Press releases
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38 rows where chamber = "Senate", party = "Republican" and state = "IL" sorted by date descending
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| https://bost.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/bost-votes-covid-19-relief-bill | BOST VOTES FOR COVID-19 RELIEF BILL | 2020-12-21 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | IL | Mike Bost | B001295 | bost.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Representative Mike Bost (IL-12) today voted in support of end-of-year government funding and COVID-19 relief legislationto provide working Americans, small businesses, and frontline workers relief from the COVID-19 pandemic. The bipartisan and bicameral bill includes funding for the Paycheck Protection Program, vaccine and testing funding, and $600 direct payments for adults and dependents. Had Speaker Pelosi put the needs of the American public above her own partisan agenda, we could have saved countless jobs and businesses months ago, said Bost. While it shouldn't have taken until the 11th hour, I am thankful that help is on the way. Hardworking Southern Illinois families, healthcare and frontline workers, and small businesses, through no fault of their own, have been devastated by COVID-19 shutdowns. This legislation will provide desperately needed relief to millions of Americans this holiday season and, combined with the successes of Operation Warp Speed, gives us hope that there is light at the end of the tunnel. Important Provisions in the Bipartisan-Bicameral Omnibus & COVID Relief Deal Makes updates to the Paycheck Protection Program to allow businesses to apply for a second PPP loan, allow churches and faith-based organizations to apply for loans, and allow businesses to utilize PPP funds in addition to standard business tax deductions Includes $20 billion of funding to ensure Americans can receive the COVID-19 vaccine at no cost to them, $8 billion for vaccine distribution, and $20 billion for continued testing efforts. $600 stimulus checks for adults and dependents Extends unemployment benefits by an additional $300 per week for 10 weeks $10 billion for childcare centers and $82 billion for schools to help them safely reopen for in-person learning $13 billion for farmers and producers impacted by COVID-19, including funding for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program $7 billion for broadband funding $4 billion for substance abuse programs ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lahood.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-lahood-supports-covid-19-relief-bill | Rep. LaHood Supports COVID-19 Relief Bill | 2020-12-21 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | IL | Darin LaHood | L000585 | lahood.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C.Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-18) voted this evening in favor of the Bipartisan-Bicameral Omnibus and COVID Relief Bill. The bill includes approximately $900 billion in COVID-19 aid. After the vote, Rep. LaHood released the following statement: "As I traveled across the 18th Congressional District of Illinois in recent months, I heard from businesses on the brink of shutting down for good because of Governor Pritzker's state-mandated closures, workers who still cannot access Illinois' unemployment system, and health care workers who need additional support to care for COVID-19 patients. This bipartisan agreement includes important provisions to extend the Paycheck Protection Program, expand vaccine distribution, reopen our schools, and increase rural broadband access. No compromise is perfect, but this bipartisan bill will provide critical support to families, workers, small businesses, and our frontline health care heroes in Illinois. "I continue to hold real concerns about the massive amount of deficitspending we are piling up and Congress' yearly inability to work in regular order to fund our government. While Congress needs to act to provide COVID-19 relief, if we continue this spending pattern unchecked, the burden left on our children and their children will be unbearable. "As we head into the new year, the health and economic impact of COVID-19 will continue to present our nation with serious challenges. This bill will provide important relief to those in need and resources to support key programs in Illinois. It is essential that the Governor, the General Assembly, and local elected officials in Illinois also work swiftly to allow businesses to safely reopen, get our kids back in the classroom, and alleviate the issues so many of my constituentscontinue to have with Illinois' unemployment system." Bipartisan-Bicameral Omnibus & COVID Relief Deal Key COVID-19 provisions in the legislation include: Extends the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and adds deductibility for PPP expenses Gi… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lahood.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-lahood-announces-congressional-app-challenge-winner-illinois-18th-0 | Rep. LaHood Announces Congressional App Challenge Winner for Illinois 18th Congressional District | 2020-12-17 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | IL | Darin LaHood | L000585 | lahood.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C.Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-18)announced today that Nehal Tangudu, a senior at Normal Community High School, has won the Congressional App Challenge for the 18th Congressional District of Illinois in 2020. Nehal's project, the "Timeline of the Universe" was completed while taking classes from home due to the COVID-19 pandemic. I am pleased to announce that Nehal Tangudu from Normal Community High School has won this year's Congressional App Challenge for the 18th District of Illinois,stated Rep. LaHood.Not only did Nehal display exceptional coding and technical skills in hi application, but Nehal's innovative design in the Timeline of the Universe went above and beyond expectations." This year's Challenge brought a variety of applicants from across central and west-central Illinois, and it was the most competitive competition we've had over the last four years. The Congressional App Challenge always presents an exciting opportunity for students to showcase their talent in the innovative technology field. Computer science and STEM education are critical to our nation's long-term success, and I will continue to promote the importance of these programs through this Challenge and in Congress. Timeline for the Universe App Name:Timeline for the Universe School: Normal Community High School Overview: The app gives an in depth timeline our earth's history, providing educational information about the world's evolution You can view his submissionhere ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://bost.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-approves-bost-veterans-provisions | HOUSE APPROVES BOST VETERANS PROVISIONS | 2020-12-16 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | IL | Mike Bost | B001295 | bost.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. The U.S. House of Representatives today passed the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvements Act. The legislation includes several bills that Rep. Mike Bost (IL-12), the incoming lead Republican on the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, introduced to improve benefits and services for veterans and their families. Our nation's military members have risked all in defense of our nation and our freedoms, said Bost. They should not be met with bureaucratic red tape when they return home. I'm proud to have introduced several provisions that were included in this package that will help ensure that servicemembers and veterans receive the benefits they have earned. Bost speaks on the House Floor in support of the legislative package. Click here to watch. Bost Provisions Included H.R. 7287 Allows specialty care providers to conduct disability exams across state lines H.R. 6013 Reforms the Service-Disabled Veterans Life Insurance (S-DVI) program to ensure that veterans can receive life insurance coverage through the VA, even if they had been previously denied coverage by private insurance providers H.R. 5245 Includes a provision that Bost introduced to allow veterans to remove a dependent via the eBenefits website H.R. 7445 Expands eligibility for the VA Home Loan Guarantee Program to members of the National Guard and Reserve who have been activated by governors in response to COVID-19, recent civil disturbances, and natural disasters H.R. 7105 Expands VA services for homeless veterans during the coronavirus pandemic ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://shimkus.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/shimkus-salutes-life-of-lawrence-county-legend-cunningham | Shimkus Salutes Life of Lawrence County Legend Cunningham | 2020-12-14 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | IL | John Shimkus | S000364 | shimkus.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON Congressman John Shimkus (R, Illinois-15)entered a statement into the permanent Congressional Record remembering the extraordinary life of Lawrence County's Roscoe D. Cunningham, who passed away November 28. "Roscoe proved to be a strong community leader, dedicating his life to bettering his community in Lawrence County. He was considered one of the county's most vocal advocates," Shimkus said. "Lawrence County will surely miss him." The full entry in the Congressional Record can be found HERE. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://bost.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/bost-announces-78-million-metro-east-health-center-grant | BOST ANNOUNCES $7.8 MILLION METRO EAST HEALTH CENTER GRANT | 2020-12-09 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | IL | Mike Bost | B001295 | bost.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Representative Mike Bost (IL-12) today announced that the Department of Health and Human Services has awarded a $7.8 million grant to SIHF Healthcare in Sauget through their Health Center Cluster funding program. These discretionary funds will be used for general health center operations. Now more than ever, healthcare providers like SIHF Healthcare are working around the clock to keep their communities safe and healthy, said Bost. This grant will provide SIHF with critical resources to continue their work to provide quality care for patients. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://bost.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-approves-bost-waterways-infrastructure-provisions | HOUSE APPROVES BOST WATERWAYS INFRASTRUCTURE PROVISIONS | 2020-12-08 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | IL | Mike Bost | B001295 | bost.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. The U.S. House of Representatives today passed the bipartisan Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), which will help strengthen America's ports, locks, dams, and water infrastructure. The bill, which now advances to President Trump's desk for his signature, includes several provisions introduced by U.S. Representative Mike Bost (IL-12) to improve certain water infrastructure projects across Southern Illinois. Every year, 575 million tons of cargo pass through our inland ports and waterways, including several in Southern Illinois, said Bost. These projects are vitally important to our local and national economies. I'm pleased that the Water Resources Development Act includes several provisions I introduced to strengthen Southern Illinois' water infrastructure from Wood River to Cairo and points in between. Bost provisions in WRDA include: Increasing federal funding authorization to help carry out six miles of sewer separation projects in Belleville and Wood River. This project will reduce sewage backup, disruptions to traffic, and other health and economic consequences resulting from overflows and untreated sewage; Creating a program for the United States Army Corps of Engineers to make repairs and improvements to Army Corps-constructed flood pumping stations, such as those in Cairo, Illinois; Permitting local levee districts to make additional in-kind contributions toward achieving a positive Benefit Cost Ratio (BCR) in cases where the Corps determines that the cost of repair to a breached non-federal levee exceeds its flood prevention benefits. Increasing the federal costs share for construction of inland waterways projects, such as locks and dams. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lahood.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/lahood-votes-improve-infrastructure-resources-illinois-waterways-0 | LaHood Votes to Improve Infrastructure Resources for Illinois Waterways | 2020-12-08 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | IL | Darin LaHood | L000585 | lahood.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C.Congressman Darin LaHood (R-IL) voted in support of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2020, which will provide critical support for Illinois locks and dams and waterways, provide rural communities additional resources in addressing flood risk needs, and strengthen Illinois' agriculture competitive advantage in the global economy. "In central and west-central Illinois, which is uniquely positioned between the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers, our communities rely heavily on water infrastructure resources for economic development,"said Rep. LaHood."It is critical that we continue to invest in infrastructure that allows farmers and manufacturers in the 18th District to move their commodities around the globe. This bipartisan bill includes important provisions to boost federal support for inland waterways projects and strengthen flood plans in the Upper Mississippi River Basin. I am proud to once again support this essential piece of legislation for Illinois." Rep. LaHood advocated for a provision in this year's WRDA which adjusts the federal cost-share of inland waterway projects. This provision will ensure that the Army Corps of Engineers construction projects are completed on-time and on-budget, including the anticipated 2023 Illinois Waterway lock and dam rehabilitation projects. Background: WRDA 2020 is bipartisan legislation that includes projects of national, regional, and local significance that help strengthen the Nation's global competitiveness, grow the economy, move goods throughout the country and abroad, protect communities, and create jobs. WRDA authorizes projects to improve ports and harbors, inland waterway navigation, flood and storm protection, and other pieces of water resources infrastructure, as well as programs and policy reforms related to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Civil Works Program. Specifically, these projects and investments in water resource infrastructure are initiated and carried out at the local level but provide valuable benefits regionally and nati… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://bost.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/bost-elected-top-republican-veterans-affairs-committee | BOST ELECTED TOP REPUBLICAN ON VETERANS AFFAIRS COMMITTEE | 2020-12-03 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | IL | Mike Bost | B001295 | bost.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Representative Mike Bost (IL-12) has been elected by his House Republican colleagues to serve as the lead Republican on the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, tasked with setting the party's agenda on veterans issues and leading oversight efforts of the administration. Should Republicans gain the majority in Congress in the next election, Bost would be in line to become the chairman of the full committee. As a Marine and the father of a Marine, I can think of no greater honor than fighting for America's veterans as the lead Republican on the House Veterans' Affairs Committee. I am grateful for the trust of my Republican colleagues and excited to follow in the footsteps of great leaders like Jeff Miller and Phil Roe, said Bost. We will work to implement an aggressive, pro-veteran agenda that builds upon the successes of the MISSION Act, appeals reform, and combatting veterans' suicide. Our veterans have borne the battle in defense of our freedoms, and I view it as my mission to ensure they receive the care and services they deserve. Our nation's veterans have served their nation with distinction and courage, and they deserve leaders in Washington who will strive to meet their level of dedication, said House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA). Mike has served his country as a Marine, and his community as a firefighter - I have no doubt that as Ranking Member of the Veterans' Affairs Committee, he will continue to lead from the front by addressing the unique challenges facing our veterans. He has a results-proven track record, which includes passing the Veterans Appeals and Modernization Act of 2017, which streamlined the appeals process, and helped to decrease the appeals backlog by 80%. I am confident Mike will be an ally to our veterans and serve as the strong leader they need who will commit to looking out for their best interests. I congratulate my colleague and good friend, Rep. Bost, on being chosen by the Republican conference to serve as Ranking Member of the House Committee on … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://shimkus.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/lithuanian-leaders-thank-local-congressman | Lithuanian Leaders Thank Local Congressman | 2020-11-30 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Republican | Senate | IL | John Shimkus | S000364 | shimkus.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON Lithuania's Seimas unanimously adopted a resolution last week honoring retiring Congressman John Shimkus (R, Illinois-15). John Shimkus was one of the most active congressmen in persuading the U.S. Congress to liberalize trade in liquefied natural gas and approve NATO's defense plans for the Baltic States, in countering Russia's aggression against Ukraine, in proclaiming and regularly commemorating Black Ribbon Day at the U.S. Congress, in fighting against the Kremlin's hostile propaganda and disinformation, in establishing the American-Lithuanian Business Council, and launching a host of other initiatives of support to the Baltic States, the resolution from the European nation's legislature read. Introduced by more than 20 Lithuanian lawmakers from different political parties, the resolution also noted the congressman's Lithuanian heritage as well as his service as a U.S. Army Officer in Europe during the Cold War. Successfully advocating for NATO expansion to include the Baltic States has been one of my proudest achievements as a Member of Congress, Shimkus said. Growing that defensive alliance, and supporting the former Soviet states' ability to look to the West for freedom, prosperity, and security remains in the best interest of both Europe and the United States. I thank my friends in the Seimas for this great honor and for their friendship over many years. Shimkus announced his retirement from Congress last summer after serving 23 years in the House of Representatives. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lahood.house.gov/media-center/e-newsletters/day-thanks | A day of thanks | 2020-11-26 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Republican | Senate | IL | Darin LaHood | L000585 | lahood.house.gov | legacy | On the fourth Thursday of November, Americans from all backgrounds gather with loved ones to celebrate Thanksgiving. While Thanksgiving takes on a different meaning and form this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it's important that we join together in spirit to share in our collective thanks for the opportunities and relationships we enjoy. Now, more than ever, we should remind ourselves that we cannot take these blessings for granted. As we prepare for our Thanksgiving meal this afternoon, I am thankful for my three sons, McKay, Lucas, and Teddy, my loving wife Kristen, and our home in central and west-central Illinois. I am especially grateful for my family's good health this year, the health care professionals working hard to fight COVID-19, the essential workers, and the brave men and women serving in our military overseas so that we can enjoy the comforts of living in the greatest country in the world. While we are all blessed with a wonderful community, it is important during this season of thanks to not forget those who are less fortunate. This year has been a challenge for so many across Illinois, and those of us who are able should take time during the holiday season to return our blessings and find a way to give back to those in need. While we may not be able to gather with friends to play football or gather with everyone in our extended family in person, please take a moment to stop and reflect on what you are thankful for today. We are all blessed to live in a country that allows each of us the freedom to chart our own path and to live out the American dream. For that, we should all be thankful. I hope you all have a blessed Thanksgiving and remain healthy and safe! Sincerly, Darin LaHood | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lahood.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/lahood-leads-effort-revive-hospitality-and-tourism-industries | LaHood Leads Effort to Revive Hospitality and Tourism Industries | 2020-11-20 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Republican | Senate | IL | Darin LaHood | L000585 | lahood.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C.Representatives Darin LaHood (IL-18), Steven Horsford (NV-04), and Jimmy Panetta (CA-20) today introduced the bipartisan Hospitality and Commerce Job Recovery Act to revitalize the tourism and hospitality industries, which have been severely impacted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. A companion to the U.S. Senate legislation introduced by Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and Keven Cramer (R-N.D.), the Hospitality and Commerce Job Recovery Act will provide comprehensive relief for the convention, entertainment, hospitality, and travel industries and their workers by creating new recovery incentives and enhancing the employee retention tax credit until frequent travel and tourism safely resumes. The COVID-19 pandemic and state-mandated closures continue to wreak havoc on communities and industries across Illinois' 18th district, especially our hospitality, travel, and tourism sectors, said Rep. LaHood. Congress cannot sit on the sidelines any longer while businesses continue to struggle. This bipartisan bill will give these disproportionally affected businesses the support they need to recover from the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. The hospitality, travel and tourism industries employ nearly 30 percent of Southern Nevada's workers and are the lifeblood of our state's economy. These sectors face unprecedented hardships amid the COVID-19 pandemic and have made every effort to keep their employees and customers safe as they fight to stay in business, said Congressman Horsford. I'm proud to introduce the Hospitality and Commerce Job Recovery Act to give them and their workers a fighting chance as we navigate these challenging times. If we don't pass an economic relief package soon, our economy, including our local hospitality industry, will be severely damaged for years to come. The tax credits provided in our Hospitality and Commerce Jobs Recovery Act would provide much-needed revenue to those businesses so that they can preserve jobs and come back stronger than ever, said Congressman Pa… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://shimkus.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/trump-administration-invests-over-14-million-in-bond-coles-and-shelby | Trump Administration Invests Over $14 Million in Bond, Coles, and Shelby Counties for Water Infrastructure Projects | 2020-10-28 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Republican | Senate | IL | John Shimkus | S000364 | shimkus.house.gov | legacy | Maryville, Illinois Congressman John Shimkus (R, Illinois-15) today announced the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has awarded more than $14 million to improve rural water and wastewater infrastructure in Greenville, Ashmore,Sigel, Cumberland, and Claremont. "Federal investments like this are critical in rural communities where the capital costs of major infrastructure projects would be all but impossible to finance through other means, Shimkus said. I applaud Greenville, Ashemore, and the EJ Water Cooperative on their successful loan applications." Through USDA, Greenville will receive a low-interest $14.2 million loan to build a new water treatment plant. The city's existing plant was built in 1969 and has reached the end of its useful life. "The needed new Water Treatment Plant will provide the benefits of operating efficiencies and increased water production capability for current residents, businesses, and industries, Greenville Mayor Alan Gaffner said. With the new Water Treatment Plant., Greenville is well-positioned for growth into the future." "We thank Congressman Shimkus for his support of the Rural Development Loan, Gaffner added. These types of programs prioritize and address the needs of rural communities. Jobs, economic development, and community life all have a relationship to a safe and high-quality water system." Shimkus also announced the Coles County Village of Ashemore will receive a low-interest loan of $320,000 to replace 10,631 linear feet of water main, service meters, fire hydrants, and related infrastructure. The EJ Water Cooperative will likewise receive a $180,000 low-interest loan to construct 49 miles of water main to serve residents ofSigel, Cumberland, and Claremont Townships in Shelby County. All three projects are being funded through the Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant Program at USDA. This week the Trump Administration announced a total of $891 million in grants through the program to help complete 220 projects in 43 states. "Upgrading water infrastructu… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://bost.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/bost-veterans-bill-signed-law | BOST VETERANS BILL SIGNED INTO LAW | 2020-10-23 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Republican | Senate | IL | Mike Bost | B001295 | bost.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Representative Mike Bost (IL-12), the Ranking Member on the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs, today announced that President Trump has signed the Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act (H.R. 6168) into law. This bipartisan bill, introduced by Bost and Representative Elaine Luria (D-VA), will ensure our nation's veterans receive the same annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) as Social Security Recipients. The bill would increase the rates of compensation for veterans with service-connected disabilities beginning December 1, 2020. Now more than ever, it is critical that the men and women who have served our nation receive the benefits they have earned, said Bost. Many veterans and their families depend on these benefits to pay for necessities like food and medicine. I'm proud to have helped introduce this bipartisan bill and I am grateful that the President took this important step to provide an important cost-of-living adjustment for our veterans and their dependents. The Veterans' Compensation COLA Act would provide a cost-of-living increase for disability compensation; compensation for dependents; clothing allowance; dependency and indemnity compensation to surviving spouses; and, dependency and indemnity compensation to children paid of our wounded warriors and their families for injuries they suffered while serving our nation in uniform. This increase would begin December 1, 2020. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lahood.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-lahood-unveils-military-service-academy-virtual-program | Rep. LaHood Unveils Military Service Academy Virtual Program | 2020-10-14 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Republican | Senate | IL | Darin LaHood | L000585 | lahood.house.gov | legacy | PEORIA, IL Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-18) today unveiled a Military Service Academy Virtual Program on his website. Since joining Congress, Rep. LaHood has held annual Military Service Academy Programs in person for high school students interested in receiving a nomination to one of the United States Military Service Academies. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the normal Military Service Academy Programs have been moved into an online program. The website, which can be viewed here, provides students, parents, and guidance counselors the opportunity to learn more about the individual institutions and the requirements for admission to each academy. Service academies offer fully-funded, four-year education that is estimated at a value of $300,000. Each year, it is inspiring to meet with so many young men and women looking for the opportunity to attend one of our prestigious military academies and who are passionate about serving our country. Service Academy Programs provide a great first step for prospective cadets to learn about and prepare for the interview and application process, including the requirements for Congressional nomination. While we cannot have our normal Service Academy Program this year, I look forward to meeting the next group of young leaders ready to build upon the strong tradition of representation the 18th District currently holds throughout our military academies, said Rep. LaHood. For students or parents interested in learning more about Service Academy Nominations, please contact Mike Gilmore atmichael.gilmore@mail.house.gov. All media requests should be directed to John Rauber at john.rauber@mail.house.gov. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://bost.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/bost-gives-update-covid-19-diagnosis | BOST GIVES UPDATE ON COVID-19 DIAGNOSIS | 2020-10-12 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Republican | Senate | IL | Mike Bost | B001295 | bost.house.gov | legacy | 1440 Longworth House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-5661 Fax: (202) 225-0285 O'Fallon, IL 62269 Phone: (618) 622-0766 Fax: (618) 622-0774 300 East Main Street Hunter Building-Suite 4 Carbondale, IL 62901 Phone: (618) 457-5787 Fax: (618) 457-2990 | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lahood.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/lahood-request-corn-belt-port-designation-illinois-approved-army-corps | LaHood Request for Corn Belt Port Designation in Illinois Approved by Army Corps of Engineers | 2020-10-12 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Republican | Senate | IL | Darin LaHood | L000585 | lahood.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-18) announced on Monday thatthe U.S. Army Corps of Engineers hasapprovedthe creation of the three Port Statistical Areas (PSAs) in the Heart of the Corn Belt, which includes key ports in Illinois and Iowa. TheCorpswillcollectively designate the Mississippi River Ports of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois (MRPEIWI), the Mid-America Port and the Illinois Waterways Ports and Terminals as the Corn Belt Port Statistical Areas.Approval of the statistical area designations willmake it easier for the ports to attract business and investment, grow the local economy and create new jobs. "Federal approval of the Corn Belt Ports is great news for our rural communities in central and west-central Illinois. Access to inland waterways is critical to the economic viability of our communities and allows small businesses, farmers and manufacturers to export commodities around the world,said Congressman Darin LaHood.Establishing the Corn Belt Ports as a statistical area in western Illinois and eastern Iowa will facilitate greater regional coordination that will raise the region's global profile and bolster economic development. I am proud that this bipartisan effort will strengthen economic opportunities along waterways in the Tri-State Region." I wantto thankthe U.S. Army CorpsofEngineers for reviewing our request and quickly granting it,Congresswoman AbbyFinkenauer said.Thisdesignation from the Corps will mean an economic boost for Iowa, especially in Dubuque and Jackson Counties. "These port designations are historic for our region, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos said. This recognition from the Army Corps of Engineers will make clear to everyone what we in Northwest and Central Illinois already know: just how critical our inland waterways are to the nation's economy. I was proud to join my colleagues in urging the Corps to make these designations, and I am pleased with the Corps' decision, which will make the region even more competitive and drive our local economy moving forward." "I a… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://bost.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/bost-statement-positive-covid-19-test | BOST STATEMENT ON POSITIVE COVID-19 TEST | 2020-10-09 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Republican | Senate | IL | Mike Bost | B001295 | bost.house.gov | legacy | CARBONDALE, IL U.S. Representative Mike Bost (IL-12) released the following statement after receiving a positive COVID-19 test result on Thursday evening: "I learned last night that I have tested positive for COVID-19. Despite taking my temperature regularly and having no evidence of a fever, I experienced a mild cough and a rapid loss of both taste and smell and recognized it was important to get tested immediately. "My staff and I have consulted with Congress' Office of the Attending Physician for additional guidance and any staff I've been in close contact with will quarantine until receiving their own test results. We are also beginning the process of reaching out to any constituents I've met with in recent days. "I am postponing my public event schedule but will continue conducting virtual meetings as I isolate at home. We are taking this situation seriously and will continue to serve the people of Southern Illinois while doing our best to ensure their health and safety. I will provide additional updates in the days ahead and am anxious to get back to work as soon as I make a full recovery." ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://bost.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/bost-bill-help-veterans-exposed-toxins | BOST BILL TO HELP VETERANS EXPOSED TO TOXINS | 2020-10-08 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Republican | Senate | IL | Mike Bost | B001295 | bost.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Representative Mike Bost (IL-12) recently introduced H.R. 8506, the Toxic Exposure in the American Military (TEAM) Act to improve access to care and benefits for veterans who were exposed to toxic substances in the military. The bill will allow them to enroll in the VA healthcare system, create a process for the VA to establish a presumption of service connection for benefits, and advance scientific research into the effects of toxic exposure. Our nation's veterans shouldn't be met with a wall of bureaucratic red tape when they seek medical care for injuries sustained during their service, said Bost. While symptoms of burn pit exposure may lay dormant years after a veteran returns home, we still have a duty to ensure they receive the highest quality care and benefits. This vitally important legislation will allow these veterans to access the care and benefits they need as well as advance scientific research so that we can better understand the impact on future generations of servicemembers who may have been exposed to these toxic chemicals. This legislation also creates a pathway for the Department to follow in the future when the Secretary must decide whether to create a presumption for compensation benefits, so that Congress and the VA can act swiftly and get veterans what they deserve. For more information about the Toxic Exposure in the American Military (TEAM) Act, click here. Senator Thom Tillis also introduced a companion bill in the Senate, S. 4393. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lahood.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/statement-rep-lahood-covid-19-relief-negotiations | Statement from Rep. LaHood on COVID-19 Relief Negotiations | 2020-10-08 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Republican | Senate | IL | Darin LaHood | L000585 | lahood.house.gov | legacy | PEORIA Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-18) released the following statement on additional COVID-19 relief. It's unacceptable that Speaker Pelosi recessed the U.S. House of Representatives until the middle of November, while businesses, workers, and families in Illinois continue to struggle because of the COVID-19 pandemic and state-mandated closures. Every day that I am home traveling the 18th District, I hear from businesses that will close and workers that will not have jobs to return to, resulting in rural and smaller communities being decimated if Congress does not act. Today, I'm calling on Congress to return to session immediately and on Democrats to work in a meaningful, bipartisan way to provide support to the many in our communities that need immediate relief. This includes passing my bipartisan CERTS Act, which will provide relief to the motor coach industry, passing my bipartisan Clean Start Back to Work Tax Credit Act, which will help businesses cover the increased costs of cleaning and opening safely, extending the 45B tax credit to the salon industry, which will provide paritywith restaurants and an immediate cash infusion to these small businesses, and extending the Paycheck Protection Program, among other priorities. Illinoisans cannot wait while politicians in Washington continue to play politics with this pandemic. Background: CERTS Act Clean Start Back to Work Tax Credit 45B Tax Credit | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lahood.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/lahood-lebanon-resolution-passes-house-foreign-affairs-committee | LaHood Lebanon Resolution Passes House Foreign Affairs Committee | 2020-10-02 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Republican | Senate | IL | Darin LaHood | L000585 | lahood.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. The House Foreign Affairs Committee unanimously passed Congressman Darin LaHood's resolution, H.Res. 1077. The bipartisan resolution expresses the sense of Congress for the support of the ongoing U.S.- Lebanon relationship. Specifically, the resolution supports U.S. goals for combatting government corruption, executing needed structural reforms, and the important role of the Lebanese Armed Forces. The resolution opposes the growing influence and role of Hezbollah in Lebanon, particularly as the country works to respond and recover from the August 4th explosion. Congressman LaHood, as Co-Chair of the U.S.-Lebanon Friendship Caucus, recently led a bipartisan effort to advocate for humanitarian aid to Lebanon in response to the blast in Beirut. I am pleased that the House Foreign Affairs Committee moved this week to unanimously pass my bill to support the U.S.-Lebanon relationship, making way for a vote before the full House of Representatives, said Rep. LaHood. Now more than ever, American support for the Lebanese people is vital. My resolution reaffirms our country's commitment to the people of Lebanon and to peace in the region. A strong, independent, and sovereign Lebanon can help provide stability in the Middle East, and I will continue to work with my colleagues to support a productive and sustainable U.S.-Lebanon relationship. Since the resolution was introduced before the August explosion, the resolution was amended during the House Foreign Affairs Committee markup to include recognition of the tragic explosion at the Port of Beirut and recognize that the US stands with the people of Lebanon in providing support for humanitarian assistance and recovery. Full text of the original legislation can be readhere. H.Res. 1077 is a House Resolution that expresses the sense of Congress on the continued importance of the U.S.-Lebanon relationship. The resolution expresses U.S. support for: The Lebanese people after the tragic explosion in the Port of Beirut Continued to support for humanitarian ass… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lahood.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/lahood-davis-announce-4331426-grant-award-illinois-state-university | LaHood, Davis Announce $4,331,426 Grant Award to Illinois State University | 2020-10-01 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Republican | Senate | IL | Darin LaHood | L000585 | lahood.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Congressmen Darin LaHood (IL-18) and Rodney Davis (IL-13) announced today that the U.S. Department of Education awarded Illinois State University (ISU) a $4,331,426 grant to prepare, develop, and enhance the skills of educators. The funding was awarded through the U.S. Department of Education's Supporting Effective Educator Development (SEED) Renewal program. Illinois State University is an exceptional university that provides a great education to residents across our state and around the globe, said Rep. LaHood. The federal funding awarded to ISU will support important programs to provide evidence-based training to professors and educators. I applaud the Trump Administration for recognizing the outstanding work being done at ISU and providing federal funding to support their mission. I'm the proud parent of three Illinois State University students. I know first-hand the high quality education ISU provides to its student body, said Rep. Davis. That great education is thanks in large part to the educators who work at the University. This federal grant will provide ISU educators additional tools and training to help them continue their outstanding work. SEED grant funding is vitally important tothe work ofIllinois State University'sCenter for the Study of Education Policy, said President Larry Dietz. Through the Center's TEAM Lead program, thegrant provides support to four Regional Offices of Education across the state and over 80 schools, in which the University is proud to engage in partnerships to enhance the leadership effectiveness of schooladministrators. Background: SEED Renewal Program The purpose of the SEED program is to increase the number of highly effective educators by supporting the implementation of Evidence-Based practices that prepare, develop, or enhance the skills of educators. These grants will allow eligible applicants to develop, expand, and evaluate practices that can serve as models to be sustained and disseminated. The SEED program also encourages the use of rigorous evi… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://bost.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/bost-statement-planned-closure-baldwin-plant | BOST STATEMENT ON PLANNED CLOSURE OF BALDWIN PLANT | 2020-09-30 | 2020 | 2020-09 | Republican | Senate | IL | Mike Bost | B001295 | bost.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Representative Mike Bost (IL-12) released the following statement after Vistra announced the planned closure of four Illinois power plants by 2025, including the plant in Baldwin: Vistra's decision to close its Baldwin plant by 2025 is deeply disappointing and will have a crushing impact on 130 Southern Illinois families. We must have an all-of-the-above approach to fulfilling America's energy needs, and these good-paying Randolph County coal jobs were a big part of that.I'm afraid that, if the liberal Green New Dealers get their way, we will continue to see communities across this country negatively affected by their far-left, anti-coal agenda. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lahood.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-lahood-china-task-force-final-report | LaHood, China Task Force Members Unveil Final Report | 2020-09-30 | 2020 | 2020-09 | Republican | Senate | IL | Darin LaHood | L000585 | lahood.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-18) today joined House Republican Leadership and fellow members of the China Task Force to unveil their final legislative report. The China Task Force was launched back in May of this year to assess the growing threats posed by China, advance policies that strengthen America's supply chains and economy, and expand opportunity for Illinois agriculture. Since then, the task force has met with 125 key stakeholders, includingpolicyexperts, business leaders, other Members of Congress, and current and former administration officials from both sides of the aisle. The report includes more than 400 recommendations. Of those, 180 are legislative recommendations, of which 64 percent are bipartisan and one-third have already passed either the House or the Senate. China represents an ever-evolving challenge for the United States, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and as technology and our economies modernize into the digital age. Since May, the China Task Force has worked tirelessly to develop and promote legislative solutions to confront those challenges. As the sole member from the Ways and Means Committee on the China Task Force, I worked extensively to include policy measures that bolster America's standing in the global economy, strengthen our relationship with our allies, reform the WTO, and advance our trade agenda, particularly for our farmers and manufacturers in Illinois. This comprehensive report outlines a roadmap to strengthen American competitiveness. I was proud to help develop the China Task Force report, and I will continue to advance these solutions in Congress, said Congressman Darin LaHood. Congressman Kevin Brady (R-TX), the top Republican on the House Ways and Means Committee, added, China is the greatest economic and security threat we face, and Republicans are committed to bolstering America's economy so that current and future generations are prepared for the challenges ahead. As this report lays out, we can use our tax and trade tools to … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lahood.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-lahood-china-task-force-members-release-final-report-wednesday | LaHood, China Task Force Members Unveil Final Report | 2020-09-30 | 2020 | 2020-09 | Republican | Senate | IL | Darin LaHood | L000585 | lahood.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-18) today joined House Republican Leadership and fellow members of the China Task Force to unveil their final legislative report. The China Task Force was launched back in May of this year to assess the growing threats posed by China, advance policies that strengthen America's supply chains and economy, and expand opportunity for Illinois agriculture. Since then, the task force has met with 125 key stakeholders, includingpolicyexperts, business leaders, other Members of Congress, and current and former administration officials from both sides of the aisle. The report includes more than 400 recommendations. Of those, 180 are legislative recommendations, of which 64 percent are bipartisan and one-third have already passed either the House or the Senate. China represents an ever-evolving challenge for the United States, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and as technology and our economies modernize into the digital age. Since May, the China Task Force has worked tirelessly to develop and promote legislative solutions to confront those challenges. As the sole member from the Ways and Means Committee on the China Task Force, I worked extensively to include policy measures that bolster America's standing in the global economy, strengthen our relationship with our allies, reform the WTO, and advance our trade agenda, particularly for our farmers and manufacturers in Illinois. This comprehensive report outlines a roadmap to strengthen American competitiveness. I was proud to help develop the China Task Force report, and I will continue to advance these solutions in Congress, said Congressman Darin LaHood. Congressman Kevin Brady (R-TX), the top Republican on the House Ways and Means Committee, added, China is the greatest economic and security threat we face, and Republicans are committed to bolstering America's economy so that current and future generations are prepared for the challenges ahead. As this report lays out, we can use our tax and trade tools to … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://bost.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/bost-announces-12-million-marion-department-labor-grant | BOST ANNOUNCES $1.2 MILLION MARION DEPARTMENT OF LABOR GRANT | 2020-09-29 | 2020 | 2020-09 | Republican | Senate | IL | Mike Bost | B001295 | bost.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Representative Mike Bost (IL-12) today announced the Department of Labor has awarded nearly $1.2 million to the Management, Training, and Consulting Corp. in Marion. This grant is part of the Workplace Opportunities for Rural Communities (WORC) grant initiative in partnership with the Delta Regional Authority (DRA) to grow rural economies and provide employment opportunities for workers. Rural parts of our country are home to some of the hardest workers, yet they often do not have access to the same resources as their counterparts in urban and suburban areas, said Bost. This grant program will bring new job opportunities to Southern Illinois, help prepare our workforce, and grow our local economy. The Management, Training, and Consulting Corp. was one of 27 WORC grant recipients. Grantees will work with industry and community partners to promote new, sustainable job opportunities and long-term economic vitality through grant activities that address the specific needs of businesses and workers in their communities. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://bost.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/bost-announces-14-million-army-contract-granite-city-company | BOST ANNOUNCES $14 MILLION ARMY CONTRACT FOR GRANITE CITY COMPANY | 2020-09-28 | 2020 | 2020-09 | Republican | Senate | IL | Mike Bost | B001295 | bost.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Representative Mike Bost (IL-12) today announced that the Department of the Army has awarded a $14 million contract to Supplied Industrial Solutions in Granite City. The contract provides structural, stability, process, mechanical, and electrical modifications to seven pump stations along the Amourdale Levee Unit in Kansas City, Kansas. At a time when Southern Illinois businesses are struggling because of the COVID-19 shutdown, this contract announcement is welcome news, said Bost. With this funding, Supplied Industrial Solutions will be able to secure jobs in the Metro East while helping protect communities outside our region from potential weather-related threats. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lahood.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/icymi-lahood-op-ed-federal-aid-states-should-protect-taxpayers-encourage | ICYMI: LaHood Op-ed: Federal aid to states should protect taxpayers, encourage reforms | 2020-09-28 | 2020 | 2020-09 | Republican | Senate | IL | Darin LaHood | L000585 | lahood.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-18) authored an op-ed last week in the Chicago Tribune highlighting the Taxpayer Protection Act, legislation he introduced to protect taxpayers and encourage reform in states, like Illinois. Originally published by the Chicago Tribune: Federal aid to states should protect taxpayers, encourage reforms By Congressmen Darin LaHood (IL-18) and Adam Schuster In aletter to Illinois' members of Congress, Gov. J.B. Pritzker asks Congress to rally for more help, warning of doom and threatening schoolchildren if the federal government doesn't prop up our financially broken state. Five months after Democrats in the state petitioned members of Congress formore than $41 billionin federal bailouts, the nation's richest governor has picked up the cry. Pritzker acknowledges, I have never pretended local and state governments don't need new solutions. But rarely do we see Pritzker or the lawmakers in charge in Springfield look at their own behaviors to figure out how to secure Illinois' financial position and guarantee funding for core services people here depend on. There's a lot of head-scratching in Congress when people consider Illinois and sending more federal dollars its way. Why should federal taxpayers bail out Illinois' pension system,which was circling the drainpipe for decades before COVID-19 hit? Why should we prop up a bloated state budget, which Illinois politicians haven't worked to balance in 20 years? Another federal aid package looms but has failed to materialize as both sides sit on the extremes, with one camp favoring $1 trillion in unrestricted funds to state and big-city governments and the other questioning whether to bail out bad actors at all. The best answer sits somewhere in the middle, leaving open the option of providing aid while ensuring reforms so feckless states don't throw good money after bad actors. The Taxpayer Protection Act, being filed Thursday in Congress, guarantees any future state and local government aid must flow to the services people… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lahood.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/lahood-statement-nomination-amy-coney-barrett-supreme-court | LaHood Statement on the Nomination of Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court | 2020-09-26 | 2020 | 2020-09 | Republican | Senate | IL | Darin LaHood | L000585 | lahood.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-18) released the following statement after President Donald Trump nominated Amy Coney Barrett to be the next Associate Justice on the United States Supreme Court. Judge Amy Coney Barrett is an outstanding selection to fill the vacancy on the Supreme Court and reaffirms that our Constitution will be strongly and properly upheld in the nation's highest court. Americans elected President Trump in part to nominate men and women to the federal judiciary that apply the law fairly and protect the rights guaranteed by the Constitution, not activist judges that legislate from the bench. Judge Barrett's midwestern common-sense and record as a circuit judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit exhibits a deep intellectual understanding of the law and commitment to the Constitution. I hope the Senate acts quickly to confirm her and I have every confidence thatJudge Barrett will continue to serve our nation faithfully on the Supreme Court. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lahood.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/lahood-announces-federal-grant-funding-midwest-youth-service-s | LaHood Announces Federal Grant Funding for Midwest Youth Services in Jacksonville | 2020-09-25 | 2020 | 2020-09 | Republican | Senate | IL | Darin LaHood | L000585 | lahood.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-18) announced that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) awarded the Midwest Youth Service's in Jacksonville a $125,000 grant to support community-based programs that help youth and restore families in Morgan County. Midwest Youth Services in Jacksonville does incredible work to support youth in Morgan County, helping divert at risk young people from juvenile justice systems and providing tools and resources for these individuals and their families, said Rep. LaHood. I was proud to advocate to the Department of Health and Human Services for this funding and am grateful that it will help the community. I applaud HHS and the Trump Administration for their efforts to support critical programs in Jacksonville. In May, Congressman LaHood wrote a letter of support on behalf of Midwest Youth Services for their grant application. You can read that HERE. Background: Midwest Youth Service's in Jacksonville, Illinois mission is to divert youth from juvenile justice systems and child welfare systems while helping to strengthen and restore families. TheBasic Center Program (BCP)helps create and strengthen community-based programs that meet the immediate needs of runaway and homeless youth under 18 years old. In addition, BCP tries to reunite young people with their families or locate appropriate alternative placements. The funding will help provide: Up to 21 days ofshelter Food, clothing and medical care Individual, group and family counseling Crisis Intervention Recreation programs ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://shimkus.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/shimkus-remembers-former-shelbyville-veterans-advocate | Shimkus Remembers Former Shelbyville Veterans Advocate | 2020-09-25 | 2020 | 2020-09 | Republican | Senate | IL | John Shimkus | S000364 | shimkus.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON Congressman John Shimkus (R, Illinois-15) entered a statement into the permanent Congressional Record to pay tribute to longtime Shelbyville resident Jack Schurman, who died September 13 at the Mississippi State Veterans Home in Collins, MS. Schurman spent almost a decade as the chairman of the congressman's Veterans Advisory Committee before declining health led to his move to Mississippi. "He would direct a number of veterans to my office for casework assistance, several of whom he had to use his well-known persistence to convince they could trust a government representative, Shimkus noted. "Even after leaving the state, he continued advocating for his fellow veterans in Illinois, staying in contact with my office from long distance." The full entry in the Congressional Record can be found HERE. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lahood.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/lahood-introduces-legislation-protect-taxpayers-federal-aid-states | LaHood Introduces Legislation to Protect Taxpayers for Federal Aid to States | 2020-09-24 | 2020 | 2020-09 | Republican | Senate | IL | Darin LaHood | L000585 | lahood.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Congressman Darin LaHood (R-IL) today introduced the Taxpayer Protection Act of 2020, which would establish the Taxpayer Protection Program in the U.S. Department of Treasury, to provide forgivable loans to State, territory, Tribal, and local governments to support budget shortfalls caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, while protecting taxpayers from fiscal mismanagement engaged in by state like Illinois. States, metropolitan cities, and larger counties must have sound pension funds to receive forgiveness and must also have truly balanced budgets and enough rainy-day funds by June 30, 2022, to receive forgiveness. Loans which are not forgiven must be repaid in quarterly payments beginning on June 30, 2022. Interest rates shall be set by the Secretary of the Treasury based on the credit strength of the recipient, using the same pricing as the Municipal Lending Facility of the Federal Reserve. Loans will be automatically forgiven for local governments with populations of less than 250,000 and counties with populations of less than 500,000. Through no fault of their own, state and local governments face significant challenges because of the COVID-19 pandemic and Congress has an obligation to support those in need. This pandemic did not create Illinois' financial mess; however, it emphasized the long-term challenges that Illinois and other states face for failing to implement sound budget policy, said Rep. LaHood. For decades, politicians in Springfield have kicked the can down the road on addressing Illinois' fiscal crisis, exploding the state's $140 billion in unfunded pension liability and piling up these problems on the backs of hardworking taxpayers. Illinois shouldn't get a blank check to bail out decades of failing to do what most responsible adults can: spend less than you earn and save for a rainy day. The Taxpayer Protection Act will ensure American taxpayers aren't on the hook for financial problems they did not create, help those in need, and can help chart a path for a better future in Illi… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://bost.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-passes-bost-provision-veterans-bill | HOUSE PASSES BOST PROVISION IN VETERANS BILL | 2020-09-23 | 2020 | 2020-09 | Republican | Senate | IL | Mike Bost | B001295 | bost.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. The U.S. House of Representatives today passed H.R. 5245, the SHIELD for Veterans Act, which includes a provision introduced by Representative Mike Bost (IL-12) requiring the VA to allow veterans to remove dependents using its eBenefits portal. This will help ensure veterans do not have a debt to the VA because they were overpaid for dependent benefits. Our nation's veterans risked all for this country, said Bost. They should not be penalized for inefficiencies on the part of the VA. If you can add a dependent through the VA's online system, then it only makes sense that you can remove one online as well. I'm pleased that the House passed this common-sense bill that will help save veterans' time, money, and the headache that comes with dealing with this inefficient system. Currently, veterans are required to notify the VA either via phone or mail that they need to remove a dependent from their benefits; however, they are allowed to use the eBenefits portal to add a dependent to their benefits. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lahood.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/lahood-announces-justice-assistance-grant-award-quincy | LaHood Announces Justice Assistance Grant Award for Quincy | 2020-09-23 | 2020 | 2020-09 | Republican | Senate | IL | Darin LaHood | L000585 | lahood.house.gov | legacy | QUINCY, IL Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-18) announced today that the U.S. Justice Department awarded the City of Quincy a $15,639 grant award to support local law enforcement. The award was provided through the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program. Law enforcement do incredible work to protect and serve residents in Quincy and Adams County, said Rep. LaHood. This important funding from the Department of Justice will help support critical law enforcement training programs and provide resources Quincy law enforcement officials need. I am proud to support the Byrne JAG Program and applaud the Trump Administration in their efforts to support law enforcement in west-central Illinois. In Quincy, we have excellent law enforcement officials that work tirelessly to keep our community safe, added Quincy Mayor Kyle Moore. Investing in our local law enforcement will provide important resources to our community to keep residents safe and police prepared. I want to thank Congressman LaHood for his efforts to support law enforcement in our community and look forward to our continued work together. Background: The Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program allows states and units of local government, including tribes, to support a broad range of activities to prevent and control crime based on their own state and local needs and conditions. Grant funds can be used for state and local initiatives, technical assistance, training, personnel, equipment, supplies, contractual support, and information systems for criminal justice, including for any one or more of the following program areas: 1) law enforcement programs; 2) prosecution and court programs; 3) prevention and education programs; 4) corrections and community corrections programs; 5) drug treatment and enforcement programs; 6) planning, evaluation, and technology improvement programs; and 7) crime victim and witness programs (other than compensation) and 8) mental health programs and related law enforcement and corrections progra… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lahood.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/lahood-announces-usda-funding-sangamon-county-rural-development | LaHood Announces USDA Funding for Sangamon County Rural Development | 2020-09-23 | 2020 | 2020-09 | Republican | Senate | IL | Darin LaHood | L000585 | lahood.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-18) today announced that the Village of Riverton and the United Regional Water Cooperative both received federal funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to support waste-water treatment system updates and construction of a water treatment plant in Sangamon County. The Village of Riverton received a $2,407,000 loan and the United Regional Water Cooperative received a $1,770,000 loan and a $1,430,000 grant. This investment in our water infrastructure will ensure that Sangamon County residents have access to clean water improving public health and strengthening economic development, said Rep. LaHood. This important funding will provide support to continue work on wastewater management systems in Sangamon County. I applaud Secretary Sonny Perdue and the Trump Administration for their support of central Illinois and our rural communities. The Village of Riverton would like to thank Congressman Darin Lahood and the staff with the USDA Rural Loan Department in Jacksonville, Il, for their support and help navigating through the loan process. These funds will help us improve our sewer system along with adding new lines for the development of new businesses in the Village of Riverton. These projects would not be possible without the support of Congressman Lahood and his staff, added Village of Riverton President/Mayor Tom Rader. Upgrading the infrastructure that delivers safe drinking water and modern wastewater management facilities will improve public health and drive economic development in our small towns and cities, Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Bette Brand said. Under the leadership of President Trump and Agriculture Secretary Perdue, USDA is a strong partner with rural communities, because we know that when rural America thrives, all of America thrives. Background: The Village of RivertonLoan of $2,407,000 This Rural Development investment will be used to provide waste-water treatment system updates for the Village of Riverton. The existin… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lahood.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/lahood-announces-758920-grant-award-center-prevention-abuse | LaHood Announces $758,920 Grant Award for Center for Prevention of Abuse | 2020-09-22 | 2020 | 2020-09 | Republican | Senate | IL | Darin LaHood | L000585 | lahood.house.gov | legacy | PEORIA, IL Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-18) today announced that the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) awarded the Center for Prevention of Abuse in Peoria a $758,920 grant award to expand and strengthen victim service programs for survivors of human trafficking and bolster the Central Illinois Human Trafficking Task Force. The funding was awarded through the DOJ's Enhanced Collaborative Model Task Force to Combat Human Trafficking. The Center for Prevention of Abuse does incredible work as a lead advocate in central Illinois to support survivors of abuse and human trafficking, said Rep. LaHood. This important DOJ funding will help strengthen existing programs to raise awareness for human trafficking, coordinate data collection and a reporting system to track victims and support the Central Illinois Human Trafficking Task Force. I am grateful to the DOJ for recognizing and supporting the important efforts the Center for Prevention of Abuse is taking to help combat human trafficking in central and southern Illinois. As the lead victim-service agency in the Central Illinois Human Trafficking Task Force, we are proud at the Center for Prevention of Abuse to receive this three-year grant that will help us expand our good work, providing trauma-informed and comprehensive services for survivors of both labor and sex trafficking, as well as fund important education, prevention efforts, and crucial partnerships, said Carol Merna, CEO at the Center for Prevention of Abuse. Since we opened our Human Trafficking Services department in 2018, we've provided free and confidential services to more than 75 survivors, 88% of whom are from Central Illinois. The National Human Trafficking Hotline ranks Illinois in the top ten for trafficking in the United States and we thank Congressman LaHood for his continued support of anti-trafficking efforts in the 18thCongressional District. Rep. LaHood has been a strong voice in the fight to combat human trafficking. Since being elected to Congress, he has held three human trafficking roundt… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lahood.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/lahood-davis-announce-introduce-legislation-raise-police-salaries-hire | LaHood, Davis Announce to Introduce Legislation to Raise Police Salaries, Hire More Police Officers | 2020-09-18 | 2020 | 2020-09 | Republican | Senate | IL | Darin LaHood | L000585 | lahood.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Next week, U.S. Representatives Darin LaHood (IL-18) and Rodney Davis (IL-13) will introduce the David Dorn Back the Blue Act in the House to raise police officer salaries and hire more police officers. Last week, Congressman LaHood visited Quincy Illinois to sign Heritage Action's Police Pledge and commit his support to law enforcement. As a federal prosecutor, I spent countless hours with law enforcement officials who do heroic work, day-in-and-day-out, to protect and serve our communities in central and west-central Illinois, said Rep. LaHood.It's disappointing that some politicians and big-city mayors have sought to undermine the ability of our law enforcement to protect and serve in recent months. I am proud to join Congressman Rodney Davis to introduce the David Dorn Back the Blue Act because I see firsthand the sacrifices the men and women who button up the blue uniform make to keep Illinoisans safe. To Illinois police officers: I support you and will always have your back in Congress. I'm proud to support the men and women of law enforcement in Congress, said Rep. Davis. They have a tough job, and we should be doing everything we can to support them. We can start by increasing funding for law enforcement and making sure they have the resources they need to do their jobs and keep our communities safe. We should also reject calls from some Democrats who want to defund the police.' It's one of the most dangerous ideas I've ever heard. I wouldn't be alive today if it weren't for the brave actions of two Capitol Police officers who ran towards gunfire. That's why Rep. LaHood and I will introduce legislation on this issue in the House - to stand with and support law enforcement officers in Illinois and across the country. Illinois law enforcement associations representing officers, chiefs of police, and sheriffs released the following joint statement in support of the David Dorn Back the Blue Act: At a time when the men and women of law enforcement are under attack and at risk of losing critic… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://shimkus.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/shimkus-welcomes-safety-grants-for-area-school-districts | Shimkus Welcomes Safety Grants for Area School Districts | 2020-09-16 | 2020 | 2020-09 | Republican | Senate | IL | John Shimkus | S000364 | shimkus.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON Congressman John Shimkus (R, Illinois-15) is congratulating two local school districts for securing grants to improve school safety from the Department of Justice's Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) School Violence Prevention Program. Johnson County's Vienna High School District is receiving $375,000, and Wabash CUSD #348 has $21,248 headed its way. The School Violence Prevention Program provides up to 75% funding for safety measures in and around primary and secondary schools and school grounds. "These are competitive grants, and 502 applications were received, Shimkus noted. The submissions from Vienna and Wabash were two of only 160 that were approved. It is quite an achievement, and I salute those who worked on them." Applicants were required to submit a project description and a budget narrative. The description addressed current school safety and planning efforts, the funding request and its integration, an implementation plan and its management, plus a sustainability plan. The budget narrative detailed how the requested items would be used in implementing the proposed project. In a related move, the COPS Office School Safety Working Group, which includes representatives from eight national law enforcement organizations, has published Ten Essential Actions to Improve School Safety, which can be accessed by anyone online. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z |
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