled by corrupt senior political and military Iranian leaders.\n\u201cIran\u2019s sponsorship of terrorist attacks against the United States and our allies is well-known. Yet many of Iran\u2019s citizens, and many who do business with Iran, are unaware of the corruption at the highest levels of the Iranian regime to fund terror,\u201d said Rep. Hultgren. \u201cGiven this administration\u2019s recent infusion of billions in cash to the Iranian government, further corruption is inevitable. The Iranian Leadership Asset Transparency Act would expose the assets of these leaders, ensuring the public knows where they got their money and where it goes. A public list will ensure we understand how corruption is harming ordinary Iranians and the United States.\u201d\nProblem:\n Iran and its senior military leaders are known sponsors of a wide variety of terrorist acts and organizations. (State Department June 2015 Country Report)\n\tMuch of that terror activity is funded by the vast sums of money such individuals control through foundation-like personal entities (\u201cbonyads\u201d) into which money from corruption is funneled.\n\tThe individuals and their close associates are estimated to control at least a third of the economy of Iran.\n\tAt the same time such individuals are self-aggrandizing and funding terrorism with that money, the average annual earning of normal Iranians amounts to about $15,000.\n Solution:\n The Iranian Leadership Asset Transparency Act would require the Treasury Secretary to develop a list estimating the funds and assets held by senior Iranian political and military leaders\u2014such as the Supreme Leader of Iran, Ali Khamenei, the President of Iran, Hassan Rouhani, and the Commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Major General Mohammad Ali Jafari\u2014along with a description of how they acquired the assets and how those assets are employed.\n\tThe report would be posted on the Treasury Department\u2019s website in English but also translated into the three main languages used inside Iran. Publication of this information will thus inform not only U.S. industries that inadvertently are doing business with these Iranian entities but also expose the level of corruption to the Iranian public.\n\tDeveloping and keeping current an estimate of the funds and assets held by the top political and military leaders of Iran will help financial institutions and private businesses (1) comply with money laundering and related laws and (2) more carefully choose with whom they decide to do business.\n ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://hultgren.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/let-s-act-to-help-displaced-children-on-international-day-of-peace", "Lets Act to Help Displaced Children on International Day of Peace", "2016-09-21", "2016", "2016-09", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Randy Hultgren", "H001059", "hultgren.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2014 U.S. Representative Randy Hultgren (IL-14) on the International Day of Peace today called for global peace and praised Kids Around the World founder Denny Johnson and Melissa Fleming of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees for their work on behalf of children and refugees displaced by conflict. Ms. Fleming will appear at Rockford University forum tonight focused on how to rebuild after the devastation of war.\n  \n\t\u00a0(Click picture to watch video)\nFollowing are Rep. Hultgren\u2019s prepared remarks:\nI rise on the International Day of Peace to applaud the efforts of Connect2Peace, the Peace Coalition of the Rock River Valley, to draw attention to the plight of children and refugees whose lives have been forever disrupted by war.\nTonight, Rockford University and Connect2Peace will host a conversation on \u201cHow to Help Refugees Rebuild Their World\u201d featuring Melissa Fleming of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.\nAs chief spokesperson, Ms. Fleming speaks around the world on behalf of the more than 65 million vulnerable and voiceless people\u2014half of which are children\u2014who are displaced from their homes by war, conflict and persecution.\nHelping refugees rebuild amid war and poverty is difficult and complicated.\nBut there is hope.\nGroups like Kids Around the World in Rockford have stepped in to feed children and help them enjoy their disrupted childhoods through donated playground sets.\nPeople like founder Denny Johnson and UNHCR\u2019s Melissa Fleming work tirelessly to bring hope into seemingly hopeless situations.\nAs an executive committee member of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, today I urge us to pray and act for peace in our world.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lahood.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/lahood-votes-save-taxpayer-dollars-protect-economy-unnecessary-impact", "LaHood Votes to Save Taxpayer Dollars & Protect Economy from Unnecessary Impact of Regulations With $1 Billion Price tag", "2016-09-21", "2016", "2016-09", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Darin LaHood", "L000585", "lahood.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC\u2014Today, Congressman Darin LaHood voted to rein in regulatory abuse and unnecessary spending of taxpayer dollars. The House considered and passed H.R. 3438, the REVIEW Act, common sense legislation to freeze the implementation of contentious and costly regulations until all court challenges to the regulation are settled. Rep. LaHood released the following statement:\n\u201cIt\u2019s no secret that this Administration continues to unilaterally write regulations with the force of law, bypassing Congressional approval. Sadly, these regulations have significant impact on our economy, costing billions of dollars. However, even while these regulations\u2014written by unelected bureaucrats\u2014are challenged in court, they are still implemented even if they are later overturned. By passing the REVIEW Act, Congress prevents high-impact rules costing more than $1 billion annually from taking effect until judicial review of legal challenges is resolved. It is a waste of taxpayer dollars to fund regulations that the judicial branch will reject, and this legislation protects our economy from costly regulations until it is certain they will be implemented.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399139", "Davis Sends Letter to FDA After EpiPen Price Increase", "2016-09-21", "2016", "2016-09", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Rodney Davis", "D000619", "rodneydavis.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) today announced that he sent a letter, along with several other members of Congress, to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) after EpiPen prices increased more than 400 percent since 2004. The letter expresses concern about the dramatic cost increase for the EpiPen and encourages the FDA to spur competition by streamlining the approval process so consumers have generic options available to them. Congress is continuing to investigate the price increase. The House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform will hold a hearing with officials from Mylan Pharmaceutical and the FDA this week. We need to not only investigate why Mylan upped the cost but also why there is not an alternative on the market, said Davis. It's unacceptable that only one company is able to sell a life-saving drug like the EpiPen for so long. It seems the FDA's convoluted approval process for generic drugs has led to a massive backlog of more than 4,000 applications. We're asking the FDA and also Mylan Pharmaceutical for answers because millions of Americans, many of them children, rely on this life-saving medication to treat severe allergic reactions.  Text of the letter sent to the FDA is below. Robert M. Califf, M.D.\nCommissioner\nUnited States Food and Drug Administration\n10903 New Hampshire Avenue\nSilver Spring, MD 20993-0002 Dear Commissioner Califf, We are writing to express our serious concerns regarding the current monopoly held by Mylan Pharmaceuticals on the EpiPen (epinephrine injection) Auto-Injector, which is used in emergency treatment for life-threatening allergic reactions. We have heard from many families who share our concern regarding the decreased access to this life-saving drug. It is our understanding that the reason access to this drug has become an issue is due to its skyrocketing costs. The price for a two-pack has increased from an average of about $50 in 2004 to more than $300 each today. These price increases have created a significant cost burden on those who rely on them for anaphylactic emergencies. The skyrocketing costs of EpiPens is a direct result of the absence of competition and an inefficient Food and Drug Administration (FDA) review process. The shortage of competition has allowed Mylan to continue to increase prices for EpiPen, knowing that there is no generic version currently on the market. It is disappointing that the FDA recently rejected a request by a pharmaceutical company to start producing an alternative. This only makes affordable access more difficult for the 3.6 million Americans who rely on this device. The FDA should seek to spur competition by streamlining the approval process in a way that reduces barriers to entry for pharmaceutical companies wishing to produce epinephrine auto injectors while ensuring all new products are safe for use. It would be helpful to know if the FDA could clarify whether any barriers exist to the approval of safe alternative products to EpiPen. We would also like to know how many alternatives to Mylan's EpiPen are currently being reviewed by the FDA and where they are in the review process. Thank you in advance for your consideration.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://hultgren.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/hultgren-convenes-community-college-presidents-to-discuss-key-issues-in", "Hultgren Convenes Community College Presidents to Discuss Key Issues in Higher Education", "2016-09-20", "2016", "2016-09", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Randy Hultgren", "H001059", "hultgren.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2014 U.S. Representative Randy Hultgren (IL-14) convened six community college presidents that sit on his Higher Education Advisory Committee (HEAC) to discuss important issues in higher education including reauthorization legislation, career and technical education, the Department of Labor\u2019s new overtime rule and student loan debt.\n  \n\t(Gabbard, Borowicz, Hultgren, Sam, Sobek, Rondeau, Mitchell)\n\u201cThe seven community colleges that service the 14th Congressional District provide vital education and training to our communities. I rely on the members of my Higher Education Advisory Committee to inform me of their needs and challenges they face as they seek to educate,\u201d said Rep. Hultgren. \u201cAt this most recent meeting, we tackled important issues such as transparency in student loans, regulation compliance requirements for managing federal student aid, promoting workforce development and career readiness and meeting the needs of a diverse and changing student population. I was pleased to congratulate and welcome our newest college presidents. I look forward to building our relationship as we work together for the benefit of northern Illinois.\u201d\nFor families planning to send their children to college and take out student loans, Rep. Hultgren has introduced\u00a0H.R. 5838, the\u00a0Transparency in Student Lending Act,\u00a0which aims to provide more information to consumers by requiring the disclosure of the annual percentage rate at the time of application for a federal student loan. Currently, borrowers of private student loans receive this information, but borrowers of loans issued by the Department of Education do not.\nSeven community colleges together serve the people of the 14th District. Attendees included:\n Congressman Randy Hultgren (IL-14)\n\tDr. Laurie Borowicz, President, Kishwaukee College\n\tDr. Judy Mitchell, President, Joliet Junior College\n\tDr. Ann Rondeau, President, College of DuPage\n\tDr. David Sam, President, Elgin Community College\n\tDr. Clinton Gabbard, President, McHenry County College\n\tDr. Christine Sobek, President, Waubonsee Community College\n\tCollege of Lake County President Dr. Jerry Weber was unable to attend due to a scheduling conflict but sent senior representation to attend.\n ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://shimkus.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/shimkus-statement-on-carmi-mine-closure", "Shimkus Statement on Carmi Mine Closure", "2016-09-19", "2016", "2016-09", "Republican", "House", "IL", "John Shimkus", "S000364", "shimkus.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Harrisburg, Illinois \u2013 Congressman John Shimkus (R, Illinois-15) released the following statement after learning that Pattiki mine outside Carmi will close:\n\u201cWith every mine closure, EPA\u2019s War on Coal inflicts more pain on coal producing areas of our country. Each new anti-coal rule and regulation rolled out by the administration costs more good paying jobs, throws more families into poverty, and devastates communities through bankruptcies and a shrinking local tax base. I\u2019ll continue to stand up for the American workers, families and communities that rely on coal, and fight the radical environmental agenda that threatens their way of life.\u201d \u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lahood.house.gov/media-center/editorials/trade-undeniably-benefits-central-illinois", "Trade Undeniably Benefits Central Illinois", "2016-09-17", "2016", "2016-09", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Darin LaHood", "L000585", "lahood.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "By\u00a0Darin LaHood\nThis month, farmers across Illinois will begin to harvest their crops.\nImagine that the returns from these crop yields are double what farmers earned last year. How would that enable them to expand their farming operation, support their families, and contribute more to their communities? And how would that impact you?\nIn today\u2019s global economy, it\u2019s all connected. When 18th District farmers sell more corn, soybeans, or pork bellies they're able to expand their operation and purchase new equipment from Illinois-based manufacturers such as John Deere or CNH Industrial, which in turn can create more high-paying jobs.\nSo what sparks such economic activity and job creation? Free and fair trade.\nOur economy is crawling along at barely 1 percent growth. In order to get us back to 3 percent growth, we must increase America's global competitiveness. To do that we need to expand markets through increased global trade.\nWith all the rhetoric and untruths circulating about trade, it is time to set the record straight.\nTrade is already responsible for nearly 40 million American jobs. One in three manufacturing jobs depends on exports. One in three farm acres is planted for export. Last year, U.S. exports of goods and services reached nearly $2.23 trillion. American workers, farmers, and small businesses can compete (and win) in the world economy if given the right opportunities.\nFact is, 95 percent of the world\u2019s population lives beyond our borders. The 18th District is uniquely positioned to benefit from increased trade with these potential new consumers given that we are home to the country\u2019s most fertile farmland, its most renowned manufacturing companies, and countless small businesses \u2014 the hardest workers I know.\nCaterpillar Inc., for example, is working hard to expand trade with Cuba. Cuba needs Caterpillar products including infrastructure, power generation, mining and rail equipment. I also support the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade agreement. We can\u2019t afford to sit on the sidelines and let other countries unilaterally write the rules of the game. If we do, our 18th District farmers and manufacturers will be left behind.\nIt\u2019s no coincidence that the American Farm Bureau Federation, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, National Association of Manufacturers, National Federation of Independent Business, and even President Obama all support the TPP and trade with Cuba.\nThe bottom line is that trade creates more jobs and economic opportunities in central Illinois.\nDarin LaHood represents the 18th District including Peoria in the U.S. House of Representatives.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kinzinger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399395", "Office of Rep. Adam Kinzinger to Hold Traveling Office Hours", "2016-09-16", "2016", "2016-09", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Adam Kinzinger", "K000378", "kinzinger.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Boone County\r\n            Belvidere Traveling Office Hours\r\n            September 26, 2016\r\n            4:00 PM  5:00 PM\r\n            Belvidere City Hall\r\n            401 Whitney Boulevard\r\n            Belvidere, IL 61008\r\n            \r\n            \r\n            \r\n            Lee County\r\n            Dixon Traveling Office Hours\r\n            September 26, 2016\r\n            1:00 PM  2:00 PM\r\n            Dixon City Hall\r\n            121 W. Second Street\r\n            Dixon, IL 61021\r\n            \r\n            \r\n        \r\n        \r\n            \r\n            Bureau County\r\n            DePue Traveling Office Hours\r\n            September 27, 2016\r\n            1:00 PM  2:00 PM\r\n            DePue Village Hall\r\n            111 W. 2nd Street\r\n            DePue, IL 61322\r\n            \r\n            \r\n            \r\n            Livingston County:\r\n            Dwight Traveling Office Hours\r\n            September 28, 2016\r\n            1:00 PM  2:00 PM\r\n            Dwight Village Hall\r\n            209 S. Prairie Avenue\r\n            Dwight, IL 60420\r\n            \r\n            \r\n        \r\n        \r\n            \r\n            DeKalb County\r\n            Genoa Traveling Office Hours\r\n            September 26, 2016\r\n            11:00 AM  12:00 PM\r\n            Genoa City Hall\r\n            333 E. First Street\r\n            Genoa, IL 60135\r\n            \r\n            \r\n            \r\n            Livingston County:\r\n            Forrest Traveling Office Hours\r\n            September 28, 2016\r\n            2:30 PM  3:30 PM\r\n            Forrest Public Library\r\n            301 S. James Street\r\n            Forrest, IL 61741\r\n            \r\n            \r\n        \r\n        \r\n            \r\n            Ford County:\r\n            Roberts Traveling Office Hours\r\n            September 29, 2016\r\n            12:30 PM  1:30 PM\r\n            Roberts Village Hall\r\n            108 W. Weldon Street\r\n            Roberts, IL 60962\r\n            \r\n            \r\n            \r\n            Ogle County\r\n            Rochelle Traveling Office Hours\r\n            September 27, 2016\r\n            9:00 AM  10:00 AM\r\n            State Representative Tom Demmer's Office\r\n            1221 Currency Court\r\n            Rochelle, IL 61068\r\n            \r\n            \r\n        \r\n        \r\n            \r\n            Grundy County:\r\n            Minooka Traveling Office Hours\r\n            September 29, 2016\r\n            9:00 AM  10:00 AM\r\n            Minooka Village Hall\r\n            121 McEvily Road\r\n            Minooka, IL 60447\r\n            \r\n            \r\n            \r\n            Ogle County\r\n            Byron Traveling Office Hours\r\n            September 27, 2016\r\n            10:30 AM  11:30 AM\r\n            Byron Public Library\r\n            100 S Washington Street\r\n            Byron, IL 61010\r\n            \r\n            \r\n        \r\n        \r\n            \r\n            Iroquois County:\r\n            Chebanse Traveling Office Hours\r\n            September 29, 2016\r\n            9:00 AM  10:00 AM\r\n            Chebanse Village Hall\r\n            275 S. Oak Street\r\n            Chebanse, IL 60922\r\n            \r\n            \r\n            \r\n            Will County\r\n            Wilmington Traveling Office Hours\r\n            September 27, 2016\r\n            9:00 AM  10:00 AM\r\n            Wilmington City Hall\r\n            1165 S. Water Street\r\n            Wilmington, IL 60481\r\n            \r\n            \r\n        \r\n        \r\n            \r\n            Iroquois County:\r\n            Cissna Park Traveling Office Hours\r\n            September 29, 2016\r\n            11:00 AM  12:00 PM\r\n            Cissna Park Village Hall\r\n            109 W. Church Street\r\n            Cissna Park, IL 60924\r\n            \r\n            \r\n            \r\n            Winnebago County\r\n            Machesney Park Traveling Office Hours\r\n            September 26, 2016\r\n            9:00 AM  10:00 AM\r\n            Machesney Park Village Hall\r\n            300 Roosevelt Road\r\n            Machesney Park, IL 61115\r\n            \r\n            \r\n        \r\n        \r\n            \r\n            LaSalle County\r\n            Mendota Traveling Office Hours\r\n            September 26, 2016\r\n            3:00 PM  4:00 PM\r\n            Mendota City Council Chambers\r\n            800 Washington Street\r\n            Mendota, IL 61342\r\n            \r\n            \r\n            \r\n            Winnebago County\r\n            Loves Park Traveling Office Hours\r\n            September 26, 2016\r\n            10:30 AM  11:30 AM\r\n            Loves Park City Hall\r\n            100 Heart Boulevard\r\n            Loves Park, IL 61111", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lahood.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-darin-lahood-votes-block-transfer-gitmo-prisoners", "Rep. Darin LaHood Votes to Block Transfer of Gitmo Prisoners", "2016-09-15", "2016", "2016-09", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Darin LaHood", "L000585", "lahood.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC\u2014Rep. Darin LaHood voted today to prohibit the transfer of any more detainees from the U.S. military prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, releasing the following statement:\n\u201cIn the midst of a global war on terror, President Obama is determined to release confirmed and suspected terrorists from Guantanamo Bay. It is illegal for the President to transfer Guantanamo Bay detainees onto U.S. soil, so in order to fulfill his campaign promise he has been transferring them to other countries. However, the President knows that the countries these terrorists are headed to cannot assure us that they will not end up back on the battlefield. In fact, we know through prior transfers that 30% of them will return to terrorism or the battlefield. Today the House passed a measure to block the transfer of any more detainees from Guantanamo Bay. We cannot release the world\u2019s most dangerous terrorists back onto the battlefield. That\u2019s just common sense.\u201d\nAccording\u00a0to the Director of National Intelligence,\u00a0nearly one-third of released detainees return to terrorism. Just last month the President transferred 15 detainees out of the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba to United Arab Emirates \u2013the single-largest transfer since President Barack Obama took office. The Administration has also already cleared 20 of the remaining 61 detainees at Gitmo for release.\nH.R. 5351 prohibits the transfer of any more detainees from the U.S. military prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.The ban on detainee transfers would extend through Jan. 1 or the date the new National Defense Authorization Act is signed into law, whichever comes first. The measure passed the House today on a vote of 244\u2014174.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 412, "expanded_columns": [], "expandable_columns": [], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "units": {}, "query": {"sql": "select url, title, date, year, month, party, chamber, state, member_name, bioguide_id, domain, scraper, source, date_source, text, has_text, collected_at, updated_at from releases where \"party\" = :p0 and \"state\" = :p1 and \"year\" = :p2 order by date desc limit 101", "params": {"p0": "Republican", "p1": "IL", "p2": "2016"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=IL&year=2016", "results": [{"value": "Republican", "label": "Republican", "count": 412, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=IL&year=2016", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=IL&year=2016", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 412, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=IL&year=2016&chamber=House", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=IL&year=2016", "results": [{"value": "IL", "label": "IL", "count": 412, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&year=2016", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=IL&year=2016", "results": [{"value": "2016", "label": "2016", "count": 412, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=IL", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2016-09-15,https~3A~2F~2Flahood~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fmedia-center~2Fpress-releases~2Frep-darin-lahood-votes-block-transfer-gitmo-prisoners", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=IL&year=2016&_next=2016-09-15%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Flahood~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fmedia-center~2Fpress-releases~2Frep-darin-lahood-votes-block-transfer-gitmo-prisoners&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 301.68385710567236, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}