url,title,date,year,month,party,chamber,state,member_name,bioguide_id,domain,scraper,source,date_source,text,has_text,collected_at,updated_at https://bost.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/get-latest-southern-illinois-flooding-here,"Get the Latest on the Southern Illinois Flooding, HERE.",2015-12-30,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,IL,Mike Bost,B001295,bost.house.gov,,,legacy,"Because I want to do everything I can to provide Southern Illinoisans with the resources they need should this flood damage or destroy property, I am providing residents with the following links for up-to-date information concerning the Flood of 2015. For a list of available Red Cross shelters should you need to evacuate your home or business, clickHERE. For a list of the latestroad closings throughout Southern Illinois, click HERE. Most importantly, please DO NOT attempt to drive your car into a high water area. We have already seen tragedy associated with residents trying to cross roadways in order to get to higher elevations. If you have any questions, please contact my office in Belleville at (618) 233-8026 or in Carbondale at (618) 457-5787. The most important thing you can do is pray for our residents, first responders and all those directly impacted by this flooding. Thank you. Mike. Our next stop was Alexander County where we talked to workers and local officials at the county highway garage in Olive Branch. I'm continuing our tour of areas in the 12th District most prone to flooding or that have already seen flooding. We're now in Grand Tower, one of the areas that may see some of the worst flooding, talking with residents and officials in that community. We've had wonderful response and communication from the Army Corps of Engineers. With me addressing questions from residents and officials in Grand Tower is Major General Michael Wehr. A critical part of getting needed information out to our residents is the local media and I thank them for doing, just that. Reporters from WSIL TV 3 and KFVS TV 12 were here, talking to residents and us about the latest flooding information to pass on to their viewers. Thank you for helping Southern Illinoisans stay informed! In Alton, dozens of volunteers helped place sandbags ahead of where water is expected to rise. Mayor Brant Walker told me flooding was expected in the basements of the downtown business district but they are preparing for the worst. We also met with officials from FEMA as we continue communication with all the federal, state and local agencies involved to work together in helping our Southern Illinoisans. As I continue to tour the areas of the District impacted by the flooding, I stopped in Alton to talk with Mayor Brant Walker. Alton is along the Mississippi River in Madison County and is about 15 miles north of St. Louis. It's been an amazing experience seeing Southern Illinoisans coming out to help their neighbors, even though many have never met. I was touched to see members of the Civic Memorial High School football team in Bethalto come to Alton to help fill sand bags. The Southern Illinois spirit is strong as we help each other! If you get a chance, please share this photo to let others know what these young men did for their community! Please continue to pray for all those impacted by this severe flooding from our residents to our local businesses and our first responders. The response of Southern Illinoisans to help their neighbors has been overwhelming. If you need to move to a shelter, here's a site that will provide you with that information. Just click on the state of Illinois and look to the right of the screen. It's there where you'll find the current list of shelters in Southern Illinois operated by the Red Cross. You can access that website, HERE. For the latest information on road closures, flood warnings and watches, you can go to a site maintained by the State of Illinois. It is updated on a regular basis. To find out more, click HERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://bost.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/find-out-more-about-2016-congressional-art-contest-here,Find out more about the 2016 Congressional Art Contest here!,2015-12-21,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,IL,Mike Bost,B001295,bost.house.gov,,,legacy,"I am writing to invite all high school students from Illinois 12th Congressional District to participate in the annual Congressional Art Competition. This year I am pleased to announce the theme for the 2016 Congressional Art Competition. It is, Southern Illinois: The Place I Call Home. As you know, the 12th Congressional District of Illinois is a unique part of America filled with memorable places, a diverse and hardworking workforce and families who take great pride in their heritage. I look forward to seeing this years submissions and learning why these young artists are proud to call Southern Illinois their home. Please watchthis videoto watch a preview of where the winning entry will be placed in the United States Capitol! Congressional Art Competition Rules and Regulations: All artwork must be two-dimensional. Each framed artwork can be no larger than 28 inches long, 28 inches wide and 4 inches deep. Artwork should not weigh more than 15 pounds. Accepted mediums for the two-dimensional artwork are as follows: Paintings: Oil, acrylics, watercolor, etc. Drawings: Colored pencil, pencil, ink, marker, pastels, charcoal Collages: Must be two dimensional Prints: Lithographs, silkscreen, block prints Mixed Media: Use of more than two mediums such as pencil, ink, watercolors, and computer-generated art photographs. Each entry must be original in concept, design and execution and may not violate U.S. copyright laws. Work must be in the original medium (not a scanned reproduction of a painting or drawing). A typed copy of the Student Information and Release Form signed by the teacher, a parent or guardian and the student must be securely attached to the back of the artwork to certify the originality of the piece. Please retain a copy for your records.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://hultgren.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/hultgren-opposes-11-trillion-omnibus-spending-bill,Hultgren Opposes $1.1 Trillion Omnibus Spending Bill,2015-12-18,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,IL,Randy Hultgren,H001059,hultgren.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC U.S. Representative Randy Hultgren (IL-14) today released a statement after opposing the omnibus appropriations bill which increases spending from previous bills above $1 trillion: My constituents put their trust in me to cut the federal debt, spend money wisely and support legislation that creates opportunity for them to succeed. This bill fails to do that. While it includes some provisions I fought for and would like to see put into law, the positives dont outweigh the overwhelming long term negatives and the many important issues that were left unresolvedand I oppose it. On the positive side, I worked hard to get equitable transportation grant funding for suburban areas, urging Chairman Shuster to work to include it, and it was. It includes parts of my legislation, the Healthy Relationships Act of 2015, and doubles funding for the Sexual Risk Avoidance program, which has been a top priority of mine. It includes funding for the cleanup of contaminated sites, including the thorium contamination in West Chicago. It reforms the Visa Waiver Program to help prevent those who wish us harm from coming to our shores. However, we can get many of these policy provisions without spending well above previous spending caps for no discernible reason. Increasing the deficit by $57.6 billion without taking aim at our outrageously high debt is irresponsible. Our national debt cannot and should not take yet another hit. We shouldnt fund the rest of President Obamas agenda at the expense of future generations. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://kinzinger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399276,Kinzinger Statement on House Passage of the Consolidated Appropriations Act,2015-12-18,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,IL,Adam Kinzinger,K000378,kinzinger.house.gov,,,legacy,"Kinzinger Statement on House Passage of the Consolidated Appropriations Act f t # e Washington, December 18, 2015 Congressman Adam Kinzinger statement regarding House passage of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, also known as the Omnibus, which represents a bipartisan compromise that includes a significant number of wins for Republican priorities. share: f t WASHINGTON Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) released the following statement regarding House passage of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, also known as the Omnibus, which represents a bipartisan compromise that includes a significant number of wins for Republican priorities:The threat of large-scale terror attacks like Paris from happening on our shores is real. If we expect our military to be ready to confront this threat and do whatever is necessary to ensure we achieve our stated objective of eliminating ISIS once and for all, we must ensure they have the resources they need. Today the House passed a bill which does just that by fully funding our military, while also putting stricter security mechanisms in place to ensure terrorists arent able to exploit our countrys refugee process. Todays bill also includes several important provisions that will benefit all the people of Illinois, including lifting the ban on exporting oil and repealing the Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) requirements that would hurt our farmers, small businesses, and suppliers."" The Consolidated Appropriations Act: Repeals the antiquated oil export ban. This provision would end the 1975 ban on the export of American oil. Domestic energy production is booming in the United States, and lifting the ban will help create jobs, grow our economy, and promote greater exploration of our natural resources. Increases resources for our military. The arbitrary spending cuts in the sequester have depleted the resources our armed forces need to carry out their mission. This bill restores funding for our military to ensure our troops can confront todays challenges and defeat ISIL. Strengthens the Visa Waiver Program to protect the homeland. The Visa Waiver Program presents one of the most urgent threats to our homeland from radical Islamic terrorism. This agreement includes the House-passed bill to tighten the security requirements under the program. It would also deny visa waiver status to any individual who has traveled to certain terrorist hotspots, including Syria and Iraq, in the last five years. Prohibits new funding for Obamacare. The bill contains no new funding for Obamacare and continues to prevent a taxpayer bailout of Obamacares risk corridor program. Prevents the transfer of Guantanamo detainees to American soil. The bill prohibits funds from being used to transfer terrorist detainees from Guantanamo Bay to the United States, and prohibits the construction or acquisition of a facility in the U.S. to house detainees. Blocks EPA overreach. The bill contains no funding for new or expanded EPA programs, holding the agency to its lowest funding levels since 2008 and its lowest staffing levels since 1989. Reins in the IRS. The IRS continues to act with impunity against the interests of hardworking taxpayers. This bill freezes most IRS operations and maintains budget cuts necessary to ensure this agency roots out wasteful spending and redirects resources to serving the American people. In addition, the tax extenders package also includes a measure to prohibit the IRS from unfairly imposing the gift tax on contributions to non-profit groups, which have historically been exempt, to encourage donations to these important organizations. Maintains strong protections for life. This bill maintains important pro-life provisions, including the Hyde Amendment, and prohibits taxpayer funding for abortion. It also includes a new prohibition on gene editing and cuts funding for a program involved in abortion-related activities, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), by 7 percent. Honors our commitment to our veterans. This bill ensures our veterans receive their much-deserved health benefits, speeds up VA claims processing, prioritizes modernizing the VAs electronic health care record system, and tightens oversight of construction projects. Provides critical healthcare benefits for 9/11 first responders. More than 30,000 first responders continue to suffer from injuries or illnesses sustained during the 9/11 attacks. The bill contains a bipartisan measure to permanently reauthorize critical health care benefits for these brave men and womenand it does so in a fiscally responsible way. Repeals harmful labeling requirements on American meat. The bill repeals mandatory country-of-origin labeling (COOL) requirements, ensuring that our economy does not suffer more than $1 billion in trade penalties.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://bost.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/bost-votes-bipartisan-funding-bill,Bost Votes for Bipartisan Funding Bill,2015-12-18,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,IL,Mike Bost,B001295,bost.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, Rep. Mike Bost (IL-12) voted for a year-end funding package that will keep the federal government operating for the next fiscal year. The bipartisan legislation which passed the House by an overwhelming 316-113 margin tightens restrictions on the Visa Waiver Program, funds national security priorities, extends vital tax relief, blocks EPA overreach, and lifts a 40-year-old ban on crude oil exports. While this legislation may not have included everything we wanted, it does make significant reforms that are win-wins for Southern Illinois, said Rep. Bost. Now that weve come together to provide long-term certainty for our military members, small businesses, and hardworking families in Southern Illinois, we can now redouble our efforts on the important initiatives that were not included in this bill and hopefully make progress there as well. 2016 Omnibus Appropriations Bill for Southern Illinois: Strengthening National Security: Strengthens national security by tightening requirements under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) and increases funds so that our troops have the resources they need to confront more radical and more complex enemies; and Ensures Scott Air Force Base and other military installations receive the funding they need to keep America safe. Spurring Economic Growth: Lifts the governments 40-year-old ban on crude oil exports which will encourage investment, spur innovation, at create jobs here at home; Permanently extends vital tax relief for Southern Illinoisans and allows for inflation in 2016; Prevents a taxpayer bailout of Obamacares risk corridors program and reduces Obamacare tax burdens on hardworking Americans; and Extends bonus depreciation treatment for property through 2019, which is extremely important for job creation and economic growth in the nations agricultural and manufacturing sectors. Reining In Executive Overreach: Stops the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) from suppressing free speech by interfering with the civic participation of non-profit organizations; and Rejects funding for new or expanded EPA programs that let top-down bureaucrats pick winners and losers and holds the agency to its lowest spending levels since 2008.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398887,Davis Votes to Fund Government and Strengthen National Defense,2015-12-18,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,IL,Rodney Davis,D000619,rodneydavis.house.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) today released the following statement after the House passed a bill to fund the government through the next fiscal year and provide millions of Americans with tax relief:In an increasingly dangerous world, it is irresponsible for us to continue arbitrary sequester cuts which are depleting our military and failing to provide adequate resources for our armed forces to carry out their mission abroad. This bill strengthens our military and secures our visa waiver program to help prevent terrorists from entering our country. While I believe Congress must get out of the habit of passing massive, year-end spending bills and instead return to regular order where we can sensibly reduce spending, it is imperative that we adhere to our constitutional responsibility and fund the government. We cannot lose sight of the fact that Republicans in Congress have forced our government to be more fiscally responsible cutting $176 billion in discretionary spending since 2010 and making long-term, structural reforms to entitlement programs which drive our debt. This bill continues this commitment to reducing our nation's debt and puts us on track to save taxpayers $2 trillion in the coming years. Additionally, this agreement contains several priorities important to the 13th District including: Spending Reductions Continues the fiscal responsibility set under the Budget Control Act of 2011. Although this bill removes the arbitrary cuts made to our military under sequestration and instead provides the necessary funding to our troops, it continues to spend at levels set under the Budget Control Act by making significant reforms to mandatory spending. National Security Increases resources for our military. Restores necessary funding for our military to ensure our troops can confront today's challenges and defeat ISIL. Strengthens the Visa Waiver Program to protect the homeland. This agreement includes the House-passed bill (H.R. 158) to tighten the security requirements under the program and deny visa waiver status to any individual who has traveled to certain terrorist hotspots, including Syria, Iraq, and Iran, in the last five years. Additional funds for Boeing-made combat jets. The agreement provides additional funding for F/18 Super Hornets and E/A-18G Growlers built by Boeing in St. Louis area to aid in military defense. Prohibits transfer of Guantanamo Bay detainees. The agreement prohibits funds from being used to transfer terrorist detainees from Guantanamo Bay to the United States, and prohibits the construction or acquisition of a facility in the U.S. to house detainees. Work Colleges Helps students at Work Colleges like Blackburn College. The agreement includes H.R. 3409, the Work Colleges Tax Relief Act, legislation sponsored by Davis and Rep. Jason Smith (R-Mo.), to allow students to earn tax-free work based scholarships at Work Colleges. Obamacare Delays harmful Obamacare taxes. This agreement delays for two years the poorly designed Obamacare Cadillac taxa 40 percent excise tax on high cost employer health plans and the tax on medical devices which destroys jobs, hampers investment and innovation, and threatens the development of and access to medical technology that Americans relay on. Stops the Health Insurance Tax. The agreement puts a one-year moratorium on the Health Insurance Tax, which drives up health care premiums. Transportation Continues funding for TIGER grants critical for projects in Illinois. TIGER grants are competitive grants that have been used for major transportation projects in Illinois, including projects in Springfield, Normal, and Champaign in the 13th District. This agreement keeps in place $500 million for competitive grants used for infrastructure investments across the country. Eligible projects include highway, bridge, passenger and freight rail, transit and port projects. Increases funding and public-private partnership work on our waterways. This agreement includes more funding for the Army Corps to complete projects critical to improving the Mississippi and Illinois rivers. Additionally, it directs the Army Corp to start six new construction starts, and one must use the public-private partnership model, which is based on a provision authored by Davis the Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2014. This agreement offers a cost effective and bipartisan solution to addressing our Nation's backlog of water infrastructure projects. Agriculture Repeals the Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) requirements. This agreement repeals the country-of-origin labeling rules for beef and pork. Back in June, the House overwhelmingly passed language to repeal mandatory COOL for products challenged by our trading partners. This provision puts us back in compliance with our World Trade Organization (WTO) obligations, avoid more than $1 billion retaliatory tariffs against U.S. exports from Canada and Mexico, and prevent damages to our relationships with two of our top trade partners. Makes critical tax credits for farmers permanent. This agreement makes Sect. 179, Small Business deduction for capital expenses, including farm equipment like tractors, permanent. This provision allows farmers and small businesses to write off capital purchases immediately. Provides more funding for vital agriculture research at land-grant universities such as the University of Illinois. Funding provided in this agreement to help stop and mitigate devastating crop diseases, improve food safety and water quality, and address issues related to drought, invasive species, and animal health. Energy Lifts the Oil Export Ban. The non-partisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates this will bring in an additional $1.4 billion over 10 years by incentivizing American energy producers to develop and export more of our nation's oil resources. Includes language seeks to stop an Obama Administration that would devastate Illinois coal and mining jobs across the country. This agreement requires the Office of Surface Mining (OSM) to work with states before finalizing the Stream Buffer Zone rule. This new rule would have a devastating impact on coal mining across this country. OSM's own analysis estimates that it will result in a loss of nearly 7,000, or nearly 9% of the more than 80,000 coal mining jobs in the United States. IRS Curtails IRS funding and authority. This agreement freezes most IRS operations and maintains budget cuts and prohibits the IRS from targeting groups based on their ideological beliefs. EPA Reins in the EPA. This agreement keeps the EPA at its lowest funding levels since 2008 and lowest staffing since 1989 and prevents funds for new or expanded regulatory programs. 9/11 First Responders Permanently reauthorizes the health care program for 9/11 first responders. This bill includes H.R. 1786, the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Reauthorization Act, which Davis is a cosponsor. Veterans Provides funding for the care our veterans need and deserve. This agreement provides funding to speed up VA claims processing, prioritizes modernizing the VA's electronic health care record system, and strengthens oversight of VA construction projects. Medical Research Increasing funding for life-saving medical research. This bill provides $32 billion for the National Institute for Health, which is an increase over FY 2015 funding levels",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://hultgren.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/house-passes-permanent-tax-relief-for-individuals-and-businesses,House Passes Permanent Tax Relief for Individuals and Businesses,2015-12-17,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,IL,Randy Hultgren,H001059,hultgren.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC U.S. Representative Randy Hultgren (IL-14) today supported House passage of the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act, a combination of permanent and temporary extensions of tax relief for American individuals and businesses. In addition, the legislation includes important reforms to rein in the IRs and prevent fraud and abuse in the tax system. Every December, Americans worry whether they will face staggering tax hikes that will harm their families and their businesses. The PATH Act creates certainty, helps grow the economy, reins in the IRS, and signals a path forward toward real tax reform, said Rep. Hultgren. The bill ensures our small business can continue to expense equipment purchases, and provides teachers tax relief when purchasing classroom items. As we celebrate the Christmas season, it encourages charitable giving. It prevents harmful taxes on medical devices, and ensures Chicagoland residents using public transit can receive the same benefits as those who drive. Overall, this bill includes many policies I have supported that will be beneficial to Illinois and the nation. I look forward to Speaker Ryan employing his expertise in tax policy to pursue comprehensive and lasting tax reform in the future. The PATH Act includes important permanent and short-term extensions, including: PERMANENT extensions of the following policies: R&D credit:With a permanent research credit, business would have greater certainty when committing to investments in research and development. Code section 179 expensing:Immediate expensing helps cyclical businesses, especially farms, to invest in new property and equipment in profitable years, which averages out against the leaner years when cash flow is not as available to make such investments. State and local sales tax deduction Charitable Tax Policies, including The Fighting Hunger Incentive Act, The Permanent IRA Charitable Contribution Act, and The Conservation Easement Incentive Act of 2015. Active financing exemption 15-year recovery for leasehold and restaurant improvements Charitable contributions of S corporations 5-year recognition period for S corporation built-in-gains Deduction for teacher classroom expenses Temporary American Opportunity Tax Credit (a credit for qualified education expenses paid for an eligible student for the first four years of higher education) is made permanent Temporary changes to the Earned Income Tax Credit (reducing marriage penalties and assisting families with three or more children) are made permanent Temporary expansions of the Child Tax Credit (expanding refundability for low-wage workers) are made permanent 100 percent exclusion for small business stock Mass transit parity Employer wage credit for active duty military (includes expansion for all employers) Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (9% credit made permanent and military housing allowance) FIVE-YEAR extensions of the following policies: Bonus depreciation (50% for 2015-17, 40% in 2018, 30% in 2019) International tax relief: Controlled foreign corporation look-through rule The New Markets Tax Credit The Work Opportunity Tax Credit TWO-YEAR extensions of the following policies: Exclusion of discharged mortgage debt relief from gross income (modified) Mortgage insurance premiums treated as qualified residence interest Above the line deduction for qualified tuition and related expenses Indian Employment Tax Credit Railroad Track Maintenance Credit (modified) Mine Rescue Team Training Credit Qualified Zone Academy Bonds Race horses: 3-year recovery period Motorsports complexes; 7-year recovery period Accelerated depreciation for business property on Indian reservations (modified) Election to expense mine safety equipment Film and television expensing (modified) Section 199 deduction for activities in Puerto Rico Empowerment Zone tax incentives (modified) Temporary increase in rum cover over American Samoa economic development credit Nonbusiness energy property credit Alternative fuel vehicle refueling property credit 2-wheeled plug-in electric motor credit Second generation biofuel producer credit Biodiesel and renewable diesel incentives credit Indian Coal Production Tax Credit (modified) Credit for facilities producing energy from certain renewable resources Credit for energy-efficient new homes Special allowance for second generation biofuel plant property Energy efficient commercial buildings deduction Special rule for sales or dispositions to implement FERC or State electric restructuring policy for qualified electric utilities Credits relating to alternative fuels Credit for new qualified fuel cell motor vehicles Medical device tax moratorium ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://hultgren.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/hultgren-honors-mchenry-army-pilot-kevin-weiss-killed-in-training,"Hultgren Honors McHenry Army Pilot Kevin Weiss, Killed in Training",2015-12-17,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,IL,Randy Hultgren,H001059,hultgren.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC U.S. Representative Randy Hultgren (IL-14) today honored Chief Warrant Officer 2 Kevin Mose Weiss of McHenry County on the House floor who was killed in a helicopter training accident on December 2nd. (Click picture for video) Rep. Hultgren delivered the following prepared remarks: I rise today to honor Chief Warrant Officer 2 Kevin Mose Weiss of McHenry County, a U.S. Army helicopter pilot who lost his life in service to our nation. Returning to duty just after Thanksgiving, Weiss and his co-pilot were flying a routine training exercise out of Fort Campbell in Kentucky on December 2nd when the helicopter they were piloting went down, killing both men in the crash. Weiss dreamed of joining his WWII veteran grandfather in flying as a pilot for his country, and was known by his grandfathers nickname, Mose. Weiss was an avid outdoorsman and served our nation overseas, flying a tour of duty in Afghanistan and earning numerous commendations and decorations. Growing up through McHenry public schools, homeschooling, and then Christian Liberty Academy, Weiss met his wife, Beth, through the youth program, Awana. Weiss leaves behind his wife and two children, Lucas and Susan, and extended family and friends. They remember him as brave from a young age, a shoulder to lean on in difficult times, and a caring and loving brother, husband and father. The family Christmas celebration will be muted this year, but we are forever grateful for Moses service and sacrifice. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://kinzinger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399274,Congressman Adam Kinzinger Holds Agriculture Advisory Committee Meeting,2015-12-17,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,IL,Adam Kinzinger,K000378,kinzinger.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R-Channahon) held his semiannual meeting with the Illinois 16th District Agriculture Advisory Committee on Monday evening to discuss policy issues important to the agriculture community. The Committee was formed in 2013 as a proactive partnership to address agriculture issues on both the local and national level. Many topics were discussed including crop insurance, excessive government regulation, and healthcare. I always enjoy hosting these meetings with the Agriculture Advisory Committee and the discussion generated helps inform my decisions in Washington D.C., said Kinzinger. Agriculture is a major economic driver for the Illinois 16th Congressional District, and Washington needs to empower our agriculture community and allow them to do what they do best: produce food not only for the U.S. but also globally. Monty Whipple, LaSalle County Farm Bureau President, was present for the meeting. ""I really appreciate the Congressman's interest in the number one industry in Illinois, agriculture. He realizes the importance farming and agriculture play in the total United States economy, said Whipple. Congressman Kinzinger has represented rural America well, and maintains his desire to be on top of what needs to be done from a legislative perspective to help our American farmers and agri-businesses. He takes the personal time to relate to us on a one to one basis to learn firsthand of our issues."" Jim Schielein, another member of the Agriculture Advisory Committee and Lee County Farm Bureau member, was also present for Thursdays meeting. ""It is a joy to have a Congressman like Adamwho is truly willing to listen and understand the issues facing Agriculture and the entire 16th Congressional District. We talked through many issues in the time we were together."" At the end of the evening, the Will County Farm Bureau presented Congressman Kinzinger with their Agriculture Support Award for the work he has done to promote and protect Agriculture in the 16th District. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://kinzinger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399275,Kinzinger Votes to Prevent Tax Increase on Taxpayers and Small Businesses,2015-12-17,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,IL,Adam Kinzinger,K000378,kinzinger.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) applauded House passage of H.R. 2029, the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act, a tax extenders package that will have permanent effects. share: f t WASHINGTON Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) applauded House passage of H.R. 2029, the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act, a tax extenders package that will have permanent effects. The Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act makes permanent critical tax policies will provide significant tax relief not only for hardworking taxpayers, but for businesses and job creators right here in Illinois, said Congressman Kinzinger. More permanence in our tax code will ensure the predictability, clarity, and certainty that is necessary for employers to plan ahead, hire new workers, grow their businesses and invest in the communities. The provisions in this bill will prevent a significant immediate tax increase on millions of Americans. And in years to come, individual Americans and U.S. businesses will no longer have to worry if Congress will take action to extend important tax relief policies like allowing State sales tax deductions; providing small business tax relief - including increasedsmall business expensing; and offering incentives for innovation- including the research and development tax credit. Research and Development Credit: This bill permanently extends the research and development tax credit. Additionally, beginning in 2016, small businesses may claim credit against alternative minimum tax (AMT) liability and the credit can be utilized by startups against the employers payroll tax liability. Small Business Expensing: It permanently extends Section 179 of the tax code regarding the small business expensing limitation and phase-out amounts. Under this bill, they are set at $500,000 and $2 million respectively and indexes these limits to inflation. Without extension, the limits have fallen to $25,000 and $200,000 respectively. Commercial Building Depreciation: The bill provides a shorter recovery period for qualified leasehold property, qualified restaurant property, and qualified retail improvement property. It provides a 15-year straight-line cost recovery period for leasehold improvements, restaurant buildings and improvements, and retail improvements, rather than a 39-year period. Military Differential Pay: Expands and extends the 20-percent employer wage credit for employees called to active military duty. Beginning in 2016, all employers will be eligible.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://lahood.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/lahood-votes-prevent-tax-increase-hardworking-americans,LaHood Votes to Prevent Tax Increase on Hardworking Americans,2015-12-17,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,IL,Darin LaHood,L000585,lahood.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington D.C.Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-18) voted today in favor of theProtecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act.This common sense legislation protects hard working families, farmers and small business owners from end of the year tax increases and provides them with more certainty when doing their taxes. This legislation will allow the residents of the 18th Congressional district to keep more of their hard earned money rather than sending it to Washington, D.C. This bi-partisan bill passed the House of Representatives 318 108. ThePATH Actis a perfect example of the House of Representatives working together to provide more certainty for individuals and businesses by preventing a significant tax increase on millions of hard working families and farmers. Additionally, this bill will help grow our economy by delivering direct tax relief to Americas job creators, providing businesses certainty in the tax code plan, hire employees, and grow their businesses. LaHood stated. Furthermore, we have a current tax code broken and no one can understand. This bill will serve as a catalyst for comprehensive tax reform leading into next yearsomething America is in dire need of. In addition to the two and five year extension of multiple tax provisions, this legislation provides a permanent extension of the following policies: R&D credit Provides businesses, like many here in Central & West Central Illinois, an incentive to invest in research and development which drives innovation and creates jobs of the future. Code section 179 expensing Allows for immediate expensing, particularly helpful to 18th District farmers and for small businesses who invest in new property and equipment, making larger purchases more cost effective by allowing them to be deducted from their taxes over a shorter period of time. State and local sales tax deductionallows individuals who itemize their deductions to deduct state and local sales taxes in lieu of state and local income taxes. Charitable Tax Policies Includes the ability for individuals 70 years and older to exclude, for tax purposes, qualified charitable distributions from an IRA account up to $100,000. The Illinois Farm Bureau thanks Rep. LaHood for casting a vote that moves us closer to accomplishing one of our longstanding priorities, permanent, inflation-adjusted Section 179 small business expensing, added Illinois Farm Bureau president, Richard Guebert, added. This bill will make permanent several key tax provisions for agriculture and ends the annual cycle of uncertainty that stifles economic growth.The five-year extension of bonus depreciation, and extension of biofuels tax credits will no doubt create and support jobs in Illinois. Further, thePATH Actincludes a series of reforms that have previously passed the House designed to rein in the power of the IRS. This includes prohibiting IRS employees from using personal e-mail accounts for official business, requiring IRS employees to respect the taxpayer bill of rights and allows for the termination of IRS employees who take politically motivated actions against taxpayers. ### Congressman Darin LaHood proudly serves the constituents of Illinois 18th Congressional District, consisting of more than 710,000 constituents across 19 counties throughout Central and West-Central Illinois. Darin was born and raised in Central Illinois and currently resides in the Peoria area with his wife, Kristen, and their three children. To schedule an interview with Congressman LaHood, please contact J.D. Dalfonso atj.dalfonso@mail.house.govor at (309) 231-5859",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://hultgren.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/administration-puts-in-place-herculean-hurdles-for-states-to-obtain-aca,Administration Puts in Place Herculean Hurdles for States to Obtain ACA Waivers,2015-12-16,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,IL,Randy Hultgren,H001059,hultgren.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC Today the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Department of the Treasury revealed full details of the state waiver process under Section 1332 of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA). Unfortunately, the guidance builds in more barriers against state control and innovation. It maintains that states must jump through a series of legislative, budget, and coverage hoops to obtain a waiver and gives the administration significant arbitrary control to approve or deny state requests. Rep. Hultgren has introduced legislation, H.R. 3352, the State Health Care Options Act, to ease such hurdles and allow states to opt out of certain provisions of the law and pursue their own alternatives. Premiums in my home state of Illinois are expected to increase about 30 percent next year. Individuals and families are paying the price. They have limited choice of insurance providers and are facing unsustainably high monthly premiums and deductibles. ACA costs are through the roof and still rising. We must fix the situation now and stop playing politics, said Rep. Hultgren. This new guidance from the administration does nothing to allay my concerns about states inability to access ACA waivers as an important tool to innovate outside the federal governments constraints and reduce the cost of health insurance for my constituents. Most notably, the guidance reiterates that applying states must provide coverage at least as comprehensive and affordable as coverage offered under the ACA. Affordability is among the ACAs chief problems, and the laws restrictive coverage requirements all but guarantee that individuals, families, and employers are paying for coverage they do not want or need. That is why I introduced H.R. 3352, the State Health Care Options Act of 2015, said Rep. Hultgren. This legislation would give states real access to more comprehensive ACA waivers by streamlining application requirements and expanding the applicability of the waiver to the laws exchange requirements. My constituents need relief now. They shouldn't have to choose between health insurance coverage and putting food on the table and a roof over their heads. The administration is doubling down on an alreadyinaccessible andunworkable waiver that, if fixed, could be a parachute off the ACAs most burdensome provisions for states in need of better ideas, affordable markets, and more choice. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://hultgren.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/hultgren-raises-privacy-concerns-over-housing-data-collection,Hultgren Raises Privacy Concerns over Housing Data Collection,2015-12-16,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,IL,Randy Hultgren,H001059,hultgren.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC U.S. Representative Randy Hultgren (IL-14) today raised concerns with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureaus (CFPB) implementation of new reporting requirements under the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA) during a hearing of the House Financial Services Committee Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations. (Click picture to watch video) I have been troubled by all of the stories I have heard about what happens when consumer financial information gets into the wrong hands, said Rep. Hultgren at the hearing. Our government should be held to the highest standard when it comes to protecting the personal information it holds on the American people. Dr. Mark Calabria, Director of Financial Regulation Studies at the Cato Institute, testified: Even before this [rule] from what was publicly available for HMDA, you could link to courthouse records and identify individuals with that data. This is a major crisis for the whole government, said Newt Gingrich, former Speaker of the House. In the coming months, Rep. Hultgren plans to introduce legislation to protect homebuyers personal information by requiring the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct a study to determine whether the data collected under the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act could present privacy issuers for borrowers. The Bureaus implementation of the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act should be added to the long list of examples of regulatory overreach by the most unaccountable financial regulator in history, said Rep. Hultgren. The Bureau claims its extensive data collection program is intended to protect consumers, but it overlooks the governments foremost responsibility of keeping Americans safe. They should take every possible measure to protect our financial information; the simplest way is to not demand it in the first place. The Home Mortgage Disclosure Act was enacted in 1975. With the passage of Dodd-Frank, the responsibility for collecting this information was transferred from the Federal Reserve to the CFPB. The Bureau finalized a regulation on October 15, 2015, putting in place new reporting requirements that exceed those mandated by the Dodd-Frank Act. HMDA data is anonymized by the CFPB before being published on the website of the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council (FFIEC). Concerns have been raised as to how this data could be linked to other publicly available data sources to re-identify specific borrowers and their personally identifiable information. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398886,Davis Calls on President to Develop Strategy to Combat ISIS Use of Social Media,2015-12-16,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,IL,Rodney Davis,D000619,rodneydavis.house.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) today released the following statement after the House passed H.R. 3654, the Combat Terrorist Use of Social Media Act:We need a comprehensive strategy to defeat ISIS and that includes combating their ability to recruit and radicalize followers online, said Davis. Terrorist groups are increasingly using social media sites such as Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube to fundraise and encourage lone wolf attacks on free societies throughout the world. We need a strategy to battle them not only on the ground but online as well. The use of social media by terrorists to encourage and recruit individuals to commit acts of terrorism has increased in recent years. In fact, a Brookings Institution report found that at least 46,000 Twitter accounts were used by ISIS supporters between October and November of 2014 and nearly 20 percent of those accounts designated English as their primary language. H.R. 3654 requires the president to report to Congress on the U.S. strategy to combat the use of social media by terrorists and terrorist organizations. The report must be presented within 90 days and must include the following: An evaluation of what role social media plays in radicalization in the U.S. and throughout the world; An analysis of how terrorists and terrorist organizations are using social media; A summary of the federal governments efforts to disrupt and counter terrorists use of social media, an evaluation of the success of such efforts, and recommendations for improvement; An analysis of how social media is being used for counter-radicalization and counter-propaganda; and, An overview of social media training available to law enforcement and intelligence personnel, as well as recommendations for improving or expanding these training opportunities. The House continues to pass measures to strengthen our national security and protect Americans here at home. Bills passed by the House to date include: H.R. 4038, the American Security Against Foreign Enemies (SAFE) Act, H.R. 158, the Visa Waiver Improvement and Terrorist Travel Protection Act, and H.R. 4239, the Tracking Foreign Fighters in Terrorist Safe Havens Act.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://hultgren.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/hultgren-renews-call-for-house-hearing-on-faa-air-traffic-control-hiring,Hultgren Renews Call for House Hearing on FAA Air Traffic Control Hiring Procedures and Cheating Scandal,2015-12-15,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,IL,Randy Hultgren,H001059,hultgren.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC U.S. Representative Randy Hultgren (IL-14) has led a letter along with Reps. Keith Rothfus (PA-12), Patrick Murphy (FL-18), Bill Johnson (OH-06), Austin Scott (GA-08) and Don Young (AK-At-large), urging the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure to host a hearing on questionable changes the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has made in their hiring process of air traffic controllers, and on an alleged cheating scandal involving FAA employees. Key individuals impacted by the cheating scandal report that, despite repeated attempts, FAA officials conducting an internal investigation did not return calls or set up interviews with them to hear their stories and uncover the truth. In a letter to Chairman Shuster and Ranking Member DeFazio, the Members wrote: Controversy surrounding the FAAs changes to the hiring process of air traffic controllers continues to warrant congressional inquirythere are strong indications that the plan hasresult[ed] in unjust economic injury to qualified candidates and the FAAs very own Collegiate Training Institutions, a historic source of producing qualified candidates. In addition, the letter highlights a behind-the-scenes media investigation into an alleged cheating scandal, revealing that the FAA or aviation-related employees may have assisted in giving potential air traffic controller recruits special access to answers on a key admissions test to help them gain jobs within the FAA. I am deeply disturbed that the FAA would conduct two interagency investigations in response to an alleged cheating scandal affecting thousands of applicants but still not ask the hard questions about the alleged cheating. This mess has gone far enough and the inexcusable lack of clear answers on any questions surrounding the implementation of the new hiring process is unacceptable. My colleagues and I remain adamant in our demand for a hearing to be held immediately to bring in those responsible for these changes, Rep. Hultgren stated. Visit here for the full letter: https://hultgren.house.gov/sites/hultgren.house.gov/files/2015-12-14_Letter_T%26I_Committee_Call_for_FAA_Hearing.pdf. Since December of 2014, Rep. Hultgren has called for FAA officials to appear before Congress to answer for their actions. A former member of the House Subcommittee on Aviation, he has urged the House to act on his legislation,H.R. 1964, the Air Traffic Controllers Hiring Act of 2015(previously known as the SAFE TOWERS Act), to reverse the effects of the FAAs policies and restore safety and confidence to air travel. In addition, Rep. Hultgren successfully passed an amendment to H.R. 2577, the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2016, restricting funding for the use of the Biographical Assessment. The FAA is under fire following asix month investigationinto the agencys new hiring practices which for months Rep. Hultgren and his colleagues have argued caused the agency to pass over the most qualified air traffic controller candidates, such as experienced veterans, and have raised concerns of air travel safety. The investigation also uncovered the alleged cheating, which Rep. Hultgrenhas called out in the press. Illinois 14th Congressional District is home to the most air traffic controllers in Illinois. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://kinzinger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399270,Kinzinger Hosts Reception Honoring Military Academy Nominee from the Illinois 16th District,2015-12-15,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,IL,Adam Kinzinger,K000378,kinzinger.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R-Channahon) hosted his annual reception for high school students who received a nomination to attend the United States Service Academies. The reception was held at Rep. Kinzingers Ottawa District Office the evening of December 14th. Students wishing to attend one of the nations Service Academies must receive a nomination from either their Congressman, Senator, or the Vice President. Congressman Kinzinger provided 13 nominations to the Academies this year. Our nations service academies have the highest admissions standards and the nomination process is one of the first steps to becoming cadets or midshipmen. This process is very competitive and nominees must be academic leaders and leaders amongst their peers, said Congressman Kinzinger. As a Representative and a current member of the Air National Guard, I am honored to give nominations to these students, so they have the opportunity to become future leaders in our military. The nominees were selected based on their applications, test scores, extracurricular activities, letters of recommendation, and the specific requirements of each U.S. Service Academy. Potential nominees were also individually interviewed by Rep. Kinzinger. Each Service Academy will determine who will receive an appointment of admission. The majority of the nominees should receive notice of their admission by the Spring of 2016. 16th District Service Academy Nominees U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York Drew Barto of Peru Joel Bottarini of Ottawa Seamus McGettigan of Ottawa Michael Stocksdale of Dixon Christian Zarnke of Rockford U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, Colorado Hannah Cerny of Kingston Andrew Jepsen of Channahon Nicholas Kissick of Rockford Samuel Lesak of Streator Brendan Schoonover of South Beloit U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland Matthew Grushkin of Mazon Joseph McGraw of Rockford Christopher Pedersen of Malta ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://hultgren.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/hultgren-statement-on-iex-application-to-be-sec-registered-exchange,Hultgren Statement on IEX Application to be SEC Registered Exchange,2015-12-11,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,IL,Randy Hultgren,H001059,hultgren.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC U.S. Representative Randy Hultgren (IL-14) today released a statement on IEXs Form 1 Application seeking registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission as a national securities exchange: I am a champion of new technology and innovation. When considering the registration of new exchanges, the SEC must ensure our equity market structure puts investors first and maintains a transparent and fair system for all players. It is important the Commission use a judicious process and consider questions and concerns raised by all market participants before approving a new trading approach with a so-called speed bump that could broadly impact market structure and yield lasting implications for investors. I applaud IEX for thinking outside the box and putting on the table a new approach that could lead to more efficient order execution for all. New technology can equal more complexity. The SEC must be very thorough in its review. On September 22, 2015, IEXs application was made public for a 45-day public comment period. The SEC review period concludes at the end of this year and is subject to potential extension. Rep. Hultgren is a member of the House Financial Services Committee and the Subcommittee on Capital Markets and Government Sponsored Enterprises, which has jurisdiction over the Securities and Exchange Commission. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://kinzinger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399267,Congressman Kinzinger Applauds Enactment of Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement between United States and the Republic of Korea,2015-12-11,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,IL,Adam Kinzinger,K000378,kinzinger.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Kinzinger Applauds Enactment of Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement between United States and the Republic of Korea f t # e Washington, December 11, 2015 Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) praised the enactment of a new civil nuclear cooperation between the United States and the Republic of Korea (ROK). Commonly known as a 123 Agreement, the agreement ensures the ROK will adhere to and promote U.S. nonproliferation goals while supporting the significant and growing civil nuclear industry in the ROK. share: f t WASHINGTON - Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) praised the enactment of a new civil nuclear cooperation between the United States and the Republic of Korea (ROK). Commonly known as a 123 Agreement, the agreement ensures the ROK will adhere to and promote U.S. nonproliferation goals while supporting the significant and growing civil nuclear industry in the ROK. The enactment of the 123 Agreement is just the latest example of how strong a partner the Republic of Korea has become for the United States, said Congressman Kinzinger. The US-Korea bilateral relationship already includes the U.S.-Republic of Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS FTA) and our deep military cooperation on the Korean Peninsula, and this civil nuclear agreement further cements that alliance. The 123 Agreement will also boost the U.S. nuclear industry as Korea will be able to more easily export nuclear technology that includes American components. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://bost.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/bost-urges-no-action-proposed-floodway-project,Bost Urges No Action on Proposed Floodway Project,2015-12-09,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,IL,Mike Bost,B001295,bost.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.This week, Rep. Mike Bost (IL-12) sent a letter to the Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers urging a halt to the potential construction of the St. Johns Bayou and New Madrid Floodway project in Missouri. Concerns have been raised that the Missouri project could increase flood risk on the Illinois side of the river, particularly in the city of Cairo. I believe that construction of the St. Johns Bayou project could further complicate the U.S. Army Corps decision-making on a potential future activation of the floodway, especially during rapidly unfolding emergencies like the Flood of 2011, said Rep. Bost. The New Madrid Floodway was authorized and constructed to reduce water levels during periods of extreme flows down the Mississippi River and the overall system should be managed by primarily for that purpose. For this reason, I urge you to consider a recommendation of no action on the construction project. The Army Corps of Engineers is in the process of completing a Final Environmental Impact Statement on the proposed project that will determine the agencys next course of action, such as whether to not to move forward with construction.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://bost.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/bost-votes-tighten-visa-security,Bost Votes to Tighten Visa Security,2015-12-09,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,IL,Mike Bost,B001295,bost.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.On Tuesday, Rep. Mike Bost (IL-12) voted to strengthen the security of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) by supporting the bipartisan Visa Waiver Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act (H.R. 158). In a world that seemingly grows less safe by the day, this legislation addresses the vulnerabilities of the Visa Waiver Program by putting in place stronger security measures, said Rep. Bost. The bill requires participating countries to provide counterterrorism information and other critical intelligence for those who have traveled to terrorist hotspots, like Iraq and Syria. This is a common sense step forward in keeping American families safe. In order to address these vulnerabilities, the Visa Waiver Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act of 2015 will: Give the Secretary of Homeland Security the authority to suspend a countrys participation in the program if they fail to share counterterrorism information with the U.S.; Deny Visa Waiver Program status to those citizens from participating countries that have traveled to certain terrorist hotspots since 2011; Require all Visa Waiver Program countries use fraud resistant e-passports; and Allow for the suspension of high-risk countries.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://hultgren.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/hultgren-religious-freedom-is-fundamental-to-our-founding-and-our,Hultgren: Religious Freedom is Fundamental to Our Founding and Our Constitution,2015-12-08,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,IL,Randy Hultgren,H001059,hultgren.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC U.S. Representative Randy Hultgren (IL-14), Executive-Committee Member of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission and Commissioner on the Helsinki Commission, today released a statement on the ongoing discussion surrounding national security and the importance of defending the freedom of religion: In recent days, legitimate fears of national security have strayed into proposals that violate one of our most fundamental constitutional principles: freedom of religion. This foundational freedom protected by our Constitution is the basis of our society and inherent to human dignity. Singling out any faith community for the actions of extremists is not conservative, it is hostile to our founding, it would never pass Congress and it is a distraction from our efforts to truly increase the security of our nation. Terrorism must be fought head-on with strong but smart and constitutional methods. We must refocus our efforts on finding and plugging the gaps in our security measures, while ensuring we remain a refuge for those fleeing persecution of all kinds. As an Executive-Committee Member of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, Commissioner on the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (Helsinki Commission) and Commissioner on the Congressional-Executive Commission on China, Rep. Hultgren has fought repeatedly to defend the freedom of religion and belief, including: In his latest effort to tighten national security, today Rep. Hultgren supported House passage of H.R. 158, the Visa Waver Program Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act, which closes gaps and adds additional layers of protection to the program. Click here to learn more. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://hultgren.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/hultgren-votes-to-reform-visa-waiver-program-as-responsible-security-measure,Hultgren Votes to Reform Visa Waiver Program as Responsible Security Measure,2015-12-08,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,IL,Randy Hultgren,H001059,hultgren.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC U.S. Representative Randy Hultgren (IL-14) today supported House passage (407 to 19) of H.R. 158, the Visa Waver Program Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act. The bill closes gaps and adds additional layers of protection to the program. For years, our Visa Waiver Program has allowed U.S. citizens and our key trade and tourism partners to enjoy ease of travel, contributing to economic growth and improved international relations. However, recent events have exposed vulnerabilities in the program, including failures in the sharing of counterterrorism intelligence in a timely manner, said Rep. Hultgren. This reform legislation is a responsible way to target our security weaknesses while respecting our nations fundamental principles that have made it a beacon of hope. Created in 1986, the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) allows more than 20 million people annually from 38 participating countries, ranging from Australia to the United Kingdom, to more easily travel to the United States for up to 90 days. Instead of going to a U.S. consulate or embassy, citizens of participating countries must provide detailed background information that is then screened against U.S. security systems. It is estimated that approximately 5,000 Europeans have traveled to Syria and Iraq to join ISIS, many of whom are from countries that participate in the VWP. Yet, many of these countries fail to provide the U.S. intelligence community with critical information needed to ensure those traveling under the VWP are not a threat to the United States. In order to address these vulnerabilities, the Visa Waiver Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act of 2015: Gives the Secretary of Homeland Security the authority to suspend a countrys participation in the program if they fail to share counterterrorism information with the United States. Denies Visa Waiver Program status to those citizens from participating countries that have traveled to certain terrorist hotspots since 2011. Requires all Visa Waiver Program countries use fraud resistant e-passports. Allows for the suspension of high-risk countries. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://kinzinger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399266,Kinzinger Votes to Reform Visa Waiver Program,2015-12-08,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,IL,Adam Kinzinger,K000378,kinzinger.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Adam Kinzinger voted for H.R. 158, the Visa Waiver Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act. The bipartisan legislation makes reforms to the Visa Waiver Program in light of recent terrorist attacks and concerns that security gaps in the program could make it easier for foreign fighters and terrorists to enter the United States. share: f t Congressman Adam Kinzinger voted for H.R. 158, the Visa Waiver Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act. The bipartisan legislation makes reforms to the Visa Waiver Program in light of recent terrorist attacks and concerns that security gaps in the program could make it easier for foreign fighters and terrorists to enter the United States. Having fought against radical Islamic terrorism during tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan, keeping Americans safe from harm continues to be my top priority in Congress. said Congressman Kinzinger. The bipartisan legislation will help close security gaps in the Visa Waiver Program and enforce stricter guidelines for individuals and countries to participate, further preventing terrorists from exploiting this program to harm Americans. Created in 1986, the Visa Waiver Program allows more than 20 million people annually from 38 participating countries to more easily travel to the U.S. for up to 90 days. It is estimated that approximately 5,000 Europeans have traveled to Syria and Iraq to join ISIS, many of whom are from countries that participate in the Visa Waiver Program. Many of these countries fail to provide the U.S. intelligence community with critical information needed to ensure those traveling under the Visa Waiver Program are not a threat to the United States. In order to address these vulnerabilities, the H.R. 158, the Visa Waiver Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act of 2015: Gives the Secretary of Homeland Security the authority to suspend a countrys participation in the program if they fail to share counterterrorism information with the U.S. Denies Visa Waiver Program status to those citizens from participating countries that have traveled to certain terrorist hotspots since 2011 Requires all Visa Waiver Program countries use fraud resistant e-passports Allows for the suspension of high-risk countries ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398883,Davis Votes to Strengthen National Security,2015-12-08,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,IL,Rodney Davis,D000619,rodneydavis.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) tonight released the following statement after the House passed H.R. 158, the Visa Waiver Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act by a bipartisan vote of 407-19. H.R. 158 requires dual nationals and individuals who have traveled since March 2011 to countries of concern and State Sponsors of Terrorism including Iraq, Syria, and Iran to obtain a visa before coming to the U.S. This is the second bill passed by the House to responsibly prevent terrorists from entering the U.S.The fundamental role of government is to protect the people it represents and Americans deserve to know that we are doing everything we can to keep them safe, said Davis. This bill helps prevent terrorists from being able to travel to the U.S. by securing the visa waiver program. The House will continue to pass laws to responsibly strengthen our national security but only our commander in chief can provide the leadership necessary to destroy ISIS. We need a comprehensive strategy to defeat these terrorists who seek to harm Americans. The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) allows more than 20 million people annually from 38 participating countries, including France, Britain, and Germany, to more easily travel to the U.S. for up to 90 days. Instead of going to a U.S. consulate or embassy, citizens of participating countries must provide detailed background information that is then screened against U.S. security systems. But many of these countries fail to provide critical information needed to ensure those traveling under the VWP are not a threat. It is estimated that approximately 5,000 Europeans have traveled to Syria and Iraq to join ISIS, many are from countries that participate in the VWP. In order to address these vulnerabilities, H.R. 158 makes the following changes to the VWP: Gives the Secretary of Homeland Security the authority to suspend a countrys participation in the program if they fail to share counterterrorism information with the U.S. Denies Visa Waiver Program status to those citizens from participating countries that have traveled to certain terrorist hotspots since 2011 Requires all Visa Waiver Program countries use fraud resistant e-passports Allows for the suspension of high-risk countries Last month, the House passed the American Security Against Foreign Enemies (SAFE) Act to ensure comprehensive background checks are conducted on every Syrian and Iraqi refugee seeking admittance into the U.S. The SAFE Act requires the FBI director to certify the background investigation of each refugee and then the secretary of homeland security, the FBI director, and the director of national intelligence must all certify to Congress that each refugee is not a security threat before they can be admitted to the U.S.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://hultgren.house.gov/newsroom/in-the-news/anderson-road-extension-bridge-now-open-in-elburn,"Anderson Road extension, bridge now open in Elburn",2015-12-07,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,IL,Randy Hultgren,H001059,hultgren.house.gov,,,legacy,"ELBURN A large red, white and blue ribbon was stretched across Anderson Road on Monday morning, held by officials who also carried pairs of scissors. The scene was the grand finale to the opening ceremony to mark the opening of the Anderson Road extension, which includes a bridge to cross over the Union Pacific tracks on the south side of town. Elburn officials were joined by those from Kane County, Kaneland School District 302 and Illinois and federal government at the ceremony, which took place at the intersection of Anderson Road and Prairie Valley Street, just east of Kaneland John Stewart Elementary School. Fifth-graders from the school sang the national anthem at the beginning of the ceremony. By 10:35 a.m., after speeches from Elburn Village President Dave Anderson, Kane County Board Chairman Chris Lauzen, Kane County Board member Drew Frasz and U.S. Rep. Randy Hultgren, R-Plano, the extension was open. Featuring a 45 mph speed limit, the extension allows traffic south through Keslinger Road, with access to the Metra station in Elburn. Noting the children who performed at the ceremony, Lauzen pointed out that ""by the time these children are our ages, they will already have a half-century of using this bridge."" The bridge crossing allows drivers to travel from Route 38 to Keslinger Road without having to wait for a train. In the past, officials have pointed to a study that showed 105 trains per day passed through the village.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398877,Davis Statement on Presidents Oval Office Address to the Nation,2015-12-06,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,IL,Rodney Davis,D000619,rodneydavis.house.gov,,,legacy,"Davis Statement on Presidents Oval Office Address to the Nation f t # e Washington, D.C., December 6, 2015 U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) tonight released the following statement after President Obama addressed the nation from the Oval Office:""First and foremost, my thoughts and prayers continue to be with the people impacted by the terrible tragedy in San Bernardino, California. This act of terror was yet another horrific reminder of the need to destroy ISIS. Tonight, I had hoped to hear of a stronger, more comprehensive strategy to defeat ISIS because despite the president's claim that ISIS has been contained, it is clear their reach and influence is growing. But unfortunately, what we heard tonight was much of the same. Not only do we need a plan to destroy them abroad but we also must take additional steps to protect Americans here at home. The House has passed legislation to prevent ISIS from infiltrating the refugee program and this week we will act on legislation to secure our visa-waiver program."" Last month, the House passed the American Security Against Foreign Enemies (SAFE) Act to ensure comprehensive background checks are conducted on every Syrian and Iraqi refugee seeking admittance into the U.S. The SAFE Act requires the FBI director to certify the background investigation of each refugee and then the secretary of homeland security, the FBI director, and the director of national intelligence must all certify to Congress that each refugee is not a security threat before they can be admitted to the U.S. This week, the House will vote on the Visa Waiver Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act of 2015, which requires dual nationals and individuals who have traveled since March 2011 to certain countries of concern and State Sponsors of Terrorism including Iraq, Syria, and Iran to obtain a visa before coming to the U.S. f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://hultgren.house.gov/newsroom/in-the-news/op-ed-children-deserve-a-targeted-compassionate-approach-to-health-care,"Op-ed: Children deserve a targeted, compassionate approach to health care",2015-12-03,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,IL,Randy Hultgren,H001059,hultgren.house.gov,,,legacy,"This summer an energetic 4-year-old from Illinois named Charlie and his parents came to my Washington, D.C. office to talk about Charlies rare brain disorder and the intricacies of his treatment plan and recovery. Children in Illinois like Charlie and others across the country with complex medical conditions often require care from multiple specialists, for multiple years. These childrens lives become even more complex when limited access to the specialists they need force them to bounce from state to state for care. Managing these medical visits and treatments is time consuming, and in most cases, its parents who bear the responsibility of navigating confusing treatment plans and coordinating care and health coverage across different state programs. Furthermore, the inefficiencies and redundancies in medical care come with a significant cost. While only 6 percent of children on Medicaid have complex medical conditions, they receive 40 percent of Medicaids spending on children. I support the Advancing Care for Exceptional Kids Act of 2015 (H.R. 546), or ACE Kids, because it is designed to make the lives of these precious kids and their families easier while also reducing the financial burden on Medicaid. ACE Kids gives states the option to create a Medicaid Childrens Care Coordination (MCCC) program, which will allow for the establishment of networks to coordinate care and share data among medical facilities, even in different states. This will ensure children with complex health problems are getting the care they require, in a way that is patient-centered and properly coordinated to improve health, eliminate redundancy and reduce costsan estimated $13 billion in its first 10 years. The ACE Kids Act, if passed, will not act as a directive from the federal government. This bill is another step in the movement toward state autonomy in health care. Through ACE Kids, states like Illinois will have the option to create an MCCC system optimized to work best for the children who live there. Participation in ACE Kids is optional not only for states, but also for families and for providers, so the bill improves freedom of choice for everyone involved. Our childrenCharlie and the millions like himdeserve a targeted, compassionate approach to their health care that removes barriers, streamlines services, and drives down costs for their families and the states in which they live. The ACE Kids Act can help get us there, and I urge my colleagues to support this bill. Randy Hultgren represents Illinois 14th Congressional District and is member of the Science, Space and Technology Committee.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://hultgren.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/hultgren-supports-final-highway-bill,Hultgren Supports Final Highway Bill,2015-12-03,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,IL,Randy Hultgren,H001059,hultgren.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC U.S. Representative Randy Hultgren (IL-14) today supported House passage (359-65) of the Conference Report to H.R. 22, the Fixing Americas Surface Transportation (FAST) Act, a five-year highway and transit bill produced by both Houses of Congress. For a full summary of the bill and Rep. Hultgrens leadership on the issue, including securing key commitments from Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Shuster regarding funding for suburban areas, please click here. Like the version that the House passed last month, this bicameral legislation puts the needs of our communities and our country's long-term competitiveness first. Without a strong and sustainable infrastructure of roads, bridges and highways, we will continue to lose ground as our population continues to grow and businesses look for cost-effective and reliable modes of transport. Illinois is a key beneficiary of this long-term bill which will allow our local communities to plan years down the road for much-needed projects, said Rep. Hultgren. I look forward to the President signing this bicameral, bipartisan and fiscally responsible legislation to upgrade our regional transportation hub, and the entire nation. The last time a highway bill lasting longer than two years made it to the president's desk was 2005. According to the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), Illinois stands to benefit from the FAST Act: Estimated Highway Apportionments by state: Illinois Rank = #6 FY 16-20 Total = $7,530,044,230 FY 16-20 Average Annual = $1,506,008,846 Illinois % of Total = 3.63% Estimated Transit Apportionments by state: Illinois Rank = #4 FY 16-20 Total = $2,987,521,165 FY 16-20 Average Annual = 597,504,233 Illinois % of Total = 6.44% ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://kinzinger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399265,Kinzinger Priorities Pass House,2015-12-03,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,IL,Adam Kinzinger,K000378,kinzinger.house.gov,,,legacy,"The House of Representatives passed two major pieces of legislation that include several of Congressman Adam Kinzingers initiatives to protect Illinois consumers, increase American energy security, reduce government waste, and ensure the viability of Illinois agriculture. share: f t WASHINGTON Today, the House of Representatives passed two major pieces of legislation that include several of Congressman Adam Kinzingers initiatives to protect Illinois consumers, increase American energy security, reduce government waste, and ensure the viability of Illinois agriculture.I am extremely pleased that today, Congress came together to pass real, bipartisan solutions that will positively impact the lives of families in Illinois 16th district and across the country, said Rep. Kinzinger. Todays legislative victories include energy efficiency measures that will reduce energy costs for families, businesses and government. Also included is the reauthorization of the Export Import Bank, which is a vital tool that will give job creators the certainty they need to hire Illinois workers and assist them in competing in the global marketplace. A long term highway bill will ensure the safety and reliability of our roads and bridges on which Illinois families and our economy rely. The significance of these legislative accomplishments cannot be overstated and I look forward to the President signing these critical bills into law. The North American Energy Security & Infrastructure Act will help reform and transform our energy policy nationwide. Congressman Kinzinger, a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee and Co-Chair of the House Energy Savings Performance Caucus, authored or coauthored several provisions of the legislation, including: Legislation that takes a step in the right direction in demonstrating the benefits of thermal insulation by starting with the federal government. A bipartisan, commonsense solution that is guaranteed to help end wasteful spending on inefficient energy programs by encouraging and expanding the use of Energy Savings Performance Contracts (ESPCs) in federal government buildings. ESPCs are innovative public-private partnerships in which private companies use their own money and resources to make energy-efficiency upgrades to federal buildings Legislation that puts the federal government in the drivers seat by directing the Office of Management and Budget to develop a strategy for purchasing, maintaining, and using energy efficient products and plans for federal data centers. A bill which authorizes funding for a pilot program to increase the effectiveness of water distribution networks by using less energy to deliver better quality water. As the first long-term surface transportation bill in ten years, the Fixing Americas Surface Transportation (FAST) Act is a five-year, fully paid-for surface transportation reauthorization of federal highway, transit, highway safety, motor carrier safety, hazardous materials, and passenger rail programs. This legislation includes: Congressman Kinzingers legislation that ensures Illinois workers and businesses are able to compete and succeed in the global marketplace by reforming and reauthorizing the Export-Import Bank of the United States. A provision Congressman Kinzinger fought for that ensures that crop insurance continues to be available, affordable, and accessible to Illinois farmers. A modified version of Congressman Kinzingers amendment to protect consumers, support small business, and improve vehicle safety for families.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398876,Davis Applauds Passage of Five-Year Highway Bill,2015-12-03,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,IL,Rodney Davis,D000619,rodneydavis.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.), a member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, today released the following statement after the House overwhelmingly passed a five-year highway bill by a vote of 359-65. The conference report for H.R. 22, the Fixing Americas Surface Transportation (FAST) Act of 2015, authorizes and funds surface transportation programs for five years. This is the first long-term surface transportation bill in nearly a decade. I ran for Congress on the promise of governing and passing a long-term highway bill to fix our roads and bridges, said Davis. Today I was proud to vote for a bipartisan bill that makes critical policy changes and provides five years of certainty for Illinois and our local governments. I want to thank Chairman Shuster for his leadership and the work of my all of my colleagues to move this important legislation forward. Congress has a constitutional responsibility to provide for our nations roads and bridges. We must continue to build on this weeks success and use this time to find innovative funding solutions that will support a 21st Century transportation system. Davis spoke in support of this bill during debate on the House floor today. Click here to download and view his speech. The Senate is expected to pass H.R. 22 and the president is expected to sign it this week. Under the FAST Act, Illinois will receive roughly $7.5 billion ($1.5 billion per year) in federal highway funding, a $668 million or 2.8 percent increase from the MAP-21 average annual formula apportionment. For transit, Illinois share is $3 billion over five years ($600 million per year), the states highest level since 2006. Additionally, this bill provides more local control by increasing the share of Surface Transportation Program (STP) funding that is suballocated to metropolitan areas by 1 percent per year, starting at 51 percent in FY16 and going up to 55 percent by 2020. Meaning local governments in Illinois will collectively see a $25 million increase of suballocated funds over the life of the bill. While this bill takes modest steps toward increasing local control of transportation funds, I believe there is still room for improvement, said Davis. I will continue to fight to give our communities, and particularly smaller communities, a greater voice in how transportation dollars are spent. Davis has spearheaded reforms that increase local control of transportation funds provided to states with his bill the Innovation in Surface Transportation Act. The final bill includes several amendments authored by Davis including: Language to provide important relief to independent welders working in the pipeline industry who use their personal vehicle on the job. Clarifying existing law as it relates to the type of freight auto-haulers can carry on backhaul trips after they deliver their vehicles to car dealerships. Provisions encouraging states to use new assessment tools to identify mental health issues, substance abuse issues, and recidivism risks that will help identify underlying causes for repeat DUI behavior. Additional highlights of the bill include: Streamlines the environmental review and permitting process, accelerating project delivery. Establishes a National Surface Transportation and Innovative Finance Bureau intended to provide assistance to state, local and private partners as they move various transportation projects forward. Creates a Nationally Significant Freight and Highway Projects Program to help improve the movement of goods across the country. Promotes the deployment of transportation technologies that will enhance the surface transportation system by reducing congestion and increasing efficiency. Additionally, this bill includes the House passed passenger rail bill among other things, specifically, this bill reauthorizes grant programs that can be used to relocate passenger and freight rail lines. Click here for more information about H.R. 749, the Passenger Rail Reform and Investment Act of 2015.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://bost.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-bost-votes-maximize-america-s-energy-potential,Rep. Bost Votes to Maximize Americas Energy Potential,2015-12-03,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,IL,Mike Bost,B001295,bost.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.Today, Rep. Mike Bost (IL-12) voted for H.R. 8the North American Energy Security and Infrastructure Actwhich will maximize Americas energy potential to make our energy infrastructure more resilient and create jobs. This legislation will update and modernize outdated policies and focus on todays energy abundance in places like Southern Illinois and locations all over the United States, said Rep. Bost. But we need to modernize the energy infrastructure by making it easier for the private sector to invest in new energy projects by cutting down on government red tape and regulations, which are slowing down the permitting process. H.R. 8 is a Broad Energy Bill that Seeks to Maximize Americas Energy Potential by: Modernizing Energy Infrastructure: focus on the transmission, distribution, and storage of energy to ensure we have the necessary infrastructure to meet todays modern energy challenges. It also cuts down on government red tape to open doors for the private sector to invest in new energy projects, creating jobs. Protecting the Electricity System: ensure the electric grid is secure, resilient, and reliable. Strengthening Energy Security and Diplomacy: take important steps to strengthen partnerships with our allies and reform the approval process for energy exports. Improving Energy Efficiency and Government Accountability: promote simple and affordable methods to address energy demand and lower electric bills while reducing government waste.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://lahood.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/lahood-votes-bipartisan-transportation-agreement,LaHood Votes for Bipartisan Transportation Agreement,2015-12-03,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,IL,Darin LaHood,L000585,lahood.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington D.C.Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-18) voted today in favor of H.R. 22, theFixing Americas Surface Transportation(FAST) Act, which garnered bipartisan support, passing the House with a vote of 314-55. The five-year, fully-funded legislation is the result of a House-Senate Conference Committee, to whichRep. LaHood was appointedto serveon. Together the conferees negotiated difference between House and Senate versions of the legislation and produced a bill that will improve the nations surface transportation infrastructure, including our roads, bridges, transit systems, and rail transportation network. The bill reforms and strengthens transportation programs, refocuses on national priorities, provides long-term certainty and more flexibility for states and local governments, streamlines project approval processes, and maintains a strong commitment to safety. After years of short-term legislative patches, I was pleased to see the long-term FAST Act pass swiftly through the House. H.R. 22 will finally provide the 18th District and our cities and states with the tools and resources they need to plan and strategically execute transportation projects with certainty and predictability, Congressman LaHood said. This bill provides an effective, efficient, and accountable approach to transportation policy which is vital, given that our transportation infrastructure network is the backbone of our economy. We applaud the conference committee for their good work in completing this important legislation, added Doug Oberhelman, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Caterpillar Inc. and Chair of the Business Roundtable infrastructure initiative. We urge theSenate to pass, and the President to sign, this legislation as quickly as possible so we can get moving to invest in and rebuild our nations critical infrastructure assets. Congressman LaHood onC-SPAN Washington Journalthis morning discussing the FAST Act TheFixing Americas Surface Transportation(FAST) Actreauthorizes federal surface transportation programs through Fiscal Year 2020.This comprehensive legislation achieves long-term certainty and provides significant flexibility for state and local governments, speeds up the project approval process while improving safety. The FAST Act is fully paid for and ensures fiscal responsibility without raising taxes. ### Congressman Darin LaHood proudly serves the constituents of Illinois 18th Congressional District, consisting of more than 710,000 constituents across 19 counties throughout Central and West-Central Illinois. Darin was born and raised in Central Illinois and currently resides in the Peoria area with his wife, Kristen, and their three children. To schedule an interview with Congressman LaHood, please contact J.D. Dalfonso atj.dalfonso@mail.house.govor at (309) 231-5859",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398875,Davis Votes to Put Education Decisions Back in the Hands of Parents and Local Educators,2015-12-03,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,IL,Rodney Davis,D000619,rodneydavis.house.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) today released the following statement after the House passed the conference report to S. 1177, the Every Student Succeeds Act, which reforms No Child Left Behind and returns critical education decisions back to our local educators. This bill includes language in H.R. 5, the Student Success Act, which passed the House earlier this year.What works for one school in Chicago may not work for another in Taylorville, Illinois, said Davis. Our parents and local educators know what works best for their students and should have the ability to adapt accordingly. This long-awaited bill to reform No Child Left Behind reduces the federal footprint in our schools and puts our local educators back in charge. The Every Student Succeeds Act provides schools with more flexibility, repeals ineffective programs, and allows schools to reduce testing requirements while providing parents with an opportunity to exempt their children from excessive testing. S. 1177, the Every Student Succeeds Act, is the first reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) since No Child Left Behind which expired in 2007. The Senate is expected to pass this bill as early as next week and the president is expected to sign thereafter. Highlights of the bill include: Reauthorizes programs through 2020 Restricts the Department of Education (ED) from imposing requirements on states and schools through waivers and executive action Prohibits the ED from incentivizing states from adoption Common Core standards Repeals the Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) performance measurement system Eliminates 49 ineffective and duplicative programs Allows parents to opt their child out of the annual assessment if state law permits without impacting the 95 percent assessment requirement if the state chooses Empowers parents by ensuring thorough and transparent reporting on state and district report cards Increases flexibility in funding so local educators can use funds for the programs that work for their school",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://hultgren.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/hultgren-supports-bill-reducing-federal-government-role-in-k-12-education,Hultgren Supports Bill Reducing Federal Government Role in K-12 Education,2015-12-02,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,IL,Randy Hultgren,H001059,hultgren.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC U.S. Representative Randy Hultgren (IL-14) today supported passage of the Every Student Succeeds Act (S. 1177). Maintaining much of the original Student Success Act (H.R. 5) passed by the House in July 2015, the bicameral legislation replaces No Child Left Behind and empowers state and local officials by restoring their responsibility to set school curriculum and measure academic success. Our students are best educated by curriculum developed by the state and our communities, with parents and students central to the process. Teachers and parents in Illinois and across the country should have the ability to choose which standards and curriculum is right for their students, and how best to measure their progress, said Rep. Hultgren. I have made it a priority to ensure the federal government stops badgering states and local school district into accepting Common Core, which this bill helps prevent. While the final bill does not contain all of the provisions I believe are necessary to give full responsibility back to parents and educators, it is a strong step toward reversing the Department of Educations overreach and preventing future federal transgressions against state and local control of education policy. With federal-mandated high-risk assessments and a one-size-fits-all accountability system on the ropes, we are restoring local control over education to parents, teachers and students where it belongs. The Every Student Succeeds Act: Replaces the current national accountability scheme based on high stakes tests with state-led accountability systems, returning responsibility for measuring student and school performance to states and school districts. Eliminates federally-mandated high-stakes testing and empowers parents by continuing annual assessments in reading and math without the federal strings attached to the outcomes. Protects state and local autonomy over decisions in the classroom by placing new and unprecedented restrictions on the Secretary of Education, and blocking any agent of the federal government from coercing states into adopting Common Core or any other common standards or assessments, as well as reining in the secretarys regulatory authority. Ensures parents continue to have the information they need to hold local schools accountable. Eliminates more than 49 ineffective, duplicative, and unnecessary programs and replaces this maze of programs with a Local Academic Flexible Grant, helping schools better support students. Empowers parents with more school choice options by continuing support for magnet schools and expanding charter school opportunities. Prohibits federal education dollars from funding abortion services. Strengthens existing efforts to improve student performance among targeted student populations, including English learners and homeless children. Rep. Hultgrencontinues to be a leader in the fight against federal overreach in education policythrough measures such as the Common Core Standards that drastically reduce state and local power and increase federal regulation of education. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://hultgren.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/hultgren-talks-to-astronauts-on-international-space-station,Hultgren Talks to Astronauts on International Space Station,2015-12-02,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,IL,Randy Hultgren,H001059,hultgren.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC During a live downlink hosted by the House Science, Space and Technology Committee, U.S. Representative Randy Hultgren (IL-14) today asked CAPT Scott Kelly and Dr. Kjell Lindgren, both NASA Astronauts working and living on the International Space Station, about their current orbit and scientific research projects. (Click picture to watch video) Rep. Hultgren is an original cosponsor of the SPACE Act of 2015, H.R. 2262, which the President recently signed, extending the life of the International Space Station through at least 2024. Quick facts about the International Space Station, courtesy NASA: It is roughly the size of a football field including end zones and has livable space for six astronauts. It is in orbit 260 miles above the Earth and is traveling at 17,000 miles per hour. The station orbits Earth every 90 minutes. The station has been continuously occupied since November 2000. In that time, more than 200 people from 15 countries have visited. Crew members spend about 35 hours each week conducting research in many disciplines to advance scientific knowledge in Earth, space, physical, and biological sciences for the benefit of people living on our home planet. The station facilitates the growth of a robust commercial market in low-Earth orbit, operating as anational laboratoryfor scientific research and facilitating the development of U.S.commercial cargoandcommercial crewspace transportation capabilities. More than an acre of solar arrays provide power to the station, and also make it the next brightest object in the night sky after the moon. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://kinzinger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399263,Kinzinger Votes to Put Children First,2015-12-02,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,IL,Adam Kinzinger,K000378,kinzinger.house.gov,,,legacy,"Kinzinger Votes to Put Children First f t # e Washington, December 2, 2015 ""Today, I voted to support the Every Student Succeeds Act, which would return the responsibility for our public schools to where it belongs with the states, local communities, parents and educators."" share: f t WASHINGTON -Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) passage of the Conference Report to Accompany S. 1177 Student Success Act, bipartisan legislation that reauthorizes the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. The legislation reduces unneeded government regulations while still holding our nations schools accountable for providing high quality education to all American children:Today, I voted to support the Every Student Succeeds Act, which would return the responsibility for our public schools to where it belongs withthe states, local communities, parents and educators. It gives the people of Illinois the opportunity to design systems that work for our state and provides significant new flexibility for our schools and districts to do what is best for their community and their students. The Every Student Succeeds Act maintains our countrysimportant commitment to giving all students access to a great education while also reducing the federal governments role in education. Background: Congressman Kinzinger voted in favor of H.R. 5, the Student Success Act, when it was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives on July 8, 2015. The Conference Report to Accompany S. 1177 Student Success Act represents a compromise between separate proposals passed by the House and Senate earlier this year. This legislation would reauthorize the Elementary and Secondary Education Act and replace many of the burdensome provisions of No Child Left Behind (NCLB) while granting states and school districts the freedom to direct federal resources to the programs that best serve their students. Click here for more infoaboutthe Conference Report to Accompany S. 1177 Student Success Act. f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://lahood.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-lahood-votes-common-sense-education-overhaul,Rep. LaHood Votes for Common Sense Education Overhaul,2015-12-02,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,IL,Darin LaHood,L000585,lahood.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.Today, Congressman Darin LaHood introduced H.R. 4326 to the U.S. House of Representatives, which would officially rename the U.S. Post Office located at 1211 Towanda Avenue in Bloomington, Illinois after fallen U.S. Army Ranger and Bloomington native Sergeant Joshua Rodgers. On April 27, 2017, U.S. Army Sergeant Joshua P.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398874,Davis Votes to Stop Job-Killing EPA Regulations on Coal-Fired Power Plants,2015-12-02,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,IL,Rodney Davis,D000619,rodneydavis.house.gov,,,legacy,"Davis Votes to Stop Job-Killing EPA Regulations on Coal-Fired Power Plants f t # e Washington, December 2, 2015 U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) today released the following statement after the House voted to prevent the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from implementing rules impacting new and existing coal-fired power plants.Last week, I visited coal plants and spoke with miners in my district who are afraid of losing their jobs because of regulations coming out of Washington, said Davis. These new rules put every one of those jobs in jeopardy. I also saw last week that the industry has made great strides in the technology used to safely burn coal and reduce emissions. We need an all-of-the-above energy strategy that includes coal and will allow our economy to grow and create good-paying jobs. On October 23, as part of the president's Climate Action Plan, the EPA finalized new rules limiting the carbon dioxide emissions from new and existing coal-fired power plants. A study by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) found that these new carbon emission rules would more than double the number of coal plants slated to close by 2040. S. J. Res. 24 would nullify the EPA's rule regarding existing coal-fired power plants and S. J. Res. 23 would prevent the regulations on new plants. Both bills passed the Senate earlier this month and now head to the president's desk. Last week, Davis toured Shay Mine No. 1 near Carlinville, met with United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) in Springfield, and toured Abbott Power Plant, which is a coal-fired power plant that powers the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Click here to download photos below. Davis meeting with UMWA workers in Springfield. Davis tours Abbott Power Plant. f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://hultgren.house.gov/newsroom/in-the-news/letter-improving-alzheimer-s-care,Letter: Improving Alzheimers care,2015-11-27,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,IL,Randy Hultgren,H001059,hultgren.house.gov,,,legacy,"I am writing to thank Congressman Randy Hultgren for recently joining 241 of his colleagues in co-sponsoring the HOPE for Alzheimers Act, just in time for National Alzheimers Disease Awareness Month and National Caregiver Month. In 1983, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed November as a month in which we should recognize the millions who suffer from this disease, and the families, friends and paid professionals who work so hard to care for them. The HOPE for Alzheimers Act would provide comprehensive care planning services for individuals and caregivers after a dementia diagnosis, and ensure the diagnosis is documented in medical charts. Since Alzheimers complicates the management of other chronic conditions and seniors with Alzheimers have more than three times as many hospital stays as other seniors, this disease is the most expensive to treat of any in the U.S. Last year alone, Americans spent more than $225 billion on medical care for people with dementia, $150 billion of which was spent by the federal government through the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Care planning and shared diagnosis during early stages greatly will reduce costs by allowing providers to coordinate with one another and better manage the patients health care. As a longtime Alzheimers Association volunteer, I truly appreciate Hultgrens actions. They will help improve care for people who really need it and reduce the cost of that care at a time when our government needs to watch every penny. Mike Miller Huntley",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://hultgren.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/retail-small-businesses-recognize-hultgren-as-hero-of-main-street-for,Retail Small Businesses Recognize Hultgren as Hero of Main Street for Legislative Leadership,2015-11-24,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,IL,Randy Hultgren,H001059,hultgren.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC U.S. Representative Randy Hultgren (IL-14) has been named a recipient of the National Retail Federations Hero of Main Street Award for his positive voting record on critical issues that contribute to the growth and prosperity of small business and the U.S. retail industry. (Rep. Hultgren accepts award from NRF Vice President of State Relations Mike Cys) The retail industry in Illinois is a key driver of our economy and supplies more than a million jobs to our citizens. Retailers nationwide provide $2.6 trillion of our countrys GDP, said Rep. Hultgren. That is why I will continue push for policies that support small businesses and retailers throughout the country. Applauding Rep. Hultgrens voting record, National Retail Foundation President and CEO Matthew Shay stated: NRFs Heroes of Main Street have shown through their voting records that they care about retailers, big and small, and value the role these businesses play in communities around the country By backing our policy priorities, they show their commitment to a prosperous Main Street and to the long-term growth of retail - our nations largest private-sector employer. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://hultgren.house.gov/newsroom/in-the-news/tech-firm-akhan-celebrates-move-into-gurnee,Tech firm AKHAN celebrates move into Gurnee,2015-11-23,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,IL,Randy Hultgren,H001059,hultgren.house.gov,,,legacy,"With pageantry including the Warren Township High School band, AKHAN Semiconductor celebrated a long-awaited move into a Gurnee business park Friday. Company founder and Chief Executive Officer Adam Khan told the crowd of roughly 75 politicians, community leaders and others that production will begin early next year for products using cutting-edge, diamond-film semiconductors. In particular, AKHAN plans to make a diamond ""window"" in the Gurnee facility for high-powered lasers and other products for sale to the military defense industry. ""This is highly impactful technology not only to national security as well as the industrial ongoings, but it's a technology platform to really sink our teeth into and launch from here,"" Khan said to the crowd that was treated to breakfast goodies and the Warren band before a brief ribbon-cutting ceremony. AKHAN has had a partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy's Argonne National Laboratory to develop technology using energy-efficient diamond film as semiconductors. Argonne has granted an exclusive licensing agreement for the technology to AKHAN, which is expected to become the first U.S. company to fully develop the process for industries such as aviation, defense and power. Khan, a Gurnee native, said use of diamond semiconductors, rather than silicon, means devices can be made thinner and operate at higher temperatures, benefiting smartphones and ""wearable"" technology such as Google Glass. Republican U.S. Rep. Randy Hultgren of Plano was one of the politicians who spoke Friday. Hultgren's 14th Congressional District includes some of Gurnee. Hultgren said AKHAN fits into his efforts in Washington to promote science, technology, engineering and mathematics learning by young students. He said good-paying jobs at AKHAN could be the end result for those pupils. ""We are talking with members of Congress, House and Senate of how can we inspire our young people ... to see opportunity right here (at AKHAN),"" Hultgren said. ""That if they are willing to invest their lives at a young age -- middle school, early high school or even earlier than that -- to see that there is great opportunity right here to be a scientist, to be an engineer, to be a mathematician, to be able to discover new technologies that no one else has thought of and to bring them to market."" Democratic state Sen. Melinda Bush of Grayslake said it was a long road for AKHAN to take into the Gurnee office park since the company's plan was revealed in September 2014. She said AKHAN will be a catalyst for job growth in Lake County as it leads ""Diamond Prairie."" ""I really got the sense that it was more than just making money for him,"" Bush said as she recalled how she and Gurnee Mayor Kristina Kovarik helped bring AKHAN to the village. ""It was changing how we move about in our world, but having an impact on where he came from."" Documents show a $2.3 million package of local incentives would include property tax abatements from the Warren and Woodland school districts, Gurnee Park District and Warren Township government. Approved early this year, Gurnee's end of the deal requires the village to reimburse a maximum of $1.5 million in sales tax to AKHAN over five years, unless the dollar total is reached earlier. AKHAN would receive the money only if it generates sales tax, according to the agreement. About $3.5 million in income tax breaks also have been sought by AKHAN from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://bost.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/bost-st-clairscott-air-force-base-best-option-nga,Bost: St. Clair/Scott Air Force Base Best Option for NGA,2015-11-23,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,IL,Mike Bost,B001295,bost.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.Today, Rep. Mike Bost (IL-12) submitted formal comments on the United States Army Corps of Engineers Draft Environmental Impact Statement highlighting the benefits of locating the next National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency West campus at a proposed site in St. Clair County adjacent to Scott Air Force Base. He was joined in this effort by fellow Metro-East Congressional Delegation members John Shimkus (IL-15) and Rodney Davis (IL-13). We believe this report significantly understates costs and overestimates benefits of the Missouri Site, while overestimating costs and understating benefits of the Scott Air Force Base (Scott AFB) Site in St. Clair County, said Rep. Bost. The Scott AFB (St. Clair) Site is the best option to help the NGA achieve its stated mission to deliver world-class geospatial intelligence that provides a decisive advantage to policymakers, warfighters, intelligence professionals and first responders. The governments and residents of the Metro-East region are united in their desire to recruit NGA West to St. Clair County. The letter contains formal comments from the Delegation in response to the Corps Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The United States Army Corps of Engineers released a Draft EIS assessing the qualities of four competing sites for the new NGA West campus that includes the St. Clair County site adjacent to Scott Air Force Base and three in Missouri.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://hultgren.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/papuan-independence-activist-freed,Papuan Independence Activist Freed,2015-11-20,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,IL,Randy Hultgren,H001059,hultgren.house.gov,,,legacy,"WashingtonToday it was announced that Filep Karma, a Papuan activist imprisoned in Indonesia was released. On June 28, 2015, Representatives Joseph R. Pitts (R-PA), James P. McGovern (D-MA), Trent Franks (R-AZ), Keith Ellison (D-MN), Randy Hultgren (R-IL) and Vargas (D-CA) sent a letter to Sec. Kerry urging him to raise the issue of imprisoned Papuan activists in an upcoming meeting with Indonesian President Joko Widodo. Rep. Pitts has been advocating for Karmas release since 2011. Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission Co-Chairman Pitts stated: No one should go to jail because of what they believe. Filep Karmas human rights were violated when he was imprisoned for peaceful protests. I first contacted the President of Indonesia about Mr. Karma in 2011, and so I am glad to hear that he has finally been freed, and his human rights upheld. I hope that this will encourage the release of other prisoners of conscience both in Indonesia and around the world. Co-Chairman McGovern said, Protecting human rights is essential to building free and open societies. The release of Filep Karma by the Indonesian government is long overdue and I am pleased to see that he is finally free. Indonesias recent democratic transition has been an encouraging development, but the imprisonment of Karma and other peaceful activists clearly demonstrates that more must be done to strengthen human rights there. The United States has a responsibility to stand up for human rights at home and abroad. I thank Secretary Kerry for his leadership and urge him to continue to push for the reforms needed to support a truly free and democratic Indonesia. Rep. Hultgren stated: We welcome this long overdue release of pro-democracy activist Filep Karma who was unjustly imprisoned simply for exercising basic democratic rights, said Rep. Hultgren, Executive-Committee Member of TLHRC. The rights of conscience and belief are foundational to free, functioning societies, and I urge Indonesia to act immediately to release others similarly imprisoned. No one should be punished for practicing their basic right to express their beliefs. Filep Karma, 56, was imprisoned in 2005 for merely raising a flag in support of independence for the Papuan minority in Indonesia. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398870,Davis Statement on Sara Wojcicki Jimenez Appointment to 99th State House District,2015-11-20,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,IL,Rodney Davis,D000619,rodneydavis.house.gov,,,legacy,"Davis Statement on Sara Wojcicki Jimenez Appointment to 99th State House District f t # e Springfield, IL, November 20, 2015 U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) today released the following statement after Sara Wojcicki Jimenez (R-Springfield) was appointed to the 99th State House District:As a person who has worked in the highest levels of state government, Sara has the experience needed to hit the ground running at this critical time, said Davis. And as the mother of a young family, including twin boys, something we both have in common, she understands the lasting impact decisions made in Springfield today will have on the future of our children and grandchildren. I am confident that Sara will be a relentless advocate for the people of Sangamon County and I look forward to working with her on a variety of issues. f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://lahood.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-lahood-tours-enercon-engineering-announces-support-power-act,"Congressman LaHood Tours Enercon Engineering, Announces Support for POWER Act",2015-11-20,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,IL,Darin LaHood,L000585,lahood.house.gov,,,legacy,"East Peoria, ILCongressman Darin LaHood (IL-18) joined Enercon Engineering Chairman, Ed Tangel and Enercon Engineering CEO, Larry Tangel this morning for a tour ofthe companys world headquarters in East Peoria before announcing his support for H.R. 2657, the Power Efficiency and Resiliency Act (POWER Act). I appreciated the opportunity to see firsthand the process and development of products Enercon Engineering manufactures, which are sold to businesses across the country. Under the POWER Act, the companies and entities installing the power generation products Enercon produces would see capital returned to them though a tax credit, which can be used to assist in more jobs, opportunities, and growth. The POWER Act would amend Section 48 of the internal Revenue Code, providing parity for combined heat and power (CHP) and waste heat to power (WHP) with other forms of renewable energy, allowing them to compete and in turn reducing the initial capital cost of implementing CHP and WHP projects. The bill was introduced in both the House and Senate with bipartisan support. Founded in 1975 by Edward Tangel, Enercon Engineering has grown from a small Central Illinois company into one of the worlds leaders in the power generation industry. Enercon specializes in high-quality, custom design in manufacturing of controls, switchgear, packaging, enclosures, power modules, and co-generation units for customer provided engine generator sets. ### Congressman Darin LaHood proudly serves the constituents of Illinois 18th Congressional District, consisting of more than 710,000 constituents across 19 counties throughout Central and West-Central Illinois. Darin was born and raised in Central Illinois and currently resides in the Peoria area with his wife, Kristen, and theirthree children. To schedule an interview with Congressman LaHood, please contact J.D. Dalfonso at j.dalfonso@mail.house.gov or at (309) 231-5859",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398910,Illinois Members Continue Fight to Bring Fairness in Disaster Declaration Process,2015-11-20,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,IL,Rodney Davis,D000619,rodneydavis.house.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Reps. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.), John Shimkus (R-Ill.), and Darin LaHood (R-Ill.) today released the following statement after urging House leadership to bring H.R. 1471, the FEMA Disaster Assistance Reform Act of 2015, to the floor:The progress made by Gifford and Washington to rebuild and come back even stronger than before has been remarkable. But we cannot forget the struggle these communities have gone through. We must continue to push for a fairer process within FEMA when determining the need for federal disaster assistance. The FEMA Disaster Assistance Reform Act, which passed unanimously out of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee earlier this year, would do just that. It's our hope that this bill will eventually be signed into law so if another disaster strikes, our smaller communities will receive the fair consideration they deserve. Despite the devastating damage to Washington and Gifford, Illinois was denied federal disaster assistance. Currently, FEMA's formula for determining the need for disaster assistance puts rural regions in states like Illinois and others that have a high concentration of population in one area of the state at a disadvantage. H.R. 1471 would bring fairness to the federal disaster declaration process by requiring FEMA to give greater weight and consideration to the localized impact of a disaster when determining the need for federal assistance. Additionally, the bipartisan letter was signed by U.S. Reps. Cheri Bustos (D-Ill.), Adam Kinzinger (R-Ill.), Mike Bost (R-Ill.), and Bill Foster (D-Ill.). Text of the letter is as follows: Dear Speaker Ryan and Minority Leader Pelosi: In April, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee unanimously passed H.R. 1471, the FEMA Disaster Assistance Reform Act of 2015. We write to urge the consideration of this important legislation by the full House. H.R. 1471 reforms FEMA to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of disaster assistance capabilities and programs. This bipartisan legislation includes an important provision to provide fairness to small communities in rural and suburban areas. This week marks two years since the devastating damage done by storms across the Midwest. This outbreak of storms included 73 tornadoes, caused more than 100 injuries and 11 fatalities, and resulted in more than $1.6 billion in damage. A disproportionate amount of the impact was felt in the State of Illinois. The damage done to Washington, Illinois totaled nearly $1 billion alone. Unfortunately, the current formula used by FEMA for determining the need for Public and Individual Assistance puts rural regions in states like Illinois and others that have a high concentration of population in one area of the state at a disadvantage when disaster strikes. Currently, there is not a standard for determining which factors carry more weight than others, ultimately leading to a subjective process that leaves states and communities with uncertainty as their applications are considered. The FEMA Disaster Assistance Reform Act requires the administrator of FEMA to give greater weight and consideration to severe localized impact when making recommendations to the president regarding the issuance of a major disaster declaration. It also would require the agency to make corresponding adjustments to agency policies and regulations. These changes are similar to those proposed in H.R. 1685, the Fairness in Disaster Declarations Act, bipartisan legislation introduced by members of the Illinois delegation earlier this year. We remain committed to this critically important provision, and urge swift action on the underlying bill. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://hultgren.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/hultgren-supports-passage-of-legislation-to-increase-transparency-at-federal,"Hultgren Supports Passage of Legislation to Increase Transparency at Federal Reserve, Hold Financial Regulators Accountable",2015-11-19,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,IL,Randy Hultgren,H001059,hultgren.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC This week, the House of Representatives passed four financial reform bills cosponsored by U.S. Representative Randy Hultgren (IL-14). Rep. Hultgren has used his position on the House Financial Services Committee to hold our regulators accountable and to ensure the nations financial institutions are able to offer responsible access to credit. H.R. 3189, the Fed Oversight Reform and Modernization Act requires greater accountability and transparency at the Federal Reserve such as improved communication of monetary policy, an annual audit of its monetary policy, and more frequent testimony before Congress. The actions takenby the Federal Reserve leading up to and following the financial crisis have demonstrated the need for improved transparency and accountability to the American people, said Rep. Hultgren. The Fed Oversight Reform and Modernization Act will help restore trust in the Fed and will promote stable economic growth. H.R. 1210, the Portfolio Lending and Mortgage Access Act requires the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) to provide a legal safe harbor to mortgages banks keep on their books. H.R. 1737, the Reforming CFPB Indirect Auto Financing Guidance Act repeals guidance issued by the CFPB in 2013 that violates bipartisan Congressional intent of prohibiting the Bureau from regulating automotive dealers. It also requires a more transparent process by the Bureau for future policy regarding automotive lending. H.R. 1478, the Policyholder Protection Act prohibits federal banking regulators from moving the assets of healthy state-regulated insurance subsidiaries of larger financial firms to a failing bank subsidiary if the state insurance regulator determines the transfer would harm the status of the insurer. The Dodd-Frank Act and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau have disrupted the relationship between trusted community banks and their customers, said Rep. Hultgren. They have repeatedly defied Congressional intent, and the misguided activist agenda of the President and his allies is a detriment to those in the market for an affordable car or their familys first home. I was happy to see my Democratic colleagues join me in supporting this regulatory relief legislation, despite unfounded opposition from the Administration. All four bills passed the House of Representatives with bipartisan support. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://kinzinger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399260,Kinzinger: We Will do Everything Possible to Prevent Terrorists from Reaching Our Shores,2015-11-19,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,IL,Adam Kinzinger,K000378,kinzinger.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) released the following statement regarding House passage of H.R. 4038, American Security Against Foreign Enemies Act of 2015, also known as the SAFE Act: share: f t WASHINGTON Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) released the following statement regarding House passage of H.R. 4038, American Security Against Foreign Enemies Act of 2015, also known as the SAFE Act: We are a generous nation that accepts many of the world's most vulnerable refugees. However, it is critical that we are careful and responsible when it comes to resettling Syrian and Iraqi refugees in the United States. Today I supported the SAFE Act which would ensure that our systems are set up in a way that will not allow terrorists to exploit refugee resettlement to gain entry to the United States. Ultimately, this legislation would put in place the most robust national security vetting process in history for any refugee population, and it gives the American people the assurances needed that we will do everything possible to prevent terrorists from reaching our shores. Background: H.R. 4038 prevents admission to the United States of any proposed Syrian or Iraqi refugee, or any proposed refugee present in Iraq or Syria at any time on or after March 1st, 2011, until the nations top security officialsthe Secretary of Homeland Security, the Director of the FBI, and the Director of National Intelligence unanimously certify that the individual does not represent a security threat. The bill goes further and makes sure the FBI has a direct role in validating that the background checks are thorough enough to keep dangerous individuals out of the country.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://kinzinger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399262,Kinzinger Applauds Renewal of Byron Generating Station Operating License,2015-11-19,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,IL,Adam Kinzinger,K000378,kinzinger.house.gov,,,legacy,"Kinzinger Applauds Renewal of Byron Generating Station Operating License f t # e Washington, November 19, 2015 Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) released the following statement regarding the Nuclear Regulatory Commissions (NRC) approval of Byron Generating Stations license renewal application: share: f t OTTAWA - Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) released the following statement regarding the Nuclear Regulatory Commissions (NRC) approval of Byron Generating Stations license renewal application:I applaud todays announcement that the Byron Generating Station will be able to continue to provide safe, reliable and affordable energy to the people of Illinois and the region for years to come. In addition to being a dependable, domestic source of energy that powers our homes and businesses, this license renewal supports the thousands of jobs that strengthen and enhance the economic vitality of our community. I supported Exelons request to renew this license and believe the clean and reliable power that nuclear provides is an important part of Illinois energy mix. Congressman Adam Kinzinger is a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee. He is Co-Chair of the House Nuclear Working Group and represents a district containing four nuclear power plants, the most of any congressional district in the country. f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398867,Davis Votes to Put Americans Safety and Security First,2015-11-19,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,IL,Rodney Davis,D000619,rodneydavis.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) today voted for the American Security Against Foreign Enemies (SAFE) Act to ensure comprehensive background checks are conducted on every refugee from Syria and Iraq seeking admittance into the United States.Our first priority must be protecting the American people against possible terrorist attacks, said Davis. The presidents own advisors have warned of gaps within our screening process and ISISs ability to infiltrate Syrian refugees. I hope President Obama will reconsider his threat to veto this important legislation and instead work with us to ensure Americans safety. The SAFE Act allows America to continue its history of compassion toward those around the world without sacrificing our safety and security. The SAFE Act requires the FBI director to certify the background investigation of each refugee and then the secretary of homeland security, the FBI director, and the director of national intelligence must all certify to Congress that each refugee is not a security threat before they can be admitted to the U.S. Earlier this week, Davis and other members of the Illinois Congressional Delegation sent a letter urging President Obama to engage in a comprehensive strategy with our allies to defeat ISIS and suspend the flow of Syrian and Iraqi refugees into the U.S. Click here for text of the letter. Additionally, Governor Rauner announced Monday that Illinois would temporarily stop accepting Syrian refugees following the Paris terrorist attacks. French and other European officials have said that at least one attacker used the flow of Syrian refugees to gain entry into the European Union. Senior U.S. government officials have expressed concerns that the flow of Syrian refugees could also be used to enter the United States. In September 2015, Director of National Intelligence James Clapper expressed a huge concern that ISIS may attempt to infiltrate Syrian refugees to enter Europe and possibly the United States. In October 2015, FBI Director James Comey expressed concerns about the U.S. governments ability to vet all Syrian refugees. My concern there is there are certain gaps ... in the data available to us, Director Comey said at the time. There is risk associated of bringing anybody in from the outside, but specifically from a conflict zone like that."" Despite these concerns and the Paris terrorist attacks, President Obama has stated that he plans to move forward with his plan to resettle 10,000 Syrian refugees over the next year. Since 2012, the United States has admitted 1,854 Syrian refugees.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://bost.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/bost-votes-halt-syrian-refugee-program,Bost Votes to Halt Syrian Refugee Program,2015-11-19,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,IL,Mike Bost,B001295,bost.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Today, Rep. Mike Bost (IL-12) joined nearly all House Republicans and 47 House Democrats in voting for H.R. 4038, the American Security Against Foreign Enemies (SAFE) Act. The bill requires enhanced screening and background checks for Syrian and Iraqi refugees before being considered for admittance into the United States. America has a proud tradition of providing safe haven to refugees, and we lead the world in humanitarian assistance, said Rep. Bost. But in todays world, we must put proper measures in place to protect our citizens and keep our country safe. Sadly, our worst fear that ISIS could exploit a refugee situation to conduct attacks in the West was fully realized in Paris. We must take every step necessary to prevent that from happening here. Thats why a halt in the refugee program must happen immediately and last until we have a strict background check system in place.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398860,Davis Announces Congressional App Challenge for High School Students,2015-11-18,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,IL,Rodney Davis,D000619,rodneydavis.house.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) today announced the Congressional App Challenge is now open for high school students throughout the 13th Congressional District. This initiative is to encourage student engagement in coding and other STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) related fields.Innovation and technology drive the success of our nation, said Davis. This competition will not only highlight the importance of STEM education but also encourage more students to engage in these fields. The 2016 Congressional App Challenge submission period will run from November 9, 2015 through January 15, 2016. The apps will be judged by a panel of local judges who work within the academic, software, and entrepreneurial fields. The winner will be on display in the U.S. Capitol building. Students may compete as individuals or in teams of up to four. Students entering the competition must submit their apps source code online by midnight on January 15, 2016 EST, as well as provide a video demo explaining their app and what they learned through this competition process. For additional details, visit www.congressionalappchallenge.us or contact Jen White in Davis office at 217-403-4690 or jen.white@mail.house.gov. Background: Established by Members of the U.S. House of Representatives in 2013, this competition is a nationwide event intended to engage students creativity and encourage their participation in STEM fields. This competition allows students to compete with peers in their own district by creating and exhibiting their software application, or app, for mobile, tablet, or computer devices on a platform of their choice.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://lahood.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-lahood-selected-confree-highway-bill-conference-committee,Rep. LaHood Selected as Conferee to Highway Bill Conference Committee,2015-11-18,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,IL,Darin LaHood,L000585,lahood.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.Today, Congressman Darin LaHood introduced H.R. 4326 to the U.S. House of Representatives, which would officially rename the U.S. Post Office located at 1211 Towanda Avenue in Bloomington, Illinois after fallen U.S. Army Ranger and Bloomington native Sergeant Joshua Rodgers. On April 27, 2017, U.S. Army Sergeant Joshua P.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398865,Davis Speaks in Support of Pediatric Cancer Research,2015-11-18,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,IL,Rodney Davis,D000619,rodneydavis.house.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) today spoke in support of pediatric cancer research on behalf of Jonny Wade, an 8-year-old boy from Jerseyville, who has been battling a rare form of brain and spinal cancer since 2014. Davis met with Jonny and his family earlier this year and invited them to Washington, DC to advocate for research funding but unfortunately they have been unable to make the trip due to Jonny's health. Click here to view Davis' floor speech. Davis advocating for pediatric cancer research on the House Floor Wednesday with a photo of Jonny and his twin brother, Jacky Wade. Today, I spoke on the House floor on behalf of Jonny, who was unable to make it to Washington to advocate for pediatric cancer research, said Davis. I share Jonny's goal of preventing any kid from going through what he and his family have gone through over the last year. I believe in investing in the NIH to find cures for our deadliest diseases and will continue to advocate for pediatric cancer research so that one day we will have eliminated the threat of cancer to all children.Davis is a member of the Congressional Childhood Cancer Caucus, which works to identify and advocate for measures that will prevent the pain, suffering, and long-term effects of childhood cancer and work toward the goal of ending pediatric cancer. In July, the House passed the 21st Century Cures Act, which increases funding for the National Institute of Health (NIH) and reauthorizes the rare pediatric disease priority review voucher incentive program to incentivize biopharmaceutical companies to develop treatments for rare pediatric diseases. Additionally, Davis continues to advocate for NIH funding within the appropriations process. Davis is also a co-sponsor of the following bills to help address pediatric cancer issues: H.R. 3381, the Childhood Cancer STAR Act, focuses on improving efforts to identify and track the incidences of pediatric cancer. It would also work to improve the quality of life for children with cancer, expand opportunities for pediatric cancer research, and ensure there is pediatric cancer expertise on the National Cancer Advisory Board. H.R. 2313, the Advancing Research for Hydrocephalus Act, which directs agencies to further research on the disease and collect more data about the incidence and prevalence of hydrocephalus. (Hydrocephalus is a condition where excessive amounts of cerebrospinal fluid accumulate in the brain. It is sometimes onset by brain tumors.) Text of Davis' prepared remarks is as follows: Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Jonny Wade, an 8-year-old from Jerseyville, Illinois, who is battling a rare form of brain and spinal cancer. After being diagnosed with cancer on Christmas Day of 2014, Jonny has undergone several surgeries, as well as multiple rounds of radiation and chemotherapy. Despite the diagnosis, Jonny continues to think of others, and his rallying cry remains, I don't want any other kid to have cancer. While he was unable to travel to Washington to advocate for cancer research, I will speak out on his behalf. Cancer is the second leading cause of death for children. Yet, only four percent of cancer research funds go to children. Jonny and his twin brother Jacky may not be here with me today, but they brought their cause to the Capitol. Pediatric cancer is a relentless disease, and we cannot waver in our efforts to eradicate it. For Jonny and the thousands of children who are diagnosed with cancer each year, we must all work together to fully fund pediatric cancer research. Jonny's favorite sport is baseball and he is an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan so I want to thank all of my colleagues for signing this baseball in his honor. Thank you and I yield back.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://kinzinger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399257,"U.S. House of Representatives Passes Kinzingers Legislation to Increase Government Transparency, Accountability",2015-11-17,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,IL,Adam Kinzinger,K000378,kinzinger.house.gov,,,legacy,"The U.S. House of Representatives passed by voice-vote H.R. 2583, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Process Reform Act - legislation authored by Communications and Technology Subcommittee Chairman Greg Walden (R-OR) and Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R-IL). share: f t WASHINGTON Last night, the U.S. House of Representatives passed by voice-vote H.R. 2583, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Process Reform Act - legislation authored by Communications and Technology Subcommittee Chairman Greg Walden (R-OR) and Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R-IL). H.R. 2583 includes additional legislation introduced earlier this year by Kinzinger and Congressman Rick Allen (R-GA). That legislation, the FCC Transparency Act, would require the FCC to publish the draft of any item that is circulating on a vote onto the internet before the Commission is able to vote on its final passage. I am glad that the House of Representatives has come together to pass this legislation that will increase transparency, efficiency, and accountability at the FCC, said Congressman Kinzinger. We can all support the notion that all American people, and not just the lobbyists and corporations, should have access and input on the FCC rules that impact our daily life. I appreciate Congressman Allens work on this effort to ensure the American public has a voice in their own government. The House passed important bipartisan legislation today to ensure transparency of the FCC, said Congressman Allen. Too often we see bureaucratic agencies making secretive decisions that affect Americans. This is just not right. All Americans should be able to review and voice their concerns on FCC rules. After all, these rules impact everyday Americans and their voice should be heard. Background Information: On June 1, 2015, Congressmen Kinzinger and Allen introduced H.R. 2592, the FCC Transparency Act, to amend the Communications Act of 1934 to require the Federal Communications Commission to publish on the website of the Commission documents to be voted on by the Commission. On June 3, 2015, H.R. 2583, the FCC Process Reform Act, was passed out of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce by a bipartisan vote of 30-18. More information about thelegislation, authored by Communications and Technology Subcommittee Chairman Greg Walden (R-OR) and Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-IL),can be foundhere.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://kinzinger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399259,Kinzinger Calls for Ceased Flow of Syrian Refugees to U.S. Pending Security Review,2015-11-17,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,IL,Adam Kinzinger,K000378,kinzinger.house.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Congressman Adam Kinzinger (IL-16) joined a delegation of Members of the U.S. House of Representatives from Illinois calling on President Barack Obama to cease the flow of Syrian and Iraqi refugees into the United States until there is an updated system in place that can verify the background of the refugees and provide absolute certainty that no individual with sympathies to ISIS is allowed into the United States. share: f t WASHINGTON, D.C. -U.S. Congressman Adam Kinzinger (IL-16) joined a delegation of Members of the U.S. House of Representatives from Illinois calling on President Barack Obama tocease the flow of Syrian and Iraqi refugees into the United States until thereisan updated system in place that can verify the background of the refugees and provide absolute certainty that no individual with sympathies to ISIS is allowed into the United States. French and other European officials have said that at least one attacker used the flow of Syrian refugees to gain entry into the European Union. Senior U.S. government officials have expressed concerns that the flow of Syrian refugees could also be used to enter the United States. In September 2015, Director of National Intelligence James Clapper expressed a huge concern that ISIS may attempt to infiltrate Syrian refugees to enter Europe and possibly the United States. In October 2015, FBI Director James Comeyexpressed concernsabout the U.S. governments ability to vet all Syrian refugees. My concern there is there are certain gaps ... in the data available to us,DirectorComey said atthetime. There is risk associated of bringing anybody in from the outside, but specifically from a conflict zone like that."" Despite these concerns and the Paris terrorist attacks, President Obama has stated that he plans to move forward with his plan to resettle 10,000 Syrian refugees over the next year. Since 2012, the United States has admitted 1,854 Syrian refugees. Please click here for PDF version of the letter. The text of the letter is below. November 17, 2015 The Honorable Barack Obama President of the United States of America The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue Washington, D.C. 20500 Dear Mr. President: Our number one priority must be protecting the American homeland and keeping the American people safe from terror attacks. The recent bombing of a Russian airliner and the coordinated, barbaric terrorist attacks in Paris should erase any doubt about whether ISIS is simply a regional threat that can be contained geographically. Instead, these horrific events have made it crystal clear that ISIS is intent on waging a global war against our way of life, and that innocent civilians are the targets of these Islamic extremists. Eliminating the threat posed by ISIS requires a comprehensive strategy one that combines increased American diplomatic leadership on the global stage, a renewed military focus on defeating ISIS in Iraq and Syria, and enhanced intelligence tactics to combat the threat of homegrown terror that conspires with ISIS. However, one area that must also be immediately addressed is the growing concern that ISIS fighters and sympathizers could exploit the Syrian and Iraqi refugee crisis to enter the U.S. through the refugee resettlement program. It has been publicly reported that your administration is moving to accelerate the number of Syrian refugees taken in by the United States in the coming year. In an interview on November 15, Deputy National Security Advisor Ben Rhodes sought to allay concerns by stating that, [W]ith respect to refugees, we have the most extensive security vetting that we have ever had to deal with Syrian refugees coming into the United States. We do not doubt that the administration seeks to screen refugees from Syria to the best of its abilities. However, it is entirely appropriate for the American people to be alarmed when they hear FBI Director James Comey and the Director of National Intelligence, James Clapper, voice concerns about the ability of ISIS-affiliated individuals to hide among the waves of Syrian refugees. Balancing our nations compassion with our basic security needs is particularly difficult during times of great uncertainty and heightened threats. However, given the inability to vet these individuals against government records in Syria, we ask that the administration respond to the legitimate concerns of the American people by ceasing the flow of refugees from Syria or Iraq until there is an updated system in place that can actually verify the background of each refugee. ISIS techniques are rapidly evolving and there is no room for error when the stakes are so incredibly high. Before moving forward, we must have 100 percent certainty that no individual with sympathies to ISIS is brought into the United States. In this war on terror, the safety and security of our nation demands that we stay one step ahead. Sincerely, Congressman Peter Roskam (IL-6) CongressmanRobert Dold (IL-10) CongressmanMike Bost (IL-12) CongressmanRodney Davis (IL-13) CongressmanRandy Hultgren (IL-14) CongressmanJohn Shimkus (IL-15) CongressmanAdam Kinzinger (IL-16) CongressmanDarin LaHood (IL-18)",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398857,Reps. Davis and Bustos Sign onto Bipartisan Legislation to Increase Agricultural Exports to Cuba,2015-11-17,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,IL,Rodney Davis,D000619,rodneydavis.house.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Reps. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) and Cheri Bustos (D-Ill.) today announced that they have signed on to support the Cuba Agricultural Exports Act (H.R. 3687), making it a bipartisan bill.Under current law, US producers are permitted to export agricultural commodities to Cuba. However, restrictions on financing and marketing harm US competitiveness in the Cuban market and limit export potential. The Cuba Agricultural Exports Act would repeal restrictions on export financing and give producers access to Department of Agriculture marketing programs that help the US compete in foreign markets. Further, this legislation enables limited American investment in Cuban agribusinesses, as long as US regulators certify the entity is privately-owned and not controlled by the Government of Cuba, or its agents. These restrictions have placed U.S. farmers at a significant disadvantage compared to the rest of the world, said Davis. By removing barriers and allowing Cuba access to credit, which is offered to every other nation, we can provide increase trade opportunities for Illinois farmers. To grow our agricultural economy and create new exporting opportunities for Illinois farmers, we need to cut through the red tape to open new markets, said Bustos. By providing Cubans with access to the standard credit terms offered by virtually every other nation in the world, well take a meaningful step toward increasing our agricultural exports, move toward normalizing relations with Cuba and strengthen our local economy. Davis and recently traveled to Cuba as part of a bipartisan agricultural trade mission to establish new economic development and export opportunities for Illinois farmers. The Oct. 11-14 trip was sponsored by the Illinois Cuba Working Group and spent no taxpayer funds. Other trade mission participants included Paul Johnson, Executive Director of the Illinois Cuba Working Group & President of Chicago Foods International; Todd Maisch, President and CEO of the Illinois Chamber of Commerce; Adam Nielsen, Illinois Farm Bureau Director of National Legislation; Don Duvall, the Illinois Corn Marketing Board, Director for District 13; Craig Ratajczyk, Chief Executive Officer, and Mike Levin, Director of Issues Management Analysis, of the Illinois Soybean Association; and Julie Maschoff of Maschoff Farms. Since 1960, the Cuban embargo has prevented most American trade with Cuba. However, there are exemptions for agricultural exports. According to the Illinois Cuba Working Group, Illinois corn and soy exports to Cuba reached approximately $66 million in 2008. However, in 2014, it was just $24 million, a 63% decrease. Davis and Bustos, as well as the Illinois Cuba Working Group, engaged stakeholders from both nations on ways to increase Illinois agricultural exports. You can read a factsheet on H.R. 3687 by clicking here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398859,"Davis, Napolitano Praise House Passage of Veterans Hiring Initiative",2015-11-17,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,IL,Rodney Davis,D000619,rodneydavis.house.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Reps. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) and Grace F. Napolitano (D-Calif.) today announced their bill to permanently authorize the Army Corps of Engineers Veterans Curation Program (VCP), including the St. Louis program, passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 422 to 3.""The Veterans Curation Programs throughout the country, including the program near my district in St. Louis, have helped more than 200 veterans build on the skills and training they've received in the military and transition to a new career here at home,"" said Davis. ""I've seen firsthand the positive impact this program can have in a veteran's life and the great work they've done in the St. Louis area restoring important historical photographs and documents. I appreciate my colleagues' support for this important program."" Thank you to all of our colleagues in helping us make permanent this worthwhile program by passing this legislation for our veterans, said Napolitano. Congressman Davis and I are grateful for this chance to provide our veterans with job training assistance, leading to healing and helping them and their families re-integrate to become more productive. We urge the Senate to work quickly and pass it, so the President may sign it immediately into law. ""The St. Louis District is proud to manage the Veterans Curation Program,"" said David Busse, St. Louis District Chief of the Engineering and Construction Branch. ""The program has employed and training 241 veterans across the nation. The St. Louis lab has employed 74 of those men and women, many of whom have gone on to secure jobs at the National Archives and Records Administration, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and here in the St. Louis District. The vital work that these men and women have done in the program has helped to preserve 135 archaeological collections from the surrounding area. This work is helping the Corps preserve our nations heritage."" H.R. 3114, the Army Corps of Engineers Veterans Curation Program Act, permanently authorizes funds for the Corps to hire veteranssome disabledto carry out these responsibilities. The VCP preserves the Nations cultural and archeological resources with curatorial services according to professional museum and archival practices, preparing our veterans for employment in these areas. Currently, there are VCP laboratories in Augusta, GA, Washington, DC, and St. Louis, MO, providing veterans with a 5-month program of training and employment in curatorial services. 241 veterans have gone through the program, and currently there is a class of 38 veterans. As a direct result of this program, 139 veterans have obtained permanent employment, and 39 have continued their education, either at colleges, universities, or in certificated programs. The VCP is providing long-term savings to the Corps, and to our nation, through more efficient and effective management of their archeological and historical collections, making this historical collection readily available to the American public.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://bost.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/bost-urges-halt-syrian-refugee-admissions,Bost Urges Halt in Syrian Refugee Admissions,2015-11-17,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,IL,Mike Bost,B001295,bost.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Today, Rep. Mike Bost (IL-12)sent a letter to President Obama urging an immediate stop to the flow of Syrian and Iraqi refugees into the United States until there is an upgraded system in place to verify the background of the refugees and provide absolute certainty that no individual with sympathies to ISIS is allowed into the U.S. As we continue to pray for the people of Paris, were provided a sobering reminder that our own homeland is not immune from this type of evil, said Rep. Bost. The United States has a long, proud history of being a nation of immigrants, and my heart hurts for the innocent Syrian and Iraqi civilians seeking refuge. However, our first and foremost priority must be protecting the American people. Until I am convinced that we have taken every single step necessary to keep our families safe, I will continue to oppose the admission of refugees into our cities. Rep. Bost also co-sponsored the Support the Refugee Oversight and Security Act, which will require both House and Senate approval before any refugees are admitted to the United States. In addition, Rep. Bost voted for a bipartisan House Resolution condemning the terrorist attacks in Paris.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398858,"Davis, Illinois Members: Our Number One Priority Must Be Protecting the American People",2015-11-17,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,IL,Rodney Davis,D000619,rodneydavis.house.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.), along with other members of the Illinois Congressional Delegation, sent a letter urging President Obama to engage in a comprehensive strategy with our allies to defeat ISIS and suspend the flow of Syrian and Iraqi refugees into the U.S. The letter was signed by U.S. Reps. Bob Dold (IL-10), Peter Roskam (IL-6), Mike Bost (IL-12), Randy Hultgren (IL-14), John Shimkus (IL-15), Adam Kinzinger (IL-16) and Darin LaHood (IL-18).Our first priority must be protecting the American people here at home, said Davis. We do that by leading abroad, by engaging with our allies in a comprehensive strategy to destroy ISIS. Unfortunately, this administration has failed on both accounts. Until we can properly vet Syrian refugees and prevent what happened in Paris from happening here, we cannot and should not commit to taking additional refugees. Americans are compassionate we are the largest donor of humanitarian aid to Syria and we will continue to be, but not at the risk of our own safety and security. I commend Governor Rauner's actions in putting Illinois families first and will continue to work with my colleagues in Washington to ensure we are doing the same. Governor Rauner announced Monday that Illinois would temporarily stop accepting Syrian refugees following the Paris terrorist attacks. French and other European officials have said that at least one attacker used the flow of Syrian refugees to gain entry into the European Union. Senior U.S. government officials have expressed concerns that the flow of Syrian refugees could also be used to enter the United States. In September 2015, Director of National Intelligence James Clapper expressed a huge concern that ISIS may attempt to infiltrate Syrian refugees to enter Europe and possibly the United States. In October 2015, FBI Director James Comey expressed concerns about the U.S. government's ability to vet all Syrian refugees. My concern there is there are certain gaps ... in the data available to us, Director Comey said at the time. There is risk associated of bringing anybody in from the outside, but specifically from a conflict zone like that."" Despite these concerns and the Paris terrorist attacks, President Obama has stated that he plans to move forward with his plan to resettle 10,000 Syrian refugees over the next year. Since 2012, the United States has admitted 1,854 Syrian refugees. Text of the letter is as follows: November 17, 2015 The Honorable Barack Obama President of the United States of America The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue Washington, D.C. 20500 Dear Mr. President: Our number one priority must be protecting the American homeland and keeping the American people safe from terror attacks. The recent bombing of a Russian airliner and the coordinated, barbaric terrorist attacks in Paris should erase any doubt about whether ISIS is simply a regional threat that can be contained geographically. Instead, these horrific events have made it crystal clear that ISIS is intent on waging a global war against our way of life, and that innocent civilians are the targets of these Islamic extremists. Eliminating the threat posed by ISIS requires a comprehensive strategy one that combines increased American diplomatic leadership on the global stage, a renewed military focus on defeating ISIS in Iraq and Syria, and enhanced intelligence tactics to combat the threat of homegrown terror that conspires with ISIS. However, one area that must also be immediately addressed is the growing concern that ISIS fighters and sympathizers could exploit the Syrian and Iraqi refugee crisis to enter the U.S. through the refugee resettlement program. It has been publicly reported that your administration is moving to accelerate the number of Syrian refugees taken in by the United States in the coming year. In an interview on November 15, Deputy National Security Advisor Ben Rhodes sought to allay concerns by stating that, [W]ith respect to refugees, we have the most extensive security vetting that we have ever had to deal with Syrian refugees coming into the United States. We do not doubt that the administration seeks to screen refugees from Syria to the best of its abilities. However, it is entirely appropriate for the American people to be alarmed when they hear FBI Director James Comey and the Director of National Intelligence, James Clapper, voice concerns about the ability of ISIS-affiliated individuals to hide among the waves of Syrian refugees. Balancing our nation's compassion with our basic security needs is particularly difficult during times of great uncertainty and heightened threats. However, given the inability to vet these individuals against government records in Syria, we ask that the administration respond to the legitimate concerns of the American people by ceasing the flow of refugees from Syria or Iraq until there is an updated system in place that can actually verify the background of each refugee. ISIS' techniques are rapidly evolving and there is no room for error when the stakes are so incredibly high. Before moving forward, we must have 100 percent certainty that no individual with sympathies to ISIS is brought into the United States. In this war on terror, the safety and security of our nation demands that we stay one step ahead. Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://hultgren.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/hultgren-statement-on-paris-attacks-international-refugees,"Hultgren Statement on Paris Attacks, International Refugees",2015-11-16,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,IL,Randy Hultgren,H001059,hultgren.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC U.S. Representative Randy Hultgren (IL-14) today released the following statement on the terrorist attacks that claimed 129 lives in Paris: With great sadness and horror Americans watched as terrorists attacked the people of Paris, apparently at the behest of the Islamic State (ISIS). Those who planned and carried out these attacks have used senseless violence to further their medieval aims. All who were involved will be hunted down and brought to justice. The French people are resilient and some of our oldest allies. The people of Illinois and the nation stand with them and offer up our prayers for comfort and peace amidst such tragedy. These events highlight the broader global discussion about conflicts in the Middle East and how the West should respond to the resulting refugee crisis. At a recent hearing at the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (Helsinki Commission), I joined my fellow commissioners in pressing administration officials to ensure they are putting the safety and security of the American people first when determining which refugees can come to our shores. It is absolutely clear many innocent people are fleeing horrific conflicts, in many cases instigated by the same people who carried out these attacks. There is well-documented evidence that the Islamic State is targeting religious minorities including Yazidis and Christians for extermination in the Middle East. We have not and cannot turn a blind eye to their plight. Governor Rauner has temporarily suspended Illinois accepting refugees from Syria out of a necessary abundance of caution. Unfortunately, terrorists come from all overthe diversity of prisoners at Guantanamo Bay is a testament to the breadth of countries from which they originate. I will be working closely with our federal agencies to ensure our state is protected from additional attacks. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://kinzinger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399256,Congressman Kinzinger Responds to Presidents Press Conference,2015-11-16,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,IL,Adam Kinzinger,K000378,kinzinger.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Kinzinger Responds to Presidents Press Conference f t # e Washington, November 16, 2015 Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) released a statement in response to the Presidents press conference at the G20 Summit. share: f t WASHINGTON Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) released the following statement in response to the Presidents press conference at the G20 Summit: As reporter after reporter questioned the Presidents strategy to defeat ISIS, President Obama seemed confused despite the fact that there has never been a coherent strategy to deal with what he once called the JV Team. The attacks on Paris are a reminder of the real enemy that exists to freedom and decent society. Since ISIS took over Fallujah in January 2014, I have called for a strong, robust response to this cancer that has swept through the region. I have even introduced a stronger Authorization of Military Force in February of this year, which would give the president more latitude to take the fight to ISIS in Iraq and Syria. Every day that has gone by without a sufficient American response has led to ISIS extending its tentacles with attacks on the Western world. It is high time for the president to finally do what I have called for since ISIS came to the scene and that is unleash the full might and power of the United States military to do what they do best: destroy our enemies and protect our families from these barbarians. If the French invoke Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty, Congress should pass a resolution to signal our unified support. More info: f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://bost.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/illinois-delegation-outlines-benefits-national-intelligence-agency-move,Illinois Delegation Outlines Benefits of National Intelligence Agency Move to Scott Air Force Base,2015-11-16,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,IL,Mike Bost,B001295,bost.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.Today, Reps. Mike Bost (IL-12), John Shimkus (IL-15), and Rodney Davis (IL-13) sent an additional letter to National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) Director Robert Cardillo highlighting the operational and financial benefits of the OFallon site in St. Clair County for the new NGA West facilities. We believe that the St. Clair County site adjacent to Scott Air Force Base (AFB) represents the best option to help the NGA achieve its stated mission to deliver world-class geospatial intelligence that provides a decisive advantage to policymakers, warfighters, intelligence professionals and first responders. At a time when our national security is at increased risk, the NGA ensures we have the tools necessary to keep Americans safe, both at home and abroad. The United States Army Corps of Engineers released a Draft Environmental Impact Statement assessing the qualities of three competing sites for the new NGA West campus that includes the St. Clair County site and two in Missouri. The attached letter from the Illinois Congressional Delegation precedes their submission of formal comments on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement, due on November 23rd. To view the letter to the NGA, click here. National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) provides timely, relevant and accurate geospatial intelligence in support of national security. To learn more about NGA and its mission, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://hultgren.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/national-health-leaders-recognize-us-rep-randy-hultgren-for-leadership-in,National Health Leaders Recognize U.S. Rep. Randy Hultgren For Leadership in Healthcare Innovation,2015-11-12,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,IL,Randy Hultgren,H001059,hultgren.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON The Healthcare Leadership Council (HLC), a coalition of leaders of the nations premier health care companies and organizations, has honored U.S. Representative Randy Hultgren as a Champion of Healthcare Innovation at an award ceremony in Washington, DC. The award presentation took place at the Councils annual Healthcare Innovations Expo on Capitol Hill. The day-long event is dedicated to showcasing new developments in health care technologies, treatments and practices. This years event featured, among other exhibits, new technologies for blood glucose monitoring, innovative treatment options for mental illness, and telehealth systems that make physicians accessible to patients 24 hours a day, seven days a week. As we strive to conquer illness, elevate population health and make our healthcare system more affordable and sustainable, the answer lies in dynamic and continual innovation, said Healthcare Leadership Council President Mary R. Grealy. For this to happen, we need federal policies that encourage progress and new breakthroughs in care. We applaud Representative Hultgren for the leadership, vision and commitment that patients and healthcare consumers need. The Healthcare Leadership Council is a coalition of chief executives of the nations leading health care companies and institutions. Follow us on Twitter at @HealthInFocus",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://kinzinger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399255,Kinzinger Introduces Resolution Expressing Support for Countries Providing Humanitarian Assistance to Syrian Refugees,2015-11-12,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,IL,Adam Kinzinger,K000378,kinzinger.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R-IL-16) has introduced H.Res. 509, a resolution expressing support for the efforts of the Republic of Turkey, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, and the Lebanese Republic to provide housing, educational opportunities, health care, and other forms of humanitarian assistance to individuals and families displaced by the conflict in Syria. share: f t WASHINGTON Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R-IL-16) has introduced H.Res. 509, a resolution expressing support for the efforts of the Republic of Turkey, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, and the Lebanese Republic to provide housing, educational opportunities, health care, and other forms of humanitarian assistance to individuals and families displaced by the conflict in Syria. I was in the region earlier this year, and I saw the human tragedy that has occurred, said Congressman Kinzinger. I stood in the U.N. refugee camp and had a little girl come up to me and explain through a translator how her parents were killed by ISIS and how she ran away fleeing for security. I realized the important role that the United States of America and its global partners need to play to help those fleeing from the murder and brutality committed by ISIS and the Assad regime. Our Turkish, Jordanian, and Lebanese allies continue to step up in assisting Syrian refugees by providing them with educational and health care opportunities and I want to commend them for their commitment to helping mitigate the ongoing crisis in Syria. Please click here for full text of H. RES. 509, which has been referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. Please click here for Congressman Kinzinger's ""Dear Colleague Letter"" regarding H. RES. 509.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398852,Davis Statement on Passing of Tim Nugent,2015-11-11,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,IL,Rodney Davis,D000619,rodneydavis.house.gov,,,legacy,"Davis Statement on Passing of Tim Nugent f t # e Champaign, IL, November 11, 2015 U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) today released the following statement after Tim Nugent passed away this morning:Today, we lost a pioneer in architectural accessibility and a relentless advocate for people with disabilities, said Davis. Tim fought for the rights of disabled veterans and to make universities accessible to students with disabilities. He challenged the way many regarded disabled individuals and opened the doors of higher education to millions of Americans. His legacy will live on throughout the halls of the University of Illinois and on college campuses across this county and I hope one day we will honor his contributions with a Congressional Gold Medal. Davis and U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk (R-Ill.) introduced the Timothy Nugent Congressional Gold Medal Act earlier this year. Davis and Nugent at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's Nugent Hall this past September discussing strides made to increase opportunities for individuals with disabilities and the challenges they continue to face.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398853,Davis: Honor Our Veterans With Responsiveness,2015-11-11,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,IL,Rodney Davis,D000619,rodneydavis.house.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) this Veterans Day highlighted the service of four veterans from his district who his office has assisted with casework claims through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).Throughout our nation's history many great men and women have served and sacrificed so that we may be free, said Davis. They've defended our country during some of its darkest hours and today we give our thanks and honor them and their service to our nation. While the VA has made progress after lawmakers, including Davis, demanded action in ending the massive backlog of disability and pension claims, a significant backlog still exists. Additionally, extended wait times, more than 30 days, for appointments still exist for roughly 500,000 veterans nationwide. We owe it to our veterans to deliver the promises that were made to them but unfortunately, our VA system is failing many of them, said Davis. I am proud of my office's record of helping veterans cut through red tape but they deserve better from the VA. They deserve a VA that is responsive and accountable so veterans get the benefits they are owed and the medical treatments they need when they need them. Veterans should not have to go through their congressman's office to get a doctor's appointment or receive the benefits they are owed. I will continue to work to improve the VA and ensure veterans get the care they need and deserve. Davis has assisted with nearly 500 VA claims for veterans in his district since taking office. These four veterans, or their surviving family, agreed to share their stories in honor of Veterans Day and to highlight the inefficiencies within the VA system in order to help more veterans. Their stories: Carl Bagwell of Springfield, a veteran of the United States Army, served with the Army 534th Military Police from 1971-1977 at the Quarry Heights Cana Zone in Panama. Bagwell was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year. He received a VA Choice Card allowing him to see a physician outside of the VA, however the VA must approve all treatments. Bagwell has had difficulty receiving consistent and timely authorization or treatment from the VA. Davis' office was successful in getting authorization for one of his monthly cancer shots and they are constantly monitoring his situation to ensure he receives the treatment he needs. William Morgan Reger III of Staunton, a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps (1953-1956), served in Korea, Japan, and Okinawa. He achieved the rank of Sergeant and received the National Defense Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, and Good Conduct Medal. During the Vietnam War, Reger served in the U.S. Air Force from 1957-1965 as an A1C medic and operating room specialist. He received the Air Force Longevity Service Award W/1 Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, Good Conduct Medal, and Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon. Following his service, Reger volunteered for seventeen years as a van driver for Disabled American Veterans, driving veterans to appointments at John Cochran and Jefferson Barracks Hospitals in St. Louis. After William Reger passed away, his widow, Bette Reger, contacted the VA regarding accrued benefits owed to her husband for his service-connected disabilities. After no response from the VA for nearly a year and facing severe financial hardship, Bette Reger contacted Davis' office for assistance. Davis' office was successful in getting her the accrued benefits owed to her husband. Kenneth Sprague of Urbana has served in Kuwait, Iraq, and most recently Afghanistan. Sprague has received several individual military awards including the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, and several others. He graduated from Urbana High School in 1996 and is currently employed as a Police Dispatcher in Champaign County. Sprague was mobilized and deployed to Kuwait and Iraq from July 2011 to April 2012. When he returned home from his deployment Sprague went to the VA and registered for medical and dental benefits as directed by the demobilization station. After his application for benefits had been pending for two years, Sprague received notification that he needed to report to the Danville VA for an examination for compensation. However, he could not appear due to his current deployment. Despite being assured his appointment would be rescheduled, it was not and his benefits were denied. Sprague then contacted Davis and his office was successful in working with the VA to ensure his benefits were received. Lawrence Orator of Palmer, a veteran of the war in Vietnam (1970-1971), served as a U.S. Army medic in the 25th infantry division and the 95th Evacuation Hospital in Danang, Vietnam. He is Bronze Star and Purple Heart recipient. He also received a service award and combat medical badge. Orator applied to obtain a copy of his medical records from the VA but after waiting some time and not receiving the records, he contacted Davis' office to request assistance. Davis' office worked with both the Chicago VA Regional Office and the National Archives and Records Administration to successfully obtain Orator's records for him. Background: Last year, Congress passed H.R. 3230, the Veterans Access, Choice and Accountability Act, to provide additional funding for the VA to hire doctors and lease more facilities as well as allowing veterans who are experiencing wait times of 30 days or longer or who live 40 miles or more from a VA facility to access care at private facilities. Davis has worked to ensure the VA follows the intent of the law when implementing the Veterans Choice Program so more veterans will benefit. Davis has also H.R. 3335, the Access to Veterans Benefits Improvement Act, his bipartisan legislation to improve the claims process through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) so veterans can get the answers they need more quickly.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://hultgren.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/hultgren-keep-guantanamo-bay-open,Hultgren: Keep Guantanamo Bay Open,2015-11-10,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,IL,Randy Hultgren,H001059,hultgren.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC U.S. Representative Randy Hultgren (IL-14) today criticized plans by the President to move ahead with closing Guantanamo Bay in Cuba and relocating detainees to United States prisons. Previously, Rep. Hultgren supported House passage of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016 which prohibits such transfers. The Presidents plan to close down the facility and move detainees to our shores is more political than practical, said Rep. Hultgren. On a recent in-depth congressional fact-finding trip to the Guantanamo Bay prison, I saw first-hand how the facility is an important solution to housing the worlds most hardened terrorists. The conditions are humane but securethe right combination for enemy combatants bent on harming our citizens. Until these terrorists are tried by our nations military tribunals, they should remain in Guantanamo Bay. On a bipartisan congressional fact-finding trip in September, Rep. Hultgren and his colleagues met with commanders at the facility, attended classified briefings regarding the nature and backgrounds of detainees and their treatment, toured the several camps and learned about overall operations. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398854,"Davis Tours New Crisis Unit at Chestnut Health Systems, Hosts Mental Health Roundtable With Local Stakeholders",2015-11-10,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,IL,Rodney Davis,D000619,rodneydavis.house.gov,,,legacy,"Davis Tours New Crisis Unit at Chestnut Health Systems, Hosts Mental Health Roundtable With Local Stakeholders Highlights Bill to Improve Mental Health System f t # e Bloomington, IL, November 10, 2015 U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) today toured Chestnut Health Systems' new 24-hour mental health crisis/medical detoxification unit and hosted a roundtable with members of the health community, law enforcement, and local government to discuss ways we can improve our mental health system. Davis also discussed H.R. 2646, the Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act, which was introduced by U.S. Rep. Tim Murphy (R-Pa.), a clinical psychologist, to overhaul our nation's broken mental health system.Whether it's another mass killing or another suicide, which is now the second leading cause of death for adolescents and young adults age 15 to 24, it's clear our country has a mental health crisis that we cannot afford to ignore, said Davis. We are pouring billions of dollars every year into a system that is broken and failing to help those who need it. We need an overhaul which is why I support my colleague, who is the only clinical psychologist in Congress, Congressman Tim Murphy's comprehensive bill to encourage early intervention and prevention, empower families, improve coordination, and increase access to mental health. Davis tours Chestnut Health Systems' new 24-hour mental health crisis/medical detoxification unit with Alan Sender, Chief Operating Officer, and Hannah Hansen, Chestnut Health Systems staff. (Left to Right: Davis; Sender; Miles Chiotti, Congressman Davis staff; Hansen) Davis leads roundtable with members of the health community, law enforcement, and local government to discuss issues facing our mental health system. Background: Despite roughly $130 billion in federal mental health spending every year, our system is broken. We have a nationwide shortage of nearly 100,000 psychiatric beds; our jails, including Cook County, have become our largest mental health hospital; privacy laws generate more than 8,000 complaints each year by physicians and family members; and there is a severe shortage in child psychiatrists (about one for every 2,000 children). Specifically, H.R. 2646, the Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis, introduced by U.S. Rep. Tim Murphy (R-Pa.), a clinical psychologist, to help overhaul our broken mental health system. H.R. 2646 refocuses mental health programs, reforms grants, and removes federal barriers. This bill recently moved through the House Energy and Commerce health subcommittee and could be considered on the House floor soon. More information can be found here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398845,Davis Visits Danville VA Ahead of Veterans Day,2015-11-09,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,IL,Rodney Davis,D000619,rodneydavis.house.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) today visited the Department of Veterans Affairs Illiana Health Care System in Danville. Davis met with leaders to discuss ways to improve care for veterans. Davis tours Danville VA with Acting Director Diana Carranza and signs Randy Cook's AFC Football, a resident of one of Danville's Community Living Centers. Our veterans deserve a responsive system that provides timely access to health care, said Davis. While many veterans receive excellent care from the doctors, nurses, and other dedicated Danville staff, there is always room for improvement. My staff and I will continue to work with VA leaders to limit veterans wait times, improve responsiveness, and increase access to care through the Veterans Choice Program.Specifically, veterans in Davis district have experienced long wait times when trying to schedule appointments through the Danville VA and difficulty receiving Veterans Choice Card authorization. The Danville VA is one of five medical centers in the state of Illinois and treats veterans in 34 counties in Illinois and Indiana, including those in the 13th Congressional District. Veterans go through the Danville VA to fill prescriptions, have medical exams and appointments, and get authorization for outside medical care via their VA Choice Card or in a medical emergency. This includes appointments at community based outpatient clinics in Carbondale, Decatur, and Springfield. Background: Last year, Congress passed H.R. 3230, the Veterans Access, Choice and Accountability Act, to provide additional funding for the VA to hire doctors and lease more facilities as well as allowing veterans who are experiencing wait times of 30 days or longer or who live 40 miles or more from a VA facility to access care at private facilities. Davis has worked to ensure the VA follows the intent of the law when implementing the Veterans Choice Program so more veterans will benefit. Davis has also introduced H.R. 3335, the Access to Veterans Benefits Improvement Act, his bipartisan legislation to improve the claims process through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) so veterans can get the answers they need more quickly.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://bost.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/bost-bill-restores-certainty-va-leadership,Bost Bill Restores Certainty in VA Leadership,2015-11-09,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,IL,Mike Bost,B001295,bost.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.Today, Reps. Mike Bost (R-IL) and Jim Costa (D-CA) introduced a bipartisan bill to address the growing problem of VA medical centers operating without permanent directors, an instability that puts the care of our nations veterans at risk. The Bost-Costa legislation would require the Secretary of the VA to submit a plan to Congress within 120 days for recruiting a permanent director at each facility currently under temporary leadership. No business or organization can successfully operate under a revolving door of interim leaders certainly not one tasked with caring for Americas heroes, said Rep. Bost. At a time when restoring accountability and leadership at the VA is a primary focus, we cant afford to continue operating in this haphazard way. As a veteran myself, Im pleased to do my part in providing the stability necessary to ensure our veterans receive the best care possible. VA medical centers, including the Fresno Medical Center, are operating without a permanent director, and that could be a disadvantage for hospital staff and the veterans they serve, said Rep. Costa. This bipartisan legislation aims to enhance health care services provided to veterans by improving management at VA medical centers across the country. H.R. 3956, the VA Health Center Management Stability and Improvement Act, would: Within 120 days of enactment, require the Secretary of the VA to develop and submit to Congress a plan to hire highly-qualified medical directors for each medical center that lacks a permanent director; Identify possible impediments to staffing facilities with permanent directors; and Assess the possibility of promoting and training qualified candidates from within the VA for promotion to Senior Executive Service positions.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://hultgren.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/hultgren-announces-second-annual-congressional-app-challenge-for-high-school,Hultgren Announces Second Annual Congressional App Challenge for High School Students,2015-11-06,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,IL,Randy Hultgren,H001059,hultgren.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC U.S. Representative Randy Hultgren (IL-14) has announced that the second annual Congressional App Challenge, previously known as the Congressional Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Academic Competition, for high school students in the 14th Congressional District will begin on November 9, 2015. The competition is designed to engage students creativity and encourage their participation in STEM education fields, allowing students to compete by creating and exhibiting their software application, or app, for mobile, tablet or computer devices on a platform of their choice. I was thrilled by the high caliber of last years submissions, demonstrating how the Congressional App Challenge is a great way students can showcase their ideas and technical know-how, said Rep. Hultgren. Our nation has a strong track record of innovative and technological achievement and STEM education is critical for our nation to continue to lead, and for our students to pursue and thrive in the careers of tomorrow. Learning computer code alongside young students, I have seen strong promise with our next generation of pioneers and innovators. I am excited to see what inventive apps students in the 14th District create to solve everyday problems and enhance our lives. In its first year, the nationwide competition received submissions from students in 84 congressional districts. Jake Cirino of Oswego High School was selected as 14th District winner by area judges from the computer science and technology fields for his app, Pollution Simulator. The 2016 Congressional App Challenge submission period will run from November 9, 2015 through January 15, 2016. 14th District winners will be selected by a panel of local judges and recognized by Congressman Hultgren. Their apps will be featured on a display in the U.S. Capitol building. Additional information on the Congressional App Challenge can be found at www.congressionalappchallenge.us, and on Rep. Hultgrens website at https://hultgren.house.gov/serving-you/stem-competition, or by phone at 202-225-2976. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://kinzinger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399251,Congressman Kinzinger Reacts to President Obama's Rejection of Keystone XL Pipeline,2015-11-06,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,IL,Adam Kinzinger,K000378,kinzinger.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Kinzinger Reacts to President Obama's Rejection of Keystone XL Pipeline Crazy. f t # e Washington, November 6, 2015 Congressman Adam Kinzinger issued the following statement in response to President Obamas formal rejection of the Keystone XL pipeline: Crazy. share: f t WASHINGTON Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) issued the following statement in response to President Obamas formal rejection of the Keystone XL pipeline: Crazy.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398839,Davis Statement on President Obamas Rejection of Keystone XL,2015-11-06,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,IL,Rodney Davis,D000619,rodneydavis.house.gov,,,legacy,"Davis Statement on President Obamas Rejection of Keystone XL f t # e Washington, November 6, 2015 Washington, DC U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) today released the following statement after President Obama announced he will reject the construction of the Keystone XL pipeline.Today, President Obama chose politics over people, said Davis. Im certainly not surprised by his decision but I am extremely disappointed. We continue to see the impact this administrations attack on our energy sector is having on Illinois families. It seems like every other week there is another announcement about a coal mine or power plant forced to close because of new rules and regulations coming from the Executive Branch. Instead of encouraging energy independence and job growth within this industry, the president continues to placate his political base. The Keystone XL pipeline has the support of business and labor groups alike and is estimated to create more than 40,000 jobs. Davis has long been a supporter of Keystone XL and has called on the president to approve its construction. Click here to view his speech.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398841,Davis Recognizes National Apprenticeship Week With Visit to Mid Central Illinois Regional Council of Carpenters,2015-11-06,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,IL,Rodney Davis,D000619,rodneydavis.house.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) today recognized National Apprenticeship Week (Nov. 1-7) with a visit to the Mid Central Illinois Regional Council of Carpenters. Davis highlighted the LEAP Act, his bill to reinvigorate Americas apprenticeship programs.The need for skilled workers is growing every year, said Davis. By incentivizing employers to utilize our apprenticeship programs, we can help workers, especially younger workers, get the on-the-job experience necessary to succeed in todays workforce. This bill will be helpful for contractors and union workers because we are currently in a recruitment stage,"" said Dan White, Executive Assistant for the Mid Central Illinois Regional Council of Carpenters. ""We are always looking for more young men and women to learn the trade and this will give contractors a greater incentive to hire them."" The need for qualified candidates for essential jobs in industries such as construction, electric, welding, and pipe fitting, is significant and growing a Georgetown study projects that by 2018 there will be shortages of between 3 million and 5 million skilled workers. In FY 2013, more than 164,000 individuals nationwide, 2,979 in Illinois, entered the apprenticeship system and there are over 375,000 apprentices, 13,643 in Illinois, currently obtaining the skills they need to succeed while earning the wages they need to build financial security. Current numbers of programs and individuals participating in them are hardly scratching the surface of what is needed, so the LEAP Act will reinvigorate Americas apprenticeship programs in our skilled industries. Key pieces of the LEAP Act include: Offering a federal tax credit for hiring new apprentices that are registered with the U.S. Department of Labor or a state apprenticeship agency. Addressing the fact that the average age of apprentices is currently as high as 29 by offering a tax credit of $1,500 for apprentices under 25. The tax credit for apprentices over 25 is $1,000. Davis first introduced the Leveraging and Energizing Americas Apprenticeship Programs (LEAP) Act last Congress with U.S. Rep. Dan Lipinski (D-Ill.).",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://roskam.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/roskam-president-s-keystone-rejection-dead-wrong,Roskam: Presidents Keystone Rejection Dead Wrong',2015-11-06,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,IL,Peter Roskam,R000580,roskam.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DCToday, Congressman Peter Roskam (IL-06) released the following statement after President Obama announced his opposition to building the Keystone XL pipeline: Today, the President of the United States said no to American jobs, no to North American energy independence, and no to Americas national security interests. Years of rigorous scrutiny by independent experts and his own State Department have concluded that building Keystone XL will not have a significant negative environmental impact. Nevertheless, President Obama has chosen to pander to a small group of radical environmentalists, rather than move forward with constructing a major infrastructure project to boost our economy. The Keystone pipeline is supported by an overwhelming majority of Americans. On this policy, President Obama has gotten it dead wrong.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://hultgren.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/hultgren-supports-long-term-highway-bill,Hultgren Supports Long-Term Highway Bill,2015-11-05,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,IL,Randy Hultgren,H001059,hultgren.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC U.S. Representative Randy Hultgren (IL-14) today supported House passage (363-64) of H.R. 3763, the Surface Transportation Reauthorization and Reform Act of 2015, a long-term bill which reauthorizes federal surface transportation programs for six years. The last time a highway bill lasting longer than two years made it to the president's desk was 2005. For a full summary of the bills benefits to Illinois and the nation, please visit: https://transportation.house.gov/strr-act. Since my time on the Transportation Committee in the House, I have fought hard to find long-term solutions that provide certainty for Illinois state and local governments planning for infrastructure improvements. Over the past months, I have sought the input and expertise of 14th District transportation officials and communities who know first-hand their infrastructure needs. I have fought hard for their interests to be included in the final bill, including ensuring equity among Chicago, the suburbs and downstate Illinois. I am pleased Chairman Shuster has agreed to work on ensuring this equity as the bill heads to conference with the Senate, said Rep. Hultgren. As I have urged House leadership previously, I believe we must avoid short-term funding bills and prevent never-ending fiscal crises from stopping our important work of overseeing how tax dollars are spent. I look forward to moving the final bill to the presidents desk and continuing the trend toward long-term fiscal planning in all areas of government. Rep. Hultgren has received input from a variety of transportation officials and communities throughout the 14th District: ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://kinzinger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399248,House Advances Kinzinger Amendment to Protect Illinois Consumers and Businesses,2015-11-05,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,IL,Adam Kinzinger,K000378,kinzinger.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) today applauded House advancement of the Surface Transportation Reauthorization and Reform Act of 2015, which includes his amendment to protect consumers, support small business, and improve vehicle safety. By voice vote, the House adopted his amendment that would require suppliers and manufacturers of auto parts that are determined to be defective or non-compliant to identify all parts subject to recall, which the Transportation Department would be required to make available online. share: f t Rich Aukland, co-owner and sales manager of Rhodes Auto shows Congressman Kinzinger around their inventory warehouse in Streator, IL. WASHINGTON - Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) today applauded House advancement of the Surface Transportation Reauthorization and Reform Act of 2015, which includes his amendment to protect consumers, support small business, and improve vehicle safety. By voice vote, the House adopted his amendment that would require suppliers and manufacturers of auto parts that are determined to be defective or non-compliant to identify all parts subject to recall, which the Transportation Department would be required to make available online.Congressman Kinzinger recently toured Rhodes Auto, a family owned auto salvage business in Streator with an inventory of over 4,000 automobiles. Businesses like Rhodes Auto sell more than 500,000 parts every day and must comply with federal recall laws, including the TREAD Act, which prohibits businesses like Rhodes Auto from recycling and selling parts that are subject to a recall. Auto recyclers are an important part of the auto parts supply chain, said Congressman Kinzinger. And while the TREAD Act safeguards the safety of the driving public, we need to ensure that businesses like Rhodes Auto have the information they need to remove recalled component parts from their inventory. Currently available government tools do not meet the needs of auto recyclers. While Congressman Kinzinger visited Rhodes Auto, they showed him an example of a SaferCar.gov search of three different vehicles with known recalls. Two of the three showed blank screens after searching the VIN, even though the database should have displayed recalls for ignition switches. Additionally, private sector database subscription services like CarFax do not have the information needed to see which part has been recalled. Kinzinger continued, My amendment will ensure consumer safety by providing more information to businesses like Rhodes Auto so they can identify recalled parts and remove them from their inventory and the auto parts supply chain. It is an honor to represent the people of the 16th District, and I will continue taking their concerns to Washington so we can inject some commonsense into the policies coming out of Congress. Our Rhodes family has operated this auto parts recycling business since 1987, said Rich Aukland, Manager and son-in-law of founder Jim Rhodes. We are committed to protecting our customers and recycling automobiles to meet the needs of consumers looking to buy quality auto parts. We appreciate the Congressmans effort to learn more about the challenges we face and thank him for taking action that will help us better serve our customers and protect our community from unsafe auto parts. We also thank the Congressman's efforts to help a small business stay in business by giving us the tools we need to continue. Click here to watch Congressman Kinzingers Remarks during Floor Debate: Transcript: Madam Chair, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise today to offer an amendment that would improve vehicle safety and ensure that businesses have the necessary information to comply with section 8 of the TREAD Act. Every day, professional automotive recyclers sell over a half a million original equipment manufacturer parts which are harvested from total loss or end-of-life vehicles and are resold to consumers, repair shops, and dealers. These parts are designed by automakers and are manufactured to meet their requirements. Even when a vehicle may reach the end of its useful life, many parts have a greater lifespan and can be subsequently recycled, resold, and reused. This offers consumers with additional choice to purchase a quality recycled part at a lower cost. In 2000, Congress enacted the TREAD Act to increase vehicle safety by prohibiting the resale of recycled auto parts that are subject to a recall and have not been remedied. Congress passed this legislation with the safety of the driving public in mind. However, the ability of professional automotive recyclers to identify and remove recalled parts from the supply chain is severely limited. Earlier this year, Secretary Foxx responded to a question for the record on this subject following a House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee hearing. He recommended that automotive manufacturers provide part number information in an efficient and easy-to-use format directly to recyclers and others who need the information to support auto safety. My amendment does just that and will ensure these businesses can identify such parts and remove them from their inventory. Our friends in the European Union have already implemented regulations requiring such a system that includes the VIN, [Original Equipment] parts numbers, and the [Original Equipment] naming of the parts. I know we have the technological capabilities to similarly improve vehicle safety, and I am hoping that my colleagues will show their commitment to improving the recall process with an aye vote. Now is the time to pass this measure. More Information: The Surface Transportation Reauthorization and Reform Act of 2015 (the STRR Act) reauthorizes and reform federal highway, transit, and highway safety programs. This legislation helps improve the nations surface transportation infrastructure, refocuses programs on addressing national priorities, provides more flexibility and certainty for states and local governments, accelerates project delivery, maintains a strong commitment to safety, and promotes innovation to make the transportation system and programs more effective. Click here for more details about the STRR Act.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398837,Davis Applauds House Passage of Multi-Year Highway Bill,2015-11-05,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,IL,Rodney Davis,D000619,rodneydavis.house.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) today voted for a multi-year highway bill, which passed the House with bipartisan support by a vote of 363-64.Weve forced our states and local governments to operate under uncertainty for far too long, said Davis. This bipartisan bill makes critical policy changes needed to improve our transportation system and it guarantees funding for our roads and bridges for the next three years. However, I remain committed to finding long-term, innovative funding solutions that support a 21st Century transportation system that is needed to move our economy forward. The House bill includes two bipartisan amendments submitted by Davis along with U.S. Rep. Dan Lipinski (D-Ill.). The first amendment provides important relief to independent welders working in the pipeline industry who use their personal vehicle on the job. The second clarifies existing law as it relates to the type of freight auto-haulers can carry on backhaul trips after they deliver their vehicles to car dealerships. Both amendments had the support of business and labor groups. At a time when gridlock and dysfunction seem to be the narrative most prevalent in Washington, both of these amendments are prime examples of how Democrats and Republicans can work together to find commonsense solutions to problems facing both the business and labor communities, said Davis. Additionally, this bill provides more local control by increasing the share of Surface Transportation Program (STP) funding that is suballocated to metropolitan areas by 1% per year, starting at 51% in FY16 and going up to 55% by 2020. While this bill takes modest steps toward increasing local control of transportation funds, I believe there is still room for improvement, said Davis. I will continue to fight to give our communities, and particularly smaller communities, a greater voice in how transportation dollars are spent. Davis has spearheaded reforms that increase local control of transportation funds provided to states with his bill the Innovation in Surface Transportation Act. Additional reforms and improvements made by the House bill include: Streamlines the environmental review and permitting process, accelerating project delivery. Establishes a National Surface Transportation and Innovative Finance Bureau intended to provide assistance to state, local and private partners as they move various transportation projects forward. Creates a Nationally Significant Freight and Highway Projects Program to help improve the movement of goods across the country. Promotes the deployment of transportation technologies that will enhance the surface transportation system by reducing congestion and increasing efficiency.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://roskam.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/roskam-votes-against-house-highway-bill,Roskam Votes Against Partially-Funded Highway Bill,2015-11-05,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,IL,Peter Roskam,R000580,roskam.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DCToday, Congressman Peter Roskam (IL-06) released the following statement after voting against the House highway bill: This bill only funded the first three years of its six years of spending. I voted no.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://lahood.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-passes-multi-year-surface-transportation-legislation,House Passes Multi-Year Surface Transportation Legislation,2015-11-05,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,IL,Darin LaHood,L000585,lahood.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.The House of Representatives passed the first long-term highway and transit bill in a decade today. The six-year transportation bill passed with a strong bipartisan vote of 363-64. Appointed members of the House and Senate now go to Conference to reconcile differences between the two chambers positions and produce a final legislative measure. The passage to improve and reform our highway and transit programs by investing in our nations infrastructure is a tremendous step in the right direction for the country and the 18th District. The provisions to increase flexibility for states to prioritize bridge rehabilitation and replacements, coupled with eliminating red tape that slows down infrastructure improvements will serve as a catalyst for job growth and opportunities, Rep. Darin LaHood mentioned. There are some great provisions in this bill that will specifically help business of all sizes in Central Illinois, by providing tools to build or repair our Districts infrastructure. Our nations transportation network is the backbone of our economy. Road users and road builders will benefit under this legislation and I look forward to the final conference report. The last time a transportation bill longer than two years reached the presidents desk was in 2005. This was one of the first key legislative items considered by the House of Representatives under the new leadership of Speaker Paul Ryan. ### Congressman Darin LaHood proudly serves the constituents of Illinois 18th Congressional District, consisting of more than 710,000 constituents across 19 counties throughout Central and West-Central Illinois. Darin was born and raised in Central Illinois and currently resides in the Peoria area with his wife and three children. To schedule an interview with Congressman LaHood, please contact J.D. Dalfonso at j.dalfonso@mail.house.gov or at (309) 231-5859",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20151109051946/http://roskam.house.gov:80/media-center/press-releases/bipartisan-coalition-of-lawmakers-outline-legislative-principles-to,Bipartisan House Members Outline Legislative Principles to Ensure Retirement Advisors Protect Clients Best Interests,2015-11-05,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,IL,Peter Roskam,R000580,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DCRepublican and Democratic lawmakers today outlined a series of legislative principles that will help strengthen the retirement security of working families and ensure retirement advisors protects their clients best interests. The congressional effort is taking place as bipartisan concerns grow over a regulatory proposal by the Department of Labor that many individuals fear will make it harder for low- and middle-income families to plan for retirement. Recognizing the need to strengthen protections for those seeking investment advice, Representatives Peter Roskam (R-IL), Richard Neal (D-MA), Phil Roe (R-TN), and Michelle Lujan Grisham (D-NM) are working together to introduce a bipartisan legislative solution that reflects the following principles: Promoting families and individuals saving for a financially-secure retirement is an essential public policy good. Retirement advisors must serve in their clients best interests and must be required to do so. Retirement advisors must deliver clear, simple, and relevant disclosure of material conflicts, including compensation received and all investment fees to individuals saving for retirement. Public policies must protect access to investment advice and education for low- and middle-income workers and retirees. Public policies should never deny individuals the financial information they need to make informed decisions. Investor choice and consumer access to all investment services such as proprietary products, commission-based sales, and guaranteed lifetime incomeshould be preserved in a way that does not pick winners and losers. Small business owners should have access to the financial advice and products they need to establish and maintain retirement plans and help workers save for retirement. The members working on this bipartisan effort released the following statement: We are concerned that the Department of Labors current fiduciary proposal may have unintended negative consequences that could harm individuals and families saving for retirement. We acknowledge the Department of Labors pledge to change aspects of the regulation before final issuance, but feel more must be done to adequately address concerns about the rules impact on the ability of low- and middle-class families to save for retirement. The Department of Labor has said it will change certain aspects of the regulation before final issuance. However, if the final rule has flaws, damage can be done upon the rules release due to the immediate changes the retirement savings industry would have to make and the likelihood that those changes could limit access to services and education for those saving for retirement. To protect the retirement savings of all Americans, we intend to introduce a bipartisan legislative solution. Our legislative proposal will ensure that all Americans have access to the financial advice they need to prepare for retirement, protect individuals from conflicted advice, and require advisors serve the best interests of retirement savers. We look forward to the work that lies ahead and urge all our colleagues to join this important effort. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398840,Southern Illinois Delegation Meets with Commerce Officials Over Trade Enforcement,2015-11-04,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,IL,Rodney Davis,D000619,rodneydavis.house.gov,,,legacy,"Southern Illinois Delegation Meets with Commerce Officials Over Trade Enforcement Joint Effort Spurred by Potential Idling of Operations at Granite City Works f t # e Washington, November 4, 2015 U.S. Reps. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) and Mike Bost (R-Ill.), along with a representative from the office of Rep. John Shimkus (R-Ill.), today met with Department of Commerce (DOC) Deputy Secretary Bruce Andrews and Assistant Secretary Paul Piquado of the Enforcement Office to discuss trade enforcement-related matters in the wake of U.S. Steels announcement that they may temporarily idle operations at their Granite City Works facility.""Steelworkers in Southwest Illinois whose jobs are at risk because of illegal trade practices cannot afford to wait for these enforcement provisions to be implemented,"" said Davis. ""I was encouraged by our meeting today and the Commerce Department's commitment to preventing unfairly traded steel from entering our markets. I will continue to work with them to ensure we have laws and policies in place to prevent illegal trade practices that disadvantage workers in my district."" I commend the DOC for responding to our meeting request as we work together on behalf of our steelworkers and their families to get an update on pending cases before the ITC concerning anti-dumping and countervailing, said Bost. Rep. Davis and I were successful in securing enhanced trade remedies to protect against illegal trade practices. Its important to know how these provisions will be implemented and help restore certainty and ensure that our efforts to put American workers on an even playing field in the global marketplace are successful. These three anti-dumping and countervailing duty petitions filed by several companies in the domestic steel industry are now before the International Trade Commission (ITC). Earlier this year, the President signed into law a provision Bost and Davis introduced to protect American workers from the illegal dumping of foreign products in U.S. markets.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://roskam.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/chairman-roskam-opening-statement-iran-terror-financing-and-the-tax-code,Chairman Roskam Opening Statement: Iran Terror Financing and the Tax Code,2015-11-04,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,IL,Peter Roskam,R000580,roskam.house.gov,,,legacy,"DuPage County, IL Today, the House of Representatives voted to pass theTax Cuts and JobsAct (H.R. 1), 227-205. Representative Peter Roskam (IL-06), who voted in favor of H.R. 1, also serves as the Chairman of the Tax Policy Subcommittee on Ways and Means and has taken a leadership role in crafting this legislation. Rep. Roskam released the following statement:",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://bost.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/southern-illinois-delegation-meets-commerce-officials-over-trade,Southern Illinois Delegation Meets with Commerce Officials Over Trade Enforcement,2015-11-04,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,IL,Mike Bost,B001295,bost.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.Today, Reps. Mike Bost (IL-12) and Rodney Davis (IL-13), along with a representative with the office of Rep. John Shimkus (IL-15), met with Department of Commerce (DOC) Deputy Secretary Bruce Andrews and Assistant Secretary Paul Piquado of the Enforcement Office to discuss trade enforcement-related matters in the wake of U.S. Steels announcement that they may temporarily idle operations at their Granite City Works facility. I commend the DOC for responding to our meeting request as we work together on behalf of our steelworkers and their families to get an update on pending cases before the ITC concerning anti-dumping and countervailing duties, said Rep. Bost. Rep. Davis and I were successful in securing enhanced trade remedies to protect against illegal trade practices. Its important to know how these provisions will be implemented to help restore certainty and ensure that our efforts to put American workers on an even playing field in the global marketplace are successful. These three anti-dumping and countervailing duty petitions filed by several companies in the domestic steel industry are now before the International Trade Commission (ITC). Earlier this year, the President signed into law a provision Bost and Davis introduced to protect American workers from the illegal dumping of foreign products in U.S. markets.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://hultgren.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/hultgren-files-amendment-banning-department-of-transportation-from-lobbying,Hultgren Files Amendment Banning Department of Transportation from Lobbying on Pending Legislation,2015-11-03,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,IL,Randy Hultgren,H001059,hultgren.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC U.S. Representative Randy Hultgren (IL-14), with Representative Jim Sensenbrenner (WI-05), has filed an amendment to the Surface Transportation Reauthorization and Reform Act of 2015 (H.R. 3763) that would prohibit funding to the Secretary of Transportation for lobbying any Federal, State, or local legislation. This amendment would not prevent departments or agencies from requesting legislation or appropriations, or communicating with Members of Congress through the proper channels. Taxpayers should not be paying for government agencies to lobby on behalf of their own special interests, especially when they are seeking to impose unnecessary regulations on motorcyclists. This common sense amendment will help ensure the Department of Transportation uses tax dollars wisely instead of using their resources to influence policy, said Rep. Hultgren. We should be directing our efforts on encouraging motorcycle safety through education, not by wasting taxpayer dollars on intrusive governmental overreach that only serves to cost the taxpayer more at the expense of motorcyclists. The amendment would reinstate previous law, prohibiting the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration from lobbying on behalf of motorcycle safety matters. It reinforces language already approved by the House last year as a part of H.R. 4745, the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, and within the managers amendment for H.R. 860 in the 105th Congress. Rep. Hultgren has cosponsored similar legislation this Congress including H.R. 1861, the Stop Motorcycle Checkpoint Funding Act. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://hultgren.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/hultgren-secures-commitment-from-transportation-chairman-to-fix-inequities,Hultgren Secures Commitment from Transportation Chairman to Fix Inequities in Grants for Suburban Areas,2015-11-03,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,IL,Randy Hultgren,H001059,hultgren.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC During floor debate today on H.R. 3763, the Surface Transportation Reauthorization and Reform Act of 2015, U.S. Representative Randy Hultgren (IL-14) secured a commitment from Transportation and Infrastructure Chairman Bill Shuster (PA-09) to work on directing federal transportation funding to suburban areas as the bill goes to conference to ensure a more equitable split among urban, suburban, and rural communities in the highway bill. Chairmen from Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry and Will Counties sent a letter to Rep. Hultgren asking him to raise the issue while the House considers the highway bill. Previously, Rep. Hultgren hosted Chairman Shuster along with representatives from Illinois transportation authorities, county and city governments, universities and industry for a discussion on, among other issues, how to address the long-term infrastructure funding needs of Illinois. (Click picture to watch video) This bill dedicates discretionary grant funding to freight and highway projects of national significance, said Rep. Hultgren on the House floor. Though this program is of vital importance to projects in all of our districts, there appears to be a bias on how the vast majority of funds have been awarded by the U.S. Department of Transportation, and suburban projects appear to be often ignored. I ask the Chairman to be mindful of the distribution of such funding levels as it pertains to suburban projectsI would ask that as this bill moves to conference, we work together to find some level of equitable distribution of federal funds to suburban areas. Rep. Hultgren has offered his own amendment to the current highway bill that would prohibit funding to the Secretary of Transportation for lobbying any Federal, State, or local legislation. Additionally, he is an original cosponsor on an amendment to restore transit benefits for mass-transit commuters to the same level as parking benefits. Previously, he cosponsored H.R. 990, the Commuter Parity Act, with similar language. As a former member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Rep. Hultgren helped lead efforts to strengthen existing transportation resources and develop a long-term strategy to meet the needs of the future. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://kinzinger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399247,Illinois Congressional Delegation Backs Chicago Medical Network as Regional Treatmeant Center for Ebola Virus,2015-11-03,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,IL,Adam Kinzinger,K000378,kinzinger.house.gov,,,legacy,"[WASHINGTON, D.C.] The entire Illinois Congressional Delegation urged the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to designate the Chicago Ebola Response Network (CERN) a network of high-quality volunteer healthcare leaders, practitioners and first responders as a regional treatment center for the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) to enable them to better support the national response to Ebola and access resources for emergency preparedness and biocontamination. Throughout the Ebola virus outbreak, CERN demonstrated its unique capacity to meet the demands of an EVD treatment facility, and it has pledged to treat any future patients, including foreign and domestic travelers. Ebola was not the first virus to come through Chicago, and it will not be the last, wrote the Illinois members. Given its centrality and unique population base, it is imperative that Chicago maintain capabilities to screen, diagnose, treat, and prevent these conditions and participate in real-time with other centers in the national network. Our providers believe that this designation will enable them to do just that. The CERN network providers include the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Childrens Hospital of Chicago, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Rush University Medical Center, and the University of Chicago Medical Center. Members signing on to todays letter include U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Mark Kirk (R-IL) and U.S. Representatives Mike Bost (R-IL), Cheri Bustos (D-IL), Danny Davis (D-IL), Rodney Davis (R-IL), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Bill Foster (D-IL), Luis Gutirrez (D-IL), Randy Hultgren (R-IL), Robin Kelly (D-IL), Adam Kinzinger (R-IL), Dan Lipinski (D-IL), Mike Quigley (D-IL), Peter Roskam (R-IL), Bobby Rush (D-IL), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), Bob Dold (R-IL), Darin LaHood (R-IL) and John Shimkus (R-IL). Text of the letter is below. October 30, 2015 The Honorable Sylvia Mathews Burwell Secretary of Health and Human Services U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 200 Independence Ave, S.W. Washington, D.C. 20201 Dear Secretary Burwell: Last year, we faced an unprecedented outbreak of the Ebola virus, and the entire world stretched its resources to respond. When Chicago OHare International Airport, one of the busiest airports in the world, was identified as a port-of-entry for travelers from West Africa in October 2014, we were proud to see four of Chicagos academic medical centers join forces to form the Chicago Ebola Response Network (CERN). As we anticipate the needs of future outbreaks, we urge you to recognize the unique capabilities of the CERN network and designate it as a regional treatment center for the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD). Rather than compete against each other, these hospitals leveraged the network structure to develop a robust, comprehensive response to the Ebola virus, protecting the city while providing high-quality care. CERN is a network of high-quality volunteer health-care leaders, practitioners, and first responders, located at the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Childrens Hospital of Chicago, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Rush University Medical Center, and the University of Chicago Medical Center. The network applied to be the Health and Human Services (HHS) Region Five designated EVD treatment center but received neither the designation nor associated funding. The leaders of CERN and the Chicago Department of Public Health are asking that CERN be named and recognized as a designated regional EVD Treatment Center, since it will enable them to better support the national response to EVD and access resources for emergency preparedness and biocontamination. CERN is not seeking additional government resources at this time. Throughout the Ebola virus outbreak, CERN demonstrated its unique capacity to meet the demands of an EVD treatment facility, and it has pledged to treat any future patients, including foreign and domestic travelers. Ebola was not the first virus to come through Chicago, and it will not be the last. In April of last year, an individual suffering from MERS, one of the most dangerous and communicable infectious diseases in the world, passed through OHare. Given its centrality and unique population base, it is imperative that Chicago maintain capabilities to screen, diagnose, treat, and prevent these conditions and participate in real-time with other centers in the national network. Our providers believe that this designation will enable them to do just that. CERN, with its network-based structure, is emblematic of the innovative public health model your agency fosters nationwide. We urge you to continue to develop this collaborative approach and designate CERN as a regional treatment center for the Ebola Disease Virus. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://bost.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-bost-receives-champion-healthcare-innovation-award,Rep. Bost Receives Champion of Healthcare Innovation Award,2015-11-03,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,IL,Mike Bost,B001295,bost.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.Today, Congressman Mike Bost (IL-12) received the Champion of Healthcare Innovation award from the Healthcare Leadership Council for his on-going support of patient-centered medical progress. I am honored to receive this award for our continued focus on improved patient care and finding cures to fatal and debilitating diseases, said Rep. Bost. The United States is the greatest medical innovator in the world, and its critical that we do all we can to accelerate ground-breaking research. We must make sure that new, life-saving treatments are accessible to Americans who need them. The Healthcare Leadership Council is a coalition of chief executives from all disciplines within American Healthcare to jointly develop policies, plans, and programs to achieve their vision of a 21st century system that makes affordable, high-quality care accessible to all Americans.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://hultgren.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/48-million-in-affordable-housing-grants-awarded-to-kane-will-counties-and,"$48 Million in Affordable Housing Grants Awarded to Kane, Will Counties and State of Illinois",2015-11-02,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,IL,Randy Hultgren,H001059,hultgren.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC U.S. Representative Randy Hultgren (IL-14) today announced that the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has awarded the State of Illinois and local governments millions of dollars in grants for Fiscal Year 2016 to help provide housing assistance for needy individuals and families, including more than $48 million affecting the 14th Congressional District. Colder months are ahead in Illinois and the 14th District, and Im pleased at the additional assistance provided to our neighbors most in need this next year, said Rep. Hultgren. I trust our state and local officials will use this funding efficiently and responsibly to ensure the least of these in our communities are served well. Shown below are Illinois- and 14th District-specific Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG), HOME, and Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) awards. The Community Development Block Grants program provides annual grants to States and local units of government to develop viable urban communities by providing decent housing and a suitable living environment, and by expanding economic opportunities, principally for low- and moderate-income persons. The Emergency Solutions Grants program provides funding to engage homeless individuals and families living on the street; improve the number, quality and operations of emergency shelters for homeless individuals and families; provide essential services to shelter residents, rapidly re-house homeless individuals and families, and prevent families/individuals from becoming homeless. The HOME program helps to expand the supply of decent, affordable housing to low- and very low-income families by providing grants to States and local governments to fund housing programs that meet local needs and priorities. The HOPWA program provides housing assistance and related supportive services to local units of government, States and non-profit organizations for projects that benefit low-income persons medically diagnosed with HIV/AIDS and their families. Grant Type Recipient Amount CDBG ELGIN $798,926.00 CDBG ILLINOIS STATE PROGRAM $26,188,994.00 ESG ILLINOIS STATE PROGRAM $4,711,779.00 HOME ILLINOIS STATE PROGRAM $11,156,773.00 HOPWA ILLINOIS STATE PROGRAM $1,172,213.00 CDBG KANE COUNTY $1,132,178.00 HOME KANE COUNTY $577,869.00 CDBG WILL COUNTY $1,894,405.00 ESG WILL COUNTY $137,784.00 HOME WILL COUNTY $396,646.00 ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://hultgren.house.gov/newsroom/in-the-news/a-possible-fix-for-the-obamacare-waiver-process,A Possible Fix for the Obamacare Waiver Process,2015-10-30,2015,2015-10,Republican,House,IL,Randy Hultgren,H001059,hultgren.house.gov,,,legacy,"Representative Randy Hultgren (R-IL) hasintroduced a billin the House of Representatives which would simplify and streamline the application and approval process for Obamacares Section 1332 state innovation waivers. As it stands now, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) essentially blocks any 1332 waiver from moving forward, but this bill could potentially give the states real access to a tool that would allow them to opt out of the laws essential health benefits provisions and insurance exchange requirements. This new waiver process would give states a way to combat rising health insurance costs and market consolidation. Health-flex waivers would allow states more flexibility with what they consider qualified health plans and essential health benefits, with the goal being to give consumers more plan options with lower premium costs. For example, this waiver would allow a health insurance market in a state to offer health plans thatmay not offer maternity and newborn care or a network with essential community providers. Individuals in these states who purchaseless robust but less expensive plans would still be considered insured and eligible for federal insurance subsidies. At the same time, exchange waivers would allow to states to break up their current health insurance marketplaces and give consumers the ability to purchase health plans outside of the state and federal exchanges. This could be done directly through an insurer or an agent or broker, as well as on a private exchange. The states themselves would also certify what would be considered acceptable health plans. The bill also lowers the Obamacares threshold for eligibility for insurance subsidies, bringing them down from 400 percent of the federal poverty level to 300 percent. Federal poverty guidelines allowed a family of four earning $95,400 last year to be eligible for a premium tax credit. Due to inflation, this benchmark usually increases each year. At this rate, by 2018 you will have families of four earning over $100,000 a year getting subsidized insurance coverage via Obamacare. While these subsidies are essentially acting as a form of welfare for the solidly middle class, a 25 percent reduction would make them more palatable by bring this eligibility level down to $72,750 in 2016. Hultgrens bill also requires states to offer at least one basic-level health care plan where the premiums do not exceed 6.5 percent of that states median household income. This will allow consumers to buy plans that include only the coverage they want. No longer, for example, will post-menopausal women be forced to buy plans that must include maternity coverage. Another feature for consumers comes from the bills transparency requirements, especially in regards to premium increases and monthly and annual costs. The issuers of health plans must makeavailablethe demographics of the population enrolled under the plan, the utilization and health care items and services by such populationand other factors that serve as a justification for the premium levels (including any premium increases) under the plan. This will keep consumers from being kept in the dark about the reasons for their plans jump in costs. Congressman Hultgrens bill contains many interesting ideas that could bring real financial relief for families and real reform to Obamacare. His colleagues in the House would consider it well worth their time to investigate it for themselves.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://kinzinger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399246,"Kinzinger Fights for Illinois Farmers, Protects Critical Crop Insurance Program",2015-10-30,2015,2015-10,Republican,House,IL,Adam Kinzinger,K000378,kinzinger.house.gov,,,legacy,"""Our agriculture industry is a critical economic driver for the 16th Congressional District and I will continue to fight for policies that ensure its continued vitality."" share: f t OTTAWA - Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R-Channahon) released the following statement regarding the agreement to avoid the cuts to crop insurance which were included in the Bipartisan Budget Agreement of 2015, which passed the House earlier this week: Like many of my constituents, I was surprised to find the Bipartisan Budget Agreement reopened the crop insurance negotiations of the Farm Bill that were agreed to and signed into law last year. In fact, my colleagues and I rejected an amendment with a similar provision during debate of the Farm Bill last Congress. The BBA includes a provision that would cap gross rates of return at 8.9% for crop insurance providers from the current rate of approximately 14.5%. This provision in the BBA would have serious consequences of forcing consolidation in the market and hurting farmers at a time when net farm income is projected to be down by 53 percent compared to the past two years. Kinzinger continued, Knowing the detrimental impact this provision would have on Illinois farmers, I quickly worked with a bipartisan group of my colleagues to raise our concerns about this unacceptable attempt to gut crop insurance. I am extremely satisfied that Leadership has heeded our call by agreeing to completely reverse this disastrous provision in the upcoming omnibus. This is a win for rural America and should be viewed as such. Our agriculture industry is a critical economic driver for the 16th Congressional District and I will continue to fight for policies that ensure its continued vitality. I appreciate Leaderships willingness to address these harmful cuts and will continue to work with Chairman Conaway and our Senate colleagues to ensure this promise is kept. I would also like to share my thanks to the many 16th District constituents who quickly engaged on this issue and helped deliver a positive outcome.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://hultgren.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/hultgren-statement-on-speaker-election,Hultgren Statement on Speaker Election,2015-10-29,2015,2015-10,Republican,House,IL,Randy Hultgren,H001059,hultgren.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC U.S. Representative Randy Hultgren (IL-14) released the following statement on the election of Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI) as Speaker of the House of Representatives: I was proud to support Paul Ryan today for Speaker. He has committed to restoring much needed civility in the House that will unify not only the Republican Conference, but serve to set the tone for tackling our country's biggest challenges. Nominated in a speech by conservative stalwart Trey Gowdy, supported by majorities of all conservative caucuses and groups in the House, and author of one of the most fiscally aggressive budgets in recent history, as Speaker, I am convinced that Paul Ryan will fight for cutting spending and putting our country on a path of financial responsibility that is vital to the future prosperity of this nation. I have worked with Paul to fight for affordable health care, lower taxes on small businesses and individuals, increased job growth, balanced budgets and the principles that made our country great. My district shares the Illinois-Wisconsin border with his, and our constituents share solid conservative Midwestern values. Under his leadership, as a Congress we must pursue policies that will help Americans get back to work and provide opportunities for themselves and their families. Together as one body we must wisely and responsibly work on behalf of the people who elected us as their representatives. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398833,"Davis, Graham Introduce Bill Allowing Employers to Assist Employees with Student Loan Debt",2015-10-29,2015,2015-10,Republican,House,IL,Rodney Davis,D000619,rodneydavis.house.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) and Gwen Graham (D-Fla.) today introduced legislation, the Employer Participation in Student Loan Assistance Act, to help individuals pay down their student loans. The legislation would provide a new tool to help employers recruit and retain employees by allowing them to help employees repay student loans with pre-tax dollars.Davis district includes eight four-year colleges and universities as well as five community colleges and is home to roughly 150,000 students. Seven in ten college seniors last year graduated with student loan debt which now represents the second highest form of consumer debt, said Davis. The Employer Participation in Student Loan Assistance Act encourages employers to be part of the solution by allowing them to offer an employee benefit that will help graduates pay down their student debt. With outstanding student loan debt totaling more than $1 trillion, we must find ways to engage the private sector and help graduates manage their debt. Too many students are receiving a great education but graduating with a burden of debt that prevents them from buying a home, saving for retirement or pursuing their preferred career, said Graham. Democrats and Republicans agree we need to address this issue, and the Employer Participation in Student Loan Assistance Act is common sense bipartisan legislation that will make a big difference in helping students pay off their loans. The Illinois Chamber of Commerce applauds Congressman Davis for introducing this important legislation, which will provide another option for employers to help attract quality employees,"" said Todd Maisch President and CEO of the Illinois Chamber of Commerce. Currently, the Employer Education Assistance Program allows employers to contribute pre-tax earnings to help employees finance continued education, but does not allow relief for individuals who already have incurred student loan debt in the course of their undergraduate or graduate careers. The Employer Participation in Student Loan Assistance Act provides incentives to employers to subsidize student loan repayments for their employees in the same way employers today can subsidize ongoing tuition expenses. Benefits to employees include: Will receive a tax-exempt benefit of up to $5,250 per year to pay on their already incurred student loan debt. Benefits to employers include: Permits employers to assist employees who already have student loans to the same degree they can help employees with continued education. Helps companies recruit and retain young, educated talent. Employers can deduct the subsidy provided to employees.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398834,Davis Statement on 54th Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives,2015-10-29,2015,2015-10,Republican,House,IL,Rodney Davis,D000619,rodneydavis.house.gov,,,legacy,"Davis Statement on 54th Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives f t # e Washington, October 29, 2015 U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) today released the following statement after Congressman Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) was sworn in as the 54th Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives:""Today, Speaker Ryan spoke about a fresh start and returning the peoples House to regular order, said Davis. I believe in this message of change and his ability to unite our conference so we can move forward and tackle the major issues my constituents expect their government to address. I look forward to working with Speaker Ryan to reduce our nation's debt, fix our crumbling infrastructure, improve our education system, and address many other issues critical to the 13th District."" f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://bost.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-bost-election-speaker-paul-ryan,Rep. Bost on Election of Speaker Paul Ryan,2015-10-29,2015,2015-10,Republican,House,IL,Mike Bost,B001295,bost.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Today, Congressman Mike Bost (IL-12) issued the following statement concerning the election of Speaker Paul Ryan in the U.S. House of Representatives: Speaker Ryan has a unique opportunity to bring Members of Congress together to do the peoples work at a critical time in our nations history. I am confident that Speaker Ryan will lead in a manner that is accountable to the citizens we represent and faithful to our constitutional principles. I look forward to working with Speaker Ryan to end the gridlock and achieve solutions for the American people.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://lahood.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-lahood-questions-university-illinois-director-sub-committee,Congressman LaHood Questions University of Illinois Director in Sub-Committee Hearing,2015-10-29,2015,2015-10,Republican,House,IL,Darin LaHood,L000585,lahood.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-18) welcomed Dr. Edward Seidel to Capitol Hill today to testify on a review of the Networking and Information Technology Research and Development (NITRD) Program. Serving as a witness to the House Sub-committee on Science, Space, and Technology, Dr. Seidel, Director of the National Center for Supercomputing Applications (NCSA), provided his expertise to the committee as they discuss the NITRD Program, as well as the funding for its breakthrough technologies supporting advanced information, networking, and software. It was a pleasure to welcome Dr. Seidel to Washington to learn more about the incredible strides the NITRD Program is making to advance scientists, researchers, engineers, and private companies. LaHood stated. Details of the Blue Waters supercomputer, housed on the campus of the University of Illinois-Urbana were also discussed. The Blue Waters supercomputer is one of the most powerful supercomputers in the world and the most powerful in the academic world that is capable of performing quadrillions of calculations every second. Western Illinois University, located in the 18th District, uses the Blue Waters supercomputer for research and educational purposesspecifically by Professor Laurence Leff to study Genetic Algorithms and Participatory Democracy. Leff uses a simulation of a genetic algorithm to optimize the tax code and budget based on ratings given by focus groups participating in the study. Peorias own Caterpillar, Inc. will use the supercomputer to run test simulations on their new products and proposed designs for off-road trucks. The engineers at Caterpillar will use the supercomputer to enhance their development process by identifying potential advantages or disadvantages to various designs. Rep. LaHood added, Knowing the Blue Waters supercomputer will assist local entities like WIU and Caterpillar within our 18th District adds even more reward to the discussions held this morning. Dr. Eward Seidel also added to the experience, I was extremely pleased to see the subcommittees tremendous bipartisan support for the NITRD Program. I particularly appreciated Congressman LaHoods insightful questions and interest in the critical science infrastructure projects of Illinois, like the Blue Waters supercomputer at NCSA. NCSAs long-standing partnership with Caterpillar and others exemplifies the enormous potential for U.S. industry to utilize the ecosystems we discussed in creating economic opportunities and impact. ### Congressman Darin LaHood proudly serves the constituents of Illinois 18th Congressional District, consisting of more than 710,000 constituents across 19 counties throughout Central Illinois. Darin was born and raised in Central Illinois and currently resides in the Peoria area with his wife and three children.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://lahood.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-lahood-votes-elect-paul-ryan-speaker,Congressman LaHood Votes to Elect Paul Ryan as Speaker,2015-10-29,2015,2015-10,Republican,House,IL,Darin LaHood,L000585,lahood.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-18) voted in support of Rep Paul Ryan (WI-1) today on the floor of the House of Representatives. Ryan was overwhelmingly elected as new Speaker of the House, replacing retiring Speaker, John Boehner. I believe Paul Ryan is the fresh face the Republican Party has been in need of to press forward a common sense, conservative agenda I was elected to pursue. My duties remain grounded in representing the people of the 18th District of Illinois and feel that Mr. Ryans record on pro-growth economic policies and Midwestern values can put forth the leadership needed to be effective and transparent moving our conservative agenda ahead. ### Congressman Darin LaHood proudly serves the constituents of Illinois 18th Congressional District, consisting of more than 710,000 constituents across 19 counties throughout Central Illinois. Darin was born and raised in Central Illinois and currently resides in the Peoria area with his wife and three children. To schedule an interview with Congressman LaHood, please contact J.D. Dalfonso atj.dalfonso@mail.house.govor at (309) 231-5859",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://hultgren.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/hultgren-opposes-budget-raising-debt-ceiling,Hultgren Opposes Budget Raising Debt Ceiling,2015-10-28,2015,2015-10,Republican,House,IL,Randy Hultgren,H001059,hultgren.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC U.S. Representative Randy Hultgren (IL-14) today stood firm in support of fiscal responsibility and opposed House passage of H.R. 1314, the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015, which increases the debt ceiling through March 2017 without meaningful spending cuts or reforms. Responsible budgeting is one of the most important items in Congresss job description. But we have again failed to do our jobs and live up to what Americans expect of us, and what our constituents deserve. Congress cant get in the game of calling something a cap and then eviscerating it when it politically suits them, said Rep. Hultgren. Unchecked spending is fueling larger budget deficits and a national debt exceeding $18 trillion. Many government programs are in serious need of reform and oversight. I have long advocated for structural reforms like a Balanced Budget Amendment that would require Congress to spend taxpayer dollars wisely and not in excess. We clearly need a stronger restraint on spending that will not buckle under political pressure. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://kinzinger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399245,Kinzinger Statement on the Bipartisan Budget Act,2015-10-28,2015,2015-10,Republican,House,IL,Adam Kinzinger,K000378,kinzinger.house.gov,,,legacy,"""Instead of another clean debt ceiling increase, this legislation is a responsible step forward that supports our troops, ensures that promises to seniors are kept without saddling the next generation of Americans with an unsustainable and dangerous national debt, and removes the threat of a default on the country's financial obligations for the next two years."" share: f t WASHINGTON - Congressman Adam Kinzinger released the following statement regarding House passage of the Bipartisan Budget Act:I supported this budget agreement, not only because I believe it is in the best interest of the United States and the hard-working families across this nation, but because it prioritizes spending to strengthen our national security, protects our economy, reduces our deficit, and secures long-term reforms to the nations entitlement programs. While I do not agree with every detail in this deal, in a divided government there is never going to be a perfect deal. But instead of another clean debt ceiling increase, this legislation is a responsible step forward that supports our troops, ensures that promises to seniors are kept without saddling the next generation of Americans with an unsustainable and dangerous national debt, and removes the threat of a default on the country's financial obligations for the next two years.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z