{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where party = \"Republican\", state = \"IL\" and year = 2019 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://kinzinger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402225", "Office of Congressman Kinzinger: 2019 Snapshot", "2019-12-31", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Adam Kinzinger", "K000378", "kinzinger.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "As 2019 comes to a close, the Office of Congressman Kinzinger looks back on the year of visits, meetings, tours, and service to the 16th Congressional District of Illinois.\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Washington, DC  As 2019 comes to a close, the Office of Congressman Adam Kinzinger looks back on the year of visits, meetings, tours, and service to the 16th Congressional District of Illinois. Below is a snapshot of the constituent services covered in 2019, as well as a video compilation of the Congressman's year in review.\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        \r\n    \r\n\r\n\r\nVideo compilation can be found by clicking this image, and visiting the Congressman's Facebook pagehere.  \r\nLegislatively, the Congressman introduced several pieces of legislation and pushed for funding to help communities across the 16th District. In addition to securing funding for expanding broadband and helping recovery efforts in towns that need it most, Congressman Kinzinger also saw his legislation become law. Here are just a few of those legislative wins in 2019: \r\n \r\n    The Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area Amendment Act added Livingston County, the City of Freeport in Stephenson County, and the City of Jonesboro in Union County to the Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area (ALNHA) to ensure all sites of Lincoln's legal career and the Lincoln-Douglas debates would be included. This bipartisan, Kinzinger-led provision was included in the final Lands Package and signed into law in March.\r\n    Congressman Kinzinger co-authored bipartisan legislation on fair-drug pricing that quickly passed the House with overwhelming support and was signed into law on September 27, 2019. TheFair and Accurate Medicaid Pricing Actclosed a loophole that allowed pharmaceutical companies to charge higher prices for medications and send the bill to the taxpayers.\r\n    Last week, the President signed into law the Telephone Robocall Abuse Criminal Enforcement and Deterrence (TRACED) Act. Congressman Kinzinger was a co-sponsor of the House version of the anti-Robocall legislation, and spoke in favor of its passage on the House floor. The bipartisan, bicameral bill authorizes the FCC to impose fines on violators and require phone companies to verify callers and help push back on the bombardment of robocalls.\r\n    In the final National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2020, Congressman Kinzinger secured several legislative wins like the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act and the Protecting Europe's Energy Security Act, among others. The FY 2020 NDAA was signed into law on December 20, 2019.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lahood.house.gov/media-center/e-newsletters/merry-christmas", "Merry Christmas!", "2019-12-24", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Darin LaHood", "L000585", "lahood.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "As we gather with family and friends to celebrate the birth of Jesus and the lessons of love he brought to the world, I want to wish each one of you a Merry Christmas.This joyous season is an opportune time to express our gratitude for the love we share with our friends and family and the countless blessings we enjoy.\nDuring this holiday season, I am thankful for my family, our wonderful home in central Illinois, and the unbelievable privilege to represent the over 700,000 residents in Illinois' 18th District. Like many of you, we are incredibly blessed to have the opportunity to spend time with our loved ones during Christmas. During this time of year, it is important that we give thanks to those who sacrifice their time without their families and loved ones to protect us. I want to take a moment to thank our troops during this Christmas seasonmany of whom are serving overseas far away from their families and loved ones. We recognize that you are far away from for family during this holiday season, so we can be safe at home with ours. Our country is the land of the free because of the brave and we do not take your sacrifice lightly From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you. Whether you're on your way to mass, gathering around the table with loved ones, or opening gifts, I hope each of you has a joyful and Merry Christmas!", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://bost.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/bost-introduces-bill-address-rural-teacher-shortages", "BOST INTRODUCES BILL TO ADDRESS RURAL TEACHER SHORTAGES", "2019-12-23", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Mike Bost", "B001295", "bost.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "To read the full article, please click here.\nCongressional representatives from Southern Illinois and Iowa have introduced bipartisan legislation to combat inadequate funding and teacher shortages in rural schools.\nThe Rural Education Investment Act was introduced Dec. 11 by U.S. Rep. Mike Bost, R-Ill., and U.S. Rep. Abby Finkenauer, D-Iowa.\nThe measure requires the U.S. Secretary of Education to determine the percentage of K-12 students living in rural areas and ensures it is equal to the percentage of Teacher Quality Partnership, TQP, grant dollars going to schools in rural areas.\nThe TQP Grant Program allows teachers to be placed in a full-time classroom clinical practice while completing Master's-level coursework.\nAll students deserve access to a quality education, regardless of where they live, Bost said in a news release.\nA major part of that comes by educating and training highly qualified teachers.\nWhile Southern Illinois is blessed with many amazing educational professionals, rural communities face unique challenges in recruiting and retaining qualified teachers. \nI'm proud to lead this bipartisan effort to ensure that rural areas receive assistance and resources necessary to grow the next generation of America's leaders.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=403542", "Davis Statement on National Defense Authorization Act", "2019-12-20", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Rodney Davis", "D000619", "rodneydavis.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Davis Statement on National Defense Authorization Act \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,\r\n        December 20, 2019\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      U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill) today released this statement on the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which President Trump is expected to sign at a ceremony at Andrews Air Force Base later today. The NDAA overwhelmingly passed the House and Senate earlier this week.\r\n\r\nDavis applauded the adequate funding for our military, pay raise for our troops, repeal of the 'widow's tax,' and the inclusion of his bill, the Fallen Heroes Family Travel Act, which Davisintroducedfollowing the death of Petty Officer Logan Palmer from Macon County.\r\n\r\n\"This bill not only takes care of our servicemembers through adequate funding and a pay raise, it also takes care of the families of our troops,\" said Davis. \"I am so glad we have repealed the 'widow's tax' and codified into law the changes I led at the Pentagon so all families of our fallen servicemembers are able to travel to meet their loved one's remains if they are sent anywhere but home. Codifying this into law ensures the Pentagon's new policy cannot be changed without an act of Congress\"\r\n\r\nAdditionally, Davis noted the first-ever paid family leave for federal workers, which was included in the bill.\r\n\r\n\"I have always provided paid family leave for staff in my offices and I'm glad we could come together to ensure it's available for other federal workers,\" said Davis. \"We are behind nearly every industrialized nation when it comes to paid family leave and I think it's long overdue. Many private companies are beginning to offer this benefit as a retention tool, but we need to do more to help even more Americans have access to this benefit critical to so many families.\"\r\n\r\nDavis is leading efforts to help working families secure time off and save for child care. He's introduced theChild and Dependent Care Modernization Actto help more families save for child care and Davis is also backing a bill, theNew Parents Act, that allows parents after the birth or adoption of a child to use a portion of their Social Security to take time off. The bill is being pushed by Senators Marco Rubio and Mitt Romney in the Senate.\r\n\r\nAdditional Details\r\n\r\n \r\n    $738 billion topline funding for our military.\r\n    3.1 percent pay raise for the troops  the largest in a decade that will go into effect January 1, 2020.\r\n    Provides $5.7 million to allow surviving families of military members who die on active duty or in retirement to receive the full benefits for which they are allowed  effectively ending the widow's tax. Currently, survivors of deceased military servicemembers must give up part or all of their purchased Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) annuity when they receive he VA's Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) benefits  the difference or loss between the SBP and DIC is the widows tax.\r\n    Provides 12 weeks of paid parental leave to all federal workers for the first time in American history  an initiative that has been supported by Ivanka Trump and the White House.\r\n    The Fallen Heroes Family Travel Act, which would allow the Department of Defense to pay for the travel of families of servicemembers who have died in non-combat situations to Dover Air Force Base to meet their remains  an idea that spurred from the August 2017 USS McCain collision where 12 sailors died, including Petty Officer Logan S. Palmer of Harristown, Illinois.\r\n \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://bost.house.gov/2019/12/bost-votes-usmca-trade-deal", "BOST VOTES FOR USMCA TRADE DEAL", "2019-12-19", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Mike Bost", "B001295", "bost.house.gov", "bost", "https://bost.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Rep. Mike Bost (IL-12) today voted for the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), bringing America\u2019s trade relations with Canada and Mexico into the 21st century. It opens Canadian markets up to American dairy, wheat, and poultry products; addresses digital trade; and cleans up unfair trade enforcement provisions. The Senate is expected to consider USMCA in the new year before advancing to the president\u2019s desk for signature.\n\n\u201cWith today\u2019s vote, The House is delivering much-needed certainty to the nearly 70,000 Illinoisans whose jobs depend on fair and free trade with Canada and Mexico,\u201d said Bost. \u201cUSMCA will strengthen exports for farmers across my district and is a bright spot in what has been one of the worst years in decades for agriculture. Despite a year of unnecessary delays, I\u2019m glad that we are finally moving forward on this historic agreement.\u201d\n\n\u201cIllinois Farm Bureau greatly appreciates Representative Bost\u2019s vocal leadership for USCMA and for recognizing the value of expanded trade between the U.S. and its neighbors,\u201d said Illinois Farm Bureau president Richard Guebert, Jr., who farms in the 12th District. \u201cThe largest export market for Illinois corn is Mexico. This modernized trade agreement maintains our tariff free access to that vital market and opens up the Canadian market for more sales of dairy and wheat from the 12th District. Thanks to Rep. Bost\u2019s leadership Illinois farmers can begin to reap the benefits of expanded trade under USMCA.\u201d\n\nOnce enacted, USMCA is expected to help create over 176,000 American jobs, $68 billion in new economic activity, and $2.2 billion in annual agriculture exports.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-27T23:45:33Z"], ["https://bost.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/bost-votes-usmca-trade-deal", "BOST VOTES FOR USMCA TRADE DEAL", "2019-12-19", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Mike Bost", "B001295", "bost.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Rep. Mike Bost (IL-12) today voted for the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), bringing America's trade relations with Canada and Mexico into the 21st century. It opens Canadian markets up to American dairy, wheat, and poultry products; addresses digital trade; and cleans up unfair trade enforcement provisions.The Senate is expected to consider USMCA in the new year before advancing to the president's desk for signature. With today's vote, The House is delivering much-needed certainty to the nearly 70,000 Illinoisans whose jobs depend on fair and free trade with Canada and Mexico, said Bost. USMCA will strengthen exports for farmers across my district and is a bright spot in what has been one of the worst years in decades for agriculture. Despite a year of unnecessary delays, I'm glad that we are finally moving forward on this historic agreement. Illinois Farm Bureau greatly appreciates Representative Bost's vocal leadership for USCMA and for recognizing the value of expanded trade between the U.S. and its neighbors, said Illinois Farm Bureau president Richard Guebert, Jr., who farms in the 12th District. The largest export market for Illinois corn is Mexico. This modernized trade agreement maintains our tariff free access to that vital market and opens up the Canadian market for more sales of dairy and wheat from the 12th District. Thanks to Rep. Bost's leadership Illinois farmers can begin to reap the benefits of expanded trade under USMCA. Once enacted, USMCA is expected to help create over 176,000 American jobs, $68 billion in new economic activity, and $2.2 billion in annual agriculture exports.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kinzinger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402220", "Kinzinger Statement on USMCA Passage", "2019-12-19", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Adam Kinzinger", "K000378", "kinzinger.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Adam Kinzinger (IL-16) voted in favor of H.R. 5430, the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) Implementation Act.\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Washington, DC  Today, Congressman Adam Kinzinger (IL-16) voted in favor of H.R. 5430, the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) Implementation Act. The bill passed with strong bipartisan support and will replace the outdated North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), established in January of 1994. After House passage of the USMCA legislation, Congressman Kinzinger released this statement: \r\nThe passage of the USMCA today is long overdue, but a big win for the American people and our economy. Bringing this trade deal into the 21st century will give our workers, farmers, ranchers, manufacturers, and innovators a chance to compete in the international market and allowing for better digital trade opportunities. The USMCA will also create 176,000 new jobs in America and produce over $68 billion in new economic activity. \r\nIllinois currently ranks third in the country for exporting agricultural commodities, and the USMCA will provide more certainty through streamlined customs procedures that would reduce inefficiencies and get U.S. products to the market faster.\r\nThe USMCA has strong support across the country, and especially throughout Illinois. The Congressman is pleased to have the support of the Illinois Farm Bureau, Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM), the Illinois Corn Growers Association, the Illinois Manufacturers' Association (IMA), and many others in pushing for passage of the USMCA in Congress. \r\nBig thanks to Rep. Kinzinger for his strong, vocal support of USMCA, said Illinois Farm Bureau president Richard Guebert, Jr., a grain farmer from Randolph County in southern Illinois. Without growing international market demand, farming becomes a lot more difficult and we've seen recent evidence of that. Congressman Kinzinger has spent a lot of time with farmers in his district and absolutely understands the importance of exports to our bottom line.\r\nThe Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) is grateful to Rep. Kinzinger for his efforts to modernize and strengthen trade across North America and for his vote in favor of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, said Dennis Slater, President of AEM. The agreement ensures continued duty-free access to our industry's largest export markets, creates tens of thousands of news jobs, and adds $68 million to the U.S. economy. We applaud Rep. Kinzinger for his work to ensure the continued growth and prosperity of our industry, the local communities we serve, and the 119,000 hard working men and women of the equipment manufacturing industry in Illinois.\r\nToday's USMCA passage will be stability to the marketplace that Illinois corn farmers desperately need.Mexico is the largest purchaser of corn and dried distillers grains with soluables.Canada is the second largest purchaser of ethanol. Together, our neighbors make up our largest and most reliable customers for corn and 25 percent of U.S. agricultural trade. I am so pleased and grateful for an agreement that solidifies our relationship, said Bill Leigh, President of the Illinois Corn Growers Association. \r\nTrade is critical to Illinois manufacturers and the 592,000 women and men working on factory floors across the state. No trade relationships are more important than Canada and Mexico that purchased 40 percent  $27 billion  of Illinois' manufactured exports last year. We applaud Congressman Kinzinger for supporting the USMCA trade agreement that will benefit our local manufacturers, said Mark Denzler, President and CEO of IMA.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lahood.house.gov/2019/12/lahood-supports-usmca-passage", "LaHood Supports USMCA Passage", "2019-12-19", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Darin LaHood", "L000585", "lahood.house.gov", "lahood", "https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Darin LaHood (R-IL) today voted in favor of the United States Mexico and Canada Trade Agreement (USMCA). The U.S. House of Representatives passed the implementing legislation for the trade agreement by a vote of x to x. It now heads to the U.S. Senate for consideration.\n\n\u201cUSMCA is a win for Illinois and today is a victory for our farmers, manufacturers, and workers,\u201d said Rep. LaHood. \u201cSince the day this agreement was announced, I have been working to get it across the finish line and, after months of delay, I am proud to see it passed today. Forty percent of the products we grow in Illinois go to Mexico or Canada, and this trade pact will strengthen that vital relationship and provide needed certainty for our producers. I applaud President Donald Trump and Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer for the work to modernize NAFTA into the 21st-century and look forward to seeing this passed in the Senate.\u201d\n\n\u201cFarmers in this state know they can absolutely count on Representative LaHood to be a vocal leader on trade and valuable ally in the fight to open and expand market access for Illinois agricultural exports. Rep. LaHood recognizes that farmers in his district are perfectly situated to export. This modernized trade agreement maintains our tariff free access to two of our top three export markets and positions us to sell even more to our northern and southern neighbors. The Farm Bureau appreciates Rep. LaHood for his hard work to get USMCA across the finish line,\u201d said Illinois Farm Bureau President Richard Guebert, Jr., a Randolph County grain farmer.\n\n\u201cTrade is critical to Illinois manufacturers and the 592,000 women and men working on factory floors across the state. No trade relationships are more important that Canada and Mexico that purchased 40 percent - $27 billion \u2013 of Illinois\u2019 manufactured exports last year. Congressman Darin LaHood has been a champion for our state\u2019s manufacturing sector and played an integral role in the USMCA success as a member of the House Ways & Means Committee. We applaud his strong support of Illinois manufacturing companies,\u201d said Mark Denzler, President and CEO of the Illinois Manufacturing Association.\n\n\u201cThe Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) is grateful to Rep. LaHood for his efforts to modernize and strengthen trade across North America and for his vote in favor of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement,\u201d said Dennis Slater, president of AEM. \u201cThe agreement ensures continued duty-free access to our industry\u2019s largest export markets, creates tens of thousands of news jobs, and adds $68 million to the U.S. economy. We applaud Rep. LaHood for his work to ensure the continued growth and prosperity of our industry, the local communities we serve, and the 119,000 hard working men and women of the equipment manufacturing industry in Illinois.\u201d\u201cThe Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) is grateful to Rep. LaHood for his efforts to modernize and strengthen trade across North America and for his vote in favor of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement,\u201d said Dennis Slater, president of AEM. \u201cThe agreement ensures continued duty-free access to our industry\u2019s largest export markets, creates tens of thousands of news jobs, and adds $68 million to the U.S. economy. We applaud Rep. LaHood for his work to ensure the continued growth and prosperity of our industry, the local communities we serve, and the 119,000 hard working men and women of the equipment manufacturing industry in Illinois.\u201d\n\nAs a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, Rep. LaHood spoke on the House floor during full debate. You can view those remarks here.\n\nUSMCA is a win for America:\n\nUSCMA will:\n\nBring over $68 billion in new economic activity\n\nAdd 176,000 new American jobs\n\nAdd 76,000 new American automotive sector jobs\n\nFor the first time, Canada\u2019s markets will be opened for American dairy, wheat, chicken, eggs, and turkey producers to sell their products\n\nUSMCA establishes the United States as a leader on digital trade and sets the standard for future trade agreements with a new digital trade chapter\n\nPassed over 24 years ago, it was time to modernize NAFTA into the 21st-century and expand market access for farmers and ranchers\n\nRelated:\n\nRep. LaHood Votes to Send USMCA to the House Floor for Full Consideration\n\nRep. LaHood Statement on USMCA Agreement\n\nRep. LaHood Statement on the USMCA Signing\n\nRep. LaHood Applauds Trilateral Agreement to Replace NAFT\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-27T23:45:33Z"], ["https://lahood.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/lahood-supports-usmca-passage", "LaHood Supports USMCA Passage", "2019-12-19", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Darin LaHood", "L000585", "lahood.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Congressman Darin LaHood (R-IL) today voted in favor of the United States Mexico and Canada Trade Agreement (USMCA). The U.S. House of Representatives passed the implementing legislation for the trade agreement by a vote of x to x. It now heads to the U.S. Senate for consideration.\nUSMCA is a win for Illinois and today is a victory for our farmers, manufacturers, and workers, said Rep. LaHood. Since the day this agreement was announced, I have been working to get it across the finish line and, after months of delay, I am proud to see it passed today. Forty percent of the products we grow in Illinois go to Mexico or Canada, and this trade pact will strengthen that vital relationship and provide needed certainty for our producers. I applaud President Donald Trump and Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer for the work to modernize NAFTA into the 21st-century and look forward to seeing this passed in the Senate.\nFarmers in this state know they can absolutely count on Representative LaHood to be a vocal leader on trade and valuable ally in the fight to open and expand market access for Illinois agricultural exports. Rep. LaHood recognizes that farmers in his district are perfectly situated to export. This modernized trade agreement maintains our tariff free access to two of our top three export markets and positions us to sell even more to our northern and southern neighbors. The Farm Bureau appreciates Rep. LaHood for his hard work to get USMCA across the finish line, said Illinois Farm Bureau President Richard Guebert, Jr., a Randolph County grain farmer.\nTrade is critical to Illinois manufacturers and the 592,000 women and men working on factory floors across the state. No trade relationships are more important that Canada and Mexico that purchased 40 percent - $27 billion  of Illinois' manufactured exports last year. Congressman Darin LaHood has been a champion for our state's manufacturing sector and played an integral role in the USMCA success as a member of the House Ways & Means Committee. We applaud his strong support of Illinois manufacturing companies, said Mark Denzler, President and CEO of the Illinois Manufacturing Association.\nAs a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, Rep. LaHood spoke on the House floor during full debate. You can view those remarks here.\nUSMCA is a win for America:\n USCMA will:\n\t\tBring over $68 billion in new economic activity\n\t\t\tAdd 176,000 new American jobs\n\t\t\tAdd 76,000 new American automotive sector jobs\n\t\t\n\tFor the first time, Canada's markets will be opened for American dairy, wheat, chicken, eggs, and turkey producers to sell their products\n\tUSMCA establishes the United States as a leader on digital trade and sets the standard for future trade agreements with a new digital trade chapter\n\tPassed over 24 years ago, it was time to modernize NAFTA into the 21st-century and expand market access for farmers and ranchers\n Related:  Rep. LaHood Votes to Send USMCA to the House Floor for Full Consideration  Rep. LaHood Statement on USMCA Agreement  Rep. LaHood Statement on the USMCA Signing  Rep. LaHood Applauds Trilateral Agreement to Replace NAFT\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=403539", "Davis Statement on Passage of USMCA", "2019-12-19", "2019", "2019-12", "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 the USMCA by a vote of 385-41.\r\n\r\nI have been fighting for passage of this agreement from day one and I'm glad we finally got a vote in the House,\"said Davis.\"But it's disappointing that Speaker Pelosi has waited until after impeachment because now farmers will have to wait even longer for the Senate to be able to consider their top priority. This is not how our government should work. We should be able to set politics aside and move good, bipartisan legislation forward for the people we represent.\r\n\r\n\"The modernized trade deal will build on the economic growth we have seen and create new, good-paying jobs. I am especially pleased with the expansion of the markets for American farmers, as well as the provisions to incentivize more auto manufacturing and higher manufacturing wages. I applaud the Trump Administration for their diligent work in securing a better trade deal for the American people.\r\n\r\nLocal agriculture applauds Davis' work on USMCA:\r\n\r\nNo one understands better than Rep. Rodney Davis why farmers in his district and across Illinois must have improved access to international markets,said Illinois Farm Bureau president Richard Guebert, Jr., a Randolph County grain farmer.\"Illinois Farm Bureau leaders and members greatly appreciate Congressman Davis' leadership and years of service on the U.S. House Agriculture Committee and his understanding ofUSMCA's value.From day one, Rodney has been a vocal advocate, immediately recognizing the importance of an updated, modern trade deal with two of U.S. agriculture's top three trading partners.\"\r\n\r\nToday's USMCA passage will be stability to the marketplace that Illinois corn farmers desperately need.Mexico is the largest purchaser of corn and dried distillers grains with soluables.Canada is the second largest purchaser of ethanol.Together, our neighbors make up our largest and most reliable customers for corn and 25 percent of U.S. agricultural trade.I am so pleased and grateful for an agreement that solidifies our relationship,said Bill Leigh, Illinois Corn Growers Association President.\r\n\r\nADM greatly appreciates the leadership shown by members and the leadership of the House of Representatives as well as the Administration in supportingUSMCA.This agreement is a good deal for the agriculture and food industries in all three countries, offering access to markets along with important modernizations. We look forward to continuing to work with policymakers toward a successful implementation.- Archer Daniels Midland\r\n\r\nThe Illinois Soybean Growers are encouraged by the bipartisan support for theUSMCAagreement that ensures market and trade stability with the second largest export market for U.S. soybeans and leading export market for U.S. pork. Reliable access to export markets is critical for agriculture and the rural economy. We commend members of the U.S. House of Representatives voting in support ofUSMCAand look for speedy passage in the U.S. Senate.\" -Illinois Soybean Growers\r\n\r\n\"Passage of USMCA is a vital step forward to enhancing the export of agricultural products produced here in Illinois with neighboring countries.We appreciate the support of Congressman Rodney Davis to move this agreement across the finish line in the House of Representatives,\"said Jeffrey Adkisson, Executive Vice-President, Grain and Feed Association of Illinois.\r\n\r\nTrade is critical to Illinois manufacturers and the 592,000 women and men working on factory floors across the state. No trade relationships are more important that Canada and Mexico that purchased 40 percent - $27 billion  of Illinois' manufactured exports last year. We applaud Congressman Davis for supporting the USMCA trade agreement that will benefit our local manufacturers,\"said Mark Denzler, President & CEO, Illinois Manufacturers' Association.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://bost.house.gov/2019/12/bost-statement-house-impeachment-vote", "BOST STATEMENT ON HOUSE IMPEACHMENT VOTE", "2019-12-18", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Mike Bost", "B001295", "bost.house.gov", "bost", "https://bost.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Rep. Mike Bost (IL-12) released the following statement regarding the House vote to impeach President Donald Trump:\n\n\u201cFuture generations will look back on today as the day Speaker Pelosi and the Washington Democrats put partisan politics above the best interests of the country. For them, the ends would justify the means if it meant overturning the results of the 2016 election. This is a dark day for our country, but I am hopeful the Senate will move quickly and acquit the president so we can get back to doing the people\u2019s business.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-27T23:45:33Z"], ["https://bost.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/bost-speaks-out-against-impeachment", "BOST SPEAKS OUT AGAINST IMPEACHMENT", "2019-12-18", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Mike Bost", "B001295", "bost.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "To read the full article, please click here.\nIllinois RepublicanU.S. Rep. Mike Bost, who represents the 12th District, released this statement after he voted against both articles of impeachment:\nFuture generations will look back on today as the day Speaker Pelosi and the Washington Democrats put partisan politics above the best interests of the country. For them, the ends would justify the means if it meant overturning the results of the 2016 election. This is a dark day for our country, but I am hopeful the Senate will move quickly and acquit the president so we can get back to doing the people's business.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://bost.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/bost-statement-house-impeachment-vote", "BOST STATEMENT ON HOUSE IMPEACHMENT VOTE", "2019-12-18", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Mike Bost", "B001295", "bost.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Rep. Mike Bost (IL-12) released the following statement regarding the House vote to impeach President Donald Trump: Future generations will look back on today as the day Speaker Pelosi and the Washington Democrats put partisan politics above the best interests of the country. For them, the ends would justify the means if it meant overturning the results of the 2016 election. This is a dark day for our country, but I am hopeful the Senate will move quickly and acquit the president so we can get back to doing the people's business. \n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kinzinger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402219", "Rep. Kinzinger on Articles of Impeachment Vote", "2019-12-18", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Adam Kinzinger", "K000378", "kinzinger.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Adam Kinzinger (IL-16) released the following statement after voting against H.R. 755.\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Washington, DC  Congressman Adam Kinzinger (IL-16) released the following statement after voting against H.Res. 755, Impeaching Donald John Trump, President of the United States, for high crimes and misdemeanors, the two articles of impeachment that were introduced last week: \r\nThis is a sad, divisive day for our nation and this institution. The foundation for the articles of impeachment is weak and as such, I voted against H.Res. 755 on the House Floor today. \r\nDemocracy is the foundation for our freedom, and it is our democratic process that has continued to be a beacon of light around the world. We in this institution have a responsibility to the people we serve: to uphold the Constitution and protect this democracy.Impeachment is a serious matter and deserves serious consideration. But this process has usurped the will of the American people and denied them the transparency they deserve and the answers they expected from Congress. \r\nIgnoring the right of due process, as my colleagues have done, ignores past precedent for impeachment in favor of a highly partisan, politically driven process. It did not help inform the public and it delayed our legislative work on behalf of the people we serve. \r\nI hope my colleagues across the aisle learn from this moment, recognize the shortfalls in taking these procedural shortcuts, and return in the New Year ready to legislate. We are better when we work together, finding common ground for the good of the country. The American people deserve better than this broken process, and I for one look forward to getting back to work and restoring faith in our government.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lahood.house.gov/2019/12/lahood-vote-no-articles-impeachment", "LaHood to Vote No on Articles of Impeachment", "2019-12-18", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Darin LaHood", "L000585", "lahood.house.gov", "lahood", "https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Darin LaHood (R-IL) today released the following statement ahead of the U.S. House of Representatives vote on articles of impeachment.\n\n\u201cAs I have said throughout this process, impeachment is the nuclear option, reserved for the most treasonous and criminal activity. In this case, the House Democrats have failed to present evidence to support this high threshold for impeachment. Moreover, the entire process has lacked due process, transparency, and fairness. Impeachment is the most consequential act Congress can take, and it is disappointing the Democrats are moving ahead with the fastest and most partisan impeachment process in our country\u2019s history.\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s no secret that since President Trump was elected, Democrats have fixated on undoing the results of the 2016 election through impeachment. Our democracy is premised on the power being with the people, not partisan members of Congress. In less than nine months, early voting starts for the 2020 presidential election, and the American voters will have an immediate opportunity to render judgment. I will vote no today, and I hope we can finally move on and work on issues voters sent us to Washington to fix.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-27T23:45:33Z"], ["https://lahood.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/lahood-vote-no-articles-impeachment", "LaHood to Vote No on Articles of Impeachment", "2019-12-18", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Darin LaHood", "L000585", "lahood.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Congressman Darin LaHood (R-IL) today released the following statement ahead of the U.S. House of Representatives vote on articles of impeachment.\nAs I have said throughout this process, impeachment is the nuclear option, reserved for the most treasonous and criminal activity. In this case, the House Democrats have failed to present evidence to support this high threshold for impeachment. Moreover, the entire process has lacked due process, transparency, and fairness. Impeachment is the most consequential act Congress can take, and it is disappointing the Democrats are moving ahead with the fastest and most partisan impeachment process in our country's history.\nIt's no secret that since President Trump was elected, Democrats have fixated on undoing the results of the 2016 election through impeachment. Our democracy is premised on the power being with the people, not partisan members of Congress. In less than nine months, early voting starts for the 2020 presidential election, and the American voters will have an immediate opportunity to render judgment. I will vote no today, and I hope we can finally move on and work on issues voters sent us to Washington to fix.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=403543", "Davis Votes Against Articles of Impeachment", "2019-12-18", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Rodney Davis", "D000619", "rodneydavis.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Davis Votes Against Articles of Impeachment \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,\r\n        December 18, 2019\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) released this statement after he voted against both articles of impeachment:\r\nThis is the second most consequential vote we have to take in this House. The first is to send our men and women in uniform to war and the second is to vote to impeach and remove a President of the United States. This is the first partisan impeachment in our nation's history and I am fearful it sets a dangerous precedent. I will not vote to remove a duly elected president of either party or bar them from running without a legitimate independent investigation and proof of a crime, neither of which exist in this case. I am hopeful we can put this kind of partisanship aside and move forward on bipartisan legislation to improve the lives of hardworking American citizens.\"\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://shimkus.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/shimkus-statement-on-house-impeachment-votes", "Shimkus Statement on House Impeachment Votes", "2019-12-18", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "John Shimkus", "S000364", "shimkus.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Collinsville, Illinois  Congressman John Shimkus (R, Illinois-15) released the following statement regarding today's votes by the House of Representatives to impeach President Donald Trump: \"Long before today's votes were scheduled, my wife Karen and I made arrangements to visit our son Joshua in Tanzania where he's serving in the Peace Corps. At the White House last week I informed President Trump that I would not be present for the these votes, and he was supportive of me visiting my son. I told him I did not support his impeachment, and I have requested that this statement of my reasons for opposing both articles of impeachment be entered into the Congressional Record. I've been to Ukraine twice this year. I was an observer of the second round of the Presidential election on April 21, 2019. I returned with a bipartisan Congressional delegation from September 28 thru October 5, 2019 right in the middle of this supposed controversy. We met with many people. We met with our embassy leadership. We also met with the Ukrainian Foreign Minister and Minister of Defense. We had a chance to visit our soldiers who are helping in the training mission of the Ukrainian military. During that time, we met with the military leadership of both countries. Finally, we met with members of the Ukrainian parliament. During all these meeting no one mentioned a quid pro quo. What I also know is this: The Trump Administration provided the long-overdue aid to Ukraine, including lethal Javelin anti-tank missiles, that had been authorized by Congress but withheld by the previous administration in their misguided efforts to appease Russia. Other assistance to Ukraine was temporarily delayed this year following the election of a new president  a political outsider we knew little about. The new president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, also addressed this issue several times. He has rejected the accusation that any quid pro quo or any pressure was applied to him or the Ukrainian government. The aid was also released prior to the Ukrainian government being pulled into this political controversy. These observations convince me that the first article of impeachment, 'abuse of power,' is not credible. My experience in Congress, including during the impeachment of President Clinton, likewise convinces me the second article of impeachment, 'obstruction of congress,' is not a credible charge. Constant tension exists between our legislative and executive branches of government. Every president I've served with has said at one time or another he is empowered to do this or to withhold that. When Congress disagrees, we have at times taken those questions of executive authority or privilege to our third branch of government: the courts. But the Democrats haven't even given President Trump an opportunity to defend his executive privilege through the courts, and they're demanding that he just give up his constitutional powers under Article II. I'm disappointed to miss these votes but not embarrassed. I'm embarrassed that they are even happening.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://bost.house.gov/2019/12/bost-votes-secure-umwa-coal-miner-pensions", "BOST VOTES TO SECURE UMWA COAL MINER PENSIONS", "2019-12-17", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Mike Bost", "B001295", "bost.house.gov", "bost", "https://bost.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Rep. Mike Bost (IL-12) today voted for a Fiscal Year 2020 spending package that includes a long sought-after fix for retired coal miner pensions. Bost was part of a bipartisan coalition of congressional leaders that has for years sought a long-term solution to save United Mine Workers of America pensions from insolvency.\n\n\u201cAs the grandson of a UMWA representative, Southern Illinois\u2019s mining heritage is, quite literally, in my blood,\u201d said Bost. \u201cFor years, our miners and their families have faced uncertainty over whether or not their pensions would be there when they needed it most. It took a lot of work from leaders on both sides of the aisle to get this done. I couldn\u2019t be happier that these dedicated men and women will have the benefits they\u2019ve earned and the peace of mind they\u2019ve been lacking for so long.\u201d\n\nIn addition to the miners\u2019 pension fix, the FY2020 spending package also included nearly $1.4 billion in funding for construction of the wall along our southern border and repeals of Obamacare\u2019s medical device tax and the \u201cCadillac Tax\u201d on high-end health insurance plans.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-27T23:45:33Z"], ["https://bost.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/bost-votes-secure-umwa-coal-miner-pensions", "BOST VOTES TO SECURE UMWA COAL MINER PENSIONS", "2019-12-17", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Mike Bost", "B001295", "bost.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Rep. Mike Bost (IL-12) today voted for a Fiscal Year 2020 spending package that includes a long sought-after fix for retired coal miner pensions. Bost was part of a bipartisan coalition of congressional leaders that has for years sought a long-term solution to save United Mine Workers of America pensions from insolvency. As the grandson of a UMWA representative, Southern Illinois's mining heritage is, quite literally, in my blood, said Bost. For years, our miners and their families have faced uncertainty over whether or not their pensions would be there when they needed it most.It took a lot of work from leaders on both sides of the aisle to get this done.I couldn't be happier that these dedicated men and women will have the benefits they've earned and the peace of mind they've been lacking for so long. In addition to the miners' pension fix, the FY2020 spending package also included nearly $1.4 billion in funding for construction of the wall along our southern border and repeals of Obamacare's medical device tax and the Cadillac Tax on high-end health insurance plans.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lahood.house.gov/2019/12/lahood-murphy-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-modernize-financing-tools", "LaHood, Murphy Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Modernize Financing Tools for Farmers and Manufacturers", "2019-12-17", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Darin LaHood", "L000585", "lahood.house.gov", "lahood", "https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Reps. Darin LaHood (R-IL) and Stephanie Murphy (D-FL) introduced today bipartisan legislation to modernize the decades old financing tools used by farmers and manufacturers to grow and create more jobs. The Modernizing Agriculture and Manufacturing Bonds Act (MAMBA), H.R. 5422, would help struggling manufacturers and first-time farmers expand their businesses, invest in new equipment and hire more workers. These bonds are a key economic development tool for state and local development agencies and are a key instrument for financing small- to mid-sized manufacturers.\n\n\u201cFarming and manufacturing are critical to the economic success of the constituents I represent in central and west-central Illinois,\u201d said LaHood. \u201cOur legislation will help entrepreneurs and first-time farmers receive the financing they need to grow, create good-paying jobs, and bolster our economy in the Midwest. I am proud to join my Ways and Means colleague Rep. Stephanie Murphy in this bipartisan effort, and I\u2019ll continue to work in Congress to ensure farmers and manufacturers have the necessary tools to be successful in our 21st-centruy economy.\u201d\n\n\u201cFlorida farmers and manufacturers deserve to have new and innovative financing tools to invest in their local community and hire more workers,\u201d said Murphy. \u201cI\u2019m proud to lead this bipartisan bill with Rep. LaHood that will modernize the way farmers and manufacturers across the country acquire capital, providing them with the resources they need to grow, create more jobs, and bring their businesses to the 21st century.\u201d\n\nThe legislation is endorsed by many development finance agencies, private sector entities, and key industry stakeholders including the Florida Development Finance Corporation, Illinois Finance Authority, the Council of Development Finance Agencies (CDFA), and the National Council of State Agricultural Finance Programs.\n\n\u201cAmerica needs low-cost and efficient twenty-first century financing tools to help our small manufacturers and small farmers compete in world markets as well as to grow the number of quality American middle-class jobs that these employers support. In Illinois, we know, first-hand, the power of federally tax-exempt manufacturing and farmer bonds \u2013 proven and effective private-public tools \u2013 to spur essential capital investment and to create jobs. The Modernizing Agricultural and Manufacturing Bonds Act (\u201cMAMBA\u201d) reinvigorates these tools by substantially updating federal manufacturing and farmer finance law for the first time in decades in order to reflect the American economy of 2020, not the 1970s. We thank United States Representatives Stephanie Murphy (FL-7) and Darin LaHood (IL-18) for their bipartisan work to bring manufacturing and farm finance into the twenty-first century through the introduction of MAMBA in the 116th Congress,\u201d said Chris Meister, Executive Director, Illinois Finance Authority.\n\n\u201cWe're thrilled that MAMBA has been reintroduced. It's a vital piece of legislation that will help lower the barriers for small manufacturers and first-time farmers to access affordable capital,\u201d said CDFA President and CEO Toby Rittner. \u201cRepresentatives Murphy and LaHood have been great champions of private activity bonds and the development finance industry as a whole, and I'm thankful for their commitment to manufacturing and farming, pillars of the American economy.\u201d\n\n\u201cThese proposed changes will make a big difference to businesses in Florida. These provisions would help many American small manufacturers and first-time farmers receive the financing they need to grow, create more jobs for Floridians, and build a strong local economy. The Florida Development Finance Corporation supports these proposed amendments and hopes for bi-partisan support to pass these much-needed improvements,\u201d said Bill Spivey, Executive Director, Florida Development Finance Corporation.\n\nMore information on MAMBA can be found here. The text of the bill can be found here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-27T23:45:33Z"], ["https://lahood.house.gov/2019/12/rep-lahood-votes-send-usmca-house-floor-full-consideration", "Rep. LaHood Votes to Send USMCA to the House Floor for Full Consideration", "2019-12-17", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Darin LaHood", "L000585", "lahood.house.gov", "lahood", "https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Darin LaHood (R-IL) today voted in favor of the United States Mexico and Canada Free Trade Agreement (USMCA) during the House Ways and Means Committee\u2019s full mark-up on the implementing legislation for the trade agreement. The trade pact passed unanimously out of the full Committee.\n\n\u201cToday is a significant step for Illinois farmers, manufacturers, and small businesses, and, after months of delay, I am pleased that USMCA will finally come to House floor for a vote,\u201d said Rep. LaHood. \u201cAs a member of the Ways and Means Committee and USMCA Whip Team, I\u2019ve been proud to work alongside President Donald Trump and U.S. Trade Representative Robert Ligthizer to modernize Illinois\u2019 most important trading relationship. I look forward to delivering a win for Illinois and our country with passage of the USMCA by the full House of Representatives this week.\u201d\n\nRep. LaHood\u2019s comments during the full Committee mark-up can be viewed here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-27T23:45:33Z"], ["https://lahood.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/lahood-murphy-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-modernize-financing-tools", "LaHood, Murphy Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Modernize Financing Tools for Farmers and Manufacturers", "2019-12-17", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Darin LaHood", "L000585", "lahood.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Reps. Darin LaHood (R-IL) and Stephanie Murphy (D-FL) introduced today bipartisan legislation to modernize the decades old financing tools used by farmers and manufacturers to grow and create more jobs. TheModernizing Agriculture and Manufacturing Bonds Act (MAMBA),H.R. 5422,would help struggling manufacturers and first-time farmers expand their businesses, invest in new equipment and hire more workers. These bonds are a key economic development tool for state and local development agencies and are a key instrument for financing small- to mid-sized manufacturers.\nFarming and manufacturing are critical to the economic success of the constituents I represent in central and west-central Illinois, said LaHood. Our legislation will help entrepreneurs and first-time farmers receive the financing they need to grow, create good-paying jobs, and bolster our economy in the Midwest. I am proud to join my Ways and Means colleague Rep. Stephanie Murphy in this bipartisan effort, and I'll continue to work in Congress to ensure farmers and manufacturers have the necessary tools to be successful in our 21st-centruy economy.\nFlorida farmers and manufacturers deserve to have new and innovative financing tools to invest in their local community and hire more workers,said Murphy.I'm proud to lead this bipartisan bill with Rep. LaHood that will modernize the way farmers and manufacturers across the country acquire capital, providing them with the resources they need to grow, create more jobs, and bring their businesses to the 21stcentury.\nThe legislation is endorsed by many development finance agencies, private sector entities, and key industry stakeholders including the Florida Development Finance Corporation, Illinois Finance Authority, the Council of Development Finance Agencies (CDFA), and the National Council of State Agricultural Finance Programs.\nAmerica needs low-cost and efficient twenty-first century financing tools to help our small manufacturers and small farmers compete in world markets as well as to grow the number of quality American middle-class jobs that these employers support. In Illinois, we know, first-hand, the power of federally tax-exempt manufacturing and farmer bonds  proven and effective private-public tools  to spur essential capital investment and to create jobs. The Modernizing Agricultural and Manufacturing Bonds Act (MAMBA) reinvigorates these tools by substantially updating federal manufacturing and farmer finance law for the first time in decades in order to reflect the American economy of 2020, not the 1970s. We thank United States Representatives Stephanie Murphy (FL-7) and Darin LaHood (IL-18) for their bipartisan work to bring manufacturing and farm finance into the twenty-first century through the introduction of MAMBA in the 116th Congress,said Chris Meister, Executive Director, Illinois Finance Authority. We're thrilled that MAMBA has been reintroduced. It's a vital piece of legislation that will help lower the barriers for small manufacturers and first-time farmers to access affordable capital, said CDFA President and CEO Toby Rittner. Representatives Murphy and LaHood have been great champions of private activity bonds and the development finance industry as a whole, and I'm thankful for their commitment to manufacturing and farming, pillars of the American economy.\nThese proposed changes will make a big difference to businesses in Florida. These provisions would help many American small manufacturers and first-time farmers receive the financing they need to grow, create more jobs for Floridians, and build a strong local economy. The Florida Development Finance Corporation supports these proposed amendments and hopes for bi-partisan support to pass these much-needed improvements,said Bill Spivey, Executive Director, Florida Development Finance Corporation. More information on MAMBA can be foundhere. The text of the bill can be foundhere.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lahood.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-lahood-votes-send-usmca-house-floor-full-consideration", "Rep. LaHood Votes to Send USMCA to the House Floor for Full Consideration", "2019-12-17", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Darin LaHood", "L000585", "lahood.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Congressman Darin LaHood (R-IL) today voted in favor of the United States Mexico and Canada Free Trade Agreement (USMCA) during the House Ways and Means Committee's full mark-up on the implementing legislation for the trade agreement. The trade pact passed unanimously out of the full Committee.\nToday is a significant step for Illinois farmers, manufacturers, and small businesses, and, after months of delay, I am pleased that USMCA will finally come to House floor for a vote, said Rep. LaHood. As a member of the Ways and Means Committee and USMCA Whip Team, I've been proud to work alongside President Donald Trump and U.S. Trade Representative Robert Ligthizer to modernize Illinois' most important trading relationship. I look forward to delivering a win for Illinois and our country with passage of the USMCA by the full House of Representatives this week.\nRep. LaHood's comments during the full Committee mark-up can be viewed here.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=403530", "Davis Announces $1.5M YouthBuild Grant to Housing Authority of Champaign County", "2019-12-16", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Rodney Davis", "D000619", "rodneydavis.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) today announced that the U.S. Department of Labor has awarded a $1,500,000 grant to the Housing Authority of Champaign County to establish a new YouthBuild program, in Champaign, Illinois.Details on YouthBuild YouthBuild is an education and training program with a strong pre-apprenticeship component that helps at-risk youth complete high school or state equivalency degree programs, earn industry-recognized credentials for in-demand occupations, and undergo training to build housing for low-income or homeless individuals and families in their communities. \"YouthBuild currently has programs in Macon, Madison, and McLean counties in my district. It provides great opportunities for students through its unique curriculum and this grant will help bring those same opportunities to Champaign-area youth,\" said Davis. \"YouthBuild helps at-risk kids learn valuable construction, IT, or CNA skills they can use to find meaningful employment as well as get their G.E.D. It not only helps them in the classroom, but it also provides support services to make sure these kids have a smooth transition into future jobs. I am proud to support YouthBuild and I look forward to seeing these young people succeed in the workforce.\" The Housing Authority of Champaign County is excited about the opportunity to serve the youth in our community, said HACC CEO David A. Northern Sr. On September 18, 2018, HACC held a meeting with various community partners to discuss the common dream of developing a YouthBuild program in collaboration with the over $100 Million Dollars in development that HACC has undertaken. The current state of graduation rates, educational performance, and violent crimes among teenagers in our community positions the YouthBuild program to be a lifesaving opportunity for so many. It is our hope that this grant will provide youth with the opportunity to reclaim their education, gain skills they need for employment and become leaders in their communities. We would like to thank congressman Davis as well as the other partners who have contributed to making this dream a reality and allow us to #BuildABetterChampaignCounty. In 2019, Davis wrote a letter in support of U.S. Department of Labor YouthBuild Program funding for Fiscal Year 2020 to the House Committee on Appropriations. You can read the letter here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=403531", "Davis Announces Service Academy Nominees", "2019-12-16", "2019", "2019-12", "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.As a Member of Congress, I have the privilege of nominating these accomplished young men and women to our nation's 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. Academy Nominations Benjamin Baumgardner, Bloomington, attends Normal West High School and is the son of Robert and Angela Baumgardner. He was nominated to the Air Force, Naval and Military (Army West Point) academies. Jasmine Coe, Champaign, attends Centennial High School in Champaign and is the daughter of Mark Coe. She was nominated to the Naval and Military (Army West Point) academies. Michael Coles, Edwardsville, attends Edwardsville High School and is the son of David and Silvia Coles. He was nominated to the Military (Army West Point) academy. Andrew Ellison, Monticello, attends Monticello High School and is the son of Bradley and Angela Ellison. He was nominated to the Military (Army West Point) academy. Michael Graham, Bloomington, attends Normal Community High School and is the son of Kevin Graham and Nora Lembke. He was nominated to the Military (Army West Point) academy. Joshua Harris, Edwardsville, attends Edwardsville High School and is the son of Tony and Kelly Harris. He was nominated to the Naval academy. Caleb Harrold, Glen Carbon, attends Edwardsville High School and is the son of Frank Harrold and Laura Cayetano. He was nominated to the Air Force and Military (Army West Point) academies. Macy Hoppes, Collinsville, attends Father McGivney Catholic High School in Glen Carbon and is the daughter of Curt Hoppes and Lauren Weissert. She was nominated to the Air Force and Military (Army West Point) academies. Bryson Maedge, Edwardsville, attends Edwardsville High School and is the son of Kent and Stephanie Maedge. He was nominated to the Air Force academy. Jalen May, Collinsville, attends Collinsville High School and is the son of James and Nicole May. He was nominated to the Naval academy. Ronan Stork, Jerseyville, attends Marquette Catholic High School in Alton and is the son of Kevin and Michelle Stork. He was nominated to the Naval and Air Force academies. Members 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.). For more information or to obtain an application packet for next year's nominations, contact Congressman Davis' Normal office at (309) 252-8834 or visit his website.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kinzinger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402217", "Rep. Kinzinger Welcomes Harlem Middle School to D.C.", "2019-12-13", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Adam Kinzinger", "K000378", "kinzinger.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Adam Kinzinger (IL-16) recently welcomed the students of Harlem Middle School in Loves Park, IL to our nation's capital.\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Washington, DC  Congressman Adam Kinzinger (IL-16) recently welcomed the students of Harlem Middle School in Loves Park, IL to our nation's capital. Representing Illinois, Harlem Middle School was selected as one of 58 schools around the country to create a one-of-a-kind ornament for the 2019 National Christmas Tree. Through a partnership with the National Park Service, the U.S. Department of Education works with local education agencies to select schools to create these ornaments for the America Celebrates display in President's Park by the White House. \r\nAhead of the Capitol Christmas Tree Lighting on December 5th, 2019, Congressman Kinzinger met with the students of Harlem Middle School and their teacher, Ruth Meissen. Out on the steps of the U.S. Capitol, the students presented the Congressman with a special ornament and shared their excitement over being selected to represent their home state at the White House. A short video of their visit together can be found on the Congressman's Facebook page here.  \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n    \r\n        \r\n            \r\n        \r\n    \r\n\r\n\r\nFollowing the students visit to Washington, D.C. last week, Congressman Kinzinger released this statement:\r\nI'm incredibly proud of the students from Harlem Middle School for this honor, and impressed by their beautiful work on making this special ornament. They worked hard and it certainly shows. This ornament represents Illinois to the whole nation, and it's an exciting opportunity for our community to be selected. I want to thank the teaching staff at Harlem Middle School for organizing this trip and the students for their beautiful ornament, which is proudly displayed in my office for all to see.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lahood.house.gov/2019/12/lahood-bustos-durbin-and-duckworth-ask-air-force-consider-peoria-182nd", "LaHood, Bustos, Durbin, and Duckworth Ask Air Force to Consider Peoria 182nd Airlift Wing for New C-130Js", "2019-12-13", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Darin LaHood", "L000585", "lahood.house.gov", "lahood", "https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Representatives Darin LaHood (IL-18) and Cheri Bustos (IL-17) and Illinois Senators Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth sent a letter to the United States Air Force Secretary in support of the 182nd Airlift Wing at the Peoria International Airport in Peoria, Illinois for the current Air National Guard C-130J Recapitalization. Over the last two budget cycles, Congress has appropriated and authorized the creation of 16 new C-130Js.\n\n\u201cWe support our men and women serving at the 182nd and the Illinois National Guard and with a strong military presence in the state of Illinois, we believe the recapitalization of C-130J aircraft will further strengthen the value of the 182nd Airlift Wing to our national security and Illinois\u2019s long-lasting partnership with the United States Air Force,\u201d the members wrote.\n\nFull text is available here and below:\n\nDecember 12, 2019\n\nBarbara M. Barrett\n\nSecretary of the Air Force\n\nThe Pentagon\n\n1000 Defense Pentagon\n\nWashington, D.C. 20301\n\nDear Secretary Barrett,\n\nCongratulations on your confirmation as the 25th Secretary of the Air Force. We write in support of the 182nd Airlift Wing at the Peoria International Airport in Peoria, Illinois for the current Air National Guard C-130J Recapitalization. We urge you to give full and fair consideration to the 182nd Airlift Wing.\n\nWe are aware that the strategic basing process and criteria consideration are ongoing, and believe that the 182nd in Peoria is well qualified and a strong candidate base under the proposed enterprise as an existing Air National Guard C-130H tactical airlift unit without FTU or LC-130 special missions. The 182nd has a strong history of outstanding performance, including the highest C-130H mission capability rate in the Air National Guard for FY 2009-2017. Not only does the 182nd have outstanding airmen and full capacity to house the C-130J aircraft, the 182nd is also cost effective. The 182nd has flown the C-130H aircraft since 2005 and while deployed in 2017 as part of Operation Inherent Resolve in Iraq, the 182nd achieved the most fully mission capable C-130 hours since June 2013 and flew the most hours since October 2012 for the deployed location.\n\nAs Members of the Illinois Congressional Delegation, we support this recapitalization and the local Peoria community continues to maintain full support for the presence of the 182nd and its airlift mission. The 182nd is a competitive applicant, fulfilling mission, environmental, capacity and cost considerations.\n\nMission \u2013 The 182nd meets the distributed aircraft capability requirements of less than 300 nautical miles from ANG STS and greater than 300 nautical miles from an ANG C-130J airlift MOB. In addition, the 182nd meets the runway requirements with a runway of 10,104\u2019 feet of takeoff distance. In addition, the 182nd is in the 95th percentile for overall manning end strength of all proposed enterprise definition-eligible bases and has a strong retention rate.\n\nEnvironmental \u2013 The 182nd does not have any air quality issues and the General Wayne A. Downing International Airport does not have any encroachment issues.\n\nCapacity \u2013 The 182nd is home to a recent Squadron Operations Facility that is only five years old, has ramp parking for seven A/C, exceeding the six A/C criterion, strong Aircraft Maintenance Facilities that can house two C-130J aircraft, a Fuel Cell Hanger that can house one C-130J, as well as sufficient Back-shop functions and area. In addition, the 182nd maintains the Aerial Port Flights building with sufficient room as well as an LRS supply warehouse and an LRS POL.\n\nCost \u2013 During previous evaluations, the 182nd is assessed to be in a low Area Cost Factor with the 4th lowest BAH rate at $1191 and similar GS Locality rates.\n\nWe support our men and women serving at the 182nd and the Illinois National Guard and with a strong military presence in the state of Illinois, we believe the recapitalization of C-130J aircraft will further strengthen the value of the 182nd Airlift Wing to our national security and Illinois\u2019s long lasting partnership with the United States Air Force. We ask that within all relevant rules and regulations, you give full and fair consideration to the 182nd Air Lift Wing during the ongoing basing criteria decision for C-130J Recapitalization. If you have any questions, please contact our Washington, D.C. offices.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-27T23:45:33Z"], ["https://lahood.house.gov/2019/12/rep-lahood-applauds-phase-one-trade-deal-china", "Rep. LaHood Applauds Phase One Trade Deal with China", "2019-12-13", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Darin LaHood", "L000585", "lahood.house.gov", "lahood", "https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Darin LaHood (R-IL), a member of the Ways and Means Committee and Co-chair of the U.S.-China Working Group, today released the following statement after the United States and China announced phase one of a trade agreement:\n\n\u201cFor far too long, China has taken advantage of the United States on trade, and today\u2019s announcement takes a significant step forward to address critical issues while also providing needed relief for American agriculture. I applaud President Trump and Trade Ambassador Robert Lighthizer for their efforts to level the playing field on intellectual property, forced technology transfers, and bringing down barriers to entry.\n\n\u201cIllinois corn and soybean farmers have felt the impact of the ongoing trade dispute with China, and the tariff relief will provide much-needed help for agriculture and manufacturers, including Caterpillar, John Deere, and ADM. As the Administration continues negotiations with Beijing, I\u2019ll make certain Midwest agriculture and manufacturing have a seat at the table as a member of the House Ways and Means Committee.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-27T23:45:33Z"], ["https://lahood.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/lahood-bustos-durbin-and-duckworth-ask-air-force-consider-peoria-182nd", "LaHood, Bustos, Durbin, and Duckworth Ask Air Force to Consider Peoria 182nd Airlift Wing for New C-130Js", "2019-12-13", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Darin LaHood", "L000585", "lahood.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Representatives Darin LaHood (IL-18) and Cheri Bustos (IL-17) and Illinois Senators Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth sent a letter to the United States Air Force Secretary in support of the 182nd Airlift Wing at the Peoria International Airport in Peoria, Illinois for the current Air National Guard C-130J Recapitalization. Over the last two budget cycles, Congress has appropriated and authorized the creation of 16 new C-130Js.\nWe support our men and women serving at the 182nd and the Illinois National Guard and with a strong military presence in the state of Illinois, we believe the recapitalization of C-130J aircraft will further strengthen the value of the 182nd Airlift Wing to our national security and Illinois's long-lasting partnership with the United States Air Force, the members wrote.\nFull text is available here and below:\nDecember 12, 2019\nBarbara M. Barrett  \n\tSecretary of the Air Force  \n\tThe Pentagon  \n\t1000 Defense Pentagon  \n\tWashington, D.C. 20301\nDear Secretary Barrett,\nCongratulations on your confirmation as the 25th Secretary of the Air Force. We write in support of the 182nd Airlift Wing at the Peoria International Airport in Peoria, Illinois for the current Air National Guard C-130J Recapitalization. We urge you to give full and fair consideration to the 182nd Airlift Wing.\nWe are aware that the strategic basing process and criteria consideration are ongoing, and believe that the 182nd in Peoria is well qualified and a strong candidate base under the proposed enterprise as an existing Air National Guard C-130H tactical airlift unit without FTU or LC-130 special missions. The 182nd has a strong history of outstanding performance, including the highest C-130H mission capability rate in the Air National Guard for FY 2009-2017. Not only does the 182nd have outstanding airmen and full capacity to house the C-130J aircraft, the 182nd is also cost effective. The 182nd has flown the C-130H aircraft since 2005 and while deployed in 2017 as part of Operation Inherent Resolve in Iraq, the 182nd achieved the most fully mission capable C-130 hours since June 2013 and flew the most hours since October 2012 for the deployed location.\nAs Members of the Illinois Congressional Delegation, we support this recapitalization and the local Peoria community continues to maintain full support for the presence of the 182nd and its airlift mission. The 182nd is a competitive applicant, fulfilling mission, environmental, capacity and cost considerations.\n Mission  The 182nd meets the distributed aircraft capability requirements of less than 300 nautical miles from ANG STS and greater than 300 nautical miles from an ANG C-130J airlift MOB. In addition, the 182nd meets the runway requirements with a runway of 10,104' feet of takeoff distance. In addition, the 182nd is in the 95th percentile for overall manning end strength of all proposed enterprise definition-eligible bases and has a strong retention rate.\n\tEnvironmental  The 182nd does not have any air quality issues and the General Wayne A. Downing International Airport does not have any encroachment issues.\n\tCapacity  The 182nd is home to a recent Squadron Operations Facility that is only five years old, has ramp parking for seven A/C, exceeding the six A/C criterion, strong Aircraft Maintenance Facilities that can house two C-130J aircraft, a Fuel Cell Hanger that can house one C-130J, as well as sufficient Back-shop functions and area. In addition, the 182nd maintains the Aerial Port Flights building with sufficient room as well as an LRS supply warehouse and an LRS POL.\n\tCost  During previous evaluations, the 182nd is assessed to be in a low Area Cost Factor with the 4th lowest BAH rate at $1191 and similar GS Locality rates.\n We support our men and women serving at the 182nd and the Illinois National Guard and with a strong military presence in the state of Illinois, we believe the recapitalization of C-130J aircraft will further strengthen the value of the 182nd Airlift Wing to our national security and Illinois's long lasting partnership with the United States Air Force. We ask that within all relevant rules and regulations, you give full and fair consideration to the 182nd Air Lift Wing during the ongoing basing criteria decision for C-130J Recapitalization. If you have any questions, please contact our Washington, D.C. offices.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lahood.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-lahood-applauds-phase-one-trade-deal-china", "Rep. LaHood Applauds Phase One Trade Deal with China", "2019-12-13", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Darin LaHood", "L000585", "lahood.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Congressman Darin LaHood (R-IL), a member of the Ways and Means Committee and Co-chair of the U.S.-China Working Group, today released the following statement after the United States and China announced phase one of a trade agreement:\nFor far too long, China has taken advantage of the United States on trade, and today's announcement takes a significant step forward to address critical issues while also providing needed relief for American agriculture. I applaud President Trump and Trade Ambassador Robert Lighthizer for their efforts to level the playing field on intellectual property, forced technology transfers, and bringing down barriers to entry.\nIllinois corn and soybean farmers have felt the impact of the ongoing trade dispute with China, and the tariff relief will provide much-needed help for agriculture and manufacturers, including Caterpillar, John Deere, and ADM. As the Administration continues negotiations with Beijing, I'll make certain Midwest agriculture and manufacturing have a seat at the table as a member of the House Ways and Means Committee.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lahood.house.gov/2019/12/rep-lahood-opposes-hr-3-democrats-fewer-cures-act-supports-bipartisan", "Rep. LaHood Opposes HR 3\u2014Democrats\u2019 Fewer Cures Act, Supports Bipartisan Alternative", "2019-12-12", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Darin LaHood", "L000585", "lahood.house.gov", "lahood", "https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Darin LaHood (R-IL) today voted against, H.R. 3, the Fewer Cures and More Government Price Control Act. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that 38 cures will not come to market because of this legislation over the next two decades. Congressman LaHood is, instead, a cosponsor of the bipartisan alternative, H.R. 19 \u2013 The Lower Costs, More Cures Act.\n\nAs a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, Rep. LaHood spoke during floor debate in opposition of H.R. 3, highlighting his efforts to support Alzheimer\u2019s research during the previous Committee debate, the impact H.R. 3 will have on patients, and the need to pass H.R. 19, which provides a bipartisan solution to actually help lower prescription drug costs. You can view his remarks here.\n\n\u201cWe all recognize that the cost of prescription drugs is too high in this country, and there is strong bipartisan support to find a solution,\u201d said Rep. LaHood. \u201cPatients shouldn\u2019t have to choose between affordable medicines and life-saving cures. That\u2019s why it is so disappointing that Democrats are barreling ahead with legislation that allows the government to arbitrarily set rates, will result in fewer cures, and has no chance of becoming law. Instead, the House should support H.R. 19, which is a bipartisan solution that will lower the cost of medications without limiting new lifesaving cure. It is disappointing Speaker Pelosi won\u2019t allow this bipartisan effort to move forward, instead of forcing a partisan agenda on our constituents.\u201d\n\nH.R. 19\u2014The Lower Cost, More Cures Act\n\nCuts the cost of drug administration, including cancer treatment, for Medicare beneficiaries by as much as half.\n\nEncourages innovation of groundbreaking new cures, promotes more low-cost options for patients, and curbs how drug companies can game the system.\n\nProvides the first-ever out-of-pocket spending cap for seniors in the Medicare Part D program.\n\nCaps the cost of insulin for seniors in the Medicare Part D program.\n\nIncreases transparency and removes uncertainty at the pharmacy counter.\n\nIncludes over 40 policies that has bipartisan, bicameral support\n\nH.R. 3\u2014The Fewer Cures and More Government Price Control Act\n\nUndermines access to lifesaving medicines. Under Pelosi's partisan plan, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates 38 fewer cures would be developed over the next two decades. The Council of Economic Advisers (CEA) estimates it could be more than 100 fewer cures.\n\nUses the weight of the federal government to threaten manufacturers with a 95 percent tax on revenue if they don't comply with bureaucratic demands during price negotiation. That's not negotiation, that's coercion.\n\nJeopardizes months of bipartisan work to cap senior citizens' out-of-pocket costs for prescription drug spending by opting for a partisan plan to appease progressives.\n\nWill not be signed by President Trump.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-27T23:45:33Z"], ["https://lahood.house.gov/2019/12/rep-lahood-supports-national-defense-authorization-act", "Rep. LaHood Supports National Defense Authorization Act", "2019-12-12", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Darin LaHood", "L000585", "lahood.house.gov", "lahood", "https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Darin LaHood (R-IL) today voted in favor of the Conference Report for the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for 2020. The bill, which funds the Department of Defense, passed the House with a vote of 377-48.\n\n\u201cThe NDAA passed today will make America safer, give our men and women in uniform the resources they need and deserve, and send a clear message to our adversaries around the globe,\u201d said Rep. LaHood. \u201cWe face ever-evolving 21st-century threats, and this bill makes certain that our military personnel get the support they need. The decades of support for this annual bill show that we all have a mutual duty and desire to support our troops and their efforts to keep Americans safe at home and abroad. I will continue to work with my colleagues to ensure that both 182nd in Peoria and 183rd in Springfield receive the appropriate funding and that the United States continues to have the strongest military around the world.\u201d\n\nBackground\n\nThe Conference Report authorizes $738 billion in defense funding, and provides a 3.1% percent pay-raise for our troops, the largest increase in a decade.\n\nThe FY20 NDAA provides the resources to continue to rebuild readiness, advance modernization of the nuclear triad, develop emerging technologies, enhance missile defense, and confront our adversaries.\n\n$500 million for US-Israel missile defense cooperation, continues funding the European Defense Initiative, and authorizes $300m for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative.\n\nThe bill does not include any prohibitions on funding a border wall nor restrictions affecting the counterdrug programs that construct fences along the border to block drug smuggling corridors.\n\nThe bill provides up to 12 weeks of Paid Parental Leave for the Defense Department, Intelligence Community, and across the federal government.\n\nThe bill establishes the United States Space Force as the sixth branch of the military\n\nThe Space Force will be a streamlined, 21st century military service with minimal bureaucracy, and enhance security and stability in space.\n\nThe bill includes a three-year phased repeal of the Military Widow\u2019s Tax.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-27T23:45:33Z"], ["https://lahood.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-lahood-opposes-hr-3-democrats-fewer-cures-act-supports-bipartisan", "Rep. LaHood Opposes HR 3Democrats Fewer Cures Act, Supports Bipartisan Alternative", "2019-12-12", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Darin LaHood", "L000585", "lahood.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Congressman Darin LaHood (R-IL) today voted against, H.R. 3, the Fewer Cures and More Government Price Control Act. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that 38 cures will not come to market because of this legislation over the next two decades. Congressman LaHood is, instead, a cosponsor of the bipartisan alternative, H.R. 19  The Lower Costs, More Cures Act.\nAs a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, Rep. LaHood spoke during floor debate in opposition of H.R. 3, highlighting his efforts to support Alzheimer's research during the previous Committee debate, the impact H.R. 3 will have on patients, and the need to pass H.R. 19, which provides a bipartisan solution to actually help lower prescription drug costs. You can view his remarks here.\nWe all recognize that the cost of prescription drugs is too high in this country, and there is strong bipartisan support to find a solution, said Rep. LaHood. Patients shouldn't have to choose between affordable medicines and life-saving cures. That's why it is so disappointing that Democrats are barreling ahead with legislation that allows the government to arbitrarily set rates, will result in fewer cures, and has no chance of becoming law. Instead, the House should support H.R. 19, which is a bipartisan solution that will lower the cost of medications without limiting new lifesaving cure. It is disappointing Speaker Pelosi won't allow this bipartisan effort to move forward, instead of forcing a partisan agenda on our constituents.\nH.R. 19The Lower Cost, More Cures Act\n Cuts the cost of drug administration, including cancer treatment, for Medicare beneficiaries by as much as half.\n\tEncourages innovation of groundbreaking new cures, promotes more low-cost options for patients, and curbs how drug companies can game the system.\n\tProvides the first-ever out-of-pocket spending cap for seniors in the Medicare Part D program.\n\tCaps the cost of insulin for seniors in the Medicare Part D program.\n\tIncreases transparency and removes uncertainty at the pharmacy counter.\n\tIncludes over 40 policies that has bipartisan, bicameral support\n H.R. 3The Fewer Cures and More Government Price Control Act\n Undermines access to lifesaving medicines. Under Pelosi's partisan plan, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates 38 fewer cures would be developed over the next two decades. The Council of Economic Advisers (CEA) estimates it could be more than 100 fewer cures.\n\tUses the weight of the federal government to threaten manufacturers with a 95 percent tax on revenue if they don't comply with bureaucratic demands during price negotiation. That's not negotiation, that's coercion.\n\tJeopardizes months of bipartisan work to cap senior citizens' out-of-pocket costs for prescription drug spending by opting for a partisan plan to appease progressives.\n\tWill not be signed by President Trump.\n \n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lahood.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-lahood-supports-national-defense-authorization-act", "Rep. LaHood Supports National Defense Authorization Act", "2019-12-12", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Darin LaHood", "L000585", "lahood.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Congressman Darin LaHood (R-IL) today voted in favor of the Conference Report for the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for 2020. The bill, which funds the Department of Defense, passed the House with a vote of 377-48.\nThe NDAA passed today will make America safer, give our men and women in uniform the resources they need and deserve, and send a clear message to our adversaries around the globe, said Rep. LaHood. We face ever-evolving 21st-century threats, and this bill makes certain that our military personnel get the support they need. The decades of support for this annual bill show that we all have a mutual duty and desire to support our troops and their efforts to keep Americans safe at home and abroad. I will continue to work with my colleagues to ensure that both 182nd in Peoria and 183rd in Springfield receive the appropriate funding and that the United States continues to have the strongest military around the world.\nBackground\n The Conference Report authorizes $738 billion in defense funding, and provides a 3.1% percent pay-raise for our troops, the largest increase in a decade.\n\tThe FY20 NDAA provides the resources to continue to rebuild readiness, advance modernization of the nuclear triad, develop emerging technologies, enhance missile defense, and confront our adversaries.\n\t\t$500 million for US-Israel missile defense cooperation, continues funding the European Defense Initiative, and authorizes $300m for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative.\n\t\t\n\tThe bill does not include any prohibitions on funding a border wall nor restrictions affecting the counterdrug programs that construct fences along the border to block drug smuggling corridors.\n\tThe bill provides up to 12 weeks of Paid Parental Leave for the Defense Department, Intelligence Community, and across the federal government.\n\tThe bill establishes the United States Space Force as the sixth branch of the military\n\t\tThe Space Force will be a streamlined, 21st century military service with minimal bureaucracy, and enhance security and stability in space.\n\t\t\n\tThe bill includes a three-year phased repeal of the Military Widow's Tax.\n \n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=403525", "Davis to Vote No on Articles of Impeachment", "2019-12-12", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Rodney Davis", "D000619", "rodneydavis.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Davis to Vote No on Articles of Impeachment \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,\r\n        December 12, 2019\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) released this statement afterDemocrats file two articles of impeachment. The House Committee on Judiciary will vote this morning and the articles are expected to be considered by the full House next week. The Senate trial is expected begin in January.\"This is a sad day for the future of our country. House Democrats are moving forward with one of the fastest and only partisan impeachment in our nation's history. These articles not only say the President should be removed from office, but barred from running again - denying American voters the right to choose for themselves who should lead this country. I will not vote to remove a duly elected president of either party or bar them running without a legitimate independent investigation and proof of a crime, neither of which exist in this case. I will be voting no and hope we can finally get to work on bipartisan legislation to improve the lives of hardworking American citizens.\"\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://bost.house.gov/2019/12/bost-and-finkenauer-introduce-legislation-address-rural-teacher", "BOST AND FINKENAUER INTRODUCE LEGISLATION TO ADDRESS RURAL TEACHER SHORTAGES", "2019-12-11", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Mike Bost", "B001295", "bost.house.gov", "bost", "https://bost.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Reps. Mike Bost (R-IL) and Abby Finkenauer (D-IA) today introduced bipartisan legislation to combat inadequate funding and teacher shortages in rural schools. The Rural Education Investment Act requires the Secretary of Education to determine the percentage of K-12 students living in rural areas and ensures it is equal to the percentage of Teacher Quality Partnership (TQP) grant dollars going to schools in rural areas. The TQP Grant Program allows teachers to be placed in a full-time classroom clinical practice while completing Master\u2019s-level coursework.\n\n\u201cAll students deserve access to a quality education, regardless of where they live,\u201d said Congressman Bost. \u201cA major part of that comes by educating and training highly qualified teachers. While Southern Illinois is blessed with many amazing educational professionals, rural communities face unique challenges in recruiting and retaining qualified teachers. I\u2019m proud to lead this bipartisan effort to ensure that rural areas receive assistance and resources necessary to grow the next generation of America\u2019s leaders.\u201d\n\n\u201cAll Iowa students deserve access to a high-quality education wherever their home may be,\u201d Congresswoman Finkenauer said, \u201cFrom Grinnell, to Northwood, to Waukon, the Rural Education Investment Act will help ensure Iowa schools have a pipeline of great teachers. After attacks on our public school teachers in the Iowa state legislature, we must do everything we can in Congress to recruit and retain teachers in our state. I am proud to join Congressman Bost in pushing for this bipartisan bill to become law. We must continue to look at finding solutions to build up and support our teachers and our kids.\u201d\n\n\u201cThrough establishing model residency programs, the Teacher Quality Partnership (TQP) program is essential in preparing educators of the 21st century,\u201d said Marc Egan, Director of Government Relations, National Education Association. \u201cNEA is proud to support the Rural Education Investment Act to ensure rural communities benefit from TQP and receive a pool of talented, licensed, and effective educators, just as their suburban and urban counterparts.\u201d\n\nThe Rural Education Investment Act is supported by the National Education Association, the School Superintendents Association, the National Rural Education Association, the National Rural Education Advocacy Coalition, the Association of Illinois Rural and Small Schools, and the Iowa State Education Association.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-27T23:45:33Z"], ["https://bost.house.gov/2019/12/bost-votes-strengthen-military-1", "BOST VOTES TO STRENGTHEN MILITARY", "2019-12-11", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Mike Bost", "B001295", "bost.house.gov", "bost", "https://bost.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Rep. Mike Bost (IL-12) today joined a bipartisan majority of House members in passing the Fiscal Year 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) Conference Report. The legislation, which sets military policy priorities and determines what types of equipment and weaponry can be purchased, is expected to be passed by the Senate shortly and sent to the President\u2019s desk for his signature.\n\n\u201cOur government\u2019s first obligation is protecting the safety and security of the American people,\u201d said Bost. \u201cI\u2019m pleased to see that this compromise includes investments to modernize our military as well as provisions to give service members a pay raise and repeal the Widow\u2019s tax, which will be welcome news to members of our military, like those stationed at Scott Air Force Base, and their families.\u201d\n\nKey provisions of NDAA:\n\nGives troops a 3.1% pay raise \u2013 the largest increase in a decade\n\nRepeals the Widow\u2019s tax\n\nInvests in operations and maintenance accounts, modernization, and military construction to improve readiness\n\nEstablishes the United States Space Force\n\nModernizes our military to deter Russia and China\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-27T23:45:33Z"], ["https://bost.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/bost-and-finkenauer-introduce-legislation-address-rural-teacher", "BOST AND FINKENAUER INTRODUCE LEGISLATION TO ADDRESS RURAL TEACHER SHORTAGES", "2019-12-11", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Mike Bost", "B001295", "bost.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Reps. Mike Bost (R-IL) and Abby Finkenauer (D-IA) today introduced bipartisan legislation to combat inadequate funding and teacher shortages in rural schools. The Rural Education Investment Act requires the Secretary of Education to determine the percentage of K-12 students living in rural areas and ensures it is equal to the percentage of Teacher Quality Partnership (TQP) grant dollars going to schools in rural areas. The TQP Grant Program allows teachers to be placed in a full-time classroom clinical practice while completing Master's-level coursework.\nAll students deserve access to a quality education, regardless of where they live, said Congressman Bost. A major part of that comes by educating and training highly qualified teachers. While Southern Illinois is blessed with many amazing educational professionals, rural communities face unique challenges in recruiting and retaining qualified teachers. I'm proud to lead this bipartisan effort to ensure that rural areas receive assistance and resources necessary to grow the next generation of America's leaders.\nAll Iowa students deserve access to a high-quality education wherever their home may be, Congresswoman Finkenauer said, From Grinnell, to Northwood, to Waukon, the Rural Education Investment Act will help ensure Iowa schools have a pipeline of great teachers. After attacks on our public school teachers in the Iowa state legislature, we must do everything we can in Congress to recruit and retain teachers in our state. I am proud to join Congressman Bost in pushing for this bipartisan bill to become law. We must continue to look at finding solutions to build up and support our teachers and our kids.\nThrough establishing model residency programs, the Teacher Quality Partnership (TQP) program is essential in preparing educators of the 21st century, said Marc Egan, Director of Government Relations, National Education Association. NEA is proud to support the Rural Education Investment Act to ensure rural communities benefit from TQP and receive a pool of talented, licensed, and effective educators, just as their suburban and urban counterparts. \nThe Rural Education Investment Act is supported by the National Education Association, the School Superintendents Association, the National Rural Education Association, the National Rural Education Advocacy Coalition, the Association of Illinois Rural and Small Schools, and the Iowa State Education Association.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://bost.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/bost-votes-strengthen-military-1", "BOST VOTES TO STRENGTHEN MILITARY", "2019-12-11", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Mike Bost", "B001295", "bost.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Rep. Mike Bost (IL-12) today joined a bipartisan majority of House members in passing the Fiscal Year 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) Conference Report. The legislation, which sets military policy priorities and determines what types of equipment and weaponry can be purchased, is expected to be passed by the Senate shortly and sent to the President's desk for his signature.\nOur government's first obligation is protecting the safety and security of the American people, said Bost. I'm pleased to see that this compromise includes investments to modernize our military as well as provisions to give service members a pay raise and repeal the Widow's tax, which will be welcome news to members of our military, like those stationed at Scott Air Force Base, and their families.\nKey provisions of NDAA:\n \nGives troops a 3.1% pay raise  the largest increase in a decade\n\tRepeals the Widow's tax\n\tInvests in operations and maintenance accounts, modernization, and military construction to improve readiness\n\tEstablishes the United States Space Force\n\tModernizes our military to deter Russia and China\n \n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kinzinger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402210", "Kinzinger Secures Major Provisions in Final Defense Bill", "2019-12-11", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Adam Kinzinger", "K000378", "kinzinger.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Adam Kinzinger (IL-16) voted in favor of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which sets the annual budget for the Department of Defense. \r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      WASHINGTON, DC  Today, Congressman Adam Kinzinger (IL-16) voted in favor of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which sets the annual budget for the Department of Defense. The final package that overwhelming passed the House included several Kinzinger-led initiatives. Following the vote, Congressman Kinzinger released this statement:\r\nEvery year, we come together and vote on this critical budget legislation to fund the various departments and agencies who work tirelessly to keep our country safe, which most notably includes our Armed Forces. I cannot stress enough how important this authorization is and how proud I have been to see it pass each year with such strong bipartisan support. While we have plenty to disagree on in this institution, the funding of our national security is not one we should fail to complete. \r\nThis institution was founded on differing views and was designed to be a place of compromise, where we work across the aisle and across the chambers to get things done for the American people we serve. That is what we should be doing, and so today I'm immensely proud to see the FY 2020 NDAA pass the House with strong bipartisan support. \r\nI was pleased to see several of my initiatives secured in this bill, like Title LXXV and Section 5725, which include my bill, the Protecting Europe's Energy Security Act, and a provision to prevent foreign governments from tracking U.S. officials on GPS and intercepting communications. I was also proud to see Title XXIV, the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act,' which imposes sanctions on anyone assisting the Syrian government. This is a big step towards holding the barbaric Assad regime and his backers accountable for their countless war crimes. Under this title of the NDAA, my efforts to extend the Afghan Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) Program were included under Section 1219 and will allocate 4,000 additional visas for our allies who served alongside us, sacrificing for our safety. \r\nThis final package also includes several wins on securing special aircrafts in our fleet, providing our troops with a 3.1% pay-raise, establishing a Space Force as the sixth branch of the military, and allocates an additional $5.3 billion in emergency funding for military installations damaged by natural disasters. Another big win in the FY 2020 NDAA is the provision for 12 weeks of Paid Parental Leave for the Department of Defense, Intelligence Community, and the full federal government. I'm grateful to see such common-sense and long-overdue measures included in the FY 2020 NDAA and applaud my colleagues who joined me in securing its passage. \r\nThe full text of the FY 2020 NDAA package, as approved by the House and sent over to the Senate, can be found here.\r\nRELATED: \r\nThe Washington Post  The United States is about to sanction Assad, Russia and Iran for Syrian war crimes\r\nThe Ripon Advance  Kinzinger's bill would penalize pipeline-laying vessels working with Russia\r\nOP-ED: Air Force Times  Air Guard's RC-26 decision undermines Trump's border security priorities\r\nKinzinger Welcomes NASA Admin. Bridenstine to Rockford Aerospace Symposium", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lahood.house.gov/2019/12/lahood-and-delbene-s-bill-empower-small-business-receives-industry", "LaHood and DelBene\u2019s Bill to Empower Small Business Receives Strong Industry Support?", "2019-12-11", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Darin LaHood", "L000585", "lahood.house.gov", "lahood", "https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Darin LaHood (R-IL) and Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (D-WA) are pleased to announce overwhelming industry support for their bipartisan legislation \u2013 the Small Business Tax Fairness and Compliance Simplification Act (H.R. 1349).\n\nIn a letter over, 3,300 salon owners and beauty professionals from across the United States expressed their support for H.R. 1349, which would reduce compliance burdens for tens of thousands of small businesses in the beauty industry.\n\nThis bicameral, bipartisan bill would extend the tax code\u2019s Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) tax tip credit \u2014 which is currently available only to the foodservice industry \u2014 to the tens of thousands of employer-based beauty service establishments where tipping is also customary. The FICA tax tip credit is part of an integrated compliance system that has been effective in ensuring the accurate reporting of tip income and reducing the tax gap. The credit acts as a reimbursement for the costs employers incur in accounting for tip income. By reducing the tax burdens for tipped employees as well as improving reporting of tip income, H.R. 1349 would provide equitable treatment to the beauty industry allowing them to support their employees and grow their businesses.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m proud that our bipartisan, bicameral legislation has such strong support from the beauty and hair care industry, including right here in the 18th District,\u201d said LaHood. \u201cIn an industry where most businesses are owned and operated by women and minorities, our bill will level the playing field and provide direct relief to millions of beauty care professionals who rely on tips. Our bill is commonsense, and I\u2019ll continue to work to see it signed into law.\u201d\n\n\u201cI am honored to have the support of beauty industry professionals for this commonsense, bipartisan solution to individuals in the hair care and beauty industry. Employees and employers in this industry \u2013 who are disproportionately women and minorities \u2013 rely on tips to support themselves and their families,\u201d said DelBene. \u201cThis legislation would ensure that they receive equitable treatment under the tax code and a fairer, simpler approach to tax administration.\u201d\n\n\u201cIn 2018, Five Senses Spa, Salon & Barbershop guests showed their appreciation to our service providers with gratuities totaling more than $170,000. Extending the FICA Tip Tax credit will allow me to expand benefits for my staff, offset rising medical costs, and bolster my business operation. This bill will level the playing for myself and thousands of other business owners around the country,\u201d said Paola Hinton, Owner of Five Senses Spa, Salon & Barbershop in Peoria, Illinois.\n\nThe bill text can be found HERE. DelBene and LaHood first introduced this legislation during the 115th Congress. It was reintroduced in February 2019.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-27T23:45:33Z"], ["https://lahood.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/lahood-and-delbene-s-bill-empower-small-business-receives-industry", "LaHood and DelBenes Bill to Empower Small Business Receives Strong Industry Support", "2019-12-11", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Darin LaHood", "L000585", "lahood.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Congressman Darin LaHood (R-IL) and Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (D-WA) are pleased to announce overwhelming industry support for their bipartisan legislation  theSmall Business Tax Fairness and Compliance Simplification Act(H.R. 1349).\nIn aletter over, 3,300 salon owners and beauty professionals from across the United States expressed their support forH.R. 1349, which would reduce compliance burdens for tens of thousands of small businesses in the beauty industry.\nThis bicameral, bipartisan bill would extend the tax code's Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) tax tip credit  which is currently available only to the foodservice industry  to the tens of thousands of employer-based beauty service establishments where tipping is also customary. The FICA tax tip credit is part of an integrated compliance system that has been effective in ensuring the accurate reporting of tip income and reducing the tax gap. The credit acts as a reimbursement for the costs employers incur in accounting for tip income. By reducing the tax burdens for tipped employees as well as improving reporting of tip income, H.R. 1349 would provide equitable treatment to the beauty industry allowing them to support their employees and grow their businesses.\nI'm proud that our bipartisan, bicameral legislation has such strong support from the beauty and hair care industry, including right here in the 18th District, said LaHood. In an industry where most businesses are owned and operated by women and minorities, our bill will level the playing field and provide direct relief to millions of beauty care professionals who rely on tips. Our bill is commonsense, and I'll continue to work to see it signed into law.\nI am honored to have the support of beauty industry professionals for this commonsense, bipartisan solution to individuals in the hair care and beauty industry. Employees and employers in this industry  who are disproportionately women and minorities  rely on tips to support themselves and their families,said DelBene.This legislation would ensure that they receive equitable treatment under the tax code and a fairer, simpler approach to tax administration.\nIn 2018, Five Senses Spa, Salon & Barbershop guests showed their appreciation to our service providers with gratuities totaling more than $170,000. Extending the FICA Tip Tax credit will allow me toexpand benefits for my staff, offset rising medical costs, and bolster my business operation. This bill will level the playing for myself and thousands of other business owners around the country, said Paola Hinton, Owner of Five Senses Spa, Salon & Barbershop in Peoria, Illinois.\nThe bill text can be foundHERE.DelBene and LaHoodfirstintroduced this legislationduring the 115thCongress. It was reintroduced in February 2019.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=403526", "CBO Finds H.R. 3 Will Lead to Fewer New Prescription Drugs", "2019-12-11", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Rodney Davis", "D000619", "rodneydavis.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) released this statement after the Congressional Budget Office's report found that H.R. 3, the Democrat's prescription drug bill, will result in fewer new drug products being developed and coming to the market. Instead, Davis is backing a bipartisan alternative, H.R. 19, the Lower Costs, More Cures Act, which bundles a range of measures already advanced by House committees or were included in a drug pricing bill (S. 2543) passed by the Senate Finance Committee 19-9. The Congressional Budget Office found that the Democrats' bill will lead to fewer drugs moving to the market and as the husband of a cancer survivor, I am extremely concerned about this, said Davis. Americans shouldn't have to give up access to new treatments as they do in Canada and the United Kingdom. We should be able to lower costs without limiting new cures. The bill I'm backing lowers costs without sacrificing new drug treatments. The language in this bill was negotiated between Republicans and Democrats and could become law if Speaker Pelosi would put it on the floor. Unfortunately, H.R. 3 was negotiated between only Democrats and has moved so far left that it has no chance of becoming law. H.R 3 Concerns - CBOestimatesnearly 40 fewer new drugs in the next two decades, but notes that these estimates are uncertain. The White House Council of Economic Advisorsestimatethese numberstobe closer to 100 fewer drugs within the next decade. - H.R. 3's government price-setting is a move toward socializing our health care system, which has proven to limit access to treatments. From 2011 to 2018, U.S. patients had access to 100% of all new global medicines compared to the United Kingdom, which only had access to 64% of all drugs, and Canada, which only had access to 52%. - H.R. 3 was negotiated with only Democrats to move further and further left: FromPolitico, House Democratic leadership on Tuesday clinched a deal to win progressive leaders' support for a sweeping drug pricing bill that could clear its path for passage in the full House on Thursday. What H.R. 19 Does - Encourages innovation of groundbreaking new cures, promotes more low-cost options for patients, and curbs how drug companies can game the system by including the CREATES Act and other bipartisan billsto prevent anti-competitive conduct that blocks lower-cost generic drugs from entering the market. - Provides first-ever out-of-pocket cap for seniors in the Medicare Part D program at $3,100 and allows seniors to spread the cost over the course of the year if they are hit with a major bill at the beginning of the year. - Caps the cost of insulin for seniors in the Medicare Part D program. - Increases transparency, including reporting on excessive price hikes,and removes uncertainty at the pharmacy counter by creating a Medicare online tool to allow beneficiaries to compare costs. - Cuts the cost of drug administration, including cancer treatment, for Medicare beneficiaries by as much as half with bills like the Colorectal Cancer Screening Act, which waives the copay for screenings for Medicare patients. - Stops subsidizing other developed countries' health care through stronger trade agreements by creating a chief pharmaceutical officer at the Office of United State Trade Representative (USTR). Click hereto learn more about H.R. 19.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://bost.house.gov/2019/12/bost-statement-pelosi-s-articles-impeachment", "BOST STATEMENT ON PELOSI\u2019S ARTICLES OF IMPEACHMENT", "2019-12-10", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Mike Bost", "B001295", "bost.house.gov", "bost", "https://bost.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Rep. Mike Bost (IL-12) released the following statement after Speaker Nancy Pelosi and House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerry Nadler announced Articles of Impeachment against President Donald Trump:\n\n\u201cFor the past three years, Speaker Pelosi and the Washington Democrats have done everything they could to undo the results of the 2016 election. After endless investigations and partisan inquiries yielded scant evidence, they chose to move forward anyway. They are motivated by politics, not principles; and I will oppose these articles of impeachment.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-27T23:45:33Z"], ["https://bost.house.gov/2019/12/bost-statement-usmca-trade-agreement-0", "BOST STATEMENT ON USMCA TRADE AGREEMENT", "2019-12-10", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Mike Bost", "B001295", "bost.house.gov", "bost", "https://bost.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Rep. Mike Bost (IL-12) today released the following statement following the Trump administration and Speaker Pelosi\u2019s announced compromise on the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA):\n\n\u201cThis bipartisan compromise on USMCA is huge news for the 70,000 Illinoisans whose jobs depend on fair and open trade with Canada and Mexico. I\u2019m equally as excited to have this agreement as I am baffled that it took so long to happen. For over a year, my Republican colleagues and I have been urging Speaker Pelosi to bring the USMCA up for a vote on the House floor because we understood how important it was for jobs and economic growth. I am pleased that America\u2019s farmers, manufacturers and working families will now have the certainty they have long deserved.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-27T23:45:33Z"], ["https://bost.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/bost-statement-pelosi-s-articles-impeachment", "BOST STATEMENT ON PELOSIS ARTICLES OF IMPEACHMENT", "2019-12-10", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Mike Bost", "B001295", "bost.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Rep. Mike Bost (IL-12) released the following statement after Speaker Nancy Pelosi and House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerry Nadler announced Articles of Impeachment against President Donald Trump:  \n\t\nFor the past three years, Speaker Pelosi and the Washington Democrats have done everything they could to undo the results of the 2016 election. After endless investigations and partisan inquiries yielded scant evidence, they chose to move forward anyway.They are motivated by politics, not principles; and I will oppose these articles of impeachment.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://bost.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/bost-statement-usmca-trade-agreement-0", "BOST STATEMENT ON USMCA TRADE AGREEMENT", "2019-12-10", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Mike Bost", "B001295", "bost.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Rep. Mike Bost (IL-12) today released the following statement following the Trump administration and Speaker Pelosi's announced compromise on the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA):\nThis bipartisan compromise on USMCA is huge news for the 70,000 Illinoisans whose jobs depend on fair and open trade with Canada and Mexico. I'm equally as excited to have this agreement as I am baffled that it took so long to happen. For over a year, my Republican colleagues and I have been urging Speaker Pelosi to bring the USMCA up for a vote on the House floor because we understood how important it was for jobs and economic growth.I am pleased that America's farmers, manufacturers and working families will now have the certainty they have long deserved.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kinzinger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402207", "Kinzinger Continues to Fight for Fair Drug Pricing", "2019-12-10", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Adam Kinzinger", "K000378", "kinzinger.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Kinzinger continues to fight for more affordable medications for his constituents here in Congress.\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Washington, DC  Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) continues to fight for more affordable medications for constituents by pushing legislation that increases access to generic options, reversing unreasonable policies preventing patients from saving money at the pharmacy, and closing loopholes that increased rebates for pharmaceutical companies at the expense of the American taxpayers. \r\nAt the end of last year, Congressman Kinzinger was proud to support legislation that banned the use of gag order clauses, which prohibited pharmacists from telling patients when it would save them money to pay with cash instead of paying the required co-pay through their insurance policy. This ban immediately went into effect for private insurance plans after it was signed into law, and it will go into effect for Medicare beneficiaries on January 1, 2020. \r\nIn June, Congressman Kinzinger co-authored bipartisan legislation that quickly passed the House with overwhelming support and was signed into law by September 27, 2019. The Fair and Accurate Medicaid Pricing Act (H.R. 3276) closed a loophole that allowed pharmaceutical companies to charge higher prices for medications and send the bill to the taxpayers. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates legislation-turned-law will save taxpayers $600 million per year.\r\nAs a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, Congressman Kinzinger continues to fight for increased access to generic medications, which account for 90% of the prescriptions filled in the United States and have an average copay of less than $10. Because improved access to these generic versions of prescription medication mean lower drug costs for his constituents, Congressman Kinzinger actively supports legislative measures that spur competition and break down barriers for developers looking to enter the market. He's also a strong supporter of greater funding for medical research and creating new methods and innovations in our healthcare system, especially for our veterans, patients with rare diseases, and those in rural areas. \r\nFor more on these legislative items that Congressman Kinzinger supports, please see the related items below and learn more by visiting his website here: www.kinzinger.house.gov. \r\nRELATED: \r\nKinzinger Leads Bipartisan Effort on Fair Drug Pricing\r\n\r\nHouse Passes Kinzinger, Kennedy Bill on Fair Drug Pricing \r\n\r\nKinzinger, Durbin Send Letter to HHS to Save Rural Hospitals\r\n\r\nCongressmen Kinzinger & Pascrell Introduce Huntington's Disease Parity Act'", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kinzinger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402208", "Reps. Kinzinger, Heck Secure Critical Legislative Measure to Combat Russian Aggression in 2020 Defense Bill", "2019-12-10", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Adam Kinzinger", "K000378", "kinzinger.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC  Today, Congressmen Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) and Denny Heck (D-WA) applauded the agreement reached by the House and Senate on the FY 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which includes legislation that imposes sanctions to counter Russian efforts to construct and/or complete the Nord Stream 2 pipeline. This critical legislative measure was authored and introduced by Rep. Kinzinger and co-sponsored by Reps. Heck and Greg Pence (R-IN). \r\nOn the inclusion of their energy security legislation in the final NDAA package, Congressmen Kinzinger and Heck released these statements:\r\nWith a crumbling economy and a failing governance, Russia has long tried to use energy dependence as a means to intimidate and coerce our European allies. The continuation of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline project poses heavy security risks for millions of Europeans, and the world, and it needs to be stopped, said Congressman Kinzinger. I'm proud to see my bill H.R. 3206, which imposes specific sanctions to stop construction and completion of the pipeline, be included in the 2020 NDAA text, showing Congress's support for our allies and our own national security against Russia's power grabs. \r\nOver the past few months, Congress and the American people have become acutely aware of the challenges that Ukraine faces as it continues its struggle to cast off the yoke of Russian oppression, said Congressman Heck. The Nord Stream 2 pipeline threatens Ukraine's very survival as a countryand the project is nearly complete. I am pleased that Congress has decided to intervene to stop the construction of this pipeline and frustrate Putin's plans for regional domination.\r\nThe Protecting Europe's Energy Security Act (H.R. 3206) was introduced in June 2019 and the text can be found here. On the Senate side, a companion bill was introduced by Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Senators John Barrasso (R-WY), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), and Tom Cotton (R-AR), which can be found here. \r\nA vocal critic of Russia's malign activity in using energy as a weapon, Congressman Kinzinger is committed to advancing America's energy production and ensuring our allies around the world are protected from the aggressive, coercive Putin regime. \r\nAs such, in March 2019, Congressman Kinzinger introduced H.R. 1616, the European Energy Security and Diversification Act of 2019, to incentivize European nations to develop their own domestic energy sources and minimize the role Putin plays in the region. In line with that legislation, Congressman Kinzinger joined Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D-OH) last month in introducing a bipartisan resolution in support of the Three Seas Initiative (3SI) to increase connectivity between the partnership of these 12 Central and Eastern European nations while also reducing their reliance on Russia for their own energy needs. \r\nNOTE: The Protecting Europe's Energy Security Act is included as Title LXXV of the FY 2020 NDAA and is expected to pass Congress, and be signed into law before the end of the year.\r\n  \r\n\r\nRELATED ITEMS: \r\nThe Ripon Advance  Kinzinger's bill would penalize pipeline-laying vessels working with Russia\r\nHerald-News  Kinzinger bill aims to increase global energy security\r\nNatural Gas World  U.S. Lawmakers Introduce Bipartisan Resolution to Support Eastern Europe Energy Independence", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kinzinger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402209", "Rep. Kinzinger on the Articles of Impeachment", "2019-12-10", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Adam Kinzinger", "K000378", "kinzinger.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC  Congressman Adam Kinzinger (IL-16) released the following statement after reviewing the articles of impeachment against President Trump filed by House Democrats this week:\r\nSince President Trump was elected, the Democrats have wanted to overturn the election. The articles of impeachment drafted today are the culmination of that anti-Trump fever, leaving us even more divided than before.There will be another Presidential election in 11 months and the voters will have the final say, as was designed by our Founders.\r\nRight now, we need to get back to work for the American people. We need to find solutions to lower drug prices, maintain the incredible job growth and wage increases from this booming economy, and better protect our borders and overall national security.The continued drumbeat towards impeachment has delayed and prevented this work from occurring, and that is a disservice to the hardworking people we serve.\r\nI hope the New Year brings new attitudes to find common ground for the good of the American people, and I urge my Democratic colleagues to come back to the People's House in January ready to legislate.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lahood.house.gov/2019/12/rep-lahood-statement-articles-impeachment", "Rep. LaHood Statement on Articles of Impeachment", "2019-12-10", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Darin LaHood", "L000585", "lahood.house.gov", "lahood", "https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Darin LaHood (R-IL) today released the following statement after House Democrats formally introduced articles of impeachment.\n\n\u201cSince the beginning of President Trump\u2019s term, Democrats have fixated on undoing the results of the 2016 elections, and it is disappointing, but not surprising, that Speaker Pelosi and House Democrats are barreling ahead with their impeachment obsession. We are ten months away from early voting in Illinois, yet Democrats would rather attempt to overturn the results of the 2016 election than let the people decide in November. Impeachment is the nullification of an election. As a former federal prosecutor, I have seen nothing in the facts or evidence presented so far that supports the high-standard predicate for impeachment.\n\n\u201cThe American people didn\u2019t send us to Washington to overturn the results of the 2016 election. Instead of working to tear down President Trump, Democrats should work with Republicans to solve problems for everyday Americans.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-27T23:45:33Z"], ["https://lahood.house.gov/2019/12/rep-lahood-statement-usmca-agreement", "Rep. LaHood Statement on USMCA Agreement", "2019-12-10", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Darin LaHood", "L000585", "lahood.house.gov", "lahood", "https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Darin LaHood (R-IL) released the following statement after the White House and Speaker Pelosi announced an agreement on the United States Mexico Canada Trade Agreement (USMCA).\n\n\u201cThe announced agreement on USMCA is great news for Illinois farmers, manufacturers, and small businesses. Over forty percent of products we grow and produce in Illinois go to Mexico or Canada, and this 21st-century trade agreement will maintain and strengthen the open market, free flow of goods that is so vital for our agriculture community in the Midwest. I applaud President Donald Trump and Ambassador Robert Lighthizer for negotiating a strong agreement, and after months of delay, I am pleased that Speaker Pelosi has finally agreed to bring USMCA forward for a vote. I am hopeful that we can vote on USMCA before the Christmas break and deliver a much-needed win for Illinois and our country.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-27T23:45:33Z"], ["https://lahood.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-lahood-statement-articles-impeachment", "Rep. LaHood Statement on Articles of Impeachment", "2019-12-10", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Darin LaHood", "L000585", "lahood.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Congressman Darin LaHood (R-IL) today released the following statement after House Democrats formally introduced articles of impeachment.\nSince the beginning of President Trump's term, Democrats have fixated on undoing the results of the 2016 elections, and it is disappointing, but not surprising, that Speaker Pelosi and House Democrats are barreling ahead with their impeachment obsession. We are ten months away from early voting in Illinois, yet Democrats would rather attempt to overturn the results of the 2016 election than let the people decide in November. Impeachment is the nullification of an election. As a former federal prosecutor, I have seen nothing in the facts or evidence presented so far that supports the high-standard predicate for impeachment.\nThe American people didn't send us to Washington to overturn the results of the 2016 election. Instead of working to tear down President Trump, Democrats should work with Republicans to solve problems for everyday Americans.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lahood.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-lahood-statement-usmca-agreement", "Rep. LaHood Statement on USMCA Agreement", "2019-12-10", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Darin LaHood", "L000585", "lahood.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Congressman Darin LaHood (R-IL) released the following statement after the White House and Speaker Pelosi announced an agreement on the United States Mexico Canada Trade Agreement (USMCA).\nThe announced agreement on USMCA is great news for Illinois farmers, manufacturers, and small businesses. Over forty percent of products we grow and produce in Illinois go to Mexico or Canada, and this 21st-century trade agreement will maintain and strengthen the open market, free flow of goods that is so vital for our agriculture community in the Midwest. I applaud President Donald Trump and Ambassador Robert Lighthizer for negotiating a strong agreement, and after months of delay, I am pleased that Speaker Pelosi has finally agreed to bring USMCA forward for a vote. I am hopeful that we can vote on USMCA before the Christmas break and deliver a much-needed win for Illinois and our country.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=403523", "Davis Announces 2019 Congressional App Challenge Winners", "2019-12-10", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Rodney Davis", "D000619", "rodneydavis.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) today announced the winners for the 2019 Congressional App Challenge (CAC) in the 13th District of Illinois. Winners include students from Edwardsville High School, Taylorville High School, and Normal West High School. Innovation and technology drive the success of our nation,said Davis.This competition not only highlights how critical STEM education is to our economy but it also encourages more students to engage in these fields. Congratulations to Connor, Samuel and all of this year's winners for their impressive submissions. Judges for the CAC were three individuals from the National Center for Supercomputing Applications (NCSA) at the University of Illinois. Apps were scored on three criteria: concept of the app, design of the app, and demonstration of coding/programming skills. The CAC encourages high school students to learn how to code by creating their own applications. The 2018 competition had over 5,200 students participate with original apps submitted from 222 congressional districts across 48 states & territories. The first place winners get:  \r\n1. Winning app eligible to be featured in the Capitol Building  \r\n2. Winning app eligible to be put on House.gov (10 million visitors per year)  \r\n3. $250 in Amazon Web Services (AWS) Credits  \r\n4. Winners invited to #HouseOfCode DC Reception\r\n\r\nFirst Place\r\n\r\nApp Name: Quest for the Golden Head  \r\nStudents: Connor Sweet & Samuel Msengi  \r\nSchool: Edwardsville High School \r\nApp Summary: Quest for the Golden Head\", is a 2D platformer on the 3D game maker, Roblox. Inspired by Mario, this is a fun yet challenging game for all ages. Players are to maneuver through engaging obstacles to achieve the \"Golden Head\" at the end of the game. \r\nSecond Place\r\n\r\nApp Name: Quantum Number Configurer  \r\nStudent: Ben Thompson  \r\nSchool: Taylorville High School \r\nApp Summary: My Quantum Number Configurer app gives the quantum numbers for every element and gives the elements for which a set of quantum numbers are given for every element in the periodic table. My app also teaches the user about quantum numbers, the variables that represent them, and their uses, as well as how to find them. Finally, In the last screen, the app is not just simply set to variables to give the quantum numbers for each element. It is programmed to figure them out, depending on the coefficient, block, and number of electrons in the last electron in an electron configuration for a given element. While configuring the quantum numbers for the last part, the app will also tell the user what they are, in the console log, in case he/she is, and what he or she did wrong.\r\n\r\nThird Place\r\n\r\nApp Name: UFO Invasion  \r\nStudents: Trevin Vanhook, Evan Ericson, Asher Promenshenkel  \r\nSchool: Normal West High School \r\nApp Summary: The app is overall just a basic game that requires you to shoot a UFO that is shooting down at you from above, the goal of the game is to get the UFO's health down to 0 before it is able to take your own health down to 0, you can drag your character (it's a spaceship) by dragging your finger on it and cause it to fire at the UFO at the same time, while the UFO moves independently to shoot back at you.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=403515", "Davis Congratulates Rochester Rockets on Eighth State Championship", "2019-12-06", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Rodney Davis", "D000619", "rodneydavis.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Davis Congratulates Rochester Rockets on Eighth State Championship \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,\r\n        December 6, 2019\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 congratulated the Rochester Rockets on winning their eighth State Championship.\r\n\r\n  \r\nDavis' prepared remarks: I rise today to congratulate the Rochester Rocket football team on their 5A State Championship at Huskie Stadium in DeKalb last week.\r\nRochester played the Chicago St. Rita Mustangs for the title, winning it all with a score of 42-28. The Rockets came out strong with three touchdowns early, giving them a 21-0 lead at the end of the first quarter.\r\nWith four touchdown passes between quarterback Clay Bruno and receiver Hank Beatty, the Rockets proved that they meant business. The dynamic duo put on an offensive showcase, with Bruno completing 18 of his 25 passes for 313 yards and Beatty hauling in 12 catches for 212 yards. Rochester's offense was as dominant as ever, making it nearly impossible for St. Rita to create any sort of momentum.\r\nIn addition to a powerhouse offense, the Rockets' defensive line showed up to work. Senior Logan Peters had 11 tackles and sophomore Johnny Neal had seven. Neal, who was playing JV halfway through the season, got a 14-yard quarterback sack and a fumble recovery.\r\nThis is the Rockets' eighth state championship in ten years and first in Class 5A. They finished the season 13-1.\r\nCongratulations, Coach Leonard and the Rochester Rockets on an incredible ending to a great season.\r\n\r\n  \r\n\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=403516", "Davis Congratulates Central A&M High School Football Team", "2019-12-06", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Rodney Davis", "D000619", "rodneydavis.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) congratulates the Central A&M High Schoolfootball team on their IHSA Class 1A state runner-up title.\r\n\r\n    \r\n        \r\n            \r\n        \r\n    \r\n\r\n\r\nClick here or above image to watch videoDavis' written remarks:\r\nI rise today congratulate Coach Brent Weakly and the Central A&M High School football team on their IHSA Class 1A state runner-up title.\r\nLast week they played the Lena-Winslow Panthers, who won the championship game 58-20.\r\nThis year was the team's first year since 2001 that the Raiders have made an appearance at the IHSA State Championship and while they didn't bring home a win, they held their heads high following last Friday's game.\r\nA&M Quarterback Connor Heaton threw for 192 yards and two touchdowns. Connor, you've come a long way from your babysitting days in Taylorville.\r\nReceiver Jacob Paradee made 11 catches, a tie for most all-time in a Class 1A championship game. His 157 receiving yards broke a 1A record that was set back in 2006.\r\nAll said and done, A&M had its best season in eighteen years. Coach Weakly said of his team, Hats off to our kids, they kept competing [.] I'm really happy and proud of them.\"\r\nWe're proud of you too, Raiders. Congratulations on a great season.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=403517", "Davis and Brownley Introduce CONTRACT Act, Support Air Traffic Controllers", "2019-12-06", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Rodney Davis", "D000619", "rodneydavis.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Davis and Brownley Introduce CONTRACT Act, Support Air Traffic Controllers \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,\r\n        December 6, 2019\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      \r\n\r\n    \r\n        \r\n            \r\n            U.S. Reps. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) and Julia Brownley (D-Calif.) this week introduced the H.R. 5297, the Continuity for Operators with Necessary Training Required for ATC Contract Towers (CONTRACT) Act of 2019. The legislation would eliminate financial disincentives that make it hard for federal contract towers to recruit and hire trained, well-qualified, retired FAA controllers. H.R. 5297 would specifically help airports in rural areas, including Bloomington-Normal and Decatur.Many of our smaller airports across the country operate using contract towers, but current restrictions under the law are discouraging air traffic controllers from working in our rural areas, said Davis. This bill will help our contract towers recruit and retain controllers by allowing federal controllers to continue receiving their Social Security annuity payment while working at contract towers. Ensuring contract towers are properly staffed is critical to safety and the local economies these airports serve.Ventura County airports play a key role in our region's economy. Keeping all of our air traffic control towers open and fully staffed is critical for safety and helps our airports serve businesses and aviation enthusiasts in our region, said Brownley. This bill will ensure that FAA air traffic controllers, who choose to continue to work after the mandatory FAA retirement age of 56, can help us meet staffing needs at contract towers without losing their hard-earned retirement benefits. I want to thank Congressman Davis for co-authoring this important bill, and I look forward to working with our Senate colleagues, including Senators Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Patty Murray (D-Wash.), to move the bill through the legislative process.Local Support We commend Congressman Davis for introducing H.R. 5297. This common-sense legislation will make sure FAA air traffic controlcontract towers in Bloomington and Decatur continue to be properly staffed. Congressman Davis has been a long-time champion of thecontracttower program, which provides critical air traffic safety at over 200 airports across the country in a cost-effective manner for American taxpayers,\" said Carl Olson, Executive Director, Central Illinois Regional Airport and Tim Wright, Airport Director, Decatur Airport.\r\n            National SupportH.R. 5297 is supported by the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE), U.S. Contract Tower Association (USCTA), and the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA).More informationThere are currently 256 air traffic control facilities participating in the FAA's Federal Contract Tower Program. However, these towers often find it difficult to hire trained and well-qualified retired FAA controllers. FAA air traffic controllers are required by law to retire at 56 years of age, but under current law will lose a portion of their Social Security benefits if they continue to work. The CONTRACT Act will eliminate this penalty for those who choose to work as controllers at federal contract towers. These experienced FAA employees should have the opportunity to use their skills at a federal contract tower without facing a financial penalty. Congress has provided a similar exemption to retired federal controllers who become air traffic control instructors.\r\n            \r\n        \r\n    \r\n\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=403518", "Davis Remembers Devastating Taylorville Tornado One Year Later", "2019-12-06", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Rodney Davis", "D000619", "rodneydavis.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) remembers the EF-3 tornado that devastated many in his hometown of Taylorville one year ago on December 1, 2018.\r\nDavis' written remarks:\r\nIt's been one year since an EF-3 tornado ripped through my hometown of Taylorville, Illinois.\r\nMore than 700 structures were damaged and 33 were destroyed that night, but yet not a single life lost.\r\nI thank God for looking over Taylorville that night and I'm thankful for the critical decisions made by our former fire chief, Mike Crews, and our current Mayor Bruce Barry. Their actions likely saved countless lives.\r\nIt's a night I will never forget. Not only because of the destruction I saw that night, but because of the generosity we saw from so many outside our community.\r\nHundreds of volunteers came out to assist with cleanup and donations poured in from across the state and the nation to help those in need.\r\nI especially want to thank Ed Legg and those others that make up Missions for Taylorville for coordinating getting these donations out to those families in need.\r\nWe gathered this past weekend at the Taylorville VFW Post as a community to remember that night, thank the first responders and volunteers for their work, and also remind everybody that many families are still in need of help.\r\nOne year after this devasting tornado, I want to again thank all those who continue to help my hometown recover and pray for the families still in need. We are all Taylorville Strong.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kinzinger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402205", "Kinzinger Takes to Floor in Support of Anti-Robocall Bill", "2019-12-05", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Adam Kinzinger", "K000378", "kinzinger.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Adam Kinzinger (IL-16) spoke on the House Floor in support of S. 151, the Telephone Robocall Abuse Criminal Enforcement and Deterrence (TRACED) Act.\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Washington, DC  Yesterday, Congressman Adam Kinzinger (IL-16) spoke on the House Floor in support of S. 151, the Telephone Robocall Abuse Criminal Enforcement and Deterrence (TRACED) Act. As a co-sponsor of the House version (H.R. 3375) of this anti-robocall legislation, Congressman Kinzinger encouraged his colleagues to vote in support of the measure and stand together on an issue that nearly ALL Americans can agree onrobocalls are super annoying and neighbor spoofing' continues to create real issues for many. \r\nFollowing the Congressman's floor speech, S. 151 was brought before the House for a vote and passed with strong, bipartisan support, securing a 417-3 vote margin.  \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n    \r\n        \r\n            \r\n        \r\n    \r\n\r\n\r\nThe Congressman's floor speech can be found on his YouTube page, and his remarks as written can be found transcribed below: \r\nM_. Speaker, as a cosponsor of this anti-Robocall legislation, I rise today in strong support and encourage its swift passage. \r\nDuring this time of bitter partisanship, I'm glad to see there is still something that every member of Congressand indeed, every Americancan agree upon: Our disdain for robocalls. \r\nBy some estimates, nearly 48 BILLION robocalls were made in in the U.S. in 2018a 57 percent increase over 2017. Even with new countermeasures offered by the private sector, we are on track to meet or surpass those figures again this year. \r\nWhile ALL robocalls are annoying, one of the most troubling trends over the past couple of years is known as neighbor spoofing,we've all seen these calls from numbers beginning with our own area codes. And while some of these spoofed numbers are fakes, many actually belong to ordinary Americans, resulting in even more problems. \r\nThis anti-Robocall bill provides the FCC new authorities to impose substantial fines on violatorsup to $20,000 per violation, and possibly higher in some cases. It requires phone companies to verify callers and help block robocalls, all at no extra charge to consumers. \r\nM_. Speaker, make no mistake, this legislation is a big step forward. But given the rapidly changing technology, combined with the fact that many of these calls come from overseas, we can't let up.More will need to be done. \r\nThankfully, this bill requires a number of reports to Congress over the coming months that will allow us to crack down on these perpetrators even harder, regardless of their location. \r\nI'm proud of the bipartisan, bicameral work that we've accomplished on this legislation, and I urge my colleagues to support this bill. And with that, M_. Speaker, I yield back. \r\nThe House version of the bill, H.R. 3375, can be found here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=403508", "Davis Votes to Stop Scam Robocalls", "2019-12-05", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Rodney Davis", "D000619", "rodneydavis.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Davis Votes to Stop Scam Robocalls \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,\r\n        December 5, 2019\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      U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) today voted forS. 151, the TRACED Act, to stop illegal robocalls that are scamming Americans. This bill passed the Senate 97-1 and is expected to be signed into law.\r\nRobocalls are not only annoying, but they are an avenue for fraud that targets seniors and many other Americans, said Davis. It's now estimated that nearly half of all calls to mobile phones are fraudulent. Many of us have answered a call either on our cell or home phone from a local number only for it to be a scam. This is a new scam technique commonly referred to as Neighborhood Spoofing.' This legislation, drafted by both Republicans and Democrats, will give consumers more control and transparency over who is calling them and ensure that law enforcement and the FCC can go after the bad actors who break the law. More information regarding the robocall issue and S. 151:  \r\n\r\nMore illegal robocalls than ever before\r\n \r\n    It is estimated that there were nearly 48 billion robocalls in 2018 nationwide, up over 64 percent since 2016.SeeYouMail.\r\n    Some predict that this year, nearly 50 percent of all calls to cell phones in America will be scam calls.SeeFirst Orion.\r\n \r\nDisrupting hospitals and other legit calls\r\n \r\n    There have been an increasing number of stories of scammers disrupting the operations of hospitals. They have been disguised as the IRS looking to collect a debt, local governments and police departments, and loved ones, in trouble, looking for help.SeeNew York TimesandWashington Post.\r\n \r\nWhat this bill does\r\n \r\n    Implements a nationwide caller authentication system so consumers can again trust that the number they see on their caller ID is actually the person calling them.\r\n    Allows consumers to block unlawful calls in a consistent and transparent way, at no extra charge.\r\n    Makes sure that law enforcement and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) have the tools, information, and incentives to go after robocallers that break the law.\r\n \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://bost.house.gov/2019/12/bost-announces-broadband-investment-jefferson-county", "BOST ANNOUNCES BROADBAND INVESTMENT FOR JEFFERSON COUNTY", "2019-12-04", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Mike Bost", "B001295", "bost.house.gov", "bost", "https://bost.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Rep. Mike Bost (IL-12) announced a boost in funding for Jefferson County\u2019s high-speed broadband infrastructure through the U.S. Department of Agriculture\u2019s ReConnect Pilot Program. The $12.8 million in investment in the Wabash Telephone Cooperative will also benefit residents in neighboring Wayne County.\n\n\u201cFrom e-commerce to education and health care, the internet plays a critically important role in our daily lives,\u201d said Bost. \u201cThis investment will help expand access for Jefferson County residents to a modern broadband infrastructure, empowering small businesses and families to better connect with each other and the world.\u201d\n\nThe Wabash Telephone Cooperative, Inc. will use the $12.8 million 50 percent loan-grant combination to deploy 298 miles of fiber-optic cable to serve 1,684 households, 31 farms, 29 businesses, nine educational facilities, two critical community facilities, and one health care center including many in Jefferson County.\n\nClick here for more information about the USDA ReConnect Loan and Grant Program.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-27T23:45:33Z"], ["https://bost.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/bost-announces-broadband-investment-jefferson-county", "BOST ANNOUNCES BROADBAND INVESTMENT FOR JEFFERSON COUNTY", "2019-12-04", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Mike Bost", "B001295", "bost.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, U.S. Rep. Mike Bost (IL-12) announced a boost in funding for Jefferson County's high-speed broadband infrastructure through the U.S. Department of Agriculture's ReConnect Pilot Program.The $12.8 million in investment in the Wabash Telephone Cooperative will also benefit residents in neighboring Wayne County.\nFrom e-commerce to education and health care, the internet plays a critically important role in our daily lives, said Bost. This investment will help expand access for Jefferson County residents to a modern broadband infrastructure, empowering small businesses and families to better connect with each other and the world.\nThe Wabash Telephone Cooperative, Inc. will use the $12.8 million 50 percent loan-grant combination to deploy 298 miles of fiber-optic cable to serve 1,684 households, 31 farms, 29 businesses, nine educational facilities, two critical community facilities, and one health care center including many in Jefferson County.\nClick here for more information about the USDA ReConnect Loan and Grant Program.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=403504", "Davis and Kind Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Train & Recruit Court Reporters & Closed Captioners", "2019-12-04", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Rodney Davis", "D000619", "rodneydavis.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Reps. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) and Ron Kind (D-Wis.) introduced bipartisan legislation that will reauthorize a grant program to encourage careers in realtime writing and court reporting. This bill will reauthorize the Training for Realtime Writers Act, which was passed and signed into law as part of the Higher Education Act of 2008.The grant program allows colleges and universities to apply for funding specifically to help encourage more students to pursue a career in realtime writing, closed captioning, or court reporting. Around 48 million Americans are deaf or hard-of-hearing and many of them rely on captioning services for news and information. The Training for Real-Time Writers grant is an important grant program that ensures we have the necessary resources to train court reporters and captioners for the estimated 48 million Americans who are deaf or impacted by hearing loss,said Davis. These funds have been incredibly successful in training the current generation of captioners and court reporters by modernizing curriculums, developing new captioning-specific programs, and increasing attendance at institutes of learning through student recruitment, scholarships, advertisements, equipment upgrades, and distance learning programs. I'm proud to be introducing this legislation to reauthorize this program with my colleague, Rep. Kind and look forward to working to ensure it is included as the House tackles Higher Education Reauthorization this Congress. From maintaining the integrity of our democracy to ensuring every citizen stays up to date on today's 24-hour news cycle, realtime writers are vital to folks everywhere,said Kind.Over the past decade, this program has encouraged a new generation of realtime writers to enter this vital field. I am proud to work across the aisle with Rep. Davis to reauthorize this program so we can continue to increase awareness and interest in this profession. The bill is supported by the Illinois Court Reporters Association. \"Because of the Training for RealtimeWritersgrant program, I have a court reporter colleague who received the educational training necessary to become captioner,\" saidKathryn A. Thomas, Illinois Court Reporters Association.After becoming a captioner, she began teaching captioning classes of her own. If Illinois colleges receive this funding, they won't just be training new captioners, but they will also be training the next generation of captioning professors. This funding has the ability to really make a positive impact on the captioning profession.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lahood.house.gov/2019/12/rep-lahood-announces-congressional-app-challenge-winner-illinois-18th", "Rep. LaHood Announces Congressional App Challenge Winner for Illinois\u2019 18th Congressional District", "2019-12-02", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Darin LaHood", "L000585", "lahood.house.gov", "lahood", "https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "PEORIA, IL \u2013 Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-18) announced today that a team from Richwoods High School, which participates in Peoria Public Schools\u2019 AppsCo program, are the winners of the 2019 Congressional App Challenge. The Richwoods High School team made up of Cassidy Miles-Coleman, Katrina Crawford, Aditi Tripathi, Brianna Hill, and Rachel Bousek, are taught by Brian Michael and designed an app for the Wildlife Prairie Park to enhance the visitor experience.\n\n\u201cI am pleased to announce that AppsCo students from Peoria\u2019s Richwoods High School have won this year\u2019s Congressional App Challenge for the 18th District of Illinois,\u201d stated Rep. LaHood. \u201cNot only did these students display exceptional coding and technical skills in their application, but their innovative design will provide an important resource to individuals exploring Wildlife Prairie Park.\n\n\u201cThis year\u2019s Challenge brought a variety of applicants from across central and west-central Illinois, and it was the most competitive competition we\u2019ve had over the last three years. The Congressional App Challenge always presents an exciting opportunity for students to showcase their talent in the innovative technology field. Computer science and STEM education are critical to our nation\u2019s long-term success, and I will continue to promote the importance of these programs through this Challenge and in Congress.\u201d\n\nBackground:\n\nEach year, Congressional districts across the country hold App Challenges to inspire, include, and innovate efforts around STEM, coding, and computer science. Across the nation, this year\u2019s Congressional App Challenge had the highest participation rate since beginning in 2013.\n\nIllinois\u2019 18th Congressional District App Challenge\n\n12 students participated in this year\u2019s App Challenge with six applications total\n\nThe competition was judged by three faculty members from 18th District Universities, including Bradley University, Western Illinois University, and Illinois State University\n\nApplicants were judged based on the quality of their ideas, implementation of the idea, and ability to demonstrate coding and programming skills\n\nIllinois\u2019 18th District Winner\n\nApp Name: Wildlife Prairie Park\n\nAppsCo student group from Richwoods High School, taught by Brian Michael\n\nThe team:\n\nCassidy Miles-Coleman\n\nKatrina Crawford\n\nAditi Tripathi\n\nBrianna Hill\n\nRachel Bousek\n\nThe Wildlife Prairie Park App is a useful tool for Wildlife Prairie Park visitors and members with enhanced content, click to call, directions, general information about the park, GPS maps of many park amenities, event calendar, loyalty program, exclusive coupons, direct lodging reservations, membership information, geo-fencing, push notifications, analytics dashboard, link to e-store, and more\n\nYou can view their submission here\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-27T23:45:33Z"], ["https://lahood.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-lahood-announces-congressional-app-challenge-winner-illinois-18th", "Rep. LaHood Announces Congressional App Challenge Winner for Illinois 18th Congressional District", "2019-12-02", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Darin LaHood", "L000585", "lahood.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "PEORIA, IL  Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-18) announced today that a team from Richwoods High School, which participates in Peoria Public Schools' AppsCo program, are the winners of the 2019 Congressional App Challenge. The Richwoods High School team made up of Cassidy Miles-Coleman, Katrina Crawford, Aditi Tripathi, Brianna Hill, and Rachel Bousek, are taught by Brian Michael and designed an app for the Wildlife Prairie Park to enhance the visitor experience.\nI am pleased to announce that AppsCo students from Peoria's Richwoods High School have won this year's Congressional App Challenge for the 18th District of Illinois, stated Rep. LaHood. Not only did these students display exceptional coding and technical skills in their application, but their innovative design will provide an important resource to individuals exploring Wildlife Prairie Park.\nThis year's Challenge brought a variety of applicants from across central and west-central Illinois, and it was the most competitive competition we've had over the last three years. The Congressional App Challenge always presents an exciting opportunity for students to showcase their talent in the innovative technology field. Computer science and STEM education are critical to our nation's long-term success, andI will continue to promote the importance of these programs through this Challenge and in Congress.\nBackground:  \n\tEach year, Congressional districts across the country hold App Challenges to inspire, include, and innovate efforts around STEM, coding, and computer science. Across the nation, this year's Congressional App Challenge had the highest participation rate since beginning in 2013.\nIllinois' 18th Congressional District App Challenge\n 12 students participated in this year's App Challenge with six applications total\n\tThe competition was judged by three faculty members from 18th District Universities, including Bradley University, Western Illinois University, and Illinois State University\n\tApplicants were judged based on the quality of their ideas, implementation of the idea, and ability to demonstrate coding and programming skills\n Illinois' 18th District Winner\n App Name: Wildlife Prairie Park\n\tAppsCo student group from Richwoods High School, taught by Brian Michael\n\tThe team:\n\t\tCassidy Miles-Coleman\n\t\t\tKatrina Crawford\n\t\t\tAditi Tripathi\n\t\t\tBrianna Hill\n\t\t\tRachel Bousek\n\t\t\n\tThe Wildlife Prairie Park App is a useful tool for Wildlife Prairie Park visitors and members with enhanced content, click to call, directions, general information about the park, GPS maps of many park amenities, event calendar, loyalty program, exclusive coupons, direct lodging reservations, membership information, geo-fencing, push notifications, analytics dashboard, link to e-store, and more\n\tYou can view their submission here\n ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lahood.house.gov/media-center/e-newsletters/day-thanks-and-reflection", "A Day for Thanks and Reflection", "2019-11-28", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Darin LaHood", "L000585", "lahood.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "On the fourth Thursday of November, Americans from all walks of life gather with loved ones to celebrate Thanksgiving. As we begin the holiday season, we join our family and friends around the table today to share in our collective thanks for the opportunities and relationships that we enjoy, and we remind ourselves that we should not take these blessings for granted. As we prepare for our Thanksgiving meal this afternoon, I am thankful for my three sons, McKay, Lucas, and Teddy, my loving wife Kristen, and the community we call home in central and west-central Illinois. I am especially grateful for the brave men and women serving overseas today so that we can enjoy the comforts of living in the greatest country in the world. Like many of you, we are blessed with healthy lives, a loving family and a wonderful community, but it is important that during this season of thanks to not forget those who are less fortunate and do what we can to give back to those in need. Yesterday, and over the last seven years, I have had the opportunity to take my sons to serve lunch at the annual Community Workshop & Training Center Thanksgiving luncheon in Peoria. CWTC is an incredible organization that assists developmentally disabled adults in our community. They strive each day to improve the quality of life for these adults, and we were grateful for the chance to lend a helping hand during the holiday season. Whether you are gathering with friends to watch the Bears this morning, making the last-minute run to the grocery store for the cranberry sauce, or are putting the finishing touches on your turkey dinner, take a moment to stop and reflect on what you are thankful for today. We are all blessed to live in a country that allows each of us the freedom to chart our own path and to live out the American dream. For that, we should all be thankful. I hope you all have a blessed Thanksgiving with family and loved ones!\nSincerely,\nDarin LaHood  \n\tMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kinzinger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402203", "Congressman Kinzinger Hosts 2019 Youth Leadership Summit", "2019-11-27", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Adam Kinzinger", "K000378", "kinzinger.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) hosted his sixth Youth Leadership Summit at the Illinois Valley Community College in Oglesby, IL on Friday, November 22nd.\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      OTTAWA, IL  Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) hosted his sixth Youth Leadership Summit at the Illinois Valley Community College in Oglesby, IL on Friday, November 22nd.The all-day event drew more than 100 junior and senior high school students from 15 high schools across the 16th Congressional District.Students were selected by their teachers to attend the event and participate in the workshops, leadership exercises, and information sessions. \r\nFollowing the successful event, Congressman Kinzinger released this statement:\r\nAs a student, I was always interested in leadership and wanted to learn more about how I could overcome some of my own struggles to reach success. This event is incredibly important because the students we teach today are the leaders of tomorrow. By engaging in workshops and opening up the dialogue, we hope to give students a new perspective and some new skills for their future successes. \r\nI want to thank our outstanding guest speakers this year, and everyone who participated in making this year's event such a great one. I was incredibly impressed by the caliber of conversations and engagement this year, and saw firsthand how bright the future is in IL-16 with these future leaders.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n    \r\n        \r\n            \r\n        \r\n    \r\n\r\n\r\nIn addition to hearing from the Congressman and asking him questions, the students heard from the IVCC President Jerry Corcoran, as well as the featured guest speakers Crystal Savage from the Rockford Rescue Mission and Erika Harold, Miss America 2003 and a local civil litigation attorney. \r\nPhotos from the #KinzingerYLS can be found on the Congressman's Facebook page in the featured album here. \r\n\r\nRELATED COVERAGE: \r\nWIFR 23  Congressman Adam Kinzinger hosts 2019 Youth Leadership Summit", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kinzinger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402201", "Remembering Syrian Freedom-Fighter, Raed Fares", "2019-11-26", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Adam Kinzinger", "K000378", "kinzinger.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Adam Kinzinger (IL-16) released a statement in honor of Raed Fares, a Syrian freedom-fighter who was killed one year ago on November 23rd.\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Washington, DC  Congressman Adam Kinzinger (IL-16), founder and co-chair of the Friends of a Free, Stable, and Democratic Syria Caucus in the House, released this statement in honor of Raed Fares, a Syrian freedom-fighter who was killed one year ago this past weekend:\r\nIn times of darkness, heroes emerge and leaders show us the light. Raed Fares was a leader in Syria, peacefully protesting the regime of Bashar al-Assad during the uprising in 2011.He fought for liberty and embodied the freedom-loving spirit for his fellow citizens. And because of that, his main detractors  Assad, Al Qaeda, and ISIS  attempted to murder him on numerous occasions. And on November 23, 2018, masked gunmen cowardly murdered Raed Fares. \r\nRaed was an incredible partner to the United States in countering propaganda of Assad, ISIS, and Al Qaeda. Though they took his life, the impact he made and the legacy he left during his time on Earth will continue to inspire and give freedom-fighting Syrians the strength they need to keep pushing forward. We must stand up and protect the men and women who combat extremist ideologies, as we stand for freedom and human dignity. May God bless Raed's soul, and may God save Syria. \r\n\r\nOn November 23, 2018, Raed Fares was shot dead by unidentified gunmen in the Idlib province in Syria. A pro-democracy activist, Raed was critical in the messaging of Assad's brutality and helping draw attention to the horrific realities Syrians were facing under this barbaric regime. Congressman Kinzinger has long supported a free and democratic Syria, and has spoken out many times urging for greater international attention and involvement in holding Assad and his backers accountable for their countless war crimes. \r\nIn November 2015, Congressman Kinzinger met with Raed Fares while he was here in Washington, DC and they spoke about what he had gone through with the Assad regime's brutality. They spoke about his efforts to raise awareness and how to keep hope alive for the freedom-seeking people of Syria. \r\nOn the anniversary of his death, Congressman Kinzinger remains committed to supporting the Syrian people, and passing on Raed's message that revolutions are ideas, and ideas cannot be killed with weapons. The legacy of a hero lives on, and that is most certainly the case with Raed Fares.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lahood.house.gov/2019/11/rep-lahood-bipartisan-group-introduce-unclaimed-savings-bond-legislation", "Rep. LaHood, Bipartisan Group Introduce Unclaimed Savings Bond Legislation", "2019-11-26", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Darin LaHood", "L000585", "lahood.house.gov", "lahood", "https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Darin LaHood (R-IL) along with Reps. Danny Davis (D-IL), Ron Estes (R-KS), Linda Sanchez (D-CA), Jason Smith (R-MO), members of the Ways and Means Committee, introduced the Unclaimed Savings Bond Act of 2019 today. The legislation would require the U.S. Treasury Department to transfer all records and ownership of unclaimed, matured savings bonds to states to find the rightful owners and heirs of the bonds. The bipartisan legislation has seven total cosponsors.\n\n\u201cIllinois has over $1 billion in matured and unclaimed savings bonds. If the Federal government continues to refuse to notify the rightful owners of matured bonds, then the states should be allowed to step in and do so. I am proud to join this bipartisan group to introduce this legislation, which will ensure the money of hard-working taxpayers returns to their pockets,\u201d said Congressman Darin LaHood (R-IL).\n\n\"I am honored to join a bipartisan effort to allow states to obtain the necessary information to assist individuals in reclaiming matured unclaimed bonds. This common sense legislation is pivotal to Illinois where there is roughly 1 Billion dollars on unclaimed or missing bonds. I am hopeful that we can move this bill to passage and correct this problem expeditiously,\" said Congressman Danny Davis (D-IL).\n\n\"For decades, the federal Treasury Department has held people's matured savings bonds without returning them to the legal owners or heirs, including nearly $210 million in unclaimed bonds owed to Kansans. The Unclaimed Savings Bond Act of 2019 will ensure states are able to access Treasury records and return matured, unclaimed savings bonds to their legal owners. As Kansas state treasurer, I helped Kansas become one of the first states to pursue legal action to obtain unclaimed bonds and return them to their owners. I'm proud to introduce this legislative fix to address this issue across the country,\u201d said Congressman Ron Estes (R-KS).\n\n\u201cThis legislation mandates the government connect the dots and finally payback the taxpayer what they are owed. There is currently over $26 billion in unclaimed U.S. Savings Bonds collecting dust in the U.S. Treasury Building. Missourians alone are owed an estimated $438 million. These bonds were sold with the guarantee of the full faith and credit of the United States government. It is time for the government to live up to its promise,\u201d said Congressman Jason Smith (R-MO).\n\n\u201cI\u2019m pleased to join my colleagues in introducing this simple, bipartisan bill to ensure that Federal Savings Bonds are properly paid out. California should be able to notify owners of matured bonds who may have lost or misplaced their paperwork over the years. This legislation would do that, putting money back in the pockets of working families,\u201d said Congresswoman Linda S\u00e1nchez (D-CA).\n\n\"States have well-established unclaimed property programs and are uniquely positioned to lead the effort to reunite the $26 billion in matured, unredeemed savings bonds with the rightful owners. As the president of the National Association of State Treasurers, I would like to express our gratitude to the House members championing this important legislation. This is real money back in the pockets of our constituents,\" said David Damschen, Utah State Treasurer and President, National Association of State Treasurers.\n\nBackground:\n\nCurrently, there are more than $26 billion worth of decades old, matured, unclaimed United States Savings Bonds sitting in the U.S. Treasury, a number that has grown by roughly $10 billion in the last six years. The federal government uses this money as it pleases, even though the money constitutes a loan made to the government by citizens decades ago. Despite maintaining records of the bond owners and their bonds, Treasury has done nothing to contact the rightful owners of the unredeemed bonds, even when the bonds matured and were payable. While states often make efforts to return unclaimed property, Treasury has refused to give states access to the records to do so. Since 1952, states have tried to get the federal government to turn over the names and addresses of those individuals so they could be found and notified of their unclaimed bonds. Recently, states, beginning with Kansas, have initiated litigation to obtain the records from the Treasury Department.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-27T23:43:09Z"], ["https://lahood.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-lahood-bipartisan-group-introduce-unclaimed-savings-bond-legislation", "Rep. LaHood, Bipartisan Group Introduce Unclaimed Savings Bond Legislation", "2019-11-26", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Darin LaHood", "L000585", "lahood.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Congressman Darin LaHood (R-IL) along with Reps. Danny Davis (D-IL), Ron Estes (R-KS), Linda Sanchez (D-CA), Jason Smith (R-MO), members of the Ways and Means Committee, introduced the Unclaimed Savings Bond Act of 2019 today. The legislation would require the U.S. Treasury Department to transfer all records and ownership of unclaimed, matured savings bonds to states to find the rightful owners and heirs of the bonds. The bipartisan legislation has seven total cosponsors.\nIllinois has over $1 billion in matured and unclaimed savings bonds. If the Federal government continues to refuse to notify the rightful owners of matured bonds, then the states should be allowed to step in and do so. I am proud to join this bipartisan group to introduce this legislation, which will ensure the money of hard-working taxpayers returns to their pockets, said Congressman Darin LaHood (R-IL).\n\"I am honored to join a bipartisaneffort to allow states to obtain the necessary information to assist individuals in reclaiming matured unclaimed bonds. This common sense legislation is pivotalto Illinois where there is roughly 1 Billion dollars on unclaimed or missing bonds. I am hopeful that we can move this bill to passage and correct this problem expeditiously,\" said Congressman Danny Davis (D-IL).\n\"For decades, the federal Treasury Department has held people's matured savings bonds without returning them to the legal owners or heirs, including nearly $210 million in unclaimed bonds owed to Kansans. The Unclaimed Savings Bond Act of 2019 will ensure states are able to access Treasury records and return matured, unclaimed savings bonds to their legal owners. As Kansas state treasurer, I helped Kansas become one of the first states to pursue legal action to obtain unclaimed bonds and return them to their owners. I'm proud to introduce this legislative fix to address this issue across the country, said Congressman Ron Estes (R-KS).\nThis legislation mandates the government connect the dots and finally payback the taxpayer what they are owed. There is currently over $26 billion in unclaimed U.S. Savings Bonds collecting dust in the U.S. Treasury Building. Missourians alone are owed an estimated $438 million. These bonds were sold with the guarantee of the full faith and credit of the United States government. It is time for the government to live up to its promise, said CongressmanJason Smith (R-MO).\nI'm pleased to join my colleagues in introducing this simple, bipartisan bill to ensure that Federal Savings Bonds are properly paid out. California should be able to notify owners of matured bonds who may have lost or misplaced their paperwork over the years. This legislation would do that, putting money back in the pockets of working families, said Congresswoman Linda Snchez (D-CA). \"States have well-established unclaimed property programs and are uniquely positioned to lead the effort to reunite the $26 billion in matured, unredeemed savings bonds with the rightful owners. As the president of the National Association of State Treasurers, I would like to express our gratitude to the House members championing this important legislation. This is real money back in the pockets of our constituents,\" said David Damschen, Utah State Treasurer and President, National Association of State Treasurers. Background:  \n\tCurrently, there are more than $26 billion worth of decades old, matured, unclaimed United States Savings Bonds sitting in the U.S. Treasury, a number that has grown by roughly $10 billion in the last six years. The federal government uses this money as it pleases, even though the money constitutes a loan made to the government by citizens decades ago. Despite maintaining records of the bond owners and their bonds, Treasury has done nothing to contact the rightful owners of the unredeemed bonds, even when the bonds matured and were payable. While states often make efforts to return unclaimed property, Treasury has refused to give states access to the records to do so. Since 1952, states have tried to get the federal government to turn over the names and addresses of those individuals so they could be found and notified of their unclaimed bonds. Recently, states, beginning with Kansas, have initiated litigation to obtain the records from the Treasury Department.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=403503", "Davis Announces Rural Development Grant Awarded to Jersey Community Hospital", "2019-11-22", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Rodney Davis", "D000619", "rodneydavis.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Davis Announces Rural Development Grant Awarded to Jersey Community Hospital \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,\r\n        November 22, 2019\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.) announced today that the Jersey Community Hospital District received a $250,727 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development.This Rural Development investment will enable the Jersey Community Hospital District to purchase and install telemedicine equipment to improve medical services in Jersey and Greene counties.\"One of the most cost-effective ways we can increase access to care in rural communities is through telemedicine services. These funds will allow JCH Healthcare to expand their specialist services and better serve residents. I'm proud to support grants like these that benefit our rural communities,\"said Davis. \"We are grateful for the on-going support of the USDA and our congressman to increase access to healthcare in our rural area. This particular grant will enable virtual specialists consultations in our ICU, provide remote connectivity for our ambulances in the field with cardiologists in the hospital, as well as connect imaging equipment in northern Greene County to specialists in the hospital. In summary, this grant will greatly increase access to specialized care throughout the region,\"said Jon Wade, CEO of JCH Healthcare. Distance learning and telemedicine make it easier for thousands of rural residents to take advantage of economic, health care and educational opportunities without having to travel long distances. Under the leadership of President Trump and Agriculture Secretary Perdue, USDA is committed to partnering with rural communities to help them improve their quality of life, because when rural America thrives, all of America thrives,said USDA Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Donald DJ LaVoy.\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://bost.house.gov/2019/11/bost-announces-cairo-rural-education-and-healthcare-funding", "BOST ANNOUNCES CAIRO RURAL EDUCATION AND HEALTHCARE FUNDING", "2019-11-21", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Mike Bost", "B001295", "bost.house.gov", "bost", "https://bost.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Rep. Mike Bost (IL-12) announced a $212,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture\u2019s Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) grant program for the Community Health and Emergency Services, Inc. in Cairo.\n\n\u201cOver 2,000 Illinoisans were victims of opioid-related deaths last year alone,\u201d said Bost. \u201cWe need to fight back against this crisis that has devastated our communities, and we need to do it now. However, in rural areas, it can be difficult for families to access the treatment they need. This grant will empower the Community Health and Emergency Services, Inc. in Cairo to provide patients with care close to home so that they recover from their addictions and go on to live healthy and happy lives.\u201d\n\nThe $212,097 grant will be used to implement a new telemedicine project to treat opioid abuse and reestablish pharmacy services in Cairo, serving 8,195 individuals in Southern Illinois. Click here for more information about the USDA\u2019s Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grants program.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-27T23:43:09Z"], ["https://bost.house.gov/2019/11/bost-pipeline-safety-provisions-advance-house", "BOST PIPELINE SAFETY PROVISIONS ADVANCE IN HOUSE", "2019-11-21", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Mike Bost", "B001295", "bost.house.gov", "bost", "https://bost.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Yesterday, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee approved three amendments to the SAFER Pipelines Act offered by U.S. Rep. Mike Bost (IL-12). The amendments close loopholes in current law to make it illegal to sabotage pipelines by turning valves or causing structural damage that could put human lives and environmental safety at risk. All three provisions, which now head to the full House for a vote, were supported by the labor organizations representing workers in the pipeline construction and operations sectors.\n\n\u201cAmerican-made energy is booming,\u201d said Bost. \u201cWith this explosive growth comes an all more urgent need to get oil and gas to market in a safe and efficient manner. That\u2019s why I am proud that my colleagues on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee decided to include my amendments in the pipeline bill. This is a step in the right direction for protecting the environment and the lives of pipeline workers and nearby residents.\u201d\n\n[[{\"fid\":\"65301\",\"view_mode\":\"full\",\"fields\":{\"format\":\"full\",\"field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]\":false,\"field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]\":false},\"link_text\":null,\"type\":\"media\",\"field_deltas\":{\"1\":{\"format\":\"full\",\"field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]\":false,\"field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]\":false}},\"attributes\":{\"style\":\"height: 333px; width: 500px;\",\"class\":\"media-element file-full\",\"data-delta\":\"1\"}}]]\n\nBost offers amendments during the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee markup on pipeline safety\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-27T23:43:09Z"], ["https://bost.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/bost-announces-health-services-grant-cairo", "BOST ANNOUNCES HEALTH SERVICES GRANT IN CAIRO", "2019-11-21", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Mike Bost", "B001295", "bost.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "To read the full article, please click here.\nFederal funding is headed to Cairo to to help deal with the opioid crisis.\nA 212-thousand dollar grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Distance Learning and Telemedicine program will go to Community Health and Emergency Services, Incorporated in Cairo.\nThe grant funds will be used to implement a new telemedicine project to treat opioid abuse and reestablish pharmacy services in Cairo, serving almost 82-hundred individuals in southern Illinois.\nU.S. Congressman Mike Bost saysover two-thousand Illinoisans were victims of opioid-related deaths last year. He says the funding is important because it's difficult to access treatment services in rural areas.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://bost.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/bost-announces-cairo-rural-education-and-healthcare-funding", "BOST ANNOUNCES CAIRO RURAL EDUCATION AND HEALTHCARE FUNDING", "2019-11-21", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Mike Bost", "B001295", "bost.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, U.S. Rep. Mike Bost (IL-12) announced a $212,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) grant program for the Community Health and Emergency Services, Inc. in Cairo.\nOver 2,000 Illinoisans were victims of opioid-related deaths last year alone, said Bost. We need to fight back against this crisis that has devastated our communities, and we need to do it now. However, in rural areas, it can be difficult for families to access the treatment they need. This grant will empower the Community Health and Emergency Services, Inc. in Cairo to provide patients with care close to home so that they recover from their addictions and go on to live healthy and happy lives. \nThe $212,097 grant will be used to implement a new telemedicine project to treat opioid abuse and reestablish pharmacy services in Cairo, serving 8,195 individuals in Southern Illinois. Click here for more information about the USDA's Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grants program.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://bost.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/bost-pipeline-safety-provisions-advance-house", "BOST PIPELINE SAFETY PROVISIONS ADVANCE IN HOUSE", "2019-11-21", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Mike Bost", "B001295", "bost.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Yesterday, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee approved three amendments to the SAFER Pipelines Act offered by U.S. Rep. Mike Bost (IL-12). The amendments close loopholes in current law to make it illegal to sabotage pipelines by turning valves or causing structural damage that could put human lives and environmental safety at risk.All three provisions, which now head to the full House for a vote, were supported by the labor organizations representing workers in the pipeline construction and operations sectors.\nAmerican-made energy is booming, said Bost. With this explosive growth comes an all more urgent need to get oil and gas to market in a safe and efficient manner. That's why I am proud that my colleagues on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee decided to include my amendments in the pipeline bill. This is a step in the right direction for protecting the environment and the lives of pipeline workers and nearby residents.\n    \n\tBost offers amendments during the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee markup on pipeline safety\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lahood.house.gov/2019/11/lahood-davis-announce-500000-connect-transit-better-bus-stop-campaign", "LaHood, Davis Announce $500,000 to Connect Transit for Better Bus Stop Campaign", "2019-11-21", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Darin LaHood", "L000585", "lahood.house.gov", "lahood", "https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "NORMAL, IL - Congressmen Darin LaHood (IL-18) and Rodney Davis (IL-13) announced today that Connect Transit was awarded a $500,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Buses and Bus Facilities Grant Program for the Better Bus Stop Campaign.\n\nThis funding will allow Connect Transit to continue improving bus stop infrastructure through the Better Bus Stop Campaign. The Connect Transit Board of Trustees approved the Better Bus Stop Campaign in March 2018 and have improved 53 bus stops over the last 18 months\n\nIn June, Rep. LaHood wrote a letter on behalf of Connect Transit\u2019s grant application. You can read that letter here.\n\n\u201cConnect Transit provides vital services in Bloomington-Normal, and this announcement is welcome news for the transportation system in McLean County. I was proud to work with my colleague Congressman Rodney Davis to advocate on behalf of Connect Transit to Secretary Chao for this funding. I\u2019ll continue to work in Congress to bolster Illinois\u2019 infrastructure, and look forward to seeing the great work Connect can do with this funding,\" said LaHood\n\n\u201cIt is important that we have a safe, reliable public transit system. I'm proud to see Connect Transit receive these funds to continue their Better Bus Stop Campaign. I have seen the improved bus stops first hand and know they are improving rider safety. As a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I will continue to be an advocate for projects that benefit the communities I serve,\" said Davis.\n\n\u201cI am grateful for Congressman Davis and Congressman LaHood\u2019s continued support of public transit. Congressmen Davis and LaHood have been instrumental in helping Connect Transit secure federal grants to improve the infrastructure in the Bloomington-Normal community. This grant funding will allow Connect to continue our investment in bus stop infrastructure that improves the mobility of our customers who depend on Connect to get to education, work, and medical appointments,\u201d said Isaac Thorne, General Manager, Connect Transit.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-27T23:43:09Z"], ["https://lahood.house.gov/2019/11/rep-lahood-announces-9-million-grant-award-quincy-regional-airport", "Rep. LaHood Announces $9 Million Grant Award for the Quincy Regional Airport", "2019-11-21", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Darin LaHood", "L000585", "lahood.house.gov", "lahood", "https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "QUINCY, IL \u2013 Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-18) announced today that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) awarded the Quincy Regional-Baldwin Field Airport $9,000,000 in grant funding to support runway reconstruction.\n\n\u201cThis investment grant is phenomenal news for Quincy and will strengthen our infrastructure system in west-central Illinois. The Quincy airport plays an important role in connecting the Tri State area with the rest of the country and this funding will ensure they have sound infrastructure for years to come. I applaud Secretary Chao for this strategic investment in the Quincy Regional Airport, and I will continue to work with her and the Trump Administration to strengthen Illinois\u2019 transportation system, especially in rural communities,\u201d said Rep. LaHood.\n\n\u201cQuincy Regional Airport is committed to providing and maintaining the extensive infrastructure necessary to support our many airport users. The airport has a major economic impact on the region, and it is important that we continue to invest in our infrastructure so we can provide a lasting impact for years to come. We could not accomplish this alone, which is why we are so grateful for our federal partners and the continuous support they provide to our airport and our region,\u201d said Quincy Regional Airport Director Sandy Shore.\n\n\u201cThe robust economy is enabling more passengers to travel by air so this Administration is investing billions of dollars in America\u2019s airports which will address safer operations, fewer airport delays, and greater ease of travel for air travelers,\u201d said U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao.\n\nRelated:\n\nQuincy Regional Airport to receive over $1M for runway reconstruction, rescue vehicle\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-27T23:43:09Z"], ["https://lahood.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/lahood-davis-announce-500000-connect-transit-better-bus-stop-campaign", "LaHood, Davis Announce $500,000 to Connect Transit for Better Bus Stop Campaign", "2019-11-21", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Darin LaHood", "L000585", "lahood.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "NORMAL, IL- CongressmenDarin LaHood (IL-18) andRodney Davis (IL-13) announced today that Connect Transit was awarded a $500,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Buses and Bus Facilities Grant Program for the Better Bus Stop Campaign. This funding will allow Connect Transit to continue improving bus stop infrastructure through the Better Bus Stop Campaign. The Connect Transit Board of Trustees approved the Better Bus Stop Campaign in March 2018 and have improved 53 bus stops over the last 18 months\nIn June, Rep. LaHood wrote a letter on behalf of Connect Transit's grant application. You can read that letter here.\nConnect Transit provides vital services in Bloomington-Normal, and this announcement is welcome news for the transportation system in McLean County. I was proud to work with my colleague Congressman Rodney Davis to advocate on behalf of Connect Transit to Secretary Chao for this funding. I'll continue to work in Congress to bolster Illinois' infrastructure, and look forward to seeing the great work Connect can do with this funding,\" said LaHood\nIt is important that we have a safe, reliable public transit system. I'm proud to see Connect Transit receive these funds to continue their Better Bus Stop Campaign. I have seen the improved bus stops first hand and know they are improving rider safety. As a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I will continue to be an advocate for projects that benefit the communities I serve,\" said Davis.\nI am grateful for Congressman Davis and Congressman LaHood's continued support of public transit. Congressmen Davis and LaHood have been instrumental in helping Connect Transit secure federal grants to improve the infrastructure in the Bloomington-Normal community. This grant funding will allow Connect to continue our investment in bus stop infrastructure that improves the mobility of our customers who depend on Connect to get to education, work, and medical appointments,said Isaac Thorne, General Manager, Connect Transit.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lahood.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-lahood-announces-9-million-grant-award-quincy-regional-airport", "Rep. LaHood Announces $9 Million Grant Award for the Quincy Regional Airport", "2019-11-21", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Darin LaHood", "L000585", "lahood.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "QUINCY, IL  Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-18) announced today that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) awarded the Quincy Regional-Baldwin Field Airport $9,000,000 in grant funding to support runway reconstruction.\nThis investment grant is phenomenal news for Quincy and will strengthen our infrastructure system in west-central Illinois. The Quincy airport plays an important role in connecting the Tri State area with the rest of the country and this funding will ensure they have sound infrastructure for years to come. I applaud Secretary Chao for this strategic investment in the Quincy Regional Airport, and I will continue to work with her and the Trump Administration to strengthen Illinois' transportation system, especially in rural communities, said Rep. LaHood.\nQuincy Regional Airport is committed to providing and maintaining the extensive infrastructure necessary to support our many airport users. The airport has a major economic impact on the region, and it is important that we continue to invest in our infrastructure so we can provide a lasting impact for years to come. We could not accomplish this alone, which is why we are so grateful for our federal partners and the continuous support they provide to our airport and our region, said Quincy Regional Airport Director Sandy Shore.\nThe robust economy is enabling more passengers to travel by air so this Administration is investing billions of dollars in America's airports which will address safer operations, fewer airport delays, and greater ease of travel for air travelers, said U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao.\nRelated:  Quincy Regional Airport to receive over $1M for runway reconstruction, rescue vehicle\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=403493", "Davis Announces $681k in USDA Support to Village of Mt. Auburn for Water Infrastructure", "2019-11-21", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Rodney Davis", "D000619", "rodneydavis.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) today announced that U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development hasawarded $681,000 to improve rural water and wastewater infrastructure to the Village of Mt. Auburn. The Village will receive $430,000 in a low-interest loan and a grant of $251,000.This is great news for Mt. Auburn,said Davis.This grant is a great example of the kind of investments we have to make at the federal level to support ourrural communities and those they serve. This project will ensure safety and maintain water quality within the area. I appreciate the work all local officials did to apply for and obtain these grants. We are excited to receive these grant and loan funds from USDA Rural Development so that we can continue our efforts to bring safe, clean drinking water to the citizens of Mt. Auburn. We have dealt with less than ideal water quality over the last several years and these funds will be instrumental in assisting us to reach our goal to improve that quality. We were especially thrilled to learn that we would be receiving a portion of the requested funds as grant money that won't require repayment; as a small village with limited income, this grant assistance is greatly appreciated,said Village of Mt. Auburn Mayor Amber Dooley.\r\n  \r\nThese investments will bring reliable infrastructure to rural communities. They will replace old, fragile, leaking water pipes with new ones and allow upgrades to water handling systems that are decades old, boosting water pressure and cutting water losses. Working with our partners, these investments create jobs and improve public health and safety. Under the leadership of President Trump and Agriculture Secretary Perdue, USDA is committed to partnering with rural communities to help them improve their infrastructure, because when rural America thrives, all of America thrives,\"said Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Donald \"DJ\" LaVoy. Background This Rural Development investment will replace a total of 24,810 lineal feet of old cast iron two and four inch water mains with six inch mains and one inch service lines along with fire hydrants, valve boxes, service meters, service lines, and other associated miscellaneous appurtenances. The construction will take place adjacent to existing water mains in the village right of way. The project will also allow the Village to restructure current debt service. This project will alleviate a current health hazard that exists due to the age of the system that has caused a number of line breaks that has lead to contamination from low water pressure within the system.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=403501", "Davis, LaHood Announce $500,000 to Connect Transit for Better Bus Stop Campaign", "2019-11-21", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Rodney Davis", "D000619", "rodneydavis.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Reps. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) and Darin LaHood (R-Ill.) announced today that Connect Transit was awarded a $500,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Buses and Bus Facilities Grant Program for the Better Bus Stop Campaign.This funding will allow Connect Transit to continue improving bus stop infrastructure through the Better Bus Stop Campaign. The Connect Transit Board of Trustees approved the Better Bus Stop Campaign in March 2018 and have improved 53 bus stops over the last 18 months. It is important that we have a safe, reliable public transit system. I'm proud to see Connect Transit receive these funds to continue their Better Bus Stop Campaign. I have seen the improved bus stops first hand and know they are improving rider safety. As a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I will continue to be an advocate for projects that benefit the communities I serve,\"said Davis. Connect Transit provides vital services in Bloomington-Normal, and this announcement is welcome news for the transportation system in McLean County. I was proud to work with my colleague Congressman Rodney Davis to advocate on behalf of Connect Transit to Secretary Chao for this funding. I'll continue to work in Congress to bolster Illinois' infrastructure, and look forward to seeing the great work Connect can do with this funding,\"said LaHood. I am grateful for Congressman Davis and Congressman LaHood's continued support of public transit. Congressmen Davis and LaHood have been instrumental in helping Connect Transit secure federal grants to improve the infrastructure in the Bloomington-Normal community. This grant funding will allow Connect to continue our investment in bus stop infrastructure that improves the mobility of our customers who depend on Connect to get to education, work, and medical appointments,said Isaac Thorne, General Manager, Connect Transit.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lahood.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/lahood-davis-announce-326327-grant-funding-mclean-county-unit-district-5", "LaHood, Davis Announce $326,327 in Grant Funding for McLean County Unit District 5 Schools", "2019-11-20", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Darin LaHood", "L000585", "lahood.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Congressmen Darin LaHood (IL-18) and Rodney Davis (IL-13) announced today that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) approved a grant of $326,327 for the McLean County Unit District 5 Schools to create an interactive Distance Learning network. This program, which will be made available to six school districts across central Illinois, will support over 17,000 students.\nThe announced funding is great news for McLean County schools, and it will bolster educational opportunities for students working to achieve a college degree, said Rep. LaHood. This award is a testament to the tireless work being done by McLean County educators, and I applaud Secretary Perdue and the Trump Administration for recognizing this important work. I will continue to work with them to strengthen our education system in central and west-central Illinois.\nWith all of the technology at our disposal today, it's inspiring to see that these advances are being used to improve the educational experiences for children, teachers, and staff in McLean County, said Rep. Davis. While rural schools had previously been at a disadvantage, this grant will help improve access to college courses ensuring that students in schools large and small have the same opportunities.\nWe are so grateful to have received this grant. These dollars will open up educational opportunitiesfor students in central Illinois. This will provide technology for our district and offer rural districts access to curriculum that is not currently provided. It is a great partnership, said McLean County Unit 5 Superintendent Mark Daniel.\nBackground:  \n\tThis rural development investment made by the USDA will allow the McLean County Unit District 5 Schools the ability to establish an interactive Distance Learning network. This educational opportunity will be made available to students in six school districts across central Illinois. The schools will be connected through a distance learning network, and advanced placement courses will be offered, as well as dual enrollment courses so that students can earn college credits.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=403491", "Davis Announces $17.275 Million to C-U MTD for Illinois Terminal Expansion Project", "2019-11-20", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Rodney Davis", "D000619", "rodneydavis.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Davis Announces $17.275 Million to C-U MTD for Illinois Terminal Expansion Project \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,\r\n        November 20, 2019\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      U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) announced today that the Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District was awarded a $17,275,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Buses and Bus Facilities Grant Program for the Illinois Terminal Expansion Project. This follows several supportive actions from Davis including a site visit in May of 2018, aletter of supportfor the project in May of 2019, and appropriations support for theprogramas a whole.Investing in our public transit systems means investing in jobs and economic growth. I'm proud to see Champaign-Urbana receive this highly competitive grant, which allows them to expand the Illinois Terminal through a innovative public-private partnership. As a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I will continue to be an advocate for projects that are critical to the communities they serve,\"said Davis. This is such good news! This Federal grant for The Yards helps to fund a project that is the very definition of transformative. Expanding Illinois Terminal and partnering with our developer friends, the University of Illinois, and the City of Champaign to bring a vibrant progressive project like this into the core of our community is exactly the value that MTD has for Champaign-Urbana. We are lucky to have the support of Representative Davis who really carried the water for this grant application,said Karl Gnadt, Managing Director, Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District. Related: Davis says he'll advocate for federal funding for Illinois Terminal expansion\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=403492", "Davis, LaHood Announce Distance Learning Grant for McLean County Unit District 5 Schools", "2019-11-20", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Rodney Davis", "D000619", "rodneydavis.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Reps. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) and Darin LaHood (R-Ill.) announced today that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) approved a grant of $326,327 for the McLean County Unit District 5 Schools to create interactive Distance Learning network. This program, which will be made available to six school districts across central Illinois, will support over 17,000 students.The announced funding is great news for McLean County schools, and it will bolster educational opportunities for students working to achieve a college degree,said LaHood.This award is a testament to the tireless work being done in by McLean County educators, and I applaud Secretary Perdue and the Trump Administration for recognizing this important work. I will continue to work with them to strengthen our education system in central and west-central Illinois. With all of the technology at our disposal today, it's inspiring to see that these advances are being used to improve the educational experiences for children, teachers, and staff in McLean County,Davis said.While rural schools had previously been at a disadvantage, this grant will help improve access to college courses ensuring that students in schools large and small have the same opportunities. We are so grateful to have received this grant. These dollars will open up educational opportunities for students in central Illinois. This will provide technology for our district and offer rural districts access to curriculum that is not currently provided. It is a great partnership,said McLean County Unit 5 Superintendent Mark Daniel. Background:  \r\nThis rural development investment made by the USDA will allow the McLean County Unite District 5 Schools the ability to establish an interactive Distance Learning network. This educational opportunity will be made available to students in six school districts across central Illinois. The schools will be connected through a distance learning network, and advanced placement courses will be offered, as well as dual enrollment courses so that students can earn college credits.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lahood.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-lahood-statement-archbishop-fulton-sheen", "Rep. LaHood Statement on Archbishop Fulton Sheen", "2019-11-18", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Darin LaHood", "L000585", "lahood.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "PEORIA, IL  Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-18) released the following statement today after the Vatican announced that Pope Francis approved the beatification of Archbishop Fulton Sheen.\nThe announced beatification of Archbishop Fulton Sheen is welcome news for central Illinois and wonderful for our catholic community in Peoria, said Rep. LaHood. Archbishop Fulton Sheen's legacy runs deep in central Illinois, and it is fitting that 100 years after his ordination he will be beatified in the Catholic Diocese of Peoria. I applaud Bishop Daniel Jenky and Archbishop Fulton Sheen's family for their incredible efforts to see his body returned to Saint Mary's Cathedral, and I am grateful to His Holiness Pope Francis for approving Sheen's beatification. It is my hope that one day we will be able to celebrate Saint Fulton Sheen, of Peoria, Illinois.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=403488", "Davis Announces Upcoming Open Government Night", "2019-11-18", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Rodney Davis", "D000619", "rodneydavis.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Normal, IL -U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) today announced he will be hosting his thirdOpen Government Nightfollowingtwo events held in Decatur and Champaign recently with a combined 500 constituents in attendance. The series is in conjunction with state lawmakers to allow constituents an opportunity to hear directly from their elected officials at the state and federal level on important issues. The third event will be held in Normal with State Representative Dan Brady (R-Bloomington).\"Ensuring constituents have an opportunity to hear directly from their elected officials continues to be my priority,\"said Davis.\"Open Office Hours allow me to have personal, one-on-one conversations with people about the issues they care about. Open Government Nights allow people to discuss issues facing our government at the state and federal levels. I'm looking forward to discussing these issues next Monday night.\" \"Open Government Nights are really one stop shopping' for local residents to learn more about what's happening in Congress and in the Illinois General Assembly,said Brady.\"It is also an opportunity to ask questions or talk with Congressman Davis and I about a problem we may be able to help them with.\" Open Government Nights are free andopen to the public. Seating is on afirst-come, first-serve basis for constituents.  \r\n  \r\nSo far in 2019 Davis has held 11 Open Office Hours and 2 Open Government Nights covering 13 different counties. Throughout his tenure in Congress he has hosted 77 of these events total. Additionally, this year his staff have hosted 29 Traveling Help Desks, where they help constituents with casework or take down policy concerns, covering 12 counties. There have been 113 of these constituent service events over Davis' tenure.  \r\n  \r\nUpcoming Open Government Night Normal WHAT: Audience Q&A withCongressman Davis and Representative Brady moderated by WMBD-TV News'Eugene Daniel WHEN:Monday, November 25th, 6:00-7:30PM CST, Doors open at 5:00PM CST WHERE:  \r\nHeartland Community College  \r\nAstroth Community Education Center Auditorium  \r\n1500 W. Raab Road, Normal, IL 61761\r\n  \r\nDETAILS:\r\nAttendance is free and open to the public.  \r\nSeating is first-come, first-serve. No registration.  \r\nParking is free. Lot O east of the building is recommended.  \r\nAnyone requiring special accommodations can call (309) 252-8834.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://bost.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/bost-thanks-service-members-veterans-day-du-quoin", "BOST THANKS SERVICE MEMBERS ON VETERANS DAY IN DU QUOIN", "2019-11-14", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Mike Bost", "B001295", "bost.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "To read the full article, please click here.\nIn Du Quoin, the keynoter was U.S. Marine and congressman Mike Bost of Murphysboro, who took the podium to the rousing strains of the Marine's Hymn.\nHe spoke of the first Veterans Day, or Armistice Day, as it was called 101 years ago, when people still held out hope that World War I truly would be the \"war to end all wars.\"\nUnfortunately, \"there is an evil that arises in this world,\" occasionally that means men and women must still fight to maintain the nation's freedom, he said.\n\"Thank you for stepping forward and doing your job,\" he told the assemblage of veterans. \"Some of you were drafted, some of you volunteered, but all of you served.\"\nBost said his congressional district, the 12th, has about 55,000 veterans currently living here -- the most of any congressional district in the nation. He said that while one reason for that might be Scott Air Force Base, he has another explanation, the respect for service that seems to be bred into every southern Illinois family.\n\"If you look around our communities, you can feel it,\" he said.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kinzinger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402198", "Kinzinger Statement on Protests at Georgian Parliament", "2019-11-14", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Adam Kinzinger", "K000378", "kinzinger.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R-IL), co-chair of the House Georgia Caucus, releases statement following reports of active protests outside the Georgian Parliament.\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      WASHINGTON, DC  Congressman Adam Kinzinger (IL-16), co-chair of the House Georgia Caucus, released the following statement after learning of protests outside the Georgian Parliament this morning: \r\nThis morning, I was shocked to hear about the collapse of promised reforms in the Georgia Parliament, after officials downvoted the move to a proportional election system.During my visit to the country last week, I was pleased by what seemed to be the inevitability of this reform package.This commitment was made to the international community, and most importantly, to the Georgian people. It is my hope that this situation can be fixed  and fixed very soon. \r\nWhen we look to this region, it's important to remember that Russia is a failing country courtesy of its repressive governance. Georgia is not Russia, and the Georgian people demand and deserve better than what their Parliament showed them today.\r\nAs co-chair of the House Georgia Caucus, I'm calling on Georgian officials to resume negotiations immediately and pass this important reform package.Georgians want a government of, for, and by the people.They want a government that is more aligned with the west and they want to be recognized as a NATO ally. Failure to deliver this constitutional amendment will be a gift for Vladimir Putin, and will destroy the progress Georgia has made to reach complete independence and separation from an aggressive, encroaching neighbor in Russia.\r\n\r\nRELATED: \r\nHouse Adopts Kinzinger-Connolly Georgia Support Act \r\nThe Ripon Advance  House advances Kinzinger's bipartisan pro-Georgia bill\r\nBusiness Insider  US Lawmakers Move to Give Georgia Teeth Against Russian Occupation \r\nNewsweek  OPINION: After Syria Withdrawal, NATO Must Turn its Attention to the Black Sea  and Georgia \r\nAgenda Georgia  US Congressmen, Georgian Parliament Speaker Meet in Tbilisi", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lahood.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-lahood-announces-200000-grant-award-wiu-rural-cooperative", "Rep. LaHood Announces $200,000 Grant Award for WIU Rural Cooperative Development", "2019-11-14", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Darin LaHood", "L000585", "lahood.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-18) announced today that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has made a rural development investment of $200,000 to the Illinois Cooperative Development Center, which is housed within the Institute for Rural Affairs at Western Illinois University. The funding will be used to provide a variety of technical assistance for rural cooperatives across Illinois.\nInvesting in rural communities across Illinois' 18th District will help grow local economies, bolster small businesses, and retain talent in rural areas, stated Rep. LaHood. This award is a testament to the hard work done at WIU, and I applaud Secretary Perdue and the Trump Administration for supporting local cooperatives in our community. I will continue to work with them to support rural businesses in Illinois.\nBackground  \n\tThe U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Cooperative Development Grants program aims to improve economic conditions in rural communities, help kickstart local businesses, or improve rural cooperatives. The focus of this rural development grant funding will be to 1) help develop cooperatively-owned grocery stores in small, rural communities, 2) develop cooperatively-owned community solar projects in rural communities to allow rural residents to lower utility costs, and 3) explore the possibility of developing cooperative housing projects, so aging residents can remain in their communities.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://kinzinger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402196", "Kinzinger, Keating, Kind, Wagner Introduce Resolution Celebrating the Anniversary of the Fall of the Berlin Wall", "2019-11-13", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Adam Kinzinger", "K000378", "kinzinger.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Europe Chairman Bill Keating (D-MA) and Ranking Member Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) introduced a resolution marking the 30th anniversary since the Berlin Wall was torn down.\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Washington, DC  In advance of the 30th anniversary celebrations of the fall of the Berlin Wall, Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Europe Chairman Bill Keating (D-MA) and Ranking Member Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) introduced a resolution marking this momentous milestone. They were joined  by Congressman Ron Kind (D-WI) and Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO) as original cosponsors of the resolution. Thirty years ago, the fall of the Berlin Wall was the most pivotal domino in advancing democracy across Central and Eastern Europe, said Chairman Keating. As we commemorated this historic moment this past weekend, we must also recognize concerning trends that show the erosion of the rule of law and a weakening of democratic institutions among our European allies. Tomorrow, our Subcommittee will hold a hearing on upholding democratic values in the NATO alliance to examine these trends. Thirty years on from the spread of democracy, we must deliberately recommit ourselves to reaffirming and strengthening our democratic values. That is the best way we can honor our shared history.\r\nWe know that communism does not work. In the dark moments of the Cold War, the oppressed saw a beacon of hope in the United States. Thirty years ago, the Berlin Wall came down and with it, went the socialist ideology that divided the city and the world, said Ranking Member Kinzinger. I'm proud to join my colleagues in recognizing this anniversary, and celebrate such a defining moment in time. The pro-democratic values triumphed when the people of Berlin chose to tear down that wall.' And in that moment, America was strengthened by the support of allies around the world who share our freedom-loving values.\r\nThirty years ago, as a student visiting the city, I was able to grab a sledgehammer and knock some chunks out of the Berlin Wall, and I continue to carry a piece of it with me to this very day, said Congressman Kind. I'm proud to help introduce this resolution to commemorate the fall of the Berlin Wall. It serves as a powerful reminder that when a group of individuals set aside their differences and work together, they can create tremendous changeuniting families, cities, and countries.\r\n  \r\nThe resolution, H.Res.683, is formally titled: Celebrating the 30th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, the reunification of both Germany and Europe, and the spread of democracy around the world. The resolution can be found in the attached PDF.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://shimkus.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/shimkus-recognizes-guinnip-for-soybean-success", "Shimkus Recognizes Guinnip for Soybean Success", "2019-11-13", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "IL", "John Shimkus", "S000364", "shimkus.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON Congressman John Shimkus (R, Illinois-15)entered a statement into the permanent Congressional Record recognizing Wabash River Valley farmer Don Guinnip for his success in producing high-quality soybeans.  \n\t  \n\t\"Don has submitted soybean samples for nutritional analysis for seven years,\" Shimkus noted. \"His 2018 sample of Stine Seed Company variety 38LE02 yielded a composite feed value of $347.40 per ton, putting him in the top 15 growers in Illinois for feed value.\"\nThe full entry in the congressional record can be found HERE.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://shimkus.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/shimkus-recognizes-pipeline-historical-marker-dedication", "Shimkus Recognizes Pipeline Historical Marker Dedication", "2019-11-13", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "IL", "John Shimkus", "S000364", "shimkus.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON Congressman John Shimkus (R, Illinois-15)entered a statement into the permanent Congressional Record recognizing the dedication on Monday (November 11, 2019) of an Illinois State Historical Society marker for the War Emergency Pipeline, which began nearTexas oil fields andended in Norris City following its 1943 completion during World War II.  \n\t  \n\t\"In 1942, oil tankers from the Gulf of Mexico were being sunk by German submarines at the rate of three per day,\" Shimkus said. \"A committee appointed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt recommended an overland pipeline be built from Longview (Texas) to Norris City.\"\nThe pipeline putapproximately 3,500 people to work, noted the congressman, who added \"13,500 barrels of crude oil were received hourly on this pipeline between February 19 and September 1, 1943.\"\nThe full entry in the congressional record can be found HERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://bost.house.gov/2019/11/bost-introduces-bill-recognize-wwii-pacific-theater-pows", "BOST INTRODUCES BILL TO RECOGNIZE WWII PACIFIC THEATER POWs", "2019-11-12", "2019", "2019-11", "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 (R-IL) today introduced the bipartisan World War II Pacific War Heroes Congressional Gold Medal Act to award Congress\u2019 highest civilian honor to American prisoners of war who fought Imperial Japan in the Pacific Theater of World War II.\n\n\u201cAmerica\u2019s Greatest Generation was comprised of ordinary men and women who were challenged by their times to do extraordinary things,\u201d said Bost. \u201cMany of these brave Americans risked their lives and were captured in the Pacific Theater fighting against Japan\u2019s Imperial Army. Unfortunately, the memories of the sacrifices made by past generations of POWs too often fade with time. I\u2019m proud to introduce this legislation to honor the over 27,000 Americans held as prisoners of war and the 11,000 who died in Japanese POW camps. It\u2019s been a long time coming, but this is the recognition they deserve.\u201d\n\nThe Congressional Gold Medal is awarded to individuals and groups to recognize their contributions to the United States. Click [[{\"fid\":\"65242\",\"view_mode\":\"default\",\"fields\":{\"format\":\"default\"},\"link_text\":\"here\",\"type\":\"media\",\"field_deltas\":{\"1\":{\"format\":\"default\"}},\"attributes\":{\"class\":\"media-element file-default\",\"data-delta\":\"1\"}}]] to read the World War II Pacific War Heroes Congressional Gold Medal Act.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-27T23:43:09Z"], ["https://bost.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/bost-introduces-bill-recognize-wwii-pacific-theater-pows", "BOST INTRODUCES BILL TO RECOGNIZE WWII PACIFIC THEATER POWs", "2019-11-12", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Mike Bost", "B001295", "bost.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Representative Mike Bost (R-IL) today introduced the bipartisan World War II Pacific War Heroes Congressional Gold Medal Act to award Congress' highest civilian honor to American prisoners of war who fought Imperial Japan in the Pacific Theater of World War II.\nAmerica's Greatest Generation was comprised of ordinary men and women who were challenged by their times to do extraordinary things, said Bost. Many of these brave Americans risked their lives and were captured in the Pacific Theater fighting against Japan's Imperial Army. Unfortunately, the memories of the sacrifices made by past generations of POWs too often fade with time. I'm proud to introduce this legislation to honor the over 27,000 Americans held as prisoners of war and the 11,000 who died in Japanese POW camps. It's been a long time coming, but this is the recognition they deserve.\nThe Congressional Gold Medal is awarded to individuals and groups to recognize their contributions to the United States. Click here to read the World War II Pacific War Heroes Congressional Gold Medal Act.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://bost.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/op-ed-always-getting-back-veterans", "OP-ED: ALWAYS GETTING BACK TO VETERANS", "2019-11-10", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Mike Bost", "B001295", "bost.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "A few years back, a Southern Illinois veteran named Lieutenant Dan yes, just like the movie gave me a red and yellow woven bracelet. It represented the colors of the Marine Corps. He had one simple request: that when I wear it, I remember for whom I work.\n\n\tAs a Marine and the father of a Marine, that bracelet has special meaning to me. Every time I take my seat in the Veterans' Affairs Committee, I look down at my wrist and see those red and yellow threads and am reminded of the generations of men and women who fought and sacrificed so much to keep us free.\n\n\tOn Veterans Day, we join together as a community to honor the estimated 55,000 veterans who call Southern Illinois home. We thank them for their service and offer a prayer for their well-being. But the effort to honor and provide for our veterans can't be a one-day effort.\n\t\n\t\tIn Congress, no matter how gridlocked things have become, we've often been able to work together to serve the needs of our veterans. This year, we've passed numerous bills to help our nation's veterans, many of which I have been proud to cosponsor. For example, the Support for Suicide Prevention Coordinators Act is legislation I introduced with Rep. Anthony Brindisi, D-New York, to address the crisis of veterans' suicide, improving suicide prevention efforts and mental health resources at the Department of Veterans Affairs.\n\t\n\t\n\t\tEvery day, 20 veterans die from suicide across the country. However, suicide prevention coordinators at the VA, professionals who work to identify high-risk veterans, have reported they don't have all the resources that they need. Our bill would ensure that these men and women have the tools required to do their job so that they can provide veterans with crucial mental health resources.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://shimkus.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/shimkus-collection-to-reside-in-siue-library", "'Shimkus Collection' to Reside in SIUE Library", "2019-11-08", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "IL", "John Shimkus", "S000364", "shimkus.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Edwardsville, Illinois  Students, political scientists, and historians will have easyaccess to research the long tenure of Congressman John Shimkus (R, Illinois-15) following the completion of his 24-yearcareer in the U.S. House of Representatives. At an event Friday,the Republican from Collinsville and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Chancellor Randy Pembrook announced thatrecords, correspondence,photos, and more will be housed in the \"Shimkus Collection\" at the campus'Lovejoy Library. \"We have already begun the process of identifying material that university officials believe is appropriate for the collection,\" Shimkus said. \"My staff will screen everything to ensure privacy laws and regulations are followed.As myoffices in Washington, DC, and in the 15th Congressional District wind down and eventually close at the end of my current term, items will be transferred to the library.\" \"Congressman Shimkus has been a dedicated public servant for four decades. We appreciate his service to the state of Illinois and to our country as our representative in Washington, DC. We also appreciate his military service to our country,\" Chancellor Pembrook said. \"Today's announcement is exciting for SIUE in that it will provide materials for future students to study and research, creating richer political science and history resources for our students.  \n\tCongressman Shimkus and many members of his family are SIUE alumni, so his contribution to Lovejoy Library at SIUE makes great sense. We appreciate this very special collection and could not be prouder of this legacy.\" Thecongressman's connection to SIUE is deep. Just as he was beginning his first term in the House of Representatives in 1997, he finished his master's degree in business administration (MBA) at the university. His father, Gene, had earned an associate degree in business from the school in 1968. Shimkus' wife, Karen, completed an SIUEmaster's degree in music with a music performance specialization in 1990, and their son, David,received abachelor degree in computerscience from the university in 2017. In addition, two sisters have SIUE degrees: Dorothy (BS Recreation '74) and Jana (BSA Accountancy '91). Now a 12-term representative, Shimkus was inducted into the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Alumni Hall of Fame in 2015. Prior to his MBA studies, the Collinsville High School product graduatedfrom the United States Military Academy in West Point, NY, in 1980, then served as an active duty Army officer for more than five years. He earned ateaching certificate from California's Christ College Irvine (now Concordia University Irvine) and returned to his native southwestern Illinois to teach at Metro East Lutheran High School in Edwardsville before launching his political career.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://bost.house.gov/2019/11/bost-announces-carbondale-transportation-funding", "BOST ANNOUNCES CARBONDALE TRANSPORTATION FUNDING", "2019-11-06", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Mike Bost", "B001295", "bost.house.gov", "bost", "https://bost.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Rep. Mike Bost (IL-12) announced a nearly $14 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation\u2019s Better Utilizing Investment to Leverage Development (BUILD) program for the Southern Illinois Multimodal Station (SIMMS) project, a new transportation center in downtown Carbondale.\n\n\u201cThis is huge news for the city of Carbondale and residents of the entire region,\u201d said Bost. \u201cThis grant will empower Carbondale to make critical updates to its transportation systems, improving access for more residents and providing new infrastructure to best connect Jackson County with the rest of the region. Carbondale can be proud that it secured funding through one of the most rigorous, merit-based infrastructure grant competitions around.\u201d\n\nThe $13,986,000 grant will be used to fund both the design and construction of a new multi-modal transportation center in downtown Carbondale as well as the demolition of the existing Amtrak station. The SIMMS project will replace the aging train and bus station in downtown Carbondale with a new station that will bring together multiple modes of transportation into one safe, efficient, and convenient location to serve a 30-county area in Southern Illinois. The project will also provide over 100 high paying construction jobs during the development process.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-27T23:43:09Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 580, "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": "2019"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=IL&year=2019", "results": [{"value": "Republican", "label": "Republican", "count": 580, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=IL&year=2019", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=IL&year=2019", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 580, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=IL&year=2019&chamber=House", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=IL&year=2019", "results": [{"value": "IL", "label": "IL", "count": 580, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&year=2019", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=IL&year=2019", "results": [{"value": "2019", "label": "2019", "count": 580, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=IL", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2019-11-06,https~3A~2F~2Fbost~2Ehouse~2Egov~2F2019~2F11~2Fbost-announces-carbondale-transportation-funding", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=IL&year=2019&_next=2019-11-06%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Fbost~2Ehouse~2Egov~2F2019~2F11~2Fbost-announces-carbondale-transportation-funding&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 536.0806009266526, "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"}