{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where party = \"Republican\", state = \"IL\" and year = 2025 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://lahood.house.gov/2025/12/lahood-announces-winner-and-runner-up-of-the-2025-congressional-app-challenge", "LaHood Announces Winner and Runner-up of the 2025 Congressional App Challenge", "2025-12-31", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Darin LaHood", "L000585", "lahood.house.gov", "lahood", "https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Representative Darin LaHood (IL-16) announced today Kavi Praanesh of Dunlap High School as the winner of the 2025 Congressional App Challenge for Illinois' 16th District. Kavi developed an application titled \"MeloCognia,\" using Python and C/C++ as her programming language. MeloCognia is an AI powered health assistant designed to help detect Parkinson's in its early stages. The runner-up, Agrini Neekhra of Dunlap High School, developed an app titled \"Febrile Neutropenia Intervention eXpert\" (FENIX), which works to combat the issue of delayed antibiotic treatment in pediatric febrile neutropenic patients.\n\n\u201cMy office has been proud to host the Congressional App Challenge for the past 10 years to encourage students in the 16th Congressional District to pursue their passion in STEM fields,\u201d said Rep. LaHood. \u201cEach year, I have been amazed by the talent of our students and the creativity of the applications they put together to solve real-world problems and improve the lives of others. I want to congratulate this year's winner Kavi, and our runner-up Agrini, for their outstanding work in this competition and developing two incredible apps. Thank you to all the students who participated and made this year's Congressional App Challenge a success!\u201d\n\n\"I was inspired to create MeloCognia after seeing my grandfather struggle with Parkinson\u2019s, as he wasn\u2019t diagnosed until the disease had already heavily impacted his daily life and treatment options were limited,\" said Kavi. \"That experience made me realize how hard early detection can be and how much the delay can cost patients. MeloCognia is an AI-powered health assistant that uses voice analysis and symptom tracking to provide fast, accessible early screening, giving users a quick insight in minutes that encourages them to seek medical evaluation sooner.\"\n\n\"The Congressional App Challenge has given me the incredible opportunity to explore new fields. Before my app, I had never coded before and teaching myself was a great experience for me to build the skill and perseverance,\" said Agrini. \"FENIX is an app aiming to prioritize the small details in healthcare systems that may go unnoticed and improve diagnosis and treatment times. Oftentimes, chemo patients with compromised immune systems will need to receive a straightforward antibiotic treatment. However, delivery system variability and delays can prolong the treatment process, increasing mortality rates. FENIX helps to predict that delay and alert healthcare personnel to prioritize those patients. Being named runner-up for Congressman LaHood's Congressional App Challenge is a great honor and encourages me to keep developing my programming skills to create stronger, improved healthcare delivery initiatives. I am very grateful for this program and hope that all students see coding as an outlet to make their own mark on the world.\"\n\nBackground:\n\nThe Congressional App Challenge is an annual competition hosted by the U.S. House of Representatives aimed at encouraging students to pursue careers in STEM fields. Since its inception in 2015, the Challenge has grown to become the largest student computer science competition in the United States.\n\nThe 2025 Congressional App Challenge set new records including:\n\nLargest student participation with 13,830 students competing across the U.S.\n\n4,650 original applications submitted - an increase of nearly 800 from 2024\n\nOver 56% of this year's applications incorporated Artificial Intelligence\n\nThe winner will receive an invitation to demonstrate their application in Washington, D.C., have their application featured on the House of Representatives website, www.house.gov, and receive a copyright fee waiver provided through the Arts Act. A video link to the winning group\u2019s application can be found here.", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://bost.house.gov/2025/12/bost-budzinski-introduce-bill-to-modernize-usda-loan-programs", "BOST, BUDZINSKI INTRODUCE BILL TO MODERNIZE USDA LOAN PROGRAMS", "2025-12-18", "2025", "2025-12", "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 (IL-12) and Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) introduced legislation Wednesday to remove outdated eligibility barriers that prevent modern family farms from accessing U.S. Department of Agriculture loan programs. The USDA Loan Modernization Act updates eligibility standards to better reflect the structure of today\u2019s multi-generational, family-run farms, expanding access to operating, emergency, and real estate loans for producers in Southern Illinois and across the country.\n\n\u201cFor too long, USDA loan rules have failed to keep up with the reality of modern farming,\u201d said Bost. \u201cFamily farms shouldn\u2019t be punished for choosing a path that helps them manage risk or plan for the next generation. Our legislation cuts through red tape, brings common sense back to USDA lending, and makes sure farmers who are doing things the right way aren\u2019t locked out from the capital they need to keep their operations running.\u201d\n\n\"While farming operations have changed drastically over time, our loan rules haven\u2019t kept up,\" said Budzinski. \"This legislation closes that gap by updating USDA loan rules and making sure small and multi-generational family farmers aren\u2019t penalized for using responsible, modern business structures. Most importantly, it puts decisions back in farmers\u2019 hands \u2014 giving them the freedom to set up their operations and land in ways that work best for their families without putting their existing FSA loans at risk.\"\n\n\"Farm Credit thanks Reps. Bost and Budzinski for introducing the USDA Loan Modernization Act,\" said Farm Credit Council President and CEO Christy Seyfer. \"This small but meaningful update to FSA loan program eligibility requirements will allow the next generation of producers to utilize modern farm business structures while still accessing FSA loan programs. We look forward to working with Reps. Bost and Budzinski to ensure this important legislation is included in Farm Bill 2.0.\"\n\nThe USDA Loan Modernization Act updates eligibility requirements to allow producers with at least a 50 percent operational interest to qualify for loans and gives the Farm Service Agency greater flexibility to consider a range of family farm entities. The legislation is supported by groups including the Farm Credit Council, Illinois Corn Growers Association, Illinois Pork Producers Association, Farm Credit Illinois, Compeer, National Rural Lenders Association, Independent Community Bankers Association, Illinois Farm Bureau Federation, and the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives.\n\n###", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://bost.house.gov/2025/12/illinois-congressional-republicans-urge-no-pardon-for-madigan", "ILLINOIS CONGRESSIONAL REPUBLICANS URGE NO PARDON FOR MADIGAN", "2025-12-16", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Mike Bost", "B001295", "bost.house.gov", "bost", "https://bost.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Illinois\u2019 U.S. House Republican delegation urged President Trump in a letter today to reject former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan\u2019s request for a presidential pardon. U.S. Reps. Mike Bost (IL-12), Darin LaHood (IL-16), and Mary Miller (IL-15) expressed concerns that granting Madigan clemency following his sentencing to seven and a half years in prison for conspiracy, wire fraud, and bribery would undermine accountability and public trust.\n\n\u201cWe write with a unified message as Republican Members of the United States House of Representatives for the State of Illinois to express our concerns regarding a request for a presidential pardon from former Illinois House Speaker Michael J. Madigan,\u201d the members said. \u201cIllinois families and taxpayers have suffered for decades under entrenched corruption, and a pardon in this case would send a dangerous message that public officials can betray the public trust with impunity.\n\n\u201cThe bribery and corruption scheme involved the misuse of state resources, including directing public utility contracts and payments to benefit private political allies. This was a deliberate, long-running pattern of abuse of public office.\n\n\u201cGranting clemency in this case would not only reward a lifetime of unethical behavior but also embolden other public officials to exploit their offices for personal gain. For these reasons, we respectfully urge you to deny any request for a presidential pardon from Michael Madigan. Denying his request is the best way to ensure Illinois residents know their leaders are held to the highest standards of integrity.\u201d\n\nThe full letter to President Trump is available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://lahood.house.gov/2025/12/illinois-congressional-republicans-urge-trump-to-reject-madigan-pardon-request", "Illinois Congressional Republicans Urge Trump to Reject Madigan Pardon Request", "2025-12-16", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Darin LaHood", "L000585", "lahood.house.gov", "lahood", "https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Representatives Darin LaHood (IL-16), Mary Miller (IL-15), and Mike Bost (IL-12) sent a letter to President Trump urging him to reject former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan\u2019s request for a presidential pardon.\n\nThe letter from Illinois\u2019 U.S. House Republican delegation reads in part:\n\n\u201cWe write with a unified message as Republican Members of the United States House of Representatives for the State of Illinois to express our concerns regarding a request for a presidential pardon from former Illinois House Speaker Michael J. Madigan. Illinois families and taxpayers have suffered for decades under entrenched corruption, and a pardon in this case would send a dangerous message that public officials can betray the public trust with impunity.\n\n\u201cThe bribery and corruption scheme involved the misuse of state resources, including directing public utility contracts and payments to benefit private political allies. This was a deliberate, long-running pattern of abuse of public office.\n\n\u201cGranting clemency in this case would not only reward a lifetime of unethical behavior but also embolden other public officials to exploit their offices for personal gain. For these reasons, we respectfully urge you to deny any request for a presidential pardon from Michael Madigan. Denying his request is the best way to ensure Illinois residents know their leaders are held to the highest standards of integrity.\u201d\n\nThe full letter to President Trump can be read here.", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://bost.house.gov/2025/12/bost-votes-to-strengthen-national-security-bolster-support-for-troops", "BOST VOTES TO STRENGTHEN NATIONAL SECURITY, BOLSTER SUPPORT FOR TROOPS", "2025-12-10", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Mike Bost", "B001295", "bost.house.gov", "bost", "https://bost.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Representative Mike Bost (IL-12) today voted for the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026, legislation that strengthens America\u2019s national defense, advances President Trump\u2019s peace through strength agenda, and supports the men and women who serve our nation in uniform. The bill authorizes $900.6 billion for national defense programs, provides a 3.8% pay raise for servicemembers, allocates $6 million for Scott Air Force Base hangar improvements, secures our southern border, and ends the woke policies and DEI mandates that have distracted from military readiness.\n\n\u201cSupporting our troops and keeping America safe must always come before politics,\u201d said Bost. \u201cThis national defense funding backs President Trump\u2019s peace through strength approach, secures the southern border, reins in wasteful spending, and gets rid of the DEI and woke policies that have no place in our military. It ensures our servicemembers have the resources they need to do their jobs and I\u2019m proud to support legislation that puts our national defense and our troops first.\u201d\n\n.\n\nThe Fiscal Year 2026 NDAA includes:\n\n.\n\n- $900.6 billion for national defense programs\n\n- 3.8% pay raise for all servicemembers\n\n- $6 million for Scott Air Force Base hangar improvements\n\n- Over $1 billion to combat drug trafficking and support border security operations\n\n- Fully funds National Guard and active-duty deployments to assist Border Patrol at the southwest border\n\n- Permanently repeals of all Department of War DEI offices, programs, and training\n\n.\n\n###", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://lahood.house.gov/2025/12/lahood-supports-fy26-national-defense-authorization-act", "LaHood Supports FY26 National Defense Authorization Act", "2025-12-10", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Darin LaHood", "L000585", "lahood.house.gov", "lahood", "https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-16) voted in favor of the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), to fund and support our military, their families, and key national security priorities.\n\n\"The FY2026 NDAA strengthens our national security, gives the men and women serving our nation the resources they need, and enhances our ability to counter the malign actions of bad actors around the globe,\" said Rep. LaHood. \"With ever-evolving threats and foreign adversaries working every day to undermine the United States, this bill makes certain our military and intelligence community are equipped with the tools they need to handle any threat. I was proud to vote for this bill and I will continue to support the brave servicemembers who safeguard our freedoms.\"\n\nBackground:\n\nThe bill codifies 15 of President Trump's Executive Orders focused on strengthening our military and authorizes $900 billion for national defense to provide our troops with the tools and resources they need to remain the world's premier fighting force. It includes provisions to counter the hostile actions of our adversaries, invest in cutting edge technology to ensure military preparedness, and improve the quality of life for our servicemembers with a 3.8% pay raise and improved benefits for military families.\n\nThe NDAA also includes the Fiscal Year 2026 Intelligence Authorization Act, which authorizes funds to support our Intelligence Community, broaden Congressional oversight, protect the U.S. from counterintelligence threats, and expedites the Intelligence Community\u2019s adoption and implementation of emerging technologies.\n\nRep. LaHood's Priorities included the FY2026 NDAA:\n\nAdvanced AI Security Readiness Act\n\nRequires the Director of the National Security Agency to develop guidance to protect artificial intelligence (AI) technology from adversaries by engaging with AI developers and leveraging industry expertise to address vulnerabilities and threats.\n\nThe BIOSECURE Act\n\nPrevents U.S. federal funds from supporting biotechnology companies tied to foreign adversaries.\n\nThe Outbound Investment Transparency Act\n\nCreates targeted restrictions for outbound U.S. investments that would fund military and advanced technology capabilities of foreign adversaries.\n\nCongressman LaHood also supported provisions to authorize local, state, and federal agencies, including the DHS and DOJ, with new authority to take counter-drone measures for large scale public gatherings or events, critical infrastructure, and correctional facilities.", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://lahood.house.gov/2025/12/lahood-sorensen-applaud-passage-of-legislation-to-rename-rockford-post-office-in-honor-of-jay-larson", "LaHood, Sorensen Applaud Passage of Legislation to Rename Rockford Post Office in Honor of Jay Larson", "2025-12-09", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Darin LaHood", "L000585", "lahood.house.gov", "lahood", "https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation led by Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-16) and Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) to dedicate the Harrison Avenue Post Office in Rockford in honor of fallen letter carrier Jay Larson.\n\n\"Over his 25 years as a letter carrier, Jay Larson exemplified the best of our Midwestern values and fully embraced his role as a public servant,\" said Rep. LaHood. \"His work ethic and compassion for others during his time with the United States Postal Service were unmatched. I was proud to co-lead this legislation to rename the Harrison Avenue Post Office with Representative Sorensen to cement Jay's legacy and honor the positive impact he made on the Rockford community. I am grateful to my colleagues in the House of Representatives for supporting this legislation and I look forward to it being signed into law.\"\n\n\u201cJay Larson remains missed by his neighbors who remember his warm smile and welcoming face as he delivered mail for more than 25 years,\u201d said Rep. Sorensen. \u201cWe\u2019re now another step closer to permanently honoring his life, legacy, and years of admirable service to the Rockford community.\u201d\n\nBackground:\n\nJay Larson tragically lost his life during a stabbing attack in March of 2024 while delivering mail along his route. Larson served the Rockford community as a letter carrier for the Harrison Avenue Post Office for 25 years.\n\nCongressmen LaHood and Sorensen originally introduced this legislation in the 118th Congress. They reintroduced the legislation on March 27th, 2025 during the 119th Congress to honor the one year mark of Jay Larson's passing.", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://lahood.house.gov/2025/12/lahood-s-nchez-reintroduce-roth-ira-rollover-legislation-to-bolster-retirement-security", "LaHood, S\u00e1nchez Reintroduce Roth IRA Rollover Legislation to Bolster Retirement Security", "2025-12-04", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Darin LaHood", "L000585", "lahood.house.gov", "lahood", "https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Representatives Darin LaHood (IL-16) and Linda T. Sanchez (CA-38), along with Senators John Barrasso (R-WY) and Michael Bennet (D-CO), reintroduced the Retirement Rollover Flexibility Act. This bipartisan, bicameral legislation will allow retirement savers to roll over their Roth IRA savings into a Roth account within a workplace retirement plan.\n\n\"Building retirement security is critical to the wellbeing of American families and the long-term strength of our economy,\" said Congressman LaHood. \"Our bipartisan bill will allow for the consolidation of assets, reduce duplicative fees, simplify retirement savings, and help families across the country better plan for their future. Congress must continue to remove unnecessary barriers and find solutions that help American workers build for a comfortable retirement. I am proud to join my Ways and Means colleague, Representative Sanchez, and Senators Barrasso and Bennet on this commonsense legislation.\"\n\n\u201cMillions of Americans rely on Roth IRAs to help prepare for retirement. As more people use these accounts, we need to make it easier for workers to move their savings into the Roth options offered through their jobs,\u201d said Congresswoman S\u00e1nchez. \u201cI\u2019m grateful to work with Congressman LaHood and Senators Barrasso and Bennet on this bipartisan, bicameral effort to give people a simple way to roll over their savings to build a stronger foundation for retirement.\u201d\n\n\u201cRetirement savings belong to the workers who earn them, and those savings should follow them throughout their careers,\u201d said Senator Barrasso. \u201cThe Retirement Rollover Flexibility Act creates new options for workers to bring retirement savings with them when changing jobs. This commonsense reform will strengthen retirement security and help Wyoming families build stronger financial futures.\u201d\n\n\u201cWorkers shouldn\u2019t lose track of their retirement savings just because they change jobs,\u201d said Senator Bennet. \u201cRight now, outdated rules prevent Roth retirement accounts from moving with workers the way traditional accounts can. This bill fixes that gap\u2014ensuring all workers can consolidate their retirement savings, reduce fees, and keep their nest egg growing no matter where their career takes them.\u201d\n\n\u201cWith the rapid expansion of state auto-IRA programs\u2014nearly all of which default savers into Roth IRAs\u2014and with Americans changing jobs more often than ever, the need for true retirement savings portability has never been greater,\u201d said Brian Graff, CEO of the American Retirement Association. \u201cAllowing workers to move their Roth IRA balances into designated Roth accounts within employer-sponsored retirement plans is a smart, timely, and sensible solution. The Retirement Rollover Flexibility Act will reduce duplicative fees associated with maintaining multiple accounts, curb retirement savings leakage through seamless auto-portability, and ensure workers can carry their Roth savings with them as they move through their careers. The American Retirement Association applauds Senators Barrasso and Bennet and Representatives LaHood and S\u00e1nchez for their leadership on this critical issue.\u201d\n\nBackground:\n\nCurrent law prohibits workers from rolling Roth IRA savings into workplace-based Roth retirement plans offered by employers. The Retirement Rollover Flexibility Act would specifically allow the transfer of contributions from Roth IRA plans to a workplace designated Roth account, such as a Roth 401(k). Allowing this consolidation will let workers choose the retirement savings option that best suits their need while reducing the risk of savings being lost or withdrawn early.\n\nThe legislation is supported by the American Retirement Association.", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://lahood.house.gov/2025/11/lahood-panetta-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-simplify-retirement-options-for-seniors", "LaHood, Panetta Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Simplify Retirement Options for Seniors", "2025-11-26", "2025", "2025-11", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Darin LaHood", "L000585", "lahood.house.gov", "lahood", "https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-16) introduced the Retirement Simplification and Clarity Act, alongside his Ways and Means colleague Congressman Jimmy Panetta (CA-19). This legislation works to remove barriers and provide individuals with clearer guidance and more flexibility while planning for retirement.\n\n\"Hardworking Americans planning for retirement shouldn\u2019t have to face extraneous complications that create uncertainty about their financial future,\" said Rep. LaHood. \"Providing more flexibility and a better guidance during the process will help ensure Americans can properly prepare for retirement and feel confident in their decisions. I am proud to lead this bipartisan effort with Representative Panetta to help eliminate needless hurdles and reduce the confusion surrounding retirement.\u201d\n\n\u201cNavigating the various processes of saving for retirement can get very complicated, very fast,\u201d said Rep. Panetta. \u201cThis bipartisan bill helps Americans plan for retirement by making the process simpler and giving them more flexibility. By helping Americans make informed decisions about their savings, we can strengthen their financial security for retirement and the years ahead.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisers (NAIFA) is pleased to endorse the Retirement Simplification and Clarity Act, introduced by Rep. Panetta (D-CA) and Rep. LaHood (R-IL)\u201d announced NAIFA CEO Kevin M. Mayeux. \u201cAs the largest national association of insurance and financial advisers with members assisting hard-working, everyday Americans in all states and Congressional districts with retirement savings choices, we applaud any effort to simplify the rules for retirement savings and to enhance the ability of retirees to ensure they do not outlive their savings through guaranteed income options. This bill will advance those worthy goals, and NAIFA looks forward to working with the sponsors to see it enacted.\u201d\n\nBackground:\n\nA 402(f) Notice is a document that lays out the action steps that someone can take with their retirement savings. It is issued to participants who have separated from their employer and requested a distribution from their plan.\n\nIt is the only disclosure that plans are required to provide to participants who are eligible for a rollover that is specifically about the options for their plan savings and its related tax consequences.\n\nA 2024 Government Accountability Office (GAO) Report found that 401k participant understanding of their distribution options remains a challenge despite treasury\u2019s required 402(f) notices. This is in part due to the complexity of the notices and lack of clarity.\n\nParticipants also cannot use in service rollover rules to buy annuities while continuing to save in their 401k, limiting their options for income streams into retirement.\n\n402(f) notices are overly complex and unclear and in-service rollover restrictions limit 401k participants\u2019 options.\n\nTo combat these issues, the Retirement Simplification and Clarity Act implements GAO recommendations to simplify 402(f) notices that outline options when individuals request distributions from their retirement plans.\n\nThis bill creates a new in-service rollover option to allow individuals aged 50+ to roll over some or all their existing retirement savings into an annuity product for guaranteed lifetime income while continuing to save in their 401(k) plan.\n\nThese adjustments simplifies information for individuals and expands income stream options for retirement.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-harris-lead-28-republicans-slamming-brakes-abortion-tourism-program", "Miller & Harris Lead 28 Republicans in Slamming Brakes on \u201cAbortion Tourism\u201d Program for Illegals", "2025-11-20", "2025", "2025-11", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Mary E. Miller", "M001211", "marymiller.house.gov", "marymiller", "https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 On Thursday, Congresswoman Mary Miller (IL-15) and Congressman Mark Harris (NC-08) led a group of 28 lawmakers in introducing legislation that would prohibit taxpayer-funded abortion travel for illegal aliens.\n\n\u201cJoe Biden turned federal agencies into abortion traffickers by directing the Office of Refugee Resettlement to arrange and finance abortion travel for illegal alien minors,\u201d said Congresswoman Miller. \u201cPresident Trump's administration is rightfully moving to reverse this shocking abuse of taxpayer dollars, and I'm proud to partner with Congressman Mark Harris on legislation that permanently ends it.\u201d\n\n\u201cNo American should ever have their tax dollars used to shuttle illegal aliens across state lines for abortions,\u201d said Congressman Harris. \u201cThat\u2019s why we're fighting to stop these outrageous Biden-era policies that turned federal programs into a taxpayer-funded Uber for abortions. We\u2019re going to end it.\u201d\n\nThe No Taxpayer-Funded Abortion Travel For Illegal Aliens Act aligns with anticipated movement from the Trump Administration to eliminate a Biden-era regulation and properly enforce the Hyde Amendment, which prohibits taxpayer-funded abortions.\n\nCo-sponsors include: Reps. John Rose (TN-06), Barry Moore (AL-01), Eli Crane (AZ-02), August Pfluger (TX-11), Clay Higgins (LA-03), Chip Roy (TX-21), Marjorie Taylor Greene (GA-14), Randy Fine (FL-06), Robert Aderholt (AL-04), Randy Weber (TX-14), Marlin Stutzman (IN-03), Keith Self (TX-03), Eric Burlison (MO-07), Jefferson Shreve (IN-06), Glenn Grothman (WI-06), John McGuire (VA-05), Warren Davidson (OH-08), Andy Harris (MD-01), Daniel Webster (FL-11), Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05), Byron Donalds (FL-19), Thomas Massie (KY-04), Jim Baird (IN-04), Doug LaMalfa (CA-01), Brian Babin (TX-36), Tim Moore (NC-14), Bob Onder (MO-03), and Sheri Biggs (SC-03).\n\nSupporting organizations include: Family Research Council, March for Life Action, Students for Life Action, CatholicVote, and Center for Urban Renewal and Education\n\nRead the full piece of legislation for the No Taxpayer-Funded Abortion Travel For Illegal Aliens Act here.", 1, "2026-05-15T06:17:41Z", "2026-05-15T06:18:51Z"], ["https://lahood.house.gov/2025/11/lahood-chairs-house-ways-and-means-subcommittee-on-work-and-welfare-to-discuss-chafee-reform", "LaHood Chairs House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Work and Welfare to Discuss Chafee Reform", "2025-11-19", "2025", "2025-11", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Darin LaHood", "L000585", "lahood.house.gov", "lahood", "https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Yesterday, Congressman Darin LaHood, Chairman of the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Work and Welfare, chaired a hearing on ways to harness innovation and implement new technology to help America's foster youth succeed.\n\nClick Here to Watch Rep. LaHood's Opening Remarks\n\n\"Youth aging out of foster care are one of the most vulnerable populations in our country,\" said Rep. LaHood. \"80% of former foster youth experienced trauma before adulthood and nearly half have been diagnosed mental health conditions. Foster youth have higher rates of educational dropout, early pregnancy, and unemployment. One of the most significant barriers that I\u2019m concerned about is access to stable housing. One estimate finds that nearly 35 percent of former foster youth experienced homelessness by age 21. Programs like Chafee play a critical role in assisting our youth by helping them develop life skills, access housing, and enroll in education and training \u2013 and we know caseworkers are at the forefront of a youth\u2019s experience. Caseworkers help youth navigate programs, plan for their future, and work toward successful independence.\"\n\nClick here to Watch Rep. LaHood's Full Questioning\n\nBackground:\n\nToday, the Subcommittee on Work and Welfare held a hearing on technology and innovation in federal child welfare programs and how they can be utilized to empower caseworkers and support transition-age foster youth (ages 14 to 21).\n\nThis hearing follows Chairman LaHood joining President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump last week at the White House for the signing of the Fostering the Future for American Children and Families Executive Order, which included a call to modernize state child welfare programs and expand the use of technology.\n\nThe hearing is part of the Committee\u2019s work to modernize and reform the John H. Chafee Foster Care Program for Successful Transition to Adulthood (\u201cChafee\u201d).\n\nDuring the last Subcommittee hearing, held on June 12th, \u201cAging Out is\n\nNot a Plan: Reimagining Futures for Foster Youth,\u201d witnesses highlighted that many foster youth are not aware of resources offered through Chafee and some states face challenges drawing down federal dollars.\n\nAt this hearing, witnesses discussed technology and innovative tools that are actively being used by caseworkers to more effectively support foster youth.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://lahood.house.gov/2025/11/lahood-votes-to-release-epstein-files", "LaHood Votes to Release Epstein Files", "2025-11-18", "2025", "2025-11", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Darin LaHood", "L000585", "lahood.house.gov", "lahood", "https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-16) released the following statement after voting to release the Epstein files and provide transparency to the American public.\n\n\u201cToday, I voted to release all documents related to Jeffrey Epstein\u2019s heinous crimes and provide full transparency to the American people,\" said Rep. LaHood. \"I will continue to support the Oversight Committee\u2019s ongoing efforts to release any remaining documents from the Epstein estate to ensure all the facts surrounding this case are made public. As investigations continue, we must remain focused on delivering justice for the victims. Anyone who participated in these crimes or aided Epstein must be held fully accountable and be criminally charged under the full extent of the law.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://lahood.house.gov/2025/11/icymi-lahood-smith-join-president-trump-and-first-lady-for-historic-investment-in-foster-youth", "ICYMI: LaHood, Smith Join President Trump and First Lady for Historic Investment in Foster Youth", "2025-11-14", "2025", "2025-11", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Darin LaHood", "L000585", "lahood.house.gov", "lahood", "https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Yesterday, Work and Welfare Subcommittee Chairman Darin LaHood (IL-16) and Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith (MO-08) joined President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump at the White House for the signing of the Fostering the Future for American Children and Families Executive Order.\n\n\"It was a privilege to join President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump today at the White House for the signing of the Fostering the Future for American Children and Families Executive Order,\" said Representative LaHood. \"This Executive Order delivers real results for youth transitioning out of foster care by expanding opportunities to further their education, obtain housing, and access resources that will help them lead successful lives.\n\n\"As Chairman of the Ways and Means Work & Welfare Subcommittee, I\u2019ve been proud to partner with the Administration to strengthen families and improve outcomes for children in foster care. Today's signing was a historic investment in the success of future generations. I look forward to continuing to work with the President, First Lady, and my colleagues to advance meaningful reforms to our foster care system and ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive.\"\n\n\u201cThrough this executive order, President Trump and the First Lady are helping foster youth have better futures. Before I came to Congress, I practiced family law and saw firsthand the impacts of the child welfare system on children and families,\" said Chairman Smith. \"At the Committee on Ways and Means, one of our top priorities has been to elevate the voices of regular Americans, including children in foster care, and finding ways to work together to improve the child welfare system. This latest action by the Trump Administration will help inform our work on the Committee to advance solutions to improve our foster youth programs.\n\n\u201cLast Congress, our Committee passed a historic reauthorization of child welfare programs under Title IV-B of the Social Security Act, enacting the most significant reforms to the program since 2008.\n\n\u201cWe have spent this year looking at another program in our jurisdiction, the Chafee Foster Care Program for Successful Transition to Adulthood, with the same goal of enacting needed bipartisan reforms. This program exclusively serves some of our nation\u2019s most vulnerable youth, those aging out of foster care without connections to family or supportive adults. We are holding a second hearing on the program next week to learn from industry leaders about how technology can be used to improve outcomes.\n\n\u201cWe look forward to continuing our partnership with the Trump Administration to do everything we can to maximize support for youth in foster care.\u201d\n\nThe text of the Executive Order can be found in the link below:\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nOn Thursday, November 13th at 2:00pm the White House held a signing ceremony for an Executive Order (EO) titled, \u201cFostering the Future for American Children and Families.\u201d The EO focuses on ways to strengthen support for youth in foster care and those transitioning into adulthood by improving coordination of federal programs. Fostering the Future is an initiative led by the First Lady.\n\nThe EO includes a focus on supporting foster youth, including assistance with housing, education, and training.\n\nThis aligns with Chairman LaHood's work in the 118th Congress where he was the lead sponsor of the Supporting America\u2019s Children and Families Act (H.R. 9076), which was ultimately signed into law in January 2025, marking the first meaningful reform to Title IV-B program since 2008.\n\nIn the 119th Congress, the Work & Welfare Subcommittee is focused on ways to improve outcomes for foster youth to support success in adulthood and life. Nearly 16,000 youth age out of foster care each year without permanent connections to family. These youth face significant challenges living independently:\n\nOnly 50% of foster children finish high school, and only three percent of former foster children obtain a college degree. Twenty percent of the children in foster care will become homeless after aging out of the system, and only half will have gainful employment by the age of 24.\n\nSUBCOMMITTEE WORK ON CHAFEE:\n\nHearings: On Tuesday, Nov. 18th, the Subcommittee will hold its second hearing in 2025 on Chafee to look at ways to modernize the program to better serve foster youth and former foster youth.\n\nJune 12, 2025: \u201cAging Out is Not a Plan: Reimagining Futures for Foster Youth\u201d (The full hearing can be found HERE)\n\nNovember 18, 2025: \"Leaving the Sticky Notes Behind: Harnessing Innovation and New Technology to Help America\u2019s Foster Youth Succeed.\" (The hearing advisory can be found HERE)", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://bost.house.gov/2025/11/bost-delivers-on-local-public-safety-infrastructure-projects", "BOST DELIVERS ON LOCAL PUBLIC SAFETY, INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS", "2025-11-13", "2025", "2025-11", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Mike Bost", "B001295", "bost.house.gov", "bost", "https://bost.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Representative Mike Bost (IL-12) today announced the Continuing Resolution passed by Congress this week to reopen the government included $1.4 million for three local projects he championed in the House this year. Once signed into law by the President, funding will be allocated for water infrastructure improvements in Sesser and public safety projects in Mt. Vernon and Effingham.\n\n\u201cPart of good government is ensuring the health and safety of the people we represent,\u201d said Bost. \u201cThese investments will help ensure families have access to safe drinking water, firefighters can train more effectively, and first responders have the modern facilities they need to protect lives and property. I\u2019m proud to have worked with our local leaders to make these projects a reality.\u201d\n\nProjects funded in the package include:\n\nJefferson Fire Protection District \u2013 New Fire Station Headquarters and Regional Training Facility (Mt. Vernon, IL)\n\nAward: $253,365\n\nFunding will support construction of a state-of-the-art training facility designed to simulate real-world fire scenarios in modern residential structures. The facility will improve readiness and hands-on training for firefighters serving a 230-square-mile district across multiple towns and rural areas.\n\nCity of Sesser \u2013 Water System Improvements, Phase 3 (Sesser, IL)\n\nAward: $471,000\n\nThe project will replace approximately 2,500 feet of aging cast iron and asbestos cement water mains with new PVC piping. This investment will enhance water safety, reliability, and overall system performance for residents.\n\nEffingham Fire Department \u2013 Platform Ladder Truck Replacement Project (Effingham, IL)\n\nAward: $700,000\n\nFunding will help the department replace its 25-year-old platform ladder truck with a modern, state-of-the-art vehicle. The new truck will improve firefighting and rescue capabilities, particularly for vulnerable populations in multi-story residential and healthcare facilities.", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-miller-votes-end-democrat-shutdown-and-deliver-major-investments-illinois", "Rep. Miller Votes to End the Democrat Shutdown and Deliver Major Investments for Illinois Communities", "2025-11-13", "2025", "2025-11", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Mary E. Miller", "M001211", "marymiller.house.gov", "marymiller", "https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Congresswoman Mary Miller (IL-15) released the following statement on her vote for the Senate Amendment to H.R. 5371, which officially reopened the federal government:\n\n\u201cDemocrats spent more than 40 days inflicting unnecessary hardship on American families, veterans, and farmers in a desperate attempt to gain leverage for their radical agenda. I voted to reopen the government, put Americans first, and ensure Congress gets back to regular order,\u201d said Congresswoman Miller.\n\nThe continuing resolution delivers full-year funding for key appropriations bills, including Military Construction\u2013Veterans Affairs and Agriculture, Rural Development, FDA, and Related Agencies. The agriculture bill includes $4.5 million in community project funding that Congresswoman Miller secured for the Delbert Mundt Water Treatment Plant Expansion in Shelby County. This investment will modernize rural water infrastructure and ensure safe, reliable water for Illinois communities.\n\nThe agriculture bill also increases support for critical agricultural research and rural water programs, which were among Congresswoman Miller\u2019s key appropriations priorities.", 1, "2026-05-01T06:06:26Z", "2026-05-01T06:08:22Z"], ["https://bost.house.gov/2025/11/bost-votes-to-end-democrat-shutdown", "BOST VOTES TO END DEMOCRAT SHUTDOWN", "2025-11-12", "2025", "2025-11", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Mike Bost", "B001295", "bost.house.gov", "bost", "https://bost.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "\u201cWashington Democrats inflicted 43 days of pain on the American people just to score points with their political base. Their shutdown was senseless from the start, hurting working families, farmers, and veterans every step of the way,\" said Bost. \"The Republican-led agreement passed by the House today restores access to critical services and provides some certainty at a time when our constituents desperately need it. The People\u2019s House is open once again, and we owe it to them to act responsibly and not pull this country back over a cliff when funding expires in January.\u201d\n\nKey provisions in the Continuing Resolution include:\n\nA full year\u2019s funding for the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Agriculture, and military construction\n\n$263.7 billion for mandatory veterans programs, including disability compensation, education benefits, and job training; additional funding ensures veterans healthcare and benefits will be fully funded\n\n$107.5 billion for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)\n\n$26.65 billion for agriculture and rural development programs\n\n$19.7 billion for military construction projects", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://lahood.house.gov/2025/11/lahood-statement-on-ending-the-government-shutdown", "LaHood Statement on Ending the Government Shutdown", "2025-11-12", "2025", "2025-11", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Darin LaHood", "L000585", "lahood.house.gov", "lahood", "https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Tonight, Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-16) issued the statement below following the House of Representatives' vote to reopen the government.\n\n\u201cIn September, I voted to avoid the Schumer Shutdown. Tonight, I proudly joined my colleagues in voting to put an end to it,\u201d said Rep. LaHood. \u201cWhile I'm glad a handful of Senate Democrats finally came to their senses and broke away from Chuck Schumer, this shutdown was entirely avoidable and went on far too long. Over the last 42 days our families have faced uncertainty, workers have gone unpaid, and our economy has been damaged all because Democrats wanted to use Americans' suffering as political leverage. I hope moving forward they recognize that this decision was reckless and grossly irresponsible. I look forward to picking up where we left off and continuing to deliver for the people of Illinois\u2019 16th District.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-miller-introduces-bill-requiring-military-academies-accept-classical", "Rep. Miller Introduces Bill Requiring Military Academies to Accept Classical Learning Test", "2025-11-10", "2025", "2025-11", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Mary E. Miller", "M001211", "marymiller.house.gov", "marymiller", "https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Congresswoman Mary Miller (IL-15) introduced the House companion to Senator Jim Banks\u2019 (R-IN) Promoting Classical Learning Act. This legislation would ensure America\u2019s service academies recognize the Classic Learning Test (CLT) as a standard for academic excellence. The bill codifies Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth\u2019s directive requiring the U.S. Military Academy, Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, Coast Guard Academy, and Merchant Marine Academy to accept the CLT for admissions.\n\nThe Promoting Classical Learning Act also mandates that federally operated secondary schools, including Department of Defense and Bureau of Indian Education schools, administer the CLT to all 11th-grade students. Currently, there are 161 Department of Defense schools nationwide.\n\n\u201cAmerica\u2019s service academies should represent the highest ideals of our nation\u2014courage, integrity, and intellect. The Classic Learning Test upholds those same ideals,\u201d said Congresswoman Miller. \u201cRequiring our military academies to accept the CLT will help cultivate a new generation of leaders who are not only exceptionally capable but deeply grounded in the principles that make America strong.\u201d\n\nFounded in 2015 by Jeremy Tate, the CLT was developed as an alternative to the SAT and ACT, providing a standardized assessment rooted in classical education. It evaluates reading, writing, and arithmetic using texts from great thinkers of Western and Christian traditions.\n\nIn May 2025, Secretary Hegseth announced his intention to direct the military academies to accept the CLT. In September, the Pentagon confirmed the CLT would be accepted beginning with the 2027 admissions cycle. The Promoting Classical Learning Act codifies this policy to ensure its permanence.", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://bost.house.gov/2025/11/illinois-congressional-republicans-urge-end-to-democrat-shutdown", "ILLINOIS CONGRESSIONAL REPUBLICANS URGE END TO DEMOCRAT SHUTDOWN", "2025-11-03", "2025", "2025-11", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Mike Bost", "B001295", "bost.house.gov", "bost", "https://bost.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "\"We proudly voted with our Republican colleagues on September 19th to keep the government open and protect vital services for hardworking families. Senate Democrats have had over a month to do the same, but instead they have chosen to hold the government hostage and use our families as political pawns to extort $1.5 trillion in far-left partisan spending. Their reckless obstruction is damaging Illinois\u2019 economy and putting nutrition benefits for Illinoisans at risk. It\u2019s time for Senators Durbin and Duckworth to end the political games and vote to pass the clean Continuing Resolution sitting in the Senate,\u201d said Reps. Bost, Miller, and LaHood.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://lahood.house.gov/2025/10/illinois-congressional-republicans-urge-end-to-democrat-shutdown", "Illinois Congressional Republicans Urge End to Democrat Shutdown", "2025-10-30", "2025", "2025-10", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Darin LaHood", "L000585", "lahood.house.gov", "lahood", "https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 As the government shutdown reached its 30th day, U.S. Representatives Darin LaHood (IL-16), Mike Bost (IL-12), and Mary Miller (IL-15) released a joint statement urging Senate Democrats to reopen the federal government before key programs, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), experience a lapse in funding at month\u2019s end. Each week of the shutdown costs Illinois nearly $600 million in economic output, according to the President\u2019s Council of Economic Advisors.\n\n\u201cWe proudly voted with our Republican colleagues on September 19th to keep the government open and protect vital services for hardworking families. Senate Democrats have had over a month to do the same, but instead they have chosen to hold the government hostage and use our families as political pawns to extort $1.5 trillion in far-left partisan spending. Their reckless obstruction is damaging Illinois\u2019 economy and putting nutrition benefits for Illinoisans at risk. It\u2019s time for Senators Durbin and Duckworth to end the political games and vote to pass the clean Continuing Resolution sitting in the Senate.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases/illinois-congressional-republicans-urge-end-democrat-shutdown", "Illinois Congressional Republicans Urge End to Democrat Shutdown", "2025-10-30", "2025", "2025-10", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Mary E. Miller", "M001211", "marymiller.house.gov", "marymiller", "https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 As the government shutdown reached its 30th day, U.S. Representatives Mary Miller (IL-15), Mike Bost (IL-12), and Darin LaHood (IL-16) issued a joint statement urging Senate Democrats to reopen the federal government before key programs, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), experience a lapse in funding at month\u2019s end. According to the President's Council of Economic Advisors, each week of the shutdown costs Illinois nearly $600 million in economic output.", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://lahood.house.gov/2025/10/lahood-applauds-stellantis-for-investment-in-belvidere-assembly-plant-and-illinois-workers", "LaHood Applauds Stellantis for Investment in Belvidere Assembly Plant and Illinois Workers", "2025-10-14", "2025", "2025-10", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Darin LaHood", "L000585", "lahood.house.gov", "lahood", "https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-16) released the following statement after Stellantis announced an investment of more than $600 million in the Belvidere Assembly Plant. This investment will create 3,300 new jobs and support two new vehicle lines to manufacture the Jeep Compass and the Jeep Cherokee.\n\n\u201cStellantis\u2019 announcement of a more than $600 million investment to reopen and expand production at the Belvidere Assembly Plant is excellent news for Belvidere and our state,\u201d said Rep. LaHood. \u201cThis tremendous investment will bring 3,300 new high-paying jobs to northern Illinois, providing more opportunities for Illinoisans, boosting our state\u2019s economy, and strengthening the future of American manufacturing. I thank President Trump and his administration for their support and focus on revitalizing American manufacturing. I look forward to working with the Administration, Stellantis, and Belvidere officials throughout this process.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://lahood.house.gov/2025/10/lahood-statement-on-phase-one-of-the-israel-hamas-peace-deal", "LaHood Statement on Phase One of the Israel Hamas Peace Deal", "2025-10-09", "2025", "2025-10", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Darin LaHood", "L000585", "lahood.house.gov", "lahood", "https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-16) released the following statement on Israel and Hamas agreeing to phase one of a peace deal:\n\n\"The announcement that Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of a peace deal and the long-overdue release of all hostages marks a significant step towards stability in the region,\" said Rep. LaHood \u201cI am grateful for President Trump and Secretary Rubio\u2019s leadership and tireless efforts to negotiate this deal, once again proving that peace through strength is the most effective approach to foreign policy. We must continue to work with our allies to ensure that this agreement is upheld as we move towards lasting peace in the Middle East.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://bost.house.gov/2025/10/government-shutdown-resources", "GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN RESOURCES", "2025-10-01", "2025", "2025-10", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Mike Bost", "B001295", "bost.house.gov", "bost", "https://bost.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "As of October 1st, many federal operations have been shut down pending approval of a new government funding resolution. I appreciate Southern Illinois\u2019 frustrations with the shutdown and the uncertainties it brings. That\u2019s why I supported a House-passed funding package to keep the government running at current funding levels until November 21, 2025; however, the proposal did not pass the Senate.\n\nDespite the shutdown, our offices in Washington, D.C., Mascoutah, Murphysboro, and Effingham remain open to assist you. While many federal agencies may have slower response times and minimal staffing, we can still submit requests and advocate on your behalf.\n\nOur offices will not be able to process flag orders or arrange tours of the United States Capitol or other landmarks for constituents visiting Washington, D.C. While certain popular tourist sites, such as the Smithsonian museums, remain open in the early days of the shutdown, I encourage you to research online or contact the locations you\u2019re interested in directly to confirm accessibility.\n\nImpacts vary by agency. Visit the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) website and read below for more details.\n\nI am committed to keeping you informed about how the shutdown may affect your government services, and I will continue to do so throughout the process.\n\nSincerely,\n\nMike Bost\n\nHow did we get here?\n\nThe U.S. Congress must pass annual appropriations measures to fund federal government agencies by October 1st. On September 19th, I voted for a measure that passed the House of Representatives extending current federal funding until November 21st while we finish our work for the full fiscal year. This was a clean, straightforward extension of existing funding without extraneous policy.\n\nUnfortunately, this proposal did not pass the Senate. This means many federal agencies do not currently have the authority to operate. Other programs deemed essential are allowed by law to continue.\n\nWhat services will continue?\n\nWhile the programs listed below will continue, the agencies responsible for administering them may see reduced workforces impacting operations. This is not a comprehensive list as we are continuing to gather information.\n\nSocial Security payments, including SSI benefits\n\nMedicare and Medicaid benefits\n\nVA medical care and benefits (although some regional offices may be closed)\n\nSNAP benefits (although a prolonged shutdown could create disruptions)\n\nDisability payments\n\nMail delivery\n\nFederal law enforcement and military operations\n\nAir travel\n\nFederal employee retirement payments\n\nStudent aid such as Pell Grants and Federal Direct Student Loans\n\nVisits to national Smithsonian Museums (until at least Monday, October 6)\n\nVisa and passport services (although longer wait times are possible)\n\nResources for Federal Employees\n\nAs agencies shut down, federal employees will either be furloughed, or in some cases required to work without pay. Under federal law, employees are entitled to back pay upon the government reopening.\n\nOPM Operating Status\n\nOPM Shutdown Furlough Guidance\n\nThrift Savings Plan - Lapse in Appropriations", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-millers-legislation-would-reinstate-safety-regulations-dangerous-abortion", "Rep. Miller\u2019s Legislation Would Reinstate Safety Regulations on Dangerous Abortion Pill", "2025-09-26", "2025", "2025-09", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Mary E. Miller", "M001211", "marymiller.house.gov", "marymiller", "https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Congresswoman Mary Miller\u2019s (IL-15) Restoring Safeguards for Dangerous Abortion Drugs Act comes following Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.\u2019s announcement of a new review of abortion pills such as mifepristone.\n\nThis legislation aims to reinstate in-person medical requirements for mifepristone. As the House companion to Senator Josh Hawley\u2019s (R-MO) measure, the bill would end the mail-order distribution of abortion drugs, which are now used in nearly two-thirds of all abortions in the United States.\n\nA landmark study, reviewing more than 865,000 chemical abortions, has revealed that the risks of the abortion pill are far greater than the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) admits. The study found that nearly 11% of women who take mifepristone suffer serious complications within 45 days, including sepsis, infection, hemorrhaging, or an emergency room visit. This complication rate is at least 22 times higher than the less than 0.5% adverse event rate listed on the FDA-approved drug label.\n\n\u201cChemical abortion drugs are dangerous, and women are suffering life-threatening complications because critical safeguards were recklessly removed,\u201d said Congresswoman Mary Miller. \u201cIt is time to restore commonsense protections, guarantee adequate medical care for women, and hold Big Abortion accountable for putting profit over safety.\u201d\n\nMifepristone was first approved by the Clinton administration in 2000 with strict safety protocols. In 2016, the Obama administration weakened these protections by reducing in-person doctor visits, eliminating the physician prescription requirement, and ending mandatory adverse event reporting. The Biden administration then went further, allowing the abortion pill to be prescribed through telehealth and shipped by mail\u2014leaving women to face serious complications without any medical supervision.\n\nThe Restoring Safeguards for Dangerous Abortion Drugs Act would:\n\nDirect the FDA to reinstate longstanding safeguards for mifepristone use, including prescription by physicians, in-person dispensing in a clinical setting, and in-person safety checkups.\n\nCreate a private right of action for women who suffer bodily injury or harm to mental health from their use of mifepristone to sue individuals and entities that mail the drug\u2014 including telehealth providers and pharmacies\u2014in federal or state court for damages.\n\nBan foreign companies from importing, mailing, or otherwise bringing mifepristone into the United States.\n\nCosponsors: Reps. Barry Moore (R-AL), Sheri Biggs (R-SC), Randy Weber (R-TX), and Pat Harrigan (R-NC).\n\nSupporting Organizations: American Family Project, American Principles Project, Eagle Forum, Moms for America, Students for Life, National Right to Life, Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission.", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-mary-miller-introduces-constitutional-amendment-enshrine-parental-rights", "Rep. Mary Miller Introduces Constitutional Amendment to Enshrine Parental Rights", "2025-09-19", "2025", "2025-09", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Mary E. Miller", "M001211", "marymiller.house.gov", "marymiller", "https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Congresswoman Mary Miller (IL-15) introduced a constitutional amendment to permanently establish the God-given right of parents to direct the upbringing and education of their children.\n\n\"For too long, unelected bureaucrats and activist judges have trampled on the role of parents, treating them as obstacles instead of the primary protectors and decision-makers for their children. That must end,\u201d said Congresswoman Mary Miller. \u201cMy Parental Rights Amendment will enshrine this truth in the United States Constitution, ensuring once and for all that parents, not the government, hold the ultimate authority and responsibility for the upbringing, education, and care of their children.\"\n\nThe Parental Rights Amendment establishes:\n\nThe liberty of parents to direct the upbringing, education, and care of their children is a fundamental right;\n\nThe parental right to direct education includes the right to choose, as an alternative to public education, private, religious, or home schools, and the right to make reasonable choices within public schools for one's child;\n\nNeither the United States nor any state shall infringe upon these rights without demonstrating that its governmental interest as applied to the person is of the highest order and not otherwise served; and\n\nThe parental rights guaranteed by this amendment shall not be denied or abridged on account of disability.\n\nCosponsors: Reps. Sheri Biggs, Ashley Hinson, Mike Collins, Addison McDowell, Ben Cline, and Greg Steube.\n\nSupporting Organizations: Parental Rights Foundation, Concerned Women for America, Eagle Forum, Advance USA, Family Research Council, American Association of Christian Schools, Independent Women\u2019s Forum, Moms for America, Parents Defending Education, Military Families in Support of Parental Rights, Moms for Liberty, American Family Project, and Alliance Defending Freedom.", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://lahood.house.gov/2025/9/lahood-reintroduces-bipartisan-bicameral-legislation-to-designate-route-66-as-a-national-historic-trail", "LaHood Reintroduces Bipartisan, Bicameral Legislation to Designate Route 66 as a National Historic Trail", "2025-09-18", "2025", "2025-09", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Darin LaHood", "L000585", "lahood.house.gov", "lahood", "https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-16) reintroduced the Route 66 National Historic Trail Designation Act, alongside Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fern\u00e1ndez (NM-3), Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX), Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Senator Alex Padilla, (D-CA), Senator Eric Schmitt (R-MO), and Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL). The bipartisan, bicameral legislation would designate Route 66 as a National Historic Trail, expanding economic and historic development opportunities for all communities and states along its route.\n\n\"From Main Street businesses to local tourism, Route 66 continues to be an engine of economic growth in Illinois' 16th Congressional District and beyond,\" said Congressman LaHood. \"The Mother Road connects America's heartland to the West, serving as a vital transportation artery for commerce and individuals alike. Designating Route 66 as a National Historic Trail will help rehabilitate and preserve this iconic highway, while supporting the economic wellbeing of communities along its route. As we prepare to celebrate the Route 66 Centennial, I am proud to join my colleagues in this effort to designate the highway as a National Historic Trail.\"\n\n\u201cFrom Tucumcari to Gallup, Route 66 runs through the heart of New Mexico, carrying with it the stories, cultures, and dreams of communities and travelers,\u201d said Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fern\u00e1ndez. \u201cThis legislation honors the legacy of the Mother Road while creating opportunities for economic development, cultural preservation, and tourism in rural and Tribal communities. From the siren song of the road, and the songs of the road (let\u2019s be honest, everyone reading this is now humming Get your kicks on Route 66,) we must preserve this history and beauty. The designation of Route 66 as a National Historic Trail will do just that.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe National Trust for Historic Preservation has long advocated for the preservation of historic Route 66 and we enthusiastically endorse the bipartisan and bicameral legislative effort to designate Route 66 as a national historic trail ahead of the upcoming Route 66 centennial celebration in 2026,\u201d said Pam Bowman, Senior Director of Public Lands Policy at the National Trust for Historic Preservation. \u201cThank you to Representative LaHood for his steadfast leadership and for championing this bill\u2014and to all the Senators and Representatives from across the eight Route 66 states for their dedication to the preservation of the corridor. Route 66 is an iconic symbol representing America\u2019s love of the open road with a rich history associated with Dustbowl migration, World War II, music, literature, television, movies, and popular lore, and we look forward to Congress approving this designation and celebrating this important route.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs Route 66 approaches its centennial, the Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership can think of no better birthday present for the road than to make it a National Historic Trail,\u201d said Road Ahead Partnership Chair Bill Thomas. \u201cWe commend the efforts of Congressman LaHood and Congresswoman Leger Fern\u00e1ndez in introducing legislation to accomplish this designation.\u201d\n\nBackground:\n\nRoute 66 was established in 1926 and spans roughly 2,400 miles across eight states, beginning in Chicago and ultimately ending in Santa Monica, California. In Illinois\u2019 16th Congressional District, the historic highway crosses through Grundy, Livingston, and McLean County.\n\nThe full text of the bill can be read HERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:10:29Z"], ["https://bost.house.gov/2025/9/bost-miller-lahood-introduce-resolution-honoring-illinois-native-charlie-kirk", "BOST, MILLER, LAHOOD INTRODUCE RESOLUTION HONORING ILLINOIS NATIVE CHARLIE KIRK", "2025-09-11", "2025", "2025-09", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Mike Bost", "B001295", "bost.house.gov", "bost", "https://bost.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Representative Mike Bost (IL-12) today joined U.S. Representatives Mary Miller (IL-15) and Darin LaHood (IL-18) in introducing a House resolution honoring the life and legacy of conservative leader and Illinois native Charlie Kirk.\n\n\u201cThe murder of Charlie Kirk is a tragic reminder of just how far our nation has spiraled from the days of political discourse to the depths of political violence,\u201d said Bost. \u201cCharlie was a native son of Illinois whose faith, love of family, and commitment to thoughtfully engaging young people in the political process will leave a lasting mark. I am humbled to join my Illinois Republican colleagues in introducing a House resolution honoring Charlie\u2019s life and legacy. My prayers go out to his wife, Erika, their two young children, and all who were impacted by this horrific attack.\u201d\n\n\u201cCharlie Kirk was more than a Conservative trailblazer, he was a devoted husband, a loving father, and a Martyr for Conservatism and Christianity,\u201d said Miller. \u201cAs a proud Illinois native, his courage inspired millions to stand boldly for their faith, to love America, and defend freedom. As we honor his legacy with this Congressional Resolution, we lift Erika and their children in prayer and recommit ourselves to advance the values he boldly championed.\u201d\n\n\"Charlie Kirk\u2019s murder was a despicable act of political violence,\u201d said LaHood. \u201cHe was a husband and father who did not deserve to die simply because of his political beliefs. Charlie dedicated his life to advocating for free speech, engaging in civil discourse, and investing in the next generation of Americans. I was proud to join my colleagues in the Illinois Delegation to introduce a resolution honoring his legacy and commitment to the bettering of America. My prayers remain with Charlie\u2019s family and loved ones in light of this tragedy.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:10:29Z"], ["https://lahood.house.gov/2025/9/lahood-miller-bost-introduce-congressional-resolution-honoring-the-legacy-of-charlie-kirk", "LaHood, Miller, Bost Introduce Congressional Resolution Honoring the Legacy of Charlie Kirk", "2025-09-11", "2025", "2025-09", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Darin LaHood", "L000585", "lahood.house.gov", "lahood", "https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-16) joined his fellow Illinois Republicans, Congresswoman Mary Miller (IL-15) and Congressman Mike Bost (IL-12), to introduce a Congressional Resolution denouncing the political killing and honoring the legacy of Illinois native and political activist, Charlie Kirk.\n\n\u201cCharlie Kirk\u2019s murder was a despicable act of political violence,\u201d said Congressman LaHood. \u201cHe was a husband and father who did not deserve to die simply because of his political beliefs. Charlie dedicated his life to advocating for free speech, engaging in civil discourse, and investing in the next generation of Americans. I was proud to join my colleagues in the Illinois Delegation to introduce a resolution honoring his legacy and commitment to the bettering of America. My prayers remain with Charlie\u2019s family and loved ones in light of this tragedy.\u201d \u201cCharlie Kirk was more than a Conservative trailblazer, he was a devoted husband, a loving father, and a Martyr for Conservatism and Christianity,\u201d said Congresswoman Miller. \u201cAs a proud Illinois native, his courage inspired millions to stand boldly for their faith, to love America, and defend freedom. As we honor his legacy with this Congressional Resolution, we lift Erika and their children in prayer and recommit ourselves to advancing the values he boldly championed.\u201d\u201cThe murder of Charlie Kirk is a tragic reminder of just how far our nation has spiraled from the days of political discourse to the depths of political violence,\u201d said Congressman Bost. \u201cCharlie was a native son of Illinois whose faith, love of family, and commitment to thoughtfully engaging young people in the political process will leave a lasting mark. I am humbled to join my Illinois Republican colleagues in introducing a House resolution honoring Charlie\u2019s life and legacy. My prayers go out to his wife, Erika, their two young children, and all who were impacted by this horrific attack.\u201d\n\nThe full resolution can be read HERE", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:10:29Z"], ["https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-miller-bost-lahood-introduce-congressional-resolution-honoring-illinois", "Rep. Miller, Bost, LaHood Introduce Congressional Resolution Honoring Illinois Native and American Martyr, Charlie Kirk", "2025-09-11", "2025", "2025-09", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Mary E. Miller", "M001211", "marymiller.house.gov", "marymiller", "https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, Congresswoman Mary Miller (IL-15), joined by Congressman Mike Bost (IL-12) and Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-16), introduced a Congressional Resolution condemning the assassination and honoring the life and legacy of Illinois native and American Martyr, Charlie Kirk.\n\n\u201cCharlie Kirk was more than a Conservative trailblazer, he was a devoted husband, a loving father, and a Martyr for Conservatism and Christianity,\u201d said Congresswoman Mary Miller. \u201cAs a proud Illinois native, his courage inspired millions to stand boldly for their faith, to love America, and defend freedom. As we honor his legacy with this Congressional Resolution, we lift Erika and their children in prayer and recommit ourselves to advancing the values he boldly championed.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe murder of Charlie Kirk is a tragic reminder of just how far our nation has spiraled from the days of political discourse to the depths of political violence,\u201d said Congressman Mike Bost. \u201cCharlie was a native son of Illinois whose faith, love of family, and commitment to thoughtfully engaging young people in the political process will leave a lasting mark. I am humbled to join my Illinois Republican colleagues in introducing a House resolution honoring Charlie\u2019s life and legacy. My prayers go out to his wife, Erika, their two young children, and all who were impacted by this horrific attack.\u201d\n\n\u201cCharlie Kirk\u2019s murder was a despicable act of political violence,\u201d said Congressman Darin LaHood. \u201cHe was a husband and father who did not deserve to die simply because of his political beliefs. Charlie dedicated his life to advocating for free speech, engaging in civil discourse, and investing in the next generation of Americans. I was proud to join my colleagues in the Illinois Delegation to introduce a resolution honoring his legacy and commitment to the bettering of America. My prayers remain with Charlie\u2019s family and loved ones in light of this tragedy.\u201d", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-miller-introduces-bill-crack-down-sanctuary-states-issuing-cdl-licenses", "Rep. Miller Introduces Bill to Crack Down on Sanctuary States Issuing CDL Licenses to Illegal Aliens", "2025-09-11", "2025", "2025-09", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Mary E. Miller", "M001211", "marymiller.house.gov", "marymiller", "https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, Congresswoman Mary Miller (IL-15) introduced the SAFE Driving Laws Act, legislation to stop sanctuary states from granting driver\u2019s licenses, including Commercial Driver\u2019s Licenses (CDLs), to illegal aliens. The bill ensures that sanctuary states issuing licenses to illegals will face a strict penalty that includes the loss of federal transportation funds.\n\n\u201cSanctuary states like Illinois are gambling with American lives by handing out driver\u2019s licenses and CDLs to illegal aliens,\u201d said Congresswoman Mary Miller. \u201cIt\u2019s a dangerous, irresponsible policy that puts innocent Americans in grave danger. My bill will ensure that these states comply or risk losing federal funding.\u201d\n\nSpecifically, the legislation:\n\nWithholds federal transportation funds from states that issue licenses to illegal aliens or fail to share criminal alien information with federal authorities.\n\nTargets key funding streams by cutting 50% of allocations from the National Highway Performance Program and the Surface Transportation Block Grant Program for non-compliant states.\n\nClarifies accountability by making states, not the federal government, solely responsible for CDLs issued within their borders.\n\nRequires transparency by directing the Secretaries of the Departments of Homeland Security and Transportation to maintain a public compliance database tracking each state.\n\nUnder the bill, states must come into compliance by the beginning of FY27 or face funding cuts every fiscal year thereafter.\n\nClick here to read more about the bill on Fox News.", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://lahood.house.gov/2025/9/lahood-statement-on-the-murder-of-charlie-kirk", "LaHood Statement on the Murder of Charlie Kirk", "2025-09-10", "2025", "2025-09", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Darin LaHood", "L000585", "lahood.house.gov", "lahood", "https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-16) released the following statement on the murder of Charlie Kirk and rise of political violence:\n\n\"The murder of Charlie Kirk was a heinous act of political violence that has become too common in our country. We must ensure the perpetrator is caught and held fully accountable for this horrific crime.\n\n\u201cCharlie was a husband and father to two young children before anything else. He did not deserve to die because of his ideological views. Elected officials, the media, and we as Americans must hold ourselves to a higher standard and work to ease the political tensions that have embroiled our nation. My prayers remain with Charlie's family and loved ones in light of this tragedy.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:10:29Z"], ["https://lahood.house.gov/2025/9/lahood-beyer-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-protect-victims-of-fraud-from-irs-delays", "LaHood, Beyer Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Protect Victims of Fraud from IRS Delays", "2025-09-05", "2025", "2025-09", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Darin LaHood", "L000585", "lahood.house.gov", "lahood", "https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congressmen Darin LaHood (IL-16) and Don Beyer (VA-08) introduced the Federal Receivership Fairness Act. This bipartisan bill will expedite IRS procedures to ensure victims of Ponzi Schemes and other fraud receive compensation in a timely manner. \u201cVictims of fraud should not be forced to wait through a multi-year bureaucratic process before receiving compensation,\u201d said Rep. LaHood. \u201cThe bipartisan Federal Receivership Fairness Act will cut through red tape at the IRS to ensure receivership proceedings move quickly and victims are made whole. I\u2019m grateful to Congressman Beyer for joining me in introducing this commonsense bill.\u201d \u201cThis legislation would provide desperately needed relief for victims of fraud who often must wait years to receive the compensation they are entitled to for no good reason,\u201d said Rep. Beyer. \u201cThe Federal Receivership Fairness Act would establish an orderly and efficient process to expedite the distribution of funds and help get victims back onto their feet. I appreciate Rep. LaHood\u2019s leadership on this bill and look forward to working together to see it passed into law.\u201d \"The National Association of Federal Equity Receivers (NAFER) strongly supports this long-overdue legislation that protects fraud victims from being harmed twice by establishing a fair and expedited court process to prevent lengthy IRS delays from blocking timely distribution of funds in receivership proceedings,\" said Kathy Bazoian Phelps, President of NAFER.\n\nBackground:\n\nReceivers are court-appointed agents who are given legal control over properties and businesses, often in cases of fraud or other financial mismanagement.\n\nWhen these cases occur, receivers are responsible for selling assets to compensate victims and creditors.\n\nReceiverships are also required to pay outstanding taxes owed to the federal government \u2013 unfortunately, it can take several years for the IRS to determine what is actually owed.\n\nThis differs from bankruptcy proceedings, where the IRS is required to determine tax liability within just 180 days.\n\nThe Federal Receivership Fairness Act will correct this bureaucratic unfairness by requiring the IRS to determine receivership tax liability within 180 days \u2013 ensuring victims of fraud can receive compensation as quickly as possible.\n\nThe legislation is supported by the National Association of Federal Equity Receivers (NAFER), the National Association of Bankruptcy Trustees (NABT), the Turnaround Management Association (TMA), and the Public Investors Advocate Bar Association (PIABA)\n\nRead the full text of the legislation HERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:10:29Z"], ["https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-miller-senator-banks-cotton-introduces-bill-protect-children-united-states", "Rep. Miller, Senator Banks, Cotton Introduces Bill to Protect Children in the United States", "2025-09-03", "2025", "2025-09", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Mary E. Miller", "M001211", "marymiller.house.gov", "marymiller", "https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, Congresswoman Mary Miller (IL-15) introduced the Empower Parents to Protect Their Kids Act. This bill prohibits K\u201312 schools from concealing or supporting a student\u2019s adoption of an identity that does not align with their biological sex. The bill also grants parents the right to sue school districts that violate this Act by withholding information about their child. Senators Jim Banks (R-Ind.) and Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) introduced the bill in the Senate.\n\n\u201cParents have the God-given right and duty to raise their children without being deceived by extremists in public education,\u201d said Congresswoman Mary Miller. \u201cWe must end the radical gender ideologies being pushed on our children and give parents the power to fight back.\u201d\n\n\u201cParents should never be kept in the dark about their own kids,\u201d said Senator Jim Banks. \u201cThis bill makes sure schools can\u2019t push radical gender ideology behind parents\u2019 backs and puts families back in charge where they belong.\u201d\n\n\u201cSchools should never be allowed to impose radical, harmful ideologies on children \u2013 especially without their parents\u2019 consent,\u201d said Senator Tom Cotton. \u201cOur bill protects students and ensures parents are in control of their children\u2019s education. Schools should remain institutions of education, not a place for radical liberal propaganda.\u201d\n\nKey Provisions of the Empower Parents to Protect Their Kids Act are:\n\nPrevents K-12 schools from hiding or facilitating a child\u2019s adoption of an identity that is incongruent with their sex.\n\nEmpowers parents to sue school districts that violate this Act by withholding information about their child.\n\nBans school employees from providing any accommodation to affirm the purported identity unless the employees have express parental consent to do so.\n\nPrevents school employees from withholding and encouraging children to withhold information from their parents about their discomfort with their sex.\n\nIncludes a rule of construction to ensure that school employees who contact legal authorities about an imminent threat to a student\u2019s physical safety are protected.\n\nBackground:\n\nAcross the U.S., over 1,200 school districts have policies that tell staff to withhold information from parents if a child expresses gender discomfort, according to Defending Education. This violates long-established parental rights upheld by the Supreme Court. Parents deserve the right to take legal action when schools interfere with raising their children.\n\nOn January 29, 2025, President Trump signed Executive Order #14191 to enforce parental rights in federally funded K-12 education.\n\nRep. Mary Miller cosponsored the Empower Parents to Protect Their Kids Act in 2023.\n\nSupporting Organizations: Family Research Council, American Principles Project, Family Policy Alliance, Eagle Forum, Advance USA, Moms for America, American Family Project, Parents Defending Education, and Family Policy Alliance.\n\nHouse Cosponsors: Reps. Anna Paulina Luna, Sheri Biggs, Keith Self, Lauren Boebert, Pat Harrigan, Barry Moore, Diana Harshbarger, Elise Stefanik, and Nancy Mace.\n\nSenate Cosponsors: Senators Roger Marshall, Rick Scott, Tommy Tuberville, and Marsha Blackburn.", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-miller-introduces-measure-strengthen-title-ix-protections", "Rep. Miller Introduces Measure to Strengthen Title IX Protections", "2025-08-26", "2025", "2025-08", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Mary E. Miller", "M001211", "marymiller.house.gov", "marymiller", "https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, Congresswoman Mary Miller (IL-15) reintroduced the Safety and Opportunity for Girls Act to protect women's sports, spaces, and locker rooms on the 105th anniversary of the certification of the 19th Amendment.\n\nThe legislation reaffirms Title IX\u2019s original intent by clearly defining sex as \u201cmale\u201d and \u201cfemale\u201d as biologically determined. This ensures Title IX cannot be reinterpreted by radical leftists or activist judges to erase women\u2019s opportunities, fairness, or privacy.\n\nThe bill further clarifies that Title IX allows schools to maintain sex-segregated bathrooms, locker rooms, and athletic or academic programs, and it prevents the Department of Education from stripping funding from schools that uphold biological truth.\n\n\u201cThe Left is erasing decades of progress for women by forcing girls to compete and share private spaces with men. We cannot let this continue,\u201d said Congresswoman Mary Miller. \u201cOn the 105th anniversary of the certification of the 19th Amendment, my bill will secure Title IX\u2019s original purpose of protecting biological girls\u2019 sports, privacy, and opportunities.\u201d\n\nCurrent Cosponsors: Reps. Nancy Mace, Diana Harshbarger, Ben Cline, Tim Burchett, Lauren Boebert, Glenn Grothman, and Sheri Biggs.\n\nSupporting Organizations: Concerned Women for America, Moms for America, American Principles Project, Moms for Liberty, Parents Defending Education, Family Research Council, and Family Policy Alliance.", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://bost.house.gov/2025/8/bost-announces-300-000-hhs-grant-to-support-lawrence-county-opioid-response-efforts", "BOST ANNOUNCES $300,000 HHS GRANT TO SUPPORT LAWRENCE COUNTY OPIOID RESPONSE EFFORTS", "2025-08-18", "2025", "2025-08", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Mike Bost", "B001295", "bost.house.gov", "bost", "https://bost.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Representative Mike Bost (IL-12) today announced a $300,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to Lawrence County. The funding, awarded through the Rural Communities Opioid Response Program, will be used to strengthen overdose response efforts in the region.\n\n\u201cFar too many families in Southern Illinois have felt the devastating impact of the opioid crisis,\u201d said Bost. \u201cThis funding will help Lawrence County expand its response efforts, save lives, and provide much-needed resources to combat addiction in our communities.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T14:57:50Z"], ["https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases/breaking-rep-miller-introduces-bill-combating-illinois-law-requiring-student", "BREAKING: Rep. Miller Introduces Bill Combating Illinois Law Requiring Student Mental Health Screenings", "2025-08-15", "2025", "2025-08", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Mary E. Miller", "M001211", "marymiller.house.gov", "marymiller", "https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, Congresswoman Mary Miller (IL-15) reintroduced the Parents Opt-In Protection Act to protect parental rights and combat Illinois\u2019 new mandate for student mental health screenings.\n\nCongresswoman Miller\u2019s bill requires prior written consent from a parent or the student (if an adult or emancipated minor) before any school survey on sensitive personal information can be administered.\n\n\u201cJ.B. Pritzker\u2019s plan to impose invasive \u2018mental health screenings\u2019 on kids, forcing parents to jump through hoops to opt out, is ridiculous and unacceptable,\u201d said Congresswoman Mary Miller. \u201cMy bill will put parents back in charge by requiring written consent before these screenings happen.\u201d\n\nOn July 31, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker signed SB1560 into law, and it will go into effect in the 2027-2028 school year. Rep. Miller's bill would give parents and students a clear way to stop the screenings before they happen, instead of navigating burdensome opt-out processes.\n\nCurrent Cosponsors: Reps. Michael Cloud, Andy Harris, Lauren Boebert, Keith Self, Russ Fulcher, Diana Harshbarger, Brian Babin, Clay Higgins, and Eric Burlison.\n\nSupporting Organizations: American Principles Project, Parents Defending Education, Moms for America, Parental Rights Foundation, Family Research Council, Eagle Forum, Concerned Women for America, Alliance Defending Freedom, and Independent Women\u2019s Forum.", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://bost.house.gov/2025/8/bost-responds-to-results-of-st-louis-postal-processing-center-audit", "BOST RESPONDS TO RESULTS OF ST. LOUIS POSTAL PROCESSING CENTER AUDIT", "2025-08-14", "2025", "2025-08", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Mike Bost", "B001295", "bost.house.gov", "bost", "https://bost.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Representative Mike Bost (IL-12) highlighted the results of an audit released today by the U.S. Postal Service Office of the Inspector General of the St. Louis and Hazelton, Missouri, processing and distribution facilities serving Southern Illinois. The independent report confirmed widespread problems that have fueled months of delivery delays, lost packages, and substandard service impacting local families, small businesses, and municipalities.\n\n\u201cThe simmering frustrations of people in my district have been validated with today\u2019s report,\u201d said Bost. \u201cI appealed to the U.S. Postal Service for an audit of the St. Louis postal processing center because Southern Illinoisans have faced service failures, late utility bills, missed medications, and lost family documents for far too long. I\u2019m thankful the Trump administration conducted the audit, identified the problems, and demanded accountability. It is past time to fix these staffing shortages, hold supervisors accountable, and get the machines in top working order.\u201d\n\nThe Inspector General\u2019s report included 12 recommendations, from filling vacant positions and improving supervisor oversight to fixing dock congestion and enforcing proper handling of registered mail, that USPS must implement to restore timely, reliable service. The Postal Service has agreed to implement all 12 recommendations by January of next year.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T14:57:50Z"], ["https://lahood.house.gov/2025/8/lahood-hosts-roundtable-on-tax-provisions-in-the-one-big-beautiful-bill-act", "LaHood Hosts Roundtable on Tax Provisions in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act", "2025-08-01", "2025", "2025-08", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Darin LaHood", "L000585", "lahood.house.gov", "lahood", "https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Peoria, Illinois \u2013 Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-16) \u2013 a member of the House Committee on Ways and Means \u2013 hosted a roundtable focused on the tax provisions in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act alongside the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the McLean County Chamber of Commerce.\n\n\u201cWith the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, Republicans created predictability and certainty in our tax code by permanently extending the 199A deduction, full research and development expensing, and business interest deductions,\u201d said Rep. LaHood. \u201cThroughout the drafting process, I was proud to champion policies that would benefit Illinois\u2019 16th Congressional District including the expansion of the affordable housing tax credit and the extension of the 45Z biofuels tax credit. Through deregulation, promoting fair trade deals, and providing certainty in our tax code, Congressional Republicans and President Trump are delivering for our economy while creating an environment that allows workers, businesses, and investors to thrive.\u201d\n\n\"The U.S. Chamber extends its gratitude to Congressman LaHood for his leadership in advocating for legislation that supports a competitive tax code, which in turn expands opportunities for small businesses and workers in Illinois and across the country,\u201d said Kevin Courtois, Vice President, Great Lakes Region at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. \u201cBy supporting pro-growth policies, Congressman LaHood is helping to build a stronger, more resilient economy that benefits all Americans.\u201d\n\n\u201cOur members appreciated the opportunity to have dialogue with Congressman LaHood about the importance of pro-growth, pro-business tax policy,\u201d said Charlie Moore, President and CEO of the McLean County Chamber of Commerce. \u201cWe are grateful for his leadership in advocating for a competitive business tax environment that allows our members to invest in the future of their businesses, employees, and our local communities.\u201d\n\nBackground:\n\nJoining Rep. LaHood at the roundtable were U.S. Chamber of Commerce Vice President of the Great Lakes Region Kevin Courtois, McLean County Chamber of Commerce, and local business owners.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T14:57:50Z"], ["https://lahood.house.gov/2025/8/lahood-visits-all-world-machinery-to-highlight-impact-of-one-big-beautiful-bill", "LaHood Visits All World Machinery to Highlight Impact of One Big Beautiful Bill", "2025-08-01", "2025", "2025-08", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Darin LaHood", "L000585", "lahood.house.gov", "lahood", "https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Roscoe, Illinois \u2013 Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-16) toured All World Machinery to hear about the positive impacts that the One Big Beautiful Bill Act will have on their manufacturing production.\n\n\u201cThe One Big Beautiful Bill Act delivers real, tangible benefits for American manufacturing\u2014especially right here in Illinois\u2019 16th Congressional District,\u201d said Rep. LaHood. \u201cIt was great to tour All World Machinery to hear directly from company leadership about the importance of complete expensing for research and development and the positive impact the extension of the 199A small business tax credit will have on their company. This generational investment in the manufacturing industry is a strong step in the right direction towards revitalization and the protection of high-paying jobs in central and northwest Illinois.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T14:57:50Z"], ["https://bost.house.gov/2025/7/bost-joins-president-trump-at-white-house-for-va-home-loan-bill-signing", "BOST JOINS PRESIDENT TRUMP AT WHITE HOUSE FOR VA HOME LOAN BILL SIGNING", "2025-07-30", "2025", "2025-07", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Mike Bost", "B001295", "bost.house.gov", "bost", "https://bost.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 U.S. Representative Mike Bost (IL-12) joined President Trump at the White House today for a bill signing ceremony for the VA Home Loan Program Reform Act. The new law, a priority for Bost as chairman of the House Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee, creates a VA partial claim program empowering veterans who have fallen behind on their mortgages to receive federal assistance through other available federal housing programs.\n\n!\n\n\u201cIt was an honor to stand by President Trump\u2019s side at the White House this afternoon as he signed important legislation into law providing our veterans a lifeline to keep their homes and avoid foreclosure when suffering financial hardship,\u201d said Bost. \u201cThe VA Home Loan Program Reform Act will modernize the VA Home Loan to meet veterans\u2019 needs and reduce the risk of veteran homelessness. I was proud to help lead the fight to get this important legislation to President Trump\u2019s desk.\u201d\n\n!\n\nH.R. 1815, the VA Home Loan Program Reform Act, is supported by a number of key stakeholders including: Mortgage Bankers Association, Rocket, National Association of Realtors (NAR), Freedom Mortgage, National Association of Mortgage Brokers (NAMB), Lyft, Mission Roll Call, New England Center and Home for Veterans (NECHV), National Coalition for Homeless Veterans (NCHV), Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), and The American Legion.\n\n!\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T14:40:33Z"], ["https://lahood.house.gov/2025/7/lahood-colleagues-praise-trump-administration-for-trade-deal-with-the-eu", "LaHood, Colleagues Praise Trump Administration for Trade Deal with the EU", "2025-07-30", "2025", "2025-07", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Darin LaHood", "L000585", "lahood.house.gov", "lahood", "https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Peoria, Illinois \u2013 Today, Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-16) \u2013 Co-Chair of the Digital Trade Caucus \u2013 led a letter alongside his colleagues to President Trump, congratulating him on reaching a landmark deal with the European Union (EU) and asking him to continue holding the EU accountable to its commitments in addressing its discriminatory digital trade policies.\n\nThe current trade negotiations offer an opportunity to counter the EU\u2019s unfair treatment of American firms and establish a level playing field.\n\n\u201cThe current trade negotiations provide a historic moment to stand up against the EU\u2019s unfair treatment of American firms and establish a level playing field,\u201d the lawmakers wrote. \u201cWe strongly support comprehensive commitments that ensure the EU addresses its existing discriminatory laws and refrains from imposing similar measures in the future. Otherwise, the EU will simply replace existing policies with new laws that disadvantage American companies.\u201d\n\nThe full text of the letter can be found here and below:\n\nDear President Trump:\n\nWe write to congratulate you on reaching a landmark deal with the European Union (EU) and to express our support for your efforts in addressing the EU\u2019s discriminatory digital policies. During this administration\u2019s ongoing trade negotiations, we encourage you to hold the EU to its commitment in addressing its digital trade barriers by eliminating discriminatory features of laws like the Digital Markets Act (DMA) and refraining from enacting similar discriminatory laws in the future, such as the EU Space Act.\n\nThe EU continues to target American innovators with extortionate and extraterritorial taxes, regulations, and fines, many of which were rightfully identified in your presidential memorandum on \u201cDefending American Companies and Innovators from Overseas Extortion and Unfair Fines and Penalties.\u201d Laws like the DMA, the Digital Services Act, and the Data Act are scoped to almost entirely capture American companies while leaving their European competitors untouched. They empower European regulators to make arbitrary and unreasonable compliance demands and then issue abusive fines that are completely divorced from any alleged harm. Perhaps most concerning is that by shutting out U.S. companies, Europe is simply opening its doors to Chinese technology and infrastructure.\n\nIt is widely understood within Europe and by outside observers that Europe\u2019s regulatory experiment has been an abject failure. Europe\u2019s overregulation and attempt to spur domestic technology champions by restricting and taxing American technology companies has resulted in a less competitive and innovative society. Reversing the status quo of overregulation is clearly in the best interest of both the United States and Europe.\n\nUnfortunately, the lack of strong U.S. government leadership during the Biden administration gave the EU and member states like Germany the green light to target American innovators, and it has empowered other governments to consider similar policies, including Australia, Brazil, India, Japan, Korea, Singapore, Turkey, the United Kingdom and others. Your recent success in eliminating Canada\u2019s discriminatory digital services tax shows what can happen with strong leadership and demonstrates to foreign governments that this administration will not sit idly by as they extort American companies.\n\nThe current trade negotiations provide a historic moment to stand up against the EU\u2019s unfair treatment of American firms and establish a level playing field. We strongly support comprehensive commitments that ensure the EU addresses its existing discriminatory laws and refrains from imposing similar measures in the future. Otherwise, the EU will simply replace existing policies with new laws that disadvantage American companies. Thank you for your leadership. We stand ready to support you in these efforts.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T14:40:33Z"], ["https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases/breaking-rep-miller-joins-senator-hawley-effort-ban-chinese-ownership-american", "BREAKING: Rep. Miller Joins Senator Hawley in Effort to Ban Chinese Ownership of American Land", "2025-07-24", "2025", "2025-07", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Mary E. Miller", "M001211", "marymiller.house.gov", "marymiller", "https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Congresswoman Mary Miller (IL-15) introduced the House companion to Senator Josh Hawley\u2019s (R-MO) Protecting Our Farms and Homes from China Act. This legislation would ban Chinese corporations and individuals affiliated with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) from purchasing American agricultural land and residential property.\n\nThis effort comes in direct response to growing concerns over the CCP\u2019s aggressive campaign to acquire U.S. farmland and real estate. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, Chinese entities own around 265,000 acres of agricultural land across the country.\n\n\u201cPrized American land is not for sale to our enemies,\u201d said Congresswoman Mary Miller. \u201cThe Chinese Communist Party is the greatest threat to our national security, and their aggressive push to buy up our farmland and homes is a direct attack on our sovereignty. It\u2019s long past time we take back control and put America\u2019s food supply and communities back in American hands \u2014 where they belong.\u201d\n\nThe legislation aligns with President Trump\u2019s recently announced National Farm Security Action Plan, a bold initiative led by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins alongside U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, and U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem to safeguard American agriculture and prevent foreign adversaries from exploiting American land and resources.\n\nThe Protecting Our Farms and Homes from China Act would:\n\nProhibit Chinese corporations and individuals affiliated with the CCP from acquiring or leasing United States\u2019 agricultural land;\n\nProhibit Chinese corporations and individuals associated with the CCP from purchasing residential real estate in the United States for a period of at least two years, with an option for the President to renew the prohibition biennially;\n\nRequire Chinese corporations and individuals affiliated with the CCP to divest ownership of United States\u2019 agricultural land and residential real estate within one year.\n\nEstablish civil fines and criminal penalties for noncompliance, including forfeiture.", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://bost.house.gov/2025/7/bost-announces-upgrades-for-marion-st-louis-va-facilities", "BOST ANNOUNCES UPGRADES FOR MARION, ST. LOUIS VA FACILITIES", "2025-07-23", "2025", "2025-07", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Mike Bost", "B001295", "bost.house.gov", "bost", "https://bost.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "\u201cSouthern Illinois veterans deserve the highest standard of support,\u201d said Bost. \u201cThese upgrades can make a life-changing difference for veterans in need of cutting-edge care. As Chairman of the House Veteran Affairs\u2019 Committee, I\u2019ll continue working closely with the Trump administration to get our local VA facilities the resources they need to serve those who served our country.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis is another step forward in our efforts to make VA work better for the veterans, families, caregivers, and survivors we are charged with serving,\u201d said VA Secretary Doug Collins. \u201cImproved facilities, equipment, and infrastructure means better care for veterans, and these additional funds will help us achieve that goal.\u201d\n\nMarion VA Medical Center upgrades include:\n\nRenovating patient privacy and intensive care unit\n\nRenovating room for new Spect CT machine\n\nRelocating endoscopy unit\n\nUpgrading electronic health records system\n\nJohn Cochrane Veterans Hospital upgrades include:\n\nCreating a new GI anesthesia procedure room\n\nConducting hazardous material abatements\n\nRepairing the energy plant cooling tower\n\nConducting electrical testing, maintenance, and repairs\n\n!\n\nJefferson Barracks upgrades include:\n\nEstablishing an emergency medical surgical ward\n\nConducting hazardous material abatements\n\nUpgrading infrastructure of the data center\n\nCorrecting campus features and safety issues\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T14:40:33Z"], ["https://lahood.house.gov/2025/7/lahood-illinois-congressional-delegation-introduce-legislation-to-rename-va-clinic-after-civil-war-medal-of-honor-recipient", "LaHood, Illinois Congressional Delegation Introduce Legislation to Rename VA Clinic After Civil War Medal of Honor Recipient", "2025-07-23", "2025", "2025-07", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Darin LaHood", "L000585", "lahood.house.gov", "lahood", "https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-16), with the support of the entire Illinois Congressional Delegation, introduced legislation to rename the Department of Veterans Affairs clinic in Bloomington, Illinois, as the \u201cAndrew Jackson Smith Medal of Honor Department of Veterans Affairs Clinic.\u201d\n\n\u201cCorporal Andrew Jackson Smith served our nation with pride alongside fellow Union soldiers during the Civil War,\u201d said Rep. LaHood. \u201cI am proud to introduce legislation alongside the entire Illinois Congressional Delegation to rename the Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in Bloomington in his honor. This clinic provides important primary care and specialty health services to our veterans. Renaming the facility will serve as a humble reminder of the sacrifice made by those who defend our country. Together, the Illinois delegation is honored to recognize his immense dedication and service to our nation.\u201d\n\nBackground:\n\nAndrew Jackson Smith was the last African American Civil War soldier to receive the Medal of Honor. He was born into slavery, but he escaped and arrived at a Union Army encampment. Smith became a member of the 41st Illinois Volunteer Regiment. After President Lincoln\u2019s decision to allow enslaved African American men to fight for the Union, he enlisted with the 55th Massachusetts Colored Volunteers.\n\nThe regiment deployed to South Carolina, where Smith distinguished himself by saving his regimental colors after the color bearer was killed during a bloody charge at the Battle of Honey Hill.\n\nIn 2001, 137 years after the Battle of Honey Hill, President Bill Clinton presented Andrew Jackson Smith\u2019s descendants with a posthumous Medal of Honor in an official ceremony at the White House.\n\nRead the full text of the legislation HERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T14:40:33Z"], ["https://lahood.house.gov/2025/7/lahood-applauds-american-peace-through-strength-priorities", "LaHood Applauds American Peace Through Strength Priorities", "2025-07-21", "2025", "2025-07", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Darin LaHood", "L000585", "lahood.house.gov", "lahood", "https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-16) \u2013 a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence \u2013 praised the passage of the Fiscal Year 2026 Department of Defense Appropriations Act to invest in America\u2019s military superiority.\n\nTo further show Rep. LaHood\u2019s commitment to strengthening U.S. national security, Rep. LaHood voiced his support for a piece of standalone legislation, the Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025, targeting Russia\u2019s unprovoked aggression in Ukraine.\n\n\u201cTo confront the generational threat posed by our foreign adversaries, the United States must invest in our military and enforce substantive mechanisms to deter further aggression,\u201d said Rep. LaHood. \u201cI am proud to support the FY 2026 Defense Appropriations Act to deliver critical resources to our armed forces and maintain our strategic advantage.\n\n\u201cThe United States must stand firmly with our allies and send a clear message that aggression will not go unpunished. To advance Republicans' Peace Through Strength agenda, I am proud to co-sponsor Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick\u2019s Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025 to hold Putin accountable for his unprovoked and brutal aggression against Ukraine. I look forward to working with my colleagues on a bipartisan basis to bolster our national security.\u201d\n\nBackground:\n\nThe Fiscal Year 2026 Department of Defense Appropriations Act invests in America\u2019s military superiority, protects against threats from the United States' southern border, and supports our service members and their families.\n\nRecent use of drones in the Ukraine-Russia conflict has highlighted the urgency of accelerated research to counter Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) to protect U.S. forces in combat. Rep. LaHood's amendment would provide an increase in funding for UAS research and development.\n\nKey takeaways from the Fiscal Year 2026 Department of Defense Appropriations Act:\n\nChampions America\u2019s military superiority by investing in our aircraft, submarines, and shipbuilding;\n\nSupports our service members and their families by increasing pay for military personnel; and\n\nCombats international actors who facilitate drug trafficking and manufacturing.\n\nIf Russia continues to refuse to engage in good-faith negotiations to end the war in Ukraine, Rep. LaHood supports sanctions against the country. The Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025 implements expansive sanctions on Russia\u2019s government officials, individuals, financial institutions, and entities affiliated or owned by Russia\u2019s President, Vladimir Putin. Additionally, the legislation enacts 500 percent tariffs on all imports to the United States from Russia and from any countries that continue to fund Putin\u2019s war machine by purchasing Russian-origin oil, petroleum, or uranium products.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T14:40:33Z"], ["https://lahood.house.gov/2025/7/lahood-krishnamoorthi-introduce-legislation-to-confront-the-ccp-s-global-basing-ambitions", "LaHood, Krishnamoorthi Introduce Legislation to Confront the CCP\u2019s Global Basing Ambitions", "2025-07-16", "2025", "2025-07", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Darin LaHood", "L000585", "lahood.house.gov", "lahood", "https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-16) \u2013 a member of the Select Committee on China \u2013 joined Select Committee on China Ranking Member Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08) in introducing the Combating PRC Overseas and Unlawful Networked Threats through Enhanced Resilience (COUNTER) Act of 2025. This bipartisan legislation requires the United States government to develop and execute a comprehensive strategy to counter the Chinese Communist Party\u2019s (CCP) growing military basing network.\n\n\u201cThe Chinese Communist Party\u2019s pursuit of expanding overseas military bases threatens the United States\u2019 national security and stability in the Indo-Pacific,\u201d said Rep. LaHood. \u201cIt is critical that we have a clearly defined and coordinated strategy to combat the CCP\u2019s goal of expanding strategic military bases overseas to project power and increase its global influence. The bipartisan COUNTER Act will help ensure that we have the necessary resources to counter the CCP\u2019s global basing activities and protect our interests and those throughout the region.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Chinese Communist Party is quietly building a network of overseas military bases that threatens our ability to defend our allies, secure vital trade routes, and maintain American influence globally,\u201d said Ranking Member Krishnamoorthi. \u201cWe cannot afford to be caught flat-footed. The COUNTER Act demands a coordinated, whole-of-government response to stop Beijing\u2019s basing ambitions before they irreversibly harm U.S. interests.\u201d\n\nBackground:\n\nIn recent years, the CCP has expanded its global military footprint, opening and operating military facilities in the Indo-Pacific. This growing network of bases enables to CCP\u2019s military to surveil and disrupt U.S. operations while undermining American influence in the region.\n\nThe COUNTER ACT of 2025 requires:\n\nThe Director of National Intelligence to conduct a full assessment of the risks posed by the CCP\u2019s global basing to U.S. and our allies\u2019 power projection and freedom of movement;\n\nThe Secretaries of State and Defense to identify at least five priority locations of concern where the CCP is attempting to establish bases, assess U.S. activities to counter those efforts, and develop a strategy to counter the CCP\u2019s global basing plans;\n\nThe creation of an interagency task force to implement this strategy and proactively prevent the CCP from establishing new bases, including through joint response with U.S. allies; and\n\nRegular reviews and updates to ensure the U.S. response remains aligned with the evolving threat.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T14:40:33Z"], ["https://bost.house.gov/2025/7/bost-announces-11-million-federal-grant-for-crab-orchard-trails", "BOST ANNOUNCES $11 MILLION FEDERAL GRANT FOR CRAB ORCHARD TRAILS", "2025-07-09", "2025", "2025-07", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Mike Bost", "B001295", "bost.house.gov", "bost", "https://bost.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Representative Mike Bost (IL-12) today announced the Federal Highway Administration has delivered $11.1 million for the Crab Orchard Greenway Multimodal Network, supporting construction of 12 miles of new multi-use trails. The project is expected to strengthen access and safety for local drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists.\n\n!\n\nThe 12 miles of new trails will contribute to a larger 50-mile trail network along the Illinois Route 13 corridor.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T14:40:33Z"], ["https://lahood.house.gov/2025/7/lahood-votes-to-deliver-economic-relief-for-the-american-people", "LaHood Votes to Deliver Economic Relief for the American People", "2025-07-07", "2025", "2025-07", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Darin LaHood", "L000585", "lahood.house.gov", "lahood", "https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-16) voted to pass the One Big Beautiful Bill Act to deliver much-needed economic relief, secure our southern border, and bolster the United States\u2019 national security.\n\n\u201cToday, House Republicans voted to give rocket-fuel to the United States\u2019 economy, provide predictability and certainty for small businesses, and deliver historic tax relief for the American people,\u201d said Rep. LaHood. \u201cThe One Big Beautiful Bill Act is a generational piece of legislation that creates more opportunities to live the American Dream. The Republican bill eliminates taxes on tips, overtime, and auto loans for hardworking Americans. This legislation invests in the future of Illinois agriculture and protects high-paying manufacturing jobs in Illinois\u2019 16th Congressional District while boosting local economies across central and northwest Illinois. This is a win for the 16th District and the American People. I look forward to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act being sent to President Trump\u2019s desk to be signed into law on our nation\u2019s Independence Day.\u201d\n\nImpact on Illinois\u2019 16th Congressional District:\n\nPrevents a 22% tax increase set to begin next year;\n\nIncreases the Child Tax Credit for 69,000 families from being cut in half;\n\nSaves 11,000 family-owned farms from the Death tax;\n\nDelivers up to a $13,500 increase in year take-home pay for a typical family of four; and\n\nPreserves 10,000 manufacturing jobs while generating $1.6 billion in economic growth.\n\nRep. LaHood\u2019s Priorities Included in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act:\n\nExpanding and improving the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit\n\nThis bill would renew the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit, expand the reimbursement rate, increase the number of projects that can be built using private activity bonds, and accelerate the construction of much-needed low-income housing development in rural communities. These provisions were originally included as part of the Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act, which Rep. LaHood introduced with over 100 bipartisan cosponsors in April 2025.\n\nSince he was elected to Congress, Rep. LaHood has been a strong advocate for addressing the shortage of affordable housing for the growing workforce throughout Illinois\u2019 16th Congressional District and across the country. Read the press release on his bill HERE.\n\nSupporting farmers and the biofuels industry\n\nRural communities across the Midwest have seen the benefits of the 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit through new job opportunities and increased markets. The bill extends this key tax credit through 2029, supporting broader industry growth and directly supporting farmers and the biofuels economy in Illinois\u2019 16th District.\n\nImproving access to health savings\n\nRep. LaHood has been a strong advocate for creating health savings plans. Included in the legislation is language that would give American families increased choices to save and afford healthcare costs through a health savings account. This would make these accounts more accessible for patients and families.\n\nTax fairness and relief for employees in the beauty and salon industry\n\nRep. LaHood has long championed creating parity and extending the Federal Insurance Contribution Act (FICA) tip tax to salon and beauty service establishments and their employees. In April 2025, Rep. LaHood introduced the Small Business Tax Fairness and Compliance Simplification Act to level the playing field for beauty salons whose employees rely on tips for a large portion of their income, similar to the law already applied to the restaurant industry.\n\nThe One Big Beautiful Bill Act includes this legislation and will provide immediate tax relief to these small businesses and their employees. Read his press release HERE.\n\nKey Pieces of Tax Legislation:\n\nMakes President Trump\u2019s historic tax cuts permanent;\n\nDelivers on President Trump\u2019s priorities of no tax on tips, overtime pay, or car loan interest, and provides additional tax relief for seniors;\n\nBoosts the doubled Child Tax Credit for more than 40 million families;\n\nSupports working families by expanding access to childcare and making permanent the paid leave tax credit;\n\nExpands and makes permanent the 199A small business deduction to 23%, creating over one million new Main Street small businesses and generating $750 billion in economic growth;\n\nMakes permanent and increases the doubled Death Tax Exemption for family-owned farms;\n\nGenerates $284 billion in new economic growth from American manufacturers; and\n\nSecures six million jobs for American workers.\n\nOther Key Pieces of Legislation:\n\nKeeps the southern border secure\n\nMakes the largest investment in border security in American history;\n\nProvides resources to finish the border wall; and\n\nGives our border patrol agents and immigration enforcement agencies the resources they need to detain and deport illegal aliens.\n\nPromotes government efficiency and efficacy\n\nReduces the size and scope of government;\n\nRoots out waste, fraud, and abuse;\n\nBrings bloated and inefficient programs back to their original intent; and\n\nPuts the United States on a sound fiscal trajectory.\n\nBolsters our national security\n\nProvides the military with the resources it needs to counter our foreign adversaries like China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T14:40:33Z"], ["https://bost.house.gov/2025/7/bost-votes-for-one-big-beautiful-bill-to-make-trump-tax-cuts-permanent", "BOST VOTES FOR \u201cONE BIG BEAUTIFUL BILL\u201d TO MAKE TRUMP TAX CUTS PERMANENT", "2025-07-03", "2025", "2025-07", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Mike Bost", "B001295", "bost.house.gov", "bost", "https://bost.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Representative Mike Bost (IL-12) voted Thursday for the final version of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, landmark legislation that makes the tax relief enacted during President Trump\u2019s first term permanent; provides critical resources to secure the border; and reduces wasteful spending. The Trump-backed bill now heads to the President\u2019s desk, where he pledged to sign it into law by Independence Day.\n\n\u201cPresident Trump and conservative majorities in Congress were elected to shut down the border invasion and put America\u2019s taxpayers first,\u201d said Bost. \u201cI voted to lock in the Trump tax cuts and avert the largest tax hike in our nation\u2019s history, while securing the border and kicking fraudsters off benefits intended for families in need. I\u2019m proud to work closely with President Trump to deliver on our promises to the American people.\u201d\n\nThe One Big Beautiful Bill Act was developed through the budget reconciliation process in the House and amended in the Senate. It delivers sweeping reforms that support economic growth, defend national security, and promote energy independence.\n\nThe One Big Beautiful Bill Act:", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T14:40:33Z"], ["https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-miller-votes-pass-one-big-beautiful-bill", "Rep. Miller Votes to Pass the One Big, Beautiful Bill", "2025-07-03", "2025", "2025-07", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Mary E. Miller", "M001211", "marymiller.house.gov", "marymiller", "https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, Congresswoman Mary Miller (IL-15) issued the following statement after voting in favor of H.R. 1, the One Big, Beautiful Bill Act:\n\n\u201cThe One Big, Beautiful Bill is a once-in-a-generation victory for the American people,\u201d said Congresswoman Mary Miller. \u201cIt delivers on President Trump\u2019s America First agenda with bold, decisive, and immediate action. This is the most pro-worker, pro-family, pro-America legislation I have voted for during my time in Congress, and I was proud to help get it across the finish line for the hardworking Americans across my district.\u201d\n\nThe One Big, Beautiful Bill Act is a historic victory for American workers, families, and farmers. It eliminates taxes on tips and overtime, delivers permanent tax relief for small businesses and working families, and expands critical support for American agriculture.\n\nThis bill fulfills President Trump\u2019s America First agenda by securing the border, funding mass deportations, and ending radical \u201cGreen\u201d New Scam tax subsidies. It unleashes American energy, strengthens our military, and protects federal benefits like SNAP and Medicaid, ensuring these vital programs serve American citizens, not illegal aliens. Every single Democrat in the House of Representatives voted against this bill.\n\nAs a member of the House Committee on Agriculture, Congresswoman Miller successfully fought to include her provision in the bill to strip illegal immigrants from receiving taxpayer-funded SNAP benefits. This common-sense reform passed the House and is headed to the President\u2019s desk to become law. Click here to read more.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T14:40:33Z"], ["https://bost.house.gov/2025/6/bost-applauds-new-federal-actions-to-support-america-s-truck-drivers", "BOST APPLAUDS NEW FEDERAL ACTIONS TO SUPPORT AMERICA\u2019S TRUCK DRIVERS", "2025-06-27", "2025", "2025-06", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Mike Bost", "B001295", "bost.house.gov", "bost", "https://bost.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "\u201cGrowing up in a family trucking business, I know how hard it can be to find a safe place to stop and rest,\u201d said Bost. \u201cThat\u2019s why I\u2019ve led efforts in Congress to expand truck parking and fight for common sense reforms that make life easier and safer for truckers. I\u2019m proud to see President Trump and Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy stepping up to the plate with meaningful action that reflects what drivers have been telling us for years.\u201d\n\n!\n\nBost has been a leading advocate for truck parking access, most recently reintroducing the Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act to fund the construction of safe, accessible parking spaces for commercial drivers. The DOT\u2019s announcement includes more than $275 million in truck parking investments, the withdrawal of an unnecessary speed limiter rule, the preservation of the ELD exemption for older trucks, and the launch of pilot programs that give drivers more control over their schedules. FMCSA is also modernizing key digital systems to improve support and accountability for drivers.\n\n!\n\nMore information about this announcement can be found here.\n\n!\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T01:08:28Z"], ["https://lahood.house.gov/2025/6/icymi-lahood-op-ed-building-a-21st-century-rail-system-that-drives-america-forward", "ICYMI LaHood Op-ed: Building a 21st Century Rail System That Drives America Forward", "2025-06-26", "2025", "2025-06", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Darin LaHood", "L000585", "lahood.house.gov", "lahood", "https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-16) penned an op-ed in the Washington Times highlighting his transportation priorities, such as the FREIGHT RAILCAR Act, the LICENSE Act, water infrastructure, and his work over the years on the bipartisan Bus Caucus.\n\nWashington Times\n\nBuilding a 21st Century Rail System That Drives America Forward\n\nBy Rep. Darin LaHood\n\nJune 24, 2025\n\nResilient and reliable transportation infrastructure is a foundation of our country. Freight rail systems, highways, bridges and waterways all are critical tools for economic growth for our communities. From agricultural products to energy, transportation routes keep our supply chain efficient and products moving.\n\nIn Congress, one of my top priorities is to help ensure Illinois continues to lead as the transportation hub of the Midwest. I have introduced multiple pieces of legislation to support America\u2019s trucking and rail industries, been a leading voice for increased access to public transportation and advocated for and secured federal investments for water infrastructure.\n\n[\u2026]\n\nUnfortunately, many of our railcars are outdated. These older railcars are less efficient, prone to mechanical issues, and risk the chance of failing safety standards. To support these overdue upgrades, Congress can encourage private investment and market certainty for the rail sector. Earlier this year, I was proud to introduce the FREIGHT RAILCAR Act of 2025 alongside my colleague from Illinois, Rep. Brad Schneider, to improve the efficiency of railcars and address supply chain constraints.\n\n[\u2026]\n\nAs Congress debates the next surface transportation reauthorization bill, I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues to slash bureaucratic red tape to simplify the application process, continue funding core infrastructure projects, and take bold actions to improve the United States\u2019 domestic manufacturing sector.\n\nBuilding and maintaining infrastructure requires policies and investments that support the hardworking Americans who keep our infrastructure, supply chains, and economy moving. Congress must work together in a bipartisan manner to ensure that the United States\u2019 transportation infrastructure is safe, reliable, modern, and efficient.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T01:08:28Z"], ["https://bost.house.gov/2025/6/bost-urges-new-audit-of-st-louis-postal-distribution-center", "BOST URGES NEW AUDIT OF ST. LOUIS POSTAL DISTRIBUTION CENTER", "2025-06-25", "2025", "2025-06", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Mike Bost", "B001295", "bost.house.gov", "bost", "https://bost.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Representative Mike Bost (IL-12) in a letter today urged the U.S. Postal Service\u2019s Office of Inspector General to audit the St. Louis Processing and Distribution Center. Bost cited continued complaints from Southern Illinois constituents about chronic mail delays, misdirected deliveries, and lost items. In his letter, Bost addressed problems that have persisted despite USPS management\u2019s promises to improve operations following a 2022 audit.\n\n!\n\n\u201cWhen seniors fail to receive their medications on time or working families are hit with late fees for bills that never came, it\u2019s clear something is broken,\u201d said Bost. \u201cSouthern Illinoisans depend on the Postal Service for timely and reliable mail delivery; if the system fails them, there must be accountability. While an audit was conducted in 2022 with assurances of future reforms, my constituents have not seen the improved level of service they deserve. Therefore, I believe a new top-down review of operations at the St. Louis facility is necessary.\u201d\n\n!\n\nThe St. Louis Processing and Distribution Center is the primary mail processing hub for the Southern Illinois region. The 2022 audit revealed staffing shortages, scanning errors, and thousands of late or canceled mail trips. Bost requested the Inspector General investigate staffing levels, training, infrastructure, and whether past recommendations have been properly implemented.\n\n!", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T01:08:28Z"], ["https://lahood.house.gov/2025/6/lahood-votes-to-support-america-s-veterans", "LaHood Votes to Support America\u2019s Veterans", "2025-06-25", "2025", "2025-06", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Darin LaHood", "L000585", "lahood.house.gov", "lahood", "https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-16) voted to pass the Fiscal Year 2026 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill. This legislation fully funds veterans\u2019 benefits, VA programs, and bolsters our national security.\n\n\u201cWe can never fully repay our veterans and their families for their incredible sacrifice, but what Congress can do is ensure that those who serve our country have the resources they need to provide for themselves and their families,\u201d said Rep. LaHood. \u201cWe owe our current and future veterans an enormous debt of gratitude. In Congress, I am deeply committed to honoring the service and sacrifice of our nation\u2019s heroes by advocating for policies to ensure they receive benefits, healthcare, and resources they rightfully deserve. Illinois\u2019 16th Congressional District is home to over 38,000 veterans, and I am honored to work on their behalf.\u201d\n\nBackground:\n\nThis bill champions our veterans by:\n\nFully funding veterans\u2019 health care programs;\n\nFully funding veterans\u2019 benefits and VA programs;\n\nSupporting efforts to combat veteran homelessness by investing in the new Bridging Rental Assistance for Veteran Empowerment Program; and\n\nMaintaining funding levels for research, mental health programs, and other critical programs veterans rely on.\n\nBolsters U.S. national security and border protections by:\n\nProviding robust funding for military construction, enabling continued investment in the Indo-Pacific region and infrastructure necessary to support U.S. advanced weapons systems; and\n\nProhibiting the VA from purchasing resources directly or indirectly through the Chinese Communist Party.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T01:08:28Z"], ["https://bost.house.gov/2025/6/bost-announces-3-6-million-faa-grant-to-midamerica-airport", "BOST ANNOUNCES $3.6 MILLION FAA GRANT TO MIDAMERICA AIRPORT", "2025-06-20", "2025", "2025-06", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Mike Bost", "B001295", "bost.house.gov", "bost", "https://bost.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Representative Mike Bost (IL-12) today announced a $3.6 million Federal Aviation Administration infrastructure grant for MidAmerica Airport in St. Clair County. The funding will be used to construct a new 6,000-square-foot terminal to accommodate the movement of passengers and baggage.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T01:08:28Z"], ["https://lahood.house.gov/2025/6/icymi-lahood-s-work-on-the-house-ways-and-means-committee", "ICYMI: LaHood\u2019s Work on the House Ways and Means Committee", "2025-06-17", "2025", "2025-06", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Darin LaHood", "L000585", "lahood.house.gov", "lahood", "https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Peoria, Illinois \u2013 Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-16) \u2013 Chairman of the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Work and Welfare \u2013 had the opportunity to question United States Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on the critical impact that House Republicans\u2019 One Big Beautiful Bill Act will have for hardworking Americans.\n\nLaHood, Secretary Bessent emphasize the importance of passing the One Big Beautiful Bill Act:\n\nClick here to watch Rep. LaHood and Secretary Bessent\u2019s full exchange\n\n\u201cI think we predicate this bill on, how do we have predictability and certainty long-term in this economy,\u201d said Rep. LaHood. \u201cThose investments that are made by small, medium, and large companies, whether you\u2019re a plumber in Peoria, Illinois, or a Fortune 100 company, you want predictability and certainty. As it has been alluded to earlier, if we do nothing and this bill doesn\u2019t pass, you\u2019re going to have $4.5 trillion in tax increases. If you think there\u2019s uncertainty in the economy now, wait until that happens. There\u2019s a lot of money and resources sitting on the sidelines waiting to be invested, but we need that predictability and certainty, and I would argue we do that in this bill.\u201d\n\nLaHood chairs Work and Welfare Subcommittee hearing to support foster youth:\n\nOn Thursday, Rep. LaHood chaired a House Ways and Means Work and Welfare Subcommittee hearing focused on modernizing the John H. Chafee Foster Care Program for Successful Transition to Adulthood (Chafee) to better help foster youth transition from foster care into adulthood and the workforce.\n\nClick here to watch Rep. LaHood\u2019s opening remarks\n\n\u201cState underutilization of funds means that help is not getting to the youth who need it,\u201d said Rep. LaHood. \u201c[The Government Accountability Office] found administrative barriers and red tape make it difficult for states to draw down funds, and many youths don\u2019t even know about the services available to them. In my home state of Illinois, only five percent of foster youth receive Chafee services at any point in their time in care. We also know that many federal programs that serve current and former foster youth are fragmented and disconnected, leaving youth to navigate a complex web of services.\u201d\n\nBackground:\n\nYoung adults who \u201cage out\u201d of foster care at 18 experience high rates of homelessness and are less likely to graduate from high school, gain employment, or enroll in secondary education compared to their peers.\n\nThe Chafee program offers support to help current or former foster youth gain employment, obtain housing, and create meaningful connections with other adults to help them transition to independence, yet the program has remained largely unchanged since its creation in 1999.\n\nThis hearing follows the work by the Ways and Means Committee that led to the successful enactment of the Supporting America\u2019s Children and Families Act. This law is a first-in-a-generation bipartisan reauthorization and reform of child welfare programs.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T01:08:28Z"], ["https://lahood.house.gov/2025/6/lahood-questions-governor-pritzker-for-endangering-the-lives-of-residents-of-illinois", "LaHood Questions Governor Pritzker for Endangering the Lives of Residents of Illinois", "2025-06-13", "2025", "2025-06", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Darin LaHood", "L000585", "lahood.house.gov", "lahood", "https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Click to watch a clip of Rep. LaHood\u2019s full questioning\n\n\u201cInstead of working with federal law enforcement to remove dangerous criminals from our streets in Chicago and across Illinois, you\u2019re creating bureaucratic roadblocks and political cover,\u201d said Rep. LaHood. \u201cIn my view, that is not leadership, it\u2019s government malpractice. Illinois families are already struggling with the highest combined state and local tax burden in the country, and they should not be forced to subsidize over $2.5 billion in taxpayer money that has been spent on illegal immigrants over the last four years under your sanctuary policies in Illinois.\u201d\n\nBackground:\n\nThe House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform held a hearing with Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, New York Governor Kathy Hochul, and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz on their implementation of sanctuary state laws.\n\nWhile Rep. LaHood does not serve on the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, he was granted a waiver to speak on the Committee to question Governor Pritzker.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T01:08:28Z"], ["https://bost.house.gov/2025/6/bost-introduces-resolution-honoring-america-s-truck-drivers", "BOST INTRODUCES RESOLUTION HONORING AMERICA\u2019S TRUCK DRIVERS", "2025-06-12", "2025", "2025-06", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Mike Bost", "B001295", "bost.house.gov", "bost", "https://bost.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Representative Mike Bost (IL-12) today introduced a resolution designating the week of September 14th-20th as \u201cNational Truck Driver Appreciation Week.\u201d Bost, who worked in a family trucking business in Murphysboro, sought to recognize the dedication of the more than 3.5 million professional truck drivers nationwide.\n\n\u201cOur truckers log thousands of miles and spend weeks away from home to keep America\u2019s economy moving and our supply chain secure,\u201d said Bost. \u201cThey deliver nearly 70 percent of our nation\u2019s freight \u2013 often through storms and emergencies or to communities that are difficult to reach any other way. As one of the few former truckers in Congress, I am hopeful this resolution receives widespread support. Let\u2019s get these committed Americans the recognition they deserve.\u201d\n\n\u201cWhen every convenience and necessity is available on a store shelf or just a click away, it can be easy to overlook America\u2019s 3.5 million truck drivers who pull off this logistical feat day after day,\u201d said American Trucking Associations Senior VP of Legislative Affairs Henry Hanscom. \u201cOur reliance on truckers is absolute, and our appreciation for them should be as well. National Truck Driver Appreciation week celebrates these hardworking professionals whose dedication and sacrifice power our economy. We applaud Representatives Bost and Carbajal for leading this bipartisan effort to give truck drivers the recognition and gratitude they richly deserve.\u201d\n\nRead the full resolution here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T01:08:28Z"], ["https://lahood.house.gov/2025/6/lahood-bipartisan-colleagues-introduce-legislation-to-defend-american-ai-innovation", "LaHood, Bipartisan Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Defend American AI Innovation", "2025-06-12", "2025", "2025-06", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Darin LaHood", "L000585", "lahood.house.gov", "lahood", "https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-16) \u2013 a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and the Select Committee on China \u2013 introduced the Advanced AI Security Readiness Act alongside Select Committee on China Chairman John Moolenaar (MI-02), Ranking Member Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), and Representative Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05). This legislation directs the National Security Agency (NSA) to develop an AI security playbook to defend American advanced technology against our foreign adversaries.\n\n\u201cThe Chinese Communist Party is aggressively targeting the United States\u2019 advanced AI technology to undermine our national security,\u201d said Rep. LaHood. \u201cAs AI becomes an integrated part of society, Congress must ensure that the United States fortifies our technology defenses and remains the undeniable leader. I am proud to join my colleagues in introducing the Advanced AI Security Readiness Act to draw a clear line that we will not allow our foreign adversaries to steal, exploit, or weaponize American innovation. Congress must secure our capabilities and ensure the United States stays ahead in this critical domain.\u201d\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s simple: the U.S. must win the AI race. AI is a strategic asset vital to America\u2019s economic and national security, not just another tech trend\u2014it has immense power, and we should treat it that way,\u201d said Chairman Moolenaar. \u201cThis bill is a major win for our families, businesses, and communities, giving our national security agencies the playbook they need to defend artificial intelligence from malicious actors across the globe.\u201d\n\n\u201cArtificial intelligence is one of the most consequential technologies of our lifetime already, and the race to develop and safeguard it will shape the balance of global power for decades to come,\u201d said Ranking Member Krishnamoorthi. \u201cAs adversaries like the Chinese Communist Party seek to exploit vulnerabilities in our AI infrastructure, we must ensure the United States remains several steps ahead. This bipartisan legislation will empower the NSA to map those vulnerabilities and chart a path forward to protect our most sensitive AI capabilities.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe must put proper safeguards in place to defend our national security and ensure that our nation remains a leading force in innovation,\u201d said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5), Ranking Member of the House Intelligence National Security Agency and Cyber Subcommittee. \u201cThat\u2019s why I\u2019m proud to co-lead the bipartisan Advanced AI Security Readiness Act with Congressman LaHood to strengthen protections for U.S. artificial intelligence technologies. As American entrepreneurs continue to face threats from foreign adversaries like China, this critical legislation will help ensure that we safeguard U.S. innovation from espionage and theft.\u201d\n\nBackground:\n\nThere is evidence that the CCP\u2019s DeepSeek used illegal distillation techniques to steal insights from U.S. AI models to accelerate their own technology development. The Advanced AI Security Readiness Act directs the NSA\u2019s AI Security Center to develop an AI Security Playbook to address vulnerabilities, threat detection, cyber and physical security strategies, and contingency plans for highly sensitive AI systems.\n\nThe impact that the legislation would have includes:\n\nSafeguarding U.S. AI innovation from espionage and theft to maintain national defense and technological leadership;\n\nProtecting AI systems by implementing cybersecurity standards, identifying high-risk vulnerabilities, and supporting potential United States secure development pathways; and\n\nStrengthening U.S. national security by directing the NSA to proactively identify and mitigate threats of technology theft by targeting advanced AI systems.\n\nRead the full text of the legislation HERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T01:08:28Z"], ["https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases/breaking-rep-miller-grills-governor-jb-pritzker-over-dangerous-sanctuary", "BREAKING:  Rep. Miller Grills Governor JB Pritzker Over Dangerous Sanctuary Policies", "2025-06-12", "2025", "2025-06", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Mary E. Miller", "M001211", "marymiller.house.gov", "marymiller", "https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, Congresswoman Mary Miller (IL-15) grilled Illinois Governor JB Pritzker during a House Oversight and Accountability Committee hearing titled, \u201cA Hearing with Sanctuary State Governors.\u201d\n\nCongresswoman Miller pressed Governor Pritzker on the devastating consequences of his sanctuary policies and his failure to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement.\n\nShe highlighted the tragic murders committed by illegal aliens in Illinois who should never have been allowed in America, emphasizing that these policies are putting American lives at risk.\n\nClick HERE to watch the full exchange.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T01:08:28Z"], ["https://bost.house.gov/2025/6/representatives-mike-bost-and-mike-collins-urge-hours-of-service-relief-for-truckers-during-emergencies", "REPRESENTATIVES MIKE BOST AND MIKE COLLINS URGE HOURS OF SERVICE RELIEF FOR TRUCKERS DURING EMERGENCIES", "2025-06-11", "2025", "2025-06", "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 (IL-12) and Mike Collins (GA-10), joined by 30 House colleagues, authored a letter today to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration urging relief from Hours of Service (HOS) regulations for truck drivers in advance of natural disasters and emergencies. The lawmakers called for an internal plan that provides clear and consistent HOS exemptions to ensure the uninterrupted flow of fuel and supplies during times of emergency.\n\n\u201cWhen communities are staring down the threat of a dangerous emergency, the last thing they should have to worry about is ready access to fuel for their homes and vehicles,\u201d said Bost. \u201cI grew up in a family trucking business; I know red tape and delays at the federal level often make it harder for truckers to do their jobs and deliver their product when it matters most. This commonsense policy change will help keep families safe and spur a quicker recovery during severe weather and supply chain disruptions.\u201d\n\n\u201cWhen disaster strikes, our fueling stations need to be supplied and ready to provide first responders and everyone in the impacted zone with the power they need to recover and rebuild,\u201d said Collins. \u201cI am proud to join my colleagues in improving disaster response and getting government bureaucracy out of the way of common-sense solutions.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T01:08:28Z"], ["https://lahood.house.gov/2025/6/lahood-bipartisan-colleagues-reintroduce-legislation-to-increase-resources-for-alzheimer-s-care-and-treatment", "LaHood, Bipartisan Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Defend American AI Innovation", "2025-06-10", "2025", "2025-06", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Darin LaHood", "L000585", "lahood.house.gov", "lahood", "https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congressman LaHood (IL-16) joined Representatives Troy Balderson (OH-12), Nanette Barrag\u00e1n (CA-44), and Paul Tonko (NY-20) in reintroducing the Accelerating Access to Dementia and Alzheimer\u2019s Provider Training (AADAPT) Act. This legislation would equip primary care providers with additional tools and training necessary to detect, diagnose, and treat Alzheimer\u2019s disease and other dementias.\n\n\u201cAlzheimer\u2019s impacts countless families throughout America and Illinois\u2019 16th Congressional District,\u201d said Rep. LaHood. \u201cI am proud to join my colleagues in reintroducing the AADAPT Act to empower our local primary care providers with the specialized training they need to better treat, diagnose, and care for patients living with Alzheimer\u2019s and other forms of dementia. Congress must strengthen the quality of care to ease the burdens on families and give patients the support they deserve.\u201d\n\nBackground:\n\nAlzheimer\u2019s disease impacts over seven million Americans. However, many primary care providers, especially those serving rural or underserved populations, report they lack the proper resources and additional training necessary to diagnose and treat Alzheimer\u2019s and other dementias. Today, Alzheimer\u2019s disease and other dementias are under-detected in the primary care setting about 50 percent of the time.\n\nThe AADAPT Act ensures that individuals and families facing an Alzheimer\u2019s diagnosis receive earlier support, accurate information, and care that reflects their needs. This legislation is a critical step toward closing the diagnosis gap and reducing care disparities in rural communities.\n\nRead the full text of the legislation HERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T01:08:28Z"], ["https://lahood.house.gov/2025/6/lahood-joins-colleagues-in-reintroducing-legislation-to-support-first-responders-and-end-reliance-on-ccp", "LaHood Joins Colleagues in Reintroducing Legislation to Support First Responders and end Reliance on CCP", "2025-06-06", "2025", "2025-06", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Darin LaHood", "L000585", "lahood.house.gov", "lahood", "https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-16) joined Chairwoman of House Republican Leadership Elise Stefanik (NY-21), Select Committee on China Chairman John Moolenaar (MI-02), and Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) in reintroducing the Drones for First Responders Act. This legislation supports the U.S. drone industry, reduces reliance on foreign adversaries, and strengthens U.S. national security.\n\n\u201cThe Chinese Communist Party is a clear and present threat to our national security and relying on their drones for our first responders is not only dangerous, but unacceptable,\u201d said Rep. LaHood. \u201cI am proud to join my colleagues in reintroducing the Drones for First Responders Act to ensure safe and reliable equipment. This critical piece of legislation supports American drone manufacturing and protects our communities. The United States must stand firm against foreign threats while prioritizing American innovation.\u201d \u201cMy legislation will establish a revenue neutral grant program to help Americans purchase drones securely made by the U.S. and our allies,\u201d said Rep. Stefanik. \u201cI\u2019m proud to reintroduce the Drones for First Responders Act, which will increase the competitiveness of U.S. drone manufacturers and provide first responders with the secure, high-quality drones they need to protect and serve our communities in Upstate New York, the North Country, and across our nation.\"\n\n\u201cChinese drones pose an unacceptable surveillance risk to our first responders, our infrastructure, and our national security. For too long, the CCP has exploited unfair trade practices to dominate the global drone market and flood the United States with spyware-laden technology. I\u2019m proud to co-sponsor Rep. Stefanik\u2019s Drones for First Responders Act, which takes a clear-eyed approach: penalize the CCP\u2019s economic aggression and give Americans the tools they need to transition to secure, U.S.-made drones. This is about protecting our communities, rebuilding American manufacturing, and cutting off the CCP\u2019s access to sensitive data,\u201d said Chairman Moolenaar.\n\n\u201cThe United States should not be reliant on Communist China for drones that are critical to our nation\u2019s first responder operations,\u201d said Rep. Wittman. \u201cI\u2019m proud to join my colleagues in introducing the Drones for First Responders Act to enable our first responders to purchase secure drones, increase the competitiveness of American drone manufacturers, and enhance U.S. national security. We simply cannot cede control of the drone market to the Chinese Communist Party.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe DFR Act is a reasonable, strategic step toward reducing dependence on adversarial suppliers, without pulling the plug overnight on investments made into drone technology. This legislation delivers a smart, enforceable, timely incentive structure to strengthen our industrial base, enhance public safety, and ensure that our first responders, farmers, and infrastructure operators aren\u2019t forced to choose between capability and security. Congress must act with urgency to pass the DFR Act and follow through with broader, sustained investment in secure, U.S.-aligned drone manufacturing,\u201d said Michael Robbins, CEO of AUVSI.\n\n\"An alarming number of drones operated by U.S. first responders are made in China and controlled by the CCP. Using aggressive subsidies, direct government investment, and favorable regulations to undercut our national security interests, they are dominating the global drone market over U.S. manufacturers,\" said Jon Toomey, President of the Coalition for A Prosperous America (CPA). \"Thanks to the leadership of Rep. Stefanik, CPA believes that tariffs tied with subsidies to incubate new manufacturing industries here in the U.S. is precisely the kind of policy Congress should be embracing.\u201d\n\nBackground:\n\nThe Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has utilized unfair trade practices and direct government investment to undercut U.S. drone manufacturers and strengthen its grip on the global drone market. Currently, 90 percent of drones used by American first responders are built in China, posing a direct threat to our national security. The Drones for First Responders Act will end U.S. dependency on the CCP. This bill will help create a grant program to allow first responders, critical infrastructure providers, and farmers to purchase drones manufactured by the U.S. and our allies. This legislation also establishes that by 2030, imported drones must meet strengthened rules of origin to ensure critical components are not sourced from China.\n\nThe full text of the bill can be read HERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:34:38Z"], ["https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-miller-introduces-resolution-declare-june-family-month", "Rep. Miller Introduces Resolution to Declare June as Family Month", "2025-06-03", "2025", "2025-06", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Mary E. Miller", "M001211", "marymiller.house.gov", "marymiller", "https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Congresswoman Mary Miller (IL-15) introduced a resolution to declare June as \u2018Family Month,\u2019 pushing back against the radical Left\u2019s efforts to erase America\u2019s foundational values through the promotion of \u201cPride Month.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe American family is under relentless attack from a radical leftist agenda that seeks to erase truth, redefine marriage, and confuse our children,\u201d said Congresswoman Mary Miller. \u201cBy recognizing June as Family Month, we reject the lie of \u2018Pride\u2019 and instead honor God\u2019s timeless and perfect design. If we truly want to restore our nation, we must stand united to protect and uphold the foundation upon which it was built \u2014 the family.\u201d\n\nThe resolution has received strong support from pro-family organizations, including Moms for America, the American Family Project, Family Research Council, Eagle Forum, and others.\n\nIt is co-sponsored by Republican Reps. Michael Cloud, Harriet Hageman, Barry Moore, Diana Harshbarger, Randy Weber, Troy Nehls, Mark Harris, and Michael Rulli.\n\nRead more about the resolution in The Daily Wire.\n\nCongresswoman Miller also outlined the importance of this initiative in a new op-ed titled \u201cReclaiming June for the Family.\u201d\n\nThe family is the bedrock of human civilization. It is the first institution created by God and the cornerstone upon which thriving societies are built. Strong families raise strong children, who grow into responsible citizens, courageous leaders, and the hard-working patriots our nation depends upon. Without strong families, America simply cannot survive.\n\nHowever, over the past four years under the Biden administration, we\u2019ve watched an aggressive cultural movement seek to dismantle the idea of a traditional family by redefining marriage and gender, and celebrating lifestyles that reject biblical truth. Our country has lost its moral clarity. Instead of promoting family values, the Biden White House prioritized an agenda of so-called \u201cPride\u201d\u2014 pride in delusion, pride in immorality, and pride in self-gratification.\n\nProverbs 16:18 says, \u201cPride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.\u201d\n\nPride leads to destruction, and nowhere is that more clear than in the abandonment of the family. Pride in rebellion against God\u2019s design for marriage, sex, and parenthood will only bring further harm to our country, our culture, and our children.\n\nThe consequence has become a national crisis. Fewer Americans are getting married. Young people are being told that children are a burden rather than a blessing. And now, alarming CDC reports show that American birth rates have reached record lows. We are witnessing a civilizational decline unfold before our very eyes.\n\nFor this reason, June should be recognized as Family Month, a time to celebrate, strengthen, and support the American family. While the Left uses June to glorify pride in sexual identity and gender confusion, we must reclaim this month to honor what truly sustains our nation: mothers and fathers raising children in loving homes.\n\nPresident Donald Trump has made it clear that restoring a thriving family and supporting children is a top priority. His commitment to increasing the child tax credit, lowering the cost of living, and cutting taxes through the \u201cOne Big, Beautiful Bill\u201d are just a few examples of how Trump supports families.\n\nTrump has also taken bold measures to give power back to parents when it comes to their children\u2019s academics and has taken steps to dismantle the Department of Education. He recognizes that parents, not the government, have the fundamental right to direct the upbringing and education of their children. I have proudly supported these efforts from the most pro-family president in history and will continue to champion policies that empower parents and protect children.\n\nFamily Month would serve as a reminder to our nation of what has made America great in the first place. It would highlight the role families play in shaping our culture, instilling our shared values, and securing our future.\n\nAmerica is currently at a crossroads. We can either continue down a path of cultural decay or we can return to the timeless truths that have always sustained us. If we want to preserve our nation for future generations, we must reject pride and rebuild the family.\n\nLet us make June a month that honors truth, celebrates parenthood, uplifts marriage, and raises up children who love God and America, because they are the future, and they are worth fighting for.\n\nNow is the time to stand up, speak out, and fight for the American family because without them, there is no America.\n\nMary Miller represents the 15th District of Illinois in the U.S. House of Representatives and currently serves as Chairwoman of the Congressional Family Caucus.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T01:08:28Z"], ["https://bost.house.gov/2025/5/bost-announces-disaster-loans-for-hard-hit-southern-illinois-counties", "BOST ANNOUNCES DISASTER LOANS FOR HARD HIT SOUTHERN ILLINOIS COUNTIES", "2025-05-29", "2025", "2025-05", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Mike Bost", "B001295", "bost.house.gov", "bost", "https://bost.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Representative Mike Bost (IL-12) today announced that the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is offering low-interest federal disaster loans for Illinois small businesses, private nonprofits, homeowners, and renters impacted by the severe storms and flooding that occurred April 2-6. The declaration covers Marion County and the adjacent counties of Clay, Clinton, Jefferson, Washington, and Wayne, which are eligible for both physical damage loans and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs).\n\n!\n\n\u201cOur region was hit hard by these storms, and I\u2019ve heard directly from folks who are struggling to recover,\u201d said Bost. \u201cThese disaster loans will help families and small businesses repair, rebuild, and get back on their feet. I urge everyone who was affected to look into this assistance and apply as soon as possible.\u201d\n\n!\n\nSmall businesses and private nonprofits may apply for up to $2 million in physical disaster loans to replace damaged real estate, equipment, and inventory. Homeowners can apply for up to $500,000 to repair or replace their primary residence, and homeowners or renters can apply for up to $100,000 to recover personal property like furniture, vehicles, and appliances. Applicants may also be eligible for a loan increase of up to 20% of their verified physical damages for future mitigation upgrades \u2013 like safe rooms or wind-resistant garage doors. The deadline to apply for physical damage is July 14, 2025; for economic injury, February 17, 2026. To apply or learn more, visit: sba.gov/disaster.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T00:49:36Z"], ["https://bost.house.gov/2025/5/bost-highlights-cops-grant-opportunity", "BOST HIGHLIGHTS COPS GRANT OPPORTUNITY", "2025-05-23", "2025", "2025-05", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Mike Bost", "B001295", "bost.house.gov", "bost", "https://bost.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Representative Mike Bost (IL-12) today announced the U.S. Department of Justice\u2019s Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) program is now accepting applications for federal grants. These competitive grants are designed to help local law enforcement combat illegal drug activity, strengthen officer wellness, and improve community policing.\n\n!\n\n\u201cOur law enforcement officers put their lives on the line every day to keep our communities safe,\u201d said Bost. \u201cThese federal grants offer much-needed support to local police departments as they crack down on illegal drugs and make our streets safer. I will do all I can to ensure they have the tools and resources they need to succeed in Southern Illinois.\n\n!\n\nApplications for most programs are due by June 30, 2025. For more information on how to apply, visit the COPS Office website at: https://cops.usdoj.gov/grants.\n\nOpen COPS Grant Programs Include:\n\n$16 million available for state law enforcement to investigate methamphetamine-related crimes\n\n$35 million available to support opioid investigations in high-impact states\n\n$9.8 million available to expand mental health programs for officers and their families\n\n$12.8 million available to fund innovative policing strategies\n\n$8 million available to develop national resources that support law enforcement efforts\n\n$2 million available for critical response and agency assessment programs\n\n$18 million available to fund crisis intervention and de-escalation training\n\n$150,000 available to expand the Blue Alert system for fallen or injured officers\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T00:49:36Z"], ["https://bost.house.gov/2025/5/bost-votes-for-president-trump-s-one-big-beautiful-budget-bill", "BOST VOTES FOR PRESIDENT TRUMP'S \"ONE BIG, BEAUTIFUL\" BUDGET BILL", "2025-05-22", "2025", "2025-05", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Mike Bost", "B001295", "bost.house.gov", "bost", "https://bost.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Representative Mike Bost (IL-12) voted Wednesday evening to pass the House reconciliation bill, a comprehensive budget package that delivers permanent tax relief, helps secure the southern border, and strengthens accountability in government spending. The legislation, championed by President Trump as \u201cone big, beautiful bill,\u201d passed the House and now advances to the Senate with the goal of having a final bill on the President\u2019s desk by Independence Day.\n\n!\n\n\u201cPresident Trump and Republican majorities in Congress were elected to lower taxes, end illegal immigration, and reform a bloated bureaucracy,\u201d said Bost. \u201cThis bill does all three, while protecting Social Security for seniors and ensuring Medicaid goes to vulnerable U.S. citizens \u2013 not illegal immigrants. I am proud to do my part to help President Trump advance the America First agenda and deliver on our promises to the American people.\u201d\n\n!\n\nThe One Big Beautiful Bill Act would:\n\n!\n\nEnd tax on tips and overtime\n\nLower the taxes seniors\u2019 pay on Social Security benefits\n\nFully fund 701 miles of Trump's border wall and 900 miles of river barriers\n\nFund 10,000 new ICE personnel, 5,000 new customs officers, and 3,000 new Border Patrol agents\n\nModernize air traffic control by upgrading our communications and equipment\n\nEnd taxpayer-funded sex change operations\n\nRemove 1.4 million illegal immigrants from Medicaid\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T00:49:36Z"], ["https://lahood.house.gov/2025/5/lahood-votes-to-deliver-on-republicans-promises-to-the-american-people", "LaHood Votes to Deliver on Republicans\u2019 Promises to the American People", "2025-05-22", "2025", "2025-05", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Darin LaHood", "L000585", "lahood.house.gov", "lahood", "https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-16) voted in support of H.R. 1, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, that will deliver on the promises House Republicans made to the American people.\n\n\u201cToday, House Republicans voted to prevent the largest tax increase in American history,\u201d said Rep. LaHood. \u201cThe One Big Beautiful Bill Act is a bold, comprehensive piece of legislation that will create a stronger and more prosperous future for all Americans. This bill will bring predictability and certainty by providing much-needed tax relief for Americans, small businesses, farmers, veterans, and seniors. By lowering the tax burden on families and businesses, we are creating an economic environment where they can thrive. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act is a transformative approach that will not only strengthen our economy and support our families, but it will also secure our border, bolster our military, and make our government programs more efficient. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to move quickly and pass this bill.\u201d\n\nRep. LaHood\u2019s Priorities Included in the Legislation:\n\nExpanding and improving the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit\n\nThis bill would renew the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit, expand the reimbursement rate, increase the number of projects that can be built using private activity bonds, and accelerate the construction of much-needed low-income housing development in rural communities. These provisions were originally included as part of the Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act, which Rep. LaHood introduced with over 100 bipartisan cosponsors in April 2025.\n\nSince he was elected to Congress, Rep. LaHood has been a strong advocate for addressing the shortage of affordable housing for the growing workforce throughout Illinois\u2019 16th Congressional District and across the country. Read the press release on his bill HERE.\n\nSupporting farmers and the biofuels industry\n\nRural communities across the Midwest have seen the benefits of the 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit through new job opportunities and increased markets. The bill extends this key tax credit through 2031, supporting broader industry growth and directly supporting farmers and the biofuels economy in Illinois\u2019 16th District.\n\nImproving access to health savings\n\nWays and Means Republicans are committed to lowering the cost of healthcare for hardworking Americans and senior citizens. Rep. LaHood\u2019s Health Savings for Families Act was included in this legislation, giving American families increased choice to save and afford healthcare costs through a Health Savings Account and making these accounts more accessible.\n\nTax fairness and relief for employees in the beauty and salon industry\n\nRep. LaHood has long championed creating parity and extending the Federal Insurance Contribution Act (FICA) tip tax to salon and beauty service establishments and their employees. In April 2025, Rep. LaHood introduced the Small Business Tax Fairness and Compliance Simplification Act to level the playing field for beauty salons whose employees rely on tips for a large portion of their income, similar to the law already applied to the restaurant industry.\n\nThe One Big Beautiful Bill Act includes this legislation and will provide immediate tax relief to these small businesses and their employees. Read his press release HERE.\n\nKey Pieces of Tax Legislation:\n\nMakes President Trump\u2019s historic tax cuts permanent;\n\nDelivers on President Trump\u2019s priorities of no tax on tips, overtime pay, and car loan interest, and provides additional tax relief for seniors;\n\nBoosts the doubled Child Tax Credit for more than 40 million families;\n\nSupports working families by expanding access to childcare and making permanent the paid leave tax credit;\n\nExpands and makes permanent the 199A small business deduction to 23%, creating over one million new Main Street small businesses and generating $750 billion in economic growth;\n\nMakes permanent and increases the doubled Death Tax Exemption for family-owned farms;\n\nGenerates $284 billion in new economic growth from American manufacturers; and\n\nSecures six million jobs for American workers.\n\nOther Key Pieces of Legislation:\n\nKeeps the southern border secure\n\nMakes the largest investment in border security in American history;\n\nProvides resources to finish the border wall; and\n\nGives our border patrol agents and immigration enforcement agencies the resources they need to detain and deport illegal aliens.\n\nPromotes government efficiency and efficacy\n\nReduces the size and scope of government;\n\nRoots out waste, fraud, and abuse;\n\nBrings bloated and inefficient programs back to their original intent; and\n\nPuts the United States on a sound fiscal trajectory.\n\nBolsters our national security\n\nProvides the military with the resources it needs to counter our foreign adversaries like China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T00:49:36Z"], ["https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-miller-applauds-house-passage-president-trumps-one-big-beautiful-bill", "Rep. Miller Applauds House Passage of President Trump\u2019s One Big, Beautiful Bill", "2025-05-22", "2025", "2025-05", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Mary E. Miller", "M001211", "marymiller.house.gov", "marymiller", "https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, Congresswoman Mary Miller (R-IL) released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 1, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act:\n\n\u201cI was proud to cast my vote in support of President Trump\u2019s One Big, Beautiful Bill,\u201d said Congresswoman Mary Miller. \u201cThis legislation delivers on the America First agenda that a majority of Americans support. It ensures illegals are stripped of federal SNAP benefits, enforces common-sense work requirements for Medicaid, invests in mass deportation efforts, cuts taxes on tips and overtime, and dismantles Biden\u2019s radical Green New Deal policies. The House has done its job, now the Senate must act quickly and send this bill to President Trump\u2019s desk.\u201d\n\nAs a member of the House Agriculture Committee, Rep. Miller successfully secured a key provision in the One Big, Beautiful Bill that prohibits illegal immigrants from receiving taxpayer-funded SNAP benefits. This measure saves billions of dollars and implements a key part of President Trump's agenda.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T00:49:36Z"], ["https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-miller-exposes-title-ix-violations-illinois", "Rep. Miller Exposes Title IX Violations in Illinois", "2025-05-21", "2025", "2025-05", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Mary E. Miller", "M001211", "marymiller.house.gov", "marymiller", "https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, Congresswoman Mary Miller (IL-15) sent a letter to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi and U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon calling attention to a clear violation of Title IX that occurred at the Naperville Community Unit School District 203 in which the school district allowed a biological male to participate in a female-only athletic competition.\n\nIn the letter, Congresswoman Miller expressed opposition saying that any school district that permits biological males to compete in girls\u2019 sports should have its federal funds reviewed immediately for revocation, citing violations of Title IX protections.\n\nRead the full letter HERE.\n\n\u201cGirls across Illinois are being forced to compete on an unfair playing field, and it's time to say enough. JB Pritzker's radical trans agenda is destroying women's sports and betraying an entire generation of young female athletes,\u201d said Congresswoman Mary Miller. \u201cLet me be clear: if you violate Title IX, you must be held accountable to the full extent of the law. I will not let our girls be pushed aside and silenced.\u201d\n\nIn April, Congresswoman Mary Miller previously sent a letter to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi and U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon calling for an immediate investigation into the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) and the State of Illinois for actions that undermine fairness and safety in girls\u2019 sports.\n\nCongresswoman Mary Miller introduced H.R. 2452, the Keep Our Girls Safe Act. This legislation would codify President Trump\u2019s Executive Order 14201 and strip federal funding from any school that defies the commonsense protections for women and girls.\n\nRead more about the recent letter on Fox News.\n\nCongresswoman Miller currently serves as Chair of the Congressional Family Caucus and sits on the Committees on Agriculture, Education and Workforce, and House Administration.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T00:49:36Z"], ["https://bost.house.gov/2025/5/bost-ntsb-report-on-i-70-bus-crash-highlights-dangerous-truck-parking-shortage", "BOST: NTSB REPORT ON I-70 BUS CRASH HIGHLIGHTS DANGEROUS TRUCK PARKING SHORTAGE", "2025-05-20", "2025", "2025-05", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Mike Bost", "B001295", "bost.house.gov", "bost", "https://bost.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 The National Transportation Safety Board today released its final report on the July 2023 Greyhound bus crash on I-70 near Highland, Illinois, which left three passengers dead and more than a dozen injured. U.S. Representative Mike Bost (IL-12) highlighted the federal investigators\u2019 determination that a severe shortage in accessible truck parking contributed to the collision with a tractor trailer parked on the side of an offramp.\n\n\u201cI grew up in a family trucking business and have been shouting from the rooftops for years about America\u2019s dangerous shortage of truck parking spaces,\u201d said Bost. \u201cWhen exhausted truckers are forced to choose between pushing that extra mile to find safe parking or pull over on the shoulder of busy interstates and offramps, you\u2019ve got a recipe for disaster. That\u2019s exactly what we witnessed here in Southern Illinois. I am hopeful the NTSB\u2019s final report on the Highland crash will help provide additional momentum in Congress to pass my legislation to expand safe, accessible parking options for big trucks nationwide.\u201d\n\nBost\u2019s Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act would provide competitive funding through the U.S. Department of Transportation for the construction of new commercial truck parking facilities. The legislation was approved by the House Transportation Committee last Congress but did not receive a vote in the full House. Bost reintroduced the bill this year in hopes of it being incorporated in the Surface Transportation Reauthorization bill the House will consider later this year.\n\nA summary of the NTSB report can be foundhere.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T00:49:36Z"], ["https://lahood.house.gov/2025/5/lahood-bipartisan-colleagues-introduce-bill-to-stop-ai-chip-smuggling-to-china", "LaHood, Bipartisan Colleagues Introduce Bill to Stop AI Chip Smuggling to China", "2025-05-20", "2025", "2025-05", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Darin LaHood", "L000585", "lahood.house.gov", "lahood", "https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-16) \u2013 a member of the House Select Committee on China and the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence \u2013 joined House Select Committee on China Chairman John Moolenaar (MI-02), Ranking Member Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence Chairman Rick Crawford (AR-01), Representatives Bill Huizenga (MI-04), Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), Bill Foster (IL-11), and Ted Lieu (CA-36) in introducing the Chip Security Act. This bipartisan, bicameral piece of legislation would help prevent the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) from smuggling American-manufactured AI chips.\n\n\u201cAI is one of the most high-stakes fronts in our strategic competition with the Chinese Communist Party,\u201d said Rep. LaHood. \u201cThe CCP has a track record of exploiting U.S. capital and intellectual property to develop its own advanced technology. I am proud to join my colleagues and introduce the Chip Security Act to protect American innovation and prevent our foremost adversary from smuggling American-made chips. Under no circumstances can the United States allow our technology to power CCP propaganda machines, like DeepSeek.\u201d\n\nBackground:\n\nThe Chip Security Act responds to evidence that U.S. chips were potentially funneled into China through shell companies to support the development of CCP AI software, such as DeepSeek. This bipartisan legislation would require location verification for advanced AI chips, enforce mandatory reporting, and study additional methods to stop U.S. chips from being stolen or sent to a foreign adversary. A companion bill was introduced in the Senate by Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR). Read the full text of the legislation HERE.\n\nIn February 2025, Reps. LaHood and Gottheimer introduced the No DeepSeek on Government Devices Act. This legislation would ban the use and download of the CCP\u2019s AI software, DeepSeek, from government-issued devices. Read more HERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T00:49:36Z"], ["https://bost.house.gov/2025/5/bost-announces-federal-aid-to-revitalize-brownfields-in-mt-vernon-shawneetown", "BOST ANNOUNCES FEDERAL AID TO REVITALIZE BROWNFIELDS IN MT. VERNON, SHAWNEETOWN", "2025-05-19", "2025", "2025-05", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Mike Bost", "B001295", "bost.house.gov", "bost", "https://bost.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Representative Mike Bost (IL-12) today announced over $850,000 in new federal Brownfields assessment grants to support environmental cleanup and redevelopment in Jefferson and Gallatin counties. The grants will aid local officials in assessing former industrial and commercial sites in Mt. Vernon and Shawneeetown, develop cleanup plans, and prepare for future development.\n\n\u201cBrownfields can be a blight on an otherwise healthy, growing community,\u201d said Bost. \u201cI am happy that Mt. Vernon and Shawneetown are receiving federal support to clean up old properties and bring new jobs and development to their downtown areas.\u201d\n\nMt. Vernon will receive $500,000 to assess and plan for cleanup at sites including the former Park Plaza Shopping Center and a vacant boat repair shop. Shawneetown will receive $350,000 for site assessments and cleanup planning. The full list of selected applicants can be found here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T00:49:36Z"], ["https://lahood.house.gov/2025/5/lahood-reintroduces-bipartisan-bicameral-legislation-to-support-local-businesses-restaurants-and-bars/09209090-bba7-45bc-8040-551853f56a6c", "LaHood Reintroduces Bipartisan, Bicameral Legislation to Support Local Businesses, Restaurants, and Bars", "2025-05-16", "2025", "2025-05", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Darin LaHood", "L000585", "lahood.house.gov", "lahood", "https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-16) reintroduced the Creating Hospitality Economic Enhancement for Restaurants and Servers (CHEERS) Act, alongside Representatives Steven Horsford (NV-04), Claudia Tenney (NY-24), and Suzan DelBene (WA-01), and Senators Tim Sheehy (R-MT) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH). This bipartisan, bicameral legislation will support many local businesses across our communities.\n\n\u201cLocal restaurants, taprooms, and bars are an essential part of our economy across Illinois\u2019 16th Congressional District,\u201d said Rep. LaHood. \u201cI am proud to reintroduce the bipartisan, bicameral CHEERS Act to provide much-needed relief to our local businesses and encourage continued investment in our communities. This bill will revitalize the hospitality industry, support local jobs, generate economic growth, and promote the use of sustainable tap equipment in bars and restaurants.\u201d \u201cIn Las Vegas, hospitality means more than good times \u2013 it means good jobs,\u201d Rep. Horsford said. \u201cThe CHEERS Act would boost job opportunities at all levels, from small bars and clubs to major casinos, hotels and arenas. The tax incentives in it would help employers invest in their most important asset \u2013 their people. I\u2019m proud to introduce this bipartisan proposal with Rep. LaHood again in the 119th Congress, and will continue to partner with him to boost jobs in Nevada and across the United States.\u201d\n\n\"Local bars and restaurants are the heart of our Main Street economy,\u201d said Rep. Tenney. \u201cThe Creating Hospitality Economic Enhancement for Restaurants and Servers Act will strengthen these businesses by providing incentives to expand tap lines and keg equipment on commercial properties, supporting growth in our local hospitality and brewing industries.\"\n\n\u201cThe CHEERS Act offers a bipartisan solution to help small brewers in Washington and across the country invest in energy-efficient draft systems, reduce waste and create more jobs,\u201d said Rep. DelBene. \u201cBy expanding these tax incentives, this legislation supports both economic recovery and environmental responsibility. This will deliver real benefits to small businesses in Washington.\u201d\n\n\u201cReducing the tax burden on small businesses is a commonsense policy that helps deliver on the promise to put Main Street businesses and workers first. I\u2019m proud to lead the CHEERS Act to support small businesses nationwide as they invest in growing their operations, creating jobs, boosting local economies and strengthening communities,\u201d said Senator Tim Sheehy.\n\n\u201cToo many local bars and restaurants are facing rising costs,\u201d said Senator Hassan. \u201cThis bipartisan legislation gives small businesses in the hospitality industry a tax cut to install energy efficient draft beer systems, which not only helps customers enjoy a drink but also helps reduce costs for restaurants and bars.\u201d\n\nBackground:\n\nSince 2005, the tax code has allowed for the deduction for qualifying investments in energy-efficient systems on commercial property under Section 179D.\n\nThe CHEERS Act would expand the code section to apply to new keg, tap, and draft line property on commercial property in bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues.\n\nAs many local and small businesses continue to recover from the effects of the pandemic, the CHEERS Act incentivizes the use of sustainable draft containers and installation property, providing relief to small businesses who need it most.\n\nA link to the legislation can be found HERE.\n\nHospitality groups and industry stakeholders applauded the bipartisan legislation upon introduction, including:\n\nBeer Institute\n\nNational Restaurant Association\n\nNational Beer Wholesalers Association\n\nBrewers Association\n\nAmerican Beverage Licensees\n\nSteel Keg Association\n\nAmerican Cider Association\n\nInternational Franchise Association\n\nIndependent Restaurant Coalition\n\nBeerBoard\n\nA link to their comments on the bill can be found HERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T00:49:36Z"], ["https://lahood.house.gov/2025/5/lahood-sykes-reintroduce-legislation-to-lower-tire-costs-and-support-the-auto-industry", "LaHood, Sykes Reintroduce Legislation to Lower Tire Costs and Support the Auto Industry", "2025-05-16", "2025", "2025-05", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Darin LaHood", "L000585", "lahood.house.gov", "lahood", "https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-16) and Congresswoman Emilia Sykes (OH-13) reintroduced the Retreaded Tire Jobs, Supply Chain Security and Sustainability Act of 2025. This common-sense, bipartisan piece of legislation would promote economic growth by providing a tax credit to consumers who purchase retreaded tires made in the United States.\n\n\u201cIllinois\u2019 16th Congressional District has deep ties to the automotive industry,\u201d said Rep. LaHood. \u201cThe Retreaded Tire Jobs, Supply Chain Security and Sustainability Act is a common-sense bill that strengthens our domestic supply chain, supports high-paying American manufacturing jobs, and slashes red tape. I am proud to reintroduce this bipartisan legislation alongside Congresswoman Sykes to invest in our manufacturing sector while increasing American competitiveness.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Retreaded Tire Jobs, Supply Chain Security and Sustainability Act will encourage consumers to purchase high-quality American tires while keeping more money in their pockets,\u201d said Rep. Sykes. \u201cThis commonsense, bipartisan legislation is good for both the economy and the environment, and it will protect thousands of good-paying manufacturing jobs here at home. Ohio\u2019s 13th Congressional District has long been known as the \u2018Rubber Capital of the World\u2019 \u2014 this legislation upholds that legacy by investing in American manufacturing to ensure this vital industry remains globally competitive.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Retreaded Truck Tire Jobs, Supply Chain Security, and Sustainability Act is a vital step toward strengthening the U.S. truck tire industry, creating jobs, and supporting fleets,\u201d said Joe Burke, Vice President, Goodyear North America Commercial & Global Aviation. \u201cThis legislation provides a much-needed tax credit to incentivize retread purchases, driving demand at domestic tire retreading facilities and supporting local manufacturing jobs that cannot be offshored. Retreading has long been a best practice for large fleets, helping them reduce operating costs, and this bill ensures small and medium-sized fleets can take advantage of this proven strategy as well. By expanding access to retreaded tires, we can strengthen American industry while providing fleets with a cost-effective, high-quality solution for their operations.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe appreciate Representatives LaHood and Sykes for their continued leadership on this issue,\u201d said Scott Damon, Chief Executive Officer of Bridgestone West, Group President of Bridgestone Americas. \u201cBridgestone supports the retreading legislation as it promotes an increased domestic supply chain, job growth and sustainability. Increasing demand of U.S. manufactured retreaded tires will also reduce costs for our customers, save energy, and reduce material consumption and waste.\u201d\n\n\u201cApproximately 15 million tires are retreaded annually in the U.S, including nearly 44% of commercial truck tires in the U.S. and Canada. By providing tax credits to fleet purchasers who buy American-made retreaded commercial tires, we have a critical opportunity to support domestic manufacturing and strengthen our national economic resilience,\u201d said Anne Forristall Luke, President and CEO of USTMA. \u201cThis legislation is about more than just tires \u2013 it's about investing in American workers and promoting a sustainable, innovative manufacturing sector that is a highly effective way to recycle tires.\u201d\n\nBackground:\n\nTire retreading is a manufacturing process that replaces the tread on worn tires to help extend the life of the tire. However, cheap, low-quality tires imported from countries like China have flooded the market and harmed this important U.S. industry. Incentivizing the purchase of high-quality retreaded tires will help protect and create local jobs, reduce consumer costs, improve efficiency, and reduce dependence on low-quality overseas products.\n\nThe Retreaded Tire Jobs, Supply Chain Security and Sustainability Act of 2025 is supported by a wide range of auto industry leaders and manufacturers, including Goodyear Tires, Bridgestone, the American Trucking Association, and the U.S Tire Manufacturers Association.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T00:49:36Z"], ["https://lahood.house.gov/2025/5/lahood-applauds-house-ways-and-means-committee-s-one-big-beautiful-bill", "LaHood Applauds House Ways and Means Committee\u2019s One, Big, Beautiful Bill", "2025-05-14", "2025", "2025-05", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Darin LaHood", "L000585", "lahood.house.gov", "lahood", "https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-16) \u2013 Chairman of the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Work and Welfare \u2013 praised the House Ways and Means Committee\u2019s passage of the One, Big, Beautiful Bill.\n\n\u201cThe House Ways and Means Committee voted to provide hardworking Americans, seniors, small businesses, and farmers with much-needed and immediate tax relief,\u201d said Rep. LaHood. \u201cFor two years, Chairman Smith and Committee Republicans have been working tirelessly to craft a bill that will drive investments throughout our communities. This legislation delivers on the promises that Republicans and President Trump made to the American people, including no tax on tips, increasing the child tax credit, advancing research and development, and making the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act's historic tax cuts permanent. It is critical that Congress pass the One, Big, Beautiful Bill as soon as possible to give rocket fuel to the United States\u2019 economy.\u201d\n\nRep. LaHood\u2019s Priorities Included in the Legislation:\n\nExpanding and improving the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit\n\nThis bill would renew the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit and expand the reimbursement rate, increase the number of projects that can be built using private activity bonds, and accelerate the construction of much-needed low-income housing development in rural communities. These provisions were originally included as part of the Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act, which Rep. LaHood introduced in April 2025.\n\nSince he was elected to Congress, Rep. LaHood has been a strong advocate for addressing the shortage of affordable housing for the growing workforce throughout Illinois\u2019 16th Congressional District and across the country. Read the press release on his bill HERE.\n\nImproving access to health savings\n\nWays and Means Republicans are committed to lowering the cost of healthcare for hardworking Americans and senior citizens. Rep. LaHood\u2019s Health Savings for Families Act was included in this legislation, giving American families increased choices to save and afford healthcare costs through a health savings account and making these accounts more accessible for patients and families.\n\nTax fairness and relief for the beauty and salon industry\n\nRep. LaHood has long championed creating parity and extending the Federal Insurance Contribution Act (FICA) tip tax to salon and beauty service establishments. In April 2025, Rep. LaHood introduced the Small Business Tax Fairness and Compliance Simplification Act to level the playing field for beauty salons whose employees rely on tips for a large portion of their income. The One, Big, Beautiful Bill includes these legislative provisions and will provide immediate tax relief to these small businesses. Read his press release HERE.\n\nSupporting farmers and the biofuels industry\n\nRural communities across the Midwest have seen the benefits of the 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit through new job opportunities and increased markets. The bill extends this key tax credit through 2031, giving industry more incentives to grow and directly supporting farmers and the biofuel economy in Illinois\u2019 16th District.\n\nOther Key Pieces of the Legislation:\n\nMakes President Trump\u2019s historic tax cuts permanent;\n\nDelivers on President Trump\u2019s priorities of no tax on tips, overtime pay, and car loan interest, and provides additional tax relief for seniors;\n\nLocks in and boosts the doubled Child Tax Credit for more than 40 million families;\n\nSupports working families by expanding access to childcare and making permanent the paid leave tax credit;\n\nExpands and makes permanent the 199A small business deduction to 23%, creating over one million new Main Street small businesses and generating $750 billion in economic growth;\n\nMakes permanent and increases the doubled Death Tax Exemption for family-owned farms;\n\nGenerates $284 billion in new economic growth from American manufacturers; and\n\nSecures six million jobs for American workers.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T00:49:36Z"], ["https://lahood.house.gov/2025/5/lahood-s-community-reclamation-partnerships-act-passes-the-house", "LaHood\u2019s Community Reclamation Partnerships Act Passes the House", "2025-05-13", "2025", "2025-05", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Darin LaHood", "L000585", "lahood.house.gov", "lahood", "https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-16) praised the passage of his legislation, H.R. 167, the Community Reclamation Partnerships Act. This legislation will ensure continued investment for the cleanup of abandoned coal mines across the country.\n\n\u201cThis legislation, which also passed the House last Congress, will help address the complex legal and funding-related challenges for abandoned mines that we have in Illinois and across the country,\u201d said Rep. LaHood. \u201cThe Community Reclamation Partnerships Act amends the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 to enable states to partner with non-governmental entities to reclaim abandoned mine sites and facilitate acid mine drainage cleanup across the country. Nongovernmental entities recognize the need for reclamation in our communities and are willing to contribute the resources and expertise necessary to address this problem while reducing the burden on the taxpayers and the states.\u201d\n\n\u201cWith thousands of legacy coal mines across the country in need of remediation, we must support all efforts to responsibly clean up these sites,\u201d said House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman. \u201cRep. LaHood\u2019s bill does just that: incentivizing community efforts to work with the state and federal government to get the job done. I thank Rep. LaHood for his work to bring this important bill to the floor.\u201d\n\n\u201cLast year, Congress passed Good Samaritan legislation to jumpstart the cleanup of abandoned hardrock mines. Today, the House of Representatives took a big step forward to do the same for abandoned coal mines,\u201d said Chris Wood, President and CEO of Trout Unlimited. \u201cWe thank Congressman LaHood for his tireless leadership and appreciate the Natural Resources Committee working in a bipartisan fashion to ensure swift passage through the House. This bill will help make communities and waters healthier throughout Appalachia and other parts of coal country, and we look forward to working with the Senate to make this common sense bill the law of the land.\u201d\n\nBackground:\n\nThousands of inactive coal mines, abandoned before the era of modern regulation, exist across the country. Many of these sites pose health and safety risks or environmental hazards, burdening landowners and inhibiting opportunities for economic development. The states are responsible for reclaiming abandoned mine sites, and state Abandoned Mine Land (AML) programs undertake numerous cleanup projects every year.\n\nGiven the significant inventory of unclaimed sites, there is a need to identify new routes to reclamation without additional burdens on coal operators or the taxpayer. This need has encouraged third-party non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to participate in cleanup projects.\n\nThe Community Reclamation Partnerships Act would amend the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 to authorize states and non-governmental entities to work together to restore land and water affected by coal mining before the law was passed in 1977.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T00:49:36Z"], ["https://lahood.house.gov/2025/5/lahood-invited-to-participate-in-the-white-house-task-force-for-the-world-cup-2026", "LaHood Invited to Participate in the White House Task Force for the World Cup 2026", "2025-05-08", "2025", "2025-05", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Darin LaHood", "L000585", "lahood.house.gov", "lahood", "https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-16) \u2013 co-chair of the Congressional Soccer Caucus \u2013 participated in the first meeting for the White House Task Force on the FIFA World Cup 2026.\n\n\u201cI was honored to participate in the first meeting for the White House Task Force on the FIFA World Cup 2026,\u201d said Rep. LaHood. \u201cOver 39 days, 104 matches will be played, and over 10 million fans will travel across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. President Trump\u2019s White House Task Force on the FIFA World Cup 2026 will provide much-needed leadership to streamline an unprecedented level of coordination between our federal agencies to set our country up for a safe and successful 2026 World Cup. It is critical that federal, state, and local agencies and officials are equipped with the resources they need to enhance security efforts, modernize travel processes, and invest in the necessary improvements in technology.\u201d\n\nBackground:\n\nOn March 7, 2025, President Trump established the White House Task Force on the FIFA World Cup 2026. The Task Force is dedicated to leading and coordinating federal efforts in support of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup and the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Task Force will collaborate with executive departments and agencies while facilitating comprehensive planning, organization, and execution of one of the largest sporting events in history.\n\nThrough interagency cooperation, information sharing, and strategic support, the Task Force aims to ensure the successful hosting of world-class international events.\n\nRead Rep. LaHood\u2019s op-ed on the White House Task Force on the FIFA World Cup 2026 HERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T00:49:36Z"], ["https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-miller-sen-banks-cotton-introduce-safe-home-act", "Rep. Miller, Sen. Banks, Cotton Introduce the SAFE Home Act", "2025-05-07", "2025", "2025-05", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Mary E. Miller", "M001211", "marymiller.house.gov", "marymiller", "https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Congresswoman Mary Miller (IL-15) introduced the SAFE Home Act. This legislation would prohibit agencies that receive federal funding for adoption and foster care from delaying or stopping a child\u2019s placement because the parent wants to raise the child according to their biological sex. Senators Jim Banks (R-Ind.) and Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) are leading the Bill in the Senate.\n\n\u201cWe must defend the rights of parents to raise their children in a way that reflects reality and safeguards their future,\" said Congresswoman Miller. \"The SAFE Home Act ensures that parents are not excluded from adopting simply for having common sense and standing against dangerous gender ideologies that threaten the well-being of children.\u201d\n\n\u201cLoving families shouldn\u2019t be excluded from adopting because they won\u2019t affirm radical gender policies,\" said Senator Cotton. \"The SAFE Home Act defends the right of parents to care for children according to biological reality and sound judgment.\u201d\n\n\u201cKids deserve safe, loving homes and parents shouldn\u2019t be blocked from adopting or fostering just because they oppose irreversible sex-change procedures on children,\" said Senator Banks. \"This bill makes sure families aren\u2019t punished for using common sense.\u201d\n\nKey Provisions of the SAFE Home Act:\n\nProhibits Delays or Denials in Placement: Agencies receiving federal funding for adoption and foster care cannot delay or deny the placement of a child based on a parent\u2019s choice to raise the child in a way that matches the child\u2019s biological sex.\n\nProtects Against Medical or Mental Health Interventions: The Act prohibits requiring any medical, surgical, or psychological treatments that aim to change or match a child\u2019s appearance or perception to align with a gender identity that is different from the child\u2019s biological sex.\n\nRespects Decisions Made by Parents: It ensures that parents have the right to decide how to raise and care for their child without interference from the adoption or foster care systems, especially regarding gender-related medical or mental health services.\n\nFull bill text can be found here.", 1, "2026-06-27T20:01:11Z", "2026-06-27T22:30:55Z"], ["https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-mary-miller-calls-illinois-county-sheriffs-defy-sanctuary-law", "Rep. Mary Miller Calls on Illinois County Sheriffs to Defy Sanctuary Law", "2025-05-06", "2025", "2025-05", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Mary E. Miller", "M001211", "marymiller.house.gov", "marymiller", "https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, Congresswoman Mary Miller (IL-15) called on Illinois sheriffs to defy Governor J.B. Pritzker\u2019s state sanctuary laws, uphold President Trump\u2019s federal immigration policies, and cooperate with ICE to deport illegal aliens.\n\nRead the Fox News exclusive HERE.\n\n\u201cGovernor JB Pritzker\u2019s sanctuary state policies have transformed Illinois into a cesspool of crime and drugs brought by the illegals he is actively resettling,\u201d said Congresswoman Mary Miller. \u201cOur communities are being overwhelmed, innocent girls are being raped, and Americans are being ruthlessly murdered. These are the tragic consequences of his failed leadership. I call on every local sheriff in Illinois to defy these dangerous directives, cooperate with ICE, and support President Trump\u2019s deportation efforts. We must act now before one more innocent American life is lost or harmed.\u201d\n\nCongresswoman Miller currently serves as Chair of the Congressional Family Caucus and sits on the House Committees on Agriculture, Education and Workforce, and House Administration.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T00:49:36Z"], ["https://lahood.house.gov/2025/5/lahood-hosts-reception-for-16th-congressional-district-art-competition-winners", "LaHood Hosts Reception for 16th Congressional District Art Competition Winners", "2025-05-04", "2025", "2025-05", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Darin LaHood", "L000585", "lahood.house.gov", "lahood", "https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Peoria, Illinois \u2013 Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-16) hosted a reception for the annual Congressional Art Competition, where he announced this year\u2019s finalists for Illinois\u2019 16th Congressional District.\n\n\u201cEvery year, I am amazed by the dedication and tremendous artistic talent of high school students throughout Illinois\u2019 16th Congressional District,\u201d said Rep. LaHood. \u201cThe Congressional Art Competition supports the value of art education and allows students to develop skills important to creative thinking and expression. This competition would not be possible without the teachers who support and encourage our students throughout this process.\n\n\u201cI thank everyone who participated this year, and I want to congratulate all our finalists, particularly this year\u2019s winner, Ivye Johnson. Ivye attends East Peoria Community High School, and her piece, \u2018Ten Candles, Two Wishes, Nine Lives,\u2019 will be hung in the United States Capitol for the next year. I look forward to seeing it again in the near future in Washington, D.C.!\u201d\n\nPictured above is Ivye Johnson\u2019s winning piece, \"Ten Candles, Two Wishes, Nine Lives\"\n\nThis year was Rep. LaHood's tenth Congressional Art Competition. Participants were judged anonymously by a volunteer panel, and award winners were chosen by a cumulative vote. There were 75 pieces of art submitted from 13 schools throughout the 16th District. This year\u2019s pieces were on display throughout April at the Peoria Riverfront Museum.\n\nSecond Place Winner will be hung in the D.C. office:\n\n\u201cMemory Lane\u201d by Denia Rinc\u00f3n, Rochelle Township High School\n\nHonorable Mentions to be hung in Illinois\u2019 16th Congressional District offices:\n\n\u201cThe A Student\u201d by Lizzie Jones, Metamora Township High School\n\n\u201cSunset Over Tranquil Water\u201d by Amanda Burns, Pekin Community High School\n\n\u201cLegacy in Flight\u201d by Sydney Carmichael, Rochelle Township High School\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T00:49:36Z"], ["https://lahood.house.gov/2025/5/lahood-daines-introduce-the-jobs-for-success-act", "LaHood, Daines Introduce the JOBS for Success Act", "2025-05-01", "2025", "2025-05", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Darin LaHood", "L000585", "lahood.house.gov", "lahood", "https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-16) \u2013 Chairman of the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Work and Welfare \u2013 and Senator Steve Daines (R-MT) introduced the Jobs and Opportunity with Benefits and Services (JOBS) for Success Act of 2025. This piece of legislation provides common-sense reforms to reauthorize, modernize, and reform the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program.\n\n\u201cIt is time for Congress to modernize the TANF program to protect against fraud and ensure that the program is assisting our most vulnerable individuals and families,\u201d said Rep. LaHood. \u201cIt is clear that the lack of guardrails makes the system ripe for abuse. I was proud to introduce the JOBS for Success Act alongside Senator Daines to ensure TANF funds are being used to remove barriers to work and help individuals realize their full potential.\u201d\n\n\u201cNobody wants to depend on the government\u2019s help, and this bill is a crucial step in modernizing the TANF program to ensure that we\u2019re helping families escape the cycle of poverty and equipping them for self-sufficiency,\u201d said Senator Daines. \u201cBy promoting work ethic and responsibility, we can cut straight to the root causes of economic disadvantage and child poverty, and our families will be far better off.\u201d\n\n\u201cModernizing our nation\u2019s welfare programs remains a top priority of the Ways and Means Committee,\u201d said Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith (MO-08). \u201cOur efforts are to focus on the needs of low-income families and holding accountable a bureaucracy that too often fails those it is meant to serve. Thanks to the collaborative work of our members \u2013 under the leadership of Work and Welfare Subcommittee Chairman LaHood \u2013 we are taking important steps toward a reauthorization of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program to ensure it directs critical resources toward those who are truly in need of assistance and helps lift more Americans out of poverty through work. The reforms provided for in the JOBS for Success Act will bring much needed transparency and accountability to TANF and protect against the waste, fraud, and abuse of American tax dollars so that resources are targeted toward solutions that help more Americans achieve economic independence and realize the dignity of work.\u201d\n\nBackground:\n\nThe JOBS for Success Act is comprised of seven member bills focused on reforming and modernizing TANF. This bill will reform the TANF program to ensure families utilizing this system receive the assistance, training, and services needed to connect them with jobs and succeed in the workforce.\n\nThe Government Accountability Office (GAO) found that the Department of Health and Human Services must do more to monitor the use of welfare funding under the TANF program by states, including strengthening the department\u2019s fraud risk management efforts to improve outreach and coordination, and establish better guidance to improve accountability.\n\nGAO\u2019s review found multiple areas in need of improvement and confirms that TANF non-assistance, which constitutes 78 percent of total spending, lacks basic financial guardrails, creating an environment ripe for waste, fraud, and abuse.\n\nGAO\u2019s analysis comes in response to a request by Rep. LaHood and House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith as part of the committee\u2019s ongoing oversight of TANF.\n\nThe JOBS for Success Act is supported by:\n\nTaxpayers Protection Alliance: \u201cThe Taxpayers Protection Alliance applauds Sen. Daines and Rep. LaHood\u2019s leadership on reordering the incentives of, and bringing accountability to, the TANF program. Orienting federal payments programs towards employment \u2014 reinforcing the truth that dignified work is the ideal \u2014 is critical for reform. This tried and true method will be more cost effective and will help achieve the ultimate goal of these payments: getting Americans working and self-sufficient.\u201d\n\nNational Taxpayer Union: \u201cThe National Taxpayers Union is pleased to support JOBS for Success, which would preserve the ability of the federal government to provide a helping hand to vulnerable Americans, but now this hand would help citizens help themselves by reconnecting them to the labor market and ending generational cycles of poverty across the country,\u201d said David Timmons, CEO. \u201cThe ability to provide taxpayers some real savings is just icing on the cake.\u201d\n\nAmericans for Tax Reform: \"Over time, Congress has allowed TANF\u2019s work requirements to weaken, and many states have abdicated their statutory duty to encourage TANF recipients to find work. If the program\u2019s assistance is truly intended to be temporary, it is imperative that recipients are empowered to hone their skills and climb the economic ladder. Thankfully, Rep. LaHood and Senator Daines have introduced the JOBS for Success Act. This bill would restore accountability, requiring that all TANF recipients have a job, are actively looking for a job, or are giving back to their community via volunteer work. These reforms provide needed structure, requiring recipients to meet short and long-term career goals based on individualized plans built around their specific skill level and education. If lawmakers value restoring the dignity of work and ensuring stable employment for hundreds of thousands of Americans, they should support the JOBS for Success Act.\"\n\nAmericans for Prosperity\n\nClub for Growth\n\nCouncil for Citizens Against Government Waste\n\nRead a section-by-section description HERE.\n\nRead the full text of the bill HERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:20:29Z"], ["https://lahood.house.gov/2025/4/lahood-congratulates-president-trump-on-his-first-100-days", "LaHood Congratulates President Trump on His First 100 Days", "2025-04-29", "2025", "2025-04", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Darin LaHood", "L000585", "lahood.house.gov", "lahood", "https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-16) issued the following statement on President Trump\u2019s first 100 days in office of his second term.\n\n\u201cIn just 100 days, President Trump and House Republicans are delivering on the promises we made to the American people,\u201d said Rep. LaHood. \u201cThe Trump Administration is successfully securing our southern border, deporting violent illegal immigrants, and protecting our communities. His leadership has put our foreign adversaries on notice. President Trump\u2019s national security team is bolstering our defense and cyber capabilities to counter the Chinese Communist Party and moving forward with maximum pressure on the leading state sponsor of terrorism\u2014Iran.\n\n\u201cI am committed to working with my Congressional colleagues to build upon President Trump\u2019s investments across the country. House Republicans are working to extend President Trump\u2019s historic 2017 tax cuts, eliminating fraud, waste, and abuse in federal spending, and growing our economy. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act created the best economy of my lifetime. We must extend these tax cuts to ensure hardworking American families, small businesses, and farmers will be able to thrive. Congressional Republicans and President Trump are committed to bringing down inflation, supporting our economy, and continuing to work hard for the American people.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:06:22Z"], ["https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases/breaking-rep-mary-miller-calls-investigation-illinois-high-school-associations", "BREAKING: Rep. Mary Miller Calls for Investigation into Illinois High School Association\u2019s Dangerous Policies", "2025-04-23", "2025", "2025-04", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Mary E. Miller", "M001211", "marymiller.house.gov", "marymiller", "https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Congresswoman Mary Miller (IL-15) sent a letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi and Secretary of the Department of Education Linda McMahon, urging an immediate investigation into the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) and the State of Illinois for actions that undermine fairness and safety in girls\u2019 sports. In the letter, Rep. Miller cites blatant violations of federal law and the rejection of biological reality as grounds for urgent federal investigation.\n\nRead the Fox News Exclusive HERE.\n\n\u201cThe Illinois High School Association has crossed a dangerous line. By blatantly violating federal law and rejecting biological reality, they are not only undermining fairness in girls\u2019 sports \u2014 they\u2019re putting the safety of young women at risk,\u201d said Congresswoman Mary Miller. \u201cI\u2019m calling on Attorney General Pam Bondi and Secretary Linda McMahon to launch an immediate investigation into the IHSA and the State of Illinois. Governor JB Pritzker and radical Illinois Democrats must be held accountable for enforcing abusive, anti-science gender policies ahead of the safety of our daughters and the fairness of girls\u2019 sports.\u201d\n\nRead the letter to Attorney General Bondi and Secretary McMahon HERE.\n\nCongresswoman Mary Miller introduced H.R. 2452, the Keep Our Girls Safe Act. This legislation would codify President Trump\u2019s Executive Order 14201 and strip federal funding from any school that defies the commonsense protections for women and girls established under President Trump\u2019s leadership.\n\nCongresswoman Miller currently serves as Chair of the Congressional Family Caucus and sits on the House Committees on Agriculture, Education and Workforce, and House Administration.\n\nWebsite: Marymiller.house.gov | X: @RepMaryMiller | Facebook: @RepMaryMiller\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T00:33:40Z"], ["https://lahood.house.gov/2025/4/lahood-bipartisan-colleagues-introduce-national-home-visiting-resolution", "LaHood, Bipartisan Colleagues Introduce National Home Visiting Resolution", "2025-04-22", "2025", "2025-04", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Darin LaHood", "L000585", "lahood.house.gov", "lahood", "https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Peoria, Illinois \u2013 Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-16) \u2013 Chairman of the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Work and Welfare \u2013 introduced a resolution to designate the week of April 21 through April 25, 2025, as National Home Visiting Week. This resolution highlights the important role the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) programs have in support of childhood development, strengthening family relationships, and reducing the risk of child abuse and neglect.\n\nRep. LaHood was joined by Representative Danny K. Davis (IL-07) \u2013 Ranking Member of the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Work and Welfare \u2013 along with Representatives Rudy Yakym (IN-02) and Judy Chu (CA-28) in introducing the legislation.\n\n\u201cHome visiting programs play a critical role in meaningful outcomes for babies and new parents,\u201d said Rep. LaHood. \u201cBuilt on decades of research, the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting Program serves as a national model for how social programs should operate, focusing on results. In 2023 alone, more than 16,400 families benefited from evidence-based home visits in Illinois. I am proud to introduce this bipartisan resolution, alongside my colleagues, to recognize the value of these programs and to honor the dedicated work of home visitors who help families thrive.\u201d\n\n\u201cHome visiting is a powerful, proven tool that helps young children and families thrive,\u201d said Rep. Davis. \u201cFor decades, I\u2019ve made it a top policy priority to bring this life-transforming program to all who need it, and I was proud to work with my friend Jackie Walorski on our successful bipartisan effort to double federal investment in the Maternal, Infant, Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) Program. I will never stop fighting to protect MIECHV, and I am glad to join with Chair LaHood and my colleagues in leading this resolution to celebrate home visiting.\u201d\n\n\u201cI\u2019m honored to cosponsor the Home Visiting Resolution, which shines a spotlight on the critical role these programs play in nurturing our youngest children and supporting new mothers,\u201d said Rep. Yakym. \u201cMy predecessor and dear friend, Jackie Walorski, was a tireless champion of the Maternal, Infant, Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) Program, leading the bipartisan effort to secure its reauthorization in 2022. Jackie often reminded us that \u2018case managers are first responders,\u2019 and this resolution celebrates their unwavering dedication and the transformative impact they have on families across America.\u201d\n\n\u201cHome visiting services for pregnant women and families with young children have a proven track record of improving outcomes for children\u2019s health, well-being, readiness for school, and success in life,\u201d said Rep. Chu. \u201cThat\u2019s why I was proud to partner with my colleagues in a bipartisan manner in 2022 to reauthorize and expand investments in the federal Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) program. And I\u2019m happy to partner with my colleagues again in introducing this bipartisan resolution recognizing National Home Visiting Week and the importance of home visiting to family and child success.\u201d\n\nBackground:\n\nThe National Home Visiting Week Resolution notes that evidence-based home visiting programs were implemented across all 50 states, U.S. territories, and Indigenous communities in 2023, serving over 280,000 families and conducting more than 2.8 million home visits.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T00:33:40Z"], ["https://lahood.house.gov/2025/4/lahood-and-sorensen-applaud-decision-to-pause-the-movement-of-the-peoria-mail-processing-and-distribution-center", "LaHood and Sorensen Applaud Decision to Pause the Movement of the Peoria Mail Processing and Distribution Center", "2025-04-11", "2025", "2025-04", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Darin LaHood", "L000585", "lahood.house.gov", "lahood", "https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Peoria, Illinois \u2013 Today, Congressmen Darin LaHood (IL-16) and Eric Sorensen (IL-17) released the following statement in response to the United States Postal Service's (USPS) recent announcement that originating mail processing operations will remain at the Peoria Mail Processing and Distribution Center. This comes after a bipartisan letter authored by Reps. LaHood and Sorensen in February 2024, to United States Postmaster General Louis DeJoy, urging a pause in any movement of the Peoria Mail Processing and Distribution Center.\n\n\u201cThe Peoria Mail Processing and Distribution Center provides essential services to our community, small businesses, farmers, and veterans,\u201d said Reps. LaHood and Sorensen. \u201cWe are pleased that USPS has committed to pausing any additional changes through 2025. Together, we will work in a bipartisan manner to protect high-paying and high-quality jobs in Peoria and throughout central Illinois.\u201d\n\nBackground:\n\nIn 2021, the United States Postal Service announced the Delivering for America plan to streamline the mail process. This would have caused the Peoria Mail Processing and Distribution Center to downsize and force the mail to travel hundreds of additional miles to other processing and distribution centers.\n\nIn February 2024, Reps. LaHood and Sorensen sent a letter expressing concerns about the USPS\u2019 Mail Processing Facility Review of the Peoria Mail Processing and Distribution Center and the potential impact on local services and jobs. Read more HERE.\n\nIn May 2024, Reps. LaHood and Sorensen received a response to their letter from USPS Postmaster General Louis DeJoy stating USPS will \"pause any implementation of moves\" for Mail Processing Centers \"at least until after January 1, 2025.\" Read more HERE.\n\nOn Monday, April 7, 2025, the USPS announced that it would not move jobs from the Peoria Mail Processing and Distribution Center while also investing up to $8.8 million in the Peoria facility to move forward as part of a ten-year Delivering for America plan to modernize the nation\u2019s aged and neglected postal network.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T00:33:40Z"], ["https://lahood.house.gov/2025/4/icymi-lahood-chairs-house-ways-and-means-subcommittee-on-work-and-welfare-to-discuss-tanf-reform", "ICYMI: LaHood Chairs House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Work and Welfare to Discuss TANF Reform", "2025-04-09", "2025", "2025-04", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Darin LaHood", "L000585", "lahood.house.gov", "lahood", "https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "\u201cTANF was created nearly 30 years ago as part of the historic Republican-led welfare reforms of 1996,\u201d said Rep. LaHood. \u201cThanks to work requirements and time limits, basic assistance caseloads have declined, allowing states to shift TANF spending to non-assistance. The problem is that TANF has not been reauthorized since 2005, but continues to receive funding on autopilot. Congress must revisit the program, not only to modernize TANF as part of a comprehensive reauthorization, but to make necessary reforms to recognize the shift to non-assistance spending to improve accountability. My belief is that we need to reclaim TANF for work, do a better job of targeting funding towards the most vulnerable families, and restore the program to its original roots. I know many of my colleagues on this subcommittee share these views and have introduced legislation to make some of these changes. On its current path, TANF is failing beneficiaries who need economic security, and it\u2019s also failing taxpayers whose money should be spent intentionally and strategically to support work. By modernizing the program, while ensuring that it continues to serve those who rely on it, we can reduce dependency and empower Americans to uplift themselves.\u201d\n\nDuring the hearing, Rep. LaHood questioned the Director of Strategic Issues at GAO, Jeffrey Arkin, the Director of Education, Workforce, and Income Security at GAO, Kathryn Larin, and the Director of Financial Management and Assurance at GAO, James Dalkin. Rep. LaHood focused on restoring transparency and returning the program to its original focus: supporting those who are most vulnerable.\n\n\u201cOur Subcommittee has spent a significant amount of time looking at federal child welfare spending,\u201d said Rep. LaHood. \u201cLast year, Ranking Member Davis and I worked to pass a bill to reauthorize the Title IV-B child welfare program. One of the things we focused on was having in place the right data and performance reporting so we can see the quality of services and impact on families. According to GAO\u2019s recent report, TANF now constitutes approximately one-fourth of total federal child welfare spending, eclipsing state funding through the Title IV-B program. To you, Ms. Larin, do we have data about the specific demographics of the children in foster care funded by TANF as we do in the Title IV-B program?\u201d\n\n\u201cStates are collecting data on the demographics of all the children they serve in their child welfare programs,\u201d said Ms. Larin. \u201cSo, at the state level, that data does exist, but going back to one of the main findings of our report, data on non-assistance TANF funding, there are no federal reporting requirements. So even if that information is available at the state level, it\u2019s not being reported either to the state TANF agency of HHS [Health and Human Services], so is no, the answer.\u201d\n\nBackground:\n\nThe GAO has found that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) must do more to monitor the use of welfare funding under the TANF program by states, including strengthening the department\u2019s fraud risk management efforts to improve outreach and coordination and establishing better guidance to improve accountability.\n\nGAO\u2019s review found multiple areas in need of improvement and confirms that TANF non-assistance, which constitutes 78 percent of total spending, lacks basic financial guardrails, creating an environment ripe for waste, fraud, and abuse.\n\nGAO\u2019s analysis comes in response to a request by Rep. LaHood and House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith as part of the committee\u2019s ongoing oversight of TANF.\n\nRead more HERE.\n\nRead more HERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T00:33:40Z"], ["https://lahood.house.gov/2025/4/lahood-congratulates-james-shadid-as-new-president-of-bradley-university", "LaHood Congratulates James Shadid as New President of Bradley University", "2025-04-08", "2025", "2025-04", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Darin LaHood", "L000585", "lahood.house.gov", "lahood", "https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-16) issued the following statement congratulating James Shadid as the 13th President of Bradley University.\n\n\u201cBradley University is a pillar in our community and has educated our students for over 100 years,\u201d said Rep. LaHood. \u201cI want to congratulate Judge Shadid on being appointed the new President of Bradley University. Having served as Chief Judge for the U.S. District Court of Central Illinois, his dedication and commitment to the greater Peoria area will continue in this new role. The Peoria community has been fortunate to benefit from his leadership and integrity, and I am confident that under his guidance, Bradley will continue to build on its generational legacy as a premier academic institution.\u201d\n\nBackground:\n\nJames Shadid was named Bradley University\u2019s 13th President on March 14, 2025, and previously served as a United States District Judge. President Shadid graduated from Bradley University in 1979.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T00:33:40Z"], ["https://lahood.house.gov/2025/4/lahood-delbene-bipartisan-colleagues-reintroduce-legislation-to-support-affordable-housing", "LaHood, DelBene, Bipartisan Colleagues Reintroduce Legislation to Support Affordable Housing", "2025-04-08", "2025", "2025-04", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Darin LaHood", "L000585", "lahood.house.gov", "lahood", "https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-16) and Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) reintroduced the Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act to support the financing and development of affordable housing across the country.\n\nRepresentatives LaHood and DelBene were joined by Representatives Claudia Tenney (NY-24), Don Beyer (VA-08), Randy Feenstra (IA-04), and Jimmy Panetta (CA-19). The bill, which expands and strengthens the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (Housing Credit), has over 100 bipartisan original cosponsors in the House.\n\n\u201cAs I travel throughout Illinois' 16th Congressional District, I frequently hear how the shortage of affordable housing impacts our communities throughout central and northwestern Illinois,\u201d said Rep. LaHood. \u201cTo address this growing crisis across the country, Congress must strengthen tools to drive investment into affordable workforce housing and expand housing options for hardworking families nationwide. I am proud to reintroduce the bipartisan Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act alongside Representatives DelBene, Tenney, Beyer, Feenstra, and Panetta to strengthen our communities and support economic development.\u201d\n\n\u201cToo many families are struggling to find a safe, affordable place to call home. This is a pervasive problem across America and in Washington,\u201d said Rep. DelBene. \u201cWhen people have stable housing, it has a ripple effect throughout other aspects of life. They\u2019re better able to support their families and succeed at work. This overwhelmingly bipartisan legislation makes smart, targeted investments to increase affordable housing supply and help meet the needs of growing communities both in Washington and across the country.\u201d\n\n\u201cSince 1986, the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit has supported the development of more than 8,300 units through $55M of allocations in NY-24 alone,\u201d said Rep. Tenney. \u201cThe Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act leverages private investments to increase access to affordable housing for low-income families in rural communities. It is a privilege to join my colleagues in reintroducing this legislation to ensure this vital program continues to serve those who need it most.\u201d\n\n\u201cMy community, like many others around the country, is facing a crisis in affordable housing,\u201d said Rep. Beyer. \u201cThis bill would expand and update the most effective tool for financing affordable housing, and take a big step forward in addressing the massive need for affordable housing across the nation.\u201d\n\n\u201cIn rural Iowa, access to affordable housing is critical for young families looking to plant their roots, local businesses attracting employees, and the long-term growth of our economy. However, with housing costs consistently increasing and construction projects being more difficult to finance in rural areas, we need to enact smart and cost-effective strategies to expand the housing supply and bring down prices,\u201d said Rep. Feenstra. \u201cI\u2019m glad to work with my Ways and Means Committee colleague, Rep. Darin LaHood, to introduce the Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act to expand and improve incentives in the tax code to build more housing. This commonsense policy will pay dividends for affordable housing in rural Iowa and help our families find housing options that fit their budgets.\u201d\n\n\u201cToo many working families struggle to find affordable housing, be it in California's 19th Congressional District or across the country,\u201d said Rep. Panetta. \u201cThe bipartisan Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act would strengthen the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit, helping finance nearly 2 million affordable homes over the next decade while creating jobs and generating economic growth. By incentivizing the development of affordable housing through this public-private partnership, we can start to tackle the housing crisis and provide more families with the opportunity to not just work, but also to live in the same community.\u201d\n\n\"The reintroduction of the Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act is a vital step toward addressing our nation\u2019s housing crisis. Expanding the Housing Credit is the most effective way to increase the supply of affordable housing, leveraging public-private partnerships to build and preserve homes for working families, seniors, and vulnerable communities. At a time when rents are rising and supply is lagging, strengthening the Housing Credit will ensure that more Americans have access to safe, stable, and affordable housing,\u201d said Ayrianne Parks and Jennifer Schwartz, co-chairs of the ACTION Campaign. \u201cThe ACTION Campaign thanks Representatives Darin LaHood, Suzan DelBene, Claudia Tenney, Don Beyer, Randy Feenstra, and Jimmy Panetta for their leadership.\"\n\n\u201cThe overwhelming bipartisan support for the Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act of 2025 underscores the critical need to increase the supply of affordable rental homes,\u201d said Affordable Housing Tax Credit Coalition Chief Executive Officer Emily Cadik. \u201cWe thank Congressman LaHood, Congresswoman DelBene, Congresswoman Tenney, Congressman Beyer, Congressman Feenstra and Congressman Panetta for their leadership and the more than 100 bipartisan cosponsors for supporting this commonsense solution to expand and strengthen the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit, a proven, pro-growth tool with a nearly 40-year record of leveraging private investment to fill a critical need.\u201d\n\nBackground:\n\nSince its creation, the Housing Credit has built or restored more than 3.5 million affordable housing units, nearly 90% of all federally funded affordable housing during that time. Roughly 8 million American households have benefited from the credit, and the economic activity that it generated has supported 5.5 million jobs and generated more than $617 billion in wages.\n\nThe Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act will support the financing of nearly two million new affordable homes across the country by:\n\nIncreasing the number of credits allocated to each state by 50 percent for the next two years and making the temporary 12.5 percent increase secured in 2018 permanent. These credits have already helped build more than 59,000 additional affordable housing units nationwide.\n\nIncreasing the number of affordable housing projects that can be built using private activity bonds. This provision stabilizes financing for workforce housing projects built using private activity bonds by decreasing the amount of private activity needed to secure Housing Credit funding. As a result, projects would have to carry less debt, and more projects would be eligible to receive funding.\n\nImproving the Housing Credit program to serve at-risk and underserved communities, including veterans, victims of domestic violence, and rural Americans.\n\nLast Congress, the Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act had 273 bipartisan cosponsors in the House of Representatives and 34 in the Senate.\n\nThe text of the legislation can be found HERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T00:33:40Z"], ["https://lahood.house.gov/2025/4/lahood-delbene-reintroduce-the-small-business-tax-fairness-and-compliance-simplification-act", "LaHood, DelBene Reintroduce the Small Business Tax Fairness and Compliance Simplification Act", "2025-04-03", "2025", "2025-04", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Darin LaHood", "L000585", "lahood.house.gov", "lahood", "https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-16) was joined by Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) in reintroducing the Small Business Tax Fairness and Compliance Simplification Act. This legislation extends the Federal Insurance Contribution Act (FICA) tax tip credit to employer-based salon and beauty service establishments.\n\n\u201cSmall businesses are the backbone of the United States economy,\u201d said Rep. LaHood. \u201cI am proud to reintroduce the Small Business Tax Fairness and Compliance Simplification Act alongside Congresswoman DelBene to level the playing field for beauty salons who rely on tips for a large portion of their income. This bipartisan, commonsense piece of legislation simplifies our tax system for these small business owners and their employees while supporting job creation in central and northwestern Illinois.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe beauty industry is largely comprised of small businesses, predominantly owned by women and women of color, with workers who rely heavily on tips. Unfortunately, our tax code does not treat the salon industry the same as other tipped industries that enjoy a fairer and simpler tax administration,\u201d said Rep. DelBene. \u201cExtending this tax relief to the beauty industry would provide parity with other industries, like food service, that already have the ability to take advantage of this credit. This bipartisan legislation would bring commonsense tax relief to salons and their workers, support women-owned businesses, and expand our middle class.\u201d\n\n\"The Professional Beauty Association proudly supports The Small Business Tax Fairness and Compliance Simplification Act, a critical measure that levels the playing field for beauty industry employers, most of whom are small, Main Street businesses,\u201d said Leslie Perry, PBA\u2019s Executive Director. \u201cWe commend Congressman LaHood and Congresswoman DelBene for their leadership in advocating for fair and equitable tax policies. This legislation will provide much-needed tax relief that directly benefits small businesses and their hardworking employees across America. In addition, it complements the No Tax on Tips initiative, ensuring that beauty professionals receiving the full value of their hard-earned income does not unfairly burden their employers. We look forward to collaborating with Congressman LaHood to ensure this vital legislation becomes a reality for the industry\u2019s employers this year.\"\n\nBackground:\n\nThe FICA tax tip credit is currently available to the food service industry, but not extended to the beauty industry, where many employees also rely on tips.\n\nThe 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 tipped income. Extending the FICA tax tip credit reduces tax burdens and improves the reporting of tip income, as it did in the food and beverage industry. This legislation grants equal treatment to the beauty industry, allowing them to support their employees and grow their businesses.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T00:33:40Z"], ["https://lahood.house.gov/2025/4/lahood-s-tax-administration-bill-passes-out-of-the-house", "LaHood\u2019s Tax Administration Bill Passes out of the House", "2025-04-01", "2025", "2025-04", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Darin LaHood", "L000585", "lahood.house.gov", "lahood", "https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-16) \u2013 Chairman of the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Work and Welfare \u2013 praised the passage of his bipartisan legislation, the Electronic Filing and Payment Fairness Act.\n\n\u201cThis commonsense bill, which has been included in the National Taxpayer Advocate\u2019s \u2018Purple Book\u2019 of Legislative Recommendations, would amend the tax code to apply the \u2018mailbox rule\u2019 to electronic submissions of payments and documents to the Internal Revenue Service,\u201d said Rep. LaHood. \u201cUnder current law, if a taxpayer physically mails a payment or tax return to the IRS that is postmarked on the due date, that payment or tax return is considered timely even if it is received a week later. If the taxpayer submits the same payment or return to the IRS electronically on the due date, however, it is considered late if the IRS receives and processes it the following day. This disparity punishes taxpayers electing to correspond with the IRS electronically, which should be the preferred method of communication this day and age\u2026This is a great step in our effort to modernize the IRS and make it more user-friendly, especially for the roughly 90 percent of taxpayers already filing electronically.\u201d\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s common sense that taxpayers who file electronically should be treated the same as taxpayers who use postmarked mail,\u201d said House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith. \u201cUnfortunately, under current law, that is not always the case. Representative LaHood\u2019s legislation, the Electronic Filing and Payment Fairness Act, is a big step forward to making our tax system fair for everyone. This bill will harmonize IRS deadline rules to provide equal treatment to all taxpayers, whether filing through mail or electronically, and help Americans avoid unnecessary penalties and fines.\u201d\n\nBackground:\n\nThe Electronic Filing and Payment Fairness Act focuses on simplifying tax filing and payment processes for American families and small businesses. The legislation applies the \u201cmailbox rule\u201d for documents and payments electronically submitted to the IRS, eliminating unnecessary late fees and administrative burdens for the nearly 90% of Americans who file their taxes electronically.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T00:33:40Z"], ["https://lahood.house.gov/2025/3/icymi-lahood-questions-senior-trump-administration-national-security-officials/9ead8f71-8d3f-4e8f-8fba-196ec46d0b16", "ICYMI LaHood Questions Senior Trump Administration National Security Officials", "2025-03-31", "2025", "2025-03", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Darin LaHood", "L000585", "lahood.house.gov", "lahood", "https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-16) spoke at the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence\u2019s annual hearing focused on the worldwide threats facing the United States.\n\nDuring the hearing, Rep. LaHood \u2014 Chairman of the House Intelligence Subcommittee on the National Security Agency and Cyber \u2014 questioned Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Director John Ratcliffe and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel about the important role that Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) plays in protecting American citizens and the United States national security.\n\nClick to watch Rep. LaHood's full questioning\n\n\u201cI want to focus my questions this morning on FISA Section 702,\u201d said Rep. LaHood. \u201cDirector Ratcliffe, welcome back to the Committee. In your confirmation hearing, before the Senate, you were asked extensively about FISA Section 702, and I think you laid out a compelling narrative on how, as you described it, \u2018how indispensable it is to national security.\u2019 You were also asked about a warrant requirement on Section 702. And your answer to that was, on whether a warrant requirement makes sense on 702, \u2018The answer is no. We\u2019re talking about national security issues where sometimes minutes matter in the ability to disrupt or interdict the bad actors or to act upon the intelligence that you can gain from that.\u2019 Director, I wanted to ask you, is that still your belief today regarding the warrant requirement?\u201d\n\n\u201cCongressman, it absolutely is,\u201d said CIA Director Ratcliffe. \u201cYou\u2019ve accurately reflected my prior testimony. It is also my testimony that 702 is indispensable to our intelligence picture, and the loss of it would be catastrophic to CIA. And the reason that I say that is, from this position, is not only that 50 percent of all of our critical analysis provided to the President as Commander in Chief in the President\u2019s daily brief is 702 derived, but also 70 percent of CIA\u2019s success with regard to advanced weapons counter proliferation is the result of 702 collected information. And finally, 90 percent of CIA\u2019s successful interdictions with regard to synthetic drugs, like fentanyl, are the result of 702 collection. It\u2019s absolutely indispensable to the work that CIA does, and I\u2019m glad that you gave me the opportunity to reflect that to this Committee.\u201d\n\nBackground:\n\nOn Wednesday, the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence held an open hearing with Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, Central Intelligence Agency Director John Ratcliffe, Federal Bureau of Investigation Director Kash Patel, National Security Agency Director General Timothy Haugh, and Defense Intelligence Agency Director Lieutenant General Jeffrey Kruse.\n\nIn 2024, the House Intelligence Committee overhauled FISA to prevent abuses of Americans\u2019 civil liberties while maintaining our Intelligence Community's ability to go after terrorists and other bad actors. In 2023, Rep. LaHood was appointed to a bipartisan working group focused on overseeing the reauthorization of FISA Section 702 for the 118th Congress.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T00:15:27Z"], ["https://lahood.house.gov/2025/3/lahood-sorensen-reintroduce-bill-to-rename-post-office-after-rockford-letter-carrier", "LaHood, Sorensen Reintroduce Bill to Rename Post Office After Rockford Letter Carrier", "2025-03-27", "2025", "2025-03", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Darin LaHood", "L000585", "lahood.house.gov", "lahood", "https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-16) and Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) reintroduced legislation to dedicate the Harrison Avenue Post Office in Rockford in honor of letter carrier Jay Larson, who served the Rockford community for 25 years. Mr. Larson died exactly one year ago, on March 27th, 2024, after a tragic stabbing attack while delivering mail on his route in southeast Rockford.\n\n\u201cJay Larson embodied the values of a dedicated public servant,\u201d said Rep. LaHood. \u201cHe cared deeply about the Rockford community through his strong work ethic and compassion for others over his 25 years as a letter carrier for the United States Postal Service. I am proud to co-lead this legislation with Representative Sorensen to dedicate the Harrison Avenue Post Office in Jay\u2019s honor. This will preserve his legacy and serve as a reminder of the positive impact one person can have on an entire community.\u201d\n\n\u201cOne year ago today, Jay Larson tragically lost his life serving his Rockford community as a 25-year veteran of the United States Postal Service.\u201d said Rep. Sorensen. \u201cJay was an exemplary public servant, never taking a sick day and working overtime to help his fellow letter carriers finish their routes. He was a fixture of his community and a kind, welcoming face to his many neighbors along the route he delivered mail. I am proud to reintroduce this bipartisan legislation to honor Jay Larson\u2019s decades-long legacy of helping his neighbors and to remind future generations of the positive impact he had on his Rockford community.\u201d\n\nCongressmen LaHood and Sorensen previously introduced this legislation to rename the Harrison Avenue Post Office after Jay Larson in December of 2024, during the 118th Congress.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T00:15:27Z"], ["https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-miller-introduces-keep-our-girls-safe-act-codifying-president-trumps", "Rep. Miller Introduces the Keep Our Girls Safe Act Codifying President Trump\u2019s Protections of Female Spaces", "2025-03-26", "2025", "2025-03", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Mary E. Miller", "M001211", "marymiller.house.gov", "marymiller", "https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, Congresswoman Mary Miller (IL-15) introduced the Keep Our Girls Safe Act, legislation that fully codifies President Trump\u2019s Executive Order, Keeping Men Out of Women\u2019s Sports, and ensures that public schools comply with federal mandates to protect female-only spaces or lose federal funding.\n\nPresident Trump\u2019s executive order declared that his administration will \u201ctake all appropriate action to affirmatively protect all-female athletic opportunities and all-female locker rooms and thereby provide the equal opportunity guaranteed by Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972.\u201d\n\nRep. Miller\u2019s bill directs the federal government to rescind federal funding to any public school in the United States that deprives women and girls of female-only spaces.\n\nRead the full bill text HERE.\n\n\u201cPresident Trump is boldly standing up for the safety and privacy of our daughters, now Congress must do the same,\u201d said Congresswoman Mary Miller. \u201cFemale-only spaces exist for a reason, and no girl should ever be put in an unsafe or uncomfortable situation. My bill ensures public schools follow the law\u2014or lose federal funding.\u201d\n\nOn March 18, Congresswoman Miller urged President Donald Trump to immediately revoke all federal funding for Deerfield School District 109 in Deerfield, Illinois, due to violations of young girls\u2019 privacy and noncompliance with President Trump\u2019s \"Keeping Men Out of Women's Sports\" executive order at Shepard Middle School.\n\nThis legislation is co-sponsored by Claudia Tenney (NY-24), Harriet Hageman (WY-At Large), Sheri Biggs (SC-03), Tom Tiffany (WI-07), Tim Burchett (TN-02), Burgess Owens (UT-04), Rich McCormick (GA-07), Bob Onder (MO-03), Keith Self (TX-03), Lauren Boebert (CO-04)\n\nThis legislation is supported by the American Principles Project, Moms for America, Concerned Women for America, Eagle Forum, American Family Project, Parents Defending Education, and Independent Women\u2019s Forum.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T00:15:27Z"], ["https://lahood.house.gov/2025/3/icymi-lahood-welcomes-sba-administrator-kelly-loeffler-to-peoria/d900910b-45d6-4d12-97c2-1f59a979a6ed", "ICYMI LaHood Welcomes SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler to Peoria", "2025-03-21", "2025", "2025-03", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Darin LaHood", "L000585", "lahood.house.gov", "lahood", "https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Peoria, Illinois \u2013 Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-16) joined the Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), Kelly Loeffler, on her Manufacturing in America Road Tour in Peoria, Illinois.\n\nDuring her visit, Administrator Loeffler and Rep. LaHood held a roundtable at the Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center to discuss the challenges and opportunities for Illinois manufacturing leaders.\n\nThey also had the opportunity to tour Rheo Manufacturing to hear about the projects the plant was working on and the importance of slashing red tape to allow American manufacturing to thrive.\n\n\u201cWe were thrilled to have Administrator Loeffler in Peoria to highlight manufacturing and what the Trump administration is doing to support small businesses,\u201d said Rep. LaHood. \u201cThe Administrator already mentioned this, but small businesses are the backbone of our economy and are massive employers for our country. It was great to tour the Rheo Manufacturing plant to hear about the challenges they\u2019re facing from a regulatory, tax, and workforce standpoint. I was honored to have Administrator Loeffler in the district. There are many other places she could have traveled to, but she chose to visit Peoria, and it was great to have her!\u201d\n\nBackground:\n\nSBA Administrator Loeffler\u2019s appearance in Peoria is part of a tour to promote the Small Business Administration\u2019s \u201cMade in America\u201d initiative aimed at increasing manufacturing jobs and helping small businesses thrive.\n\nAdministrator Loeffler is a Central Illinois native and Olympia High School graduate.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T00:15:27Z"], ["https://bost.house.gov/2025/3/bost-applauds-va-phase-out-of-transgender-treatments", "BOST APPLAUDS VA PHASE OUT OF TRANSGENDER TREATMENTS", "2025-03-17", "2025", "2025-03", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Mike Bost", "B001295", "bost.house.gov", "bost", "https://bost.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Representative Mike Bost (IL-12), chairman of the House Committee on Veterans\u2019 Affairs, released the following statement today regarding VA Secretary Doug Collins\u2019 announcement that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will phase out medical transgender treatments:\n\n.\n\n\u201cThe Department of Veterans Affairs shouldn't be a battlefield in the Left's war on truth - and our taxpayer dollars shouldn't pay for transgender treatments at the VA. There are two God-given genders with unique needs and differences that don't disappear or reverse at the whim of woke bureaucrats. We are fortunate to have a president like Donald Trump who isn't afraid to restore common sense at the VA and refocus the agency 100% on serving the needs of America\u2019s veterans.\u201d\n\n.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T00:15:27Z"], ["https://lahood.house.gov/2025/3/lahood-applauds-the-house-passage-of-the-pandemic-unemployment-fraud-act", "LaHood Applauds the House Passage of the Pandemic Unemployment Fraud Enforcement Act", "2025-03-12", "2025", "2025-03", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Darin LaHood", "L000585", "lahood.house.gov", "lahood", "https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-16) \u2013 Chairman of the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Work and Welfare \u2013 praised the passage of the bipartisan Pandemic Unemployment Fraud Enforcement Act, which passed out of the House of Representatives by a vote of 295 to 127. This legislation extends the statute of limitations for combatting and prosecuting the theft of Covid-19 pandemic unemployment benefits, gives law enforcement time to complete current cases, open new cases, and return billions of dollars to U.S. taxpayers.\n\n\u201cCongress must act quickly. We cannot retroactively change criminal liability for federal crimes,\u201d said Rep. LaHood. \u201cAs Chairman of the Work and Welfare Subcommittee, we have done considerable oversight to investigate the size and scope of unemployment fraud through the pandemic. GAO estimates between $100 and $135 billion, with a \u2018b\u2019, was lost to fraud, yet only $5 billion has been recovered. This February, our Subcommittee held a hearing with fraud experts from across the country. One of our witnesses said that as much as 70 percent of fraudulent unemployment benefits went to Russian mobsters, Chinese hackers, and Nigerian scammers\u2026The Pandemic Unemployment Fraud Enforcement Act is a commonsense bill that doubles the statute of limitations so we can recover hundreds of billions of stolen taxpayer dollars. Prosecuting bad actors has a ripple effect that will deter crime and prevent additional losses to the government and American taxpayers.\u201d\n\nBackground:\n\nOn Thursday, February 6, 2025, Rep. LaHood chaired a Work and Welfare Subcommittee hearing on prosecuting fraudsters for stealing billions in Covid-19 pandemic unemployment benefits.\n\nWitnesses at the hearing urged Congress to extend the statute of limitations, which is currently set to expire on March 27, 2025. The hearing reinforced that Congress must act now to ensure federal investigators can continue to prosecute fraudsters and recover billions in stolen pandemic unemployment insurance (UI) benefits.\n\nAdditionally, it was highlighted that many of these criminals are responsible for stealing unemployment insurance (UI) benefits and are now stealing disaster benefits from those affected by the Los Angeles fires and North Carolina hurricane victims.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T00:15:27Z"], ["https://lahood.house.gov/2025/3/congressional-soccer-caucus-co-chairs-praise-the-creation-of-the-world-cup-task-force", "Congressional Soccer Caucus Co-Chairs Praise the Creation of the World Cup Task Force", "2025-03-11", "2025", "2025-03", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Darin LaHood", "L000585", "lahood.house.gov", "lahood", "https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-16) joined Congressional Soccer Caucus Co-Chairs, Representatives Rick Larson (WA-02), Kathy Castor (FL-14), and Don Bacon (NE-02), in issuing the following statement supporting President Trump\u2019s creation of a White House Task Force on the FIFA World Cup 2026.\n\n\u201cAs bipartisan co-chairs of the Congressional Soccer Caucus, we welcome President Trump\u2019s creation of a World Cup Task Force,\u201d said Reps. LaHood, Larson, Castor, and Bacon.\n\n\u201cCo-hosting the world\u2019s largest sporting event with Canada and Mexico is a unique opportunity to showcase North America to a global audience and promote soccer in the United States.\n\n\u201cAn event of this size requires coordination across the federal government and with state, local, tribal, and international partners, particularly the co-host nations. We look forward to working together with the White House Task Force to ensure the FIFA 2026 Men\u2019s World Cup is a success.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T00:15:27Z"], ["https://lahood.house.gov/2025/3/icymi-lahood-urges-us-leadership-in-cybersecurity-domain", "ICYMI: LaHood Urges US Leadership in Cybersecurity Domain", "2025-03-10", "2025", "2025-03", "Republican", "House", "IL", "Darin LaHood", "L000585", "lahood.house.gov", "lahood", "https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-16) spoke at the House Select Committee on China\u2019s first hearing of the 119th Congress, which focused on bolstering America\u2019s cyber defenses in the technological race against China.\n\nDuring the hearing, Rep. LaHood \u2013 Chairman of the House Intelligence Subcommittee on the National Security Agency (NSA) and Cyber \u2013 questioned the former NSA Director of Cybersecurity, Rob Joyce, on the importance of maintaining the United States\u2019 dominance in cyberspace capabilities to safeguard U.S. national security.\n\nClick to watch Rep. LaHood\u2019s full remarks\n\n\u201cOur new CIA Director, John Ratcliffe, in his confirmation hearings, talked and advocated for more aggressive offensive actions to counter the CCP\u2019s growing influence around the world,\u201d said Rep. LaHood. \u201cI believe this approach needs to be extended to the cyber domain specifically, to better allow the U.S. to leverage cyberspace capabilities and to safeguard our national security\u2026Last week, the cyber security company, CrowdStrike, released their global threat assessment, and it's really alarming. They found a 150 percent increase from 2023 to 2024 for PRC-related cyber threats across all 23 sectors that they track, ranging from the defense industry to financial services to telecommunication and everything in between.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T00:15:27Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 139, "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": "2025"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=IL&year=2025", "results": [{"value": "Republican", "label": "Republican", "count": 139, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=IL&year=2025", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=IL&year=2025", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 139, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=IL&year=2025&chamber=House", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=IL&year=2025", "results": [{"value": "IL", "label": "IL", "count": 139, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&year=2025", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=IL&year=2025", "results": [{"value": "2025", "label": "2025", "count": 139, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=IL", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2025-03-10,https~3A~2F~2Flahood~2Ehouse~2Egov~2F2025~2F3~2Ficymi-lahood-urges-us-leadership-in-cybersecurity-domain", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=IL&year=2025&_next=2025-03-10%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Flahood~2Ehouse~2Egov~2F2025~2F3~2Ficymi-lahood-urges-us-leadership-in-cybersecurity-domain&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 935.6760429218411, "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"}