{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where party = \"Republican\", state = \"IL\" and year = 2017 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://kinzinger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399667", "Kinzinger Honors Life of John Anderson with Floor Speech", "2017-12-22", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Adam Kinzinger", "K000378", "kinzinger.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "This week, Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) spoke on the House floor about the life and legacy of The Honorable John B. Anderson. \r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Washington, DC  This week, Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) spoke on the House floor about the life and legacy of The Honorable John B. Anderson. The late John Anderson passed earlier this month at the age of 95. His wife Keke and their daughters came to the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday to sit in the House Gallery and watch the Congressman deliver his floor speech.  \r\n\r\nRemarks as prepared for delivery: \r\nMr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of The Honorable John B. Anderson, and pay tribute to a man who inspired me to serve.\r\nOn December 3, 2017, John Anderson passed away at the age of 95. In mourning his death, I send my condolences and prayers to Johns wife Keke, and the entire Anderson family. A native of Rockford, Illinois, John Anderson attended Rockford Central High School and graduated from the University of Illinois in 1939. \r\nBefore representing Illinois 16th Congressional District in the House of Representatives, the district I now proudly represent, John Anderson answered the call to serve as a Staff Sergeant in the United States Army. He left law school in 1943 to enlist, and bravely served his country through the end of World War II. A decorated war veteran, John Anderson was honored with four battle stars for his valor in combat. \r\nUpon returning home to Rockford, John finished his law degree at the University of Illinois and then went off to Harvard Law School to earn his Master of Laws degree. A few years later, he joined the Foreign Service and worked in Germany for the United States High Commissioner. After returning home to Rockford, he was elected as Winnebago County States Attorney in 1956. Shortly after, he joined the primary race for Congress and went on to win the House seat in 1960.\r\nFor ten terms, John Anderson represented the 16t Congressional District of Illinois. He was on the powerful Rules Committee and held firm to his fiscally conservative values. He believed in a smaller, more accountable government  and he wasnt afraid to speak up for it. His servant leadership and love of country earned him the Chairmanship of the House Republican Conference, ranking third in House Leadership. And this esteem eventually led him to run for President. \r\nJohn Anderson believed that his job was worth giving up in order to set a better example of realism in politics. As a community and as a country, we are better for his candor, his focus, and his honesty. To this day, Johns pragmatic approach and self-awareness continue to inspire me and greatly impact my service here in Congress. \r\nMr. Speaker, John Anderson dedicated his life to serving our Rockford community and this great nation, and he served us proudly. After his political career, he continued to serve by becoming a visiting professor at several universities across the country. On behalf of the 16t Congressional District of Illinois, we salute the service of our fallen leader, friend, neighbor, and dedicated civil servant. It is my hope that his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come, and that his impact will never be forgotten. \r\n\r\nNOTE: The full floor speech can be viewed here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kinzinger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399670", "Kinzinger Introduces Bipartisan Truth in Spending Act", "2017-12-22", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Adam Kinzinger", "K000378", "kinzinger.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) introduced H.R. 4713, the Truth in Spending Act to reassert Congressional control over the federal budget process and increase accountability with respect to direct spending legislation.\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Washington, DC  Yesterday,Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) introduced H.R. 4713, the Truth in Spending Act to reassert Congressional control over the federal budget process and increase accountability with respect to direct spending legislation. Upon introducing this bill, Congressman Kinzinger released the following statement:\r\nToday, our federal debt is larger than our annual gross domestic product (GDP)  we are spending more than we are bringing in as a country and our economy is suffering as a result. If we continue to ignore our rising debt, we will move closer and closer to a fiscal crisis, and an even more depleted economy for future generations. \r\nThis legislation, the Truth in Spending Act, places more Congressional control and oversight over federal spending that is essentially on autopilot. Congress holds the power of the purse, and its about time we get serious about facing our budget challenges head-on. We cannot put our runaway spending on the backs of our children and grandchildren. I thank my colleagues for cosponsoring this legislation, and I look forward to getting it passed in the new year. \r\nNOTE: The bill, H.R. 4713, the Truth in Spending Act, was introduced by Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) with bipartisan support from his original cosponsors listed below. To view the text of the bill, please see the attached PDF. \r\nRep. Jim Cooper (D-TN) \r\nRep. Lynn Jenkins (R-KS) \r\nRep. Robert Pittenger (R-NC) \r\nRep. Ted Yoho (R-FL) \r\nRep. Mark Sanford (R-SC) \r\n Rep. Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ)", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://roskam.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/american-employers-announce-reinvestment-employees-and-economy", "American employers announce reinvestment in employees and economy", "2017-12-22", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Peter Roskam", "R000580", "roskam.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. One after another, some of our nations largest job providers are announcing increased investments in the American economy, increases in minimum wage and substantive bonuses as a result of the passage of theTax Cuts and Jobs Act. Businesses large and small are praising the passage of this historic bill that will provide a much-needed economic boost to this country. On the day the tax bill was passed, the following companies announced their intentions to reinvest in their employees and the American economy:  \n\t\n Fifth-Third Bancorp announced a plan to raise its minimum hourly wage for all employees to $15/hour and distribute a one-time bonus of $1,000 for more than 13,500 employees following passage of theTax Cuts and Jobs Act.\n\tWells Fargo announced a plan to raise its minimum wage to $15/hour and target $400 million in 2018 philanthropic contributions.\n\tAT&T announced that it will give 200,000 employees a $1,000 raise once the bill is signed into law. In addition, the company plans to keep its promise to invest an additional $1 billion in the United States.\n\tComcast is reporting to give $1,000 bonuses to more than 100K eligible frontline and non-executive employees and invest $50 billion over the next five years in infrastructure based on the passage of tax reform.\n \n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://hultgren.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/hultgren-applauds-acting-director-mulvaney-s-initial-move-to-clean-up-cfpb", "Hultgren Applauds Acting Director Mulvaneys Initial Move to Clean up CFPB Mess", "2017-12-21", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Randy Hultgren", "H001059", "hultgren.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC  U.S. Representative Randy Hultgren (IL-14) today applauded Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) Acting Director Mick Mulvaney for protecting consumers by delaying for one year the enforcement of a rule that places new burdensome reporting requirements on community banks and credit unions. Mulvaney also stated he would revisit prior leaderships decision to go beyond the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA) reporting requirements in the Dodd-Frank Act.\nThe previous Home Mortgage Disclosure Act requirements demonstrate that the CFPBs prior leadership did not understand our community banks and credit unions. Just as one burdensome mortgage rule was finalized, our community financial institutions had to deal with a new rule. Dozens of these institutions in my district urged me to pressure the CFPB to reverse course, said Rep. Hultgren. Today, however, its refreshing to see the results of new CFPB leadership in my former colleague Mick Mulvaney who recognizes the importance of community financial institutions. Im grateful for his leadership and the CFPBs decision to give community banks and credit unions some breathing room so they can refocus on meeting the financial needs of families and small businesses in Illinois.\nThis week, Rep. Hultgren joined Rep. Tom Emmer (MN-06) in introducing the Home Mortgage Reporting Relief Act, H.R. 4648, which would have given community banks and credit unions additional time to comply with the new rules.\nRep. Hultgren has raised privacy concerns regarding the CFBPs authority to request and post the personal financial data of Americans online. He has introduced legislation asking for an independent study of the practice.\nI hope the CFPB also uses this review of HMDA to determine whether or not making this data public violates my constituents privacy, said Rep. Hultgren.\nFurthermore, the clear problems with the CFPBs HMDA rulemaking call into question whether the CFPB should exercise its authority under Section 1071 in Dodd-Frank which provides authority to make similar data requests of small business loans, said Rep. Hultgren.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://hultgren.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/hultgren-applauds-new-prescription-monitoring-program-in-illinois", "Hultgren Applauds New Prescription Monitoring Program in Illinois", "2017-12-21", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Randy Hultgren", "H001059", "hultgren.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC  U.S. Representative Randy Hultgren (IL-14) expressed his support for a mandatory prescription drug monitoring program in Illinois, which was signed into law by Governor Bruce Rauner. This program will require physicians who prescribe opioids and other controlled substances to register with the states database, preventing patients from getting multiple opioid prescriptions from multiple health care providers.\nTracking opioid prescriptions and overdoses in Illinois was one of the key recommendations of my 2017 Community Action Plan to Combat Heroin and Opioid Abuse, said Rep. Hultgren. The men and women on the front lines of this fight have been making the case for a statewide tracking database. I am very pleased to see that this will be a mandatory program in Illinois, one that will close a major gap in our approach to the opioid epidemic. I look forward to continuing to work with Governor Rauners office to highlight solutions posed by the community leaders in my district and to help those caught in the deadly trap of opioid addiction.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kinzinger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399666", "Illinois Congressional Delegation Urges CMS To Approve Illinois' 1115 Medicaid Waiver", "2017-12-21", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Adam Kinzinger", "K000378", "kinzinger.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The Illinois Congressional Delegation today pressed the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Seema Verma to promptly approve Illinoiss Section 1115 Medicaid Demonstration Waiver.  \r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      WASHINGTON  The Illinois Congressional Delegation today pressed the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Seema Verma to promptly approve Illinoiss Section 1115 Medicaid Demonstration Waiver. Section 1115 Medicaid Demonstration Waivers provide states an avenue to test new approaches in Medicaid, and Illinoiss waiver would help provide more tools to address mental illness and combat the opioid epidemic. Illinoiss waiver application has been stuck at CMS review for more than fourteen months. \r\nIn order to enhance the delivery of behavioral health care to the more than three million Illinoisans who depend on Medicaid, the State of Illinois submitted a Section 1115 Medicaid Demonstration Waiver to CMS in October 2016. While Administrator Verma has personally committed to streamlining the 1115 waiver process, Illinoiss waiver has still not been approved, despite sitting at CMS for over a year. \r\nWe appreciate your engagement with the State of Illinois as you evaluate its 1115 waiver application. In the height of the opioid epidemicthat is killing nearly 2,000 Illinoisans each yearwe urge you to expeditiously approve Illinoiss 1115 waiver, which would give the state new tools to respond to this crisis and broader behavioral health needs, the delegation wrote.\r\nThe letter was signed by U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Representatives Bobby Rush (D-IL-01), Robin Kelly (D-IL-02), Dan Lipinski (D-IL-03), Luis Gutierrez (D-IL-04), Mike Quigley (D-IL-05), Peter Roskam (R-IL-06), Danny K. Davis (D-IL-07), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL-08), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL-09), Brad Schneider (D-IL-10), Bill Foster (D-IL-11), Mike Bost (R-IL-12), Rodney Davis (R-IL-13), Randy Hultgren (R-IL-14), John Shimkus (R-IL-15), Adam Kinzinger (R-IL-16), Cheri Bustos (D-IL-17), and Darin LaHood (R-IL-18). \r\nFull text of the letter is available here and below: \r\n\r\nDecember 21, 2017\r\nDear Administrator Verma:\r\nIn order to enhance the delivery of behavioral health care to the more than three million Illinoisans who depend on Medicaid, the State of Illinois submitted a Section 1115 Medicaid Demonstration Waiver to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) in October 2016. Illinoiss waiveran important initiative to address the opioid epidemic and improve mental health that has broad support within the statehas been pending at CMS for fourteen months, despite your commitment to streamlining the 1115 waiver process. We write to urge you to promptly approve the 1115 waiver that the state submitted last year. \r\nIllinoiss 1115 waiver aligns with the nationwide shift towards value-based and integrated care and is guided by an emphasis on prevention, targeting the highest service utilizers, expanding efforts to support whole-person wellness, coordinating services between providers and systems, and prioritizing the delivery of health care services in the most effective, low-cost setting. In particular, we support provisions of the waiver that help address the ongoing heroin and prescription opioid epidemic, including the furnishing of services and automatic enrollment in Medicaid for justice-involved individuals prior to release from incarceration, and expanding coverage for residential substance use disorder treatment in facilities presently inhibited by the outdated Institutions for Mental Disease (IMD) Exclusion. We also strongly support 1115 waiver provisions that promote supportive housing, employment assistance, and two-generational care for children and families who are exposed to trauma, such as witnessing violence.\r\nTo meet the needs of Illinoisans, the 1115 waiver aims to reflect CMS own stated principles: to strengthen coverage, expand access to providers, improve health outcomes, increase the efficiency and the quality of care for individuals, and remain budget neutral. We urge you to protect beneficiary access to care by quickly approving the 1115 waiver, submitted last year, under Medicaids existing structure. We also strongly urge you to work collaboratively with the state on appropriate and flexible funding strategies, including through innovative Delivery System Reform Incentive Payments and Designated State Health Program (DSHP) mechanisms. Though we are aware of CMS recent announcement regarding DSHP funding, given that the state of Illinois submitted its 1115 waiver application in October 2016fourteen months agowe expect that any recent policy changes or reinterpretations by CMS would be implemented thoughtfully with states, and not unfairly punish our constituents through added delays, funding losses, benefit reductions, or new barriers to care.\r\nWe appreciate your engagement with the State of Illinois as you evaluate its 1115 waiver application. In the height of the opioid epidemicthat is killing nearly 2,000 Illinoisans each yearwe urge you to expeditiously approve Illinoiss 1115 waiver, which would give the state new tools to respond to this crisis and broader behavioral health needs. \r\n\r\nSincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kinzinger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399668", "Kinzinger Statement on Government Funding Legislation", "2017-12-21", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Adam Kinzinger", "K000378", "kinzinger.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) voted in support of the funding measure to keep the government running, including an extension for the Childrens Health Insurance Program (CHIP). \r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Washington, DC  Today, Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) voted in support of the funding measure to keep the government running, including an extension for the Childrens Health Insurance Program (CHIP). The Continuing Resolution that passed the House will allow for the government to operate at current levels through January 19, 2018. The House also voted on the Emergency Disaster Aid Package to help ongoing recovery efforts from the recent hurricanes and wildfires. \r\nFollowing this final vote of the year, Congressman Kinzinger released this statement:\r\nThe responsibility of the legislative branch is to fund the government. Today, I voted in favor of the Continuing Resolution (CR) that would fund the government, and keep operations running. This CR package includes funding for the CHIP program and the Veterans Choice program, and bolsters our missile defenses and provides for much needed repairs to our Navy ships. \r\nI voted in support of this much-needed and important measure because it allows our government operations to continue at current levels, and extends funding for programs that are critical to the American people and the security of this great nation. I look forward to working with my colleagues here in Congress as we work towards a long-term budget proposal for FY2018.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399588", "Davis' Bill to Bring Fairness to Disaster Declaration Process Passes House", "2017-12-21", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Rodney Davis", "D000619", "rodneydavis.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Davis advocates for fairness in FEMA's disaster declaration process.  \r\n            Click to watch/download video  U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) today announced his bill to bring fairness to the disaster declaration process passed the House as part of the disaster supplemental bill (H.R. 4667) to help after Hurricanes Irma, Harvey, and Maria. It is expected to be signed into law before the end of the year. Davis has been working to reform the Federal Emergency Management Agencys (FEMA) disaster declaration process since 2013. This Christmas will be two years since storms caused $15 million in flood damage throughout Central and Southwestern Illinois. In the months following, Missouri would be granted public assistance, while Illinois would be denied, said Davis. I firmly believe the federal government should be there when states need help after a disaster and thats why Ive voted for every single disaster relief bill, but its time rural Illinois starts getting a fair shake as well. Year after year, my constituents have been unfairly punished by FEMAs process. This is wrong. Taxpayers in my district pay into the Disaster Relief Fund and it should be there for them when they need it. By passing this bill into law, we will help level the playing field. I appreciate Congresswoman Cheri Bustos for helping make this a bipartisan effort. H.R. 1665, Disaster Declaration Improvement Act, introduced by Davis and U.S. Rep. Cheri Bustos (D-Ill.), requires Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to give greater weight and consideration to the localized impact of a disaster when determining the need for federal assistance. Additionally, this bill requires FEMA to take into consideration the cumulative impact of multiple storms in an area.  Weve seen what happens when unfair FEMA formulas disadvantaged the communities of Pekin and East Peoria and Im proud to have included the bipartisan bill Rep. Rodney Davis and I introduced to level the playing field for small communities recovering from natural disasters, Bustos said. With so much division and partisanship in Congress right now, Im pleased to have worked across the aisle to advance this commonsense solution for hardworking families across the heartland who have been affected by natural disasters. Background\r\n              \r\n            FEMAs Formula Currently, FEMA uses a per-capita formula to determine the need for public assistance. They multiply the states population with $1.39 then use this number as a threshold for determining the states need for public assistance. Illinois compared to surrounding states: Illinois $18 million\r\n            Indiana $9.1 million\r\n            Missouri $8.4 million\r\n            Wisconsin $8 million\r\n            Kentucky $6.1 million\r\n            Iowa $4.3 million FEMA can take into account damage done in a specific county but whether they take this into account and how much this will impact their decision, is highly subjective. The formula used to determine this is $3.50 per capita in infrastructure damage in a county. 13th District Example Illinois sustained $15 million in flood damage in 2015/2016. Governor Rauner requested public assistance for 16 counties. In one county, damages were assessed at $4 million, which was $486.00 per capita for that county. Illinois was still denied public assistance. Davis has been working to bring fairness within in the disaster declaration process since his first term. Related:  \r\n            \r\n            2017  \r\n            https://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399320  \r\n            https://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399466 2016  \r\n            http://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399053  \r\n            http://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399031  \r\n            http://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398994  \r\n            http://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398972  \r\n            http://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398970  \r\n            http://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398954 2015  \r\n            http://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398625  \r\n            http://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398910 2014  \r\n            http://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=377883\r\n            ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://roskam.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-roskam-votes-keep-government-funded-through-march-2018", "Rep. Roskam votes to keep the government funded through March 2018", "2017-12-21", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Peter Roskam", "R000580", "roskam.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. Representative Peter Roskam (IL-06) voted in favor of the continuing resolution to fund the U.S. government through March, 2018. Included in the resolution is funding for the Childrens Health Insurance Program (CHIP); extended funding for community health centers for the first and second quarters; and a $2.1 billion appropriation for the Veterans Choice Program. We have a responsibility to the American people to keep the government funded and maintain critical services to our most vulnerable citizens. Our children, our veterans and our communities will receive the funding they need to continue serving those in need. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the coming months on a long-term budget proposal for FY2018, said Rep. Roskam. Earlier this year, Rep. Roskam voted to reauthorize CHIP funding through 2022. Though the bill failed to pass the Senate, Roskam has committed to working with his colleagues in Congress towards a long-term solution for CHIP.\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kinzinger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399665", "Kinzinger, Engel, Boyle, Royce Introduce Bill to Support Future Security of Syrian People, Hold Assad Regime Accountable", "2017-12-20", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Adam Kinzinger", "K000378", "kinzinger.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Yesterday, Representatives Adam Kinzinger (R-IL), a member of the Committees on Foreign Affairs and Energy and Commerce; Eliot L. Engel (D-NY), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs; Brendan Boyle (D-PA), a member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs; and Ed Royce (R-CA), Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs introduced legislation to ensure that the security of the Syrian people will be central to reconstruction and stabilization efforts in Syria.\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      WASHINGTON, DC  Yesterday, Representatives Adam Kinzinger (R-IL), a member of the Committees on Foreign Affairs and Energy and Commerce; Eliot L. Engel (D-NY), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs; Brendan Boyle (D-PA), a member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs; and Ed Royce (R-CA), Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs introduced legislation to ensure that the security of the Syrian people will be central to reconstruction and stabilization efforts in Syria. \r\nThe bill, H.R. 4681, the No Assistance for Assad Act, would condition American support for such efforts in Assad-controlled territories on Syrian commitments to human rights; a political transition; and the safe, unfettered and voluntary return of Syrian refugees and internally displaced people. \r\nThe genocide of the Syrian people by Bashar al Assad and his Russian and Iranian backers may be the worst humanitarian crisis of our generation. We cannot and must not allocate any resources to the brutal Assad regime in reconstructing what he has destroyed, said Rep. Kinzinger. As co-chair of the Friends of a Free, Stable and Democratic Syria Caucus, our goal will continue to be in support of the people of Syria who simply seek to live free and in peace. Today, we introduce this legislation to ensure Assad will pay the price for his oppression and violence. \r\nUntil Assad respects the rights of his people, until theyre on the path toward a better future for themselves, and until theres accountability for the regimes war crimes, the United States shouldnt spend a dime on reconstruction efforts in areas controlled by the regime, said Rep. Engel. Buoyed by his patrons in Moscow and Tehran, the Butcher in Damascus broke Syria. Now he and his regime have to pay the price. We should not support any scenario that leaves him in power to continue his violence and oppression against the Syrian people. \r\nAssad purposely and systematically destroyed Syrian communities in order to retain his political power, with the help of his Russian and Iranian supporters, said Rep. Boyle. As co-chair of the Friends of a Free, Stable and Democratic Syria Caucus, I believe we in Congress must do all we can to ensure that the welfare of the Syrian people remains the top priority of our involvement in the region, and condition any engagement with the Assad regime as such. This legislation is a critical safeguard to that end, said Rep. Boyle.\r\nI want to thank Reps. Kinzinger and Boyle for their leadership on this common-sense legislation to ensure that U.S. aid does not strengthen the Assad regime and its Iranian-backed militias. For nearly seven years now, the Syrian people have been subject to widespread atrocities, including chemical attacks. This bill represents the latest in a series of measures Ranking Member Engel and I have worked to pass in the Foreign Affairs Committee to hold Assad and his enablers accountable, said Rep. Royce. \r\n The legislation introduced yesterday would place conditions on American assistance for early recovery, stabilization and reconstruction in Syrian territories controlled by the Assad regime. The limitation would not apply to projects administered by the local community or humanitarian assistance.The President would also be required to submit annual reports to Congress detailing any projects that utilize the exceptions and laying out a strategy for getting humanitarian assistance to besieged areas.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lahood.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-lahood-votes-favor-tax-reform-final-passage", "Congressman LaHood Votes in Favor of Tax Reform Final Passage", "2017-12-20", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Darin LaHood", "L000585", "lahood.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Congressman Darin LaHood and the House of Representatives voted in favor of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act conference report, sending it to the Senate for final passage. Once passed by the Senate, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will go to President Trumps desk to be signed into law, enacting the first major overhaul of our nations tax code in 31 years.\nCongressman LaHood released the following statement regarding his vote in support:\nIn 2017, half of Americans are living paycheck to paycheck, unable to get ahead of basic expenses. That is why todays final passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act in the House is such a win for middle class families. By increasing the Child Tax Credit and roughly doubling the amount of money you can make tax-free, this bill saves the median American family $2,059 every year. It is disappointing that letting families keep more of their hard-earned money has become a partisan issue, but I am proud of this bill which puts the middle class first and is based on numbers and facts, not partisan talking points.\nI am also proud that our final bill includes many of the provisions I pushed for after receiving feedback from individuals all across the 18th district. These wins include maintaining the Historic Tax Credit, a deduction for teachers who purchase school supplies, tax exempt status for private activity bonds, the deduction of college expenses, and keeping tuition benefits for university employees tax-free. Throughout this process we maintained that our tax-code must put people, not government, first, and these are prime examples of a tax code that reflects the priorities of the American people, said Rep. LaHood.\nThis bill is good for farmers and ranchers. Provisions including across-the-board cuts in individual tax rates and relief for pass-through small businesses will enable most farms to reinvest and grow their businesses. Tax reform was long overdue. It has taken on added importance now as farmers experience a fifth consecutive year of declining net farm income. An economic analysis of the bill by American Farm Bureau shows farmers of all sizes, and with different levels of off-farm income, will pay a lower effective tax rate. Farm Bureau thanks Congressman LaHood for his vote in favor of economic growth, said Richard Guebert, Jr., president of Illinois Farm Bureau.\nCaterpillar has long supported comprehensive business tax reform and is pleased to see Congress and the President on the verge of delivering a modern tax system for the United States. Once enacted, we believe this new law will provide a more competitive tax code for American businesses competing in markets around the world, said Illinois-based Caterpillar Inc. \nIn speaking for a small, family-owned businesses like ours, we are excited for new opportunities that come with significant tax relief. To remain competitive, we are always looking for new ways to expand upon our operations and a lower tax rate does just that. Couple that with the ability to write off loan interests and the cost of new equipment, this tax relief will no doubt allow a Main Street business like Bremer Jewelry to rethink the future and think even bigger, said Ronda Daily, owner of Bremer Jewelry.\nLinda Smith, a small business owner in the 18th District added, \"This tax plan will enable opportunities and support growth for small businesses that benefit from the pass-through provision.\"\nThe Tax Cuts and Jobs Act has the support of over 137 economists, who wrote a letter in support of the bill. An independent, non-partisan evaluation of the bill found that it would lead to 14,097 new full-time jobs in Illinois, and an increase in take-home pay for Illinois families. You can read the full analysishere.\nWhat this means for the American taxpayer:\n Lowers individual tax rates for low- and middle-income Americans to zero, 10%, 12%, 22%, 24%, 32%, 35%, and 37%.\n\tWith this bill, a typical middle-income family of four, earning $73,000 (the median family income), will receivea $2,059 tax cut.\n\tProtects more of what you earn each year from taxes by roughly doubling the amount of the standard deduction. Nearly 70% of tax filers in the 18th District use the standard deduction.\n\tSupports the American family by expanding the Child Tax Credit from the current $1,000 to $2,000, and preserving the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit.\n\tProtects hard working middle-class taxpayers by preserving the home mortgage interest deduction for current existing mortgagesandmaintains the home mortgage deduction for newly purchased homes up to $750,000.\n\tProtects popular retirement savings options such as 401(k)s and Individual Retirement Accounts so Americans can continue to save for their future.\n\tProvides immediate relief for family farmers throughout the 18th District by doubling the amount of the current estate tax exemption.\n\tProvides relief for Americans with expensive medical bills by expanding the medical expense deduction for 2017 and 2018 for expenses exceeding 7.5% of adjusted gross income, and rising to 10% in 2019.\n\tEliminated Obamacares individual mandate penalty tax, providing families with much-needed relief and flexibility to buy the insurance thats right for them if they choose.\n\tMaintains the ability of middle class families to deduct the cost of state & local property taxes up to $10,000\n\tTo read the bill,click here.\n Groups in support of the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act:\n Illinois Farm Bureau\n\tUS Chamber of Commerce\n\tNational Association of Manufacturers\n\tNational Association of Home Builders\n\tInternational Franchise Association\n\tNational Restaurant Association\n\tAmerican Council of Engineering Companies\n\tBusiness Roundtable\n\tGrocery Manufacturers Association\n\tNational Retail Association\n\tRetail Industry Leaders Association\n\tNational Federation of Independent Businesses\n\tAmerican Forest & Paper Association", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://roskam.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-roskam-praises-passage-major-tax-reform-legislation-benefits", "Rep. Roskam praises the passage of major tax reform legislation that benefits hardworking taxpayers and small businesses", "2017-12-20", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Peter Roskam", "R000580", "roskam.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. Representative Roskam (IL-06) released the following statement on the passage of H.R. 1, theTax Cuts and Jobs Act, through both chambers of Congress: Today is a great day for Americans  Congress followed through on its commitment to the American people and delivered a tax code that is simpler and fairer and will allow millions of Americans to keep more of the money they earn. For decades Americans have struggled under the weight of a broken tax code that hurt middle- and lower-income families  maintaining a status quo that has punished so many and rewarded so few was not an option. Congress stood strong against those who demanded we hold on to an unfair system and instead, came together to deliver real tax relief for millions of Americans. After months of work developing a tax code that prioritizes middle-income families and small businesses, Congress has sent a bill to the Presidents desk that I am pleased to say accomplishes that goal. Taxpayers in every tax bracket on average will see a tax break under this new tax code and the average family of four in my district making the median income of $135,485 and taking the standard deduction will save more than $4,500. Today, Congress seized the opportunity of a lifetime and the American people will reap the benefits.\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://shimkus.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/shimkus-votes-for-lower-taxes-more-jobs", "Shimkus Votes for Lower Taxes, More Jobs", "2017-12-20", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "John Shimkus", "S000364", "shimkus.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Today Congressman John Shimkus (R, Illinois-15) voted for the tax reform bill supported by President Donald Trump.\nIve pushed for and promoted a simpler, fairer, flatter tax code since I was first elected, and thats exactly what I was proud to vote for today, Shimkus said after the House passed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.\nThe bill lowers the corporate tax rate to 21 percent  down from 35 percent, which today is the highest in the industrialized world. Multiple studies have shown how such a reduction will lead to more jobs, higher wages, and stronger economic growth.\nFixing the business side of our tax code is a win for workers and job creators alike, Shimkus said. But individual taxpayers and families at every income level will also get to keep more of their paychecks under this new tax code.\nAccording to the Internal Revenue Service, 80 percent of 15th District taxpayers currently claim the standard deduction instead of itemizing their tax returns. In addition to lowering rates across the board, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act nearly doubles that standard deduction, which means the first $12,000 earned by individuals, and the first $24,000 earned by joint filers, will be protected from federal income taxes.\nThere is a lot of misinformation being pushed by opponents of tax reform, Shimkus added. Some folks even think theyll be paying more when the reality is theyll be paying less. Ultimately, the proof that we got it right for the American people will be in their paychecks next year.\nUnder the new tax code, for example:\n A family of four, with two children, earning $62,000 a year would get a tax cut of $1,728.\n\tA single mother, with one child, earning $39,000 a year would get a tax cut of $1,244.\n\tA retired couple earning $25,000 a year would pay just $100 in federal income taxes (a tax cut of $270).\n President Trump is expected to sign the bill into law before Christmas. \n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://bost.house.gov/2017/12/bost-applauds-house-passage-tax-reform-legislation-0", "Bost Applauds House Passage of Tax Reform Legislation", "2017-12-19", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Mike Bost", "B001295", "bost.house.gov", "bost", "https://bost.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2013 U.S. Representative Mike Bost (IL-12) today released the following statement after the House passed the final version of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, the biggest reform of America\u2019s tax code in 31 years:\n\n\u201cThere were two major things that I wanted to accomplish for Southern Illinois through tax reform: growing jobs and growing paychecks. This tax reform bill paves the way for both. We\u2019ve reformed the tax code to let working families keep more of their paycheck to spend as they see fit. Whether that be saving for college, raising a family, or preparing for a rainy day, I trust the taxpayers to keep a closer eye on their hard-earned dollars than any Washington bureaucrat ever will. We\u2019ve also taken steps to encourage businesses large and small to expand operations at home and invest in the American worker.\u201d\n\nFor individuals and families, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act:\n\nLowers individual taxes and sets the rates so people can keep more of their hard-earned money.\n\nDoubles the standard deduction from $6,500 to $13,000 for individuals and $12,000 to $24,000 for married couples.\n\nContinues to allow people to write off the cost of state and local taxes \u2013 up to $10,000.\n\nDoubles the Child Tax Credit from $1,000 to $2,000.\n\nProvides support for graduate students by continuing to exempt the value of reduced tuition from taxes.\n\nRetains popular retirement savings options such as 401(k)s and Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs).\n\nPreserves the mortgage interest deduction.\n\nProvides relief for Americans with expensive medical bills by expanding the medical expense deduction.\n\nFor job creators of all sizes, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act:\n\nLowers the corporate tax rate to 21%\u2013 down from 35%, which today is the highest in the industrialized world.\n\nAllows businesses to immediately write off the full cost of new equipment to improve operations and enhance the skills of their workers.\n\nEstablishes strong safeguards to distinguish between individual wage income and \u201cpass-through\u201d business income so Main Street tax relief goes to the local job creators it was designed to help most.\n\nPrevents American jobs, headquarters, and research from moving overseas by eliminating incentives that now reward companies for shifting jobs, profits, and manufacturing plants abroad.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T22:19:19Z"], ["https://bost.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/bost-applauds-house-passage-tax-reform-legislation-0", "Bost Applauds House Passage of Tax Reform Legislation", "2017-12-19", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Mike Bost", "B001295", "bost.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC  U.S. Representative Mike Bost (IL-12) today released the following statement after the House passed the final version of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, the biggest reform of Americas tax code in 31 years:\nThere were two major things that I wanted to accomplish for Southern Illinois through tax reform: growing jobs and growing paychecks. This tax reform bill paves the way for both. Weve reformed the tax code to let working families keep more of their paycheck to spend as they see fit. Whether that be saving for college, raising a family, or preparing for a rainy day, I trust the taxpayers to keep a closer eye on their hard-earned dollars than any Washington bureaucrat ever will. Weve also taken steps to encourage businesses large and small to expand operations at home and invest in the American worker.\nFor individuals and families, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act:\n Lowers individual taxes and sets the rates so people can keep more of their hard-earned money.\n\tDoubles the standard deduction from $6,500 to $13,000 for individuals and $12,000 to $24,000 for married couples.\n\tContinues to allow people to write off the cost of state and local taxes  up to $10,000.\n\tDoubles the Child Tax Credit from $1,000 to $2,000.\n\tProvides support for graduate students by continuing to exempt the value of reduced tuition from taxes.\n\tRetains popular retirement savings options such as 401(k)s and Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs).\n\tPreserves the mortgage interest deduction.\n\tProvides relief for Americans with expensive medical bills by expanding the medical expense deduction.\n For job creators of all sizes, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act:\n Lowers the corporate tax rate to 21% down from 35%, which today is the highest in the industrialized world.\n\tAllows businesses to immediately write off the full cost of new equipment to improve operations and enhance the skills of their workers.\n\tEstablishes strong safeguards to distinguish between individual wage income and pass-through business income so Main Street tax relief goes to the local job creators it was designed to help most.\n\tPrevents American jobs, headquarters, and research from moving overseas by eliminating incentives that now reward companies for shifting jobs, profits, and manufacturing plants abroad.\n # # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://hultgren.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/tax-cuts-for-illinois-families-and-small-businesses", "Tax Cuts for Illinois Families and Small Businesses", "2017-12-19", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Randy Hultgren", "H001059", "hultgren.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "I am thrilled the final version of the tax reform legislation included three Illinois victories for which I fought: provisions from my bill, the Bring Small Businesses Back Tax Reform Act, the protection of local infrastructure projects through key financing tools and the maintaining of tuition waivers for graduate students, including those entering STEM fields. Illinois individuals will benefit from immediately lower tax rates and the doubling of the standard deduction, used by more than 70 percent of Americans. Illinois families will benefit from a doubling of the child tax credit. The engine of Illinois economyour small businesseswill immediately benefit from a reduced tax burden and more flexible accounting rules, said Rep. Hultgren. Congress has not fully updated the U.S. Tax Code since 1986, and everyone in Illinois and the 14th District will be able to take advantage of lower rates, easier tax-filing and national economic growth this tax reform package will deliver.\nFor individuals and families, theTax Cuts and Jobs Act:\n Lowers individual tax rates for low- and middle-income Americans to 10%, 12%, 22%, 24%, 32%, 35% and 37%so people keep more of what they earn.\n\tSignificantly increases the standard deductionto protect roughly double the amount of what you earn each year from taxes  from $6,350 to $12,000 for individuals and $12,700 to $24,000 for married couples.\n\tEliminates special-interest deductions that increase rates and complicate Americans taxes so an individual or family can file their taxes on a form as simple as a postcard.\n\tTakes action to support more American familiesby:\n\t\tEstablishing a new Family Credit  which includes expanding the Child Tax Creditfrom $1,000 to $2,000 to help parents with the cost of raising children, and providing a credit of $500 for each parent and non-child dependent to help all families with their everyday expenses.\n\t\t\tPreserving the Child and Dependent Care Tax Creditto help families care for their children and older dependents such as a disabled grandparent who may need additional support.\n\t\t\tPreserving the Adoption Tax Creditso parents can continue to receive additional tax relief as they open their hearts and their homes to an adopted child.\n\t\t\n\tLowers the threshold for the medical expense deduction to 7.5 percent of adjusted gross income (from 10 percent) to help Americans with high medical bills.\n\tEliminates the Affordable Care Act individual mandate penalty to cut taxes on the low- and middle-income families who are paying it and allow Americans to make their own health insurance choices.\n\tMaintains the Earned Income Tax Creditto provide important tax relief for low-income Americans working to build better lives for themselves.\n\tMaintains the graduate tuition waiverto allow graduate students in a variety of fields to be shielded from a large tax on their tuition costs at a time when they cannot afford it. Rep. Hultgren advocated for the inclusion of this provision.\n\tContinues the deduction for charitable contributionsso people can continue to donate to their local church, charity or community organization.\n\tPreserves the home mortgage interest deductionfor existing mortgages and maintains it for mortgages on newly purchased homes up to $750,000, providing relief to current and aspiring homeowners.\n\tContinues to allow people to write off the cost of state and local income and property taxesup to $10,000.\n\tRetains popular retirement savings optionssuch as 401(k)s and Individual Retirement Accounts so Americans can continue to save for their future.\n\tProvides immediate relief from the Death Tax by doubling the exemption. Family-owned farms and businesses will no longer have to worry about double or triple taxation from Washington when they pass down their lifes work to the next generation.\n For job creators of all sizes, theTax Cuts and Jobs Act:\n Lowers the corporate tax rate to 21% down from 35%, which today is the highest in the industrialized world  the largest reduction in the U.S. corporate tax rate in our nations history.\n\tGives Main Street job creators (pass-through companies) a 20 percent deduction on qualified business income to allow them to expand and hire more workers.\n\tEstablishes strong safeguards to distinguish between individual wage income and pass-through business incomeso Main Street tax relief goes to the local job creators it was designed to help most.\n\tAllows businesses to immediately write off the full cost of new equipmentto improve operations and enhance the skills of their workers  unleashing the growth of jobs, productivity and paychecks.\n\tProtects the ability of small businesses to write off the interest on loansthat help these Main Street entrepreneurs start or expand a business, hire workers and increase paychecks.\n\tRetains the low-income housing tax creditthat encourages businesses to invest in affordable housing so families, individuals and seniors can find a safe and comfortable place to call home.\n\tPreserves the Research & Development Tax Credit encouraging our businesses and workers to develop cutting-edge Made in America products and services.\n\tModernizes our international tax systemso Americas global businesses will no longer be held back by an outdated worldwide tax system that results in double taxation for many of our nations job creators.\n\tMakes it easier for American businesses to bring home foreign earningsto invest in creating new jobs in our local communities.\n\tPrevents American jobs, headquarters and research from moving overseasby eliminating incentives that now reward companies for shifting jobs, profits and manufacturing plants abroad.\n Supporting organizations:\nThe American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC), Edison Electric Institute, Illinois Farm Bureau, Information Technology Industry Council (ITI), International Franchise Association, National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), National Retail Federation, National Association of Manufacturers, Small Business and Entrepreneurship Council and U.S. Chamber of Commerceall of which represent thousands of Illinois individuals and businessesall supported H.R. 1 as a boost to the economy and small businesses throughout the state.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kinzinger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399662", "Rep. Kinzinger Votes to Overhaul Americas Tax Code", "2017-12-19", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Adam Kinzinger", "K000378", "kinzinger.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) voted in favor of H.R. 1, the Tax Cut and Jobs Act to overhaul the 1986 tax code and bring the American tax system into the 21st Century.\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Washington, DC  Today, Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) voted in favor of H.R. 1, the Tax Cut and Jobs Act to overhaul the 1986 tax code and bring the American tax system into the 21st Century. Following the House passage of this bill, Congressman Kinzinger released the following statement:\r\nToday, we delivered on our promise to simplify the tax code and provide financial relief for millions of hard-working, middle-class, and job-creating Americans. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is a monumental victory for the American people. \r\nOur current tax code is outdated and complicated, and has left our economy stagnant. Through this legislation, Congress is able to streamline the tax code and provide significant tax relief, all while maintaining revenue-generating, pro-growth provisions. This legislation doubles the standard deduction, which helps millions of Americans, including the 70% of taxpayers in my district who file using the standard deduction. And for those who itemize deductions, there will still be a significant tax cut for most filers. The individual tax rates will be lowered across the board and people will be able to deduct up to $10,000 for state and local taxes on property, income, and sales transactions.\r\nAccording to the non-partisan Tax Foundation, the State of Illinois stands to gain tens of thousands of full-time equivalent jobs from this legislation. During this process, I spoke out to ensure the New Markets Tax Credit and Historic Tax Credit would be preserved, and Im glad to see these provisions included in the final bill. In my district and across Illinois, the these tax credits are important in terms of incentivizing businesses and jumpstarting an economy that has suffered over the years. Across the country, these credits support billions of dollars in investments, create or sustain hundreds of thousands of jobs, and bring significant tax revenue to all levels of government.\r\nToday, I voted to bring our tax code into the 21st Century with more jobs, fairer taxes, and bigger paychecks to the American people. By closing many special interest loopholes, our economy can now generate in a way that puts more money back into the pockets of the hard-working American families  and that is a win we should all be celebrating.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399555", "Davis Votes to Cut Individual Taxes, Plans to Introduce Bill Making Them Permanent", "2017-12-19", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Rodney Davis", "D000619", "rodneydavis.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Davis speaks in support of H.R. 1 and making individual tax cuts permanent.  \r\nClick to watch/download video  \r\nU.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) today voted to advance the Conference Report to Accompany H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act to the Senate. This bill cuts taxes for individuals at every income level and the numbers do not lie, this is a bill that focuses on middle-income earners, said Davis. By doubling the standard deduction, the first $12,000 of a single filer and $24,000 of a couples income will be tax free. We also double the Child Tax Credit to $2,000 for each child and make more families eligible to receive it. This bill maintains popular deductions for things like home mortgages, medical expenses, state and local taxes with a reasonable cap, and others. Because of these important provisions, the average family of four making the countrys median income of $73,000 will receive a $2,000 tax cut. This is an historic week as we work to cross the finish line to help hardworking taxpayers keep more of what they earn now. \r\n  \r\nMaking Individual Tax Cuts Permanent\r\nThe original House bill made the individual tax cuts permanent, but due to limits within the Senate budget reconciliation rules, which is needed because no Democrats have signaled they will vote for the bill, they are set to expire in 2025 if not extended. This is how many of those same opponents of tax reform, including Senator Durbin, have released statements claiming this, According to the Joint Committee on Taxation, the bill will, on average, increase taxes on every individual making less than $75,000.What is not stated is these numbers are based on these tax cuts expiring and a future Congress failing to extend them. \r\nThe intent was never to have these rates on individuals expire, but because of budget rules in the Senate and Democrats unwillingness to be part of the process, these tax cuts could expire in 2025 if a future Congress does not extend them, said Davis. I think that is unlikely given the Bush tax cuts were extended several times on a bipartisan basis, but I think we should make these tax cuts permanent now for the hardworking men and women in my district. As soon as the bill is signed into law, I will introduce a separate bill to make the individual tax rates permanent and give my Democrat friends another opportunity to support middle-income families in their districts. I hope we can get some bipartisan support because that is the only way we can get this done for the American people.\r\nDavis spoke about this on the House floor earlier today. Click here to watch. Higher Education Tax Provisions\r\n  \r\nDavis led the effort to preserve higher education tax benefits in the final tax reform bill. Both the graduate tuition waiver (Section 117(d)) and employer tuition assistance benefits (Section 127) are maintained. Davis made the following statement after the conference report was released last week:\r\nNo bill is perfect, but we fought to make it better and we did. This is the legislative process at work. I appreciate Chairman Brady and my other colleagues for coming together to preserve these provisions that will help graduate assistants and mid-level university employees trying to send their kid to college. Maintaining the employer tuition assistance provision helps those looking to further their education, but I also hope that one day we can use it to help address the one trillion-dollar existing student debt crisis that is facing our county.\" Ways and Means Committee Chairman Brady made this statement last week thanking Davis for his leadership on the higher education tax provisions: This is a historic moment for the American people. Our legislation to finally reform Americas broken tax code will deliver more jobs, bigger paychecks, and fairer taxes to hardworking families and job creators throughout the country, said Ways and Means Committee Chairman Brady (R-Texas). Im grateful to Congressmen Davis and Turner for their leadership on preserving graduate student tuition assistance and tuition waivers, and for their work in support of making pro-growth, pro-family tax reform a reality for the American people.\r\n  \r\nMore Details of H.R. 1 Below are details of H.R. 1. Click here for more information. Individual tax cuts: - Lower rates ensure individuals at every income level will see a tax cut.   \r\n- Based on IRS numbers, the average family of four making the countrys median income of $73,000 will receive a $2,000 tax cut.  \r\n- Doubles the standard deduction to $12,000/$24,000, which nearly one in four people in Illinois currently takes.  \r\n- Doubles the Child Tax Credit to $2,000 with up to $1,400 refundable.  \r\n- Retains popular deductions like mortgage interest (capped at $750,000 for new homes), state and local taxes (SALT) (capped at $10,000), medical expenses (expands to 10%), and charitable deductions.  \r\n- Simplifies so nearly 90% of Americans will be able to file their taxes on a postcard. Business tax cuts: - Lowers rates for businesses of all sizes to create more American jobs and bring back more American businesses. The U.S. currently has the highest tax rates for businesses among any industrialized country.  \r\n- Non-partisan Tax Foundation estimates that 37,010 full-time jobs will be created in Illinois.  \r\n- 137 economists agree that it will lead to more jobs, higher wages, and a better standard of living for the American people.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://roskam.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-roskam-votes-hardworking-taxpayers-favor-tax-cuts-middle-income", "Rep. Roskam votes with hardworking taxpayers in favor of tax cuts for middle-income families", "2017-12-19", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Peter Roskam", "R000580", "roskam.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. Today, the House took an historic step in providing middle-income families across America with real tax relief. Representative Peter Roskam (IL-06) joined his colleagues in voting Aye to pass theTax Cuts and Jobs Act, 227-203. The bill moves to the Senate for a vote later today; the President is expected to sign the bill before lawmakers adjourn this session. In a floor speech earlier today, Rep. Roskam urged his colleagues to join him in rejecting a broken system that has hurt so many families and to support real tax reform that will benefit hardworking taxpayers and small businesses across America. It is the status quo that isserving the few;it is the status quo that is sooff-putting and unsettling andkeeps people at arm's length.And what we're proposing issomething very different  we're proposing theeconomics of opportunity,not the economics of envy, said Roskam in his speech. Today, lawmakers voted for one of two realities: They either voted to maintain a broken tax code that hurts middle- and lower-income taxpayers for years, or they voted to take a transformational step to reject the status quo and ensure that taxpayers across every tax bracket receive significant relief. Rep. Roskam cast his vote today on the side of American taxpayers. Earlier this year, Democrats in Illinois were complicit in shoving through a massive state income tax hike that hurt middle-income families; Illinoisans in my district are longing for tax relief. This bill not only gives them the tax relief they deserve, but it also gives small business owners the relief they need to grow their businesses and create new jobs, says Roskam. Video of Representative Roskams opening statement can be foundhere. Tax Facts for Illinois 6thDistrict:\n A family of four making the median income in IL-06 of $135,485 and taking the standard deduction would receive a savings of $4,673.\n\tEvery income bracket in the 6thdistrict on average will receive a tax cut.\n\tA recent college graduate in Crystal Lake, IL making $40,000 will save $757.\n\tA young married couple in Naperville making $80,000 will save $1,514.\n\tA married couple with their first child in Palatine making $90,000 will save $2,191. As a direct result of tax reform, an estimated 14,097 full-time jobs will be added in Illinois according to the Tax Foundation.\n IL-06 Quick Facts\n Fifty-one percent of constituents itemize, which will likely decrease given the nearly doubled standard deduction in this plan.\n\tThe average property tax deduction (for those who take it) is $8,914.\n\tThere are 30,074 individuals are subject to the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT).\n\t\tThe majority of these people fall in the 200k-500k range and will be helped by the doubling of the AMT exemption.\n\t\t\n\tThe Child Tax Credit (CTC) is doubled for the 44,219 taxpayers in the 6th district that claim the Child Tax Credit, and many more families will now be able to claim the expanded credit as the income limitations were more than tripled.\n # # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kinzinger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399658", "Kinzinger Honored with Service to Heroes Award", "2017-12-15", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Adam Kinzinger", "K000378", "kinzinger.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "On Tuesday, December 12th, Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) was honored with the Service to Heroes Award for his service and commitment to veterans. \r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Washington, DC  On Tuesday, December 12th, Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) was honored with the Service to Heroes Award for his service and commitment to veterans. Bestowing the award to Congressman Kinzinger and his colleague Congressman Ted Deutch (D-CA) was the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and Musicians on Call (MOC). Upon receiving the award, Congressman Kinzinger released the following statement:\r\nI am humbled and honored to receive this award. The award belongs to all who answer the call to serve, and all who step up to help our service men and women while they are overseas and when they return home. The work that Musicians on Call does to support our wounded heroes, to lift the spirits of patients across the country recovering in the hospital, its incredibly important. I was fortunate enough to see their work firsthand at Walter Reed and its incredibly moving to see their impact. Thank you to the RIAA and the MOC for their continued work and for bestowing me with this special award.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399550", "Davis Announces Nominees  for U.S. Service Academies", "2017-12-15", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Rodney Davis", "D000619", "rodneydavis.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) today announced that he has nominated 11 local students for admittance to the U.S. Service Academies. The nominations for these students were made following an application and interview process. Final determination on admission is made by the individual academies.\r\nAs a Member of Congress, I have the privilege of nominating these accomplished young men and women to our nations service academies, said Davis. The honor of attending a service academy comes with an obligation and commitment to serve in the military upon graduation, so I applaud these students for their decision to serve and wish them the best of luck.\r\nAcademy Nominations\r\nDanielle Cross, Normal, attends Normal Community West High School and is the daughter of John and Laura Cross. Danielle was nominated to both the Military and Naval academies.\r\nIsaac Hagberg, Bloomington, attended Normal Community West High School and is the son of Daniel and Jody Hagberg. Isaac was nominated to the Military Academy.\r\nNicholas Jarman, Mount Olive, attended Gillespie High School and is the son of Shane and Jodi Jarman. Nicholas was nominated to the Military Academy.\r\nNicholas Kennedy, Plainview, attends Severna Park High School, MD and is the son of Lawrence and Jana Kennedy. Nicholas was nominated to the Naval Academy.\r\nJoshua Moore, Springfield, attended Springfield High School and is the son of Timothy and Donna Moore. Joshua was nominated to the Military Academy.\r\nRyan Poggenpohl, Raymond, attends Lincolnwood High School and is the son of Allen and Rebecca Poggenpohl. Ryan was nominated to the Naval, Military and Merchant Marines academies.\r\nEthan Severns, Bloomington, attended Normal Community West High School and is the son of Gregory and Tracy Severns. Ethan was nominated to the Naval Academy.\r\nDevonte Smith, Blue Mound, attends Taylorville High School and is the son of Michael and Lisa Smith. Devonte was nominated to the Military and Naval academies.\r\nGavin Smith, Hinsdale, attends Nazareth Academy and is the son of Brian and Cheryl Smith. Gavin was nominated to the Merchant Marines Academy.\r\nKeelie Stork, Jerseyville, attends Marquette Catholic High School and is the daughter of Kevin and Michelle Stork. Keelie was nominated to the Naval and Air Force academies.\r\nBrett Tuttle, Jerseyville, attends Jerseyville Community High School and is the son of Bradford and Kristine Tuttle. Brett was nominated to the Military, Air Force, and Naval academies.\r\nLiam Vaughn, McLean, attends University High School and is the son of Eric and Mysty Vaughn. Liam was nominated to the Military Academy.\r\nMembers of Congress are asked to nominate candidates to the U.S. Service Academies each year, and the number of vacancies for each congressional district is determined by law. Candidates can be considered for openings at the U.S. Air Force Academy (Colorado Springs, Co.), U.S. Military Academy (West Point, N.Y.), U.S. Merchant Marines Academy (Kings Point, N.Y.) and the U.S. Naval Academy (Annapolis, Md.).\r\nTo be considered for appointment all applicants must be: a U.S. citizen; a legal resident of the 13th District; at least 17 but not more than 23 years of age on July 1, 2016; single; and have no dependents. It is recommended that applicants contact the academy or academies of their choice to request a pre-candidate questionnaire, which is the first step in the Admission Offices evaluation.\r\nFor more information or to obtain an application packet for next years nominations, contact Congressman Davis Normal office at (309) 252-8834.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399552", "Davis, Turner Win Fight to Preserve Education Tax Benefits", "2017-12-15", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Rodney Davis", "D000619", "rodneydavis.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Reps. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) and Mike Turner (R-Ohio) today won their fight to preserve education tax benefits in the final tax reform bill. Both the graduate tuition waiver (Section 117(d)) and employer tuition assistance benefits (Section 127) were maintained in the tax reform conference report released today. The House is expected to vote on the conference report next week.No bill is perfect, but we fought to make it better and we did, said Davis. This is the legislative process at work. I appreciate Chairman Brady and my other colleagues for coming together to preserve these provisions that will help graduate assistants and mid-level university employees trying to send their kid to college. Maintaining the employer tuition assistance provision helps those looking to further their education, but I also hope that one day we can use it to help address the one trillion-dollar existing student debt crisis that is facing our county. By maintaining and even improving the some of the House provisions, like doubling the standard deduction and increasing the Child Tax Credit to $2,000 with up to $1,400 refundable, we make this bill even stronger for the middle class and those living paycheck to paycheck. Im looking forward to voting yea next week to deliver the first real tax relief for hardworking Americans in more than three decades.  This tax package is an incredible step forward for our country to achieve economic growth, said Turner. Students pursuing a higher education are working to better themselves. More highly educated Americans means a better workforce, and a better workforce means a stronger economy. By including the provisions Rodney and I fought for, this tax package encourages people to pursue the American dream and helps grow the U.S. This is a historic moment for the American people. Our legislation to finally reform Americas broken tax code will deliver more jobs, bigger paychecks, and fairer taxes to hardworking families and job creators throughout the country, said Ways and Means Committee Chairman Brady (R-Texas). Im grateful to Congressmen Davis and Turner for their leadership on preserving graduate student tuition assistance and tuition waivers, and for their work in support of making pro-growth, pro-family tax reform a reality for the American people. Davis and Turner worked with Chairman Brady to secure these provisions and led a letter with 24 Republican cosigners urging conference committee leaders to maintain these two education provisions in the final bill. Click here to learn more about the provisions in the conference report released today.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://hultgren.house.gov/newsroom/in-the-news/op-ed-tax-cuts-for-scrooge-mcduck-dispelling-myths-of-tax-reform", "Op-ed: Tax cuts for Scrooge McDuck? Dispelling myths of tax reform", "2017-12-14", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Randy Hultgren", "H001059", "hultgren.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Roger Harris, CEO of Producers Chemical Company in Sugar Grove, Ill., employs about 30 people. He pays plenty in taxesall told, federal, state and local governments take more of his business income than Roger does. For Producers Chemical, tax reform could mean an extra $150,000 in capital. And for Roger, that doesnt mean a bigger CEO paycheck. It means he can invest in his business and hire three or four new employees. That means stronger economic growth and more families taken care of in Illinois.\n\tThats why one of the chief criticisms Ive heard about tax reform in Congressthat its a giveaway for the richis puzzling and misleading. Repeatedly, we hear that the bill is just a tax break for the wealthiest Americans who already have the resources to limit their tax liability, and dont need any more help from the federal government.\n\tHeres the problem: rich people in America are not a monolithic group. And many Americans unknowingly lump together Scrooge McDuck swimming in a pile of gold and the small business owner who lives next door. Job creators like Roger are caught in the crossfire of this misconception.\n\tMore than 95 percent of U.S. companiesincluding Producers Chemicalare organized as pass-through businesses, which means that the income these companies generate is taxed as the individual income of the owner or partners. These pass-through businesses account for more than 50 percent of U.S. business income and more than 50 percent of private sector jobs, even though almost all of them have less than $10 million in annual receipts. The way they are taxed gives employers a great deal of flexibility to hire and pay new workers and to purchase new factories and equipment. Unfortunately for them, however, because the tax code treats them like individuals, Americans look at them that way too.\n\tThe truth is that these wealthy individuals are actually successful businesses employing a lot of Americans despite their significant tax liability.\n\tIn Illinois these businesses often face a top federal income tax rate of 39.6 percent and a top state income tax rate of 4.95 percent. Many people dont know that these employers must match the Medicare and Social Security taxes withheld from their employees paychecks. They are required to shoulder the entire cost of workers compensation insurance. Their offices and factories generate enormous property tax liability.\n\tSo when Americans opine these small businesses need to pay their fair share, the truth is they are paying several shares more than they should be. And they contribute more than anyone else to U.S. economic growth in spite of it.\n\tWhat these pass-through businesses really need is a break.\n\tThis Congress, I reintroduced the Bring Small Businesses Back Tax Reform Act, H.R. 1425. The bill would reduce the top tax rate on these companies to 25 percent, and it would tax their first $150,000 in income at 12 percent. Additionally, my bill would allow these employers to immediately expense all investment in new inventory and equipment and to use simplified cash accounting for tax purposes.\n\tThe businesses in the 14th District know these changes could be the difference between a massive government strain on their capital and a new tax year defined by new employees, higher wages, more and bigger offices and factories and increased sales in the United States and abroad. These companies employ more than 2.4 million people in Illinois alone. Just imagine what they could do if the federal government stopped kinking the hose.\n\tMy colleagues in the House agreed, and I was pleased to see that much of the Bring Small Businesses Back Tax Reform Act was included in the House version of tax reform bill that passed on November 16. How Congress treats pass-through businesses in the final compromise bill between House and Senate is still up for debate.\n\tThese businesses are vital to the success and growth of the American economy, and we have a real opportunity here to unleash them, tell their story and dispel the myths.\n\tThese men and women arent who you think they are. Theyre the employers like Roger Harris who offer their communities and their neighbors the opportunity to work with them in building the enterprises that just started as their small ideas. Theyre the employers paying this countrys taxes and hiring its job-seekers. The government is punishing the success these businesses share with their workers and their families, and they deserve a break. Now is the best time to give them one.\n\tCongressmanRandy Hultgrenrepresents Illinois 14th District.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kinzinger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399655", "Rep. Kinzinger Responds to FCC Ruling on Net Neutrality", "2017-12-14", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Adam Kinzinger", "K000378", "kinzinger.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2013 Following the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) adoption of Chairman Ajit Pai\u2019s proposal to roll back net neutrality regulations imposed by the Obama Administration, 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 \u2013 Following the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) adoption of Chairman Ajit Pai\u2019s proposal to roll back net neutrality regulations imposed by the Obama Administration, Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) released the following statement:\r\n\u201cI fully support a free and open Internet, and believe that it must continue to be accessible and unrestricted for future generations.\u00a0 I support a bipartisan legislative approach to protect innovation and the free flow of information. We must also work together to prevent large corporations from stifling innovation, thought, or speech while also incentivizing investments in rural America, including areas in my district.\u00a0 \r\n\u201cThe long arm of the government needs to be used sparingly and judiciously when it comes to regulating the Internet. And now that the FCC has acted to roll back these heavy-handed regulations, it\u2019s time for Congress to enact permanent rules that protect consumers by prohibiting providers from blocking lawful content, throttling Internet traffic, and instituting paid prioritization, all while increasing transparency in the network management practices of broadband providers.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lahood.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-darin-lahood-announces-congressional-app-challenge-winner", "Congressman Darin LaHood Announces Congressional App Challenge Winner", "2017-12-14", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Darin LaHood", "L000585", "lahood.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "PEORIA, IL\u2014Congressman Darin LaHood announced today that a team from Richwoods High School, which participates in Peoria Public Schools\u2019 AppsCo program, are the winners of the 2017 Congressional App Challenge (CAC) for the 18th Congressional District. The team made up of Mariah Cooley, Ruby Hirschman, Shaelyn Johnson, and Montreal Thomas won the contest with their App developed for Peoria\u2019s Riverfront Museum.\n\u201cI\u2019m honored to host the Congressional App Challenge in the 18th Congressional District to encourage young people to pursue skills in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math,\u201d said Rep. LaHood. \u201cI\u2019m so impressed with the vision and hard work that went into the Peoria Riverfront Museum App, which showcases the incredible talents of our students from central Illinois.\u201d\nAbout the app:  \n\tThe purpose of the Peoria Riverfront Museum App is to enhance visitor experience at the museum by providing exclusive content and geo-fencing functions, improving convenience, and creating a loyalty program for users. The App also provides helpful data to museum administrators about visitors.\u00a0 To learn more about the App, you can view the submission video from AppsCo.\nAbout the Congressional App Challenge:  \n\tThe Congressional App Challenge\u2019s mission is to inspire, include, and innovate efforts around STEM, coding, and computer science education. The Challenge encourage kids to learn how to code through annual district-wide competitions hosted by Members of Congress for their district. Students in participating districts code original applications for the chance to be selected for recognition by their Member of Congress, win prizes, and have their work put on display in the Capitol Building in Washington, DC. The district-wide competitions, now in their third year, take place from July through early November. The CAC is executed by the Congressional staff of each participating district, and\u00a0coordinated\u00a0by the Congressional Internet Caucus and the non-governmental sponsor of the project, the Internet Education Foundation.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399549", "Davis Leads House Republican Effort to Maintain Education Tax Provisions", "2017-12-14", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Rodney Davis", "D000619", "rodneydavis.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) leads House Republican effort to maintain education provisions in the final tax bill. Last week, Davis led a letter with 25 Republican cosigners urging conference committee leaders to maintain tuition waivers and continued education assistance. Click here to view the letter. The House-Senate Conference Committee is currently working to produce a final bill. Details are expected to be announced by the end of the week.  \u201cHow the deduction will fare as Congress reconciles its tax bills is unclear,\u00a0but\u00a0among those calling for its preservation are House Republicans who voted for the chamber\u2019s bill. Today, Rep. Rodney Davis, a Republican from Illinois, plans to send a letter signed by at least a dozen other Republicans urging conferees to preserve the tuition deduction, and requesting that the deduction be expanded to cover employer payments towards an employee\u2019s student loan balance.\u201d \u2013 Politico Morning Education \u201cIn a letter to top lawmakers working on a tax overhaul, Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) and 25 other House Republicans said the provision should be eliminated from the [House} legislation\u2026The letter also encourages lawmakers to include legislation from Davis (H.R. 795) that would allow employers to help pay off employees\u2019 student loans. House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Kevin Brady (R-Texas) praised Davis\u2019 bill Dec. 7 as an \u201cinnovative approach on how employers can help young people with their student debt,\u201d but suggested it wouldn\u2019t be in the final bill. \u201cWe had so many terrific ideas on tax reform,\u201d Brady told reporters. \u201cBut in specific provisions, not all could be addressed in this reform. So you\u2019ll see us coming back next year in specific areas with what we think are further improvements.\u201d\u2019 \u2013 Bloomberg Government \u201cOn Thursday, Reps. Rodney Davis (R., Ill.) and Mike Turner (R., Ohio), both of whom voted for the House tax bill, circulated a letter urging colleagues to continue to exempt the employer tuition benefits and the tuition breaks for university employees' families from taxation, and to allow employers to cover staffers' student-loan payments tax-free.\u201d \u2013 Wall Street Journal Davis previously sent a\u00a0letter\u00a0to Committee on Ways and Means Chairman Kevin Brady (R-Texas) and received a\u00a0commitment\u00a0from him on the House floor to work toward a solution to tuition assistance. Both provisions are maintained in the Senate bill, but were not included the House-passed tax bill. Other important tax provisions While these education provisions are important, it's critical to note that the majority of middle-income families and individuals in the 13th District will save under H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. In the 13th District, a family of four making the median income of $78,509 will see a tax cut of $1,691 and a median income household making $49,758 for a single filer will see a tax cut of $1,224.  Here is how H.R. 1 directly benefits middle-income Americans:  \u2022 Lowers tax rates. The first $45,000 of an individual\u2019s income and $90,000 for joint filers will be taxed at 12 percent.  \r\n\u2022 Doubling the standard deduction. By doubling the standard deduction, the first $12,000 of income for individuals and $24,000 for couples filing jointly will be tax free. 75 percent of people in the 13th District currently take the standard deduction, instead of itemizing.  \r\n\u2022 Increases the Child Tax Credit from $1,000 to $1,600.   \r\n\u2022 Preserves the Adoption Tax Credit.  \r\n\u2022 Expands 529 savings plans to help more people save for college. Click here to learn more.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://shimkus.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/shimkus-speaks-at-house-senate-tax-conference-committee-open-meeting", "Shimkus Speaks at House-Senate Tax Conference Committee Open Meeting", "2017-12-13", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "John Shimkus", "S000364", "shimkus.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Following lunch at the White House with President Donald Trump today, Congressman John Shimkus (R, Illinois-15) and members of the House-Senate Conference Committee held an open meeting to discuss reconciling the House and Senate versions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.\n\u201cWe all have to be accountable to our voters, and I\u2019ve always pushed for and promoted a fairer, flatter, simpler tax code, especially for the individuals,\u201d Shimkus said. \u201cIn my district, 80 percent currently file without itemizing. Under the House bill that amount will go to 90 percent. That\u2019s 90 percent of my individual filers who will not itemize, and they\u2019ll be able to use a simple postcard.\u201d\nAdding to examples Shimkus has previously shared on social media, including a single mom making $30,000 and a family of four making $59,000, the congressman cited two examples from correspondence and conversations with constituents in his opening remarks.\n\u201cI got a response from one of my constituents who is a self-identified skeptic, responding tomy newsletter,\u201d Shimkus said. \u201cHe said, \u2018I did the math on my taxes as a retired police officer on a pension and working part time and my wife working part time. Estimating a gross income of $76,000 married filing jointly under current law we would pay $6,502. Under the proposed changes, our tax liability drops to $5,592 saving us $910.\u2019\u201d\n\u201cI\u2019m from a pretty poor district, but I also have some successful people,\u201d Shimkus added. \u201cI spoke to another constituent who has over $100 million sitting overseas, just waiting to be returned to Illinois to create jobs and put people back to work.\u201d\nShimkus also thanked the Senate for their inclusion of provisions to open a portion of the Alaska National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) to energy development, and to sell $600 million worth of oil from the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR), that allowed him to serve on the conference committee. The SPR provision falls under the jurisdiction of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, on which Shimkus serves.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://hultgren.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/hultgren-engel-bass-introduce-bipartisan-burundi-resolution", "Hultgren, Engel, Bass Introduce Bipartisan Burundi Resolution", "2017-12-12", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Randy Hultgren", "H001059", "hultgren.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2013 U.S. Representative Randy Hultgren (IL-14), Co-Chair of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission; Rep. Eliot L. Engel (D-NY), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs; and Rep. Karen Bass (D-CA), Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights, and International Organizations, introduced a resolution calling on Burundi\u2019s political opposition to renounce violence and urging the government to comply with constitutional limits on presidential terms and re-engage in regional peace negotiations (H.Res.651).\n\u201cThe people of Burundi have undergone immense atrocities in their recent history, and deserve a strong response from the international community. By bringing attention to the multi-faceted conflict taking place there, we remind those who are suffering and displaced that they are not forgotten. We believe that strategic engagement with the country can help prevent further atrocities from taking place,\u201d said Rep. Hultgren.\n\u201cPresident Nkurunziza undercut a decade of genuine democracy in Burundi in 2015 when he decided to run for a third term in violation of the Arusha Accords that ended the country\u2019s civil war. The Burundian people deserve a government that engages in constructive peace negotiations and cooperates with efforts to investigate human rights abuses against its citizens. It\u2019s important for countries like Burundi to stay on this Administration\u2019s radar which is why I introduced this resolution,\u201d said Rep. Engel. \u201cUntil the government and armed opposition cease their destabilizing actions, I urge the United Nations Security Council and the African Union to take more robust actions to pressure these parties to find a political solution to this crisis, and I urge the State Department to sustain diplomatic pressure to mitigate risk of further violence.\u201d\n\u201cBurundi has been in crisis since 2015 after President Nkurunziza insisted on running for a third term.\u00a0Since then, the political and security situation there has worsened and the country has fallen at risk of mass atrocities.\u00a0The government of Burundi and the political opposition must renounce violence and armed rebellion.\u00a0The Burundian people deserve peace.\u00a0 Politically motivated violence is unacceptable and this Congress should come together as a body joining the Africa Union and the UN in condemning it,\u201d said Rep. Bass.\nBackground:\nSince 2015, there have been more than 2,000 people killed, 200,000 internally displaced persons and more than 420,000 refugees spilling into neighboring countries. This resolution calls on the political opposition to renounce violence and armed rebellion; calls on the Burundian government to disarm illegal combatants, investigate human rights violations, and participate in negotiations brokered by the East African Community; and asks the African Union and United Nations Security Council to impose sanctions against perpetrators of violence as well as the President of the United States to also sanction armed groups that are threatening prospects for peace. Finally, the resolution asks the United States Department of State and USAID to develop a strategy to mitigate the risk of political violence and concentrate U.S. assistance on supporting civil society, free press, and food and humanitarian aid to populations in need.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kinzinger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399649", "Rep. Kinzinger Applauds Signing of NDAA by POTUS", "2017-12-12", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Adam Kinzinger", "K000378", "kinzinger.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2013 Today, President Trump signed the FY 2018 National Defense Authorization Act into law. In reaction to this news, 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 \u2013 Today, President Trump signed the FY 2018 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) into law. In reaction to this news, Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) released the following statement:\r\n\u201cI\u2019m glad to see the President sign this important authorization into law today, especially after it received such strong bipartisan support here in Congress. This NDAA is critically important to our Armed Forces and Department of Defense. Our military is in need of the robust funding to address our readiness crisis with a balanced approach to allocating such resources. \u00a0\r\n\u201cI am also pleased to see this bill signed into law today because it contains a provision I have long advocated for and supported: 3,500 additional special immigrant visas (SIVs) for Afghan translators and interpreters who served with the U.S. and our allies. These brave men and women risked their lives to assist us during the War in Afghanistan, and are now facing threats to their lives from terrorist groups. We must uphold our core values and leave no man behind.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://roskam.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-roskam-releases-statement-signing-ndaa", "Rep. Roskam releases statement on signing of the NDAA", "2017-12-12", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Peter Roskam", "R000580", "roskam.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2014\u00a0Today, President Trump signed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) which includes a provision that will provide Congress with an annual report on Iran\u2019s use of commercial aircraft for illicit purposes. Representative Roskam (R-IL) coauthored similar language with Representative Lamborn (R-CO) that was adopted to the House version of the NDAA. The NDAA strengthens and helps rebuild our nation\u2019s military in a time of growing geopolitical instability and complex national security challenges and increases our ability to guarantee the men and women serving in our armed forces are able to defend the U.S. against every threat we face. Regarding the signing of the NDAA, Rep. Roskam released the following statement: \u201cThose planning to sell aircraft to the world\u2019s leading state sponsor of terrorism should strongly reconsider. Beyond the photographic evidence of Iran Air transporting jihadists, Congress will now receive an annual government report on Iran\u2019s use of commercial jets to ship troops and weapons to Syria. Selling Iran Air planes it can use to sew death and destruction around the Middle East is not only a risky business decision, it is immoral.\u201d\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://hultgren.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/hultgren-urges-leadership-to-protect-graduate-students-in-final-tax-reform", "Hultgren Urges Leadership to Protect Graduate Students in Final Tax Reform Bill", "2017-12-08", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Randy Hultgren", "H001059", "hultgren.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2013 U.S. Representative Randy Hultgren (IL-14), Co-Chair of the STEM Caucus, has joined 30 Members of Congress in urging House and Senate leadership to maintain the income exclusion for graduation tuition waivers in any final tax reform bill. These waivers allow graduate students in a variety of fields to be shielded from a large tax on their tuition costs at a time when they cannot afford it.\n\u201cTuition waiver assistance is a vital tool for universities lowering the cost of advanced STEM degrees,\u201d Congressman Hultgren said. \u201cI have seen firsthand from post-docs at Fermilab in Batavia to graduate students at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb how valuable these students are to American research and how valuable these experiences are to their education and growth. These tools should remain untouched as we continue focusing tax relief to hard working families and future generations.\u201d\nThe letter follows:\nDear Leader McConnell, Speaker Ryan, Chairman Hatch, and Chairman Brady:\nWe the undersigned strongly oppose the repeal of the income exclusion for graduate tuition waivers in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act as passed by the House of Representatives on November 16, 2017. A tax on graduate tuition waivers would be unfair, would undermine our competitive position, and would inhibit the economic growth that tax reform promises.\nRepeal of the income exclusion for graduate tuition waivers would subject thousands of graduate students to a major tax increase at a time in their lives when they likely lack the ability to pay. Graduate students never see the money from a graduate tuition waiver. Their university charges them for tuition then immediately waives it. Under current law, this waiver is not taxable. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a graduate teaching assistant earns a median wage of $34,240, yet repeal of this income exclusion would increase the taxable income of these graduate students by $12,000\u2013$50,000. The income exclusion under current law protects students from paying a substantial tax at a time when they simply cannot afford it, and it should not be repealed.\nTaxing graduate tuition waivers would not only harm students but also adversely impact the United States\u2019 technological position. In 2011\u201312, 57% percent of waiver recipients were graduate students in science, technology, engineering, and math. A policy that increases students\u2019 costs would discourage our nation\u2019s brightest minds from developing greater expertise in their area of study and engaging in leading-edge research. These potential graduate students are our country\u2019s future medical researchers who discover life-saving cures; engineers that develop cost-saving methods production; and software programmers that code the next market-transforming mobile app. Tax policy should make our country more competitive, and creating barriers to technological progress is contrary to that goal.\nThe primary motivations for tax reform have been to fuel economic growth, create jobs, and raise wages, and a well-educated workforce is critical to those ends. Businesses simply demand it. For example, Amazon\u2019s request for proposal for its second headquarters location listed \u201ca highly educated labor pool\u201d as a decision driver and \u201ca strong university system\u201d as a requirement. For businesses to grow and hire, they need access to a labor pool that meets their needs. As the economy transforms, businesses increasingly demand specialized graduate education. If businesses cannot find the requisite talent domestically, we risk that they will invest in growth and jobs elsewhere.\nA repeal of the income exclusion for graduate tuition waivers would harm our nation\u2019s students, undermine our competitive position, and hold back economic growth. We strongly urge you to ensure that this harmful provision is not in the final version of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.\nSincerely,\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kinzinger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399647", "Kinzinger, Suozzi Introduce Bill to Curb Iranian Influence", "2017-12-08", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Adam Kinzinger", "K000378", "kinzinger.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2013 Yesterday, Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) introduced bipartisan legislation with his Democrat co-lead, Congressman Tom Suozzi (D-NY), that would impose sanctions with respect to Iranian persons who threaten the peace or stability of Iraq.\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Yesterday, Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) introduced bipartisan legislation with his Democrat co-lead, Congressman Tom Suozzi (D-NY), that would impose sanctions with respect to Iranian persons who threaten the peace\u00a0and stability of Iraq. After introducing the bill, H.R. 4591, the Preventing Iranian Destabilization of Iraq Act of 2017, Congressman Kinzinger and Congressman Suozzi released the following statements:\u00a0 \r\n\u201cFor decades we have witnessed the true intentions of the Iranian regime when it comes to the United States of America, and our freedom-loving allies around the world. With their tyrannical and nuclear ambitions, the Iranian regime has sought to sow chaos across the Middle East, continuing to prop up murderous dictators and actively work against us. It\u2019s important to remember that a quarter of the American soldiers killed in Iraq were killed because of Iran.\r\n\u201cI\u2019m proud to introduce this legislation and send a strong message that we will not tolerate the destabilizing efforts of the Iranian regime when it comes to the Government of Iraq. Thank you to my colleagues who cosponsored this bill, as we work towards taking the appropriate next steps in our dealings with this maniacal regime.\u201d \u00a0\u2013 Congressman Adam Kinzinger (IL-16)\r\n\u201cIraq continues to face many threats and obstacles to its peace and security through Iran\u2019s persistent meddling in their state institutions. Just this week, Iran threatened new violence against American troops in Iraq. This bipartisan bill is one more important step towards confronting the leading state sponsor of terror, a tyrannical regime that threatens both Israel and our Arab partners.\u201d \u2013 Congressman Tom Suozzi (NY-03) \r\n\r\nNOTE: The bill was introduced with 14 original cosponsors, listed alphabetically below: \r\nRep. Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL) \r\nRep. Mike Gallagher (R-WI)\r\nRep. Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ)\r\nRep. Duncan Hunter (R-CA) \r\nRep. Peter King (R-NY) \r\nRep. Devin Nunes (R-CA) \r\nRep. Pete Olson (R-TX) \r\nRep. Steve Russell (R-OK)\r\nRep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) \r\nRep. Tom Suozzi (D-NY) * \r\nRep. Glenn GT Thompson (R-PA) \r\nRep. Ann Wagner (R-MO) \r\nRep. Randy Weber (R-TX)\r\nRep. Lee Zeldin (R-NY)", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399547", "Davis Announces 2017 Congressional App Challenge Winners", "2017-12-08", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Rodney Davis", "D000619", "rodneydavis.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Davis Announces 2017 Congressional App Challenge Winners \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, 2017\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 Adam Walters, a student at Edwardsville High School, is the winner of the 2017 Congressional App Challenge (CAC) in the 13th District of Illinois. Walter\u2019s submission was \u201cPixel Skies,\u201d a game he developed which features aircraft combat.\r\nThe CAC encourages high school students to learn how to code by creating their own applications. The 2017 competition had more than 4,100 students participate with original apps submitted from 190 congressional districts across 42 states.\r\n\u201cInnovation and technology drive the success of our nation,\u201d said Davis. \u201cThis 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 Adam and all of this year\u2019s winners for their impressive submissions.\u201d\r\nThe second place entry in the 13th district competition was awarded to Kajetan Haas of Urbana, whose \u201cPomelo\u201d submission aims to help teachers create coding lessons for student. Alyxandra Merrit of Normal Community High School was awarded third place for her \u201cMarching Band Buddy\u201d application. Judges for the CAC included representatives from Congressman Davis\u2019s office and the National Center for Supercomputing Applications (NCSA), located at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.\r\nAdditional information about the Congressional App 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://hultgren.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/congratulating-batavia-bulldogs-on-winning-state", "Congratulating Batavia Bulldogs on Winning State", "2017-12-07", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Randy Hultgren", "H001059", "hultgren.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2014 U.S. Representative Randy Hultgren (IL-14) delivered a statement on the House floor congratulating the Batavia Bulldogs football team on winning the state championship.\n  \n\t\u00a0(Click picture to watch video)\nFollowing are Rep. Hultgren\u2019s prepared remarks:\nI rise today to congratulate the Batavia High School Bulldogs football team on winning the Illinois class 7A state championship.\nHolding off the undefeated Lake Zurich Bears and winning the thrilling final in overtime, the team ended the season with an overall 13-1 record.\nCrucial to the victory was quarterback Riley Cooper. The senior completed 28 of 42 passes for 295 yards, and three touchdowns, in the championship game.\nThe final score was a 10-yard touchdown pass to Tommy Stuttle in overtime, securing the 21-14 win at Huskie Stadium in DeKalb.\nLeading the team throughout a great regular season and playoff run was Coach Dennis Piron, who has headed the team since 2010, and who is a 1983 Batavia graduate.\nThis is the school\u2019s first state championship since 2013.\nStudents who cheered their siblings and friends on the 2013 Bulldogs team are now carrying the torch and celebrating their own victory as members of the 2017 team.\nCongratulations Batavia Bulldogs, past and present, for your achievements. Your success is well deserved.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://roskam.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-roskam-releases-statement-no-vote-reciprocity-act", "Rep. Roskam releases statement on No vote on Reciprocity Act", "2017-12-07", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Peter Roskam", "R000580", "roskam.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Representative Peter Roskam (IL-06) yesterday voted \u2018no\u2019 on H.R. 38, the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act. Regarding his vote on the bill, Rep. Roskam released the following statement: \"Yesterday, I cast a \u2018no\u2019 vote on H.R. 38, the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act. While a strong supporter of the Second Amendment, I opposed this legislation because it would allow out of state individuals with no license, no permit and no training to carry a concealed weapon in Illinois. By mandating federal concealed carry reciprocity, H.R. 38 would force Illinois to permit visitors from states with incredibly lax or nonexistent concealed carry licensing requirements to legally carry in our communities. \u201cThough I did not vote in favor of H.R. 38, which included provisions to strengthen the background check system, I am a cosponsor of H.R. 4434, the Fix NICS Act, and I strongly support bipartisan efforts to improve our background check system to ensure that federal and state authorities accurately report relevant criminal history records to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS).\u201d\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://shimkus.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/shimkus-stands-up-for-second-amendment", "Shimkus Stands Up for Second Amendment", "2017-12-07", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "John Shimkus", "S000364", "shimkus.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON\u2013 Congressman John Shimkus (R, Illinois-15) praised the passage of H.R 38, the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act, which allows law-abiding citizens with a concealed carry permit in one state to carry in another state without the fear of breaking the law.\n\u201cThe Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act (HR 38) is a common sense solution and I am proud to be a cosponsor of the bill,\u201d Shimkus said.\u00a0 \u201cIf you can legally carry in Illinois, you should be allowed to carry in other states.\u201d\nAll 50 states and Washington D.C. currently issue concealed carry permits on some basis and the laws surrounding those permits vary by state. This legislation is a solution to the confusing reciprocity agreements between states that are currently in place.\nShimkus added, \u201cThis bill does not establish a federal permit or registry or anything like that.\u00a0 It just says that one state\u2019s permit is good in another state\u2026similar to your driver\u2019s license.\u201d\nThis bill\u00a0does not\u00a0increase access to firearms and it does not regulate how the states issue concealed carry permits. H.R. 38 allows permits to be recognized from state to state, as long as permit holders follow the local concealed carry laws.\u00a0\nIncluded in the package passed by the House is H.R. 4477, the Fix NICS Act. This bill ensures that federal and state authorities comply with existing law when reporting records to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS).", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kinzinger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399644", "ATF Begins Formal Review of Bump Stocks Following Kinzingers Request", "2017-12-06", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Adam Kinzinger", "K000378", "kinzinger.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2013 Yesterday, the Department of Justice (DOJ) released a statement announcing the DOJ and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has started the process to determine whether or not bump stocks fall within the definition of \u201cmachinegun\u201d under federal law, which would subject the devices to a significantly higher threshold of regulation. \r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Washington, DC \u2013 Yesterday, the Department of Justice (DOJ) released a statement announcing the DOJ and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has started the process to determine whether or not bump stocks fall within the definition of \u201cmachine gun\u201d under federal law, which would subject the devices to a significantly higher threshold of regulation. \r\nOn October 1, devices known as a bump stocks were used by the perpetrator of the Las Vegas massacre to increase the firing rate of his rifles and inflict more carnage upon his victims.\u00a0 In the days following this horrific tragedy, it was discovered that ATF had made determinations in 2010 and 2012 that these mechanisms were technically legal.\u00a0 On October 11, Congressman Kinzinger led a bipartisan letter to the ATF asking that they re-evaluate bump stocks to determine whether or not they are, in fact, compliant with current laws governing machineguns.\r\nUpon receiving notice from the ATF and DOJ that they have started the regulatory process on this issue, Congressman Kinzinger released the following statement:\r\n\u201cI\u2019m pleased by the announcement and extend my thanks to the Attorney General, the DOJ, and the ATF for heeding our bipartisan calls in Congress for a thorough and proper review of these bump-stock devices. These fully-automatic simulator devices have no place in civil society. It is my hope that they conclude that these devices should be regulated in a manner consistent with fully-automatic weapons. \r\n\u201cI will continue to work with my colleagues in the House to examine potential legislative options, and I look forward to reviewing the findings from DOJ and ATF.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://roskam.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-roskam-releases-statement-jerusalem-announcement", "Rep. Roskam releases statement on Jerusalem announcement", "2017-12-06", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Peter Roskam", "R000580", "roskam.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2014\u00a0Today, Representative Peter Roskam (IL-06), co-chair of the House Republican Israel Caucus, released the following statement on the President\u2019s announcement moving the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem and declaring Jerusalem the capital of Israel: \u201cI applaud the decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and to begin the process of moving the US Embassy to this holy city. \u00a0Today\u2019s announcement is the type of clear leadership that is so vital for the region.\" \u201cIn the past year international organizations, including and especially at the United Nations, have passed numerous resolutions denying the three-thousand-year-old bond between the Jewish people and Jerusalem and have dedicated vast resources to discriminatorily and outrageously target Israeli and American companies operating in areas such as the Old City. Recognizing Jerusalem as Israel\u2019s capital repairs a longtime injustice and sends a clear signal to the world that despite their attempts to rewrite history and wage economic warfare against the Jewish State, the United States stands with Israel.\" \"I look forward to working with the Administration as it facilitates our embassy\u2019s historic move and hope to soon visit our new Embassy in Jerusalem, Israel\u2019s eternal and undivided capital.\u201d\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://bost.house.gov/2017/12/bost-steel-caucus-leaders-meet-commerce-secretary-wilbur-ross", "Bost, Steel Caucus Leaders Meet with Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross", "2017-12-05", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Mike Bost", "B001295", "bost.house.gov", "bost", "https://bost.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congressional Steel Caucus Chairman Mike Bost and other caucus leaders today met with U.S. Department of Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross to discuss the ongoing Section 232 investigation assessing the impact of steel imports on our national security.\n\n\u201cSecretary Ross and I had a frank discussion about the harm that unfair and illegal trade practices have done to our steel industry, like the idling of Granite City Works in Madison County,\u201d said Bost. \u201cI strongly urged Secretary Ross to conclude the investigation as soon as possible so action can be taken to protect the American steel industry. Secretary Ross assured me that the investigation will conclude very soon. We are on the same page that every day that goes by is another day that our steelworkers face unfair trade practices from countries like China.\u201d\n\nBackground:\n\nA Section 232 investigation is conducted by the Department of Commerce under the authority of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962. The purpose of the investigation is to determine the effect of imports on America\u2019s national security. In October of this year, Representative Bost led a letter from the Congressional Steel Caucus to President Trump in support of the ongoing Section 232 investigation. The letter is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T22:19:19Z"], ["https://bost.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/bost-steel-caucus-leaders-meet-commerce-secretary-wilbur-ross", "Bost, Steel Caucus Leaders Meet with Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross", "2017-12-05", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Mike Bost", "B001295", "bost.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congressional Steel Caucus Chairman Mike Bost and other caucus leaders today met with U.S. Department of Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross to discuss the ongoing Section 232 investigation assessing the impact of steel imports on our national security.\n\u201cSecretary Ross and I had a frank discussion about the harm that unfair and illegal trade practices have done to our steel industry, like the idling of Granite City Works in Madison County,\u201d said Bost. \u201cI strongly urged Secretary Ross to conclude the investigation as soon as possible so action can be taken to protect the American steel industry. Secretary Ross assured me that the investigation will conclude very soon. We are on the same page that every day that goes by is another day that our steelworkers face unfair trade practices from countries like China.\u201d\nBackground:\nA Section 232 investigation is conducted by the Department of Commerce under the authority of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962. The purpose of the investigation is to determine the effect of imports on America\u2019s national security. In October of this year, Representative Bost led a letter from the Congressional Steel Caucus to President Trump in support of the ongoing Section 232 investigation. The letter is available here.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kinzinger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399641", "Kinzinger Named Vice Chairman of House Subcommittee", "2017-12-05", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Adam Kinzinger", "K000378", "kinzinger.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Yesterday, Chairman Greg Walden (R-OR) announced new subcommittee leadership assignments for the House Energy and Commerce Committee. In this announcement, Congressman Adam Kinzinger (IL-16) was named the new Vice Chairman of the Subcommittee on Digital Commerce and Consumer Protection (#SubDCCP). \r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Washington, DC \u2013 Yesterday, Chairman Greg Walden (R-OR) announced new subcommittee leadership assignments for the House Energy and Commerce Committee. In this announcement, Congressman Adam Kinzinger (IL-16) was named the new Vice Chairman of the Subcommittee on Digital Commerce and Consumer Protection (#SubDCCP). \r\nIn response, Congressman Kinzinger released the following statement: \r\n\u201cI\u2019m honored to take on this role as the Vice Chairman for the Subcommittee on Digital Commerce and Consumer Protection, and I look forward to working with Chairman Bob Latta (R-OH) as we work on issues surrounding interstate and foreign commerce, such as manufactured goods and trade.\r\n\u201cManufacturing is the backbone of economic growth in my district and across the country. Our subcommittee tackles the issues facing our manufacturers, our farmers, and our small businesses through technological advances, safety procedures, consumer protections and various trade issues. I\u2019m proud to take on this new role and excited to advocate for the issues that matter to the people of IL-16, and our economy. Special thank you to Chairman Walden for appointing me, and I look forward to getting to work!\u201d\r\nOn appointing Congressman Kinzinger to his new role as Vice Chairman, Chairman Walden released this statement:\r\n\u201cI am proud to have Rep. Kinzinger serving as Vice Chairman of the Digital Commerce and Consumer Protection Subcommittee. With a focus on advanced manufacturing and workforce training Adam has shown his commitment to ensuring American workers have the opportunities to succeed in an increasingly competitive global economy. Adam\u2019s efforts will be pivotal to ensuring the next generation of manufacturing jobs stay right here in the United States.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kinzinger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399643", "Rep. Kinzinger Floor Speech for Officer Jaimie Cox", "2017-12-05", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Adam Kinzinger", "K000378", "kinzinger.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2013 Last week, Congressman Adam Kinzinger (IL-16) spoke on the House Floor to honor the life of Rockford Police Officer Jaimie Cox, who was killed in the line of duty a month ago today. \r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Washington, DC \u2013 Last week, Congressman Adam Kinzinger (IL-16) spoke on the House Floor to honor the life of Rockford Police Officer Jaimie Cox, who was killed in the line of duty a month ago today. \r\nRemarks as prepared for delivery: \r\n\u201cMr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of Officer Jaimie Cox, a fallen hero from my district who was killed in the line of duty during a traffic stop on Sunday, November 5, 2017. \r\n\u201cJaimie Cox, a Rockford native, served our community and our country proudly. After graduating high school, he served in the United States Army National Guard. He was deployed to Afghanistan in 2008 and was honorably discharged in 2010.\u00a0 He went on to attend Northern Illinois University and graduated in 2014.\r\n\u201cFor his military service, Cox received the Combat Infantryman Badge, Army Achievement Medal, and the Army Commendation Medal. He also won the Illinois National Guard Abraham Lincoln Medal of Freedom Ribbon.\u00a0\r\n\u201cFollowing college, Cox joined the law enforcement division at the Illinois Department of Natural Resources before coming home to serve as an officer of the Rockford Police Department. \r\n\u201cMr. Speaker, Jaimie Cox spent his life dedicated to serving and protecting others. On a daily basis, he risked his life to help others and he gave the ultimate sacrifice protecting our community. On behalf of the 16th Congressional District of Illinois, we honor his service, mourn his sacrifice, and pay tribute to our fallen hero, Jaimie Cox.\u201d\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n    \r\n        \r\n            \r\n        \r\n    \r\n\r\n\r\nNOTE: The full speech as it was delivered can be viewed via video\u00a0here on the Congressman\u2019s YouTube page.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://roskam.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-roskam-releases-statement-applauding-passage-taylor-force-act", "Rep. Roskam releases statement applauding passage of Taylor Force Act", "2017-12-05", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Peter Roskam", "R000580", "roskam.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2014\u00a0Today the House voted to pass H.R. 1164, the Taylor Force Act, which would restrict U.S. assistance to the Palestinian Authority unless it ceases subsidizing terrorists through pay-to-slay policies. Representative Peter Roskam (IL-06) co-sponsored this legislation. Regarding the passage of H.R. 1164, Rep. Roskam released the following statement: \u201cI applaud today\u2019s passage of the Taylor Force Act which would restrict funding to the Palestinian Authority (PA) if it continues to incentivize terrorism by paying salaries to those arrested for killing and maiming innocent people. In 2016, PA payments to terrorists and their families reached $315 million dollars, nearly 10 percent of the PA budget. The family of Bashar Masalha, who brutally killed U.S. Army veteran Taylor Force last year, is among the recipients of these payments. The U.S. taxpayer should not be funding Palestinian terrorism against Americans like Taylor Force or Israeli civilians.\u201d\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://roskam.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-roskam-releases-statement-appointment-house-senate-conference", "Rep. Roskam releases statement on appointment to House-Senate conference committee", "2017-12-05", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Peter Roskam", "R000580", "roskam.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2014\u00a0Today, House Speaker Paul Ryan named Republican lawmakers to serve on the House-Senate Conference Committee for the\u00a0Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Representative Roskam (IL-06) was selected as one of five members of the Ways and Means Committee to work with members of the Senate to reconcile the respective tax bills and present a final version for a full vote. Regarding the appointment, Rep. Roskam released the following statement: \u201cI\u2019m honored to be selected to the House-Senate Conference Committee for the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. I will work with my colleagues in the House and the Senate to bring together the best parts of each of these bills and to ensure that the end product is a tax code that American taxpayers deserve. \u201cAt a very base level, we are starting with the understanding that the status quo is hurting middle-income families across America and our primary responsibility is figuring out the most effective way to give those hardworking taxpayers \u2013 the backbone of the American economy \u2013 the tax relief they are looking for. The work we\u2019re doing on this bill is about those families, it\u2019s about small businesses and it\u2019s about our economy. \u201cAs we work over these next couple of weeks to strengthen this legislation, I am encouraged by the support I\u2019ve received throughout this process from the individual taxpayers and small business owners throughout my district who realize the significance of keeping more money in every paycheck.\u201d\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://roskam.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/roskam-blumenauer-reintroduce-bipartisan-medicare-common-access-card-act", "Roskam, Blumenauer reintroduce bipartisan Medicare Common Access Card Act", "2017-12-05", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Peter Roskam", "R000580", "roskam.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "ashington, D.C. \u2014\u00a0Today Representatives Peter Roskam (IL-06) and Earl Blumenauer (OR-03) reintroduced the bipartisan Medicare Common Access Card (CAC) Act. This legislation would update current Medicare card technology in order to protect seniors and combat waste, fraud, and abuse in the Medicare System. \u201cWaste and fraud continue to drain precious Medicare dollars at a loss of over $60 billion annually,\u201d said Representative Roskam. \u201cThe CAC Act brings about much needed innovation to the Medicare system by making sure claims are verified using smart chip technology. By implementing this easy-to-use tool into Medicare we reduce fraud, save taxpayers billions of dollars and improve patient care,\u201d continued Roskam. \u201cOur seniors place a lot of trust in Medicare. As we see more and more hacks of sensitive information, we need to do everything we can to ensure the federal government protects the personal information and identity of seniors.\u201d\u00a0said Representative Blumenauer. \u201cThis commonsense legislation will not only better protect Medicare beneficiaries against identity theft, but also the integrity of the Medicare program.\u201d \u201cThe Medicare Common Access Card Act empowers the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to use best of breed technology to protect seniors\u2019 identity and verify Medicare transactions before they are paid, not after. This simple change could help process provider payments more quickly and save Medicare billions of dollars. It\u2019s a triple-win: for seniors, for Medicare providers and, most importantly, for the American taxpayer,\u201d said Kelli Emerick, Executive Director of the Secure ID Coalition. Zebra Technologies, based in Lincolnshire, IL, supports using modernization to help protect our seniors. \u201cModernizing Medicare to increase cybersecurity and streamline payments benefits everyone - beneficiaries, providers and taxpayers. Zebra Technologies is excited to support Congressman Peter Roskam and Congressman Earl Blumenauer as they call for pilot programs to test secure card technology to protect seniors in an era of data breaches and identity theft,\u201d said Jim Kaput, Senior Vice President and General Counsel for Zebra Technologies. The Medicare Common Access Card Act would utilize the same type of technology the Department of Defense uses in identification cards issued to men and women in uniform to make Medicare cards more secure. The chip technology would keep personal information secure and would give Medicare beneficiaries assurances their billing is accurate when they visit their doctor. The new cards would also combat waste, fraud and abuse in Medicare\u2013which costs taxpayers an estimated $60 billion each year\u2013by addressing the flawed \u201cpay and chase\u201d system. Currently, the government pays Medicare reimbursements without first verifying the validity of the charges; if the charges prove to be fraudulent, the government must attempt to track down those responsible. The Medicare Common Access Card Act will help stop fraud before it happens by adding a layer of security to Medicare transactions by verifying the identity of patients and billing providers. The Medicare Common Access Card Act was introduced by Reps. Roskam( R-IL), Blumenauer (D-OR), Shimkus (R-IL), Dingell (R-MI), Meehan (R-PA), Boyle (D-PA), Costello (R-PA), Connolly (D-VA), Buchanan (R-FL), and D. Davis (D-IL)", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kinzinger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399640", "Rep. Kinzinger Reacts to Passing of John B. Anderson", "2017-12-04", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Adam Kinzinger", "K000378", "kinzinger.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2013 Congressman Adam Kinzinger (IL-16) released the below statement after learning of the passing of Rockford native John B. Anderson, the former Congressman of the 16th Congressional District of Illinois:\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 below statement after learning about the passing of Rockford native John B. Anderson, the former Congressman of the 16th Congressional District of Illinois:\r\n\u201cJohn Anderson dedicated his life to serving the Rockford community and this great nation \u2013 and he served us well. \r\n\u201cBefore representing IL-16 in the House of Representatives, John Anderson answered the call to serve as a Staff Sergeant in the United States Army. He served through the end of World War II and was honored with four battle stars for his valor in combat. Upon returning home to Rockford, Anderson finished his law degree at the University of Illinois. He later became Winnebago County State\u2019s Attorney, and then ran for Congress in 1960. \r\n\u201cHis servant leadership and love of country led him to serve as Conference Chairman in House Leadership and eventually to run for President. He believed that his job was worth giving up in order to set a better example of realism in politics. We are better for his candor, his focus, and his honesty \u2013 and his pragmatic approach and self-awareness continues to inspire me on a daily basis.\u00a0\r\n\r\n\u201cMy thoughts and prayers are with John\u2019s wife and the entire Anderson family. We mourn as a community, and as a nation, on the passing of this great American \u2013 The Honorable John B. Anderson.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://roskam.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/icymi-chicago-tribune-editorial-boardthis-tax-deal-will-make-america", "ICYMI  Chicago Tribune Ed Board:This tax deal will make America more prosperous", "2017-12-04", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Peter Roskam", "R000580", "roskam.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "This tax deal will make America more prosperous   \n\t\u00a0By: Editorial Board  \n\tChicago Tribune\nDecember 4, 2017 Congress is now in the final wrestling match stage of creating a $1.5 trillion tax reform package. House and Senate Republicans must resolve differences in their bills in order to hand completed legislation to President Donald Trump. You know Republicans want to get the deal done, and you know Trump will sign what Congress delivers. This has been a weird, ugly year \u2014 long on political drama and short on legislative accomplishments. The GOP needs to prove it can govern. If a Republican-controlled Congress and Republican president can\u2019t fulfill a promise to cut taxes, what can they accomplish? The rest of us care about outcomes, not crowing. Good tax reform should make a complex economy more efficient and ultimately put money in people\u2019s pockets. Some tax deals go heavy on benefiting individuals. This legislation does some of that. But the larger opportunity is on the business side, providing relief and investment incentives to employers. Therefore, our focus is on whether this bill reshapes tax policy in a way that helps Americans become more prosperous by spurring job and wage growth. We believe this tax reform bill will strengthen the American economy and create wealth, so we support passage. These massive tax reform packages don\u2019t come around often. They are too difficult. The last big change came in 1986 under President Ronald Reagan, back when it was practically fashionable for lawmakers to do big deals across the aisle. This time Democrats stand in opposition as, for example, Republicans stood against Obamacare. Still, the country is weighing an epochal change to the economy, making this \u201can incredibly significant time in our public life,\u201d U.S. Rep. Peter Roskam, one of the Republican tax reform leaders, tells us. Any vote against this bill is a vote to maintain America as it looks today. Are you happy with the state of the economy since the end of the Great Recession eight years ago? You shouldn\u2019t be. First, discard the impact of the stock market boom fattening your 401(k) since Trump\u2019s election, because that\u2019s due in part to anticipation of tax reform. Kill tax reform and you lose market momentum. What you\u2019re left with is what this nation has had: growth around 2 percent or less a year. That\u2019s not fast enough to boost stagnant wages, increase the job participation rate or improve U.S. competitiveness vs. other countries. Passing this tax reform should get the economy to steady 3 percent growth. At that rate, the country generates trillions of dollars of new economic activity, creates jobs and increases household income \u2013 money to be spent or saved. The tax bill helps employers by lowering the top U.S. corporate tax rate from 35 percent to about 20 percent. The final rate hasn\u2019t been set, but it will be more in line with those of other nations. The bill also takes a big step to encourage companies to repatriate more than $2 trillion in profits that are parked overseas to avoid that 35 percent rate. Companies would get a chance to bring cash home at a one-time rate of about 14 percent. With those changes, companies will invest to grow. Without those changes, U.S. companies are more likely to move out of the country or be acquired by foreign entities. Another provision of the tax bill encourages companies to buy more equipment by allowing them to immediately and fully expense the cost. Business investment is a big deal because, with a lower marginal tax rate, businesses can spend big to improve or expand their operations. And if XYZ Co. buys more trucks, it needs more drivers. Our major concern with this bill is the cost. This plan may cost the government $1.5 trillion over a decade in which the Congressional Budget Office expects Washington to collect $43 trillion in revenue if the economy continues on its current, slow-growth trajectory. If economic growth rises to about 2.5 percent annually, this package could pay for itself. If it doesn\u2019t, the nation\u2019s $20 trillion debt would rise accordingly. Tax reform, then, is an investment in the economy. As Roskam puts it, \u201cWe\u2019re buying an updated tax code and faster growth.\u201d One thing we hope that faster growth buys us all is a new national discussion about how to curtail spending and reduce the debt. The country can\u2019t live by one side of the ledger. Eventually, revenue and expenditure need to come into alignment.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://bost.house.gov/2017/11/bost-leads-effort-protect-seniors-repeal-independent-payment-advisory", "Bost Leads Effort to Protect Seniors, Repeal the Independent Payment Advisory Board", "2017-11-30", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Mike Bost", "B001295", "bost.house.gov", "bost", "https://bost.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Representative Mike Bost (IL-12) today led a group of over 20 members in sending a letter urging Speaker Paul D. Ryan to incorporate language to repeal the Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB) into must-pass legislation by the end of the year. If implemented, the IPAB would make recommendations regarding cuts to Medicare with no Congressional oversight or opportunity for judicial or administrative review.\n\n\u201cAn unelected board in Washington should not be making decisions on cutting Medicare spending for seniors,\u201d said Bost. \u201cThat\u2019s why I brought together nearly two dozen members from across the country in an effort to encourage leadership to repeal IPAB by the end of the year. It\u2019s important that we let the American people know we are accountable to them, not a bunch of unaccountable bureaucrats.\u201d\n\nText of the letter is available here and below.\n\nDear Speaker Ryan:\n\nEarlier this month of H.R. 849, the Protecting Seniors Access to Medicare Act, was an important victory for America\u2019s seniors. This was not the first time the House has passed a measure repealing the Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB), but it did have the largest bipartisan support to date, 307-111.\n\nWith that margin, the House is clear in its message, that IPAB is one of the most harmful provisions of the Affordable Care Act and must be repealed. It is particularly important that this repeal occur before IPAB is triggered into action by Medicare spending projections and initiates the process of arbitrary cuts \u2013 diminishing, in the process, Congress\u2019s role in Medicare policymaking \u2013 and undermining access to quality healthcare for millions of seniors and individuals with disabilities.\n\nOur concern is that the Senate may not take up the IPAB repeal in its current form. Not only are there scheduling issues, given the number of large-scale legislative measures and need to confirm a large number of executive nominees, but also the repeal of the IPAB in the Senate has not been as bipartisan as we accomplished in the House. In the Senate, Republicans and Democrats have separate IPAB repeal pieces of legislation, as opposed to the single bill in the House.\n\nWe believe the IPAB repeal is too important to our constituents to languish. We request that the language passed in bipartisan fashion by the House be incorporated into a legislative vehicle that must move this year from the House to the Senate and be signed by the President. This would ensure IPAB repeal, which has strong bipartisan support in the House and majority support in the Senate, and allow us to honor our commitment to prevent some of the harmful effects of the Affordable Care Act.\n\nSincerely,\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T22:12:50Z"], ["https://bost.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/bost-leads-effort-protect-seniors-repeal-independent-payment-advisory", "Bost Leads Effort to Protect Seniors, Repeal the Independent Payment Advisory Board", "2017-11-30", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Mike Bost", "B001295", "bost.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013\u00a0U.S. Representative Mike Bost (IL-12) today led a group of over 20 members in sending a letter urging Speaker Paul D. Ryan to incorporate language to repeal the Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB) into must-pass legislation by the end of the year. If implemented, the IPAB would make recommendations regarding cuts to Medicare with no Congressional oversight or opportunity for judicial or administrative review.\n\u201cAn unelected board in Washington should not be making decisions on cutting Medicare spending for seniors,\u201d said Bost.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s why I brought together nearly two dozen members from across the country in an effort to encourage leadership to repeal IPAB by the end of the year.\u00a0 It\u2019s important that we let the American people know we are accountable to them, not a bunch of unaccountable bureaucrats.\u201d\nText of the letter is available here and below.\nDear Speaker Ryan:\nEarlier this month of H.R. 849, the Protecting Seniors Access to Medicare Act, was an important victory for America\u2019s seniors. This was not the first time the House has passed a measure repealing the Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB), but it did have the largest bipartisan support to date, 307-111.\nWith that margin, the House is clear in its message, that IPAB is one of the most harmful provisions of the Affordable Care Act and must be repealed. It is particularly important that this repeal occur before IPAB is triggered into action by Medicare spending projections and initiates the process of arbitrary cuts \u2013 diminishing, in the process, Congress\u2019s role in Medicare policymaking \u2013 and undermining access to quality healthcare for millions of seniors and individuals with disabilities. \nOur concern is that the Senate may not take up the IPAB repeal in its current form. Not only are there scheduling issues, given the number of large-scale legislative measures and need to confirm a large number of executive nominees, but also the repeal of the IPAB in the Senate has not been as bipartisan as we accomplished in the House. In the Senate, Republicans and Democrats have separate IPAB repeal pieces of legislation, as opposed to the single bill in the House.\nWe believe the IPAB repeal is too important to our constituents to languish. We request that the language passed in bipartisan fashion by the House be incorporated into a legislative vehicle that must move this year from the House to the Senate and be signed by the President. This would ensure IPAB repeal, which has strong bipartisan support in the House and majority support in the Senate, and allow us to honor our commitment to prevent some of the harmful effects of the Affordable Care Act.\nSincerely,\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://hultgren.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/congratulating-prairie-ridge-wolves-on-state-championship-and-undefeated", "Congratulating Prairie Ridge Wolves on State Championship and Undefeated Season", "2017-11-30", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Randy Hultgren", "H001059", "hultgren.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2014 U.S. Representative Randy Hultgren (IL-14) delivered a statement on the House floor congratulating the Prairie Ridge High School Wolves football team on winning the state championship and earning an undefeated season.\n  \n\t\u00a0(Click picture to watch video)\nFollowing are Rep. Hultgren\u2019s prepared remarks:\nI rise today to congratulate the Prairie Ridge Wolves football team on their second-straight class 6A state championship.\nThe team repeated last year\u2019s outstanding performance of finishing the season without losing a single game.\nBeating the Nazareth Roadrunners in the state final 28-21, the team now has a 28-game winning streak\u2014their last loss was in 2015.\nThe team is ranked second in the state overall by the Chicago Tribune.\nCoach Chris Schremp has been a critical and central figure in their success.\nA 21-year veteran at Prairie Ridge High School, he was named IHSA Football Coach of the Year, and is now competing for the national recognition.\nAnother crucial part of the team, quarterback Samson Evans, has also had a fantastic season.\nDubbed \u201cSuperman\u201d for his exploits on the field, Evans was named the Chicago Sun-Times 2017 Player of the Year.\nHe will continue his career as an Iowa Hawkeye alongside teammate and lineman Jeff Jenkins.\nCongratulations Prairie Ridge Wolves for your excellent season, and here\u2019s to a continued undefeated winning streak.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://bost.house.gov/2017/11/bost-supports-anti-sexual-harassment-training-congress", "Bost Supports Anti-Sexual Harassment Training for Congress", "2017-11-29", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Mike Bost", "B001295", "bost.house.gov", "bost", "https://bost.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Representative Mike Bost (IL-12) released the following statement after the House adopted a resolution requiring all members and staff to complete mandatory training on anti-harassment policies and workplace rights:\n\n\u201cFrom Hollywood to the newsrooms to the boardrooms, many American workplaces have been shaken in recent weeks by reports of sexual harassment. Congress, sadly, is no different. As a husband, a father and a grandfather, I would be furious to hear one of my children or grandchildren were made to feel unsafe or intimidated in their work environment. This type of conduct is simply unacceptable, and I\u2019m pleased the House is taking steps to decrease the chances it ever happens again.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T22:12:50Z"], ["https://bost.house.gov/2017/11/il-gop-congressional-delegation-responds-senators-tax-reform", "Bost Joins IL GOP Congressional Delegation in Response to Senators on Tax Reform", "2017-11-29", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Mike Bost", "B001295", "bost.house.gov", "bost", "https://bost.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2014 Today, Republican Members of the Illinois Congressional Delegation responded to letters they received last week from Senators Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth concerning tax reform and the impact on middle-income families.\n\nThe following letter was sent by U.S. Reps. John Shimkus (IL-15), Peter Roskam (IL-06), Randy Hultgren (IL-14), Adam Kinzinger (IL-16), Rodney Davis (IL-13), Mike Bost (IL-12), and Darin LaHood (IL-18):\n\nDear Senators Durbin and Duckworth,\n\nWe are writing to address your recent letter to Republican members of the Illinois Congressional Delegation. The massive 32 percent state income tax hike that was forced onto families earlier this year by Democrats in the Illinois General Assembly hurt the residents in our districts and across the state deeply. We have seen the negative impact these high taxes have had on our state\u2019s economy and Illinois families. Now, we are coming together at the federal level to create a more competitive tax code and give middle-income families the tax relief they deserve.\n\nThe nonpartisan Tax Foundation projects that under H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Illinois will see an estimated 37,010 jobs added and an after-tax income gain of $2,333 for middle-income families as a result of this legislation. The Chief of Staff for the nonpartisan Joint Committee on Taxation recently testified before the Ways and Means Committee that on average at every income level there will be a tax cut.\n\nIn your letter, you list deductions for medical expenses and state and local income and property taxes \u2013 as you are aware, the majority of middle-income taxpayers in Illinois see no benefit from these deductions, which are only available to those who itemize. However, lowering rates and doubling the standard deduction allows individuals to save a greater amount than they currently do even with the student loan deduction.\n\nFrom businesses on Main Street to middle-income families across our great state, everyone deserves a tax code that rewards hard work by allowing them to keep more money in their paychecks. We urge you to reject the status quo and do what\u2019s right for hardworking taxpayers in Illinois.\n\nWe encourage you to work with your colleagues to address any concerns you may have as they craft the Senate bill and we hope you will support these efforts to reform our tax code. Middle-income families deserve to keep more of what they earn and we are committed to lowering taxes for these families. By lowering rates, doubling the standard deduction, and increasing and expanding the child tax credit, the data clearly shows the majority of middle-income families in Illinois will receive a tax cut under H.R. 1.\n\nWe hope you will work with us to put an end to a tax system that benefits the wealthy over the middle-class. We look forward to working with you to get a bipartisan tax reform bill to President Trump\u2019s desk.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T22:12:50Z"], ["https://bost.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/bost-supports-anti-sexual-harassment-training-congress", "Bost Supports Anti-Sexual Harassment Training for Congress", "2017-11-29", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Mike Bost", "B001295", "bost.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013\u00a0U.S. Representative Mike Bost (IL-12) released the following statement\u00a0after\u00a0the House\u00a0adopted a resolution requiring all members and staff to complete mandatory training on anti-harassment policies and workplace rights: \u201cFrom Hollywood to the\u00a0newsrooms to the boardrooms, many American workplaces have been shaken in recent weeks by reports of sexual harassment. Congress, sadly, is no different. As a husband, a father and a grandfather, I would be furious to hear one of my children or grandchildren were made to feel unsafe or intimidated in their work environment. This type of conduct is simply unacceptable, and I\u2019m pleased the House is taking steps to decrease the chances it ever happens again.\u201d\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://bost.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/il-gop-congressional-delegation-responds-senators-tax-reform", "Bost Joins IL GOP Congressional Delegation in Response to Senators on Tax Reform", "2017-11-29", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Mike Bost", "B001295", "bost.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2014 Today,\u00a0Republican Members of the Illinois Congressional Delegation\u00a0responded to letters they received last week from Senators Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth concerning tax reform and the impact on middle-income families.  \n\t\u00a0  \n\tThe following letter\u00a0was sent\u00a0by U.S. Reps. John Shimkus (IL-15), Peter Roskam (IL-06), Randy Hultgren (IL-14), Adam Kinzinger (IL-16), Rodney Davis (IL-13), Mike Bost (IL-12), and Darin LaHood (IL-18):  \n\t\u00a0  Dear Senators Durbin and Duckworth,  \u00a0We are writing to address your recent letter to Republican members of the Illinois Congressional Delegation. The massive 32 percent state income tax hike that was forced onto families earlier this year by Democrats in the Illinois General Assembly hurt the residents in our districts and across the state deeply.\u00a0We have seen the negative impact these high taxes have had on our state\u2019s economy and Illinois families. Now, we are coming together at the federal level to create a more competitive tax code and give middle-income families the tax relief they deserve.\u00a0\n\t\u00a0The nonpartisan Tax Foundation\u00a0projects\u00a0that under H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Illinois will see an estimated\u00a037,010 jobs added and an after-tax income gain of $2,333 for\u00a0middle-income\u00a0families as a result of this legislation. The Chief of Staff for the nonpartisan Joint Committee on Taxation recently testified before the Ways and Means Committee that on average at every income level there will be a tax cut.\n\t\u00a0In your letter, you list deductions for medical expenses and state and local income and property taxes \u2013 as you are aware, the majority of middle-income taxpayers in Illinois see no benefit from these deductions, which are only available to those who itemize.\u00a0However, lowering rates and doubling the standard deduction allows individuals\u00a0to\u00a0save a greater amount than they currently do even with the student loan deduction.\n\t\u00a0From businesses on Main Street to middle-income families across our great state, everyone deserves a tax code that rewards hard work by allowing them to keep more money in their paychecks. We urge you to reject the status quo and do what\u2019s right for hardworking taxpayers in Illinois.\n\t\u00a0We encourage you to work with your colleagues to address any concerns you may have as they craft the Senate bill and we hope you will support these efforts to reform our tax code. Middle-income families deserve to keep more of what they earn and we are committed to lowering taxes for these families. By lowering rates, doubling the standard deduction, and increasing and expanding the child tax credit, the data clearly shows the majority of middle-income families in Illinois will receive a tax cut under H.R. 1.\n\t\u00a0We\u00a0hope you will work with us to put an end to a tax system that benefits the wealthy over the middle-class. We look forward to working with you to get a bipartisan tax reform bill to President Trump\u2019s desk.\n\t\u00a0Sincerely,\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://hultgren.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/21-republican-members-of-congress-urge-leadership-to-protect-municipal", "21 Republican Members of Congress Urge Leadership to Protect Municipal Financing in Final Tax Legislation", "2017-11-29", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Randy Hultgren", "H001059", "hultgren.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2014 U.S. Representative Randy Hultgren (IL-14), Co-Chair of the Congressional Municipal Finance Caucus, led 20 of his Republican colleagues in sending a letter to House and Senate leadership urging them to preserve the tax exempt status of private activity bonds in any tax reform legislation. These critical financial instruments help local and state governments finance affordable housing, toll roads and expressways, airports and seaports, hospitals and universities and more. In addition, the letter stresses the importance of maintaining the tax-exempt status of advance refundings which allow state and local governments to maintain market interest rates through refinancing. Eliminating the tax exempt status of private activity bonds and advance refunding will severely stifle local and state economic and community development efforts.\nBefore passage of H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, last week in the House, Rep. Hultgren introduced two amendments to include protections of these key financing tools in tax reform legislation.\nThe letter follows:\nDear Leader McConnell, Speaker Ryan, Chairman Hatch, and Chairman Brady, \nWe the undersigned strongly object to the propose elimination of tax exempt private activity bonds and advanced refunding bonds in the current Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (HR 1). This change in policy contradicts the growing need of the Federal Government to rely more, not less, on states and municipalities, as well as the private sector, to help to finance needed infrastructure in a market driven, cost effective manner. In fact, these changes are incompatible with President Trump's priority for infrastructure investment in the United States. Finally, taken together, both of these changes vlolate a request made by 162 members of the House of Representatives in a March 9, 2017 letter addressed to the leadership of the House Committee on Ways and Means.\nThere seems to be a consensus that the current-law tax exemption for municipal bonds - now more than a century old - should remain intact; however, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act would otherwise hobble this valuable tool by prohibiting the issuance of tax-exempt private activity bonds and tax-exempt advance refunding bonds. The United States currently faces a $2 trillion dollar infrastructure financing short-fall, according to the American Society of Civil Engineers.\nThe Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is incompatible with President Trump's request for infrastructure investment in the United States. The Fiscal Year 2018 Budget calls for $200 billion in outlays related to the President's infrastructure initiative. The Fact Sheet for the President's Infrastructure Initiative states, \"The Federal Government inefficiently invests in non-Federal infrastructure,\" and \"The Administration will be exploring ... whether transferring additional responsibilities to the States is appropriate.\" At his confirmation hearing, Treasury Secretary Mnuchin said in response to a question about infrastructure financing, \"If confirmed, I plan to review ways to enhance [PABs] with the goal of driving more private investment into American infrastructure.\" We agree. Federalism is fundamental to efficient infrastructure finance.\nPrivate activity bonds finance exactly the sorts of public private partnerships of which we need more of, not less. These bonds help finance housing for low- to moderate-income families that otherwise would not get built; toll roads and expressways, airports and seaports; hospitals and universities. The Administration has made it explicitly clear that is supports the expansion of private activity bond eligibility.\nLikewise, state and local governments issue tax-exempt advance refunding bonds to take advantage of market conditions to reduce the cost of financing existing debt. Advance refunding bonds issued in just the last five years will save state and local taxpayers in every state billions of dollars. This infrastructure investment creates jobs for homebuilders, factory workers, and engineers, and contributes to economic growth nationwide. The current tax-exempt status of private activity bonds and advanced refunding bonds benefits all Americans.\nWe strongly object to the proposed elimination of tax-exempt private activity and advance refunding bonds in any final tax reform package, which we believe undermines President Trump's infrastructure and economic development agenda for the middle-class. We urge you to reconsider these provisions and ensure they are not in the final version of The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.\nSincerely,\n\u00a0\nSigners include Reps. Randy Hultgren (IL-14), Luke Messer (IN-06), Bob Gibbs (OH-07), John J. Faso (NY-19), Peter King (NY-02), Ed Royce (CA-39), Mia Love (UT-04), Lee Zeldin (NY-01), Mike Coffman (CO-06), Scott Taylor (VA-02), Dan Donovan (NY-11), Pete Sessions (TX-32), Steve King (IA-04), David G. Valadao (CA-21), Elise Stefanik (NY-21), Tom Emmer (MN-06), Blake Farenthold (TX-27), Ryan A. Costello (PA-06), Steve Womack (AR-03), Alex Mooney (WV-02) and Bruce Poliquin (ME-02).\nPreviously, Rep. Hultgren and C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (MD-02), Co-Chairmen of the Congressional Municipal Finance Caucus, sent a bipartisan letter to leaders of the House Ways and Means Committee in support of the tax exempt status of municipal bonds. The letter was signed by 162 of their colleagues (99 Democrats, 63 Republicans total). The two also penned an op-ed on the topic for The Washington Examiner.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://hultgren.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/illinois-gop-congressional-delegation-responds-to-durbin-and-duckworth-on", "Illinois GOP Congressional Delegation Responds to Durbin and Duckworth on Tax Reform", "2017-11-29", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Randy Hultgren", "H001059", "hultgren.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2014 Today, Republican Members of the Illinois Congressional Delegation responded to letters they received last week from Senators Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth concerning tax reform and the impact on middle-income families.\nThe following letter was sent by U.S. Reps. John Shimkus (IL-15), Peter Roskam (IL-06), Randy Hultgren (IL-14), Adam Kinzinger (IL-16), Rodney Davis (IL-13), Mike Bost (IL-12) and Darin LaHood (IL-18).\nDear Senators Durbin and Duckworth,  \u00a0We are writing to address your recent letter to Republican members of the Illinois Congressional Delegation. The massive 32 percent state income tax hike that was forced onto families earlier this year by Democrats in the Illinois General Assembly hurt the residents in our districts and across the state deeply.\u00a0We have seen the negative impact these high taxes have had on our state\u2019s economy and Illinois families. Now, we are coming together at the federal level to create a more competitive tax code and give middle-income families the tax relief they deserve.\u00a0\n\t\u00a0The nonpartisan Tax Foundation\u00a0projects\u00a0that under H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Illinois will see an estimated\u00a037,010 jobs added and an after-tax income gain of $2,333 for\u00a0middle-income\u00a0families as a result of this legislation. The Chief of Staff for the nonpartisan Joint Committee on Taxation recently testified before the Ways and Means Committee that on average at every income level there will be a tax cut.\n\t\u00a0In your letter, you list deductions for medical expenses and state and local income and property taxes \u2013 as you are aware, the majority of middle-income taxpayers in Illinois see no benefit from these deductions, which are only available to those who itemize.\u00a0However, lowering rates and doubling the standard deduction allows individuals\u00a0to\u00a0save a greater amount than they currently do even with the student loan deduction.\n\t\u00a0From businesses on Main Street to middle-income families across our great state, everyone deserves a tax code that rewards hard work by allowing them to keep more money in their paychecks. We urge you to reject the status quo and do what\u2019s right for hardworking taxpayers in Illinois.\n\t\u00a0We encourage you to work with your colleagues to address any concerns you may have as they craft the Senate bill and we hope you will support these efforts to reform our tax code. Middle-income families deserve to keep more of what they earn and we are committed to lowering taxes for these families. By lowering rates, doubling the standard deduction, and increasing and expanding the child tax credit, the data clearly shows the majority of middle-income families in Illinois will receive a tax cut under H.R. 1.\n\t\u00a0We\u00a0hope you will work with us to put an end to a tax system that benefits the wealthy over the middle-class. We look forward to working with you to get a bipartisan tax reform bill to President Trump\u2019s desk.\n\t\u00a0Sincerely,\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kinzinger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399637", "Congressmen Kinzinger, Boyle Introduce Legislation to Condemn Syrian Hospital Attacks", "2017-11-29", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Adam Kinzinger", "K000378", "kinzinger.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, Congressmen Adam Kinzinger (R-IL-16) and Brendan F. Boyle (D-PA-13), co-chairs of the Friends of a Free, Stable and Democratic Syria Caucus and members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, introduced a resolution condemning the intentional military targeting of hospitals and medical personnel in Syria, as recently profiled on CBS\u2019s 60 Minutes.\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, Congressmen Adam Kinzinger (R-IL-16) and Brendan F. Boyle (D-PA-13), co-chairs of the Friends of a Free, Stable and Democratic Syria Caucus and members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, introduced a resolution condemning the intentional military targeting of hospitals and medical personnel in Syria, as recently profiled on CBS\u2019s 60 Minutes. \r\nThe legislation, H.Res.632, condemns the attacks, calls on all parties to end the strikes, and calls on Secretary of State Rex Tillerson to work with the international community to conduct investigations into these violations of international humanitarian law. According to Physicians for Human Rights, 90% of these attacks have been carried out by the Assad regime and the Russian military.\r\n\u201cThe brutality of the Assad regime knows no bounds as it continues to launch airstrikes, barrel bombs, and chemical weapons on innocent men, women, and children. Furthermore, Assad has committed the original war crime \u2013 attacking hospitals \u2013 time and time again,\u201d said Congressman Kinzinger. \u201cWe must stand with groups like the Syrian American Medical Society (SAMS), who provide aid to the thousands of wounded Syrians. Dr. Samer Attar is a member of SAMS, and a Chicagoan. He reached out to me back in June 2016 to share with me the severity of the attacks on medical facilities. And sadly, these attacks continue. I\u2019m proud to stand with my colleague Congressman Boyle to wholeheartedly condemn these attacks on hospitals by the Assad regime, and its Russian and Iranian backers, and the countless crimes against humanity in this genocide on the Syrian people.\u201d\r\n\u201cDuring the six years of the Syrian civil war, there have been more than 400 attacks on hospitals and more than 800 medical personnel have been killed,\u201d said Congressman Boyle. \u201cThis disturbing and blatant violation of international law must end. The United States must send a clear message to Assad and Putin that the international community is watching, and we will hold them accountable for the intentional targeting of vulnerable civilians and those helping the sick and wounded. Rep. Kinzinger and I will continue to stand up for the core tenants of humanitarian law and civilian protections worldwide.\u201d \r\nIn September, the Friends of a Free, Stable and Democratic Syria Caucus met with the Syria Civil Defense, better known as \u201cthe White Helmets,\u201d a group of unarmed volunteers who risk life and limb to carry out daring search-and-rescue missions in the wake of bombings in Syria. The group discussed the intentional targeting of emergency medical and rescue workers such as the White Helmets by Assad and Russia. Over 190 White Helmets volunteers have been killed during the Syrian conflict. Despite the danger, the White Helmets have saved over 99,000 lives.  \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n    \r\n        \r\n            \r\n        \r\n    \r\n\r\n\r\nRep. Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) & Rep. Brendan Boyle (D-PA) with two members of the Syrian Civil Defense (\u201cWhite Helmets\u201d) in September 2017.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kinzinger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399638", "Illinois GOP Congressional Delegation Responds to Durbin and Duckworth on Tax Reform", "2017-11-29", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Adam Kinzinger", "K000378", "kinzinger.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2014 Today, Republican Members of the Illinois Congressional Delegation responded to letters they received last week from Senators Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth concerning tax reform and the impact on middle-income families.\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Washington, DC \u2014 Today, Republican Members of the Illinois Congressional Delegation responded to letters they received last week from Senators Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth concerning tax reform and the impact on middle-income families.\r\nThe following letter was sent by U.S. Reps. John Shimkus (IL-15), Peter Roskam (IL-06), Randy Hultgren (IL-14), Adam Kinzinger (IL-16), Rodney Davis (IL-13), Mike Bost (IL-12) and Darin LaHood (IL-18).\r\nDear Senators Durbin and Duckworth,\r\n\u00a0\r\nWe are writing to address your recent letter to Republican members of the Illinois Congressional Delegation. The massive 32 percent state income tax hike that was forced onto families earlier this year by Democrats in the Illinois General Assembly hurt the residents in our districts and across the state deeply.\u00a0We have seen the negative impact these high taxes have had on our state\u2019s economy and Illinois families. Now, we are coming together at the federal level to create a more competitive tax code and give middle-income families the tax relief they deserve.\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\nThe nonpartisan Tax Foundation\u00a0projects\u00a0that under H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Illinois will see an estimated\u00a037,010 jobs added and an after-tax income gain of $2,333 for\u00a0middle-income\u00a0families as a result of this legislation. The Chief of Staff for the nonpartisan Joint Committee on Taxation recently testified before the Ways and Means Committee that on average at every income level there will be a tax cut.\r\n\u00a0\r\nIn your letter, you list deductions for medical expenses and state and local income and property taxes \u2013 as you are aware, the majority of middle-income taxpayers in Illinois see no benefit from these deductions, which are only available to those who itemize.\u00a0However, lowering rates and doubling the standard deduction allows individuals\u00a0to\u00a0save a greater amount than they currently do even with the student loan deduction.\r\n\u00a0\r\nFrom businesses on Main Street to middle-income families across our great state, everyone deserves a tax code that rewards hard work by allowing them to keep more money in their paychecks. We urge you to reject the status quo and do what\u2019s right for hardworking taxpayers in Illinois.\r\n\u00a0\r\nWe encourage you to work with your colleagues to address any concerns you may have as they craft the Senate bill and we hope you will support these efforts to reform our tax code. Middle-income families deserve to keep more of what they earn and we are committed to lowering taxes for these families. By lowering rates, doubling the standard deduction, and increasing and expanding the child tax credit, the data clearly shows the majority of middle-income families in Illinois will receive a tax cut under H.R. 1.\r\n\u00a0\r\nWe\u00a0hope you will work with us to put an end to a tax system that benefits the wealthy over the middle-class. We look forward to working with you to get a bipartisan tax reform bill to President Trump\u2019s desk.\r\n\u00a0\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399537", "Illinois GOP Congressional Delegation Responds to Durbin and Duckworth on Tax Reform", "2017-11-29", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Rodney Davis", "D000619", "rodneydavis.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Illinois GOP Congressional Delegation Responds to Durbin and Duckworth on Tax Reform \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 29, 2017\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      \r\n      \r\n      Today,\u00a0Republican Members of the Illinois Congressional Delegation\u00a0responded to letters they received last week from Senators Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth concerning tax reform and the impact on middle-income families.  \r\n\u00a0  \r\nThe following letter was sent\u00a0by U.S. Reps. John Shimkus (IL-15), Peter Roskam (IL-06), Randy Hultgren (IL-14), Adam Kinzinger (IL-16), Rodney Davis (IL-13), Mike Bost (IL-12), and Darin LaHood (IL-18):  \r\n\u00a0  \r\nDear Senators Durbin and Duckworth,\r\n\u00a0\r\nWe are writing to address your recent letter to Republican members of the Illinois Congressional Delegation. The massive 32 percent state income tax hike that was forced onto families earlier this year by Democrats in the Illinois General Assembly hurt the residents in our districts and across the state deeply.\u00a0We have seen the negative impact these high taxes have had on our state\u2019s economy and Illinois families. Now, we are coming together at the federal level to create a more competitive tax code and give middle-income families the tax relief they deserve.\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\nThe nonpartisan Tax Foundation\u00a0projects\u00a0that under H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Illinois will see an estimated\u00a037,010 jobs added and an after-tax income gain of $2,333 for\u00a0middle-income\u00a0families as a result of this legislation. The Chief of Staff for the nonpartisan Joint Committee on Taxation recently testified before the Ways and Means Committee that on average at every income level there will be a tax cut.\r\n\u00a0\r\nIn your letter, you list deductions for medical expenses and state and local income and property taxes \u2013 as you are aware, the majority of middle-income taxpayers in Illinois see no benefit from these deductions, which are only available to those who itemize.\u00a0However, lowering rates and doubling the standard deduction allows individuals\u00a0to\u00a0save a greater amount than they currently do even with the student loan deduction.\r\n\u00a0\r\nFrom businesses on Main Street to middle-income families across our great state, everyone deserves a tax code that rewards hard work by allowing them to keep more money in their paychecks. We urge you to reject the status quo and do what\u2019s right for hardworking taxpayers in Illinois.\r\n\u00a0\r\nWe encourage you to work with your colleagues to address any concerns you may have as they craft the Senate bill and we hope you will support these efforts to reform our tax code. Middle-income families deserve to keep more of what they earn and we are committed to lowering taxes for these families. By lowering rates, doubling the standard deduction, and increasing and expanding the child tax credit, the data clearly shows the majority of middle-income families in Illinois will receive a tax cut under H.R. 1.\r\n\u00a0\r\nWe\u00a0hope you will work with us to put an end to a tax system that benefits the wealthy over the middle-class. We look forward to working with you to get a bipartisan tax reform bill to President Trump\u2019s desk.\r\n\u00a0\r\nSincerely,\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=399544", "Davis Speaks in Support of Mandatory Sexual Harassment Training Adopted by House", "2017-11-29", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Rodney Davis", "D000619", "rodneydavis.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.), Vice Chair of the House Administration Committee, today spoke in support of H. Res. 630, a bill sponsored by U.S. Rep. Barbara Comstock (R-Va.), which requires all members and staff within the U.S. House of Representatives to complete anti-harassment and anti-discrimination training during each session of Congress. The House adopted H. Res. 630 this afternoon.\r\n\r\nDavis serves on the House Administration Committee, which continues to work to address sexual harassment prevention in the House. The committee held its first hearing, Preventing Sexual Harassment in the Congressional Workplace, on November 14 and plans to hold a second hearing examining this issue next week. Text of Davis\u2019 written remarks is as follows: Today I rise in support of H Res 630, a resolution requiring all Members and staff to complete anti-harassment and anti-discrimination training during each session of Congress.\r\n\u00a0\r\nI would like to thank Speaker Ryan for announcing this policy change in the House. And to thank my friend and colleague on the House Administration Committee, Barbara Comstock, for introducing this important resolution.\u00a0\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\nNo one should have to worry about sexual harassment when they come to work.\r\n\u00a0\r\nAs a former staffer and someone with a female-led office, I believe this resolution is an important first step in addressing this problem as we work to increase professionalism in the House and establish a workplace that is grounded in respect.\r\n\u00a0\r\nIn Congress, we\u2019ve got to lead by example.\r\n\u00a0\r\nAs a member of the House Administration Committee, we worked hard to pass reforms last Congress to make House office spending more transparent and accountable than any other area of the federal government and I am confident in this committee\u2019s ability to address this important issue in a bipartisan way.\r\n\u00a0\r\nI look forward to the continued hearings the committee will have on this issue as we work to institute policies that protect staffers against sexual harassment and also ensure female staffers are provided leadership opportunities.\r\n\u00a0\r\nI urge my colleagues to support this important resolution.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://roskam.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/illinois-gop-congressional-delegation-responds-durbin-and-duckworth-tax", "Illinois GOP Congressional Delegation responds to Durbin and Duckworth on tax reform", "2017-11-29", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Peter Roskam", "R000580", "roskam.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Today,\u00a0Republican Members of the Illinois Congressional Delegation\u00a0responded to letters they received last week from Senators Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth concerning tax reform and the impact on middle-income families.  \n\t\u00a0  \n\tThe following letter was sent\u00a0by U.S. Reps. John Shimkus (IL-15), Peter Roskam (IL-06), Randy Hultgren (IL-14), Adam Kinzinger (IL-16), Rodney Davis (IL-13), Mike Bost (IL-12), and Darin LaHood (IL-18):  \n\t\u00a0  Dear Senators Durbin and Duckworth,  \u00a0We are writing to address your recent letter to Republican members of the Illinois Congressional Delegation. The massive 32 percent state income tax hike that was forced onto families earlier this year by Democrats in the Illinois General Assembly hurt the residents in our districts and across the state deeply.\u00a0We have seen the negative impact these high taxes have had on our state\u2019s economy and Illinois families. Now, we are coming together at the federal level to create a more competitive tax code and give middle-income families the tax relief they deserve.\u00a0\n\t\u00a0The nonpartisan Tax Foundation\u00a0projects\u00a0that under H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Illinois will see an estimated\u00a037,010 jobs added and an after-tax income gain of $2,333 for\u00a0middle-income\u00a0families as a result of this legislation. The Chief of Staff for the nonpartisan Joint Committee on Taxation recently testified before the Ways and Means Committee that on average at every income level there will be a tax cut.\n\t\u00a0In your letter, you list deductions for medical expenses and state and local income and property taxes \u2013 as you are aware, the majority of middle-income taxpayers in Illinois see no benefit from these deductions, which are only available to those who itemize.\u00a0However, lowering rates and doubling the standard deduction allows individuals\u00a0to\u00a0save a greater amount than they currently do even with the student loan deduction.\n\t\u00a0From businesses on Main Street to middle-income families across our great state, everyone deserves a tax code that rewards hard work by allowing them to keep more money in their paychecks. We urge you to reject the status quo and do what\u2019s right for hardworking taxpayers in Illinois.\n\t\u00a0We encourage you to work with your colleagues to address any concerns you may have as they craft the Senate bill and we hope you will support these efforts to reform our tax code. Middle-income families deserve to keep more of what they earn and we are committed to lowering taxes for these families. By lowering rates, doubling the standard deduction, and increasing and expanding the child tax credit, the data clearly shows the majority of middle-income families in Illinois will receive a tax cut under H.R. 1.\n\t\u00a0We\u00a0hope you will work with us to put an end to a tax system that benefits the wealthy over the middle-class. We look forward to working with you to get a bipartisan tax reform bill to President Trump\u2019s desk.\n\t\u00a0\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://shimkus.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/shimkus-recognizes-mahomet-seymour-high-school-boys-cross-country-team", "Shimkus Recognizes Mahomet-Seymour High School Boys Cross Country Team", "2017-11-29", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "IL", "John Shimkus", "S000364", "shimkus.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Congressman John Shimkus (R, Illinois-15) entered a statement into the permanent Congressional Record recognizing the Mahomet-Seymour High School Boys Cross Country Team, who are the 2017 Class 2A IHSA State Champions. \u00a0\n\u201cIt is an honor for me to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of the Mahomet-Seymour High School Boys Cross Country Team in winning the 2017 state cross country title,\u201d Shimkus said. \u201cI wish the team and their coach all the best in the future.\u201d\nThe full statement in the congressional record can be found HERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://shimkus.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/shimkus-recognizes-unity-high-school-girls-cross-country-team", "Shimkus Recognizes Unity High School Girls Cross Country Team", "2017-11-29", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "IL", "John Shimkus", "S000364", "shimkus.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Congressman John Shimkus (R, Illinois-15) entered a statement into the permanent Congressional Record recognizing the Unity High School Girls Cross Country Team, who won the 2017 Class 1A IHSA State Championship. \u00a0\n\u201cI would like to congratulate the entire Unity Girls Cross Country Team, as well as Head Coach Kara Leaman, on their victory and a superb end to a great season,\u201d Shimkus said. \u201cI wish the team and their coach all the best in the future.\u201d\nThe full statement in the congressional record can be found HERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://hultgren.house.gov/newsroom/in-the-news/op-ed-who-is-protecting-your-personal-data-from-the-government", "Op-ed: Who Is Protecting Your Personal Data From The Government?", "2017-11-28", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Randy Hultgren", "H001059", "hultgren.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Following recent data breaches that made headlines, Americans have made it abundantly clear that their privacy and personal information always come first, and that the government has a responsibility to protect them.\n\tYet in a bit of dark irony, a Washington regulator charged with protecting consumers is proposing to post the personal data of Americans who purchase homes on a public website, endangering the personal finances of millions. The regulator in question is the so-called Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) which recently, and quietly, proposed to publicly release dozens of new fields about the financial wellbeing of mortgage applicants and homeowners.\n\tThe Home Mortgage Disclosure Act of 1975 (HMDA) is a little-known law with an admirable and important purpose: to help combat discrimination in mortgage lending. Given our nation\u2019s disturbing history of redlining, blockbusting and other discriminatory practices, the law was an admirable attempt at righting the wrongs of racism in housing finance.\n\tUnder that law, certain lenders are required to collect information about home buyers which is then made anonymous and public. The idea is to determine whether financial institutions fairly serve communities and their housing needs. An ever-present concern is that this sensitive personal information\u2013 such as credit scores and debt \u2014 is at risk of being linked to individual consumers, violating Americans\u2019 promised anonymity. This means your neighbors or salesmen could have insight into your personal finances; it could also arm criminals to fish for more sensitive information.\n\tThis issue is not new. In 2005, Glenn Canner, a former Federal Reserve Board senior adviser noted: \u201cApproximately 95 percent of loan records are \u2018unique,\u2019 meaning loan amount and census tract can be attributed to a single person. With a cross match to private lien transfer records, one can identify these individuals in 95 percent of the cases.\u201d The House Financial Services Committee on which I sit has heard testimony from Dr. Mark Calabria, now chief economist to Vice President Pence, that \u201cEven before this [new rule], from what was publicly available for HMDA, you could link to courthouse records and identify individuals with that data.\u201d\n\tNow that we\u2019ve fully entered the digital age where all sorts of data sources are more easily accessible, the CFPB is poised to really exacerbate the issue.\n\tA new report from Anthony Yezer at The George Washington University draws concerning conclusions about what publication of additional information will mean for consumers, and the effectiveness of HMDA as enforced today. The study finds that, because many lenders are not required to report the information, HMDA data is not useful in its intended purpose of tracking discriminatory practices. The study also finds that \u201cthe degree of privacy protection afforded minorities in old HMDA data is far lower than that enjoyed by non-Hispanic white borrowers.\u201d These conclusions beg the question: Is HMDA still benefitting those it was designed to help? And why is the CFPB eager to publish data with gaping holes?\n\tAnd another group at risk? The elderly, who are already a favorite target for financial schemes. The report states that \u201cthose seeking to prey on\u2026individuals can gain their confidence by appearing to detailed knowledge of loan terms and their financial condition.\u201d\n\tI believe our federal government \u2014 especially the so-called Consumer Financial Protection Bureau \u2014 must always operate on the principal of Do No Harm. Yet the Bureau outright acknowledges their new rule \u201cwould create risks to applicant and borrower privacy interests.\u201d The Bureau deserves some credit for proposing some modifications, but it concedes that this would only \u201creduce risks\u201d for consumer privacy.\n\tIn the not-too-distant future, small businesses, many of which are owned by our friends and neighbors, could be in the cross-hairs. The CFPB could impose requirements to have similar information reported to the government and made available to the public. In addition to the privacy issues, such requirements will undoubtedly be severely burdensome for lenders, and another obstacle between small businesses and their ability to hire and grow.\n\tIn the balance between public disclosure and consumer privacy, the Bureau proposes to tilt the scale against privacy. This is unacceptable for American consumers.\n\tCongress is taking action. Twenty-seven of my colleagues and I recently wrote the CFPB to express these concerns. I have introduced legislation, the Homeowner Information Privacy Protection Act, which would require the Government Accountability Office to undertake a study of risks to consumer privacy before the Bureau can move forward with publishing any new mortgage information. We need answers first.\n\tNow that the CFPB is experiencing a leadership change, it\u2019s time for the Bureau to change course from its troubling path. American consumers and Congress are watching.\n\tCongressman Randy Hultgren represents Illinois\u2019 14th District and is a member of the House Committee on Financial Services.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kinzinger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399633", "Rep. Kinzinger Hosts IL-16 Military Academy Nominees", "2017-11-28", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Adam Kinzinger", "K000378", "kinzinger.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Last night, Congressman Adam Kinzinger (IL-16) hosted a reception for the students from Illinois\u2019 16th Congressional District who he nominated for their respective Military Academy applications. Following this event at the Ottawa District Office, Congressman Kinzinger released this statement.\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Ottawa, IL \u2013 Last night, Congressman Adam Kinzinger (IL-16) hosted a reception for the students from Illinois\u2019 16th Congressional District who he nominated for their respective Military Academy applications. Following this event at the Ottawa District Office, Congressman Kinzinger released this statement:\r\n\u201cIt takes a special kind of person to voluntarily step up to serve, protect, and defend.\u00a0 I\u2019m incredibly proud to nominate these 16 incredible students from IL-16 this year as they take this step in advancing their education through servant leadership. \r\n\u201cAs I told the nominees, the Military Service Academy application process is very competitive. I wish each one of them the best of luck in this process and in their future endeavors. I\u2019m incredibly impressed with our next generation from IL-16 and encouraged for our future with these leaders in our community and country.\u201d \r\n\r\n\r\n    \r\n        \r\n            \r\n        \r\n    \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nBack Row: Mathew Malaker, Kathleen Rock, Grace Reinhardt, Christopher Winters, Brett Jones, Eric Miller, Keegan Jaros, Carson White; Front Row: Gabrielle Janes, Nolan Hensley, Joseph Peacock, Congressman Kinzinger, Gabriel Nagel, Keegan Donnelly; Not Pictured: Keith Mokry, Joshua Jackson, Zachary Couper\r\n\r\n\r\nThe reception was hosted for the nominees and their families, with local media in attendance. Please visit the Congressman\u2019s Facebook page for photos from the reception shared in the \u201c2017 Military Service Academy Nominations Reception\u201d photo album. \u00a0\r\nNOTE: The students and their respective academy is listed in the table below, and last names are listed under the photos above to identify the students.\r\n\r\n\r\n    \r\n        \r\n            \r\n            Grace Reinhardt\r\n            \r\n            \r\n            Ottawa\r\n            \r\n            \r\n            West Point\r\n            \r\n        \r\n        \r\n            \r\n            Joshua Jackson\r\n            \r\n            \r\n            Marseilles\r\n            \r\n            \r\n            West Point\r\n            \r\n        \r\n        \r\n            \r\n            Kathleen Rock\r\n            \r\n            \r\n            Byron\r\n            \r\n            \r\n            West Point\r\n            \r\n        \r\n        \r\n            \r\n            Gabriella Janes\r\n            \r\n            \r\n            Genoa\r\n            \r\n            \r\n            West Point\r\n            \r\n        \r\n        \r\n            \r\n            Eric Miller\r\n            \r\n            \r\n            Loves Park\r\n            \r\n            \r\n            Air Force\r\n            \r\n        \r\n        \r\n            \r\n            Mathew Malaker\r\n            \r\n            \r\n            Rochelle\r\n            \r\n            \r\n            Air Force\r\n            \r\n        \r\n        \r\n            \r\n            Keegan Donnelly\r\n            \r\n            \r\n            DeKalb\r\n            \r\n            \r\n            Air Force\r\n            \r\n        \r\n        \r\n            \r\n            Joseph Peacock\r\n            \r\n            \r\n            Princeton\r\n            \r\n            \r\n            Air Force\r\n            \r\n        \r\n        \r\n            \r\n            Brett Jones\r\n            \r\n            \r\n            Roscoe\r\n            \r\n            \r\n            Air Force\r\n            \r\n        \r\n        \r\n            \r\n            Zachary Couper\r\n            \r\n            \r\n            Rockford\r\n            \r\n            \r\n            Air Force\r\n            \r\n        \r\n        \r\n            \r\n            Keith Mokry\r\n            \r\n            \r\n            Somonauk\r\n            \r\n            \r\n            Naval\r\n            \r\n        \r\n        \r\n            \r\n            Christopher Winters\r\n            \r\n            \r\n            Loves Park\r\n            \r\n            \r\n            Naval\r\n            \r\n        \r\n        \r\n            \r\n            Gabriel Nagel\r\n            \r\n            \r\n            Braidwood\r\n            \r\n            \r\n            Naval\r\n            \r\n        \r\n        \r\n            \r\n            Nolan Hensley\r\n            \r\n            \r\n            Roscoe\r\n            \r\n            \r\n            Naval\r\n            \r\n        \r\n        \r\n            \r\n            Carson White\r\n            \r\n            \r\n            Channahon\r\n            \r\n            \r\n            Naval\r\n            \r\n        \r\n        \r\n            \r\n            Keegan Jaros\r\n            \r\n            \r\n            Marseilles\r\n            \r\n            \r\n            Naval", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kinzinger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399635", "Kinzinger Reacts to Latest North Korea Missile Launch", "2017-11-28", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Adam Kinzinger", "K000378", "kinzinger.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2013 In response to the breaking news that the Kim regime of North Korea launched another intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), 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 In response to the breaking news that the Kim regime of North Korea launched another intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), Congressman Adam Kinzinger (IL-16) released the following statement:\r\n\u201cThis latest missile launch by North Korea is the most far-reaching yet, and their capability to do this directly threatens the United States homeland. With an unhinged, power-hungry tyrant at the helm, North Korea has left us with very few options in the realm of diplomacy. Despite imposing greater sanctions, the Kim regime continues to threaten us and our allies \u2013 and we must defend ourselves by having a credible military option on the table.\u00a0 \r\n\u201cIn order to have a credible military option, we must fully fund our armed forces so they have the means, manpower, and technology to protect and defend American lives. This latest ICBM missile test by Kim Jong-Un has crossed the line, and we must be fully prepared to enforce those repercussions.\u201d\r\nNOTE: In July, the House of Representatives passed the Department of Defense Appropriations Act and the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Act through the H.R. 3219, Make America Secure Appropriation Act. To date, the Senate has not taken this package up, nor any other appropriations bills for FY2018.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399535", "ICYMI: A Thanksgiving plea for gentler debate from Rep. Rodney Davis", "2017-11-22", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Rodney Davis", "D000619", "rodneydavis.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.), in a follow-up interview with Chuck Raasch of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch five months after the congressional baseball shooting, continues call to tone down political rhetoric. The following is an excerpt from the St. Louis Post-Dispatch November 22 article.  A Thanksgiving plea for gentler debate from Rep. Rodney Davis \u201cEvery day,\u201d Rep. Rodney Davis, R-Ill., says, \u201cthere is not an hour in the day that goes by that I don\u2019t think about that morning.\u201d \u201cThat morning\u201d was June 14, when a\u00a0gunman from Belleville sprayed bullets\u00a0around a baseball field in Alexandria, Va., severely injuring Rep. Steve Scalise, R-La., and wounding four others, including two Capitol Police officers. The gunman, James Hodgkinson, was killed after he left yet another mark of numbing violence on a year that has included mass shootings from the bright lights of Las Vegas to the sanctity of a small-town Texas church. Davis, a third-term Republican congressman from Taylorville, often finds himself back in that warm June morning, to visions of Scalise crawling for his life beyond second base; to police officer Crystal Griner, wounded in the ankle, returning the gunman\u2019s deadly intentions with her own fire; to critically wounded lobbyist Matt Mika bleeding profusely nearby. The sights, smells and sounds of those frantic moments at Simpson Field, where generations of children had played, are never far away for Davis. It\u2019s Thanksgiving now. Five months have passed, and the memories will be met with the comfort of home and hearth. Davis, the father of three teenagers, will spend Thanksgiving Day eating at a brother\u2019s house, then going home to \u201cwatch football and sleep a turkey dinner off,\u201d he said in an interview this week. \u201cI am just thankful that no one was killed that morning,\u201d Davis said. \u201cI am thankful that we have been able to see ... Steve Scalise walk back onto the House floor.  \r\n\u201cAnd I gotta tell you,\u201d Davis said, \u201cI am grateful for being able to celebrate Thanksgiving with my family, because it is a tragic event like that that gives you a lot of different perspectives. \u201cI\u2019m probably a little more patient with a lot of little things with my kids, although they would probably argue that I am not patient enough,\u201d Davis said. \u201cCriticism, political criticisms, they really don\u2019t bother me as much as they probably used to. The sun is going to come up the next day.\u201d Even before the shooting, Davis had frequently expressed concern about the tone of public discourse. In almost every interview on every topic, he\u2019d plead for calmer debate. He helped form a \u201cMainstreet Caucus\u201d focused on policy and forging a \u201cgoverning coalition\u201d in the House of Representatives, and that group of 72 Republicans has upped its efforts in the wake of the shooting.  \r\n\r\nClick here to read the entire article.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399534", "Ahead of National Day of Giving, Davis Announces Bill to Provide Stable Funding for Food Banks", "2017-11-21", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Rodney Davis", "D000619", "rodneydavis.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Davis speaks with Jim Hires, CEO of Eastern Illinois Food, during a visit to the food bank ahead of National Day of Giving.\r\n        \r\n    \r\n\r\n\r\n  \r\nU.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) today, ahead of National Day of Giving (Nov. 28), visited Eastern Illinois Foodbank to announce legislation to provide stable funding for food banks. \u201cThis is certainly one of the busiest times of year for our food banks, but they face the challenge of helping feed those who are hungry every day,\u201d said Davis. \u201cBy making this distribution funding mandatory, food banks, like Eastern Illinois Foodbank, will be able to make these private donations go further. It was great to see their operations ahead of National Day of Giving, which they raised over $140,000 or 700,000 meals for those in need last year. I appreciate the work of Jim Hires and all of the staff at Eastern Illinois Foodbank and I look forward to celebrating their success again this year.\u201d \u201cWe are sincerely grateful for Congressman Davis\u2019 leadership in sponsoring the Food Bank Assistance Act,\u201d said Jim Hires, CEO of the Eastern Illinois Foodbank. \u201cThis legislation, when enacted, will increase the amount of food available to food insecure families and individuals and allow food banks, like the Eastern Illinois Foodbank, to better serve their rural communities in a more cost effective and timely manner.\u201d H.R. 4020, the Food Bank Assistance Act, would make food bank distribution funding within the farm bill mandatory spending and increase the funding for Emergency Food Assistance Program to $500 million. Currently, the Farm Bill authorizes $100 million a year for food banks to distribute food, however, the distribution money is usually whittled down to about $50 million because it is not required spending. Davis and fellow House Agriculture Committee member, U.S. Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D-NM) introduced H.R. 4020 last month and are hoping to include it in the 2018 Farm Bill. Click here to learn more about the Eastern Illinois Foodbank and National Day of Giving.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://bost.house.gov/2017/11/bost-applauds-house-passage-tax-reform-legislation", "Bost Applauds House Passage of Tax Reform Legislation", "2017-11-16", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Mike Bost", "B001295", "bost.house.gov", "bost", "https://bost.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2013 U.S. Representative Mike Bost (IL-12) today released the following statement after the House passed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act:\n\n\u201cSouthern Illinois\u2019 hardworking middle-class families deserve a break. We need more jobs, higher take-home pay, and greater opportunity to get ahead. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is focused on empowering middle-class working families by delivering more jobs, fairer taxes, and bigger take-home pay. For the 78% of tax filers in Illinois\u2019 12th Congressional District who currently take the standard deduction, you will see an average $1700 more in your pocket after taxes. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act gives you the breathing room you need to save for college, help raise a family, or prepare for a rainy day. When given the chance, I have no doubt you\u2019ll keep a closer eye on your hard-earned dollars than any Washington bureaucrat ever will.\u201d\n\nFor individuals and families, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act:\n\nLowers individual tax rates for low- and middle-income Americans to zero, 12 percent, 25 percent, and 35 percent so people can keep more of the money they earn throughout their lives, and continues to maintain 39.6 percent for high-income Americans.\n\nSignificantly increases the standard deduction to protect roughly double the amount of what you earn each year from taxes \u2013 from $6,350 to $12,000 for individuals and $12,700 to $24,000 for married couples.\n\nEliminates special-interest deductions that increase rates and complicate Americans\u2019 taxes \u2013 so an individual or family can file their taxes on a form as simple as a postcard.\n\nEstablishing a new Family Credit \u2013 which includes expanding the Child Tax Credit from $1,000 to $1,600 to help parents with the cost of raising children, and providing a credit of $300 for each parent and non-child dependent to help all families with their everyday expenses.\n\nRetains popular retirement savings options such as 401(k)s and Individual Retirement Accounts so Americans can continue to save for their future.\n\nRetains the adoption tax credit.\n\nFor job creators of all sizes, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act:\n\nLowers the corporate tax rate to 20 percent \u2013 down from 35 percent, which today is the highest in the industrialized world \u2013 the largest reduction in the U.S. corporate tax rate in our nation\u2019s history.\n\nReduces the tax rate on the hard-earned business income of Main Street job creators to no more than 25 percent \u2013 the lowest tax rate on small business income since World War II.\n\nEstablishes strong safeguards to distinguish between individual wage income and \u201cpass-through\u201d business income so Main Street tax relief goes to the local job creators it was designed to help most.\n\nPrevents American jobs, headquarters, and research from moving overseas by eliminating incentives that now reward companies for shifting jobs, profits, and manufacturing plants abroad.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T22:12:50Z"], ["https://bost.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/bost-applauds-house-passage-tax-reform-legislation", "Bost Applauds House Passage of Tax Reform Legislation", "2017-11-16", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Mike Bost", "B001295", "bost.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2013 U.S. Representative Mike Bost (IL-12) today released the following statement after the House passed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act:\n\u201cSouthern Illinois\u2019 hardworking middle-class families deserve a break. We need more jobs, higher take-home pay, and greater opportunity to get ahead. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is focused on empowering middle-class working families by delivering more jobs, fairer taxes, and bigger take-home pay. For the 78% of tax filers in Illinois\u2019 12th Congressional District who currently take the standard deduction, you will see an average $1700 more in your pocket after taxes. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act gives you the breathing room you need to save for college, help raise a family, or prepare for a rainy day. When given the chance, I have no doubt you\u2019ll keep a closer eye on your hard-earned dollars than any Washington bureaucrat ever will.\u201d\nFor individuals and families, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act:\n Lowers individual tax rates for low- and middle-income Americans to zero, 12 percent, 25 percent, and 35 percent\u00a0so people can keep more of the money they earn throughout their lives, and continues to maintain 39.6 percent for high-income Americans.\n\tSignificantly increases the standard deduction to protect roughly double the amount of what you earn each year from taxes \u2013 from $6,350 to $12,000 for individuals and $12,700 to $24,000 for married couples.\n\tEliminates special-interest deductions that increase rates and complicate Americans\u2019 taxes \u2013 so an individual or family can file their taxes on a form as simple as a postcard.\n\tEstablishing a new Family Credit \u2013 which includes expanding the Child Tax Credit from $1,000 to $1,600 to help parents with the cost of raising children, and providing a credit of $300 for each parent and non-child dependent to help all families with their everyday expenses.\n\tRetains popular retirement savings options such as 401(k)s and Individual Retirement Accounts so Americans can continue to save for their future.\u00a0\n\tRetains the adoption tax credit.\n For job creators of all sizes, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act:\n Lowers the corporate tax rate to 20 percent\u00a0\u2013 down from 35 percent, which today is the highest in the industrialized world \u2013 the largest reduction in the U.S. corporate tax rate in our nation\u2019s history.\n\tReduces the tax rate on the hard-earned business income of Main Street job creators to no more than 25 percent\u00a0\u2013 the lowest tax rate on small business income since World War II.\n\tEstablishes strong safeguards to distinguish between individual wage income and \u201cpass-through\u201d business income so Main Street tax relief goes to the local job creators it was designed to help most.\n\tPrevents American jobs, headquarters, and research from moving overseas by eliminating incentives that now reward companies for shifting jobs, profits, and manufacturing plants abroad.\n # # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://hultgren.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/hultgren-introduces-parental-rights-amendment-to-the-constitution", "Hultgren Introduces Parental Rights Amendment to the Constitution", "2017-11-16", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Randy Hultgren", "H001059", "hultgren.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2014 U.S. Representative Randy Hultgren (R-IL-14), Co-Chairman of the Values Action Team, today introduced the Parental Rights Amendment, H.J.Res. 121, to protect the rights of parents to raise, care for and guide their children without undue government interference unless there is proof of abuse or neglect.\n\u201cThe freedom for parents to direct the upbringing, education and care of their children is an American tradition once established beyond debate,\u201d said Rep. Hultgren. \u201cYet every day, families are broken apart by state actors who presume they are able to make a better decision for a child than a parent can. With recent state laws and court decisions threatening this American value, it is time parental rights are enshrined as fundamental rights and therefore protected under the Constitution.\u201d\nBackground:  \n\tParental rights are not explicitly granted in the Constitution, which has resulted in an ever-growing number of conflicts with local, state and federal governments, and courts, seeking to intervene in parental decisions without a substantive justification or semblance of a showing of harm. That debate was reopened in 2000 when a Washington state law provided the authority for a third party to override a good parent\u2019s decision regarding their children if it would be in the \u201cbest\u201d interest of the children to do so. Today numerous lower federal courts refuse to treat parental rights as deserving of protection as a fundamental right, and 35 states include disability as grounds for termination of parental rights.\nExamples include:\n Doctors at Boston Children's Hospital\u2019s ER disagreed with teenager Justina Pelletier\u2019s primary care physicians at Tufts Medical Center that she suffered from mitochondrial disease. Instead, they said it was a mental illness, and the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families took her from her parents and into state custody. She was kept in the hospital\u2019s psych ward and group homes for months. She was returned to her parents more than a year later, and her health still has not fully recovered.\n\tFollowing her birth in Missouri, baby Mikeala Johnson was taken into the foster care system because her parents are blind. When she was returned to her mother Erika 57 days later, they had forever lost important bonding opportunities, including Erika\u2019s chance to breastfeed her baby early on.\n\tThe Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in Fields v. Palmdale held that \u201conce parents make the choice as to which school their children will attend, their fundamental right to control the education of their children is\u2026substantially diminished.\u201d (emphasis added)\n The Parental Rights Amendment:\n Secures the tradition of parental rights as a fundamental right in the text of the Constitution.\n\tSecures the right of parents to choose the manner in which they educate their child.\n\tGuarantees the rights of a parent will not be abridged on account of a disability.\n Rep. Hultgren was joined by original cosponsors Reps. Ted Budd (NC-13), Jeff Duncan (SC-03), Kristi Noem (SD-At-large), Tim Walberg (MI-07), Barbara Comstock (VA-10), Alex Mooney (WV-02), Doug Lamborn (CO-05), Jim Banks (IN-03), Mark Meadows (NC-11), Bill Posey (FL-08), Robert Pittenger (NC-09), Bill Huizenga (MI-02), Kenny Marchant (TX-24), Vicky Hartzler (MO-04) and Brian Babin (TX-36). A parallel Senate resolution, S.J. Res. 48, was introduced by Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) in August.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://hultgren.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/tax-reform-will-support-illinois-families-spur-american-economy-and", "Tax Reform Will Support Illinois Families, Spur American Economy and Encourage Job Creation", "2017-11-16", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Randy Hultgren", "H001059", "hultgren.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2014Today, U.S. Representative Randy Hultgren (R-IL-14) supported passage of H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. The legislation included Rep. Hultgren\u2019s bill H.R. 1425, the Bring Small Businesses Back Tax Reform Act, which cuts the overall small business tax rate to 25 percent. Some Illinois companies are paying up to 40 percent in federal taxes.\n\u201cFor too long our complex tax code has confused American individuals and families, nickel-and-dimed small businesses and obstructed job creation and economic growth. It has kept our businesses from growing and adding more workers. This bill provides tax cuts for the middle class, low-income Americans and U.S. businesses of all sizes\u2014from home builders, to contractors, to farmers and small businesses in Illinois,\u201d said Rep. Hultgren. \u201cComprehensive tax reform is long overdue, and this bill provides significant relief to people in Illinois and across the country. Every time I meet with family-owned businesses and ask them what it would take to hire one more employee, they unanimously state fixing the tax code, among other issues. I am especially pleased the legislation includes my bill, the Bring Small Businesses Back Tax Reform Act, to cut the overall small business tax rate to 25 percent and provide much-needed relief to the engine of Illinois\u2019 economy. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the U.S. Senate to finalize a plan that includes municipal finance tax protections that preserve a key tax tool for funding local and state infrastructure projects like hospitals, roads and bridges. Our goal is a tax code that benefits and works for families, seniors, workers and job creators in the 14th District.\u201d\nFor individuals and families, the\u00a0Tax Cuts and Jobs Act:\n Lowers individual tax rates for low- and middle-income Americans to Zero, 12%, 25% and 35%\u00a0so people keep more of what they earn, and continues to maintain 39.6% for high-income Americans.\n\tSignificantly increases the standard deduction\u00a0to protect roughly double the amount of what you earn each year from taxes \u2013 from $6,350 to $12,000 for individuals and $12,700 to $24,000 for married couples.\n\tEliminates special-interest deductions that increase rates and complicate Americans\u2019 taxes\u00a0\u2013 so an individual or family can file their taxes on a form as simple as a postcard.\n\tTakes action to support more American families\u00a0by:\n\t\tEstablishing a new Family Credit \u2013 which includes expanding the Child Tax Credit\u00a0from $1,000 to $1,600 to help parents with the cost of raising children, and providing a credit of $300 for each parent and non-child dependent to help all families with their everyday expenses.\n\t\t\tPreserving the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit\u00a0to help families care for their children and older dependents such as a disabled grandparent who may need additional support.\n\t\t\tPreserving the Adoption Tax Credit\u00a0so parents can continue to receive additional tax relief as they open their hearts and their homes to an adopted child.\n\t\t\n\tMaintains the Earned Income Tax Credit\u00a0to provide important tax relief for low-income Americans working to build better lives for themselves.\n\tStreamlines higher education benefits\u00a0to help families save for and better afford college tuition and other education expenses.\n\tContinues the deduction for charitable contributions\u00a0so people can continue to donate to their local church, charity or community organization.\n\tPreserves the home mortgage interest deduction\u00a0for existing mortgages and maintains it for newly purchased homes up to $500,000, providing relief to current and aspiring homeowners.\n\tContinues to allow people to write off the cost of state and local property taxes\u00a0up to $10,000.\n\tRetains popular retirement savings options\u00a0such as 401(k)s and Individual Retirement Accounts so Americans can continue to save for their future.\n\tRepeals the Alternative Minimum Tax\u00a0so millions of individuals and families will no longer have to worry about calculating their taxes twice each year and pay the higher amount.\n\tProvides immediate relief from the Death Tax by doubling the exemption and repealing the Death Tax after six years. Family-owned farms and businesses will no longer have to worry about double or triple taxation from Washington when they pass down their life\u2019s work to the next generation.\n For job creators of all sizes, the\u00a0Tax Cuts and Jobs Act:\n Lowers the corporate tax rate to 20%\u00a0\u2013 down from 35%, which today is the highest in the industrialized world \u2013 the largest reduction in the U.S. corporate tax rate in our nation\u2019s history.\n\tReduces the tax rate on the hard-earned business income of Main Street job creators to no more than 25%\u00a0\u2013 the lowest tax rate on small business income since World War II.\n\tProvides a new, low tax rate of 9% for businesses earning less than $75,000 in income\u00a0to help the Main Street startups who fuel innovation and job creation in communities across the country\n\tEstablishes strong safeguards to distinguish between individual wage income and \u201cpass-through\u201d business income\u00a0so Main Street tax relief goes to the local job creators it was designed to help most.\n\tAllows businesses to immediately write off the full cost of new equipment\u00a0to improve operations and enhance the skills of their workers \u2013 unleashing the growth of jobs, productivity and paychecks.\n\tProtects the ability of small businesses to write off the interest on loans\u00a0that help these Main Street entrepreneurs start or expand a business, hire workers and increase paychecks.\n\tRetains the low-income housing tax credit\u00a0that encourages businesses to invest in affordable housing so families, individuals and seniors can find a safe and comfortable place to call home.\n\tPreserves the Research & Development Tax Credit\u00a0\u2013 encouraging our businesses and workers to develop cutting-edge \u201cMade in America\u201d products and services.\n\tStrengthens accountability rules for tax-exempt organizations\u00a0to ensure that churches, charities, foundations and other organizations are focused on helping people and communities in need.\n\tModernizes our international tax system\u00a0so America\u2019s global businesses will no longer be held back by an outdated \u201cworldwide\u201d tax system that results in double taxation for many of our nation\u2019s job creators.\n\tMakes it easier for American businesses to bring home foreign earnings\u00a0to invest in growing jobs and paychecks in our local communities.\n\tPrevents American jobs, headquarters and research from moving overseas\u00a0by eliminating incentives that now reward companies for shifting jobs, profits and manufacturing plants abroad.\n Supporting organizations:\n American Forest & Paper Association\n\tAssociated Builders and Contractors\u00a0\n\tAssociation of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM)\n\tFaith & Freedom Coalition\n\tFamily Research Council\u00a0\n\tIllinois Farm Bureau\n\tIndependent Community Bankers of America (ICBA)\n\tNational Association of Manufacturers\n\tNational Federation of Independent Business (NFIB)\n\tNational Retail Federation\u00a0\n\tNational Taxpayers Union\u00a0\n\tU.S. Chamber of Commerce\n ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kinzinger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399625", "Bringing Americas Tax Code into the 21st Century", "2017-11-16", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Adam Kinzinger", "K000378", "kinzinger.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2013 After voting in favor of H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act today, 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 After voting in favor of H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act today, Congressman Adam Kinzinger (IL-16) released the following statement:\u00a0 \r\n\u201cOur current tax code is over 30 years old and our economic growth is stagnant. Today, I voted in favor of the House\u2019s \u2018Tax Cuts and Jobs Act\u2019 to provide tax relief to families, small businesses, and individuals here in IL-16 and across the country, and to give our economy the jump start it so desperately needs.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \r\n\u201cNearly 70% of IL-16 residents pay the standard deduction. This tax plan doubles the standard deduction, repeals the death tax, and consolidates tax brackets to put money back into the pockets of more Americans.\u00a0 According to the Tax Foundation, this tax plan will create more than 37,000 new, full time jobs here in Illinois. Families in my home district and around the country will benefit from a new family credit that helps with everyday expenses, and will also provide streamlined education benefits to help them save for and better afford college tuition and education expenses, including apprenticeships.\r\n\u201cWhile there are still a few issues to be worked out in the \u2018Tax Cuts and Jobs Act,\u2019 this is an important step forward to simplify our tax code and make it a more fair system for hard-working Americans. I applaud the efforts of Chairman Brady and the House Committee on Ways and Means for their hard work in getting this legislation to the floor. And I look forward to our continued work on bringing our tax code into the 21st Century.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lahood.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-lahood-house-republicans-vote-favor-tax-reform", "CONGRESSMAN LAHOOD, HOUSE REPUBLICANS VOTE IN FAVOR OF TAX REFORM", "2017-11-16", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Darin LaHood", "L000585", "lahood.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014 Today, the House of Representatives voted in favor of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which would comprehensively reform America\u2019s tax code for the first time since 1986.\u00a0 Congressman LaHood released the following statement regarding his vote in support:\n\u201cToday\u2019s vote is a big win for the middle class families of Illinois\u2019 18th district. For the past thirty years, they have seen our tax code get bigger while their paychecks got smaller,\u201d said Rep. LaHood. By passing the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, the House has taken the first step towards rectifying this, and I was proud to vote in support of it today. Our economy is strongest when the middle class gets to keep more of their money in their pockets, which is why I will continue advocating for a simpler and better tax system as the Senate takes up this process.\nAn independent, non-partisan evaluation of the bill found that it would lead to 37,010 new full-time jobs in Illinois, and an increase of $2,333 in take-home pay for median households. You can read the full analysis here. For Illinois\u2019 18th district, a Ways and Means Committee analysis found that a family of four making the median household income would receive a tax cut of $2,060 every year. You can find that analysis here.\nIf you would like to interview Rep. LaHood on this bill, please contact Luke Bunting.\nWhat this means for the American taxpayer:\n Lowers individual tax rates for low- and middle-income Americans to zero, 12%, 25%, and 35%. It maintains 39.6% for high-income earners.\n\tWith this bill, a typical middle-income family of four, earning $59,000 (the median household income), will receive\u00a0a $1,182 tax cut.\n\tProtects more of what you earn each year from taxes by roughly doubling the amount of the standard deduction. Nearly 70% of tax filers in the 18th District use the standard deduction.\n\tSupports the American family by expanding the Child Tax Credit from the current $1,000 to $1,600, nearly a 63% increase and preserving the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit.\n\tProtects hard working middle-class taxpayers by preserving the home mortgage interest deduction for current existing mortgages and maintains the home mortgage deduction for newly purchased homes up to $500,000.\n\tProtects popular retirement savings options such as 401(k)s and Individual Retirement Accounts so Americans can continue to save for their future.\n\tProvides immediate relief for family farmers throughout the 18th District and fully repeals the Death Tax with a seven-year phase-out. For our family-owned farms and businesses all across the 18th District, they will no longer have to worry about double or triple taxation from Washington when they pass down their life\u2019s work to the next generation.\n\tMaintains the ability of middle class families to deduct the cost of state & local property taxes up to $10,000\n\tTo read the bill, click here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lahood.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/us-house-passes-legislation-honor-fallen-navy-seal-ryan-owens", "US HOUSE PASSES LEGISLATION TO HONOR FALLEN NAVY SEAL RYAN OWENS", "2017-11-16", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Darin LaHood", "L000585", "lahood.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014Legislation introduced by Congressman Darin LaHood to rename the Chillicothe, Illinois, U.S. post office in honor of U.S. Navy Chief Special Warfare Operator William \u201cRyan\u201d Owens passed out of the U.S. House of Representatives today with unanimous approval. The bill, H.R. 3109, is co-sponsored by the entire Illinois congressional delegation. The legislation now heads to the U.S. Senate, and if passed will be sent to the President to be signed into law.\n\u201cI want to thank my colleagues for their unanimous support of our local hero, Senior Chief Ryan Owens. We will never be able to repay Ryan for making the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our country and the values we hold dear, but today\u2019s vote moves us one step closer towards honoring his legacy in his home town of Chillicothe,\u201d stated LaHood. \u201cI urge my Senate colleagues to swiftly take up this legislation to recognize this true American hero.\u201d\nBackground:  \n\tThis bill would formally rename the post office the \u201cSr. Chief Ryan Owens Post Office Building\u201d in recognition of Ryan\u2019s heroism and service to our nation. This bipartisan legislation was referred to the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee and passed on September 13 earlier this year. Congressman LaHood was pleased to consult with the U.S. Postal Service, the U.S. Navy Congressional Liaisons Office, Central Illinois Gold Star Families, and Owens\u2019s widow on this effort.\nOwens died on January 29, 2017, at the age of 36, from wounds received during a raid conducted in Yemen with the famed SEAL Team Six. He is survived by his wife, Carryn, and three young children. Owens was born and raised in central Illinois and graduated from Illinois Valley Central (IVC) High School in Chillicothe.\nTo view Rep. LaHood\u2019s remarks on the bill, click HERE", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399531", "Davis Votes to Advance First Major Tax Reform Bill in 31 Years", "2017-11-16", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Rodney Davis", "D000619", "rodneydavis.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) released this statement after the House passed H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, the first major tax reform bill since 1986: \u201cToday, is not about politics or the legacy of Republicans and Democrats. It\u2019s about middle-class Americans who have not seen a tax break in more than 30 years, small businesses who continue to be taxed at a much higher rate than large businesses, and it\u2019s about bringing back jobs and investments by corporations who have left this country because we have the highest corporate tax rate in the industrialized world.\r\n\"H.R. 1 is a pro-middle class, pro-small business, and pro-America bill that is necessary to ensure the kind of economic growth our country has not seen in years. However, this is just the first step. It\u2019s imperative that our Senate colleagues pass a bill, get to conference to iron out the differences, and send a bill to the president\u2019s desk so when people get their paychecks next year, they will see more of their hard-earned money going into the bank and less of it going to Washington. The stakes are high because this is our chance to change the lives of working Americans for the better.\u201d In the 13th District, a family of four making the median income of $78,509 will see a tax cut of $1,691 and a median income household making $49,758 for a single filer will see a tax cut of $1,224. Here is how H.R. 1 directly benefits middle-income Americans:  \u2022 Lowers tax rates. The first $45,000 of an individual\u2019s income and $90,000 for joint filers will be taxed at 12 percent.  \r\n\u2022 Doubles the standard deduction. By doubling the standard deduction, the first $12,000 of income for individuals and $24,000 for couples filing jointly will be tax free. 75 percent of people in the 13th District currently take the standard deduction, instead of itemizing.  \r\n\u2022 Increases the Child Tax Credit from $1,000 to $1,600.   \r\n\u2022 Preserves the Adoption Tax Credit.  \r\n\u2022 Expands 529 savings plans to help more people save for college. Click here to learn more.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://roskam.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-roskam-casts-vote-end-status-quo", "Rep. Roskam casts vote to end the status quo", "2017-11-16", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Peter Roskam", "R000580", "roskam.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "DuPage County, IL\u00a0\u2013 Today, the House of Representatives voted to pass the\u00a0Tax Cuts and Jobs\u00a0Act (H.R. 1), 227-205. Representative Peter Roskam (IL-06), who voted in favor of H.R. 1, also serves as the Chairman of the Tax Policy Subcommittee on Ways and Means and has taken a leadership role in crafting this legislation. Rep. Roskam released the following statement:\n\u201cToday we took a transformative step to putting an end to the status quo. The status quo benefits the few, it benefits the privileged, and it benefits those at the top of the economic ladder. Today the House voted to reject the old way of doing things and support the most significant tax overhaul in over 30 years that will help hardworking families and small businesses around the country.\n\u201cThis bill is about the businesses on Main Street and the family at the end of the block. It\u2019s about the recent college graduate struggling under the weight of student loans and the newlyweds expecting their first child. We\u2019re boosting the economy to create more good-paying jobs, and we\u2019re making sure that taxpayers get to keep more of their money in every pay check.\n\u201cI\u2019m proud of the work that we\u2019ve done and will continue to do on this legislation. The end result will be a law that works for an overwhelming number of Americans and boosts our economy to allow us to be more competitive on the world stage.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://shimkus.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/shimkus-votes-for-tax-cuts-and-jobs-act", "Shimkus Votes for Tax Cuts and Jobs Act", "2017-11-16", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "IL", "John Shimkus", "S000364", "shimkus.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Congressman John Shimkus (R, Illinois-15) voted today for H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. The legislation delivers on President Trump\u2019s promise of meaningful relief for low- and middle-income taxpayers, and reduces business taxes so American employers can grow, create jobs, and raise wages. \u00a0\n\u201cMore than 80 percent of my constituents take the standard deduction instead of itemizing on their tax returns,\u201d Shimkus said. \u201cWe\u2019re nearly doubling that standard deduction, which means the first $12,000 earned by individuals, and the first $24,000 earned by married couples, would be protected from federal income taxes under this bill.\u201d\nUnder the House-passed Tax Cuts and Jobs Act:\n A married couple with two children earning $82,515 (the median four-person household income for the 15th District of Illinois) would receive a tax cut of $1,811.\n\tA single man or woman with no dependents earning $48,000 (just below the median household income for the 15th District of Illinois) would receive a tax cut of $1,301.\n\tA single parent of one child earning $30,000 a year would receive a tax refund of more than $1,000 \u2013 over $700 more than he or she would have received under our current tax code.\n \u201cContrary to misleading media reports, the reality is that low- and middle-income Americans will see the biggest percentage reductions in taxes paid under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act,\u201d Shimkus added, citing analysis by the independent, nonpartisan Joint Committee on Taxation.\nIn a Statement of Administration Policy, the White House said it \u201cstrongly supports\u201d the legislation and estimated it would grow the economy by three to five percent over the next decade while increasing average household income by at least $4,000 annually.\nThe National Federation of Independent Businesses, American Farm Bureau Federation, Associated Builders and Contractors, and National Association of Manufacturers joined dozens of groups in support the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://bost.house.gov/2017/11/bost-votes-reform-federal-flood-insurance", "Bost Votes to Reform Federal Flood Insurance", "2017-11-15", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Mike Bost", "B001295", "bost.house.gov", "bost", "https://bost.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "[[{\"fid\":\"795\",\"view_mode\":\"full\",\"fields\":{\"format\":\"full\",\"field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]\":\"Flood Insurance\",\"field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]\":\"Flood Insurance\"},\"link_text\":null,\"type\":\"media\",\"field_deltas\":{\"1\":{\"format\":\"full\",\"field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]\":\"Flood Insurance\",\"field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]\":\"Flood Insurance\"}},\"attributes\":{\"alt\":\"Flood Insurance\",\"title\":\"Flood Insurance\",\"class\":\"media-element file-full\",\"data-delta\":\"1\"}}]]\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Representative Mike Bost (IL-12) applauded House approval of the 21st Century Flood Reform Act (H.R. 2874), which passed with a 237-189 bipartisan majority. The bill improves the financial stability of the National Flood Insurance Program, increases the role of private markets, and ensures more accurate mapping and flood risk estimates. The legislation now moves to the Senate for consideration.\n\n\u201cThe federal flood insurance program needs real reforms that strengthen the program so property owners have affordable and reliable flood insurance options when they need it,\u201d said Bost. \u201cBecause of inaccurate FEMA flood maps, I\u2019ve heard from residents and municipalities across Southern Illinois that are rightfully upset. They are trapped into paying premiums for flood insurance they will never use or paying thousands of dollars out-of-pocket to appeal the map\u2019s accuracy. That\u2019s not right, and it\u2019s why I\u2019m proud to support efforts to create more accurate mapping and to empower property owners and local governments to challenge inaccurate flood maps in an affordable way.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T22:12:50Z"], ["https://bost.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/bost-votes-reform-federal-flood-insurance", "Bost Votes to Reform Federal Flood Insurance", "2017-11-15", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Mike Bost", "B001295", "bost.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Representative Mike Bost (IL-12) applauded House approval of the 21st Century Flood Reform Act (H.R. 2874), which passed with a 237-189 bipartisan majority. The bill improves the financial stability of the National Flood Insurance Program, increases the role of private markets, and ensures more accurate mapping and flood risk estimates. The legislation now moves to the Senate for consideration.\n\u201cThe federal flood insurance program needs real reforms that strengthen the program so property owners have affordable and reliable flood insurance options when they need it,\u201d said Bost. \u201cBecause of inaccurate FEMA flood maps, I\u2019ve heard from residents and municipalities across Southern Illinois that are rightfully upset. They are trapped into paying premiums for flood insurance they will never use or paying thousands of dollars out-of-pocket to appeal the map\u2019s accuracy. That\u2019s not right, and it\u2019s why I\u2019m proud to support efforts to create more accurate mapping and to empower property owners and local governments to challenge inaccurate flood maps in an affordable way.\u201d\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://hultgren.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/hultgren-welcomes-lake-county-office-opening-for-sba-loans-for-individuals", "Hultgren Welcomes Lake County Office Opening for SBA Loans for Individuals and Small Businesses Affected by Severe Flooding", "2017-11-15", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Randy Hultgren", "H001059", "hultgren.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2014 U.S. Representative Randy Hultgren (IL-14) today welcomed the decision by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to\u00a0locate a Disaster Loan Outreach Center in Lake County which will allow residents and businesses in Lake, McHenry and Cook Counties severely impacted by flash floods and flooding on July 11 to apply for low-interest SBA disaster loans. Administrator McMahon made the loans available in response to a letter from Gov. Bruce Rauner on Nov. 9, 2017, requesting a disaster declaration by the SBA. Previously, the SBA issued a Disaster Declaration for Lake and McHenry Counties with operating centers in Wisconsin only.\n\u201cIllinois residents and businesses have suffered significant loss following the severe storms and flooding in July. I am pleased the SBA responded to Illinois needs and have located outreach centers in Lake County to serve Lake, McHenry and Cook counties,\u201d said Rep. Hultgren. \u201cI encourage 14th District residents who were affected to apply for loans to help rebuild following the devastated July floods.\u201d\nRep. Hultgren previously\u00a0sent a letter to FEMA Administrator Long urging him to assist local efforts\u00a0to conduct damage assessments to help determine how much federal assistance might be available for individuals and small businesses affected by the flooding. Rep. Hultgren visited the affected areas and worked with local and state officials to make sure everyone is safe and mitigate flood damage.\nThe following information is provided by the SBA:\nSBA Customer Service Representatives will be at the Disaster Loan Outreach Center to issue loan applications, answer questions and help individuals complete their applications.\nThe Center is located in the following community and is open as indicated:\u00a0\nLake County  \n\tLake County Emergency Operations Center  \n\t1303 N. Milwaukee Ave  \n\tLibertyville, IL 60048\n\u00a0\nOpening:\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Thursday, Nov. 16, 11 a.m. \u2013 6 p.m.\nHours:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Weekdays, 9 a.m. \u2013 6 p.m.  \n\t\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Saturday, Nov. 18, 9 a.m. \u2013 6 p.m. (closed Sunday)\nCloses:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Tuesday, Nov. 21, 9 a.m. \u2013 4 p.m.\nFor small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small aquaculture businesses and private nonprofit organizations, the SBA offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster.\u00a0 EIDL assistance is available regardless of whether the business suffered any physical property damage.\u00a0\nApplicants may be eligible for a loan amount increase up to 20 percent of their physical damages, as verified by the SBA for mitigation purposes. Eligible mitigation improvements may now include a safe room or storm shelter to help protect property and occupants from future damage caused by a similar disaster.\nInterest rates are as low as 3.215 percent for businesses, 2.500 percent for nonprofit organizations, and 1.938\u00a0percent for homeowners and renters with terms up to 30 years.\u00a0 Loan amount and terms are set by the SBA and are based on each applicant\u2019s financial condition.\u00a0\nSurvivors may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA\u2019s secure website at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.\nBusinesses and individuals may also obtain information and loan applications by calling the SBA\u2019s Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955 (1-800-877-8339 for the deaf and hard-of-hearing), or by emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Loan applications can also be downloaded at www.sba.gov/disaster.\nCompleted applications should be returned to the center or mailed to:\nU.S. Small Business Administration  \n\tProcessing and Disbursement Center  \n\t14925 Kingsport Road  \n\tFort Worth, TX 76155.\nThe filing deadline to submit applications for physical property damage is Jan. 12, 2018.\u00a0 The deadline for economic injury applications is Aug. 13, 2018.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://hultgren.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sst-committee-approves-doe-research-infrastructure-legislation", "SST Committee Approves DOE Research Infrastructure Legislation", "2017-11-15", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Randy Hultgren", "H001059", "hultgren.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON - The U.S. House Science, Space, and Technology Committee, chaired by Rep. Lamar Smith (R-Texas), today unanimously approved three bills enhancing Department of Energy (DOE) basic research. The Department of Energy Research Infrastructure Act (H.R. 4376) was introduced by Rep. Steve Knight (R-Calif.), vice chairman of the Energy Subcommittee. The Accelerating American Leadership in Science Act (H.R. 4377) was introduced by Rep. Randy Hultgren (R-Ill.), a member of the Energy Subcommittee. The Nuclear Energy Research Infrastructure Act (H.R. 4378) was introduced by Rep. Randy Weber (R-Texas), chairman of the Energy Subcommittee.\nChairman Smith: \u201cMaintaining America\u2019s leadership in energy research infrastructure is a crucial priority for our Committee. Together, these three bills direct and authorize investments in DOE user facilities across the country that jointly host more than 30,000 researchers each year. I thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for their commitment to our shared goals of supporting basic research and continually improving the world\u2019s best science facilities.\u201d\nVice Chairman Steve Knight: \u201cFor over a century, the United States has lead the world in scientific discovery and advanced technology. The discoveries and innovations created by American minds have not only provided immeasurable value to our economy, but have also improved the quality of life for all of mankind. The research advanced in this bill has the potential to be a generational leap in our understanding of the natural world.\u201d\nRep. Hultgren: \u201cThe crown jewel in our nation\u2019s research ecosystem\u2014our national labs\u2014lead the world in groundbreaking scientific research and employ thousands of scientists working on vital experiments. Open to the entire research community and other federal agencies, these facilities are the envy of the world, and other nations working to catch up and replicate our success. The Department of Energy\u2019s Office of Science operates and maintains this large-scale research infrastructure which no single university or business has the capacity to propose. I introduced the Accelerating American Leadership in Science Act to ensure the United States remains the destination for the best and brightest in the world to continue their work exploring the outer reaches of our scientific knowledge. The research done at these facilities, and the technology they produce, reaffirms American leadership in fields that will improve lives and increase domestic jobs here in Illinois.\u201d\nChairman Weber: \u201cAccess to fast neutrons is a critical part of the development of next generation materials and fuels for advanced nuclear reactor technology. The Nuclear Energy Research Infrastructure Act allocates funds from within the DOE Office of Nuclear Energy for the construction of the Versatile Neutron Source. I\u2019m grateful for the opportunity to work alongside my fellow Texans, and the other members of this Committee, to support research infrastructure that will keep America safe, globally competitive and encourage nuclear innovation.\u201d\n\u00a0\nBackground\nVice Chairman Knight\u2019s DOE Research Infrastructure Act directs and authorizes the secretary of energy to upgrade the Advanced Light Source, to complete the Linac Coherent Light Source II High Energy upgrade and to complete construction of the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams via funding allocated from within the DOE Office of Science budget. It was introduced on November 13, 2017. The bill text can be found here.\nRep. Hultgren\u2019s Accelerating American Leadership in Science Act directs and authorizes the secretary of energy to upgrade the Advanced Photon Source, to construct a Long Baseline Neutrino Facility, to provide a proton power upgrade to the Spallation Neutron Source and to construct a second target station for the Spallation Neutron Source via funding allocated from within the DOE Office of Science budget. It was introduced on November 13, 2017. The bill text can be found here.\nChairman Weber\u2019s Nuclear Energy Research Infrastructure Act directs and authorizes the secretary of energy to construct a Versatile Neutron Source user facility via funding allocated from within the DOE Office of Nuclear Energy. It was introduced on November 13, 2017. The bill text can be found here.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lahood.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/lahood-route-66-bill-gets-legislative-hearing", "LaHood Route 66 Bill Gets Legislative Hearing", "2017-11-15", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Darin LaHood", "L000585", "lahood.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014Today, legislation introduced by Congressman Darin LaHood to establish a federal designation of Route 66 as a National Historic Trail received a legislative hearing before the Federal Lands Subcommittee of the Natural Resources Committee. The hearing allowed for Subcommittee members to discuss and ask questions about the bill, and featured Rt. 66 Road Ahead Partnership Chairman Bill Thomas of Atlanta, IL as a witness. Mr. Thomas testified on the benefits of Rt. 66 to communities across the 18th District, the entire country and the need to preserve the road for the future. Rep. LaHood currently serves as the Vice-Chair of the Federal Lands Subcommittee, and has served as a member of it since joining Congress.\n\u201cFor nearly a century, Rt. 66 has been a crucial transportation artery for the heartland of America.\u00a0 Today\u2019s hearing was a great opportunity to discuss how important the Rt. 66 is to the 18th District and the towns that have helped it gain its notoriety,\u201d\u00a0stated Rep. LaHood.\u00a0 \u201cThese towns, like Atlanta in my district, have seen the Mother Road keep employment and revenues up,\u00a0leading to a higher quality of life and civic pride.\u00a0It is vital that we maintain and support Route 66 for future generations, and today\u2019s hearing highlighted why we must ensure it continues to serve as a point of pride for not only the states it runs through, but for the entire country.\u201d\nRoute 66 was an original highway established as part of the U.S. Highway system in 1926. The highway begins in Illinois and ends in California, running through a total of eight states.\u00a0\nRep. LaHood\u2019s bill (H.R. 801) would designate Route 66 as a National Historic Trail, providing the highway with a permanent program to preserve, promote, and economically develop. It was introduced on February 9, 2017 with Reps. Rodney Davis (R-IL) and Grace F. Napolitano (D-CA) as original cosponsors. The legislation now awaits further action in the House Natural Resources Committee.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399530", "Ways and Means Committee Chair Agrees to Work Toward Tuition Waiver Solution in Tax Reform", "2017-11-15", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Rodney Davis", "D000619", "rodneydavis.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) tonight announced that Ways and Means Committee Chairman Kevin Brady (R-TX) committed during a colloquy on the House floor that he will work toward a positive solution for qualified tuition waivers as tax reform moves forward. The Senate tax reform bill preserves the qualified tuition waiver, but the House bill currently does not. Chairman Brady said he will work to find a compromise with the Senate when the two bills go to conference. The House is expected to vote tomorrow on the first major tax reform bill in since 1986.\r\n\r\n    \r\n        \r\n            \r\n            \r\n            Click to play video\r\n            \r\n        \r\n    \r\n\r\nDavis represents eight colleges and universities in his district. Last year, the University of Illinois provided $184 million in tuition waivers to 1,387 faculty and staff \u2013 1,100 of those employees made less than $75,000.  In a letter to Chairman Brady last week, Davis expressed concern for this issue after a call with his higher education advisory board. He said this of qualified tuition waivers in a release last week:  \u201cThat building services or mid-level clerical worker who has worked the same job at the university for 20 years just to afford a college education for their kid or the many graduate assistants teaching in exchange for tuition should be taken into consideration when discussing the qualified tuition reductions. I\u2019m urging my colleagues to take a second look at eliminating this exclusion. Now is the time for all Democrats and Republicans to engage in the process and provide input on one of the most important bills we will ever work on in Congress.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://roskam.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/icymi-roskam-tax-reform-either-get-done-or-it-will-be-lost-opportunity", "ICYMI  Roskam on tax reform: 'Either get this done' or it 'will be the lost opportunity of a lifetime'", "2017-11-15", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Peter Roskam", "R000580", "roskam.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Roskam on tax reform: 'Either get this done' or it 'will be the lost opportunity of a lifetime'  By: Katherine Skiba\n\tChicago Tribune\n November 15, 2017 \nRepublican U.S. Rep.\u00a0Peter Roskam\u00a0said on Tuesday that he has so much faith in his party\u2019s proposed tax overhaul that he\u2019ll be campaigning on the issue leading up to the 2018 midterm elections in less than a year.\n\u201cI plan on running on tax reform,\u201d he said, calling the current tax code \u201ccompletely indefensible.\u201d\nThe six-term lawmaker from Wheaton said\u00a0the House\u00a0is likely to pass the\u00a0GOP-authored tax plan on Thursday and predicted a House-Senate\u00a0compromise is \u201cvery likely\u201d to reach President\u00a0Donald Trump\u2019s desk by year-end. Roskam sits on the tax-writing Ways and Means Committee and chairs the panel\u2019s Tax Policy Subcommittee. He said the House bill was \u201cvery much a group effort\u201d and takes no credit for any particular part of the measure.\nRoskam represents the 6th Congressional District in the western and northwestern suburbs and was the only Illinois House Republican in 2016 to win in a congressional district also won by Hillary Clinton. That dynamic has led several Democrats to\u00a0launch campaigns to try to oust him next year, and a number of rivals are challenging him on the rewrite of the tax code, the first since 1986.\nThe House bill caps the tax deduction for state and local property taxes at $10,000 and ends the deduction for state and local income taxes and sales taxes \u2014 a potential headache for some taxpayers in Illinois.\nRoskam, though, said in an interview that Republicans have a \u201conce-in-a-generation opportunity\u201d to make the U.S. a place where more businesses want to invest. He said the measure\u2019s sharp cuts to corporate tax rates would trigger investment, economic expansion and higher wages.\n\u201cWe\u2019ll either get this done,\u201d he said, \u201cor this will be the lost opportunity of a lifetime.\u201d\nRoskam plays down analyses that suggest the legislation would disproportionately help the wealthy and corporations. The 6th District is one where the 2016 estimated median household income was $97,387, or 69 percent higher than the national median of $57,617 at the time, Census Bureau figures show.\nRoskam said he can\u2019t guarantee that every taxpayer will see his or her tax burden reduced \u201cgiven every single subtlety of every single return.\u201d He contended, though, that everyone will benefit from lessening the tax burden and spurred economic growth, leading to more jobs and higher wages.\nAn analysis by the Tax Policy Center said the measure would reduce taxes on average for all income groups in 2018. The largest cuts, both in dollars and as a percentage of after tax-income, would go to higher-income households. The center, a joint venture of the Urban Institute and the Brookings Institution, said at least 7 percent of taxpayers would pay higher taxes under the proposal in 2018, and at least 24 percent of taxpayers would pay more in 2027.\n\u201cI\u2019ve not seen the new analysis,\u201d Roskam said, noting the center recently had to revise an earlier estimate of the bill\u2019s impact.\nRoskam said those changes have to be viewed in concert with other provisions of the bill: nearly doubling the standard deduction for joint filers to $24,000; increasing the child tax credit to $1,600 from $1,000; adding an additional $300 credit for each parent; and ending the alternative minimum tax.\nThe House bill also doubles the threshold for exclusions from the estate tax to nearly $11 million for individuals and $22 million for couples. It would be repealed entirely in several years.\nRoskam said it was \u201cperfectly reasonable\u201d to come up with a higher threshold so long as small businesses and farmers are able to pass on their enterprises to the next generation without a \u201cdeath tax\u201d so steep as to be \u201cscandalous.\u201d\nThough the House could approve Republicans\u2019 proposal Thursday, the details could change as the Senate continues work on its own measure in the coming weeks.\nThis week more than 400 millionaires and billionaires wrote a letter to Congress telling them not to cut their taxes. The effort was organized by a group called Responsible Wealth, which backs progressive causes.\n\u201cI\u2019ve not gotten that letter,\u201d Roskam said, saying his constituent contacts included people who want to get tax reform done, who want to learn more or who are opposed.\nAs for the opponents, \u201cwe try to tell them why it\u2019s a good idea,\u201d he said.\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://bost.house.gov/2017/11/bost-votes-strengthen-military", "BOST VOTES TO STRENGTHEN MILITARY", "2017-11-14", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Mike Bost", "B001295", "bost.house.gov", "bost", "https://bost.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2013 U.S. Representative Mike Bost (IL-12) today joined a bipartisan majority in the House of Representatives in passing the Fiscal Year 2018 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The compromise legislation between the House and Senate, known as a conference report, sets military policy priorities and determines what types of equipment and weaponry can be purchased. The NDAA is expected to be passed by the Senate shortly and sent to the President\u2019s desk for his signature.\n\n\u201cI\u2019ve long said that government\u2019s first obligation is to protect the safety and security of the American people,\u201d said Bost. \u201cThis legislation is vitally important because it strengthens our military, provides our troops a pay raise, bolsters missile defense, and drives innovation in military technology to secure our global advantage. Also, it continues our bipartisan tradition of supporting the brave men and women of our Armed Forces.\u201d\n\nAmong the bill\u2019s key provisions, NDAA:\n\nIncreases base military pay by 2.4 percent;\n\nIncreases the size of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Army Guard and Reserve, Naval and Air Reserve, and Air Guard;\n\nModernizes our nuclear weapons stockpile, missile defense, and military vehicles;\n\nSupports a defensive and offensive cyberspace strategy;\n\nImproves the military health care system; and\n\nContinues funding and support for U.S. military and intelligence operations abroad, including combatting Russia and defeating ISIS.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T22:12:50Z"], ["https://bost.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/bost-votes-strengthen-military", "BOST VOTES TO STRENGTHEN MILITARY", "2017-11-14", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Mike Bost", "B001295", "bost.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2013 U.S. Representative Mike Bost (IL-12) today joined a bipartisan majority in the House of Representatives in passing the Fiscal Year 2018 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The compromise legislation between the House and Senate, known as a conference report, sets military policy priorities and determines what types of equipment and weaponry can be purchased. The NDAA is expected to be passed by the Senate shortly and sent to the President\u2019s desk for his signature.\n\u201cI\u2019ve long said that government\u2019s first obligation is to protect the safety and security of the American people,\u201d said Bost.\u00a0 \u201cThis legislation is vitally important because it strengthens our military, provides our troops a pay raise, bolsters missile defense, and drives innovation in military technology to secure our global advantage. Also, it continues our bipartisan tradition of supporting the brave men and women of our Armed Forces.\u201d\nAmong the bill\u2019s key provisions, NDAA:\n Increases base military pay by 2.4 percent;\n\tIncreases the size of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Army Guard and Reserve, Naval and Air Reserve, and Air Guard;\n\tModernizes our nuclear weapons stockpile, missile defense, and military vehicles;\n\tSupports a defensive and offensive cyberspace strategy;\n\tImproves the military health care system; and\n\tContinues funding and support for U.S. military and intelligence operations abroad, including combatting Russia and defeating ISIS.\n \u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://hultgren.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/hultgren-introduces-legislation-supporting-global-science-at-fermilab-and", "Hultgren Introduces Legislation Supporting Global Science at Fermilab and Argonne", "2017-11-14", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Randy Hultgren", "H001059", "hultgren.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2013 U.S. Representative Randy Hultgren (IL-14) has introduced the Accelerating American Leadership in Science Act, H.R. 4377, legislation which authorizes world-class scientific research at Fermilab, Argonne and Oak Ridge National Laboratory.\n\u201cThe crown jewel in our nation\u2019s research ecosystem\u2014our national labs\u2014lead the world in groundbreaking scientific research and employ thousands of scientists working on vital experiments. Open to the entire research community and other federal agencies, these facilities are the envy of the world, and other nations working to catch up and replicate our success. The Department of Energy\u2019s Office of Science operates and maintains this large-scale research infrastructure which no single university or business has the capacity to propose,\u201d said Congressman Randy Hultgren. \u201cI introduced the Accelerating American Leadership in Science Act to ensure the United States remains the destination for the best and brightest in the world to continue their work exploring the outer reaches of our scientific knowledge. The research done at these facilities, and the technology they produce, reaffirms American leadership in fields that will improve lives and increase domestic jobs here in Illinois.\u201d\nThe Accelerating American Leadership in Science Act:\n Supports the Long-Baseline Neutrino Facility (LBNF) which will host the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE), an international project hosted by Fermilab to probe the fundamental properties of subatomic particles known as neutrinos. The project already has the support of nearly 1,000 scientists from 30 different countries, the European physics facility CERN has committed to contributions for the first time going outside of their lab, and the United Kingdom recently pledged $88 million to be a part of the project. The facility will contribute to nearly 2,000 jobs at Fermilab. Congressman Hultgren was recently at the groundbreaking in South Dakota where the far detector will be held.\u00a0\n  Upgrades to the Advance Photon Source (APS) at Argonne National Laboratory are authorized in this legislation to maintain its world leadership status as the premier x-ray science facility. APS is used by nearly 6,000 researchers every year, with more than 1,000 users from Illinois. The wide ranging applications of this facility have led to two Nobel prizes in Chemistry, treatments for HIV, and improvements in advanced manufacturing.\n  Upgrades at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory\u2019s Spallation Neutron Source help probe material properties at the atomic level with the most intense pulsed neutron beam in the world.\u00a0 The Department of Energy\u2019s Basic Energy Science Advisory Committee called these upgrades \u201cabsolutely central to contribute to world leading science.\u201d\n ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://hultgren.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/video-hultgren-celebrates-apprenticeship-week", "Video: Hultgren Celebrates Apprenticeship Week", "2017-11-14", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Randy Hultgren", "H001059", "hultgren.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2014 U.S. Representative Randy Hultgren (IL-14) released a video at the start National Apprenticeship Week which recognizes the importance these opportunities provide in unleashing the American workforce. The video was shown at a National Apprenticeship Week event today for 14th District employers hosted by the McHenry County Workforce Network.\n  \n\t\u00a0(Click picture to watch video)\n\u201cSince I\u2019ve been in Congress, my number one priority has been jobs\u2014finding out how we can get Americans back into good-paying, meaningful jobs that provide for them and their families,\u201d said Rep. Hultgren in an excerpt from the video. \u201cOne of the greatest challenges facing workers today is connecting the skills and knowledge they have with the jobs that actually exist. That goes for those recently unemployed, and our veterans, disabled and youth, as well. Similarly, many small and medium-size businesses have trouble finding qualified applicants for the jobs of the 21st century.\n\u201cApprenticeships are a local workforce and economic initiative\u2014but there\u2019s also a national effort through Secretary Acosta at the Department of Labor to promote an increase in the number of apprenticeships businesses offer, and to streamline the certification of these programs\u2026And it\u2019s not just for manufacturers\u2014tech and telecom companies, for instance, regularly implement training and mentorship programs. The \u2018learn and earn\u2019 option is equally advantageous for the employer and the employee.\u201d\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kinzinger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399623", "Congressman Kinzinger Statement on NDAA Passage", "2017-11-14", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Adam Kinzinger", "K000378", "kinzinger.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Following passage of the FY 2018 National Defense Authorization Act, Congressman Adam Kinzinger (IL-16) released this statement.\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Washington, DC \u2013 Following passage of the FY 2018 National Defense Authorization Act, Congressman Adam Kinzinger (IL-16) released this statement:\u00a0 \r\n\u201cOur national security is paramount, and today the House acted to support our various departments and agencies who work around-the-clock to keep our country safe.\u00a0 \r\n\u201cI proudly voted in favor of the FY2018 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) and was pleased to see this bill receive such strong bipartisan support. Additionally, I was pleased that the final NDAA included 3,500 additional special immigrant visas (SIVs) for Afghan translators and interpreters who served with the United States and our allies, and now face threats to their lives from terror groups. This continues to be an issue of great importance to me, and to our country, because we must keep our promises to the brave men and women who risked their lives to assist us during the War in Afghanistan. \r\n\u201cI cannot stress enough how important this authorization is for our Department of Defense and our armed forces. We have a worn-out military and sadly, we have seen some of those effects in the last few years. The NDAA provides robust funding that addresses our readiness crisis with a balanced approach to allocating resources. And, it supports our troops. Our men and women in uniform, and their families, deserve our full support and this package includes the largest pay raise to our troops in 8 years.\r\n\u201cI was proud to join my colleagues in supporting this important funding package, and I look forward to seeing my Senate colleagues act on this NDAA soon.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://roskam.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/icymi-rep-roskam-house-tax-plan-benefits-everyone", "ICYMI  Rep. Roskam: The House tax plan benefits everyone", "2017-11-13", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Peter Roskam", "R000580", "roskam.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Roskam: The House tax plan benefits everyone  By: Peter Roskam\n\tCrain\u2019s Chicago Business\nNovember 9, 2017\nFor too many years Americans have endured a broken tax code that punishes hardworking taxpayers. Over the years, special interest groups and lobbyists have used their influence to manipulate our tax system into something that is too costly, too complex and unfair to the vast majority of American taxpayers. We don't have to live like this. We can transform our tax code into something that works for more Americans; something that respects and rewards hard work; and something that Americans deserve. When individuals file their taxes every year, they can opt for one of two types of deductions. The majority of Americans\u2014and 49 percent of constituents in the 6th Congressional District, which I represent\u2014take the standard deduction. The remaining taxpayers take itemized deductions. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act\u00a0proposes a dramatic increase in the standard deduction to $24,000 for a family, doubling the current standard deduction. Because taxpayers choose between standard and itemized deductions, we expect a significant shift from the 49 percent of people who currently itemize to the standard deduction, since it would maximize their deduction. This means that the more moderate-income taxpayers who currently itemize would see a sizable decrease in their tax bill using the standard deduction. Some have said that this plan would eviscerate the state and local tax deduction. This is simply not true. For Americans who choose to itemize, mortgage interest, property tax deductions and charitable contribution deductions are still available to them. This bill maintains the property tax deduction (up to $10,000), the mortgage interest deduction (for a loan up to $500,000) and the charitable deduction. The average family of four in the 6th district\u2014which encompasses DuPage County as well as parts of suburban Cook, Kane and Lake counties\u2014makes $135,000 and, taking advantage of the child tax credit, could save over $5,000 annually on their itemized federal income tax. Probably the most egregious and unfair tax affecting over 30,000 of my constituents is the Alternative Minimum Tax, which limits their ability to take advantage of deductions because of an outdated policy that hits the middle class. We're eliminating taxes like the Alternative Minimum Tax that punish the success of hardworking families. Currently in my district, the average taxpayer making less than $200,000 annually using the property tax itemized deduction does not deduct more than $10,000 in property taxes; 89 percent of the total number of returns filed in 2014 had less than $200,000 annual income. That 89 percent would see the largest tax relief as a percentage of their tax bill. However, it's not just middle class Americans that would see tax relief; Americans at every income level would receive tax relief under this bill, and individual tax rates are part of that equation.\u00a0Testimony by the nonpartisan\u00a0Joint Committee on Taxation reaffirms that this tax bill provides tax relief at every bracket. Everyone would benefit from the decrease in the marginal tax rates. Tax brackets under this plan would drop the lowest tax bracket to zero; the remaining four federal income tax brackets would be 12 percent, 25 percent, 35 percent and 39.6 percent. For example, a family making $90,000 or less would fall into the 12 percent tax bracket and a family making $90,001 to $260,000 would fall into the 25 percent tax bracket for income earned above $90,000. Many hardworking small business owners would also see a benefit through the reduced rate on pass-through business income. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is good legislation. It respects and rewards hard work by allowing taxpayers to keep more of the money they earn in their paychecks. We are fighting for hardworking taxpayers and a healthy economy so that we can grow our economy and allow America to compete and win. Under this tax plan, everyone benefits and everyone has the same opportunities. Peter Roskam,\u00a0R-Wheaton, is the U.S. Representative for Illinois' 6th District and chairman of the House Tax Policy Committee.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://roskam.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/what-il-06-taxpayers-are-saying-about-tax-reform", "What IL-06 taxpayers are saying about tax reform", "2017-11-10", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Peter Roskam", "R000580", "roskam.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "DuPage County, IL\u00a0\u2013 Small businesses across Illinois\u2019 6th\u00a0Congressional District are not alone in their support of the\u00a0Tax Cuts and Jobs Act; constituents are also expressing their support for real tax reform and their gratitude to Representative Peter Roskam (IL-6) for his hard work in ensuring that that his constituents \u2013 and Americans at every income bracket \u2013 feel the impact of real tax relief. \u201cToday we took the most significant step on real tax reform than we\u2019ve taken in over 30 years. Americans are yearning to see real tax relief and the work we\u2019ve done on this bill respects and rewards hardworking, middle-class families in my district and across the country and allows us to grow a healthy economy and more jobs,\u201d said Rep. Roskam.  \n\t\u00a0\nWHAT TAXPAYERS ARE SAYING  \n\t\u00a0\nKevin Cavanaugh, Palatine:\u00a0\u201cWhat\u2019s most important to me is that I\u2019m able to keep more of the money I make to care for my twin daughters. Congressman Roskam is a family man and he gets that. I am confident that his work on this tax bill will accomplish that.\u201d L. O\u2019Brien, Lake Zurich: \u201cWe have been waiting for real tax relief for years.\u00a0Representative Roskam\u2019s efforts and leadership with tax reform will help me and my family.\u00a0As a business leader, it is just what we need to help with job growth.\u00a0I am especially excited for the simplicity of tax return preparation.\u201d\u00a0 Mark Mirsky, Bartlett:\u00a0\"There's a lot to be excited about in H.R. 1. Hardworking taxpayers are being punished by our current tax code and this bill rewards hard work by putting more money back into your paycheck.\"\u00a0 Kristen Gum, Wheaton: \"As a recent graduate, I see many of my classmates struggling to find jobs. H.R. 1 will create a tax code that will help cultivate an environment to create those jobs. This is key for many students to be able to build futures for themselves and I am proud to say my member of Congress, Peter Roskam, is helping. \" Mike Sell, Winfield: \"After graduating from college, I started a business in West Chicago. Tax reform would not only help me grow my business,\u00a0but it\u2019ll help me keep more of my money to invest in my business moving forward. I look forward to seeing these reforms passed and thank Peter Roskam for his work on this bill.\u201d Gene Dawson, Barrington: \u201cLowering taxes is so important to everyone. I'm retired and the savings we'll see from this tax plan will really help to offset the increasing costs of living in Illinois and help us all save more.\u201d David Suwada, Darien: \u201cThis new tax act is going to keep me from giving the government more of my hard-earned dollars.\u00a0I can\u2019t wait to see it pass.\u201d Aneta Pilasiewicz, Bartlett: \"Rep Roskam understands we need to save money on our tax bills to care for our families. That's why I'm happy to see him working to get this plan passed and fighting for the middle class.\" Michael Mika, Lake in the Hills: \"With taxes always going up in IL, I love that Congressman Roskam is doing the opposite and working to decrease our overall tax burden. This bill is setting us on the right path\" Bob Grogan, Downers Grove:\u00a0\u201cI have a vested interest in tax reform on two fronts: first and foremost, I\u2019m a father of three and every hour I have to spend filling out taxes is another hour I don\u2019t get to spend with my children. Second, I\u2019m a CPA, and the complexity that we\u2019ve built into our tax code is a barrier to entry for small business owners everywhere in the county. If we could simplify our tax code, we would reduce the cost of compliance and allow people to focus on their core business. Representative Roskam and I have had detailed conversations and I\u2019m amazed with his depth of understanding on the problem with our current tax code and the benefits of a revised tax code.\u201d Kirk Dillard, Hinsdale:\u00a0\u201cI am thankful to Congressman Roskam for keeping the commuter tax benefit in place for individuals. This is a plus for the over 2 million riders which take mass transit in our region daily.\u201d\u00a0(Chairman of the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA)) Tom Musschoot, President of General Kinematics:\u00a0\u201cThe\u00a0Tax Cuts and Jobs Act\u00a0is an important step forward toward comprehensive tax reform that will simplify the code, lower rates and spur manufacturing job growth in Illinois. Congressman Peter Roskam deserves special credit for listening to the needs of his constituent businesses in helping to craft this legislation. I look forward to working with Congressman Roskam to advance comprehensive tax reform, which will help improve our global competitiveness and allow us to create more jobs in America.\u201d\u00a0(General Kinematics employs more than 150 residents of Illinois\u2019 6th\u00a0District)\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://bost.house.gov/2017/11/bost-lawson-focus-veterans-hiring-agriculture", "Bost, Lawson Focus on Veterans\u2019 Hiring in Agriculture", "2017-11-09", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Mike Bost", "B001295", "bost.house.gov", "bost", "https://bost.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. - Today, U.S. Representatives Mike Bost (R-IL) and Al Lawson (D-FL) introduced bipartisan legislation to make more United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) apprenticeships available to veterans. The Veterans\u2019 Agricultural Apprenticeship Act instructs the USDA to work with state departments of agriculture to identify farmers and ranchers eligible for a direct loan to train apprentice veterans. The loan would, in turn, be paid back to the USDA after the harvest season.\n\n\u201cOur bipartisan bill provides a common sense solution for helping our farmers and ranchers fill jobs and expand their operations, while offering our veterans new skills and a potential career path after their service,\u201d said Bost. \u201cRepresentative Lawson and I sit right next to each other in the House Agriculture Committee, we both have rural economies in our districts, and we both know there\u2019s no more dedicated workforce than our returning military men and women. I\u2019m proud to carry this bill right before Veterans Day to give a hand up to our returning heroes.\u201d\n\n\u201cOur bill helps prioritize veterans by getting them the on-the-job training they need to be successful in farming,\u201d said Rep. Lawson. \u201cThis program also ensures that veterans have access to quality jobs when they return home, and helps to feed our country.\u201d\n\nAccording to the USDA, nearly 45 percent of veterans come from rural America. Over the next 20 years, it is projected that our nation will need 700,000 new agricultural workers.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T22:12:50Z"], ["https://bost.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/bost-lawson-focus-veterans-hiring-agriculture", "Bost, Lawson Focus on Veterans Hiring in Agriculture", "2017-11-09", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Mike Bost", "B001295", "bost.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. - Today, U.S. Representatives Mike Bost (R-IL) and Al Lawson (D-FL) introduced bipartisan legislation to make more United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) apprenticeships available to veterans. The Veterans\u2019 Agricultural Apprenticeship Act instructs the USDA to work with state departments of agriculture to identify farmers and ranchers eligible for a direct loan to train apprentice veterans.\u00a0 The loan would, in turn, be paid back to the USDA after the harvest season.\n\u201cOur bipartisan bill provides a common sense solution for helping our farmers and ranchers fill jobs and expand their operations, while offering our veterans new skills and a potential career path after their service,\u201d said Bost. \u201cRepresentative Lawson and I sit right next to each other in the House Agriculture Committee, we both have rural economies in our districts, and we both know there\u2019s no more dedicated workforce than our returning military men and women. \u00a0\u00a0I\u2019m proud to carry this bill right before Veterans Day to give a hand up to our returning heroes.\u201d\n\u201cOur bill helps prioritize veterans by getting them the on-the-job training they need to be successful in farming,\u201d said Rep. Lawson. \u201cThis program also ensures that veterans have access to quality jobs when they return home, and helps to feed our country.\u201d\nAccording to the USDA, nearly 45 percent of veterans come from rural America.\u00a0 Over the next 20 years, it is projected that our nation will need 700,000 new agricultural workers.\u00a0\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://hultgren.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/congratulating-mchenry-county-college-on-their-50th-anniversary", "Congratulating McHenry County College on their 50th Anniversary", "2017-11-09", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Randy Hultgren", "H001059", "hultgren.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2014 U.S. Representative Randy Hultgren (IL-14) delivered a statement on the House floor congratulating McHenry County College for 50 years of serving the greater McHenry County area.\n  \n\t\u00a0(Click picture to watch video)\nFollowing are Rep. Hultgren\u2019s prepared remarks:\nI rise today to congratulate McHenry County College on their 50 years of service to our community and state.\nSince April 1967, MCC administration, faculty, staff and trustees have demonstrated unparalleled commitment to their students through quality degree and certificate programs.\nThrough the College, the community is provided a diverse and relevant array of enrichment and lifelong learning opportunities\u2014everything from advanced manufacturing, engineering and healthcare to fine arts, the humanities, continuing education and training, and everything in between.\nI commend the College, led by President Dr. Clint Gabbard, for its continued focus on student success, innovation, and contribution towards the community\u2019s economic development.\nTrue to its goal of student success, the College has been ranked among the top 150 community colleges in the nation and scores fourth place in the state for student success rates and affordability.\nFrom visiting and hosting numerous congressional events at MCC, I am always impressed by the extraordinary efforts and commitment of McHenry County College faculty and staff.\nCongratulations McHenry County College on your 50th Anniversary.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lahood.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-darin-lahood-announces-veterans-history-project", "Congressman Darin LaHood Announces Veterans History Project", "2017-11-09", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Darin LaHood", "L000585", "lahood.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014Today, Congressman Darin LaHood announced the commencement of the Veterans History Project for Illinois\u2019 18th Congressional District. The project is a way to collect and preserve memories, stories, interviews, and memorabilia of the United States veterans from WWII to the present. As an initiative by the Library of Congress, the project gives veterans the opportunity to share personal experiences that will be catalogued by the Library as a way to honor the impact and history of the armed forces.\n\u201cWe know our veterans have sacrificed so much for our great country, but more times than not, we don\u2019t know the stories behind their service. The Veterans History Project helps our veterans and the public know more about how our brave men and women made such an impact on our history,\u201d stated LaHood. \u201cAs this project moves forward, I encourage you to thank a veteran and reach out to see if they would like to share their stories. In the end, we can all learn a thing or two from our servicemen and women and walk away with great insight and appreciation for all they have done to preserve and fight for our freedom.\u201d\nInterviews of veterans can be collected in several ways. A family member can choose to record an interview with a veteran about their time in the service, or a veteran can compile a memoir or written statement on their experiences. Alternately, high school students in grades 10-12 can interview veterans, working with their school librarians and history classes.\nTo learn more about how to submit a story to the Veterans History Project, click here.\nCongressman LaHood\u2019s video announcement of the project will go live on his Facebook page Saturday at 11:00a.m. CT", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lahood.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-darin-lahood-introduces-legislation-honoring-fallen-army", "Congressman Darin LaHood Introduces Legislation Honoring Fallen Army Ranger and Bloomington Native Sergeant Joshua Rodgers", "2017-11-09", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Darin LaHood", "L000585", "lahood.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014Today, Congressman Darin LaHood introduced H.R. 4326 to the U.S. House of Representatives, which would officially rename the U.S. Post Office located at 1211 Towanda Avenue in Bloomington, Illinois after fallen U.S. Army Ranger and Bloomington native Sergeant Joshua Rodgers. On April 27, 2017, U.S. Army Sergeant Joshua P. Rodgers was killed in action supporting Operation Freedom\u2019s Sentinel in Afghanistan. The Bloomington native was 22 years old.\n\u201cThe naming of the Bloomington post office is a small gesture to show our appreciation for the ultimate sacrifice Sergeant Rodgers made fighting for our freedoms, but it is my honor to introduce this piece of legislation in his memory,\u201d stated Rep. Darin LaHood. \u201cThere is no way to truly thank Sergeant Rodgers, but it is my hope that this building will serve to honor him and remind all of us of the price of our freedom.\u201d\n\u201cSergeant Joshua Rodgers is a hometown hero and we want to make sure that his name and the sacrifice he made for us is remembered for generations to come,\u201d said Congressman Rodney Davis (IL-13). \u201cIt\u2019s because of men and women like Sergeant Rodgers who risk their lives in service to our country that we remain free. It\u2019s a debt owed to him and his family that we will never be able to repay.\u201d\n\u201cWith my time in the Army, I have had the privilege to work with many Army Rangers. Their attitude is contagious and you want to feed off of it. They are another unique breed that the United States Military counts on and they never disappoint. Sergeant Rodgers epitomized the motto, \u2018Rangers Lead the Way,\u2019\u201d stated Ret. Army Sergeant Paul Butler, 2nd Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne. \u201cIt is such a shame that we had to lose Sergeant Rodgers from our community. As a Bloomington resident, when I look up at his name on the Post Office, I will be proud of what he and every other military member has done for our country and I hope the community will as well.\u201d\nIf signed into law, the bill would formally rename the post office the \u201cSgt. Josh Rodgers Post Office\u201d in recognition of his heroism and service to our nation. This bipartisan legislation, cosponsored by the entire Illinois delegation, has been referred to the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee and will continue through the legislative process.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399523", "Davis Urges Change in DoD Travel Policy Regarding Family of Fallen Servicemembers", "2017-11-09", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Rodney Davis", "D000619", "rodneydavis.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.), along with other members of Congress representing sailors who were killed aboard the USS John S. McCain earlier this year, today sent a letter to Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis urging a change in a longstanding Pentagon policy that does not automatically permit the use of official Department of Defense (DoD) travel for family members to meet the remains of servicemembers who died during noncombat service when they return to Dover Air Force Base instead of being flown home. \u201cOur servicemembers and their families make great sacrifices to protect our freedoms every day.\u00a0They should not\u00a0have to rely on an outside organization\u00a0to be flown to meet their loved one\u00a0at Dover Air Force Base,\u201d said Davis. \u201cI am urging the DoD to change this policy so there is no question that families of our fallen will be taken care of. The last thing they need to worry about after the death of a loved one is trying to cut through bureaucratic red tape within the Pentagon.\u201d Since 2009, DoD policy has been that the Armed Forces may only cover travel expenses to Dover Air Force Base for family of servicemembers who lost their lives during combat operations. Waivers by DoD have been granted for noncombat deaths, but only upon request. The family of Petty Officer Logan Palmer of Decatur, Illinois, who was among the sailors killed in the USS John S McCain earlier this year, pursued funding from an outside organization to pay for their travel to view his remains at Dover Air Force Base. Full text of the letter: November 9, 2017 The Honorable Jim Mattis  \r\nSecretary of Defense  \r\n1000 Defense Pentagon  \r\nWashington, DC 20301-1000 Dear Secretary Mattis, We write concerning current Department of Defense (DoD) policy that does not permit the use of official DoD travel funds for family members to view the remains of fallen servicemembers who have perished in noncombat operations. We strongly oppose this restriction of official travel funds.  On August 21, 2017, 10 sailors lost their lives when the USS John McCain collided with a merchant vessel off the coast of Singapore. One of the sailors lost was Petty Officer Logan Palmer of Decatur, Illinois. At the request of the medical examiner, the Navy brought Mr. Palmer's remains to Dover Air Force Base. Due to current DoD policy, however, Mr. Palmer's family was not afforded government sponsored transportation and was therefore forced to pursue funding from an outside organization to pay for their travel to view his remains at Dover Air Force Base.  Under current DoD policy, the Armed Forces may only cover travel expenses to Dover Air Force Base for family of servicemembers who lost their lives during combat operations. We therefore request that the policy be changed to include noncombat operations when the remains are brought to Dover Air Force Base. Our servicemembers and their families make great sacrifices to protect our freedoms every day. These families should not have to rely on an outside organization to be provided the opportunity to view the remains of a fallen servicemember at Dover Air Force Base. Thank you for your consideration of this important request. We look forward to your response.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399520", "Davis Advocates for Higher Education Provisions in Tax Reform", "2017-11-08", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Rodney Davis", "D000619", "rodneydavis.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Davis discusses tax reform on a call with members of his Higher Education Advisory Board   \r\nfrom his Washington, DC office.\u00a0 U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) today sent a letter to the Committee on Ways and Means urging support for expanding tuition assistance and preserving qualified tuition reductions. The committee is currently considering H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, to overhaul our tax code for the first time since 1986. Davis\u2019 letter urges the Committee on Ways and Means to reconsider the repeal of the employee tuition assistance program and instead asks the committee to consider expanding it to allow employers to use this benefit to help employees pay down existing student loan debt. A provision Davis has fought for with his bill, H.R. 795, the Employer Participation in Student Loan Assistance Act. \u201cThere is no doubt that by lowering overall rates, doubling the standard deduction, and expanding 529 plans and the child tax credit, this bill will allow the majority of Americans keep more of what they earn to put towards education costs and other needs,\u201d said Davis. \u201cBut as the member of Congress representing eight colleges and universities, I believe there are a couple of changes that could be made to specifically help address student debt and access to higher education. Student debt in this country has surpassed $1 trillion nationally and is now the second highest form of consumer debt just behind home mortgage debt. While we can\u2019t solve the student debt crisis through tax reform, I continue to urge my colleagues, both on and off the committee, to look for ways we can begin to address what I believe could be this country\u2019s next financial crisis.\u201d Additionally, Davis suggests that the committee retain the exclusion of qualified tuition reductions from income that many university employees and graduate students in the 13th District use. \u201cThat building services or mid-level clerical worker who has worked the same job at the university for 20 years just to afford a college education for their kid or the many graduate assistants teaching in exchange for tuition should be taken into consideration when discussing the qualified tuition reductions,\u201d said Davis. \u201cI\u2019m urging my colleagues to take a second look at eliminating this exclusion. Now is the time for all Democrats and Republicans to engage in the process and provide input on one of the most important bills we will ever work on in Congress.\u201d Following a call this morning with his Higher Education Advisory Board, which includes a representative from all eight colleges and universities in the 13th District, Davis sent the following letter to the Committee on Ways and Means: November 8th, 2017 The Honorable Kevin Brady  \r\nChairman  \r\nHouse Ways & Means Committee  \r\n1102 Longworth House Office Building  \r\nWashington, DC 20515 Dear Chairman Brady,  I commend your efforts to create a tax system that will benefit middle-income families throughout my district by allowing them to keep more of what they earn. Your focus on lowering rates, doubling the standard deduction, and expanding the child tax credit is a great start to changing their lives for the better.  As Members of Congress, we can make an even bigger impact by taking this opportunity through tax reform to confront the impending student debt crisis and to address access to higher education. With eight colleges and universities located within my district, I am committed to addressing these issues and hope you will consider my suggestions. Section 127 of the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) incentivizes an employee to accept tax-free qualified educational assistance from an employer as a means to further the employee\u2019s education and obtain skills to thrive in the workforce. Since 2014, I have championed the importance of this benefit and have attempted to expand it through my bill, H.R. 795, the Employer Participation in Student Loan Assistance Act. Seven in ten college seniors graduate with student loan debt \u2013 which now represents the second highest form of consumer debt. This debt harms our economy because it prevents many young adults from buying a house, purchasing a car, or saving for retirement. For this reason, I ask that you consider retaining this exclusion in tax reform and expand it to include H.R. 795.  Additionally, repealing Section 117(d) of the IRC will eliminate a taxpayer\u2019s ability to exclude qualified tuition reductions from income and will raise the barrier of entry to college for many individuals. Colleges and universities throughout my district provide employees \u2013 as well as their spouses and dependents \u2013 with tuition reductions. By repealing this provision, middle-income individuals who rely on these reductions to obtain a college degree will be forced to pay taxes on amounts they never actually physically possess. These individuals include the children of janitors who ensure facilities are in working order, or the spouses of university police officers who provide safety to our students. Repeal of this exclusion will place an unnecessary burden on these taxpayers whose only ability to attend college is often through receipt of qualified tuition reductions. As such, I ask that you retain this exclusion in tax reform. The task before Congress in reforming our tax code will not be easy and I commend you in your efforts. I thank you for your consideration of my suggestions, and look forward to working with you and our colleagues in creating a tax system that provides our constituents with the greatest opportunity to succeed. Sincerely, Rodney Davis  \r\nMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399522", "American POW/MIA Commemorative Chair Unveiled in U.S. Capitol Visitors Center", "2017-11-08", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Rodney Davis", "D000619", "rodneydavis.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Members of Rolling Thunder salute the commemorative chair representing American POW/MIA during today's ceremony in the U.S. Capitol Visitors Center.\r\n        \r\n    \r\n\r\n  \r\nU.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.), ahead of Veterans Day, attended a ceremony in the U.S. Capitol Visitors Center unveiling a commemorative chair honoring American prisoners of war (POW) and soldiers missing in action (MIA). \u201cThis Friday, we will celebrate veterans across this country and today, we honored their brothers and sisters who have yet to make it home,\u201d said Davis. \u201cThis commemorative chair in the U.S. Capitol Visitors Center will remain perpetually unoccupied for the nearly 91,000 brave servicemembers who are waiting to come home and serve as a solemn reminder that freedom is not free. Visitors from Illinois and across the world will be able to pay their respects to the men and women who gave up so much in defense of freedom.\u201d In March 2016, Davis, as a member of the House Administration Committee, led debate on the floor when the bill (H.R. 1670, the National Prisoner of War/Missing In Action Remembrance Act) authorizing the placement of the chair passed the House. The chair, which displays the POW/MIA insignia, is purchased with privately raised funds. Click here to view his remarks on the House floor.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 669, "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": "2017"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=IL&year=2017", "results": [{"value": "Republican", "label": "Republican", "count": 669, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=IL&year=2017", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=IL&year=2017", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 669, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=IL&year=2017&chamber=House", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=IL&year=2017", "results": [{"value": "IL", "label": "IL", "count": 669, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&year=2017", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=IL&year=2017", "results": [{"value": "2017", "label": "2017", "count": 669, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=IL", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2017-11-08,https~3A~2F~2Frodneydavis~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fnews~2Fdocumentsingle~2Easpx~3FDocumentID~3D399522", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=IL&year=2017&_next=2017-11-08%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Frodneydavis~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fnews~2Fdocumentsingle~2Easpx~3FDocumentID~3D399522&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 1034.4175156205893, "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"}