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://lahood.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/lahood-s-legislation-honor-fallen-army-ranger-joshua-rodgers-signed-law,LaHoods Legislation to Honor Fallen Army Ranger Joshua Rodgers Signed into Law,2018-12-22,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,IL,Darin LaHood,L000585,lahood.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.Last night President Trump signed into law legislation introduced by Congressman Darin LaHood to rename a Bloomington-Normal, Illinois, U.S. post office in honor of U.S. Army Sergeant Joshua Rodgers. The bill, H.R. 4326, was unanimously passed in both the House of Representatives and the Senate and will rename the U.S. Post office at 200 West North Street in Normal, Illinois. Sergeant Joshua Rodgers is an American hero and we will forever be indebted to him for his selfless service to our country. With President Trump's signature, Sergeant Rodgers' patriotism and sacrifice will forever be cemented in the Normal community. While we can never fully repay Josh for his service, this small step will ensure his bravery is never forgotten, stated Rep. Darin LaHood. Sergeant Joshua Rodgers is a hometown hero and renaming this post office will make sure that his name and the sacrifice he made for us is remembered for generations to come, said Rep. Rodney Davis. It's because of men and women like Sergeant Rodgers who risk their lives in service to our country that we remain free. It is a privilege to be able to honor his life and service with this post office and I look forward to seeing the Sgt. Josh Rodgers Post Office in Normal soon. Background: On April 27, 2017, U.S. Army Sergeant Joshua Rodgers was killed in action supporting Operation Freedom's Sentinel in Afghanistan during a raid on the headquarters of ISIS emir Abdul Hasib. Rodgers received wounds in an hours-long firefight during his third tour of duty as a member of the elite special operations unit. The Bloomington native was 22 years old and already a decorated hero receiving numerous awards and medals, including the Army Achievement Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, Army Service Ribbon, and the NATO Medal. He also received the Bronze Star with Valor and Purple Heart posthumously.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://kinzinger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399968,"Kinzinger, Boyle Urge President to Reconsider Syria Withdrawal",2018-12-21,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,IL,Adam Kinzinger,K000378,kinzinger.house.gov,,,legacy,"Yesterday, Congressmen Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) and Brendan Boyle (D-PA) sent a joint letter to the President urging him to reconsider the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Syria. share: f t WASHINGTON, DC Yesterday, Congressmen Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) and Brendan Boyle (D-PA) sent a joint letter to the President urging him to reconsider the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Syria. As co-chairs of the Friends of a Free, Stable, and Democratic Syria Caucus in the House, both Kinzinger and Boyle feel strongly about our role in Syria and the Middle East, and have deep concerns over the decision to immediately abandon our efforts and our allies in the region. We have the greatest military in the world, and we all want to bring our troops home, but we must not do so prematurely. Removing American troops from the region so hastily will have broad, and grave, implications beyond the fight we face against ISIS. We will be ceding territory and the efforts by our brave men and women in uniform, allowing rogue regimes take over. We cannot and must not allow that to happen. Our men and women volunteer to serve this country, and do so knowing the risks of their service. The War on Terror will undoubtedly be a generational fight, and we assure you that fight is far from over. excerpt from letter The PDF copy of the signed letter is attached, and can also be found on the Congressman's website here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://kinzinger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399971,Kinzinger Nuclear Bill Headed to Presidents Desk,2018-12-21,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,IL,Adam Kinzinger,K000378,kinzinger.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, Congressman Adam Kinzinger (IL-16) spoke on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives in support of S. 512, the Nuclear Energy Innovation and Modernization Act. share: f t Washington, DC Today, Congressman Adam Kinzinger (IL-16) spoke on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives in support of S. 512, the Nuclear Energy Innovation and Modernization Act, which passed the Senate by unanimous consent and was a bipartisan, bicameral agreement including the core language of H.R. 1320, the Nuclear Utilization of Keynote Energy (NUKE) Act, which Rep. Kinzinger introduced with his House colleague, Rep. Mike Doyle (D-PA) in March 2017. This legislation makes targeted, common-sense reforms to the fee structure used by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and will increase transparency while providing long-term certainty for nuclear plants, including the four located in Congressman Kinzinger's district. Following passage, Congressman Kinzinger, who has long been a supporter of nuclear power, released the following statement: Today was a good day for bipartisan, bicameral support of nuclear power which is incredibly important to my district, the state of Illinois, and our country. Over 3,500 of my constituents work at nuclear power plants that have operated safely for decades. This legislation will make the regulatory process more efficient and transparent, not only for today's nuclear fleet, but also for the next generation of clean, reliable nuclear power, all without compromising safety. I'm incredibly proud of all the hard work that went into making this bill a reality and I look forward to the President signing our NUKE Act into law soon The Congressman's floor speech can be found on his YouTube page, and his remarks as written can be found transcribed below: Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of S. 512, the Nuclear Energy Innovation and Modernization Act which the Senate passed by unanimous consent this morning and is the companion legislation to my bill, H.R. 1320, the Nuclear Utilization of Keynote Energy Act. The House Energy and Commerce Committee worked with the Senate to reach agreement on the language in S. 512 to ensure it conforms with the core language in the NUKE Act, passed by the House earlier this year. The NUKE Act, which I was proud to introduce with my Energy and Commerce colleague, Mike Doyle, makes targeted, common-sense reforms to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's fee structure. The current fee structure threatens to unnecessarily increase the financial burden on the nation's nuclear fleet including the FOUR plants I am so proud to represent. This bipartisan bill will ensure transparency, predictability, and fairness in the regulatory process, which will help keep the United States as the global leader of clean, safe, and reliable nuclear power. This bill reflects thoughtful bipartisan and bicameral consensus on what is needed for a robust nuclear industry going forward, and I urge my colleagues to join me in voting to enact these important reforms into law. RELATED: Congressman Kinzinger Statement on WH Nuclear Initiatives VIDEO: WIFR Congressman Kinzinger introduces bill to protect power plants OP-ED: Chicago Sun-Times Kinzinger: Why Nuclear Energy is the Future in Illinois and Globally The Braidwood Journal Kinzinger aims for nuclear regulation relief VIDEO: Gray DC Illinois congressman wants jolt of certainty for nuclear power",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://lahood.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/lahood-votes-keep-government-open-and-fund-border-security,LaHood Votes to Keep the Government Open and Fund Border Security,2018-12-21,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,IL,Darin LaHood,L000585,lahood.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.Tonight, Congressman LaHood (IL-18) voted in favor of the Continuing Resolution to fund certain parts of the government through February 8, 2019. In addition, this resolution includes an additional $5.7 billion in border security funding. Rep. LaHood released the following statement upon passage of the resolution: Tonight, I voted in favor of keeping the government open and securing our border. I was proud to support an additional $5.7 billion for our southern border. I am also glad that President Trump has stuck to his pledge to fund border security. I now urge my Senate counterparts to pass this funding so that we can keep our government open and make our country safer. It is unfortunate that throughout this process my Democratic colleagues have chosen to put politics ahead of border security and have refused to come to the table to work with us on such a vital issue. Border security is and should be a bipartisan issue.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://lahood.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/legislation-name-room-us-capitol-lincoln-room-passes-house,Legislation to Name Room in US Capitol Lincoln Room Passes House,2018-12-21,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,IL,Darin LaHood,L000585,lahood.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Legislation to name a room within the U.S. Capitol Building as the Lincoln Room unanimously passed the U.S. House of Representatives today. H.Res.1063, introduced by Reps. Darin LaHood (R-IL) and Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), would name room H-226, which is currently part of the Majority Whip's office, after Abraham Lincoln. Room H-226 once served as the post office of the House while then-Representative Abraham Lincoln served in Congress from 1847-1849. Congressman LaHood serves a Congressional Chair of the Illinois State Society, with Congressman Krishnamoorthi serving as the Vice Chair. Having the honor to serve the same nine counties as then-Congressman Lincoln did from 1847-1849 and seeing this legislation pass during the final weeks of Illinois' bicentennial year is a rewarding way to close out the 115th Congress. With Members of Congress already referring to this room where Lincoln regularly huddled with colleagues, this legislation is most fitting to permanently name this office after Illinois' most famous son, stated Rep. LaHood. It's fitting that we honor Abraham Lincoln by formally naming after him the room in which he forged so many of his friendships with colleagues from both parties. I'm proud to have joined Congressman LaHood, another son of the Land of Lincoln, in recognizing our greatest president on the occasion of Illinois' bicentennial, stated Rep. Krishnamoorthi. Bob Willard, current President of the Abraham Lincoln Association added in his letter of support, History is best understood in the context of the place where it occurred. It is difficult to imagine a singular place in America that has been the scene of more United States history than the Capitol Building. It is, to use Lincoln's phrase, fitting and proper, to establish a permanent reminder that part of that history is the history of Congressman Abraham Lincoln. This legislation would not be possible without the hard work and leadership of John Elliff, a former member of the Abraham Lincoln Association, who unfortunately passed away this past August. One of John's goals was to see a bi-partisan resolution brought forward to have this space in the Capitol renamed in honor of Abraham Lincoln. This legislation is also supported by the Illinois State Society of D.C. and The Lincoln Group Inc. of DC.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://bost.house.gov/2018/12/bost-votes-keep-government-open-secure-border,"Bost Votes to Keep Government Open, Secure Border",2018-12-20,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,IL,Mike Bost,B001295,bost.house.gov,bost,https://bost.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, DC — U.S. Representative Mike Bost (IL-12) released the following statement Thursday evening after voting to fund the federal government until February 8th and providing the Trump administration with the funding necessary to secure America’s borders. “The highest responsibility of Congress is to ensure the safety and security of our nation and the American people,” said Bost. “It’s an embarrassment that Nancy Pelosi and other Washington Democrats would play politics and risk shutting down the federal government over common sense security measures that they are already on record supporting. Not only does this bill avert a shutdown of the federal government, it also makes our nation safer by providing critical funding to strengthen security on our borders. Let me be crystal clear: we must secure our borders, and no threat of a Pelosi shutdown changes that fact.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:11:43Z https://bost.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/bost-votes-keep-government-open-secure-border,"Bost Votes to Keep Government Open, Secure Border",2018-12-20,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,IL,Mike Bost,B001295,bost.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC U.S. Representative Mike Bost (IL-12) released the following statement Thursday evening after voting to fund the federal government until February 8th and providing the Trump administration with the funding necessary to secure America's borders. The highest responsibility of Congress is to ensure the safety and security of our nation and the American people, said Bost. It's an embarrassment that Nancy Pelosi and other Washington Democrats would play politics and risk shutting down the federal government over common sense security measures that they are already on record supporting. Not only does this bill avert a shutdown of the federal government, it also makes our nation safer by providing critical funding to strengthen security on our borders. Let me be crystal clear: we must secure our borders, and no threat of a Pelosi shutdown changes that fact. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://kinzinger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399966,"Representatives Kinzinger, Cohen, Wagner, and Cardenas Praise Final Passage of SOAR Act",2018-12-20,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,IL,Adam Kinzinger,K000378,kinzinger.house.gov,,,legacy,"Grants would provide training for health professionals to spot signs of human trafficking share: f t WASHINGTON, DC Today, Representatives Adam Kinzinger (R-IL), Steve Cohen (D-TN), Ann Wagner (R-MO), and Tony Cardenas (D-CA) applauded the final passage of H.R. 767, the Stop, Observe, Ask and Respond (SOAR) to Health and Wellness Training Program Act, which provides training to health care professionals to better identify and assist victims of human trafficking through established protocols. With overwhelming bipartisan support for their legislation (386 to 6), the above-mentioned Members of Congress released these statements below: Hard to imagine, but human trafficking is happening here in the United States, within our communities, and it affects all of us. I'm proud to be a co-lead on H.R. 767, the SOAR Health and Wellness Act, and glad to see it pass the House today, said Congressman Kinzinger. By raising awareness and training our healthcare workers to identify and better care for victims, we can combat this heinous crime and help our most vulnerable. Thank you to my colleagues for their support, especially Representative Cohen, as we work to end human trafficking. I am grateful to my colleagues for helping get this important bill through Congress. I especially want to thank Representatives Ann Wagner, Tony Cardenas andAdam Kinzinger for their tireless efforts. This bill is the result of an event held at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis in 2016 to discuss and promote human trafficking awareness training, attended by first responders, health care workers, faith-based groups, educators and state and local government officials. The energy, encouragement and support of those present inspired me to pursue this legislation, said Congressman Cohen. The SOAR Act encourages those on the front lines, our health care professionals, to be alert to possible instances of human trafficking when victims appear in clinics or doctors' offices for needed care. The measure's $4 million a year in training grants for health professionals to identify indicators of tell-tale signs of those who have been or are in captivity could end horrors for thousands of victims. As the lead Republican sponsor on H.R. 767, I worked closely with Congressman Cohen to draft this legislation so that services are better tailored to the needs of trafficking victims and put survivors on the road to recovery. I also worked hand in hand with healthcare providers across the St. Louis region who are leading the effort to assist trafficking victims in local clinics and hospitals, said Congresswoman Wagner. I am so proud of their leadership in establishing trainings and policies to identify and treat victims, and I am delighted that Congress is coming alongside them by passing the SOAR to Health and Wellness Act. When I wasa Los Angeles City Councilman, I saw first-hand the danger and heartbreak of human trafficking taking place in our own communities, right under our noses. We need to give healthcare professionals the necessary tools to recognize human trafficking victims amongst their patients, give them the support that they need, and help bring the perpetrators to justice. Though Los Angeles is making progress in eradicating this despicablecrime, we still have so much work to do, said Congressman Cardenas. I am grateful to my colleagues in the House and the Senate for supporting the SOAR Act, and hope that the President can sign it into law soon so we can save more lives. The SOAR Act passed by voice vote in the Senate early Thursday, and now heads to the President's desk to be signed into law.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://lahood.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/lahood-statement-secretary-mattis-resignation,LaHood Statement on Secretary Mattis Resignation,2018-12-20,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,IL,Darin LaHood,L000585,lahood.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.--Rep. Darin LaHood (IL-18) released the following statement following the announcementof Department of Defense Secretary James N. Mattis's resignation: For nearly half a century, Secretary Mattis has dedicated his life and service to our country while leading our military in the United States Marine Corps and as our Secretary of Defense. Through his patriotism and astute leadership, our nation has become stronger and safer under his command. We are indebted to his service as his bravery and integrity go unmatched.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://lahood.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/tax-legislation-including-lahood-s-bill-passes-house,Tax Legislation Including LaHoods Bill Passes House,2018-12-20,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,IL,Darin LaHood,L000585,lahood.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 88, the Retirement, Savings, and Other Tax Relief Act of 2018, which included language from Congressman LaHood's legislation, H.R. 5342 the Improving Assistance for Taxpayers Act. Rep. LaHood's legislation would bolster protections for taxpayers and better address systemic issues within the IRS by requiring the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to respond promptly to Taxpayer Assistance Directives (TAD) issued by the Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS). As a whole, this bipartisan legislation provides necessary reforms to the IRS, makes time-sensitive technical corrections to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, and outlines a long-term path forward for the biodiesel and short-line rail tax credits, which will support agriculture producers in central and west central Illinois. Over the past year, Americans have seen the positive results of pro-growth tax reform, which has reinvigorated our economy and put more money in the pockets of hard-working Americans. Passage of this legislation today builds upon those results to further strengthen our nation's tax code, stated Rep. LaHood. Additionally, as we continue to work to make sure we have an IRS that works more effectively for the taxpayer, my legislation included with this bill will issue directives to systematic problems within the IRS, so taxpayers have a system that is more efficient and accountable to them. Furthermore, this legislation takes important steps to extend tax credits that support our local farmers and communities in central and west-central Illinois, expands retirement savings opportunities for employees, and provides relief to taxpayers affected by the recent disasters. I was pleased to work alongside Chairman Brady and my colleagues on the Ways and Means Committee to see this legislation passed and urge the Senate to work quickly, so we can continue to provide results for the American taxpayers. Highlights of the Retirement, Savings, and Other Tax Relief Act Tax Credit Extensions This legislation makes permanent the short-line rail tax credit and outlines a long-term extension and path forward for the biodiesel tax credit, both of which support local and rural communities in central and west-central Illinois. IRS Reform In addition to language from Rep. LaHood's legislation, this bill would require the IRS to submit to Congress a comprehensive customer service strategy and codifies the existing Free File program, so taxpayers continue to have access to basic and fillable forms. Retirement and Savings Provisions This legislation would expand opportunities for employees to invest in employer-offered 401k plans and remove age limits for individuals looking to make traditional IRA contributions. Innovation This legislation makes it easier for entrepreneurs to start businesses by extending current deductions of start-up expenses from $5,000 to $20,000, enabling small business owners to acquire the necessary resources to remain competitive.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=400045,"Criminal Justice Reform Bill Passes House, Heads to President's Desk",2018-12-20,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,IL,Rodney Davis,D000619,rodneydavis.house.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) released the following statement after the First Step Act passed the House and now heads to the president's desk for signature. This is the first reform of our federal prisons and sentencing laws in decades.For years, lawmakers, including myself, have advocated for reforming our criminal justice system and today, it's becoming a reality, said Davis. This bill fixes some of the biggest injustices within the system that have led to increased recidivism rates and left a bigger bill for taxpayers. We would not have gotten this bill across the finish line without leadership from within the White House, Democrat and Republican members of Congress, and a variety of outside groups coming together to unite around re-focusing the system on rehabilitation and giving millions a second chance. It's a great example of what our government can accomplish when we set politics aside and commit to governing. The First Step Act provides individualized assessments to federal offenders in order to tailor programming that best meets their needs, and offers programs to inmates that include: vocational training, education support, substance abuse treatment, mental health care, anger-management courses, faith-based initiatives, and other resources proven to lower the chance of recidivism.. The bill uses evidence based systems modeled on reforms in states like Georgia, Texas, and Kentucky. Additionally, it contains sentencing reform provisions, including reducing the enhanced penalties for certain non-violent repeat drug offenders and eliminates the three-strike mandatory life provision, but it is not retroactive. Also, certain nonviolent offenders will be able to petition courts for a review of their sentence, which can be reduced only after the judge reviews all circumstances, including public safety, criminal history, and the nature of the offense. Supported by: The Fraternal Order of Police, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the National District Attorney's Association, Former Federal Prosecutors, FreedomWorks, Faith & Freedom Coalition, Prison Fellowship, American Conservative Union, American Correctional Association, Americans for Prosperity, Charles Koch Institute, Heritage Action, Right on Crime, Texas Public Policy Foundation, American Enterprise Institute, and more. Background Davis has worked on bipartisan criminal justice reform since coming to Congress and has cosponsored the Second Chance Reauthorization Act the past two Congresses. In August, Davis visited the Decatur Women's Correctional Center to highlight programs the facility offers to reduce recidivism rates and help inmates make a smooth transition back into society. Related: Davis Backs Sentencing Reform Provisions Added to Criminal Justice Reform Bill",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=400054,President Trump Signs 2018 Farm Bill,2018-12-20,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,IL,Rodney Davis,D000619,rodneydavis.house.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis released the following statement today after he attended the signing of the 2018 farm bill at the White House.""Today is a great day not only for our farmers,but for our rural communities as a whole,""said Davis.""This process has had its ups and downs, but at the end of the day we got a strong bill that benefits all Americans. Getting a farm bill across the finish line was always my goal and it was an honor to attend the bill signing today at the White House."" Here is what others are saying about the Farm Bill: The Farm Bill is critical legislation for our nation's agricultural, food, and natural resource system, and it provides a foundation of nutrition assistance for many of our fellow Americans,""saidUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences and Dean Kimberlee Kidwell. ""This law also undergirds our land-grant universities as the public research, extension, and education engines for America's food and agricultural systems, our nation's model of knowledge creation and innovative application that continues to lead the world. We sincerely appreciate Congressman Davis's leadership in advocating for research, and we were especially pleased to see that the act authorizes an increase of $630 million in mandatory research and extension funding. The Organic marketplace has come of age and this Farm Bill recognizes the buying power of Millennial and GenZ social values,""said Ken Dallmier,President and Chief Operating Officer of Clarkson Grain Company, Inc.""By adopting the language from Rep. Rodney Davis' (IL-13) subcommittee, the Conference Committee Report ensured future research programs and market access to continue the trajectory of this $50 billion industry. The Farm Bill also provides resources to ensure the integrity of the organic food supply chain. These provisions were introduced by Rep. Davis' subcommittee and were adopted with bipartisan support. We appreciate the leadership of Rep. Davis in providing American producers diversity of markets to improve net farm income, while enhancing the environmental impact of American farms. ""The Rural Development programs funded through the USDA have been a huge benefit to us locally,""saidJon Wade, CEO of Jersey Community Hospital.""These funds have created local jobs and helped to renovate older vacant structures for current needs in our community. The dollars are leveraged to have a huge positive impact."" The Farm Bill's bipartisan legacy will show Congress' commitment to cracking down on animal cruelty, and Rep. Rodney Davis played a critical role with his effort to extend the current federal prohibitions on animal fighting activity to all U.S. jurisdictions,said Marc Ayers, Illinois State Director for the Humane Society of the United States.Illinoisans commend Rep. Davis for his leadership and there is much for animal advocates to celebrate today. ""The farm bill also includes an important provision for grain handlers regarding domestic official grain inspections by providing dozens of grain elevators whose non-use of service/open season exception agreements were revoked by USDA in 2017,""saidNGFA President and CEO Randy Gordon.""Under the farm bill language, these elevators will have the option to restore the previous arrangement with their non-incumbent domestic official inspection provider by notifying USDA of the change. NGFA appreciates the leadership of Reps. Rodney Davis, R-Ill., and Cheri Bustos, D-Ill., to address and clarify Congress's intent in the U.S. Grain Standards Act Reauthorization. Local, independent grocers play an important role in America's food and agriculture supply chain and the communities they serve,""saidGerry Kettler, Director of Consumer Affairs, Niemann Foods.""We thank Rep. Davis for his work to produce a Farm Bill that includes several important provisions to support the independent supermarket industry, including the expansion of the Food Insecurity Nutrition Incentive (FINI) program, which is a win-win for local suppliers, retailers and low-income families who will be able to bring home more fruits and vegetables. ""Throughout his time in Congress, Rodney Davis has been a steadfast supporter of American farmers and our ag economy,""said Chris Cuddy, Senior Vice President and President of the Carbohydrate Solutions Business Unit at Archer Daniels Midland Company.""We appreciate his dedication and hard work, which was invaluable in completing a farm bill that ensures farmers have the long-term policy clarity and consistency they need to succeed.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://kinzinger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399963,Congressman Kinzinger Urges Passage of the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act,2018-12-19,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,IL,Adam Kinzinger,K000378,kinzinger.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Adam Kinzinger (IL-16) spoke on the House Floor last week to urge the Senate to take up H.R. 1677, the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act, and to speak out for Layla Shweikani, an Illinois native murdered by the Assad regime. share: f t Washington, DC Congressman Adam Kinzinger (IL-16) spoke on the House Floor last week to urge the Senate to take up H.R. 1677, the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act, which would impose new sanctions on the President of Syria, Bashar al Assad, and his backers, and give justice to the people of Syria suffering at the hands of these war criminals. The bill is named after Caesar, a Syrian regime defector who risked his life to expose the horrific brutality by Assad and his regime. Congressman Kinzinger also used this time to talk about Layla Shweikani, a young Chicago woman who went to Syria as an aid worker to help those plagued by the war. She was detained, tortured, and murdered by the Assad regime on December 28, 2016 and her family was notified just two weeks ago. This is believed to be the first American murdered by the Assad regime, and little to no attention has been given to this heinous crime. Congressman Kinzinger has asked the Administration for answers, and over a week later, he is still waiting. The Congressman's floor speech on the Caesar bill and Layla's death can be found on his YouTube page, and an excerpt from his written remarks can be found below: We know that Bashar al Assad, and his Russian and Iranian backers, have committed countless war crimes like those endured by Layla and our lack of action has only empowered him to continue his genocide. We need to protect those in regime prisons from the same fate. We know about these crimes because of brave individuals like Caesar, a Syrian whom I met with after he defected from the Assad regime. He brought with him thousands of pictures and documents proving that the regime tortures, starves, and kills innocent people daily. These images are chilling, and reminiscent of the actions of Nazi Germany. Mr. Speaker, American leadership in Syria is long overdue. We cannot turn a blind eye to these atrocities to the genocide before us today. Failing to act in Syria is a failure on us all."" Congressman Kinzinger also spoke out about Layla and the Caesar bill during interviews this week and was featured in the coverage below: Washington Post: Assad's regime killed an America and no one seems to care Wall Street Journal: U.S. Citizen, Believed Executed in Syrian Prison, Heightens Fears for Others The Independent: An American woman died in a Syrian regime prison. Could the US have done more to help her? i24 News: Exposing War Atrocities in Syria (video) The Herald-News: Kinzinger reacts to Chicago woman's death",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=400039,Highlights from Bipartisan Panel at Kennedy Institute,2018-12-19,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,IL,Rodney Davis,D000619,rodneydavis.house.gov,,,legacy,"Monday night joined U.S. Reps. Joe Kennedy III (D-Mass.), Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), and Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.) on a panel at the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the U.S. Senate about fostering civic dialogue, civility in politics, and opportunities for finding common ground in the 116th Congress. The panel was moderated by Paul Kane, Senior Congressional Correspondent and Columnist for The Washington Post.This was part of a two-day program hosted by the Congressional Study Group on American Democracy and Civics through the U.S. Association of Former Members of Congress. Davis and Kennedy serve as co-chairs of the group created to strengthen our democratic process by showcasing bipartisanship, civility, and emphasizing the importance of civic knowledge. Below are a few highlights of the panel discussion. Click here to watch the full event. Davis speaks about one of his most bipartisan moments since coming to Congress. Davis and U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI) organized a bipartisan special order to honor all Medal of Honor recipients in the history of our country on the House floor. Mullin, Kennedy, Davis, and Blunt Rochester participate in panel. The trip even yielded some bipartisan actions. Davis agreed to be the lead Republican cosponsor of Blunt Rochester's bill, the Clean Slate Act, to reform the criminal justice system. Learn more about the bill here. Panel moderator, Paul Kane, highlighted Davis' leadership on immigration reform. Davis is chair of the Republican Main Street Caucus, which helped bring immigration bills to the House floor earlier this year. Davis: ""Those of us that are left, we're more than willing to sit down, we always have been. But the immigration debate has been hijacked by the far right and the far left. Every time we get to a solution, leadership of both parties comes in and pulls each side away. We had, the last bill I voted for, I voted for both versions of immigration reform that came up. The last one I thought has wins for both sides- full funding for border security, changing our immigration system. The process needs to change and we had some common-sense changes in there and we had a path to legal status for DACA kids and dreamers. And we codified that no family could ever be separated at the border again. The sad part is that we got zero Democratic votes and didn't get nearly enough Republican votes. And that's what frustrates me because we had the chance to solve the issue and it just didn't happen because of politics."" Davis and Kennedy were asked about promoting more civility in politics. Both spoke that it is on both sides to keep talking about why civility is important. Davis: ""We've got to do better and that's one of the reasons why we're all here. It's easy to spend time back home, talking to constituents, fill in your days with meetings, visits. But to be able to come half way across the country like we are today, in Joe's district. Such a history in the Kennedy family, we all know the history of the Kennedy family with violence. And to be able to talk, here at the Kennedy Center, about civility and bipartisanship. This right here is how you stop the political rhetoric of getting to the point that his family has witnessed and that I witnessed. It's going to take events like this, it's going to take courage and it's going to take both sides."" ... ""We all need to come together as Americans. I said that immediately after the shooting, when I went to the media. This has got to stop. The heat of the rhetoric that we've seen on all sides has got to be toned down and we've got to have more events like this, we've got to have civility and discussions like this. And I hope you leave here today knowing that what we're saying here is not an act. We truly do like each other. We truly do have the friendships that lead to good legislative successes."" Kennedy: ""What all of us can do is decide how we are going to respond. ""These are political debates and they are passionate and there are consequences to them on healthcare, immigration, climate change, LGBT rights, and all of them. People are affected by these policies for better or for worse. We've crossed the line where people are getting hurt and that's not okay. At a certain point, every one of us can do better, every one of us can decide if we're going to retweet something, post something, like something."" ""I think if there's enough people that say no we'll be all the better for it."" As freshmen, Davis and Kennedy placed a friendly wager on the 2013 World Series when the St. Louis Cardinals lost to the Boston Red Socks. Davis bought Kennedy's office Imo's Pizza from St. Louis in 2013.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=400042,Davis Seeks More Information on 101 IL Counties Exempted from SNAP Work Requirements,2018-12-19,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,IL,Rodney Davis,D000619,rodneydavis.house.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) today sent a letter to Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner requesting further information about a waiver the State of Illinois submitted in November to exempt every county except for one from work requirements within the Supplemental Nutrition and Assistance Program (SNAP).The biggest concern I hear right now from employers is the inability to hire for the jobs they have available, said Davis. These are good paying jobs that we need taken to keep our economy growing and they're jobs that help people get out of poverty. I want to make sure our state is doing everything they can to pair those who can work with these jobs. The Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents work requirement was a bipartisan initiative put in place during the Clinton Administration, but it seems states continue to exploit loopholes. Just because the rules allow it, doesn't mean it's necessarily what's best for our our state so I'm hoping to get a little more clarification from Governor Rauner on the need for a waiver. Under current law, Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs) who are are enrolled in the SNAP program have been subject to a work requirement since 1996, under President Clinton. This requirement is 80 hours per month of either working or workforce development activities such as SNAP Employment and Training. If that individual does not comply with the work requirement, they are limited to receiving SNAP benefits for 3 months in a 3 year period. States can apply for a waiver from the time limit for ABAWDs if there are areas within the state that have an unemployment rate of over 10% or if there is a lack of sufficient jobs. In 2001, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) promulgated a final rule establishing that areas could qualify where the unemployment rate was 20% higher than the national average for 24 months. Additionally, the Obama Administration released further guidance in 2016 outlining how states could establish the need for waiver. Davis fought for stricter work requirements and a nearly $1 billion a year investment in SNAP Employment and Training programs in the most recent farm bill. Unfortunately, these reforms were not included in the final bill. Text of letter is as follows: Dear Governor Rauner: Last week, Congress passed with bipartisan support the 2018 Farm Bill. During debate of the bill, Congress gave much attention to the role of work requirements for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients. While the final conference report did not include the House passed measures related to tightened work requirements and the historic investment in workforce development through SNAP Employment and Training (SNAP E&T), it left open the ability of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to reassess the regulations governing Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs). ABAWDs are defined as individuals between the ages of 18-49 without children or disability. Under current law, for 80 hours per month, this population is generally required to either work or participate in workforce development activities, such as SNAP E&T. If an ABAWD fails to meet this requirement, they may only receive SNAP for 3 months in a 3 year period. As you know, States may request waivers from this ABAWD time limitand subsequently the work requirement in geographic areas where there is a lack of sufficient jobs or where unemployment reaches certain levels. On November 15th, 2018, your administration submitted to USDA a request to waive the ABAWD time limit in 101 of Illinois' 102 counties for 2019. As our economy continues to rebound from the lows of the Great Recession, I continually hear from employers that their biggest issue is a lack of workforce. Now is the time we should be encouraging individuals to seek employment, not solidifying a reliance on government assistance. In light of your administration's waiver request, what justifications did your administration provide in seeking the waiver? While individuals should not be penalized if jobs are unavailable, recent concerns highlight the potential to circumvent current regulations to maximize the size of the area covered by waivers. As such, it seems expedient that the 5.5% unemployment threshold necessary to support a claim for waiver under the regulations is met when one combines all counties, with the exception of DuPage County. Additionally, as we look to the future of SNAP and workforce development, how many individuals currently participate statewide in the SNAP E&T program? Furthermore, what steps has your administration taken to encourage SNAP recipients to seek employment? As we look to the future of our country, and the well-being of its citizens, we should embrace a vision of self-sufficiency a vision in which capable individuals can achieve the American Dream and be free of government reliance. I thank you for your consideration of my requests.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://kinzinger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399960,Rep. Kinzinger Hosts 2018 Military Academy Nominees,2018-12-18,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,IL,Adam Kinzinger,K000378,kinzinger.house.gov,,,legacy,"On Monday, Congressman Adam Kinzinger (IL-16) hosted a reception for the students he nominated for their respective Military Academy. The students are all from the 16th District of Illinois and have applied for admission to one of these institutions. share: f t Ottawa, IL On Monday, Congressman Adam Kinzinger (IL-16) hosted a reception for the students he nominated for their respective Military Academy applications. All of the students live in the 16th District of Illinois and have applied for admission to one of the U.S. Military Academy institutions. Following the ceremony in Ottawa, Congressman Kinzinger released this statement: We have the greatest military in the world, and it's because our men and women volunteer to protect and defend this great nation and the values we hold dear. This year, I had the privilege to nominate 19 incredible students from the 16th District as they take the next steps in their education through servant leadership. The Military Service Academy application process is very competitive and the training programs can be grueling. I'm very impressed by each of our nominees, humbled by their willingness to serve, and wish each one of them the best of luck in this process and in their future endeavors. The reception was hosted for the nominees and their families, with local media in attendance. Please visit the Congressman's Facebook page for photos from the reception that will be shared in the 2018 Military Service Academy Nominations Reception photo album. NOTE: The students and their respective academy is listed in the table below. Aeris Butler Rockton Air Force Kekoa Gross Ottawa Air Force Andrew Hancock Ottawa Air Force Kassidy Hansen Wilmington Air Force Brookelyn Messenger Poplar Grove Air Force Keegan Smith DeKalb Air Force Nathaniel Stout Polo Air Force Lael Versace Rockford Air Force Reagan Wells Roscoe Air Force Christopher Winters Loves Park Air Force Nolan Ahlden Ashkum Naval James Cerny Kingston Naval Aidan Filipovic Poplar Grove Naval Matthew Grant Belvidere Naval Noah Knight Rochelle Naval Devin Lee Streator Naval Sadie Luhman Belvidere Naval Clinton Schielein Dixon Naval Nathaniel Garard Gibson City West Point",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://lahood.house.gov/media-center/editorials/bipartisanship-keeps-springfield-track,Bipartisanship keeps Springfield on track,2018-12-18,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,IL,Darin LaHood,L000585,lahood.house.gov,,,legacy,"In today's political climate, it's not often we hear of bipartisan work coming out of Washington, D.C. However, right here in Springfield, a major transportation project recently received yet another significant federal grant thanks to the buy-in from federal, state and local officials on both sides of the aisle to help clear another major hurdle toward improving travel and safety within our state's capital. Last week, the Springfield Rail Improvements Project was awarded its third federal grant in recent years when U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao announced a $22 million Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant to begin work on Usable Segment IV of the rail project. Earning one federal grant of this measure alone is difficult. Earning two? A giant feat. But three? That's nearly unprecedented. Receiving these awards doesn't come with just one person carrying the torch to victory, it takes leaders from all levels of government, and it requires reaching across the aisle for the greater good of our community. Up and down the different levels of government, once again it took a team effort to help secure the significant award to tackle Segment IV to allow for more effective and efficient travel through the Fifth and Sixth street corridors. I was pleased to join my U.S. House colleague, Congressman Rodney Davis, to advocate on behalf of Springfield and highlight the city's strategic planning and strong case for federal dollars towards this project. We coordinated outreach to the Trump Administration and co-authored multiple letters of support. Rep. Davis even hosted the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) Administrator Ronald Batory at the rail corridor, providing an opportunity for him to meet with local stakeholders and see the benefits and importance of the project firsthand. Our Senate counterparts, Springfield native Senator Dick Durbin, with a history of support for the project, and Senator Tammy Duckworth also deserve credit for their hard work to bring home this award for Springfield. They have been helpful in providing influence from the Senate Chamber and advocating to Secretary Chao. Furthermore, this project would not have stood out from all the other worthy grant applicants without the vision and leadership of our local government. Both Springfield Mayor Jim Langfelder and Sangamon County Board Chairman Andy Van Meter have led the charge locally to organize the efforts to represent our community. Through their leadership, they garnered bipartisan support across the city and county, while working hand-in-hand with local stakeholders, including Hanson Professional Services, the Illinois Department of Transportation, the Illinois Commerce Commission and, of course, state and federal administrators. Lastly, from President Trump's administration, this feat would not have been accomplished without the work of Secretary Chao and the U.S. Department of Transportation. Behind this collaborated effort, the $22 million for Usable Segment IV will drastically improve rail travel through our state's capital. It will also improve the flow of vehicle traffic, providing further opportunity to more fully develop Springfield's medical district. With improved traffic flow, the city will enhance public safety, traffic congestion, community livability, and bolster commercial development efforts downtown as two new overhead rail bridges will be constructed at Fifth and Sixth streets. And as a result, this will allow planning for the Madison and Jefferson streets underpasses to move ahead. Typically, many hands make for light work, but in this case, I feel many hands carried the various heavy responsibilities to bring home the third federal grant allowing Springfield to press forth with this significant rail improvement project. In today's political environment, it can be difficult to find bipartisan work happening in our country, but with last week's announcement, it should be clear that not one individual nor one political party brought this grant award home. It took the efforts and leadership from many individuals from all political parties and all levels of government to keep this project on track. This should be an example for our state and country.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://lahood.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/bill-name-normal-post-office-rodgers-headed-president,Bill to name Normal post office for Rodgers headed to president,2018-12-14,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,IL,Darin LaHood,L000585,lahood.house.gov,,,legacy,"NORMAL Legislation to rename the post office in uptown Normal in honor of a Normal Community High School graduate who was killed in a firefight in Afghanistan is on its way to the White House for the president's signature. Sgt. Joshua Rodgers, a U.S. Army Ranger, died in a raid on an ISIS headquarters on April 27, 2017. The U.S. Senate on Wednesday night approved renaming the post office, at 200 W. North St., in honor of Rodgers. The measure was passed last month in the U.S. House of Representatives. U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood, a Republican from Dunlap, introduced the legislation that was co-sponsored by every member of the Illinois congressional delegation. Rodgers was on his third tour of duty as a member of the 75th Ranger Regiment at Fort Benning, Ga., at the time of this death. The 2013 NCHS graduate had participated in football and track at NCHS. LaHood thanked U.S. Sens. Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth, both Illinois Democrats, for their support. Duckworth said, Dedicating this post office in his honor will preserve his memory and serve as a continuous reminder of his sacrifice and love of this nation. Sgt. Josh Rodgers could not be more deserving of this recognition,"" added Durbin in a statement. At the young age of 22, he became a decorated war hero and continued to put his life on the line to protect our country. For this we are forever thankful.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://lahood.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/city-springfield-secures-22-million-grant-continuing-rail-project,City of Springfield secures $22 million grant for continuing rail project,2018-12-14,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,IL,Darin LaHood,L000585,lahood.house.gov,,,legacy,"The city of Springfield has secured a $22 million federal grant that will allow construction to begin on a new stage of the Springfield Rail Improvements Project. The $315 million project, which started with rail overpass construction on Carpenter Street in 2014, aims to alleviate rail congestion downtown by consolidating train traffic from Third Street to 10th Street and through building a series of overpasses and underpasses along the corridor. The grant, announced by U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao on Thursday, will go toward a portion of the project between Princeton Avenue and Stanford Avenue, where improvements will include replacing single-track bridges at the Fifth and Sixth streets underpasses with double track structures in addition to further grading, drainage and track work. ""With this award, the city will take a giant step forward in efforts to more effectively and efficiently travel by rail through our state's capital, improve the flow of traffic, and provide an opportunity to fully develop Springfield's medical district,"" said Rep. Darin LaHood, R-Peoria. The grant will cover about half the segment's $44.1 million price tag, with the Illinois Department of Transportation kicking in $17.2 million and the city of Springfield contributing $4.8 million. County and city leaders hailed the grant as a major step forward for the project, which is being built in phases and scheduled to be completed by 2025. ""Without this funding, we were facing a gap until the state approved a capital bill,"" said Sangamon County Board Chairman Andy Van Meter. ""But with this funding, construction will be able to continue seamlessly until the state capital bill is finally approved."" Mayor Jim Langfelder said the funding ""keeps the momentum going"" on the project. And the timing is key, stakeholders said, as the funding will allow them to stage construction to end around the same time construction of another segment of the project is slated to end. That other segment, a $50 million phase, involves building underpasses at Ash Street and Laurel Avenue along the 10th Street corridor. The former has been closed between Sixth and 10th streets since November 2017 and is expected to reopen this summer. Once Ash Street reopens, construction will begin on Laurel Avenue, which will likely be closed until December 2020. If all goes well, the phase between Princeton Avenue and Stanford Avenue will wrap around then, too. Langfelder said the next step now is securing funding from the state for underpasses at Madison and Jefferson streets, which carries an estimated $47 million price tag. LaHood and Rep. Rodney Davis, R-Taylorville, while crediting the coordinated effort between local, state and federal officials on securing this funding, said a visit this summer by Federal Railroad Administrator Ron Batory helped seal the deal. ""Having (him) come to Springfield earlier this year and see the project first-hand has helped us ensure Washington understands the local and national significance of this project,"" Davis said.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://lahood.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/dominoes-falling-international-trade,Dominoes falling in international trade,2018-12-14,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,IL,Darin LaHood,L000585,lahood.house.gov,,,legacy,"MACOMB Growing concerns over international trade may be alleviated in part by the Nov. 30 signing of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). The measure is meant to replace NAFTA, the North American Free Trade Agreement that was enacted during the Clinton administration. The agreement was signed by the leaders of the three nations during the G20 Summit in Argentina. Congressman Darin LaHood, R-Dunlap, called the signing a positive step towards an improved trilateral trade agreement with our neighbors and is welcomed news for the agricultural and manufacturing industries in Illinois who have been hurt by uncertainty. As I have stated in the past, an updated NAFTA must include Mexico and Canada, and I applaud the Trump administration for bringing them together on this agreement. I look forward to working with my colleagues on the Ways and Means Committee to ensure that the USMCA serves in the best interest of the farmers and workers across central and west-central Illinois. U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue in October pinpointed that Canada and Mexico are our first and third greatest international trade partners. I have long said that I believe our country is located in the best neighborhood on Earth North America with valuable allies to our north and south, Perdue said in a media release. We have secured greater access to these vital markets and will maintain and improve the highly productive integrated agricultural relationship we have as nations. Perdue said the momentum from USMCA may lead to continued trade development with Japan, the European Union the juggernaut across the Pacific China. The dominoes are falling and it is good news for U.S. farmers, Perdue said. According to information circulated by President Trump's Executive Office, a main focus for the administration going into negotiations was finalizing an agreement that created more balance and reciprocity in trade than NAFTA. The president's outline reads: The USMCA achieves the Administration's key goals of modernizing and re-balancing the North American trade agreement. Throughout the renegotiations, the Administration has worked hard for freer markets, fairer trade, and robust economic growth in North America. Highlights USMCA is expected by the administration to increase U.S. and regional content in automobile and auto parts through updated rules of origin. National and regional economic growth is expected to grow through the requirement that 75 percent of auto content be produced in North America. The Executive Office's outline underscores the notion that this will incentivize billions of dollars in additional United States vehicle and auto parts production. Trade rules will be put into effect that encourage higher manufacturing wages. Forty to 45 percent of automotive content must be made by workers earning an average base wage of at least $16 per hour. USMCA requires all parties involved to adopt into law labor rights as recognized by the International Labor Organization, an Annex on Worker Representation in Collective Bargaining in Mexico and other provisions to prohibit the importation of goods produced by forced labor. The textiles industry in the U.S. may see a boost. More use of Made-in-the-USA fibers, yarns and fabrics may be promoted by limiting rules that allow for use of non-NAFTA inputs in textile and apparel trade and certain clothing components be made in the region for those finished products to qualify for trade benefits. *With regard to agriculture, USMCA eliminates Canada's Class 7 program that has allowed low-priced dairy products to undersell U.S. dairy products in Canada and in third-country markets. Canada will also apply equal treatment on imported wheat. New access for U.S. dairy products, eggs and poultry will also be granted by Canada. Agriculture products that have zero tariffs under NAFTA will continue to have no tariffs. *From the environmental perspective, USMCA provides for the fight against trafficking wildlife, timber and fish. Unregulated fishing and harmful fishery subsidies will also be addressed. A chapter in the USMCA addresses sanitary and phytosanitary measures. The three countries have agreed to strengthen science-based sanitary measures while ensuring the countries maintain their rights to protect human, animal and plant health. Provisions include improving certification processes, conducting systems audits, improving transparency for import checks and a new mechanism for technical consultations. *The digital trade chapter of USMCA prohibits customs duties from being applied to digital products distributed electronically, such as e-books, videos, music, software and games. Limitations on where data can be stores or transferred cross-border will be minimized. This is to enhance and protect the global digital ecosystem according to the Executive Office. Enforceable consumer protections such as those for privacy and unsolicited communications will be applied to the digital marketplace. Suppliers are to not be restricted in their use of electronic authentication or electronic signatures. This measure is intended to stimulate digital transactions.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://lahood.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/farm-bill-now-president-trump-s-hands,Farm Bill now in President Trumps hands,2018-12-14,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,IL,Darin LaHood,L000585,lahood.house.gov,,,legacy,"MACOMB A new farm bill intended to reauthorize and strengthen agriculture policy and programs within the United States through 2023 has been sent to President Donald Trump for signing following the Wednesday vote by the U.S. House of Representatives. The bill, which has a budget of $867 billion, passed the Senate by a vote of 87-13. It passed the House by a margin of 369-47. Among the representatives who voted in favor of the bill was Congressman Darin LaHood, R-Dunlap. Passage of the Farm Bill is a win for our farmers and the agriculture community in central and west-central Illinois. Agriculture is the number one industry in Illinois and the Farm Bill passed today will provide certainty to our farmers and strengthen the farm economy by protecting crop insurance, continuing responsible farm programs, preserving conservation, and safeguarding our farmers against illegal trade practices by foreign countries, LaHood stated in a media release. I appreciate members on both sides of the aisle coming together to provide positive assurances to American farmers before the new year and look forward to seeing President Trump sign the Farm Bill into law. U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Illinois, on Tuesday voted to support the Farm Bill. Duckworth said the bill includes provisions for urban agriculture efforts in addition to supporting farmers, improve drinking water and promote climate-smart agricultural practices. The strength of America's farmers is a reflection of the strength of our nation, Duckworth stated. This bipartisan legislation will give Illinois farmers the support they need and help them remain competitive while supporting millions of jobs, making important investments in rural America and protecting our environment, said Duckworth. I'll continue to work in the Senate to ensure our farmers have the resources and certainty they need to support our nation's food supply, fuel our cars and grow our economy. The Farm Bill also addresses the following issues: *Expand an improve rural broadband delivery capabilities and include standards that ensure rural broadband needs are met as technological innovations progress. *Protect crop insurance, issue new insurance products for forage producers and improve whole farm revenue coverage. *Take steps toward moving able-bodied adults off of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Policy (SNAP) and into the workforce by incentivizing work and improving program integrity. *Increase funding for research and education projects to over $600 million. *Provide $300 million for animal disease prevention, including foot-and-mouth disease prevention. While much of the earlier focus on the Farm Bill revolved around SNAP and other nutrition benefits, legislators on both sides of the aisle have in recent times shied away from directly addressing the prior push by Republican lawmakers to get aid recipients back to work. This go-round, the language is more simplified, and the focus more on securing the future for farmers, improving soil and water quality; and ensuring the public has access to nutritious agricultural products at home and abroad. A number of agriculture organizations that are part of the Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance weighed-in after the bill passed both chambers of Congress to show their support. The alliance is comprised of 120 specialty crop organizations from across the U.S. The alliance pinpoints that while SNAP was continued with the bill, Food Insecurity Nutrition Initiative funding levels increased. A full $80 million annually will be allocated in the bill for the Specialty Crop Research Initiative. There is increased access to foreign markets through increased funding for the Market Access Program of at least $200 million annually. In addition, the bill brings reforms to the National Organic Program operation. We appreciate the bipartisan support of lawmakers and the leadership of the House and Senate agriculture committees in moving this important legislation across the finish line in Congress, said Mike Stuart, chief executive officer of the Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association. This bill is good news for consumers as well as specialty crop producers. It invests in programs to ensure schoolchildren are eating nutritious produce. It also will help specialty crop agriculture fight plant pests and diseases such as citrus greening. And it bolsters programs that helps us expand markets for our crops. Illinois Farm Bureau in its reaction to the news of the House vote underscored the need for such a bill at a time when farmers face a difficult period of stagnant farm income and trade policy uncertainty. This bill strengthens the safety net for producers by protecting crop insurance and by giving farmers the ability to choose annually between revenue and price-based commodity programs, the bureau statement reads. It strengthens market development programs and creates a national foot and mouth disease vaccine bank. Illinois farmers are committed to improving water quality... House Agriculture Committee Chairman K. Michael Conaway stated: I've maintained from the beginning that this farm bill ought to be about standing up for America's farm and ranch families who are going through some very hard times. And we have kept faith with that commitment. Farm country and rural America will be better off under this farm bill than they were before. I want to thank our leadership in the House, (USDA) Secretary Perdue and President Trump. Because of our work this year, rural America and farm and ranch country know we have their backs.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://lahood.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/federal-grant-allows-water-treatment-upgrade-move-forward,Federal grant allows water treatment upgrade to move forward,2018-12-14,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,IL,Darin LaHood,L000585,lahood.house.gov,,,legacy,"The city of La Harpe, Illinois received a grant that will pave the way for a new water treatment system. Residents and businesses said this is much needed because last summer, everyone was without clean and healthy water. On Main Street in the city, there was a lot of excitement. To see a brand new $7 million facility come in to the town is going to be great for the community and customers with the water quality,Alderman Randy Shumaker said. Congressman Darin LaHood announced Tuesday that the U.S. Department of Agriculture awarded the city a grant of $2,502,000 and a loan of $4,008,000 to build a new system that will provide higher-quality drinking water. State of the art, reverse osmosis system, which will be a new treatment system compared to the past, Shumaker said. It's the new wave of where we need to be. Last year, the Country Cafe was closed for a week because they couldn't serve the water to drink or use it to clean and it affected businesses. Now, the new facility will get rid of all the problems. We want to make sure that elderly people and young children that are affected the most don't have to deal with these impure water issues anymore, Quivey said. Owner Rebecca Quivey said you don't realize how important water is until you don't have it for a significant amount of time. You couldn't have soda, you couldn't make coffee, you couldn't do tea, water, make ice, in addition to the health department saying we couldn't clean our plates because our sanitizer wasn't sufficient enough to work with how they wanted things to go, Quivey said. Shumaker said the city will start accepting bids next year and hope to finish the project by the middle of 2020. The city currently uses two facilities to treat the water. The surface water treatment is on the edge of town and they've run into a lot of issues with the EPA on water quality. This new project will eliminate that process and run the plant on Main Street next to the current location. The old plant will be tore down eventually, the water tower will remain, and the new state of the art facility will take place, Shumaker said. The city has to repay the $4,008,000 from the federal government and in order to get it done in a timely matter, water bills will increase annually up to $13 dollars over a three year period.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://lahood.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/house-passes-farm-bill-sending-it-trumps-desk,"House Passes Farm Bill, Sending It To Trump's Desk",2018-12-14,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,IL,Darin LaHood,L000585,lahood.house.gov,,,legacy,"The House on Wednesday easily passed the farm bill, a massive legislative package that reauthorizes agriculture programs and food aid. The legislation has already passed the Senate and is now headed to President Donald Trump, who is expected to sign it. The House vote was 369-47. U.S. Reps. Rodney Davis from Taylorville and Darin LaHood from Peoria, both Republicans who represent Bloomington-Normal, supported the bill. The measure is the result of months of negotiations by lawmakers. It does not make any significant changes to the food stamp program that serves nearly 40 million low-income Americans. Trump and conservatives had pushed to create new work requirements for food stamps, but the Senate rejected the idea. The bill reauthorizes agriculture and conservation programs, funds trade programs, expands support for struggling dairy farmers and legalizes the cultivation of industrial hemp. Getting a farm bill across the finish line this year for our farmers has always been my goal and I'm glad we are going to deliver, Davis said in a statement. This bill maintains programs critical for Central Illinois farmers, strengthens agricultural research, and improves protections for organic products."" Davis was critical of how much of the bill was focused on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). ""We've written a strong bill for our farmers, but 80 percent of this bill is SNAP,"" he said. ""While there is a slight increase in employment and training, not every able-bodied adult will have access to this job training program like they would have under the House bill. This is a missed opportunity, and if our economy is going to continue grow, we're going to need to fill the jobs that are open. I hope Democrats in the House will set the election aside and make this a priority next year. LaHood called the bill a ""win for our farmers."" ""Agriculture is the No. 1 industry in Illinois and the farm bill passed today will provide certainty to our farmers and strengthen the farm economy by protecting crop insurance, continuing responsible farm programs, preserving conservation, and safeguarding our farmers against illegal trade practices by foreign countries, LaHood said. I appreciate members on both sides of the aisle coming together to provide positive assurances to American farmers before the new year and look forward to seeing President Trump sign the farm bill into law. The Illinois Farm Bureau praised passage of the bill. This bill strengthens the safety net for producers by protecting crop insurance and by giving a farmer the ability to choose annually between revenue and price-based commodity programs,"" Farm Bureau President Richard Guebert Jr. said in a statement. ""It strengthens market development programs and creates a national food and mouth disease vaccine bank. Guebert said the bill's conservation programs protect natural resources, provide incentives, and rebalance rental rates. ""Finally, this farm bill maintains a strong safety net for the millions of American's who receive supplemental nutrition benefits,"" Guebert added.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://lahood.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/lahood-holds-moment-silence-house-floor-honor-fallen-us-marine-0,LaHood Holds Moment of Silence on House Floor to Honor Fallen U.S. Marine Corporal Daniel Baker,2018-12-14,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,IL,Darin LaHood,L000585,lahood.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.- Today, Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-18) went to the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives to honor the life of United States Marine Corporal Daniel Baker and hold a moment for silence to remember his service and sacrifice. WATCH: LaHood Holds Moment of Silence on House Floor to Honor Corporal Daniel Baker",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=400025,House and Senate Unanimously Approve Reforms to Sexual Harassment Policies,2018-12-14,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,IL,Rodney Davis,D000619,rodneydavis.house.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) released the following statement after both the House and Senate unanimously approvedbipartisan legislation to reform sexual harassment rules within the Legislative Branch.The House led on strengthening protections against sexual harassment in the workplace and I'm glad both chambers were able to work together to get this done before the start of the new Congress,said Davis.This compromise bill increases transparency, provides greater reporting requirements, and for the first time ever, ensures taxpayers are not footing the bill for any misconduct by members of Congress. Whether you work in government, in the media, in Hollywood, or elsewhere, no one should have to worry about sexual harassment when they come to work. I believe members of Congress should lead our nation by example and today is a huge step in that direction. Background These changes are the result of months of discussions and hearings led by the Committee on House Administration and a compromise between the House and Senate passed bills. Reforms made by this compromise bill include: -Changes processes offices must follow to protect employees. -Streamlines and strengthens the dispute resolution and reporting processes. -Protects taxpayer dollars by requiring members of Congress to reimburse the Treasury for settlements made against them. -Strengthens transparency by requiringrelease information annually on payments of awards and settlements. -Provides another resource to legislative branch employees, including House employees, known as confidential advisors. While not authorized to represent employees in internal adjudication or court proceedings, they are available to provide privileged and confidential consultations. Related: House Unanimously Approves Reforms to Sexual Harassment Policies Bipartisan Group Introduces Bill Reforming Sexual Harassment Policies",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=400034,Davis: National Park Service Agrees to Preliminary Survey of Springfield Race Riot Site,2018-12-14,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,IL,Rodney Davis,D000619,rodneydavis.house.gov,,,legacy,"Davis: National Park Service Agrees to Preliminary Survey of Springfield Race Riot Site f t # e Springfield, IL, December 14, 2018 Dr. Carla Hayden, Librarian of Congress, and Davis view artifacts from the Springfield Race Riot site in September 2017. U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) announced today that the National Park Service (NPS) has agreed to conduct a preliminary survey of the site of the 1908 Springfield Race Riots. The survey is necessary to begin the process of getting a national designation by the park service. Davis also spoke with the Secretary of the Interior this week who committed to working with him throughout this process. This is a significant step forward in getting the national recognition I believe the Springfield Race Riot site deserves, said Davis. I appreciate Secretary Zinke's recognition of the importance of this site to our nation's history and his commitment to working with us as this process moves forward. I look forward to working with the city, the NAACP, and the National Park Service as they conduct the survey next year. Davis wrote the NPS back in October requesting the reconnaissance survey. This will be a preliminary resource assessment that the National Park Service will conduct to evaluate whether the site would meet four criteria for a monument designation: national significance, suitability, feasibility, and need for NPS management. ### f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://lahood.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/legislation-honor-fallen-army-ranger-joshua-rodgers-passes-us-senate,Legislation to Honor Fallen Army Ranger Joshua Rodgers Passes U.S. Senate,2018-12-13,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,IL,Darin LaHood,L000585,lahood.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.The United States Senate, last night, passed legislation introduced by Congressman Darin LaHood to rename a Bloomington-Normal, Illinois, U.S. post office in honor of U.S. Army Sergeant Joshua Rodgers. The bill, H.R. 4326, is supported by Senators Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth and the entire Illinois House delegation and would rename the U.S. Post office at 200 West North Street in Normal, Illinois. The legislation now heads to President Trump's desk to be signed into law. I am pleased to see the U.S. Senate pass my legislation to pay tribute to fallen Army Ranger and American hero Josh Rodgers. Passage in the Senate is another important step towards recognizing Josh's courage and I am grateful to our IllinoisSenators for their support. I look forward to getting my legislation to the President's desk quickly, so Josh's lasting memory can be permanently honored in his hometown community, stated Rep. Darin LaHood. Sergeant Josh Rodgers could not be more deserving of this recognition. At the young age of 22, he became a decorated war hero and continued to put his life on the line to protect our country. For this, we are forever thankful, said Senator Durbin. I am proud to join Representatives LaHood, Davis, and Senator Duckworth to honor the heroism and service of this hometown hero. Sergeant Joshua Rodgers is an American hero who gave his life for our country. Dedicating this Post Office in his honor will preserve his memory and serve as a continuous reminder of his sacrifice and love of this nation, said Senator Tammy Duckworth. Sergeant Joshua Rodgers is a hometown hero and renaming this post office will make sure that his name and the sacrifice he made for us is remembered for generations to come, said Rep. Rodney Davis. It's because of men and women like Sergeant Rodgers who risk their lives in service to our country that we remain free. It is a privilege to be able to honor his life and service with this post office and I look forward to seeing the Sgt. Josh Rodgers Post Office in Normal soon. Background: On April 27, 2017, U.S. Army Sergeant Joshua Rodgers was killed in action supporting Operation Freedom's Sentinel in Afghanistan during a raid on the headquarters of ISIS emir Abdul Hasib. Rodgers received wounds in an hours-long firefight during his third tour of duty as a member of the elite special operations unit. The Bloomington native was 22 years old and already a decorated hero receiving numerous awards and medals, including the Army Achievement Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, Army Service Ribbon, and the NATO Medal. He also received the Bronze Star with Valor and Purple Heart posthumously.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://bost.house.gov/2018/12/bost-applauds-house-passage-farm-bill-0,Bost Applauds House Passage of Farm Bill,2018-12-12,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,IL,Mike Bost,B001295,bost.house.gov,bost,https://bost.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Representative Mike Bost (IL-12) today voted for the House-Senate compromise Agriculture and Nutrition Act (H.R.2), commonly known as the Farm Bill. The House legislation, which authorizes agricultural and nutrition policy for the next five years, includes provisions Bost introduced to aid beginning farmers in growing their operations and help existing farmers enhance their nutrient management practices. The bill now moves to President Trump’s desk to be signed into law. “Protecting our agricultural economy is essential to the sustainability of our rural areas,” said Bost. “Illinois’ 12th Congressional District is the most diverse in terms of agriculture in the entire state. I made it a priority to listen to the over 10,000 producers in my district, so I knew what they needed most. I’m proud of the provisions I fought to have included in this Farm Bill and I encourage President Trump to provide our farmers certainty by signing this legislation into law.” Bost Provisions Included in Farm Bill: Section 2502 - Expands options for agriculture producers to access nutrient management technical assistance (Nutrient Management Technical Service Provider Certification Act) Section 5103 - Modernizes Farm Service Agency’s Guaranteed Loan Program (Bale Act) Section 2304 – Improves farmers’ ability to recover nutrients (Nutrient Recovery Systems Amendment) NOTE: A summary of key components in the 2018 Farm Bill is available HERE. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:11:43Z https://bost.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/bost-applauds-house-passage-farm-bill-0,Bost Applauds House Passage of Farm Bill,2018-12-12,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,IL,Mike Bost,B001295,bost.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC U.S. Representative Mike Bost (IL-12) today voted for the House-Senate compromise Agriculture and Nutrition Act (H.R.2), commonly known as the Farm Bill. The House legislation, which authorizes agricultural and nutrition policy for the next five years, includes provisions Bost introduced to aid beginning farmers in growing their operations and help existing farmers enhancetheir nutrient management practices. The bill now moves to President Trump's desk to be signed into law. Protecting our agricultural economy is essential to the sustainability of our rural areas, said Bost. Illinois' 12th Congressional District is the most diverse in terms of agriculture in the entire state. I made it a priority to listen to the over 10,000 producers in my district, so I knew what they needed most. I'm proud of the provisions I fought to have included in this Farm Bill and I encourage President Trump to provide our farmers certainty by signing this legislation into law. Bost Provisions Included in Farm Bill: NOTE: A summary of key components in the 2018 Farm Bill is available HERE. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://kinzinger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399956,Rep. Kinzinger Statement on the 2018 Farm Bill,2018-12-12,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,IL,Adam Kinzinger,K000378,kinzinger.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Adam Kinzinger (IL-16) released the following statement after the Conference Report to accompany H.R. 2, the Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018 passed the House. share: f t Washington, DC Congressman Adam Kinzinger (IL-16) released the following statement after the Conference Report to accompany H.R. 2, the Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018 passed the House with strong bipartisan support today: Our agriculture community is hard-working, innovative, and feeds millions across this country and around the world. Today, I voted in favor of a bill that provides our farmers, ranchers, and rural America the security and certainty they need. Thank you to Chairman Conaway and others across the aisle, and across the Chambers, for their efforts to work together on this conference report and get it across the finish line here today. This legislation reauthorizes agriculture and nutrition programs through 2023, and includes priorities I have pushed on behalf of my constituents such as the preservation and protection of crop insurance, and providing new incentives for veterans to enter the farming profession. Additionally, this legislation provides rural American with funding to combat the opioid crisis through telehealth opportunities, for rural small businesses to install and use renewable energy, and for rural broadband. While some of our hard-fought reforms were ultimately removed during the Conference negotiations, this legislation is a big win for the 16th District of Illinois and marks the first time since 2002 that a new Farm Bill will be enacted in the same year that the old one expired. I stand with our farming community, and the passage of this bill today is further proof that Congress can reach across the aisle, work together, and compromise on major pieces of legislation for the good of the American people and the country. RELATED: OP-ED: Sauk Valley News COLUMN: Working to harvest a better deal Congressman Kinzinger Stands with Rural America VIDEO: House Ag Committee #FarmBillFriday with Rep. Adam Kinzinger (IL-16) Rep. Kinzinger Previews 2018 Farm Bill with Chairman Conaway",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://lahood.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/lahood-votes-support-final-passage-farm-bill,LaHood Votes in Support of Final Passage of the Farm Bill,2018-12-12,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,IL,Darin LaHood,L000585,lahood.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-18) voted in support of the Conference Report for H.R. 2, the Agriculture Improvement Act, today which reauthorizes and strengthens agriculture policy and programs within the U.S. Department of Agriculture through 2023. The legislation now heads to President Trump's desk to be signed into law. Upon passage in the House, Rep. LaHood released the following statement: Passage of the Farm Bill is a win for our farmers and the agriculture community in central and west-central Illinois. Agriculture is the number one industry in Illinois and the Farm Bill passed today will provide certainty to our farmers and strengthen the farm economy by protecting crop insurance, continuing responsible farm programs, preserving conservation, and safeguarding our farmers against illegal trade practices by foreign countries, stated Rep. LaHood. I appreciate members on both sides of the aisle coming together to provide positive assurances to American farmers before the new year and look forward to seeing President Trump sign the Farm Bill into law. What's in the Conference Report? Expands and improves rural broadband delivery capabilities and includes standards that will make sure rural broadband needs are met as technology innovates into the future Protects crop insurance, issues new insurance products for forage producers and improves whole farm revenue coverage Takes important steps towards moving able body adults off the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Policy (SNAP) and into the workforce by incentivizing work and improving program integrity Increases funding for research and education projects to over $600 million, ensuring American agriculture will be at the forefront of innovation Provides $300 million for animal disease prevention, including foot-and-mouth disease",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=400023,Davis Delivers Second Farm Bill for Illinois Farmers,2018-12-12,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,IL,Rodney Davis,D000619,rodneydavis.house.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) today released this statement after the House passed the 2018 farm bill. This will be the second farm bill Davis has delivered for 13th District farmers. He served on the conference committee for both the 2014 and 2018 farm bills.Getting a farm bill across the finish line this year for our farmers has always been my goal and I'm glad we are going to deliver,said Davis.This bill maintains programs critical for Central Illinois farmers, strengthens agricultural research, and improves protections for organic products. We've written a strong bill for our farmers, but 80 percent of this bill is SNAP. While there is a slight increase in employment and training, not every able-bodied adult will have access to this job training program like they would have under the House bill. This is a missed opportunity, and if our economy is going to continue grow, we're going to need to fill the jobs that are open. I hope Democrats in the House will set the election aside and make this a priority next year. Illinois Farm Bureau appreciates the opportunities Congressman Davis created for our members to provide input into this farm bill. We appreciate his leadership and effort. He listened to us and made it a better bill. This conference report will help farmers across Illinois at a time of declining market opportunities combined with price uncertainty,said Illinois Farm Bureau President Richard Guebert. Davis spoke on the House floor in support of the 2018 farm bill.Click here to watch. Davis fought to include many priorities for the 13th District. Highlights include: -Protects crop insurance, which is a critical tool for 13th District farmers. -Maintains flexibility for commodity protection programs (ARC and PLC). Davis fought to ensure farmers can choose between these programs in both the 2014 and 2018 farm bills. -Consumer demand for organic products continues to increase and this bill makes positive changes to support organic products by placing higher scrutiny on organic imports, helping farmers who seek organic certification, and increasing funding for organic research. -The 2018 farm bill strengthens agricultural research. It includes Davis' bill (H.R. 5071, the Agricultural Research Advisory Board Improvement Act) to ensure USDA's research focuses on agriculture's most needed priorities and helps universities, like the University of Illinois, Illinois State University, and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, continue important research. -The bill authorizes $350 million per year for loans and grants for rural broadband. It also ensures access to broadband that meets minimum requirements for today's technological age. -Provides flexibility to the administration to prevent the abuse of state waivers to exempt work requirements and a $14 million per year increase to employment and training programs within SNAP. -Increases funding for local food banks through the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) by $206 Million over 10 years.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://lahood.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-darin-lahood-s-statement-passing-us-marine-tremont-native,"Congressman Darin LaHoods Statement on Passing of US Marine, Tremont-native Daniel Baker",2018-12-11,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,IL,Darin LaHood,L000585,lahood.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-18) released a statement following the news that joint recovery operations to find five missing U.S. Marines, including Daniel Baker of Tremont, has ended and the missing Marines are declared deceased. It is with a heavy heart to learn that the U.S. military announced that the recovery operations to find the five missing Marines has concluded and that those missing have been pronounced deceased. My prayers are with Daniel Baker and his entire family in this most difficult time. Having spoken to Daniel's family earlier today, I was able to share my condolences with them directly and learn even more about the incredible young man and leader that they have raised. We are grateful for the sacrifice Daniel gave on behalf of our freedom and we are forever indebted to his service to our nation.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=400020,Davis Announces House Administration Staff Director,2018-12-07,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,IL,Rodney Davis,D000619,rodneydavis.house.gov,,,legacy,"Davis Announces House Administration Staff Director f t # e Washington, December 7, 2018 U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) today announced his long-time Chief of Staff Jen Daulby will take over as Staff Director of the Committee on House Administration. Davis was recently selected by Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) to serve as Ranking Member of the Committee on House Administration, which is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the House and oversight of federal elections.I'm excited to announce that my long-time Chief of Staff, Jen Daulby, will serve as Staff Director of the committee, said Davis. Jen's experience leading a successful personal office and her previous committee work make her a natural choice to help me lead this committee in the 116th Congress. She has been instrumental in helping me be an effective member of the Committee on House Administration. I know she will do an excellent job as we look to address issues within our federal election process and work to ensure we have an effective, efficient, and member-driven institution. Daulby has served as Davis' chief of staff since 2013. She served as legislative counsel for U.S. Rep. Steve Chabot (R-Ohio), Subcommittee Chairman on Constitution, from 2005-2006 and counsel for the Committee on Agriculture under U.S. Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) from 2003-2005. Daulby has a J.D. from Southern Illinois University, School of Law, and is originally from Du Quoin, Illinois. f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=400021,Davis Legislation Honoring Logan Palmer Signed Into Law,2018-12-07,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,IL,Rodney Davis,D000619,rodneydavis.house.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) announced today that legislation honoring the life and service of Petty Officer Logan Palmer was signed into law. The bill Davis introduced designates the post office in Harristown, Illinois, as the Logan S. Palmer Post Office."" Petty Officer Logan Palmer, of Harristown, Illinois, was among the sailors killed when the USS John S McCain collided with a tanker off the coast of Singapore last August. ""Logan's parents, Sid and Theresa, joined me in DC to introduce this bill six months ago and I'm so glad we were able to get this bill honoring their son signed into law this year,said Davis.I've had the privilege of getting to know the Palmer family over the last year and I hope having the President sign this bill into law this week helps show our nation's appreciation for Logan's service and provides some solace for their family during the holidays. This building will serve as a grave reminder of risks our servicemembers take on each day and I look forward to officially renaming the post office in Harristown the ""Logan S. Palmer Post Office"" soon."" Davis is working with the United States Post Office to organize a dedication ceremony in the coming months. Related: Davis Bill Honoring Logan Palmer Passes Senate, Heads to President for Signature Davis Legislation to Honor Logan Palmer Passes Senate Committee House Passes Bill Honoring Petty Officer Logan Palmer Davis Introduces Legislation Honoring Petty Officer Logan Palmer",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://lahood.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/lahood-davis-announce-springfield-awarded-federal-grant-continue-rail-0,"LaHood, Davis Announce Springfield Awarded Federal Grant to Continue Rail Improvements Project",2018-12-06,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,IL,Darin LaHood,L000585,lahood.house.gov,,,legacy,"Springfield, IL- U.S. Reps. Darin LaHood (R-IL) and Rodney Davis (R-IL) announced today that the City of Springfield was awarded a $22 million federal grant for construction of the Springfield Rail Improvements Project. A Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) will be used for the Usable Segment IV of the project. This announcement follows a letter of support from LaHood and Davis and a site visit from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) Administrator Ron Batory earlier in the year. Today is an extraordinary day for the City of Springfield, the local economy, and for the future of our community's infrastructure. The news from Secretary Chao today that Springfield has earned $22 million in BUILD grant funds to accomplish the Usable Segment IV for Springfield Rail Improvements Project is welcome news for all local, state, and federal entities who have worked so hard in securing this opportunity. With this award, the city will take a giant step forward in efforts to more effectively and efficiently travel by rail through our state's capital, improve the flow of traffic, and provide an opportunity to fully-develop Springfield's medical district, stated Rep. Darin LaHood. I want to applaud Secretary Chao, the US Department of Transportation, my colleague Rep. Rodney Davis, our US Senators, and all local officials who have worked so diligently to bring home this highly sought-after award. I look forward to seeing this project move forward and bring about safer, more efficient travel to the 5thand 6thStreet underpasses and rail bridges that carry the 10thStreet corridor traffic. ""This is a major step forward for this project,"" said Davis. ""I appreciate the administration working with us and the City of Springfield over the last several years to keep this project moving. Having FRA Administrator Ron Batory come to Springfield earlier this year and see the project first-hand has helped us ensure Washington understands the local and national significance of this project. I look forward to construction of Usable Segment IV beginning soon."" The Springfield Rail Improvements Project will improve public safety, traffic congestion, community livability, and commercial development in the capital's downtown. Usable Segment IV consists of two new bridges at 5th Street and at 6th Street. It also includes grading, drainage and trackwork from north of 6th Street to Stanford Avenue.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=400017,"Davis, LaHood Announce Springfield Awarded Federal Grant to Continue Rail Improvements Project",2018-12-06,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,IL,Rodney Davis,D000619,rodneydavis.house.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Reps. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) and Darin LaHood (R-Ill.) today announced that the City of Springfield was awarded a $22 million federal grant for construction of the Springfield Rail Improvements Project. A Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) will be used for Usable Segment IV of the project. This announcement follows aletter of support from Davis and LaHoodand asite visit from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) Administrator Ron Batoryearlier in the year.""This is a major step forward for this project,""said Davis.""I appreciate the administration working with us and the City of Springfield over the last several years to keep this project moving. Having FRA Administrator Ron Batory come to Springfield earlier this year and see the project first-hand has helped us ensure Washington understands the local and national significance of this project. I look forward to construction of Usable Segment IV beginning soon."" Today is an extraordinary day for the City of Springfield, the local economy, and for the future of our community's infrastructure. The news from Secretary Chao today that Springfield has earned $22 million in BUILD grant funds to accomplish Usable Segment IV for Springfield Rail Improvements Project is welcome news for all local, state, and federal entities who have worked so hard in securing this opportunity. With this award, the city will take a giant step forward in efforts to more effectively and efficiently travel by rail through our state's capital, improve the flow of traffic, and provide an opportunity to fully-develop Springfield's medical district,stated LaHood.I want to applaud Secretary Chao, the US Department of Transportation, my colleague Rep. Rodney Davis, our US Senators, and all local officials who have worked so diligently to bring home this highly sought-after award. I look forward to seeing this project move forward and bring about safer, more efficient travel to the 5th and 6th Street underpasses and rail bridges that carry the 10th Street corridor traffic. The Springfield Rail Improvements Project will improve public safety, traffic congestion, community livability, and commercial development in the capital's downtown. Usable Segment IV consists of two new bridges at 5th Street and at 6th Street. It also includes grading, drainage and trackwork from north of 6th Street to Stanford Avenue. Related: Davis Invites FRA Administrator to Visit Springfield High-Speed Rail Corridor FRA to Allow Carpenter Street Rail Segment to Move Forward Davis, LaHood Announce Release of Springfield Rail TIGER Grant Funds House Passes Bipartisan Passenger Rail Reform Bill Davis Applauds Springfield High Speed Rail Agreement, Continues to Push for Federal Funding Congressional letter supports $14M for rail consolidation",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://lahood.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/lahood-announces-rural-development-investment-hancock-county,LaHood Announces Rural Development Investment in Hancock County,2018-12-04,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,IL,Darin LaHood,L000585,lahood.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.- U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood (IL-18) announced today that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will provide the City of La Harpe with a grant award of $2,502,000 and a loan of $4,008,000 for a water and waste disposal project in the city. Completion of this project will provide higher-quality drinking water to approximately 1,235 La Harpe residents. Strategic investment in our rural communities is essential to supporting existing infrastructure and ensures residents in these communities have the up to date resources. The money awarded today will provide critical assistance to a project that will allow La Harpe to build a new water treatment plant, enabling them to provide higher quality drinking water to over 1,200 residents, stated Rep. LaHood. I am grateful to Secretary Perdue, State Director for USDA Rural Development Doug Wilson, and the USDA for their commitment to supporting rural development projects in central and west-central Illinois. I have no doubt this investment will leave a meaningful impact on the La Harpe community. Background: The USDA's investment will go towards the construction of a new reserve osmosis water treatment plant, the digging of two new wells, the replacement of 4.5 miles of water mains and pipelines, and upgrade the current water storage tank. This project will address numerous issues with the water system in La Harpe, including, alleviating the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency's health hazard created from high acetic acid levels, reducing the risk of well flooding, and bringing chlorine residuals below the minimum acceptable levels.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://kinzinger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399954,Kinzinger Statement on President George H.W. Bush,2018-12-01,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,IL,Adam Kinzinger,K000378,kinzinger.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Adam Kinzinger (IL-16) released this statement following the passing of the 41st President of the United States, George H.W. Bush: share: f t Washington, DC Congressman Adam Kinzinger (IL-16) released this statement following the passing of the 41st President of the United States, George H.W. Bush: The embodiment of servant leadership, George H. W. Bush made his mark on America, the world, and the hearts of millions. As a nation, we mourn the loss of our 41st President a true patriot who sought to build a kinder and gentler nation.I extend my deepest and heartfelt condolences to the entire Bush family. George H. W. Bush was a humble and devoted public servant. He was the youngest pilot when he received his wings at the age of 18, and flew in 58 combat missions for the United States Navy during World War II. He survived after being shot down by the Japanese during a mission and despite that harrowing event, President Bush celebrated his last several milestone birthdays by going skydiving. He served in several public office roles and continued to make an impact through charity and volunteerism. He lived his life fully, inspiring me and countless others with his courage and compassion, and he will be forever remembered as one of the greatest, most qualified presidents of our time. George H.W. Bush believed that the potential of the American people knows no limits' and by joining together, a thousand points of light,' we could help one another and do good.His was a life well lived and we are forever grateful for his leadership, his vision for America, and the lasting impact he has left on the country he loved so dearly.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://lahood.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-lahood-statement-passing-president-george-hw-bush,Rep. LaHood Statement on the Passing of President George H.W. Bush,2018-12-01,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,IL,Darin LaHood,L000585,lahood.house.gov,,,legacy,"PEORIA, IL Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-18) released the following statement after the passing of our 41st President of the United States, George H.W. Bush: I am deeply saddened to hear that President George H.W. Bush passed away last night. He was an amazing person who had a lifetime of public service. President Bush was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He served with distinction as a pilot in the U.S. Navy during WWII and went on to succeed at the highest levels of business and government before serving as our 41st President of the United States. Prior to that, he served as Vice President under President Ronald Reagan, Director of the CIA, and as a Congressman from Texas. He led a full life, and we mourn his death with the Bush family and the nation.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://lahood.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-lahood-statement-usmca-signing,Rep. LaHood Statement on the USMCA Signing,2018-11-30,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,IL,Darin LaHood,L000585,lahood.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-18) released the following on the signing of the USMCA between the United States, Mexico, and Canada at the G20 Summit in Argentina. Farmers, manufacturers, and workers in Illinois' 18th District rely on open export markets with Mexico and Canada to move their product and remain competitive across the globe. The signing of the USMCA today is a positive step towards an improved trilateral trade agreement with our neighbors and is welcomed news for the agricultural and manufacturing industries in Illinois who have been hurt by uncertainty, said Rep. LaHood. As I have stated in the past, an updated NAFTA must include Mexico and Canada, and I applaud the Trump Administration for bringing them together on this agreement. I look forward to working with my colleagues on the Ways and Means Committee to ensure that the USMCA serves in the best interest of the farmers and workers across central and west-central Illinois.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=400018,Rep. Rodney Davis Selected as Ranking Member of the Committee on House Administration,2018-11-30,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,IL,Rodney Davis,D000619,rodneydavis.house.gov,,,legacy,".S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) today made the following statement after being selected Ranking Member of the Committee on House Administration for the 116th Congress.It's an honor to be selected by Leader McCarthy to serve as Ranking Member of this committee that is so critical to our Democratic process. My top priority will be working to ensure we have an efficient and effective institution that is member driven and allows us to best serve our constituents back home. I hope to continue the historically bipartisan nature of this committee and work with my Democrat counterpart to strengthen our federal election process and security,said Davis. I am thrilled Rodney will be leading the Republicans on the Committee on House Administration. His forward-thinking approach will ensure the innovations that House Republicans have led on to make Congress more efficient, effective, and accountable will grow stronger. We are the People's House and I look forward to Rodney's leadership to ensure it is open for all Americans,""said Leader Kevin McCarthy. I am incredibly pleased to congratulate my friend and colleague, Congressman Rodney Davis, on his appointment by Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy to become the next Ranking Member of the Committee on House Administration (CHA). Ranking Member Davis has diligently served on the Committee for the past two congressional terms, and I can think of no one who is better prepared or more deserving of this role as CHA prepares to tackle many important issues in the 116th Congress. I trust that he will dedicate himself fully to all that this position requires, and I wish him all the best as he begins to serve Congress in his new capacity as Ranking Member,""said U.S. Rep. Greg Harper (R-Miss.), Chairman of the Committee on House Administration. Davis has served on the Committee on House Administration since 2014 and currently serves as Vice Chair of the committee and Chairman of the Franking Commission for the 115th Congress. During his tenure on the committee, Davis led an overhaul of member spending rules, digitized the franking system and updated franking rules, and helped lead sexual harassment reforms to make the House more a professional and safer workplace. Note:The Committee on House Administration was established in 1947 and is charged with the oversight of federal elections and the day-to-day operations of the U.S. House of Representatives. Ranking Member of the committee is appointed by the Minority Leader.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://kinzinger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399953,Kinzinger Helps Secure Big Win for the Illinois Canal Corridor,2018-11-29,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,IL,Adam Kinzinger,K000378,kinzinger.house.gov,,,legacy,"Earlier this week, Congressman Adam Kinzinger (IL-16) joined his colleagues in passing S. 140, the Frank LoBiondo Coast Guard Reauthorization Act of 2019, by voice vote in the House. share: f t Washington, DC Earlier this week, Congressman Adam Kinzinger (IL-16) joined his colleagues in passing S. 140, the Frank LoBiondo Coast Guard Reauthorization Act of 2019, by voice vote in the House.This bicameral, bipartisan legislation reauthorizes and strengthens the U.S. Coast Guard, empowers these men and women to carry out their critical missions, and resolves issues between federal agencies regarding regulations to protect marine resources.The bill also contains provisions Congressman Kinzinger has been seeking on behalf of his constituents and the Canal Corridor Association since 2011, such as ensuring small boats like The Volunteer are exempt from the overly burdensome regulations that apply to larger commercial boats. In applauding passage of S. 140 this week, Congressman Kinzinger released the following statement: The U.S. Coast Guard is our first line of defense, always ready to serve and protect our homeland. This reauthorization bill is critical for our men and women at sea; it bolsters their resources, makes critical investments, and ensures they have the authorities they need to do their jobs. Our work to pass this bill with bipartisan support shows our commitment to the Coast Guard and their mission. I was proud to join my colleagues in supporting its passage, and pleased to see the final legislation included my provision to exempt an iconic 19th Century canal boat in my district from some of the overly burdensome regulations its facing. This exemption for smaller boats like The Volunteer' of LaSalle was hard-fought and took years to get passed by Congress. It's a big win for my constituents, our Illinois and Michigan Canal tourism, and the Canal Corridor Association. I'm thankful to Chairman Shuster, the bill's namesake Congressman Frank LoBiondo, and our House leadership for their support on this measure, and I look forward to President Trump signing this legislation into law soon. Dennis Bieschke, Board Chairman of the Canal Corridor Association, applauded Congressman Kinzinger's dedication to securing these critical provisions with the statement below: On behalf of the Canal Corridor Association's work in the nation's first national heritage area the Illinois & Michigan Canal National Heritage Area, I extend my sincere thanks to Congressman Kinzinger. He heard our concerns back in 2011, and despite some challenges, he championed the cause and never retreated. Once enacted, we will educate more school kids, residents, and tourists about our nationally important place by riding The Volunteer. We remain committed to our mission of preserving history, protecting nature, and providing access to historical destinations at which people can both learn and have fun. For more information on the S. 140 legislation, please visit the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee website here. For more about the Canal Corridor Association of LaSalle, Illinois, please visit their website here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://lahood.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/us-house-passes-legislation-honor-fallen-army-ranger-joshua-rodgers,U.S. House Passes Legislation to Honor Fallen Army Ranger Joshua Rodgers,2018-11-29,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,IL,Darin LaHood,L000585,lahood.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.Legislation introduced by Congressman Darin LaHood to rename a Bloomington-Normal, Illinois, U.S. post office in honor of U.S. Army Sergeant Joshua Rodgers passed out of the U.S. House of Representatives today with unanimous approval. The bill, H.R. 4326, is co-sponsored by the entire Illinois congressional delegation and would rename the U.S. Post office at 200 West North Street in Normal, Illinois. The legislation now heads to the U.S. Senate, and if passed will be sent to the President to be signed into law. Today's vote takes one more step towards highlighting the incredible sacrifice and patriotism of U.S. Army Sergeant Joshua Rodgers within his hometown community. We are forever indebted to Sgt. Rodgers and his family for paying the ultimate sacrifice for our country and our freedoms. I once again want to thank my Illinois colleagues for their full bipartisan support of this legislation and it is my hope that our colleagues in the Senate swiftly take up this legislation to recognize this true American hero, stated Rep. Darin LaHood. Sergeant Joshua Rodgers is a hometown hero and renaming this post office will make sure that his name and the sacrifice he made for us is remembered for generations to come,said Congressman Rodney Davis (IL-13).It's because of men and women like Sergeant Rodgers who risk their lives in service to our country that we remain free. It's a debt owed to him and his family that we will never be able to repay. I am happy to see this bill pass the House and I hope for quick action in the Senate. Background: This bill would formally rename the post office the Sgt. Josh Rodgers Post Office in recognition of Josh's heroism and service to our nation. Congressman LaHood was pleased to consult with the U.S. Postal Service, Illinois State Representative Dan Brady, and Joshua's mother, Vonda Coulter Rodgers, on this bill. On April 27, 2017, U.S. Army Sergeant Joshua Rodgers was killed in action supporting Operation Freedom's Sentinel in Afghanistan during a raid on the headquarters of ISIS emir Abdul Hasib. Rodgers received wounds in an hours-long firefight during his third tour of duty as a member of the elite special operations unit. The Bloomington native was 22 years old and already a decorated hero receiving numerous awards and medals. Along with the Army Achievement Medal, Rodgers received the Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, and the NATO Medal. He also received the Bronze Star with Valor and Purple Heart posthumously",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://kinzinger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399949,Kinzinger-Suozzi Bill Passes House Floor,2018-11-28,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,IL,Adam Kinzinger,K000378,kinzinger.house.gov,,,legacy,"Yesterday, the House passed H.R. 4591, the Preventing Iranian Destabilization of Iraq Act, which Congressman Adam Kinzinger (IL-16) and his colleague Congressman Tom Suozzi (D-NY) introduced in December 2017. share: f t Washington, DC Yesterday, the House passed H.R. 4591, the Preventing Iranian Destabilization of Iraq Act, which Congressman Adam Kinzinger (IL-16) and his colleague Congressman Tom Suozzi (D-NY) introduced in December 2017. In applauding the passage of his bill, Congressman Kinzinger released this statement: It's no surprise that Iran is actively trying to gain influence in Iraq, and sow seeds of chaos to destabilize U.S. peacekeeping efforts in the region. We cannot and must not allow this tyrannical regime to obtain the power they seek, and that's why this legislation is so important. H.R. 4591 will impose sanctions on all those who threaten peace and stability in Iraq. Thank you to Rep. Suozzi for his work on this bill, and to my colleagues for supporting its passage on the House Floor. Prior to its passage by voice vote, Congressman Kinzinger spoke on the House Floor in its favor and urged support from his colleagues. The Congressman's floor speech can be found on his YouTube page, and his remarks as written can be found below: Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 4591, the Preventing Iranian Destabilization of Iraq Act, which I proudly introduced with my colleague Rep. Suozzi. Since the toppling of Saddam Hussein, Iran has been working to gain access and influence in Iraq by dismantling American efforts to stabilize the country and the region. It is abundantly clearthat Iran is working to gain influence in Iraq to further their radical agenda, and we must do everything in our power to counter their tyrannical regime and provide hope for the Iraqi people. I am troubled by the growing influence of the Iranian-backed Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), which are being set up as a parallel military structure to undermine the Iraqi security forces. Just this week we saw the head of a powerful PMF, which would be sanctioned under this legislation, demanding that the Iraqi government allow these militia to secure the border with Syria. Not only would this legitimize the PMFs, but it would also give the Iranians one of their greatest desires a secure land bridge to supply weapons and troops from Tehran to the Mediterranean. Over the past few months, we have seen the security situation in Iraq slip further into despair.The U.S. compounds in Baghdad and Basra were attacked by Iranian backed groups, resulting in the latter shutting its doors. I believe retreating will only hurt the Iraqis and make the region a more dangerous place by allowing Iran to further destabilize the country, creating the conditions for the next generation of terror. Following the elections in Iraq this year, we saw Iranian proxies and militias, as well as Iraqis working on behalf of the Iranians, attempting to form a coalition government in Baghdad. That is why passing this bipartisan legislation is so timely. The Preventing Destabilization of Iraq Act, which passed the Foreign Affairs Committee unanimously, would impose sanctions on Iranians or any other person who threatens the peaceand stability of Iraq. It will also sanction several terrorist organizations as well as their leaders, many of which are trained and funded by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps. Passage of this legislation ensures the Iranians are not given a free pass to meddle in the affairs of the Iraqi people. I must stress: Doing nothing only strengthens the Iranians and their proxies. The United States of America must always must take a stand against tyrannical regimes, oppression, and poverty. Ensuring that the Ayatollah in Tehran does not continue to destabilize the Middle East is part of our mission, and I will continue to do what I can in support of that mission. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 4591, the Preventing Destabilization of Iraq Act. And with that, Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://shimkus.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/shimkus-pleased-by-house-passage-of-harmony-way-bridge-act,Shimkus Pleased by House Passage of Harmony Way Bridge Act,2018-11-28,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,IL,John Shimkus,S000364,shimkus.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Harmony Way Bridge over the Wabash River between White County, Illinois, and Posey County, Indiana, may soon have a new life. The engineering marvel built in 1930 has sat unused since being permanently closed in 2012 due to structural issues. Federal law that created the White County Bridge Commission to purchase the structure from a private companyin 1941 has prevented the two states from being able to take advantage of popular ideas to repurpose the bridge since its closing. That is on the verge of changing, thanks in large part to the Restore Harmony Way Bridge Act, H.R. 6793, whichpassed the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously Tuesday. ""I am happy that the hard work of so many people of both sides of the Wabash is about to come to fruition,"" said Congressman John Shimkus (R, Illinois-15), whose district includes the Illinois portion of the bridge. ""In particular, I want to thank Congressman Larry Bucshon (R, Indiana-8), who authored the legislation, whichconveys thestructure to a New Harmony Bridge Bi-State Commission established by Illinois and Indiana."" That new commission will be tasked with deciding the future of the bridge, which connected Illinois Route 14 with Indiana State Road 66, known as Church Street in New Harmony, Indiana. Every House member of the Illinois and Indiana delegations cosponsored H.R. 6793. Companion legislation has been introduced in the U.S. Senate by Senator Todd Young (R, Indiana). ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://lahood.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reps-lahood-davis-announce-continued-investment-lagrange-lock,"Reps. LaHood, Davis Announce Continued Investment for LaGrange Lock Improvements",2018-11-21,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,IL,Darin LaHood,L000585,lahood.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC - U.S. Reps. Darin LaHood (R-Ill.) and Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) today announced that the Trump administration will provide the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers with $57.5 million in Fiscal Year (FY) 2019 funding to continue major rehabilitation work at the LaGrange Lock and Dam (Versailles, IL) located on the Illinois River south of Beardstown, IL in Cass County. Earlier this year, LaHood and Davis announced the initial $10 million allocated for FY 2018 to begin this project. Our lock and dam systems on the Illinois River are critically important in getting our products to market and rehabilitation projects like this are much needed to ensure products can move effectively and efficiently around the world. Inland waterway systems are vital to our agriculture economy in central and west-central Illinois and I was pleased to work alongside my friend Rodney Davis to ensure the $57.5 million was included for the La Grange Lock in the FY 2019 Work plan, stated Rep. LaHood. I am very pleased to see this administration continue to invest in critical navigation infrastructure like LaGrange,"" said Davis. ""Frequent shutdowns at LaGrange continue to have a negative impact on our region's economy and this investment will ensure farmers and other users of our waterways have access to this critical mode of transporting and exporting what they grow and produce. Background on LaGrange The LaGrange Lock is the southernmost lock on the Illinois River and accommodates a heavy amount of barge traffic, the majority of which includes agricultural commodities. It was placed into service in 1939 and currently requires major rehabilitation of concrete, electrical, and mechanical systems. The lock last underwent major rehabilitation work in 1988. More than 60 percent of all U.S. grain exports move through locks on the Upper Mississippi and Illinois Rivers including LaGrange, but due to their age, reliability has become a significant issue in recent years.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=400019,"Davis, LaHood Announce Continued Investment for LaGrange Lock Improvements",2018-11-21,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,IL,Rodney Davis,D000619,rodneydavis.house.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Reps. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) and Darin LaHood (R-Ill.) today announced the Trump Administration will provide the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers with $57.5 million in Fiscal Year (FY) 2019 funding to continue major rehabilitation work at the LaGrange Lock and Dam (Versailles, IL) located on the Illinois River south of Beardstown, IL in Cass County. Earlier this year, Davis and LaHood announced the initial $10 million allocated for FY 2018 to begin this project. I am very pleased to see this administration continue to invest in critical navigation infrastructure like LaGrange,""said Davis. ""Frequent shutdowns at LaGrange continue to have a negative impact on our region's economy and this investment will ensure farmers and other users of our waterways have access to this critical mode of transporting and exporting what they grow and produce. Our lock and dam systems on the Illinois River are critically important in getting our products to market and rehabilitation projects like this are much needed to ensure products can move effectively and efficiently around the world. Inland waterway systems are vital to our agriculture economy in central and west-central Illinois and I was pleased to work alongside my friend Rodney Davis to ensure the $57.5 million was included for the La Grange Lock in the FY 2019 Work plan,stated LaHood. Background on LaGrange The LaGrange Lock is the southernmost lock on the Illinois River and accommodates a heavy amount of barge traffic, the majority of which includes agricultural commodities. It was placed into service in 1939 and currently requires major rehabilitation of concrete, electrical, and mechanical systems. The lock last underwent major rehabilitation work in 1988. More than 60 percent of all U.S. grain exports move through locks on the Upper Mississippi and Illinois Rivers including LaGrange, but due to their age, reliability has become a significant issue in recent years. Related: Davis, LaHood Announce Funding for LaGrange Lock Improvements Davis and Secretary of Army Corps Speak With Farmers and Tour LaGrange Lock and Dam",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://shimkus.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/shimkus-flores-release-draft-21st-century-transportation-fuels-act,"Shimkus, Flores Release Draft 21st Century Transportation Fuels Act",2018-11-21,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,IL,John Shimkus,S000364,shimkus.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Congressman John Shimkus (Illinois-15) and Congressman Bill Flores (Texas-17) today released a discussion draft of the 21st Century Transportation Fuels Act. I've been engaged in the biofuel debate my entire career in Congress, said Shimkus, whose district includes significant corn and soybean producers as well as major ethanol and oil refiners. In thisCongress through three stakeholder roundtables, five subcommittee hearings, and countless other meetings and conversations my goal was to look beyond just the Renewable Fuel Standard to comprehensively reshape federal transportation fuel policies in a way that could provide more value to consumers and more certainty to industry stakeholders."" Much has changed in the markets for vehicles and fuels since the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) was established in 2005, and subsequently expanded in 2007. We have learned from robust stakeholder input through hearings, roundtables and meetings, that higher octane fuels can bring increased fuel economy and performance for next generation engines. Since ethanol is one of the lowest-cost sources of octane in many areas of the country, a transition from the RFS beginning in 2023 to a national octane specification creates new market opportunities for biofuel producers and gives certainty to refining stakeholders. Most importantly, the draft legislation preserves consumer choice and optimum fuel and vehicle costs for more efficient transportation for future decades, Flores commented. The draft legislation we are sharing today enables a transition to 21st century vehicle drivetrains by bringing together both new ideas and technologies as well as long-sought reforms to existing policies, the congressmen added. This sets the stage to modernize federal polices and deliver a new generation of more efficient and cost-effective vehicles and engines and fuels for American consumers. We appreciate the stakeholders who have engaged in this effort and look forward to continuing to improve upon the policies and legislative language we've put forward for consideration and discussion. The text of the draft 21st Century Transportation Fuels Act can be found below. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://lahood.house.gov/media-center/e-newsletters/thanksgiving-message,A Time for Thanks and Reflection,2018-11-20,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,IL,Darin LaHood,L000585,lahood.house.gov,,,legacy,"Each year, Americans from all walks of life gather together on the fourth Thursday of November to celebrate what we are thankful for. Thanksgiving marks the beginning of the of the holiday season, in which, we gather our family, friends, and loved ones together to share in our collective thanks for the opportunities and relationships that we have been blessed with. As our family gathers around the tablefor turkey and stuffing, I amthankful for my three sons, McKay, Lucas, and Teddy, my loving wife Kristen, and the wonderful community we call home in central and west-central Illinois.Like many of you, wehave been blessed with healthy lives and a loving family, but it is important that during this season of thanks we not forget those who areless fortunate and do what we can to give back to the those in need. Yesterday, and over the last six years, I have had the opportunity of taking my sons to serve lunch at the annual Community Workshop & Training Center thanksgiving luncheon, in Peoria. CWTC is an incredible organization that assists developmentally disabled adults in our community. They strive each day to improve the quality of life for these adults and wewere grateful for the chance to lend a helping hand during the holiday season. Whether you are headed out to meet friends and family to play some football, you are making the last minute run to the grocery store, or are putting the finishing touches on your turkey dinner, take a moment to stop and reflect on what you are thankful for today. We are all blessed to live in a country with the freedoms we have which give each of us the opportunity to live out the American dream, and while we may sometimes disagree on policy, we are thankful to live in the greatest country in the world. I hope you all have a blessed Thanksgiving with family and loved ones! Please continue on for anupdate on what we have done in the 18th District over the past week. Sincerely, Darin LaHood Member of Congress",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://lahood.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/torch-passed-one-naval-commander-next,The torch is passed from one Naval Commander to the next,2018-11-19,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,IL,Darin LaHood,L000585,lahood.house.gov,,,legacy,"Peoria, Ill - From one commander to the next. Lieutenant Commander Gregory Siler, a strongly revered naval commander, is passing the torch to Lieutenant Commander Bryan Kemmitz. ""Bryan I can tell you one thing for sure, that I am fully confident in this command that I'm about to turn over to you. It's personnel, facility, and everything."" Commander Kemmitzcredits his wife and children for being his greatest supporters. ""To my wife Emily, and my three sons, Benjamin, Nathan, and Grant. You are my foundation, my bedrock. You continue to provide me love and support throughout my career."" Kemmitz promises to be a leader to his fellow sailors and reminds them that they will be some of the greatest soldiers in the entire Navy. ""My goal is to ensure that we are the most well-prepared, trained, and resilient sailors the Navy Reserve has to offer. I will need your support, as I am ready to help and support you."" Congressman Darin LaHoodwas the keynote speaker at the ceremony and says Commander Siler is a top-tier soldier that will be missed. ""Lieutenant Commander Siler has exemplified his patriotism in his outstanding career beginning with the United States Naval Academy, receiving his commission in 2001 before completing flight training a year later. He's been deployed to all reaches of the globe.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=400006,Davis Backs Sentencing Reform Provisions Added to Criminal Justice Reform Bill,2018-11-16,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,IL,Rodney Davis,D000619,rodneydavis.house.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill) released the following statement in support of the Senate adding sentencing reforms to the House-passed FIRST STEP Act to overhaul our criminal justice system. Davis has long advocated for sentencing reforms and supported the FIRST STEP Act when it passed out of the House earlier this year. If passed, this would be the first reform of our sentencing laws in decades.Sentencing reforms are long overdue and I am fully supportive of the bipartisan changes made by the Senate bill, said Davis. These reforms will create a fairer justice system by reducing mandatory minimums for certain non-violent drug crimes and providing judges more discretion. We have an opportunity to positively impact millions of lives with these reforms and I hope we can get this bipartisan bill across the finish line. The Senate version of the FIRST STEP Act adds sentencing reform provisions, including reducing the enhanced penalties for certain non-violent repeat drug offenders and eliminates the three-strike mandatory life provision. Also, certain nonviolent offenders will be able to petition courts for a review of their sentence, which can be reduced only after the judge reviews all circumstances, including public safety, criminal history, and the nature of the offense. These changes are supported by the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), the largest law enforcement labor organization in the country. Background The FIRST STEP Act, which passed the House in June, did not include sentencing reform provisions, but focused on prison reform and programs to reduce recidivism rates. The bill offers programs to inmates that include: vocational training, education support, substance abuse treatment, mental health care, anger-management courses, faith-based initiatives, and other resources proven to lower the chance of recidivism. Additionally, it enhances public safety by improving the effectiveness and efficiency of the federal prison system in order to control corrections spending and manage the prison population system. Davis has worked on bipartisan criminal justice reform since coming to Congress and has cosponsored the Second Chance Reauthorization Act the past two Congresses. In August, Davis visited the Decatur Women's Correctional Center to highlight programs the facility offers to reduce recidivism rates and help inmates make a smooth transition back into society.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=400007,"Davis Bill Honoring Logan Palmer Passes Senate, Heads to President for Signature",2018-11-16,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,IL,Rodney Davis,D000619,rodneydavis.house.gov,,,legacy,"Davis Bill Honoring Logan Palmer Passes Senate, Heads to President for Signature f t # e Washington, November 16, 2018 U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) released the following statement after the full Senate passed his legislation to honor Petty Officer Logan Palmer. H.R. 5935 will name the post office in Harristown, Illinois as the ""Logan S. Palmer Post Office."" The bill passed the House on September, 13, 2018 and now heads to the president for signature.""We are one step closer to seeing the ""Logan S. Palmer Post Office"" in Harristown. I am very happy my colleagues in the Senate unanimously passed this important legislation to honor one of America's heroes. Designating this post office will not only honor Logan's service, but also serve as a grave reminder of risks that our servicemembers take on each day and the responsibilities we have to them as a country. I was honored to sponsor this legislation and I look forward to President Trump signing this bill into law soon."" Related: Davis Legislation to Honor Logan Palmer Passes Senate Committee House Passes Bill Honoring Petty Officer Logan Palmer Davis Introduces Legislation Honoring Petty Officer Logan Palmer f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=400005,"Davis Honors Eldon ""Twirp"" Williams on House Floor",2018-11-15,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,IL,Rodney Davis,D000619,rodneydavis.house.gov,,,legacy,"Click here for video of Davis' remarks.U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) today honored the life and legacy of Eldon ""Twirp"" Williams of Godfrey, IL on the House Floor. Williams was a Godfrey Village Board trustee and a veteran of the U.S. Air Force. He was tragically killed during an attempted robbery in Alton, IL last month. Below are Davis' remarks: I rise today to recognize the life and legacy of Eldon Twirp Williams, whose life was tragically ended last month at the age of 87. Endearingly known as Twirp, by those throughout the Riverbend community, he had been involved in local government for more than 60 years. In 1957, Twirp was appointed as Godfrey Township Assessor, a position he held until 1997. In 1999, he was elected as a trustee to the Godfrey Village Board, where he served until his death. In addition to his decades of service to Madison County, Twirp was also an Air Force Veteran. Outside of his public service, Twirp worked as a realtor for more than 50 years, and was even out on a real estate call at the time of his death. Twirp leaves a long-lasting legacy of service that will never be replaced. He is survived by his wife, six daughters, 11 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren. Please join me in keeping the Williams family and the Godfrey community in your thoughts and prayers.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://lahood.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-lahood-statement-following-election-kevin-mccarthy-minority-leader,Rep. LaHood Statement Following the Election of Kevin McCarthy as Minority Leader,2018-11-14,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,IL,Darin LaHood,L000585,lahood.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-18) released the following statement after the House Republican Conference elected Kevin McCarthy as the next Minority Leader. Kevin McCarthy has worked tirelessly over the past two years as our Majority Leader and we have seen tangible results from our common-sense, conservative agenda. We passed comprehensive tax reform for the first time in 30 years leading to record economic successes, we accomplished landmark legislation to combat the opioid crisis, and have rebuilt our military and eliminated ISIS. Although we have accomplished many goals over the past two years, there is still work to be done as we move forward into the next Congress, stated Rep. LaHood. No matter who holds the majority in the US House of Representatives, there are many issues that need bipartisan solutions, such as rebuilding our nation's infrastructure, continuing to bring competition and affordability to the healthcare marketplace, and comprehensive immigration reform. I believe Kevin McCarthy is the right person to lead our Republican conference and my responsibilities remain grounded in serving my constituents in Illinois' 18th District while working to move forward our conservative agenda forward.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://shimkus.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/shimkus-presents-24-million-in-federal-financing-for-new-water-tower-in,Shimkus Presents $2.4 Million in Federal Financing for New Water Tower in McLeansboro,2018-11-05,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,IL,John Shimkus,S000364,shimkus.house.gov,,,legacy,"McLeansboro, Illinois Congressman John Shimkus (R, Illinois-15) last week announced the City of McLeansboro was awarded a $2.4 million U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development loan to replace the city's water tower. The financing comes on top of a $30,000 planning grant the city received earlier this year. Rural Development is privileged to support this new water tower project and what it means for McLeansboro, said Douglas Wilson, USDA Rural Development Director, Illinois. We know the importance of modern water infrastructure to further economic opportunity and enhance quality of life. The city's current water tower is not large enough to provide the average daily flow required for the 6,883 users on the system. Replacing the existing tower will also satisfy a potential health hazard identified by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency. I congratulate McLeansboro and Mayor Dietz on the city's successful grant application, Congressman Shimkus said. Rural Development grants help communities complete major infrastructure projects like this that could be otherwise difficult to finance."" Shimkus added that his office can assist with these grants as well as other federal grant program applications. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=400003,"Davis, LaHood Announce Grant to Fight Opioid Epidemic Awarded to HSHS St. John's Hospital",2018-11-01,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,IL,Rodney Davis,D000619,rodneydavis.house.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Reps. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) and Darin LaHood (R-Ill.) today announced that HSHS St. John's Hospital System was awarded a $429,008 Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grant from USDA Rural Development that will help fight the opioid epidemic. These funds will help HSHS St. John's Hospital address opioid misuse through the purchase and installation of interactive telemedicine equipment. A telehealth network will be implemented at 14 health care facilities in 13 central Illinois counties. Additionally, the grant will provide for eight virtual urgent care sites, two occupational health clinic sites, and four hospital emergency department teleconsult sites. This project will provide access to rural telemedicine for approximately 25,000 rural patients in these communities each year. ""Grants, like this one, help communities fight the opioid epidemic by giving them access to the resources they need,"" Davis said. ""Residents across the 13th district will benefit from increased access to health care services that will help them recover from opioid misuse. Congress has taken action and just last week, the president signed comprehensive, bipartisan legislation to combat the opioid crisis from all angles. I will continue to ensure communities have access to federal assistance to fight against this epidemic."" Our 18th District is comprised much of rural communities across central and west-central Illinois and grants such as this will further help combat the ongoing opioid epidemic that is striking communities of all sizes, all while connecting residents in rural areas with quality healthcare providers in a more prompt and efficient fashion, stated Rep. LaHood. Once again, I applaud the USDA Rural Development for understanding the needs of our district and I will continue to advocate for methods that help curb opioid abuse across central and west-central Illinois and provide better access to healthcare to all individuals.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://roskam.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/after-securing-additional-epa-testing-roskam-calls-sterigenics-closure,"After securing additional EPA testing, Roskam calls for Sterigenics closure",2018-10-31,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,IL,Peter Roskam,R000580,roskam.house.gov,,,legacy,"West Chicago, IL Representative Peter Roskam (IL-06) released this statement calling for the temporary closure of the Sterigenics facility in Willowbrook until confidence can be restored in the community: The residents of Willowbrook and surrounding communities have lived with more questions than answers ever since the National Air Toxics Assessment was updated to reflect the increased risk posed by ethylene oxide emitted from the Sterigenics plant in Willowbrook. The consternation of mothers and fathers all across these communities is heartbreaking no one should ever feel helpless to protect themselves or their families. These reports are very serious and concerning, which is why my office immediately began working with Willowbrook Mayor Frank Trilla, the Illinois EPA and the Region 5 U.S. EPA Administrator, Cathy Stepp to get the answers these communities deserve. We will bring every needed state and federal resource to bear to determine the scope of the problem and ensure the health and safety of families in our community. I am pleased to report that because we demanded action, the EPA admitted to the need for a new ambient air test, as well as a smoke stack test, and agreed to complete both immediately. However, it is critical that the families receive some assurance that they and their children are safe now. We will not rest until we have the answers this community deserves, but until we have those answers, I echo the calls of the Illinois EPA to temporarily close the Sterigenics facility while these tests are completed and results are being compiled. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://roskam.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/bipartisan-opioid-package-passes-house,Bipartisan Opioid Package Passes House,2018-10-31,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,IL,Peter Roskam,R000580,roskam.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Today, the House passed H.R. 6, the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act. Representative Peter Roskam (IL-06), Chairman of the Ways and Means Health Subcommittee, spoke briefly to address the elevated level of bipartisanship that allowed Congress to take this major step in addressing the opioid crisis. Click image to view video The opioids package passed by the House in June represented the largest legislative effort in recent history to address an epidemic. The underlying text as passed by the House included several policies to improve prevention and public health efforts, enhance treatment and recovery programs, provide communities more tools, and bolster our efforts to fight deadly illicit synthetic drugs like fentanyl. CLICK HERE to read the full text. CLICK HERE to read the Ways and Means One Page Summary. CLICK HERE to read a letter of support from over 120 organizations. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://roskam.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/roskam-announces-epa-air-quality-study-willowbrook,Roskam announces EPA air quality study in Willowbrook,2018-10-31,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,IL,Peter Roskam,R000580,roskam.house.gov,,,legacy,"West Chicago, IL Representative Roskam is pleased to announce that the U.S. EPA is mobilizing to conduct a follow-up ambient air quality study to ensure we have the most up to date data for safeguarding the residents of Willowbrook. After engagement with a range of stakeholders, Representative Roskam was able to secure a commitment from the EPA to conduct this phase of testing, after which the EPA will update the National Air Toxics Assessment (NATA) Map with the results. Additionally, the EPA has committed to making available a comprehensive resource guide to help our residents understand what the results mean for our families. ""Since the start of this issue we have expressed the extreme urgency for the USEPA to conduct follow up ambient air testing to determine health risks for our citizens. It's urgent that the EPA conduct this testing and do so immediately and I want to thank Congressman Roskam for his help in moving this through the federal bureaucratic red tape in order to provide the residents of this community some much-needed answers,"" said Willowbrook Mayor Frank Trilla. It is no small fear to think that the air where you live, where your kids play, where you work is harming your and your family's health. Working closely with Mayor Trilla who has been such a faithful and dedicated advocate for his community, we have been able to impress upon the EPA the urgency of providing our community the answers they need.I am pleased that Acting Administrator Wheeler has pushed the EPA to conduct the follow up ambient air test in Willowbrook. ### BACKGROUND: The letter from the EPA can be found here. In May of 2018, EPA took ambient air samples around Willowbrook, IL to test for air toxics. On August 22, the EPA released an update to the NATA, which showed elevated levels of ethylene oxide, a carcinogen used by local company Sterigenics to sterilize medical equipment. An announcement was made in September that additional on-site stack testing would be completed at the Sterigenics facility. Representative Roskam has sought answers for the people of Willowbrook, requesting information, briefings, and action from a range of stakeholder leaders, including: Frank Trilla, Mayor of Willowbrook US EPA Region 5 Administrator Cathy Stepp Director of the Illinois EPA, Alec Messina Head of the Office of Air and Radiation at US EPA, Assistant Administrator Bill Wehrum DuPage County Board Chairman Dan Cronin Sterigenics installed emissions control equipment in July. Results from recent testing will be released within the coming days.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://lahood.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/federal-mass-transit-chief-stops-bloomington-tout-bus-grants,Federal Mass Transit Chief Stops In Bloomington To Tout Bus Grants,2018-10-29,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,IL,Darin LaHood,L000585,lahood.house.gov,,,legacy,"The federal government's top mass transit official stopped in Bloomington on Friday to tout $12 million in grants won by Connect Transit and other Illinois agencies which she says will help chip away at the country's aging fleet of buses. Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Acting Administrator K. Jane Williams said Connect Transit is very forward-looking in its plan to use $6 million in FTA grant money to replace 12 diesel buses with battery-powered, zero emission buses.The grant was first announced last month. It's simple: If buses are the backbone of public transportation, you must have safe and efficient buses, Williams said. A bus that's reached the end of its useful life costs more to operate and maintain, is out of service more often, and makes the entire bus system less reliable. Williams said about one-third of the buses across the country will be need to be replaced in the short term. To address that, Williams said the federal government has invested $715 million in the past six months alone to modernize buses and bus infrastructure. But there remains a backlog; this latest round of FTA funding will dole out $366 million to 107 projects in 50 states and territories. But grant applicants had sought $2 billion in funding. It is going to be hard to catch up, Williams told GLT. $715 million is a lot of money going out into the industry, but there is a lot of need as well. And so we'll continue to partner with local agencies to get closer to astate of good repair. In 2015, the U.S. Department of Transportation found that 40 percent of buses and 23 percent of rail assets were listed in marginal or poor condition with a backlog of $90 billion in deferred maintenance and replacement. The $12 million in total FTA grants for Illinois includes $4.6 million for the City of Decatur to replace buses. The Illinois Department of Transportation will also get $2.3 million to replace buses and improve bus facilities around the state, according to the FTA. Williams spoke Friday at the McLean County Museum of History, to a roomful of local officials and Connect Transit employees. Also on hand were U.S. Reps. Darin LaHood and Rodney Davis, the congressmen whose districts include Bloomington-Normal. Davis, a Taylorville Republican, said he has over 100,000 college students in his 13th Congressional District, many of whom rely on mass transit. Mass transit is crucial for them to be able to get around their communities that they've chosen to come to and invest their money and their family's money to get a good education, Davis said. LaHood noted that Connect Transit receivedanother $1.5 million federal grant in 2017for three electric buses and solar arrays to offset the energy cost. That is significant, LaHood said of the winning of consecutive competitive grant awards. Success breeds success.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://lahood.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/us-mass-transit-leader-touts-bus-spending-bloomington-stop,U.S. mass transit leader touts bus spending at Bloomington stop,2018-10-29,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,IL,Darin LaHood,L000585,lahood.house.gov,,,legacy,"BLOOMINGTON Connect Transit is far from alone in needing to overhaul its bus fleet, the nation's top mass transit leader said Friday in Bloomington. ""We estimate that a third of full-size (U.S. mass transit) buses will need to be replaced in just the near future,"" said K. Jane Williams, acting administrator for the Federal Transit Administration. ""That's why over the last six months alone, the U.S. Department of Transportation ... has invested $715 million to modernize our buses and our bus infrastructure."" Williams stopped at the McLean County Museum of History to tout Illinois' piece of that investment: $15 million in funding from two grants that will benefit systems not only in Bloomington-Normal but also in Decatur, Chicago, Galesburg, Macomb and Quincy. ""FTA received applications for 339 eligible projects totaling $2 billion in requests for funding,"" said Williams. ""Each project selected demonstrated an urgent need for assistance and a plan for how it would be used to improve safety and reliability."" The Twin Cities' share, a $6 million bus and bus facilities grant that will let Connect Transit buy electric buses and save up for a downtown Bloomington transfer station, was announced last month. Connect Transit officials are now working on installing solar arrays in advance of getting those buses in 2019. Decatur is getting $4.6 million to replace aging buses, andGalesburg, Macomb and Quincy will get part of $2.3 million for buses and bus facilities through theIllinois Department of Transportation.Chicago Transit Authority got $2.3 million in low- or no-emission grant funding for electric buses. ""When you look at that map (of grant recipients), you're going to see a lot of investment in small urban areas like Bloomington-Normal,"" said U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis, a Taylorville Republican, who joined Williams at the event. ""To have somebody from the U.S. Department of Transportation come out to our communities and see what their investments do ... is a great chance for us."" U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood, a Dunlap Republican, thanked Connect Transit for submitting a competitive grant application and local officials, including Bloomington Mayor Tari Renner and Normal Mayor Chris Koos, for giving the system local support.Both cities fund Connect Transitthrough sales tax proceeds; the majority of the system's funding comes from the state. Sinceearly 2017, when the system needed to replace more than half its 42-bus fleet but lacked the money,Connect Transit has gotten enough state and federal money to buy a dozen new buses over the next three years and won't need to replace any more buses until 2024. Connect Transit also gota $1.45 millionbus and bus facilities grantin 2017.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://lahood.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reps-lahood-davis-recognize-connect-transit-strategic-infrastructure,"Reps. LaHood, Davis Recognize Connect Transit for Strategic Infrastructure Investment",2018-10-26,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,IL,Darin LaHood,L000585,lahood.house.gov,,,legacy,"Bloomington, ILCongressman Darin LaHood (IL-18) and Congressman Rodney Davis (IL-13) joined Acting Administrator of the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) K. Jane Williams and General Manager of Connect Transit Isaac Thorne today to recognize grant funding awarded to Connect Transit by the FTA. Both Congressman LaHood and Congressman Davis advocated strongly on behalf of Connect Transit to see this funding awarded. In September, the FTA announced a $6 million grant award to Connect Transit through the Buses and Bus Facilities Infrastructure Investment Grant Program. With the money provided from the FTA, Connect Transit will be able to invest in ten new buses with improved technology, ensuring their top-notch service to the Bloomington-Normal community remains. Strategic infrastructure investment is critical to ensuring our transportation system is reliable, efficient, and safe for our community, and that is exactly what this grant award will do for the Bloomington-Normal community. The new buses acquired by Connect Transit from this grant have allowed Connect to provide exceptional and affordable service for years to come, stated Rep. LaHood. I was pleased to strongly advocate alongside my colleague Rep. Rodney Davis on behalf of Connect Transit to the Acting Administrator and will continue to lend my support for projects that support infrastructure improvements in our community. Investing in our smaller, public transit systems means investing in jobs and economic growth, while also ensuring access to safe and affordable transportation for riders,""Davis said.""I'm proud to have the Acting Administrator here in central Illinois to see firsthand the difference the bus grant will make in the community. As a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I will continue to be an advocate for our smaller transit systems that are critical to the communities they serve."" Under Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao's leadership, FTA is proud to support improved bus service for the thousands of riders in Bloomington who take the bus to work, school, and other destinations, said Acting Administrator Williams. Very thankful to Congressman LaHood and Congressman Davis for attending this event to highlight the federal bus grant awards. The federal bus grant is so important to transit agencies like Connect Transit to continue operating needed bus service in our community,"" said Isaac Thorne. In July, Rep. LaHood sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao in support of Connect Transit's grant application. You can read that letter here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=400000,"Davis, LaHood Recognize Connect Transit for Strategic Infrastructure Investment",2018-10-26,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,IL,Rodney Davis,D000619,rodneydavis.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-18) and Congressman Rodney Davis (IL-13) joined Acting Administrator of the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) K. Jane Williams and General Manager of Connect Transit Isaac Thorne today to recognize grant funding awarded to Connect Transit by the FTA. Both Congressman LaHood and Congressman Davis advocated strongly on behalf of Connect Transit to see this funding awarded.In September, the FTA announced a $6 million grant award to Connect Transit through the Buses and Bus Facilities Infrastructure Investment Grant Program. With the money provided from the FTA, Connect Transit will be able to invest in ten new buses with improved technology, ensuring their top-notch service to the Bloomington-Normal community remains. Strategic infrastructure investment is critical to ensuring our transportation system is reliable, efficient, and safe for our community, and that is exactly what this grant award will do for the Bloomington-Normal community. The new buses acquired by Connect Transit from this grant will allow Connect to provide exceptional and affordable service for years to come, stated Rep. LaHood. I was pleased to strongly advocate alongside my colleague Rep. Rodney Davis on behalf of Connect Transit to the Acting Administrator and will continue to lend my support for projects that support infrastructure improvements in our community. Investing in our smaller, public transit systems means investing in jobs and economic growth, while also ensuring access to safe and affordable transportation for riders,"" Davis said. ""I'm proud to have the Acting Administrator here in central Illinois to see firsthand the difference the bus grant will make in the community. As a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I will continue to be an advocate for our smaller transit systems that are critical to the communities they serve."" Under Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao's leadership, FTA is proud to support improved bus service for the thousands of riders in Bloomington who take the bus to work, school, and other destinations, said Acting Administrator Williams. Very thankful to Congressman LaHood and Congressman Davis for attending this event to highlight the federal bus grant awards. The federal bus grant is so important to transit agencies like Connect Transit to continue operating needed bus service in our community,"" said Isaac Thorne. In July, Rep. LaHood sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao in support of Connect Transit's grant application. You can read that letter here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://kinzinger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399947,Kinzinger on Landmark Opioid Bill Signed Into Law,2018-10-25,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,IL,Adam Kinzinger,K000378,kinzinger.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC Congressman Adam Kinzinger (IL-16) released the statement below following the President's signing of H.R. 6, the Substance Use-Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment (SUPPORT) for Patients and Communities Act, into law yesterday. share: f t Washington, DC Congressman Adam Kinzinger (IL-16) released the statement below following the President's signing of H.R. 6, the Substance Use-Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment (SUPPORT) for Patients and Communities Act, into law yesterday: The statistics are staggering, and the real life impacts of the opioid epidemic are being felt across IL-16 and nationwide. I'm proud to see this important, landmark legislation signed into law because it's provisions will help improve the lives of so many Americans. This legislative effort of H.R. 6 was bipartisan and bicameral and it marks the most significant congressional action against a single drug crisis in history. I'm especially proud that legislation I authored and introduced, H.R.5590, the Opioid Addiction Action Plan Act, was included in the final package that has now become law, because it will encourage greater innovation in our treatments for pain and help prevent opioid addiction. I applaud the President for his support of this legislation, and I'm grateful to my colleagues for working together on behalf of the American people we so proudly represent. This is a great moment and a positive step forward, but there is more we can do. Addiction is a disease; it is not a moral failing and as a society, we need to do more to fight the stigma and help those who are struggling. This law is a light of hope for our country and our communities as we fight to put an end to this opioid epidemic. In addition to authoring and introducing H.R. 5590, Congressman Kinzinger has held forums within the IL-16 community to raise awareness on this issue, and has supported several pieces of legislation that would help communities as they face the many challenges associated with the opioid epidemic. For more information, please visit his website here. RELATED: Kinzinger Votes to SUPPORT Patients and Communities in the Fight Against Opioid Abuse VIDEO: Congressman Kinzinger PSA for National Drug Take Back Day LaSalle News Tribune Overdose problem demands rehab centers, resources OP-ED: Rockford Register Star The time is now to act on opioid crisis (October 2017) Northwest Herald U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger introduces opioid legislation TV: Fox Business Varney & Co: America's Opioid Epidemic",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399995,"ICYMI: Davis on CNN New Day: ""Were not Republicans and Democrats in times like this, were all Americans.""",2018-10-25,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,IL,Rodney Davis,D000619,rodneydavis.house.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) joined ""New Day"" on CNN this morning and called on all Americans to tone down the political rhetoric following attempted attacks on public officials and organiztions this week. Davis experienced political violence first-hand at the Congressional Baseball Shooting in June 2017. Below are excerpts of his interview with John Berman. Click here for the full interview. ""We're not Republicans and Democrats in times like this, we're all Americans. I hope and pray that our law enforcement find out who's doing this and put a stop to it immediately because there are so many innocent people that can still be hurt by these devices that are going through our postal system, out into our communities. It's got to be stopped."" ""We've got to make sure that the American people know that we agree on more than we disagree in this country. We've got to come together as Americans. This is something I said immediately in the aftermath of the shooting in June 2017, when I came on your network with Brianna Keller and talked about how we've got to tone down the rhetoric on all sides."" ""We've got to come together as all Americans. We can have disagreements, but what makes America great is that we settle those differences at the ballot box, not with explosive devices in the mailboxes, not with bullets on a baseball field."" ""I continue to condemn language from any elected official or the media that doesn't want to work together to heal as Americans. My heart goes out to all of you that are in the CNN building that had to be evacuated yesterday. I know what it's like to go home and explain to your kids why somebody would want to hurt you. That's something that I think gets lost in this whole debate of this divisive rhetoric we see right now. Which is why I hope all of us, including the president, all political leaders of all parties, and everyone in the media, figure out a way to ensure we talk about where we agree in this country most of the time, rather than just our instances where we disagree.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://bost.house.gov/2018/10/bost-statement-historic-opioid-legislation-becoming-law,Bost Statement on Historic Opioid Legislation Becoming Law,2018-10-24,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,IL,Mike Bost,B001295,bost.house.gov,bost,https://bost.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Mike Bost (IL-12) today released the following statement after President Trump signed into law the bipartisan Substance Use-Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment (SUPPORT) Act to fight the opioid epidemic: “Addiction doesn't care about your race, gender, social class, or politics,” said Bost. “It has ravaged families and communities right here in Southern Illinois. That's why it's so important that we were able to come together around this historic, bipartisan legislation to fight the opioid crisis. If we work together, we can save lives and continue to restore hope.” Key Components of the SUPPORT Act (H.R. 6): Treatment and Recovery Improve and expand access to treatment and recovery services Provide incentives for enhanced care, coordination, and innovation Establish comprehensive opioid recovery centers Prevention Encourage non-addictive opioid alternatives to treat pain Improve data to identify and help at-risk patients and families Address high prescribing rates while enhancing prescription drug monitoring programs Protecting Communities Give law enforcement tools to get dangerous drugs out of our communities Better intercept illicit opioids at international mail facilities Improve access to federal resources for local communities Fighting Fentanyl Better tackle ever-changing synthetic drugs Crack down on foreign shipments of illicit drugs Provide grants for local communities to combat fentanyl A Section-By-Section Summary can be found HERE. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:08:35Z https://bost.house.gov/2018/10/bost-usda-secretary-perdue-tour-eckert-s-and-host-farmers-forum,"Bost, USDA Secretary Perdue Tour Eckert’s and Host Farmers Forum",2018-10-24,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,IL,Mike Bost,B001295,bost.house.gov,bost,https://bost.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Belleville, IL - U.S. Representative Mike Bost (IL-12) today held a forum with farmers after a tour of Eckert’s Orchard in Belleville, IL along with United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Sonny Perdue. They discussed agriculture issues and ways to improve the farming industry in Southern Illinois. “Agriculture is vitally important to the economy of Southern Illinois and to our entire country,” said Bost. “Making sure our farmers’ needs are being met is vital to their success. Today’s forum was an opportunity for the most influential person in American agriculture policy to hear directly from Southern Illinois’ farmers. I will continue to work alongside Secretary Perdue and the Trump administration to make sure we move forward to help our farmers succeed. When America’s farmers succeed, the country succeeds.” “(Mike) can bring the perspective of working folks in Illinois to D.C. and we need that very much so,” said USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue. “It’s good to have him in there fighting for your interests. He is elected to listen to the people and communicate that to me. It is important for me to hear what he hears – plus I love farmers and to get out of DC to the rural countryside, to see production agriculture and great places like Eckert’s here with farm to table education opportunities.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:08:35Z https://bost.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/bost-statement-historic-opioid-legislation-becoming-law,Bost Statement on Historic Opioid Legislation Becoming Law,2018-10-24,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,IL,Mike Bost,B001295,bost.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. U.S. Representative Mike Bost (IL-12) today released the following statement after President Trump signed into law the bipartisan Substance Use-Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment (SUPPORT) Act to fight the opioid epidemic: Addiction doesn't care about your race, gender, social class, or politics, said Bost. It has ravaged families and communities right here in Southern Illinois. That's why it's so important that we were able to come together around this historic, bipartisan legislation to fight the opioid crisis. If we work together, we can save lives and continue to restore hope. Key Components of the SUPPORT Act (H.R. 6): Treatment and Recovery Improve and expand access to treatment and recovery services Provide incentives for enhanced care, coordination, and innovation Establish comprehensive opioid recovery centers Prevention Encourage non-addictive opioid alternatives to treat pain Improve data to identify and help at-risk patients and families Address high prescribing rates while enhancing prescription drug monitoring programs Protecting Communities Give law enforcement tools to get dangerous drugs out of our communities Better intercept illicit opioids at international mail facilities Improve access to federal resources for local communities Fighting Fentanyl Better tackle ever-changing synthetic drugs Crack down on foreign shipments of illicit drugs Provide grants for local communities to combat fentanyl A Section-By-Section Summary can be found HERE. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://bost.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/bost-usda-secretary-perdue-tour-eckert-s-and-host-farmers-forum,"Bost, USDA Secretary Perdue Tour Eckerts and Host Farmers Forum",2018-10-24,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,IL,Mike Bost,B001295,bost.house.gov,,,legacy,"Belleville, IL - U.S. Representative Mike Bost (IL-12) today held a forum with farmers after a tour of Eckert's Orchard in Belleville, IL along with United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Sonny Perdue. They discussed agriculture issues and ways to improve the farming industry in Southern Illinois. Agriculture is vitally important to the economy of Southern Illinois and to our entire country, said Bost. Making sure our farmers' needs are being met is vital to their success. Today's forum was an opportunity for the most influential person in American agriculture policy to hear directly from Southern Illinois' farmers. I will continue to work alongside Secretary Perdue and the Trump administration to make sure we move forward to help our farmers succeed. When America's farmers succeed, the country succeeds. (Mike) can bring the perspective of working folks in Illinois to D.C. and we need that very much so, said USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue. It's good to have him in there fighting for your interests. He is elected to listen to the people and communicate that to me. It is important for me to hear what he hears plus I love farmers and to get out of DC to the rural countryside, to see production agriculture and great places like Eckert's here with farm to table education opportunities. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399992,Historic Legislation to Fight Opioid Epidemic and Davis Bill to Fix Obamacare Signed Into Law,2018-10-24,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,IL,Rodney Davis,D000619,rodneydavis.house.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) released the following statement after President Trump signed H.R. 6, the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act, which is historic, bipartisan legislation to combat the opioid epidemic. Davis' bill to protect religious freedom by expanding the religious conscience exemption under Obamacare was included in the package. ""This bipartisan legislation is a historic step in our continued efforts to combat the opioid epidemic, which is affecting every community in every district across the country,"" Davis said. ""I've held numerous roundtables in the district asking first responders, law enforcement, and health care experts what they need from the federal government to help address this issue locally and this package contains many provisions that will address those issues. For example, one provision I've heard about time and time again from mental health providers in the 13th District will help ensure those struggling with addiction will get treatment and not be turned away because of a technicality with Medicaid. All together, this legislation will help confront this epidemic at all angles and I am glad President Trump signed this legislation into law."" ""Additionally, this package contains my bill to fix one of the broken components of Obamacare, the religious conscience exemption. It modestly expands the exemption to include individuals who rely solely on religious methods of healing, like Christian Scientists. As the representative of Principia College, the only Christian Scientist college in the nation, I have been fighting for this change since coming to Congress. I am grateful it was finally signed into law so that they will no longer be forced to choose between following their religion or violating the law."" We're grateful for the passage of this religious conscience provision and even more, for this example that thoughtful bipartisan efforts are truly possible between people of good will, regardless of religious belief or political affiliation,"" said Robin Hoagland, Chair of the Board of Directors of the Christian Science Church. ""Even in the midst of great differences, shared values of fairness and respect for each other hold our country together. Deep thanks to those in Congress, both Republicans and Democrats, who worked together to pass this legislation. We appreciate Congressman Davis' strong defense for freedom of conscience,"" said Marshall Ingwerson, Chief Executive of The Principia, an educational institution which includes a college for Christian Scientists in Congressman Davis' district. More on H.R. 6, the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act H.R. 6, the Substance Use-Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment (SUPPORT) for Patients and Communities Act will help in our efforts to advance treatment and recovery initiatives, improve prevention, protect our communities, and fight illicit synthetic drugs like fentanyl. The SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act follows the passage of the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act and the 21st Century Cures Act last Congress, the $4 billion appropriated in 2018 the omnibus earlier this year to help combat the opioid crisis, as well as the $6.7 billion included in the recent Defense-Labor-HHS appropriations package to boost programs that fight, treat, and stop substance abuse, and support access to mental health services. This is the most significant congressional effort against a single drug crisis in history. Treatment and Recovery Improve and expand access to treatment and recovery services Provide incentives for enhanced care, coordination, and innovation Establish comprehensive opioid recovery centers Prevention Encourage non-addictive opioid alternatives to treat pain Improve data to identify and help at-risk patients and families Address high prescribing rates while enhancing prescription drug monitoring programs Protecting Communities Give law enforcement tools to get dangerous drugs out of our communities Better intercept illicit opioids at international mail facilities Improve access to federal resources for local communities Fighting Fentanyl Better tackle ever-changing synthetic drugs Crack down on foreign shipments of illicit drugs Provide grants for local communities to combat fentanyl Additional information on the individual provisions in the package can be found here. More on H.R. 1201, the EACH Act This bill would protect those who practice certain religions, such as Christian Science, from choosing between following their religion or violating the law. Davis represents Principia College, the only Christian Scientist college in the nation. H.R. 1201, the Equitable Access to Care and Health (EACH) Act, exempts individuals who rely solely on a religious method of healing and whose acceptance of medical health services would be inconsistent with their religion from being forced to purchase health insurance or pay a tax penalty under the Affordable Care Act. This bill passed the House in both the 113th and 114th Congresses, but was held up in the Senate. Related: House Advances Legislation to Combat Opioid Crisis Davis Bill to Protect Religious Liberties Passes House Davis Asks Questions On Fighting Opioid Epidemic Davis Collaborates with Law Enforcement & Local Government, Introduces Bill to Fight Opioid Abuse Davis Votes to Fund our Military, Increase School Safety, Invest in Infrastructure, Fight Opioid Crisis Illinois Awarded Funds Passed by Congress to Fight Opioid Epidemic Davis Votes to Fight Prescription Drug Abuse and Heroin Epidemic",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://lahood.house.gov/media-center/editorials/creating-opportunity-american-taxpayer,Creating opportunity for the American taxpayer,2018-10-23,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,IL,Darin LaHood,L000585,lahood.house.gov,,,legacy,"In his pervasive opinion, in McCulloch v. Maryland, Chief Justice John Marshall penned the famous words, The power to tax involves the power to destroy; that power to destroy may defeat and render useless the power to create. Two-hundred years later, Marshall's judicious words ring true as Republicans' in Congress are poised to vote on Tax Reform 2.0, which is about creating a culture in Washington, D.C., so we don't wait another 30 years to improve our tax code. Last year, we modernized our nation's tax code, reinvigorating our economy by putting more money in the pockets of hard working Americans; and we intend to make sure the positive results are here to stay. Following years of stagnant economic growth, our economy has re-emerged stronger thanks to our pro-growth policies; and Americans are seeing the results. This month, the Labor Department reported that our economy added a robust 201,000 jobs in August, bringing the total number of jobs created since tax reform to 1.7 million. Take-home pay is up 4.9 percent, jobless claims are at a 49-year low, and unemployment has dipped below 4 percent this year for the first time since 2000. Tax Reform 2.0 is about providing certainty to American taxpayers that the gains they have seen in the past nine months remain for years to come. We are creating an economic climate that puts hard-working taxpayers first and alleviates barriers for small businesses so they can move to Main Street and beyond. Critics of these policies have levied claims that tax reform would be a gut-punch to middle-class Americans, raising their taxes. Yet the facts tell a different story. In Illinois' 18th District the average middle-class family has seen a savings of $2,100 more in your wallets due to tax reform. This is more money that families can reinvest in college savings, save for retirement, make home improvements or pay down a credit card. In Tax Reform 2.0, we make these tax cuts permanent, creating certainty for taxpayers, and provide incentives so Americans start saving at a younger age. Critics have claimed tax reform would only benefit Wall Street and big corporations, yet again, the facts have proven these claims false. This past week, the National Federation of Independent Business released a report that its Small Business Optimism index had surpassed a 45-year-old record, due in large part to, Small business owners executing on the plans they've put in place due to dramatic changes in the nation's economic policy. Business is booming, including here in Central Illinois, and companies of all sizes are hiring and reinvesting capital into their business. As I've traveled our district, I've seen how these policies are creating optimism among the small business community. In one example, in August, I toured a thriving manufacturer that is adding jobs and expanding their operation, thanks in part, as they put it, to tax reform. Another small business has expanded employee-focused resources to help provide better guidance on retirement plans and even health incentives, all after handing out cash bonuses when tax reform was signed into law. Job creators have been empowered by our policies and we intend to provide entrepreneurs with the necessary resources so startup companies can innovate and grow into globally competitive businesses.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://lahood.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/hill-lahood-pleased-trump-s-trade-negotiation-plans-uk-eu-japan-0,"Hill, LaHood pleased with Trumps trade negotiation plans with UK, EU, Japan",2018-10-23,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,IL,Darin LaHood,L000585,lahood.house.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Reps. French Hill (R-AR) and Darin LaHood (R-IL) welcomed news this week that the Trump administration planned to negotiate trade deals with the United Kingdom, Japan and the European Union (EU). I'm pleased to hear the good news, Rep. Hill said on Oct. 17. The UK and the United States, in particular, he said, are the first and fifth-largest economies in the world, respectively, and by working on trade priorities consistent with congressional objectives, I'm confident that we will grow, expand and improve opportunities that both benefit American workers and those in the United Kingdom. Rep. LaHood called the announcement made by United States Trade Representative (USTR) Robert Lighthizer welcome news for farmers, manufacturers and businesses of all sizes in his home state of Illinois. As I have stated time and time again, free trade is vital to the economic prosperity in Illinois' 18th District, he said. With 95 percent of the world's population living outside of the United States, expanding and opening markets around the world for our exporters will allow them to remain competitive in the global economy. USTR Lighthizer informed Congress on Tuesday in three notification letters sent to members that the administration would open up separate trade talks with the UK, EU and Japan as soon as practicable, but no earlier than 90 days from the date of this notice. In officially notifying Congress, the USTR adheres to procedures set out in the Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities and Accountability Act of 2015 often referred to as the Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) which requires ongoing consultations with Congress. In accordance with the TPA, the USTR will publish objectives for the trade talks at least 30 days before formal negotiations start, according to Lighthizer, who said the United States will begin negotiations with the UK as soon as it is ready after it exits the EU in March 2019. We are committed to concluding these negotiations with timely and substantive results for American workers, farmers, ranchers, and businesses, Lighthizer said in a statement. The announcements follow the administration's recently successful renegotiation of NAFTA with Mexico and Canada in what is now known as the U.S.-Mexico-Canada-Agreement. Congress is slated to vote on that agreement next year. I've had the privilege of working closely with UK Member of Parliament Rehman Chishti on ways to better strengthen the U.S.-U.K. friendship through bilateral trade, economic opportunities and more, Rep. Hill said. Although I am pleased to see the administration begin negotiations with America's economic allies, I have offered a constructive review of the administration's approach on steel and aluminum tariffs and will continue to encourage the administration to ensure our trade policy is mutually beneficial for our economic allies and American workers. Rep. LaHood said he appreciates the administration's trade negotiation efforts with the EU and the two countries. This is an important step towards high-standard trade and I look forward to consulting with both the administration and my colleagues on the Ways and Means Committee to ensure the needs of farmers and businesses in central and west-central Illinois are priorities in these negotiations, said Rep. LaHood.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399993,Davis Statement on Finalization of FRA Agreement on Preservation of Springfield Race Riot Artifacts,2018-10-23,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,IL,Rodney Davis,D000619,rodneydavis.house.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) released the following statement after all parties signed an agreement on how the 1908 Springfield Race Riot site will be excavated and where the artifacts will go once they are retrieved. This agreement allows the excavation to move forward. Davis has helped to facilitate federal assistance for this project with the Federal Railroad Administration, the Department of Transportation, and the Library of Congress. ""I am very pleased that all parties have signed this agreement and that this important process will now be able to move forward,"" Davis said. ""I will continue to make sure the federal government is doing its part to ensure this project is completed and the site and artifacts are preserved for generations to come. This is also an important step forward for the Springfield Rail Improvements Project and providing safer, more efficient rail transportation in downtown Springfield."" Davis hosted FRA Administrator Ronald Batory in Springfield, where they met with stakeholders from the state, county, and local levels of government. They discussed the history and importance of the Springfield Rail Improvements Project and the preservation of the 1908 Springfield Race Riot site that was unearthed during the construction of the rail project. The Springfield Rail Improvements Project will improve public safety, traffic congestion, community livability, and commercial development in the capital's downtown. Through the development of underpasses and consolidation of railroad tracks and easements, this project will improve commercial activity and residential connectivity throughout Springfield's historic downtown and medical district. In November of last year, members of the Illinois Congressional Delegation urged the FRA to allow this project to move forward. And in February, the FRA allowed the Carpenter Street rail segment to continue. Additionally, Davis has been working with the Illinois NAACP, the Central Illinois African American Museum, and the Library of Congress to preserve the artifacts unearthed. Davis hosted the Librarian of Congress, Dr. Carla Hayden, in Springfield to view the artifacts last September. Davis has worked to secure federal support for this project since coming to Congress. Related: FRA to Allow Carpenter Street Rail Segment to Move Forward Davis, LaHood Announce Release of Springfield Rail TIGER Grant Funds House Passes Bipartisan Passenger Rail Reform Bill Davis Applauds Springfield High Speed Rail Agreement, Continues to Push for Federal Funding Congressional letter supports $14M for rail consolidation",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://lahood.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/lahood-touts-tourism-international-trade-during-visit-quincy,"LaHood touts tourism, international trade during visit to Quincy",2018-10-19,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,IL,Darin LaHood,L000585,lahood.house.gov,,,legacy,"QUINCY -- U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood has pledged to see if there are federal funds to help with a boat dock if the community goes forward with the project. LaHood met with Mayor Kyle Moore on Wednesday on the Quincy riverfront to hear details of a dock at Clat Adams Park that would allow riverboats and other tourists to visit the city. Moore said the Quincy Park District has until December to move forward with a ballot issue in April. If approved by taxpayers, the district would spend up to $4 million on the dock. The Quincy City Council and Adams County Board would then be asked to contribute $1 million each toward the project. City funds might come from the Tax Increment Finance District that supports downtown development. LaHood, a Republican from Dunlap, is well acquainted with the riverfront upgrades done in Peoria. ""Now a lot of people dock their boats and go to meals or learn about Peoria's history,"" LaHood said. A national infrastructure plan is expected to get attention in Congress after November's election. That's one possible source of funds for the dock, but there are other grant programs that might help as well. Moore said LaHood told him the city must get ""plans put together and a concrete vision for our riverfront"" to have a chance at funding. ""We kneed to know the time line it will take to get things done and know what the economic impact will be for the community,"" Moore said. LaHood also greeted word that President Donald Trump's administration will enter trade negotiations with Japan, the United Kingdom and the European Union. ""Yesterday's announcement is welcome news for farmers, manufacturers and businesses of all sizes in Central and West-Central Illinois. As I have stated time and time again, free trade is vital to the economic prosperity in Illinois' 18th District,"" LaHood said. As a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, LaHood will have a chance to see any trade deals before they come before the full U.S. House. ""With 95 percent of the world's population living outside of the United States, expanding and opening markets around the world for our exporters will allow them to remain competitive in the global economy,"" LaHood said.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://lahood.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-lahood-statement-administration-s-intent-enter-trade-negotiations,"Rep. LaHood Statement on the Administrations Intent to Enter Trade Negotiations with Japan, EU, UK",2018-10-17,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,IL,Darin LaHood,L000585,lahood.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.Today, Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-18) released the following statement after the Administration issued their intent to enter into three separate trade negotiations with Japan, the United Kingdom, and the European Union. Yesterday's announcement is welcome news for farmers, manufacturers, and businesses of all sizes in central and west-central Illinois. As I have stated time and time again, free trade is vital to the economic prosperity in Illinois' 18th District. With 95% of the world's population living outside of the United States, expanding and opening markets around the world for our exporters will allow them to remain competitive in the global economy,state Rep. LaHood. I appreciate the Administration's efforts to enter into negotiations with the European Union, Japan, and the United Kingdom. This is an important step towards high-standard trade and I look forward to consulting with both the Administration and my colleagues on the Ways and Means Committee to ensure the needs of farmers and businesses in central and west-central Illinois are priorities in these negotiations.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399991,Davis Announces Upcoming Open Office Hours,2018-10-17,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,IL,Rodney Davis,D000619,rodneydavis.house.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) today announced upcoming open office hours in Heyworth. He will meet with constituents individually or in small groups about issues important to them. Davis has held 34 open office hours this Congress and 37 traveling help desks with staff to ensure constituents have an opportunity to make their voices heard. ""Ensuring constituents have an opportunity to meet with me and voice their concerns about a particular issue or get help with a federal agency continues to be my priority,"" said Davis. ""Open office hours allow me to have personal, one-on-one conversations with people about the issues they care about."" In addition to other meetings and events, Davis held open office hours in every county during the August District Work Period. Research by Politico, a DC-based publication and Legistorm, a Congress-based research firm, recently found that Davis and four other members out of the entire U.S. House of Representatives accounted for 30 percent of public events held this past August. Meetings will be taken on a first-come, first-serve basis. No appointments are necessary. Due to office space constraints, meetings will be limited to no more than five people at a time. Upcoming Open Office Hours with Congressman Davis Heyworth Open Office Hours DATE: Wednesday, October 24, 2018 TIME: 10:00AM-11:00AM CST LOCATION: Heyworth Village Hall, 108 S. Buchanan St., Heyworth IL 61745 Information for Media Only Media is invited to cover the open office hours and will be permitted to sit in on the individual meetings, take photos, and/or b-roll only with permission from the attendees. Either following the office hours or between meetings, media will have an opportunity to speak with Davis. If media plans to attend, they are asked to RSVP to meredith.blanford@mail.house.gov.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://lahood.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/beauty-industry-seeks-lawmakers-help-qualify-fica-tax-tip-credit,Beauty industry seeks lawmakers help to qualify for FICA Tax Tip credit,2018-10-11,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,IL,Darin LaHood,L000585,lahood.house.gov,,,legacy,"Peoria, Ill. - The beauty service industry is asking federal lawmakers for tax relief. Salon owners want changes to the FICA Tip Tax credit, that's currently available for restaurants, but not hair salons and spas. Not being part of that credit, cost four local salons, nearly $200,000 dollars in additional taxes last year. ""The impact is so large,"" said Paola Hinton, Five Senses owner."" It's not just here for Peoria Illinois, it's for the whole nation."" ""It's really about tax fairness,"" said Rep. Darin LaHood (R-IL). It's not often that you see stylists and salon owners sitting in beautician chairs, but on Wednesday, Congressman Darin LaHood listened to their grievances with the FICA Tip Tax law that currently helps tipped restaurant workers. The law requires businesses to pay taxes on tips given to employees. Most restaurants take some money from servers' tips to cover this cost, but at salons, the entire tip goes to the beautician. That leaves the salon owner is responsible for paying the entire tax on that tip. That law in already in place, and all we want to do is have the beauty industry involved and included in that,"" said Hinton. The Professional Beauty Association, or PBA, has been lobbying this issue for more than a decade. Congressman LaHood says he is a part of a bipartisan bill that will change this tax issue, which left four Central Illinois salons paying nearly $200,000 additional dollars in taxes in 2017. ""When you look at that extra money they would get back under our legislation, they talked a lot about where that would go,"" said LaHood. ""Again, they would be reinvesting in their business. Hiring more people. Doing more education. Giving more money and bonuses back to their employees so that's real money that could be spent here locally instead of the IRS taking that."" The bill would add salon and spa businesses and employees to section 45B FICA Tip Tax credit. Right now, tipping establishments have to pay11% on taxes and fees on all tips received. ""The thing that's the most challenging is, we [as a business] don't get any of that gratuity, so that $20 tip, just cost the business about $2.24,"" said Hinton. Salon owners say these taxes hinder their growth for expanding business in myriad ways. ""We are all trying to play the game and right now there's just some inefficiencies making it very off balanced, and for myself, it's the difference between hiring more people, education, equipment, growing my company, and on and on and on,"" said Hinton. ""I want to be bale to give back and to be able to help Peoria thrive."" The bill is co-sponsored by Democrat Congresswoman Suzan Delbene of Washington. It has been referred to the house Ways and Means Committee for review.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://lahood.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/us-rep-darin-lahood-picks-tips-tip-tax-bill,U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood picks up tips for tip-tax bill,2018-10-11,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,IL,Darin LaHood,L000585,lahood.house.gov,,,legacy,"PEORIA U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood received some tips while at the Five Senses Salon near the Shoppes at Grand Prairie on Wednesday that could help him pass national legislation that could affect the hair care and beauty industry. The information he received came from area owners who want the salon industry to have the same opportunities that the federal government bestows on the restaurant industry when it comes to tips received by employees. The legislation LaHood, R-Peoria, introduced in September with Rep. Suzan DelBene, D-Wash., would extend the federal tax tip credit now available in the food service industry to beauty and barber shops where tipping is also customary. Extending the tax tip credit should reduce tax burdens and improve reporting of tip income, as it did in the food and beverage industry, he said. This wasn't LaHood's first trip to the Peoria salon/spa owned by Paola Hinton. He visited in March to meet with Five Senses staff when Hinton provided each of her employees a $500 bonus following changes in federal tax policy that went into effect this year. This time around, Hinton told LaHood that, without the tax credit, salon owners must pay taxes on tips received by employees. That's money that could be put back into the business or used to hire more people, she said. There's a cost related to this on the federal government side, but we need to help small business, said LaHood. More than 80 percent of the 1.2 million beauty industry businesses in the United States employ fewer than 10 employees, predominantly owned and operated by women and minorities. Hinton presented LaHood with some numbers during his visit, pointing out that workers at four employers Five Senses, Great Clips (28 outlets), Soderstrom Skin Institute and Capellis Studio & Spa in Decatur received $1.7 million in tips in 2017. The cost for the four employers was approximately $195,000, she said, referring to the tax bill employers paid on those tips. Hinton has been aware of the tip issue in her industry since 2013, when she attended a Professional Beauty Association conference. She raised another point with LaHood. The restaurant industry pays less than the minimum wage (for servers). We (in the salon industry) don't pay less than the minimum wage, said Hinton. In addition to the employers listed above, other operators attending the LaHood roundtable included Denise Geske of the Fox & Hounds Day Spa in Bloomington and Gary Erwin of First Edition, a no-tips salon in Bloomington. The overarching concern for me is fairness, said Erwin, pointing out that, even though his salon is not involved in paying tax on tips, the beauty industry should be accorded the same privileges extended to the restaurant industry. LaHood said work to get tip-tax legislation passed has just started. We need to get people engaged on the issue. Then we'll hold a hearing, said the member of the House Ways & Means Committee. I'm grateful that Congressman LaHood listened, but we can't stop now, said Hinton, who has agreed to testify if a hearing is set. Just tell me when and where, she said. Steve Tarter covers city and county government for the Journal Star. He can be reached at 686-3260 orstarter@pjstar.com. Follow him at Twitter@SteveTarter and facebook.com/tartersource.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://lahood.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-lahood-announces-two-usda-grant-awards-rural-communities-west,Rep. LaHood Announces Two USDA Grant Awards for Rural Communities in West-Central Illinois,2018-10-11,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,IL,Darin LaHood,L000585,lahood.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.Today, Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-18) announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) awarded Western Illinois University and the Western Illinois Regional Council Community Action Agency with funding to invest in our rural communities in west-central Illinois. Investing in our local farming communities is critical to growing the economy in west-central Illinois and that is exactly what these grants accomplish.The grantsawarded today will provide critical assistance to low-income families whose homes are in vital need of refurbishment or upgradeand fund operations for cooperatively-owned grocery stores in smaller communities,stated Rep. LaHood. Rural communities are critical to the overall prosperity of our 18th District andI appreciate the USDA's commitment to investing in projects that will help those in need and expand access to necessary resources in our local communities. Description of the awards: Western Illinois Regional Council - $202,576.52 awarded in a Rural Preservation Grant This funding will go directly to the refurbishment of 30 low to very low-income houses in rural communities of Hancock, Henderson, McDonough, Warren, and Fulton Counties. This includes repairs to existing foundation, roofs, heating systems, electrical wiring, labor and materials, or handicap accessibility upgrades. Western Illinois University - $200,000 awarded in Rural Cooperative Development Grants This rural investment will go towards funding of the Illinois Cooperative Development Center, which is part of the Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs at Western Illinois University. The Illinois Cooperative Development Center will use the grant funds to develop cooperatively-owned grocery stores in rural communities and explore the creation of cooperatively owned housing units.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://lahood.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-lahood-holds-roundtable-discuss-importance-extending-tip-tax-credit,Rep. LaHood Holds Roundtable to Discuss Importance of Extending Tip Tax Credit to Salon Industry,2018-10-11,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,IL,Darin LaHood,L000585,lahood.house.gov,,,legacy,"PEORIA, IL Congressman Darin LaHood (R-IL) hosted a community roundtable with stakeholders across the hair care and beauty service industry yesterday to discuss his bipartisan legislation to update current law to provide equitable treatment and administrative relief to these small businesses. This legislation, introduced with Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (D-WA), would extend the Federal Insurance Contribution Act (FICA) tax tip credit to employer-based beauty service establishments where tipping is also customaryjust as the food service industry was granted in 1993. Currently, over 80 percent of the 1.2 million beauty industry businesses employ less than ten employees, which are predominantly owned and operated by women and minorities. One of our primary goals in turning around our economy is to get government out of the way of small business so the private sector can flourish. This is why I was pleased to hear directly from employersacross the hair care and beauty service industrywho emphasized the need to create parity in the tax code and roll back burdensome red tape from the IRS, so this rapidly expanding industry can be on level playing field, just as the food and beverage industry was granted a quarter century ago,stated Rep. LaHood.In the hair and beauty industry, wherethe majority ofbusinesses are owned and operated by women and minorities,extending these businesses tax benefits and providing administrative relief when dealing with the IRS is long overdue.I look forward to continuing the dialogue started today as this legislation moves forward so we can continue to finds waysto empower small business in our local communities. What others are saying: The impact of this is so large. This will allow the beauty service and salon industry be treated fairly be extending the FICA tax tip credit, which is already provided to the restaurant industry. This is the difference between hiring people, educating, obtaining equipment, and growing my business, said Paola Hinton, owner of Five Senses Spa. We are always looking to expand and grow in technology these days to be a step ahead and an expanded tip tax credit would allow us to invest in technology, add services, expand the company, and send bonuses out to employees. Extending the FICA tax tip credit would definitely be a plus for our employees and organization said Nichole Corrington of Capelli's Salon in Decatur, Illinois. Peoria Journal Star: U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood picks up tips for tip-tax bill, by Steve TarterWMBD-TV: Beauty industry seeks lawmakers help to qualify for FICA Tax Tip credit, by Rebecca BrumfieldWYZZ-TV: Rep. LaHood hears from local small business salon owners regarding tip tax legislation Background on this legislation: Specifically, the legislation would modernize the FICA tax tip credit by extending the tip credit to beauty industry small businesses with tipped employees. The FICA tax tip credit is part of an integrated compliance system that helps ensure accurate reporting of tip income to address tax gap concerns and reimburses employers for the implementation of systems and processes to account for tip income. Extending the FICA tax tip credit should reduce tax burdens and improve reporting of tip income. Tips are paid as a gratuity by the client directly to the service provider (e.g. a stylist) employers (e.g. the salon) are required to pay FICA taxes on such tips even though the tip income is the sole property of the service provider and the employer is not involved in the tip transaction. Bill text can be found HERE.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://bost.house.gov/2018/10/trump-signs-bost-s-veterans-bill-law,Trump Signs Bost’s Veterans Bill Into Law,2018-10-10,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,IL,Mike Bost,B001295,bost.house.gov,bost,https://bost.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – President Donald Trump today signed into law bipartisan legislation authored by U.S. Representative Mike Bost (IL-12) to provide a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) to veterans. Bost introduced the Veterans’ Compensation COLA Act of 2018 (H.R. 4958) in February and helped guide it to passage in the House earlier this year before passing the Senate last month. “Americans owe a debt of gratitude to our nation’s bravest individuals – those who have served and defended our freedom and liberty,” said Bost. “As a country, we must remember the sacrifices of our veterans who have bravely served our nation, as well as their families, and I remain committed to providing the best care possible for them. I thank my colleagues in Congress and President Trump for coming together in a bipartisan effort to give our veterans the benefits they have earned.” “I want to thank the Chairman of the Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Subcommittee Rep. Mike Bost for his steadfast leadership on this issue as the sponsor of this legislation,” said Dr. Phil Roe (TN-1), Chairman of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee. “I am also so grateful that President Trump has been such a strong champion for veterans and remains committed to ensuring they receive the best support and care.” Background: The Veterans Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2018 would increase the rates of compensation for veterans with service-connected disabilities as well as the rates of dependency and indemnity compensation for the survivors of certain disabled veterans as of December 1, 2018, and by the same percentage as Social Security beneficiaries. You can find a summary of the legislation here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:08:35Z https://bost.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/trump-signs-bost-s-veterans-bill-law,Trump Signs Bosts Veterans Bill Into Law,2018-10-10,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,IL,Mike Bost,B001295,bost.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. President Donald Trump today signed into law bipartisan legislation authored by U.S. Representative Mike Bost (IL-12) to provide a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) to veterans. Bost introduced the Veterans' Compensation COLA Act of 2018 (H.R. 4958) in February and helped guide it to passage in the House earlier this year before passing the Senate last month. Americans owe a debt of gratitude to our nation's bravest individuals those who have served and defended our freedom and liberty, said Bost. As a country, we must remember the sacrifices of our veterans who have bravely served our nation, as well as their families, and I remain committed to providing the best care possible for them. I thank my colleagues in Congress and President Trump for coming together in a bipartisan effort to give our veterans the benefits they have earned. I want to thank the Chairman of the Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Subcommittee Rep. Mike Bost for his steadfast leadership on this issue as the sponsor of this legislation, said Dr. Phil Roe (TN-1), Chairman of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee. I am also so grateful that President Trump has been such a strong champion for veterans and remains committed to ensuring they receive the best support and care. Background: The Veterans Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2018 would increase the rates of compensation for veterans with service-connected disabilities as well as the rates of dependency and indemnity compensation for the survivors of certain disabled veterans as of December 1, 2018, and by the same percentage as Social Security beneficiaries. You can find a summary of the legislation here. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399990,"Davis Announces More Good News for Jersey County, Local Infrastructure Projects Awarded USDA Rural Development Loans",2018-10-10,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,IL,Rodney Davis,D000619,rodneydavis.house.gov,,,legacy,"Davis Announces More Good News for Jersey County, Local Infrastructure Projects Awarded USDA Rural Development Loans f t # e Jerseyville, IL, October 10, 2018 U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) today announced that MJM Electric Cooperative was awarded a USDA Rural Development loan that will be used to fund infrastructure improvement in Jerseyville. This is an exciting time for the residents in southwestern Illinois and I'm glad to see local leaders taking advantage of these federal funding programs, Davis said. ""These loans will help local infrastructure needs become a reality and provide new jobs and safer roads for residents."" The Rural Development funds will be used to improve and expand Range Line Road and Crystal Lake Road, which border a newly developed industrial park. The road improvements will allow for heavier traffic flow to and from the industrial park and will potentially help create 1,000 jobs for Jersey and surrounding counties. f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://lahood.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-lahood-applauds-president-trump-s-e15-announcement,Rep. LaHood Applauds President Trumps E15 Announcement,2018-10-09,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,IL,Darin LaHood,L000585,lahood.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Congressman Darin LaHood (R-IL) released the following statement after President Trump directed the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to lift restrictions on E15, fuel blend with 15 percent ethanol, which is currently prohibited from being sold during summer months in some states. Rep. LaHood released the following statement after President Trump's announcement: President Trump's announcement today to lift restrictions on E15 is welcome news for the agriculture industry in Illinois' 18th Congressional District.Ethanol sales help drive demand for corn in Illinois and the announcement today will broaden opportunitiesfor our farmers looking to sell more E15,stated Rep. LaHood.Not only will the expansion of E15 sales benefit our farmers in central and west-central Illinois, but this will provide fuel retailers and consumers with more cost-efficient choices that reduce gas emissions into our environment.I applaud President Trump for his commitment to the American farmer and recognizing the importance of ethanol sales for our farmers in the Midwest and appreciate his efforts to allow for year-round sales.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399984,Davis Applauds Administration Decision on E15 Ethanol to Benefit Farmers and Consumers,2018-10-09,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,IL,Rodney Davis,D000619,rodneydavis.house.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) released the following statement after the Trump Administration announced they will lift restrictions on the sale of E15 blend gasoline, which will greatly benefit American farmers and consumers. Currently, federal regulations restrict the sale of E15 during the summer, from June 1st to September 15th. With today's announcement, President Trump has directed the EPA to issue new regulations allowing ethanol blends above E10 and up to E15 to be sold year round nationwide. Davis serves as co-chair of the Congressional Biofuels Caucus and has been pushing for this change for the last several Congresses. ""This is a win for farmers who have suffered from decreasing farm income and this is a win for consumers who will now have more choices at the pump,"" said Davis. ""I have been working with this administration to change this unnecessary restriction and I thank President Trump for keeping his promise to farmers in rural America by allowing for year-round sale of E15. I will continue to promote ethanol and renewable fuels as part of this country's energy strategy to ensure energy independence in the years to come."" Background Information In 2011, the EPA approved the use of E15 in vehicles built in 2001 or newer, which accounts for nearly 90% of cars on the road. E15, which burns cleaner than gasoline, is available at about 1,600 retail stations in 29 states and lifting the summer restrictions will allow for E15 expansion nationwide. Davis has been a staunch supporter of year-round E15 and has been fighting to make this change for the past two Congresses. He is an original cosponsor of H.R.1311, the Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act, which would extend the Reid Vapor Pressure waiver for ethanol blends above E10. Additionally, he met with USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue to advocate for this change. In September, Davis and the other co-chairs of the Congressional Biofuels Caucus sent a letter to the EPA urging the year-round sale of E15. What They're Saying For more than a decade, the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) has created jobs, boosted the rural Illinois economy, and helped clean the air,"" said Adam Nielsen, Director of National Legislation for Illinois Farm Bureau. ""But Illinois farmers have been frustrated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) recent actions, which have not only undermined the RFS but also softened market demand for both ethanol and corn. During this time of low commodity prices and market uncertainty, Illinois Farm Bureau applauds President Trump's timely announcement today paving the way for year-round blending of E-15. Allowing summer sales of E-15 gives consumers greater choice at the pump, reverses economic damage caused by EPA's waivers and signals a strong message of support to our nation's farmers. Farm Bureau appreciates the work of elected officials like U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis who have long supported year around E-15, recognize its economic value and who have weighed in with the administration to get process moving."" The Illinois Corn Growers Association thanks President Trump for his direction to EPA to provide RVP parity for ethanol blends up to and including E15. We also thank Congressman Davis for his longtime support of expanding ethanol market access,"" said Aron Carlson, President of the Illinois Corn Growers Association. ""Corn farmers grow about 250 million bushels of corn in Illinois' 13th Congressional district. Ethanol markets are a vital market destination for that corn, adding value not just to the farmer, but their communities, too, through more than 8,000 jobs and about $40 million in state and local tax revenue. Now motorists can join in on the value higher ethanol blends deliver year-round, saving money at the pump at 10 E15 fueling locations in the 13th district. ""Tuesday, October 9, 2018 will forever be a memorable day for America's corn farmers, the ethanol industry and for every consumer,"" said John Caupert, Executive Director of the National Corn To Ethanol Research Center. ""The National Corn To Ethanol Research Center will benefit as well. Year round use of E15 will spur investment in new and novel technologies in the corn ethanol industry. The majority of these new technologies, will find their way to the National Corn To Ethanol Research Center on their commercialization pathway. The unwavering support of Congressman Davis, complimented by his tireless efforts on agriculture and ethanol, have helped to make this historic day possible. The National Corn To Ethanol Research Center is eternally grateful to the efforts and support of Congressman Davis. Congressman Davis's support of ethanol, undoubtedly influenced President Trump, to issue the year round waiver of E15"". Rodney Davis has been a strong and consistent champion for home-grown American biofuels, and today's important announcement would not have been possible without his hard work,"" said Ray Bradbury, President of Ethanol and Risk Management for Archer Daniels Midland Company. ""With their work to expand the availability of E15, Congressman Davis and the Administration are helping diversify our fuel supply, reduce emissions, lower prices at the pump, and support American farmers and agriculture. ""In 2016, Thorntons started selling Unleaded 15 at our Chicago stores, specifically because we were able to sell it in that market, throughout the year,"" said Jeff Gallic, Senior Vice President of Fuel Supply and Transportation at Thorntons Inc. ""Every day, many of our Chicago customers choose to purchase this product because of the regular cost savings, quality fuel performance and octane enhancement. We have not added Unleaded 15 to many of our stores outside of Chicago because of the sales restrictions during the summer driving season. We believe these restrictions would have confused our customers, and compromised their confidence in our brand. We are completely pleased with the President's decision to eliminate a regulatory difficulty that was never intended to exist. The President's decision will encourage our company to invest in the compliant, certified equipment necessary to retail Unleaded 15 at more of our stores, where ever they may be.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://lahood.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-lahood-applauds-confirmation-brett-kavanaugh-united-states-supreme,Rep. LaHood Applauds Confirmation of Brett Kavanaugh to the United States Supreme Court,2018-10-06,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,IL,Darin LaHood,L000585,lahood.house.gov,,,legacy,"PEORIA, IL Congressman Darin LaHood released the following statement today in reaction to confirmation of Judge Brett Kavanaugh becoming the next Justice on the United States Supreme Court: The U.S. Senate's confirmation of Judge BrettKavanaughto the United States Supreme Court today is historic.His judicial temperament and measured approach will ensure that our Constitution is interpreted properly, as intended by our founding fathers.For over 12 yearson the D.C. Court of Appeals,JudgeKavanaughhas established a judicial record of faithfullyupholding the rule of law and abiding by our constitutional principles.He has displayed the utmost fairness and impartially and will be a great addition to the US Supreme Court. Having been through seven FBI background investigations throughout his tenure, Judge Kavanaugh has been thoroughly vetted more than any other nominee in our history and I havefull confidence in his judicial abilities as the next Associate Justice to the Court.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://bost.house.gov/2018/10/bost-statement-faa-reauthorization-becoming-law,Bost Statement on FAA Reauthorization Becoming Law,2018-10-05,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,IL,Mike Bost,B001295,bost.house.gov,bost,https://bost.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – President Trump today signed into law legislation reauthorizing the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which included two provisions sponsored by Rep. Mike Bost (IL-12) focused on Buy America domestic procurement requirements and inspiring young people for careers in aviation. “I was proud today that President Trump signed into law legislation reauthorizing and reforming the FAA, which includes legislation I sponsored promoting ‘Buy America’ requirements to finance our country’s infrastructure projects,” said Bost. “This legislation is essential to America’s infrastructure and the next generation of America’s aviators. A provision that I cosponsored requires the FAA to develop a 'Youth in Aviation' task force, giving the tools and resources the next generation needs to succeed.” Bost’s first provision requires the FAA to publish waivers it issues to Buy America domestic procurement requirements and provides an opportunity for public input. Buy America generally requires the use of domestically-produced steel and other manufactured goods in federally-financed infrastructure projects. The second is a provision Bost co-sponsored requiring the FAA to engage public and private industry stakeholders, including colleges and universities, in developing a “Youth in Aviation” task force. The purpose of this task force is to address a potential aviation industry workforce shortage by inspiring grade school students to pursue. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:08:35Z https://bost.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/bost-statement-faa-reauthorization-becoming-law,Bost Statement on FAA Reauthorization Becoming Law,2018-10-05,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,IL,Mike Bost,B001295,bost.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. President Trump today signed into law legislation reauthorizing the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which included two provisions sponsored by Rep. Mike Bost (IL-12) focused on Buy America domestic procurement requirements and inspiring young people for careers in aviation. I was proud today that President Trump signed into law legislation reauthorizing and reforming the FAA, which includes legislation I sponsored promoting Buy America' requirements to finance our country's infrastructure projects, said Bost. This legislation is essential to America's infrastructure and the next generation of America's aviators. A provisionthat I cosponsored requires the FAA to develop a 'Youth in Aviation' task force, giving the tools and resources the next generation needs to succeed. Bost's first provision requires the FAA to publish waivers it issues to Buy America domestic procurement requirements and provides an opportunity for public input.Buy America generally requires the use of domestically-produced steel and other manufactured goods in federally-financed infrastructure projects. The second is a provision Bost co-sponsored requiring the FAA to engage public and private industry stakeholders, including colleges and universities, in developing a Youth in Aviation task force. The purpose of this task force is to address a potential aviation industry workforce shortage by inspiring grade school students to pursue. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://kinzinger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399943,"Reps. Kinzinger, Welch, McKinley, and Tonko Introduce Energy Efficient Legislation",2018-10-05,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,IL,Adam Kinzinger,K000378,kinzinger.house.gov,,,legacy,"Last week, Congressmen Adam Kinzinger (R-IL), Peter Welch (D-VT), David McKinkley (R-WV), and Paul Tonko (D-NY) introduced H.R. 6949, the CHP Support Act. share: f t WASHINGTON, DC Last week, Congressmen Adam Kinzinger (R-IL), Peter Welch (D-VT), David McKinley (R-WV), and Paul Tonko (D-NY) introduced H.R. 6949, the CHP Support Act, to amend the Energy Policy and Conservation Act and reauthorize an existing Department of Energy (DOE) program, the Combined Heat and Power Technical Assistance Partnerships (CHP TAPs), from FY18 to FY22. This program encourages the use of energy efficient technologies by generating electricity and capturing heat (that would otherwise be wasted) to provide useful thermal energy, which can ultimately save consumers money and reduce energy use. While traditional electricity generation loses a lot of energy in the form of heat or steam discharged into the atmosphere, CHP allows facilities or buildings to capture that previously wasted energy and use it for space heating, cooling, hot water, or industrial processes. The DOE program has seven regional partnerships that promote the recycled energy materials by identifying and facilitating clean energy projects, as well as providing support to businesses, hospitals, military bases, manufacturing facilities, and more that are seeking a technically sound and economically beneficial energy source. Energy independence is critically important to our national security, and in order to reach our goal, we must have diverse sources of energy and the proper infrastructures to deliver safe, reliable, and clean resources, said Congressman Kinzinger. I'm proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation with my colleagues to reaffirm our commitment to the CHP TAPs and encourage greater use of these technologies that bring economic and environmental benefits to America's energy and innovation in our technologies. Investing in energy efficiency saves money, creates jobs, and improves the environment, said Congressman Welch. This bipartisan legislation will save Vermonters money on energy bills, reduce harmful carbon emissions, and increase the economic competitiveness of our forest products industry. Combined heat and power has enormous potential to improve energy efficiency, economic competitiveness, and grid resilience. DOE's CHP Technical Assistance Partnerships are essential to supporting potential and existing projects, which will enable commercial, industrial, and institutional facilities to understand the benefits of cogeneration. Continued focus in this area enables a high quality, efficient, and secure power source to grow its usage in the marketplace, said Congressman Tonko. I want to thank my colleagues Reps. Kinzinger, McKinley, and Welch for advancing this bipartisan effort. The CHP Support Act (H.R. 6949) was introduced last week as a companion bill to the Senate bill, S. 2142, introduced by Senator Angus King (I-ME) last year. This legislation is supported by the Alliance for Industrial Efficiency, Alliance to Save Energy (ASE), American Chemistry Council (ACC), and the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE). Their joint letter of support can be found in the attached PDF.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399981,Davis' FEMA Reform Bill Signed Into Law,2018-10-05,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,IL,Rodney Davis,D000619,rodneydavis.house.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) released the following statement after his bill to reform the FEMA funding formula was signed into law today as part of the FAA reauthorization package. ""This change is long overdue and it is one I have fought tirelessly for since my first term in Congress,"" Davis said. ""My legislation will help level the playing field and ensure rural areas, like my district, are treated fairly when a disaster happens and help is needed. I am very happy to see this finally signed into law and that my constituents, who pay into the Disaster Relief Fund, will receive more fairness when seeking federal assistance following a major disaster."" Davis' bill, the Disaster Declaration Improvement Act, requires FEMA to place greater consideration on the severe localized impact of damage following a disaster. Under current law, FEMA takes into account several factors when determining the need for assistance, but there is no standard to determine which factor is more important than another. This provision will help level the playing field for rural communities in downstate Illinois when disasters happen. FEMA's Formula Currently, FEMA uses a per-capita formula to determine the need for public assistance. They multiply the state's population with $1.39 then use this number as a threshold for determining the state's need for public assistance. Illinois compared to surrounding states: Illinois $18 million Indiana $9.1 million Missouri $8.4 million Wisconsin $8 million Kentucky $6.1 million Iowa $4.3 million FEMA can also take into account damage done in a specific county but whether they take this into account and how much this will impact their decision is highly subjective. The formula used to determine this is $3.50 per capita in infrastructure damage in a county. Latest Example Illinois sustained $15 million in flood damage in 2015/2016. Governor Rauner requested public assistance for 16 counties. In one county, damages were assessed at $4 million, which was $486.00 per capita for that county. Illinois was still denied public assistance. Davis has been working to bring fairness within in the disaster declaration process since his first term. Related: 2018 House Passes FAA Reauthorization, Includes Davis' FEMA Reform Legislation House Passes Long-term Aviation Reauthorization Bill 2017 Davis Pressures FEMA for Disaster Declaration Fairness Davis, Bustos Bill to Bring Fairness to Disaster Declarations Passes House, Heads to Senate Illinois Delegation Urges FEMA to Make Disaster Deductible Concept Fair to States and Localities Davis Bill to Bring Fairness to Disaster Declarations Passes Committee 2016 Davis Meets With FEMA Administrator, Urges Change to Disaster Declaration Process Davis Requests Meeting With FEMA Administrator Davis Supports Governor's Appeal for Federal Disaster Assistance, Urges FEMA to Consider Localized Impact Davis Statement on FEMA Denial of Illinois Disaster Assistance Request Davis Urges FEMA to Consider Local Impact When Determining Latest Illinois Disaster Request Davis, Bost, & Shimkus Urge FEMA to Weigh Localized Impact When Considering Governor's Request for Federal Assistance 2015 Illinois Members Renew Bipartisan, Bicameral Effort to Bring Fairness to FEMA Disaster Declaration Process Illinois Members Continue Fight to Bring Fairness in Disaster Declaration Process 2014 Reps. Davis, Shimkus, Schock, Kinzinger, Bustos, Enyart Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Bring Fairness to FEMA Disaster Declaration Process",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399985,Davis Announces Upcoming Open Office Hours,2018-10-05,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,IL,Rodney Davis,D000619,rodneydavis.house.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) today announced upcoming open office hours in Mt. Zion, Philo, and Bement. He will meet with constituents individually or in small groups about issues important to them. Davis has held 31 open office hours this Congress and 37 traveling help desks with staff to ensure constituents have an opportunity to make their voices heard. ""Ensuring constituents have an opportunity to meet with me and voice their concerns about a particular issue or get help with a federal agency continues to be my priority,"" said Davis. ""Open office hours allow me to have personal, one-on-one conversations with people about the issues they care about. I'm looking forward to spending time in every county this August."" In addition to other meetings and events, Davis held open office hours in every county during the August District Work Period. Research by Politico, a DC-based publication and Legistorm, a Congress-based research firm, recently found that Davis and four other members out of the entire U.S. House of Representatives accounted for 30 percent of public events held this past August. Meetings will be taken on a first-come, first-serve basis. No appointments are necessary. Due to office space constraints, meetings will be limited to no more than five people at a time. Additional open office hours will be announced throughout the month of October. Upcoming Open Office Hours Mt. Zion Open Office Hours DATE: Wednesday, October 10, 2018 TIme: 8:30AM-9:30AM LOCATION: 1400 Mt. Zion Parkway, Mt. Zion Illinois, 62549 Philo Open Office Hours DATE: Thursday, October 11, 2018 TIME: 10:30AM-11:30AM LOCATION: Philo Village Hall, 127 W. Washington, Philo, IL 61864 Bement Open Office Hours DATE: Thursday, October 11, 2018 TIME: 12:00PM-1:00PM LOCATION: Bement Village Hall, 148 W. Bodman St., Bement, IL 61813 Information for Media Only Media is invited to cover the open office hours and will be permitted to sit in on the individual meetings, take photos, and/or b-roll only with permission from the attendees. Either following the office hours or between meetings, media will have an opportunity to speak with Davis. If media plans to attend, they are asked to RSVP to meredith.blanford@mail.house.gov.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://bost.house.gov/2018/10/bost-announces-grant-improve-school-safety-union-county,Bost Announces Grant to Improve School Safety in Union County,2018-10-02,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,IL,Mike Bost,B001295,bost.house.gov,bost,https://bost.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"ANNA– U.S. Representative Mike Bost (IL-12) today announced a $357,375 federal grant to improve security at Union County schools. The grant was awarded through the School Violence Prevention Program, a Department of Justice (DOJ) program created by bipartisan legislation sponsored by Bost. The Securing Our Schools Act was signed into law in March 2018. Bost sent a letter to local government officials to raise awareness of the funding availability and met with school administrators in Anna this summer. 91 jurisdictions were awarded school safety grants nationwide, including 7 in Illinois during the program’s first year. 8 Union County schools were awarded a total of $357,375. The program is expected to grow as awareness increases. “As a father and a grandfather, I know the importance of ensuring our children have an environment where they are safe to grow and learn,” said Bost. “We have advanced safety technology in banks, office buildings, and retail locations, there is no reason we shouldn’t have this technology at our schools to protect our children. This grant program was created because we put politics aside and found a commonsense, bipartisan way to keep our kids safe. And that’s the most important thing.” “This funding will be essential for providing security enhancements to keep our school safe,” said Shelly Clover-Hill, Superintendent at Shawnee Community School District #84. “After meeting with Congressman Bost to discuss the school safety program this summer, I know he is passionate about keeping our kids safe.” Background: The 2018 School Violence Prevention Program provides funding directly to states, units of local government, and Indian tribes to be used to improve security at schools and on school grounds in the grantees’ jurisdictions through evidence-based school safety programs that may include one or more of the following: Coordination with local law enforcement Training for local law enforcement officers to prevent school violence against others and self Placement and use of metal detectors, locks, lighting, and other deterrent measures Acquisition and installation of technology for expedited notification of local law enforcement during an emergency Any other measure that, in the determination of the director of the COPS Office, may provide a significant improvement in security Click HERE for more information on the 2018 School Violence Prevention Program.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:08:35Z https://bost.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/bost-announces-grant-improve-school-safety-union-county,Bost Announces Grant to Improve School Safety in Union County,2018-10-02,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,IL,Mike Bost,B001295,bost.house.gov,,,legacy,"ANNA U.S. Representative Mike Bost (IL-12) today announced a $357,375 federal grant to improve security at Union County schools. The grant was awarded through the School Violence Prevention Program, a Department of Justice (DOJ) program created by bipartisan legislation sponsored by Bost. The Securing Our Schools Act was signed into law in March 2018. Bost sent a letter to local government officials to raise awareness of the funding availability and met with school administrators in Anna this summer. 91 jurisdictions were awarded school safety grants nationwide, including 7 in Illinois during the program's first year. 8 Union County schools were awarded a total of $357,375. The program is expected to grow as awareness increases. As a father and a grandfather, I know the importance of ensuring our children have an environment where they are safe to grow and learn, said Bost. We have advanced safety technology in banks, office buildings, and retail locations, there is no reason we shouldn't have this technology at our schools to protect our children. This grant program was created because we put politics aside and found a commonsense, bipartisan way to keep our kids safe. And that's the most important thing. This funding will be essential for providing security enhancements to keep our school safe, said Shelly Clover-Hill, Superintendent at Shawnee Community School District #84. After meeting with Congressman Bost to discuss the school safety program this summer, I know he is passionate about keeping our kids safe. Background: The 2018 School Violence Prevention Program provides funding directly to states, units of local government, and Indian tribes to be used to improve security at schools and on school grounds in the grantees' jurisdictions through evidence-based school safety programs that may include one or more of the following: Coordination with local law enforcement Training for local law enforcement officers to prevent school violence against others and self Placement and use of metal detectors, locks, lighting, and other deterrent measures Acquisition and installation of technology for expedited notification of local law enforcement during an emergency Any other measure that, in the determination of the director of the COPS Office, may provide a significant improvement in security Click HEREfor more information on the 2018 School Violence Prevention Program. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://hultgren.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/confronting-global-hunger,Confronting Global Hunger,2018-10-02,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,IL,Randy Hultgren,H001059,hultgren.house.gov,,,legacy,"Hultgren to Host Hunger Forum Ahead of the Holidays Washington, DC U.S. Representative Randy Hultgren (IL-14) announced he will host the 14th Congressional District Forum, Confronting the Scourge of Hunger, on Wednesday, October 17, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. CT at the Baker Community Center in St. Charles. The event will focus on the issue of global hunger and hunger as experienced by many in our own region, and approaches to address and alleviate hunger both locally and globally. According the Northern Illinois Food Bank, nearly 600,000 people in northern Illinois rely on food pantries and meal programs to feed themselves and their families. To RSVP for the event on Facebook, Clickhere. Our community has worked to raise awareness of the problem of hunger in our region just as others have sought to bring attention to it on a worldwide level, said Rep. Hultgren. Although the challenges to overcome hunger are daunting, they are not beyond our ability to confront and in many cases resolve them. I look forward to hearing about constructive approaches to address the scourge of hunger and expert insight into how we as a community, both locally as well as globally, can participate in finding solutions and helping those whose lives are afflicted by hunger. As Co-chairman of the influential congressional Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, Rep. Hultgren has focused on alleviating global hunger as a component of an effective overall human rights policy. He is a cosponsor of the Global Food Security Act and the Global Food Security Reauthorization Act to require development and implementation of a global food security strategy to promote food security, resilience, and nutrition. WHAT: 14th Congressional District Forum on Confronting the Scourge of Hunger WHO: Congressman Randy Hultgren (IL-14) INVITED PANELISTS/ GUESTS:Ambassador Tony Hall, Executive Director Emeritus, The Alliance to End Hunger Zach Schmidt, Senior Regional Organizer, Bread for the World Teresa Schryver, Communications Specialist, Northern Illinois Food Bank Jodie Clow, Founder, Faith Acres Foundation Abby Deatherage/Josie Michalak, Local Compassion and Justice, Willow Creek Community Church Erin Wise, Shepherd's Heart & Benevolence Ministry, Chapelstreet Church, Geneva WHEN:Wednesday, October 17, 2018 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. CT (Registration begins at 9:45 a.m.) WHERE: Baker Community Center 101 S. Second Street St. Charles, Illinois 60174 ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399980,Davis Statement on United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement on Trade,2018-10-02,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,IL,Rodney Davis,D000619,rodneydavis.house.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis released the following statement following the announcement that the Trump Administration has reached an agreement with Mexico and Canada in the renegotiation of NAFTA. ""This is great news for American workers and consumers. The modernized trade deal will build on the economic growth we have seen and create new, good-paying jobs. I am especially pleased with the expansion of the dairy market for American farmers and ranchers, as well as the provisions to incentivize more auto manufacturing and higher manufacturing wages. I applaud the Trump Administration for their diligent work in securing a better deal for the American people and I look forward to moving this process forward."" More Information on the USMCA American Auto Manufacturing and Jobs -Increasing United States and regional content in automobiles and auto parts by requiring that 75 percent of auto content be produced in North America and that key core parts always be originating. -Incentivizing the use of high-wage manufacturing labor in the automotive sector by requiring that 40 to 45 percent of automotive content be made by workers earning an average base wage of at least $16 per hour. Labor -Includes a new Labor Chapter that brings labor obligations into the core of the agreement and makes them fully enforceable. -Requires parties to adopt and maintain in law and practice labor rights as recognized by the International Labor Organization, an Annex on Worker Representation in Collective Bargaining in Mexico, and new provisions to take measures to prohibit the importation of goods produced by forced labor and to address violence against workers exercising their labor rights. Agriculture -Includes fair treatment for America's dairy and wheat farmers. Canada will eliminate its Class 7 program that allows low-priced dairy ingredients to undersell United States dairy products in Canada and in third country markets. Canada also will provide equal treatment when assessing the quality of imported wheat. -Canada will provide new access for the full range of United States dairy products, eggs and poultry. -Sets unprecedented standards for agricultural biotechnology, establishes strong commitments to reduce trade-distorting policies, and enhances rules for science-based sanitary and phytosanitary measures. 21st Century Economy -Contains a modernized, high-standard Intellectual Property (IP) chapter that provides strong and effective protection and enforcement of IP rights critical to driving innovation, creating economic growth, and supporting American jobs. The chapter includes 10 years of data protection for biologic drugs and a robust scope of products eligible for protection. -The new Digital Trade chapter allows for the expansion of trade and investment in innovative products and services, including rules to ensure that data can be transferred cross-border and to minimize limits on where data can be stored and processed. Environment -Contains provisions that will combat trafficking in wildlife, timber, and fish, enhance the effectiveness of customs inspections, strengthen law enforcement networks to stem trafficking, protect fish and marine species by prohibiting harmful fisheries subsidies and combatting illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, and address pressing environmental issues like air quality and marine litter.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399982,Davis Announces USDA Rural Development Loan Awarded to MJM Electric,2018-10-02,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,IL,Rodney Davis,D000619,rodneydavis.house.gov,,,legacy,"Davis Announces USDA Rural Development Loan Awarded to MJM Electric f t # e Carlinville, Illinois, October 2, 2018 U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill) today announced that MJM Electric Cooperative in Carlinville was awarded a $2 million loan from the US Department of Agriculture Rural Development's Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant Program.This loan will be utilized by the Jersey County Rural Water Company (JCRWC) to improve the water infrastructure in the vicinity of the Mid-American International Gateway (MAIG), an intermodal development in Jerseyville. MJM Electric, which is based out of Carlinville, is serving as the intermediary for the loan funds. I'm proud to see organizations from across the region band together and take advantage of federal programs in order to support Jerseyville's intermodal project, Davis said. I look forward to continuing to work with leaders and organizations from the area to ensure that we continue to support jobs and the local economy. The MAIG is a proposed intermodal logistics park of 1,400 acres, which will house warehouse facilities, light manufacturing, and assembly operations. The MAIG is privately funded, and will capitalize on Jerseyville's geographic location and access to the Kansas City Southern Railroad line. f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://bost.house.gov/2018/10/bost-statement-usmca-trade-agreement,Bost Statement on USMCA Trade Agreement,2018-10-01,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,IL,Mike Bost,B001295,bost.house.gov,bost,https://bost.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – U.S Representative Mike Bost (IL-12) made the following statement after President Trump announced that the United States, Canada and Mexico have reached an agreement on the renegotiated NAFTA, now formally known as the new United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA): “The trade agreement announced today with Mexico and Canada is a positive step in putting American workers and farmers on a more even playing field,” said Bost. “As I review the details of the agreement, I’ll continue to support policies that enhance our agriculture producers and improve job opportunities for Americans.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:08:35Z https://bost.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/bost-statement-usmca-trade-agreement,Bost Statement on USMCA Trade Agreement,2018-10-01,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,IL,Mike Bost,B001295,bost.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. U.S Representative Mike Bost (IL-12) made the following statement after President Trump announced that the United States, Canada and Mexico have reached an agreement on the renegotiated NAFTA, now formally known as the new United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA): The trade agreement announced today with Mexico and Canada is a positive step in putting American workers and farmers on a more even playing field, said Bost. As I review the details of the agreement, I'll continue to support policies that enhance our agriculture producers and improve job opportunities for Americans. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://lahood.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/bit-illinois-home-dc,A bit of Illinois at home in D.C.,2018-10-01,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,IL,Darin LaHood,L000585,lahood.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressmen Darin LaHood and Raja Krishnamoorthi have introduced a resolution to designate an area within the River Terrace Area of Anacostia Park in Washington, D.C. as the Illinois Bicentennial Grove, where four white oak trees have been planted. As the state tree of Illinois, the white oaks have been planted in honor of four prominent abolitionists from the Land of Lincoln Edward Coles, Mary Brown Davis and Elijah and Owen Lovejoy. The legislation allows for additional trees to be planted in the grove. LaHood and Krishnamoorthi serve as Illinois State Society co-chairs and have worked closely with the National Park Service on this initiative. The legislation is co-sponsored by the entire Illinois delegation. Earlier this month, LaHood and Krishnamoorthi introduced legislation to celebrate Illinois' bicentennial, which is this year.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z