url,title,date,year,month,party,chamber,state,member_name,bioguide_id,domain,scraper,source,date_source,text,has_text,collected_at,updated_at https://bost.house.gov/2022/12/bost-slams-biden-wptus,BOST SLAMS BIDEN WOTUS RULE,2022-12-30,2022,2022-12,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) released the following statement after the Environmental Protection Agency announced its final rule on the definition of “Waters of the United States” (WOTUS): “After two years of the EPA hemming and hawing over this rule, Biden’s bureaucrats did exactly what we expected them to do: cave to the demands of radical Green New Deal environmentalists. This is not about protecting our waters; it’s about exerting federal control over the American people in any way they can. It is insane to think that Biden is returning us to the type of Obama-era overregulation that nearly put our farmers and job creators out of business less than a decade ago.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-miller-issues-statement-biden-wotus-ruling,Rep. Miller Issues Statement on Biden WOTUS Ruling,2022-12-30,2022,2022-12,Republican,House,IL,Mary E. Miller,M001211,marymiller.house.gov,marymiller,https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Oakland, Ill. - Congresswoman Mary Miller (IL-15) issued the following statement on the new Biden WOTUS Ruling that puts American Farmers last: ""I join my fellow farmers and those in the agriculture industry in sharing our deep disappointment with the new Biden WOTUS rule that puts American Farmers last. Last year, I introduced the Define WOTUS Act in Congress to prevent President Biden’s radical cabinet secretaries from telling farmers and ranchers how to use and regulate their own land. We can look forward to House Republicans taking back the majority in 4 days, at which point we will stop the EPA from their reckless and unconstitutional attacks on the family farm.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://lahood.house.gov/2022/12/lahood-statement-on-intel-gop-report-on-covid-19-origins,LaHood Statement on Intel GOP Report on COVID-19 Origins,2022-12-15,2022,2022-12,Republican,House,IL,Darin LaHood,L000585,lahood.house.gov,lahood,https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"""Every American family has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and they deserve answers on the origins of COVID-19. The HPSCI GOP report takes significant steps toward delivering answers. The report outlines the growing scope of culpability from the Chinese government, failures of relevant information sharing with the American people and their authorized representatives by the Intelligence Community, information that adds to the credibility of a lab leak incident, and potential ties to China's bioweapons research program. Transparency is vital, and I look forward to working in a House Republican majority to continue uncovering the facts and ensuring our country is never vulnerable to threats like this again."" The unclassified summary of the report can be read here. A one-page summary can be read here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://bost.house.gov/2022/12/bost-votes-to-strengthen-national-security-rescind-military-covid-19-vaccine-mandate,"BOST VOTES TO STRENGTHEN NATIONAL SECURITY, RESCIND MILITARY COVID-19 VACCINE MANDATE",2022-12-08,2022,2022-12,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 voted for a House-approved defense authorization bill that terminates the Biden administration’s COVID-19 vaccinate mandate for military personnel. The Fiscal Year 2023 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) includes a 4.6% pay increase for servicemembers, as well as provisions championed by Bost to fund several important projects at Scott Air Force Base. “As a Marine and the representative for over 22,000 men and women who live or work at Scott Air Force Base, it’s a top priority of mine to ensure that our military men and women have the resources they need to successfully complete their mission,” said Bost. “I was proud to vote to provide them with a well-deserved pay raise and help protect them from being turned away or discharged from their service because of their vaccination status.” Key Provisions in the NDAA: Rescinds Biden’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate on servicemembers Authorizes a 4.6% pay increase for servicemembers and provides an additional $500 million for housing allowances to counteract inflation Reverses Biden’s cuts to our national security, restoring cuts to procurement, missile defense, and military construction Includes language that prohibits funds from being used to retire C-40 aircraft maintained at Scott Air Force Base Includes significant funding for Scott Air Force Base, including $19.8 million for Child Development Center construction, $2.5 million for the Maintenance and Hanger Shops, and $52 million for family housing ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://lahood.house.gov/2022/12/lahood-supports-fy2023-national-defense-authorization-act,LaHood Supports FY2023 National Defense Authorization Act,2022-12-08,2022,2022-12,Republican,House,IL,Darin LaHood,L000585,lahood.house.gov,lahood,https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Darin LaHood (R-IL), a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, today voted in support of the Fiscal Year 2023 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which funds and supports our military and their families and included key conservative victories protecting our national security. The bill authorizes $858 billion for national defense, $45 billion above President Biden’s request – to ensure our military preparedness. It includes provisions that counter the increasing China threat, strengthen our nuclear deterrence, invest in our brave servicemembers, and address the impact of inflation on military families. The NDAA also includes the Fiscal Year 2023 Intelligence Authorization Act, which authorizes funds to support our Intelligence Community, broaden Congressional oversight, counter hard targets, protect the U.S. from counterintelligence threats, and enhance the Intelligence Community’s recruitment and adoption of emerging technologies. “The FY23 NDAA will make America safer, give our men and women in uniform the resources they need and deserve, and send a clear message to our adversaries around the globe,” said Rep. LaHood. “Republicans secured key victories in this year's NDAA, including ending the COVID-19 vaccine mandate on our Armed Forces, increasing funding to combat threats from China, Iran, and North Korea, and ensuring the National Guard has what it needs to secure our southern border. We face ever-evolving 21st-century threats and this bill makes certain that our military personnel are prepared with the resources, equipment, and support at home they need. It is a privilege to continue to support our brave men and women protecting and defending freedom and I was proud to support this bill.” Background and Key Provision in FY23 NDAA: The FY23 NDAA ends the harmful DOD vaccine mandate for active duty, reserve, and national guard personnel, preserving our military’s readiness and ensuring our troops will not continue to be discharged for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine. Calls for fair treatment of servicemembers who have already been discharged for failure to comply with the vaccine mandate, including thorough consideration of requests for reinstatement and correction of military records. Addresses the border crisis by fully funding the account supporting the National Guard’s border deployment. Supports a 4.6% pay raise for servicemembers and expands eligibility for Basic Needs Allowance to low-income servicemembers supporting a family. Includes record investments in emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and quantum computing. Authorizes $11 billion for the Pacific Deterrence Initiative to counter rising Chinese aggression. Establishes a National Hypersonic Initiative to accelerate the development of hypersonic missiles, better equipping the U.S. to compete against our adversaries. Funds the nuclear sea-launched cruise missile (SLCM-N) that President Biden tried to cancel and prohibits reduction in the number of intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) or retirement of low-yield nuclear warheads.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-votes-end-covid-vaccine-mandate-defense-authorization,Miller Votes to End COVID Vaccine Mandate in Defense Authorization,2022-12-08,2022,2022-12,Republican,House,IL,Mary E. Miller,M001211,marymiller.house.gov,marymiller,https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON - Congresswoman Mary Miller (R-IL) released the following statement on her vote for the National Defense Authorization Act: ""Today, we can celebrate that the Biden COVID vaccine mandate for our troops will finally end thanks to the hard work of a small group of conservatives who held the line on behalf of our armed forces,"" Miller said. ""From the moment Joe Biden implemented this detrimental mandate, which devastated military recruitment and morale, I promised the service members in my district that I would fight for a full repeal and oppose the Defense Authorization bill until it ended the COVID vaccine mandate. Many argued that Congress did not have the power to end the COVID vaccine mandate through the NDAA, but I held firm, and today, we are vindicated. Congress must now demand that every service member discharged over the vaccine mandate has the right to reinstatement. The end of this vaccine mandate will lead to the end of every unconstitutional and unjust COVID mandate, and House Republicans must investigate the corruption at the CDC and FDA when we take the majority next month!""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://bost.house.gov/2022/12/bost-announces-2022-congressional-app-challenge-winners,BOST ANNOUNCES 2022 CONGRESSIONAL APP CHALLENGE WINNERS,2022-12-01,2022,2022-12,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 announced the winners of the 2022 Congressional App Challenge, Samuel Vancil, Isla Calderon, and Najjar Khalil from Du Quoin High School. Launched in 2015, the competition is a nationwide event intended to engage students’ creativity and encourage their participation in STEM fields. The team’s app, DHS Club Registry, would allow students to access important information about DHS clubs all in one place. “Congratulations to Samuel, Isla, and Najjar on winning this year’s competition,” said Bost. “They saw that there was confusion about the different club offerings at their school and created an app to help address the problem – showcasing their innovative and entrepreneurial spirit. Thank you to all of the Southern Illinois students who participated this year. Job well done!” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases/icymi-biden-administration-confirms-it-wants-taxpayers-pay-sex-change,ICYMI: The Biden Administration Confirms It Wants Taxpayers To Pay For Sex-Change Operations On Minors,2022-12-01,2022,2022-12,Republican,House,IL,Mary E. Miller,M001211,marymiller.house.gov,marymiller,https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON - Congresswoman Mary Miller (R-IL) speaks out against the Biden Administration's recent confirmation that they want taxpayers to pay for sex-change operations on minors in a piece published by the Daily Caller. “Biden's HHS Secretary has now confirmed that the Biden Administration is using taxpayer dollars to push young children to have sex change operations and take dangerous chemicals that do permanent damage to their bodies,"" Miller said. ""The Biden Administration even supports allowing these procedures to occur without parental consent. American taxpayer dollars should never fund puberty blockers and sex change surgeries on minor children.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:32:05Z https://lahood.house.gov/2022/11/lahood-votes-to-prevent-freight-rail-strike,LaHood Votes to Prevent Freight Rail Strike,2022-11-30,2022,2022-11,Republican,House,IL,Darin LaHood,L000585,lahood.house.gov,lahood,https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-18) today voted to support House Joint Resolution 100 to prevent a catastrophic freight rail strike after the Biden Administration failed to avert the crisis. The resolution adopts the terms of the Tentative Agreement reached in September, which is supported by the freight railroads, shippers, and eight of twelve labor unions. ""President Biden's failure to lead requires Congress to act to avert an economically dire rail stoppage. With our economy barreling towards a recession because of Democrats' failed economic agenda, a rail strike would be catastrophic for our nation – harming vital industries like Illinois agriculture and manufacturing, costing our economy $2 billion a day and worsening supply chain challenges. The White House's careless leadership has left Illinois families, farmers, and small businesses facing even greater uncertainty on top of record inflation and high costs. It should not have reached this point, but this resolution will provide certainty for families, farmers, small businesses, workers, and our supply chain.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:24:37Z https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-miller-statement-vote-avert-rail-strike,Rep. Miller Statement on Vote to Avert Rail Strike,2022-11-30,2022,2022-11,Republican,House,IL,Mary E. Miller,M001211,marymiller.house.gov,marymiller,https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Congresswoman Mary Miller (R-IL) released the below statement on her vote to avert a rail strike impacting the agriculture industry: ""Amtrak Joe” promised to be the railroad President, but he failed to bring both sides to an agreement to prevent a catastrophe. I voted today to prevent a railway stoppage that would bring the agriculture industry and the transportation of food in our country to a grinding halt. Farmers rely upon rail and are already suffering from the Biden Diesel Crisis and the Biden Supply Chain Crisis, they cannot face another crushing blow to their ability to operate their farms and provide food to the American people.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:24:37Z https://lahood.house.gov/2022/11/lahood-thanksgiving-message,LaHood Thanksgiving Message,2022-11-22,2022,2022-11,Republican,House,IL,Darin LaHood,L000585,lahood.house.gov,lahood,https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"A day for thanks and reflection On Thanksgiving, Americans from all walks of life gather with family and loved ones to celebrate our blessings of the past year. As we begin the holiday season, we join our family and friends around the table to share in our thanks and remind ourselves that we should not take these blessings for granted. I am thankful for my three sons, McKay, Lucas, and Teddy, my loving wife Kristen, and our home in central Illinois. I am grateful for the opportunity to continue serving our region in Congress and the constituents in our district. Our district is made up of folks who work hard, play by the rules, and have a strong faith in God, and I am honored to be your voice in Washington, DC. Illinois is also home to some of the richest farmland on the planet. Our state leads the way in producing many of the specialty crops that we find on Thanksgiving tables across the country, including pumpkins, green beans, and sweet corn. Thank you to Illinois family farms and workers who continue to feed our country. I am especially grateful today for the brave men and women serving overseas so that we can enjoy the comforts of living in the greatest country in the world. Their sacrifice should not be forgotten as we gather this holiday season. Like many of you, we are blessed with healthy lives, a loving family and a wonderful community, but it is important that during this season of thanks to not forget those who are less fortunate and do what we can to give back to those in need. Whether you are gathering with friends to watch football or the World Cup, 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 that allows each of us the freedom to chart our own path and to live out the American dream. For that, we should all be thankful. I hope you all have a great Thanksgiving with family and loved ones!",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:24:37Z https://bost.house.gov/2022/11/house-passes-bost-va-research-bill,HOUSE PASSES BOST VA RESEARCH BILL,2022-11-18,2022,2022-11,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), the Ranking Member of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, applauded House passage of several pieces of veterans legislation this week, including his VA Infrastructure Powers Exceptional Research (VIPER) Act. This bill will give the Department of Veterans Affairs resources to improve its research programs. “This week the House passed a number of veterans’ bills, including 4 bipartisan proposals to: bolster VA medical research, expand VA cybersecurity, and improve oversight of IT projects and the community care program,” said Bost. “I am especially glad to see my bill, the VIPER Act, pass out of the House with overwhelming bipartisan support. VA has long been a leader in medical and prosthetic research, and our bill will help VA continue that mission.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:24:37Z https://bost.house.gov/2022/10/bost-seeks-answers-on-closure-of-cairo-housing,BOST SEEKS ANSWERS ON CLOSURE OF CAIRO HOUSING,2022-10-31,2022,2022-10,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 sent a letter to U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Marcia Fudge seeking information from the agency on its decision to close the Connell F. Smith Building in Cairo and displace the residents of 53 units. ""The people of Cairo are rightfully frustrated after years of upheaval and uncertainty,” said Bost. “I have appealed to the Biden administration to provide these families with the clear and transparent answers they deserve regarding HUD’s latest plans to relocate local residents. We need to know how the agency reached this decision, whether they plan any additional relocations, and what steps are being taken to help folks find permanent housing.” Text of the letter is available here and below: The Honorable Marcia Fudge Secretary, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development 471 7th Street, Southwest Washington, D.C. 20410 Dear Secretary Fudge: For years residents of the Alexander County Housing Authority (ACHA) endured substandard housing conditions that went ignored by corrupt and negligent housing authority executives. From May 2010 to November 2014, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) sent numerous letters to the ACHA outlining significant physical, managerial, and financial failures, while requesting ACHA’s plans for addressing these issues. It wasn’t until August 2015 that HUD entered into a Voluntary Compliance Agreement with the ACHA to resolve outstanding management and housing problems. After further non-compliance, HUD placed the ACHA in receivership in February 2016. Many of the housing units in Cairo were subsequently found to be uninhabitable, and tenants were forced to move due to dangerous living conditions. It is my understanding that HUD is now planning on relocating all residents currently living in the Connell F. Smith Building in Cairo after several studies raised concerns with the structural integrity of the apartment complex and its ability to withstand seismic activity. The wellbeing of the 53 families residing in the building is paramount, and I want to ensure that they are living in safe conditions. I appreciate that HUD is attempting to act in the best interests of residents of the Connell F. Smith Building, and I am confident that HUD staff will make every effort to ensure that relocation goes as smoothly as possible. However, I want to ensure that every possible option is provided to them throughout the relocation process. There are several important unanswered questions that I would like to help the residents of the Connell F. Smith building get answers to: What is the timeline for when HUD will require the building to be vacated, and what factors will the agency use to determine the timeline? How often is the ACHA inspected, including inspections for structural integrity, and when was the last time that the Connell F. Smith building passed inspection for structural integrity? Has HUD studied the likelihood of significant seismic activity occurring in Alexander County? If so, how have the results of this study impacted HUD’s decision to vacate the building? How many units does the ACHA have that are currently vacant and available for residents of the Connell F. Smith building to move into? Where are residents eligible to move and what resources are available to assist them? How soon will housing vouchers be available for residents? How many families do you anticipate being placed in temporary housing and how many in permanent housing? Are there any additional ACHA buildings currently under HUD receivership that have issues that would require resident relocation? I appreciate your attention to this matter, and I look forward to your timely response. Sincerely, ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:20:33Z https://lahood.house.gov/2022/10/lahood-panetta-introduce-bill-to-support-small-businesses-workers-in-travel-and-tourism-sector,"LaHood, Panetta Introduce Bill to Support Small Businesses and Workers in the Travel and Tourism Sector",2022-10-25,2022,2022-10,Republican,House,IL,Darin LaHood,L000585,lahood.house.gov,lahood,https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representatives Darin LaHood (R-IL) and Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), members of the House Ways and Means Committee, introduced the bipartisan Service Worker Economic Stabilization Act, legislation that would help revitalize the tourism and hospitality industries, which were severely impacted by state-mandated closures and continue face the negative effects of inflation and high costs. “State-mandated closures, inflation, and rising costs have wreaked havoc on communities and small businesses throughout Illinois, especially for our hospitality, travel, and tourism sectors,” said Rep. LaHood. “This bipartisan bill will provide support to affected small businesses and workers, giving them more certainty and helping them accelerate recovery. I will continue to work to reduce the impact of inflation and high costs on small businesses and families in Illinois."" “Our hospitality and tourism industry on the central coast of California continue to be impacted by inflation, labor shortages, and decreased business spending,” said Rep. Panetta. “Our legislation, the Service Worker Economic Stabilization Act, will help this industry regain lost business spending by extending the full deduction for business meals and restoring the deduction for business entertainment expenses. Ensuring our local businesses have customers during the week will give workers more regular hours and business owners more certainty, putting them on a path to a full recovery.” “The business meal will always be a bedrock opportunity for restaurants. We’re grateful to Reps. LaHood and Panetta for continuing to support the restaurant industry by proposing this bipartisan extension of the business meals deduction. At a time when the industry is facing sky-high cost increases and an unknown economic future, any encouragement to partake of our hospitality is appreciated,” said Aaron Frazier, Vice President of Public Policy, National Restaurant Association. “This critical bill will support small businesses and workers in America’s restaurants, theaters, arts and entertainment venues by removing tax penalties that add to the challenges already plaguing the industry, such as our ongoing workforce challenges,” said Tori Emerson Barnes, U.S. Travel Association Executive Vice President of Public Affairs and Policy. “It will relieve pressure on business travel budgets and directly benefit still-recovering travel workers, particularly food and entertainment service workers, who would see a projected increase in household income of $62 billion over the next two years.” “Franchise businesses continue to face tremendous cost pressures dealing with inflation, supply chain disruptions, and worker retention. This bill would help ensure business owners will have the necessary resources to carry out their basic business functions and plan with more certainty and clarity as they forecast expenses in an unpredictable economic climate,"" added the International Franchise Association. “Business travel is vital to America’s hotel employees as well as the millions of other jobs our industry supports. But post-pandemic business travel recovery remains uneven, particularly in many major cities where employees are concentrated. And with hotel employment projected to be down more than 15% from pre-pandemic levels by the end of 2022, the Service Worker Economic Stabilization Act is a welcome solution that will encourage business travel and help hotels and hotel employees fully recover. The American Hotel & Lodging Association is proud to support this bill, and we thank Reps. Darin LaHood and Jimmy Panetta for their important work on this issue,"" said AHLA President & CEO Chip Rogers Background: The Service Worker Economic Stabilization Act would reinstate the 50 percent Entertainment Business Expense Deduction, and would also extend the 100 percent deduction for business meals (which is reduced back down to 50 percent at the end of 2022) through the end of 2024. No industry lost more jobs during the pandemic than the travel and tourism industry. The Service Worker Economic Stabilization Act would help revitalize small businesses reeling from the pandemic closures and economic challenges, while investing in workers throughout the country. The full text of the Service Worker Economic Stabilization Act can be read here. LaHood introduced similar legislation in 2020, and you can read more about that here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:34:28Z https://lahood.house.gov/2022/10/u-s-lebanon-friendship-caucus-statement-on-maritime-border-agreement-between-israel-and-lebanon,U.S.-Lebanon Friendship Caucus Statement on Maritime Border Agreement Between Israel and Lebanon,2022-10-11,2022,2022-10,Republican,House,IL,Darin LaHood,L000585,lahood.house.gov,lahood,https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representatives Darin LaHood (R-IL), Debbie Dingell (D-MI), and Darrell Issa (R-CA), bipartisan Co-Chairs of the U.S.-Lebanon Friendship Caucus, released the following statement following the announcement that Lebanon and Israel reached a maritime border agreement along disputed territory in the eastern Mediterranean Sea: ""The announced maritime agreement along the disputed Mediterranean territory between Lebanon and Israel is a positive step for economic and long-term stability in the Middle East. We appreciate the commitment of United States negotiators who worked during multiple presidential administrations to support frank discussions as both sides navigated this historic agreement. As the U.S. continues to support engagement between Lebanon and Israel, we believe this agreement is a positive step that will help ease serious economic challenges for the people of Lebanon and will increase security and stability in the region."" The Co-Chairs recently led a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken on the maritime border issue. You can read the letter here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:20:33Z https://lahood.house.gov/2022/10/lahood-brady-pritzker-s-inaction-risks-higher-unemployment-taxes-on-main-street-businesses,"LaHood, Brady: Pritzker's Inaction Risks Higher Unemployment Taxes on Main Street Businesses",2022-10-05,2022,2022-10,Republican,House,IL,Darin LaHood,L000585,lahood.house.gov,lahood,https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Employers in Illinois, who already bear one of the largest tax burdens in the country, are facing more potential tax increases, as the state fails to pay back federal loans. This could further undercut job creation and drive prices higher just as families and small businesses are struggling with record-high inflation and a looming recession. In a new letter, Congressman Darin LaHood (R-IL) and Ways and Means Republican Leader Rep. Kevin Brady (R-TX) urged Governor Pritzker and the State of Illinois to responsibly pay back unemployment trust fund loans to avoid raising taxes on these businesses. Twenty-two states, including Illinois, were forced to take federal loans during the pandemic and most used COVID relief funds to pay back those loans, responsibly restoring their trust funds to avoid raising taxes on Main Street businesses. Yet, Illinois remains in debt, despite claiming a budget surplus and receiving generous federal coronavirus aid. Read the full letter here. Key Points: If the states don’t repay these loans, employers are at risk of bearing the burden of the state’s inaction through higher taxes. Despite having access to generous federal Coronavirus Relief Funds and record budget surpluses, these states have failed to pay back their outstanding loans in a timely manner. The outstanding loan balances mean businesses in Illinois could face a Federal Unemployment Tax Act (FUTA) tax credit reduction – resulting in a FUTA tax increase. Employers could see an increase in their net federal unemployment taxes in 2023, with the maximum rate going from $42 per covered employee up to $63 per employee. Background: How the Federal Unemployment Tax (FUTA) works: The first $7,000 paid annually by employers to each employee is taxed under FUTA (at a 6 percent gross tax rate). This can be a maximum federal tax of $420 per employee per year. However, generally few employers have to pay that much tax because employers in states with programs approved by the U.S. Department of Labor get credits that reduce the tax burden. (They may credit up to 5.4 percentage points of state unemployment taxes paid against the 6.0 percent tax rate, making the minimum net federal unemployment tax rate 0.6 percent.) Because most employees earn more than the $7,000 taxable wage ceiling in a calendar year, the FUTA tax typically is $42 per worker per year. However, these savings can be chipped away if the state doesn’t repay loans. How states’ failure to repay loans results in higher taxes for businesses: Employers in states whose unemployment insurance funds have outstanding loans (or federal advances) for two or more consecutive years could have their FUTA credit reduced by 0.3 percent for each year of outstanding balances if they fail to make repayment by November 10th. These credit reductions incrementally ratchet up over time. For outstanding balances of more than 3 years, a second credit reduction applies, and after 5 years, a different FUTA credit reduction calculation kicks in. Additional federal taxes attributable to the credit reduction are applied against the state's outstanding loan. Thus, the additional tax revenue from employers goes to paying off a state's outstanding debt – essentially leaving businesses to foot the bill. This means higher taxes for employers at a time when they’re struggling to find workers and other costs are increasing. The Ways and Means Committee sent additional letters to governors in California, Connecticut, and New York. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:20:33Z https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-miller-sends-warning-parents-dangers-rainbow-fentanyl-halloween-0,Rep. Miller Sends Warning to Parents on the Dangers of Rainbow Fentanyl as Halloween Approaches,2022-09-29,2022,2022-09,Republican,House,IL,Mary E. Miller,M001211,marymiller.house.gov,marymiller,https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON - Congresswoman Mary Miller (R-IL) spoke on the House floor to send a warning to parents on the dangers of rainbow fentanyl, which cartels are trafficking and selling in the United States to appeal to children. Full remarks are below: ""Mr. Speaker, as Halloween approaches, it is vital that we inform parents of the dangers of fentanyl, which is now the number one killer of young people in America. Fentanyl is an extremely lethal opioid that drug cartels are trafficking across our open southern border. We must warn parents that cartels are trafficking and selling rainbow fentanyl, which are colorful pills designed to appeal to children. These pills are deadly, and parents should carefully check their child’s Halloween candy this year. It is tragic that President Biden and his “border czar” Vice President Harris have allowed the border crisis to become so dangerous and pose such a serious threat to our children. Right now, the immediate danger is fentanyl, and parents must be vigilant.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:08:33Z https://lahood.house.gov/2022/9/lahood-applauds-republican-commitment-to-america,LaHood Applauds Republican Commitment to America,2022-09-23,2022,2022-09,Republican,House,IL,Darin LaHood,L000585,lahood.house.gov,lahood,https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"PEORIA – Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-18) released the following statement after House Republicans unveiled their Commitment to America, an agenda that will help Americans struggling under one-party Democrat control of Washington: ""For the past two years, Illinois families have suffered under the policies coming from out of touch Democrats in Washington. Inflation is at a forty year high, shrinking paychecks and increasing costs. Our kids suffered severe education loss from harmful school lockdowns. Violent crime is on the rise, a raging border crisis and an ongoing flow of deadly drugs across the country is putting our communities in danger. ""Democrats have no plan to solve these challenges - only more wasteful government spending and more overreach. Republicans are united under a plan that will forge a new direction. Our Commitment to America will build an economy that is strong, a nation that is safe, a future that is built on freedom, and a government that is accountable."" Learn more about House Republicans Commitment to America here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:08:33Z https://lahood.house.gov/2022/9/lahood-s-mental-health-legislation-passes-out-of-the-ways-and-means-committee,LaHood's Mental Health Legislation Passes Out of the Ways and Means Committee,2022-09-22,2022,2022-09,Republican,House,IL,Darin LaHood,L000585,lahood.house.gov,lahood,https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – The House Ways and Means Committee today unanimously passed a package of bipartisan bills that will strengthen mental and behavioral health care services and expand access for patients. The package includes H.R. 8892, the Access to Mental Health Services Act, which was introduced by Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-18) and will heighten awareness of such services, identify gaps in coverage under private insurance, and prevent surprise medical bills for mental health. The legislation will help to ensure that Americans can get the help they need, especially in times of crisis. “Mental and behavioral health services are critical components of our health care system, and Congress can do more to ensure patients better understand their access to these services, especially in rural communities like those in the 18th District of Illinois,” said Rep. LaHood. “This bipartisan bill will help mental and behavioral health care providers to better treat patients and increase access to mental health care services, particularly in situations of mental health crisis care, while also protecting patients from surprise medical billing. On the Ways and Means Committee, I will continue to be an advocate for our mental and behavioral health care providers and patients in central and west-central Illinois.” Coverage for mental health crisis services under private insurance varies, and limited availability of in-network providers can restrict access for consumers. While many consumers do have access to such services, they may not know where to access them or may worry about the perceived stigma of obtaining such mental health crisis services. The landmark No Surprises Act (NSA) provides new federal consumer protections against surprise medical bills for all emergency services and certain non-emergency services. However, while the Departments of Health and Human Services, Labor, and the Treasury (Departments) have clarified that certain mental health crisis care settings fall under the NSA’s definition of emergency services and guarantee such consumer protections, others do not. Accordingly, H.R. 8892 seeks to expand outreach efforts and identify private insurance barriers to accessing mental health crisis services: Heightening awareness of such services: This bill requires the Departments to conduct an outreach campaign regarding the availability of mental health crisis services under private insurance. In addition, the outreach campaign would promote the potential benefits of accessing such services and seek to address any perceived stigma in obtaining such services. Identifying potential coverage gaps: This bill requires the Departments to submit a report to Congress concerning private insurance coverage for mental health crisis services, any potential barriers to accessing such services, and potential issues related to unexpected surprise medical bills. Bill text for H.R. 8892 can be found here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:08:33Z https://bost.house.gov/2022/9/bost-slams-biden-admin-over-decision-to-offer-abortions-through-va,BOST SLAMS BIDEN ADMIN OVER DECISION TO OFFER ABORTIONS THROUGH VA,2022-09-20,2022,2022-09,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), the Ranking Member of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, and other House Republican Ranking Members today sent a letter to Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Denis McDonough regarding the Department’s illegal plan to provide abortion and abortion counseling to certain veterans and VA beneficiaries. “The Biden Administration is violating the will of the American people who don’t want their tax dollars used to pay for abortion at VA,” said Bost. “VA is also clearly violating the law, which has prohibited abortion at VA for 30 years. By using unelected bureaucrats to make policy decisions better left to duly elected representatives, VA is undercutting our constitutional process and the sanctity of life at the same time. This executive overreach is frighteningly common under President Biden. It is illegal, wrong, and must stop.” Full text of the letter can be read here and below: The Honorable Denis McDonough Secretary U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs 810 Vermont Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20420 Dear Secretary McDonough, We write to express our concern that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) plans to provide abortion and abortion counseling to certain veterans and VA beneficiaries without clear legal authority. Section 106 of the Veterans Health Care Act of 1992 (Public Law 102-585) (hereinafter referred to as section 106) authorized VA to provide certain health care services to women veterans, but specifically prohibited abortion. While the services that Congress has authorized VA to provide have changed significantly since then, Congress has never acted to repeal or replace the prohibition against abortion in section 106. During a recent Committee on Veterans’ Affairs hearing, Under Secretary for Health, Dr. Shereef Elnahal, testified that the Veterans' Health Care Eligibility Reform Act of 1996 (Public Law 104-262) granted VA general treatment authority that supersedes Section 106. However, that is not the case. Congress also has consistently enacted appropriations laws to prohibit federal funds from being used to provide abortion, with limited exceptions, across the government since the Hyde Amendment was first enacted in 1976. For VA, it has been unnecessary for Congress to impose the Hyde Amendment due to the underlying 1992 statutory prohibition. Section 106 remains current law and clearly imposes a limitation on VA’s ability to provide abortion. Your decision to proceed with rulemaking to add abortion to VA’s medical benefits package exceeds VA’s statutory authority and is a troubling example of the Biden Administration’s growing pattern of Executive overreach. A recent Supreme Court decision, West Virginia v. EPA, clarified the limitations of certain agency action. Although Article I, Section 1 of the United States Constitution vests “all legislative powers” in Congress, the Biden Administration has largely relied on Executive action to advance its radical agenda. In his first year, President Biden issued more Executive orders and approved more major rules than any recent president. Such reliance on the administrative state undermines our system of government. Our founders provided Congress with legislative authority to ensure lawmaking is done by elected officials, not Executive branch staff. Given this Administration’s track record and your recent efforts to provide abortion through the VA health care system via rulemaking, despite a clear legal prohibition against doing so, we are compelled to underscore adherence to West Virginia v. EPA and remind you of the limitations of your authority. In West Virginia v. EPA, the Court invoked the “major questions doctrine” to reject an attempt by the EPA to exceed its statutory authority. As the Court explained, “[p]recedent teaches that there are ‘extraordinary cases’ in which the ‘history and breadth of the authority that [the agency] has asserted,’ and the ‘economic and political significance’ of that assertion, provide a ‘reason to hesitate before concluding that Congress’ meant to confer such authority.” Under this doctrine, an agency must point to “clear congressional authorization for the authority it claims.” However, the EPA could not point to such authorization. Rather, the EPA “discover[ed] an unheralded power representing a transformative expansion of its regulatory authority in the vague language of a long-extant, but rarely used, statute designed as a gap filler.” Notably, such discovery “allowed [EPA] to adopt a regulatory program that Congress had conspicuously declined to enact itself.” As a result, the Court rejected the EPA’s attempt to so plainly exceed its statutory authority. Recently, the Court also struck down the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s attempt to impose an eviction moratorium and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s attempt to impose a vaccine or testing mandate. In West Virginia v. EPA, the Court made clear that such reliance on the administrative state will no longer be allowed. To be clear, “the Constitution does not authorize agencies to use pen-and-phone regulations as substitutes for laws passed by the people’s representatives.” In the United States, it is “the peculiar province of the legislature to prescribe general rules for the government of society.” We see worrisome parallels between the EPA actions that preceded West Virginia v. EPA and your actions to add abortion and abortion counseling to VA’s medical benefits package. The legal rationale in the interim final rule is tenuous at best. Certainly, it does not meet the high bar of the “clear congressional authorization” required for such a politically significant action. This is especially true in light of the contrary, thirty-year-old prohibition against VA providing abortion and longstanding Congressional requirements restricting the use of federal funds for abortion. As the Committees of jurisdiction overseeing VA and ensuring VA is properly funded to care for veterans and their families, caregivers, and survivors, we assure you that we will exercise the full extent of our investigative, oversight, and legislative powers to enforce our Article I obligations, but also to ensure the Administration does not continue to exceed its legal authority. Accordingly, to assist in this effort, please provide the following no later than October 3, 2022: A list of all pending rulemakings pertaining to the Department of Veterans Affairs, the specific Congressional authority for each rulemaking, and the estimated budgetary impact for each rulemaking. A list of all expected rulemakings pertaining to the Department of Veterans Affairs, the specific Congressional authority for each expected rulemaking, and the estimated budgetary impact for each expected rulemaking. The specific Congressional authority for the interim final rule (IFR) on reproductive health services that was published on the Federal Register on September 9, 2022, and the estimated budgetary impact of that rulemaking. Additionally, please provide written responses to the following: Will taxpayer dollars be used to fund late-term birth abortions? Will taxpayer dollars be used to fund abortion services and/or counseling to minors through the CHAMPVA program? Will taxpayer dollars be used to provide transportation for veterans seeking abortion services across state lines? Will taxpayer dollars be used to fund any education or awareness campaigns of the IFR and its policy objective? Any legal analyses by the Administration providing public law citations indicating the repeal or replacement of the prohibition against VA providing abortion in Section 106 of the Veterans Health Care Act of 1992 (Public Law 102-585). A detailed legal analysis of how the IFR remains consistent with the recent Supreme Court ruling in West Virginia v. EPA. A detailed legal analysis of the limits, if VA’s Office of General Counsel recognizes any, of VA’s general treatment authority. Thank you for your timely response and commitment to our nation’s veterans. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:08:33Z https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases/2022-us-military-academy-nomination-process,2022 U.S. Military Academy Nomination Process,2022-09-20,2022,2022-09,Republican,House,IL,Mary E. Miller,M001211,marymiller.house.gov,marymiller,https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON - The Office of Congresswoman Mary Miller (IL-15) released the following information on the U.S. Service Academy nomination process for juniors and seniors in Illinois’ 15th Congressional District: Members of Congress are able to nominate young men and women from their respective districts to one of our country's four service academies: Air Force, Army, Merchant Marine, or Navy. More information on these service academies can be found below. Representative Miller may nominate up to ten individuals for each vacant academy slot allotted to our district. The United States Coast Guard does not accept Congressional nominations, applications must be submitted directly to the Director of Admissions. The deadline is fast approaching for high-school juniors and seniors to apply for the U.S. Military Academies. All application forms need to be received in Congresswoman Miller's Danville office on October 21, 2022. To apply, please visit Congresswoman Miller's website, here. Applicants are asked to fill out the information on the website and download the application form to mail back a completed application to the Congresswoman’s Danville Office.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:08:33Z https://lahood.house.gov/2022/9/lahood-s-new-philadelphia-national-historical-park-act-passes-us-house-of-representatives,LaHood's New Philadelphia National Historical Park Act Passes US House of Representatives,2022-09-19,2022,2022-09,Republican,House,IL,Darin LaHood,L000585,lahood.house.gov,lahood,https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – The U.S. House of Representatives today passed Congressman Darin LaHood's (IL-18) bipartisan legislation to establish the New Philadelphia National Historical Park in Pike County, Illinois as a unit of the National Park System. The bill passed by a unanimous vote. LaHood's floor speech in support of the legislation can be viewed here. New Philadelphia, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and designated as a National Historic Landmark, was the first town platted and legally registered by an African American, Free Frank McWorter. McWorter founded the town, which is now part of Barry, Illinois, in 1836. “Since being elected, I have been proud to work with my colleagues in Congress, the Pike County community, and the New Philadelphia Association to properly preserve and recognize the New Philadelphia site,"" Rep. LaHood said. “Frank McWorter’s story is an important part of Illinois and our nation’s history, and the Pike County site deserves historical recognition. Today's passage is an important step in this recognition, and I urge my colleagues in Senate to pass this legislation.” ""The preservation of the town site of New Philadelphia is not only good for Western Illinois, but good for all Illinois, the nation and future generations. New Philadelphia being a part of the National Park system will ensure the story of how people of different racial backgrounds lived and worked together during a time of great racial strife in our country. This will help to inspire future generations,"" said Philip Bradshaw, President of the New Philadelphia Association. ""The New Philadelphia Association truly appreciates the bi-partisan support for the legislation and Congressman LaHood’s leadership."" ""Freedom is the heart of New Philadelphia. Recognizing this town as a NPS site affirms that our country continues to steer in that direction. Compared to New Philadelphia, Mark Twain is west in Hannibal and Abraham Lincoln is east in Springfield. Recognizing Free Frank McWorter affirms the contributions of African Americans alongside these two and many others. Thank you, Congressman LaHood,"" said Gerald McWorter. New Philadelphia completes central Illinois’ 1800s freedom story. With anti-slavery writer Mark Twain to the west and President Abraham Lincoln to the east, town founder Frank McWorter embodies the central role of African Americans in their own freedom struggle. By bringing the site into the National Park System, this bill will allow more people to see and understand the historical and cultural significance of New Philadelphia and ensure its continued preservation for years to come. Related: LaHood Introduces Bill to Establish the New Philadelphia Site as a National Historical Park House Natural Resources Committee Holds Hearing on Rep. LaHood's New Philadelphia Legislation New Philadelphia legislation clears House committee ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:08:33Z https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-miller-jb-pritzkers-safe-t-act,Rep. Miller on J.B. Pritzker's SAFE-T Act,2022-09-15,2022,2022-09,Republican,House,IL,Mary E. Miller,M001211,marymiller.house.gov,marymiller,https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON - Congresswoman Mary Miller (R-IL) released the following statement on Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker's SAFE-T Act: “Governor J.B. Pritzker's soft-on-crime agenda has made Illinois more dangerous, and the Pritzker SAFE-T Act will make it even harder for law enforcement to protect our communities,“ Miller said. “According to the Madison County State's Attorney Thomas A. Haine, the Pritzker SAFE-T Act ends cash bail and will lead to dangerous criminals being released immediately into our neighborhoods, where they can continue to victimize innocent people. Haine said defendants charged under entire categories of serious crimes – such as second-degree murder, robbery, burglary, arson, kidnapping, and aggravated battery will be “non-detainable” while awaiting trial under the new law. The Madison County State’s Attorney stated that on the first day the Pritzker SAFE-T Act is enacted, approximately half of the Madison County jail population will be eligible to walk out the door while cash bail is eliminated throughout Illinois. How can Governor Pritzker argue that releasing HALF of a county's prison population in one day will not increase crime? How can he say that he cares about the law-abiding citizens of Illinois?""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:08:33Z https://bost.house.gov/2022/9/house-passes-bost-backed-veterans-bills,HOUSE PASSES BOST BACKED VETERANS’ BILLS,2022-09-14,2022,2022-09,Republican,House,IL,Mike Bost,B001295,bost.house.gov,bost,https://bost.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. House of Representatives today passed five bipartisan veterans’ bills, including Rep. Mike Bost’s Improving Access to the VA Home Loan Benefit Act. Bost’s bill would enhance VA’s home loan program by streamlining the home buying process for veterans and their families. “The five bills the House passed today will improve the Veterans Benefit Administration to ensure that disabled veterans, student veterans, and their families and survivors get their earned benefits quickly,” said Bost. “This includes the Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act which will help families who are grappling with skyrocketing Bidenflation from the grocery store to the gas pump to make ends meet. I am also glad to see my bill, the Improving Access to the VA Home Loan Benefit Act, pass out of the House today with overwhelming bipartisan support. This bill will ease the homebuying process for veterans by letting them use the same modern purchasing tools that non-veteran homebuyers already use. This will help them get into their new homes faster. The Senate must pass each of these bipartisan proposals as soon as possible.” The following bills were passed out of the House today: H.R. 7735: Improving Access to the VA Home Loan Benefit Act H.R. 7939: The Student Veteran Emergency Relief H.R. 7846: Veterans’ Compensation Cost of Living Adjustment Act H.R. 5916: Wounded Warrior Access Act H.R. 8260: Faster Payments to Veterans Survivors’ Act ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:08:33Z https://bost.house.gov/2022/9/bost-lamalfa-act-to-prevent-states-from-requiring-zero-emission-vehicles,"BOST, LAMALFA FIGHT TO CURB GAS-POWERED VEHICLE BANS",2022-09-06,2022,2022-09,Republican,House,IL,Mike Bost,B001295,bost.house.gov,bost,https://bost.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representatives Mike Bost (R-IL) and Doug LaMalfa (R-CA) today introduced a pair of bills to discourage states from banning gas-powered vehicles. Bost’s bill, the Options for Ownership Act, would require the U.S. Secretary of Transportation to withhold 15% of a state’s Highway Trust Fund dollars if the state prohibits the sale of non-zero emission vehicles. LaMalfa’s bill, the Revoking Engine and Vehicle (REV) Requirements Act, would repeal California’s Clean Air Act waiver the state uses to set its own emissions standards. ""With inflation already sky-high, drivers should not be forced to purchase a car they cannot afford simply to appease the liberals’ Green New Deal dreams,” said Bost. “If states choose to force drivers to purchase cars that don’t use gasoline, then they shouldn’t be able to reap the benefits of the federal fuel tax. It’s that simple.” “The government should not have the authority to force consumers to purchase something if they don’t want to,” said LaMalfa. “Given their price and limited range, electric vehicles aren’t a realistic option for many Americans. California has nowhere near the ability to handle the wholesale forced adoption of electric vehicles. Look at California, when merely days after CARB announced their mandate, the Governor had to plead with residents to not charge their EVs. Our grid would have to be completely rebuilt. Consumers need to be protected from the whims of governmental overreach. We must rescind the power to make these regulations from power-hungry bureaucrats.” California Governor Gavin Newsom signed an executive order in September 2020 that would establish new emissions standards in the State of California. Last month, the California Resources Board approved a new rule to require all new cars and light trucks sold in the State of California to be zero-emission vehicles by 2035, effectively banning all new gas-powered cars. Days later, Newsom also asked Californians to limit the number of hours they charge their electric vehicles. Following Newsom’s executive order, 17 other states have adopted some of California’s standards, including New York, Massachusetts, Vermont, Maine, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Washington, Oregon, New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware, Colorado, Minnesota, Nevada, Virginia, and New Mexico. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:08:33Z https://bost.house.gov/2022/9/bost-slams-biden-admin-s-illegal-action-to-provide-abortions-through-va,BOST SLAMS BIDEN ADMIN’S ILLEGAL ACTION TO PROVIDE ABORTIONS THROUGH VA,2022-09-02,2022,2022-09,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), the Ranking Member of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, slammed the Biden Administration today after Secretary Denis McDonough announced that the Department of Veterans Affairs was acting to provide abortions through the VA healthcare system. ""Abortion is wrong, and Congress prohibited VA from providing it decades ago,” said Bost. “This proposal is contrary to longstanding, settled law and a complete administrative overreach. I oppose it and am already working to put a stop to it."" Last year, Bost and hundreds of House Republicans wrote to Secretary McDonough to reiterate that VA is prohibited in law from providing abortions. That letter can be found here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:08:33Z https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-miller-statement-president-bidens-remarks-american-people-overwhelmingly,"Rep. Miller Statement on President Biden's Remarks: ""The American people overwhelmingly reject this failed President""",2022-09-01,2022,2022-09,Republican,House,IL,Mary E. Miller,M001211,marymiller.house.gov,marymiller,https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Oakland, Ill. - Congresswoman Mary Miller (R-IL) issued the following statement on this evening's remarks by President Biden: ""Tonight, Joe Biden spoke about ""unity"" and ""democracy"" after behaving as a radical authoritarian, tearing apart America and using the DOJ to target his political opponents,"" Miller said. ""Biden tried to use the federal government to fire 84 million Americans for refusing to disclose their COVID vaccination status after promising he would not impose a vaccine requirement. He opened our southern border to an invasion of human traffickers and fentanyl smugglers in violation of US immigration law and his Constitutional oath to defend our borders. He used the FBI to intimidate and threaten parents who showed up at school board meetings to oppose his woke transgender agenda and racist Critical Race Theory policies. Newly released emails show that the Biden White House was engaging Big Tech companies to silence and censor his critics. After promising to ""heal the soul of the nation,"" Joe Biden has resorted to name-calling because the incompetent Marxists running his White House created an inflation crisis, an energy crisis, a border crisis, and a recession. The American people overwhelmingly reject this failed President and miss the energy independence, border security, and booming economy we had under President Trump.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T03:08:33Z https://bost.house.gov/2022/8/bost-illinois-delegation-urge-president-biden-to-grant-fema-individual-assistance-to-metro-east-following-severe-flash-floods,BOST & ILLINOIS DELEGATION URGE PRESIDENT BIDEN TO GRANT FEMA INDIVIDUAL ASSISTANCE TO METRO EAST FOLLOWING SEVERE FLASH FLOODS,2022-08-31,2022,2022-08,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), along with the entire Illinois Congressional delegation, sent a letter to President Biden requesting that Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provide federal assistance to the State of Illinois to help St. Clair County respond to significant damage from the flash floods on July 26. “We write in support of Illinois Governor JB Pritzker’s request for federal assistance for the State of Illinois to help St. Clair County to recover from severe flooding that occurred last month. Governor Pritzker has indicated that this incident is of such severity and magnitude that effective response and recovery is beyond the combined capability of the state and local governments. As such, he requests Individual Assistance for St. Clair County to help the residents clean up and rebuild amid this large-scale flood damage,”the lawmakers wrote. In their letter, the lawmakers laid out the severity of the storm, which forced more than 20 Metro East families to evacuate. “On July 26, a historic storm in the area resulted in eight to 12 inches of rain in a mere 12 hours, causing the evacuation of more than 20 families, road closures, and widespread flood damage. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) worked with the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) and the County to assess more than 700 homes reporting damage,”they continued. “We respectfully request that you approve Governor Pritzker’s request for Individual Assistance for St. Clair County,” the lawmakers concluded. Full text of the letter is available here and below: August 30, 2022 Dear Mr. President: We write in support of Illinois Governor JB Pritzker’s request for federal assistance for the State of Illinois to help St. Clair County to recover from severe flooding that occurred last month. Governor Pritzker has indicated that this incident is of such severity and magnitude that effective response and recovery is beyond the combined capability of the state and local governments. As such, he requests Individual Assistance for St. Clair County to help the residents clean up and rebuild amid this large-scale flood damage. On July 26, a historic storm in the area resulted in eight to 12 inches of rain in a mere 12 hours, causing the evacuation of more than 20 families, road closures, and widespread flood damage. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) worked with the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) and the County to assess more than 700 homes reporting damage. It is worth noting that these were the same storms that caused damage across the river in Missouri, following which you swiftly approved Missouri Governor Mike Parson’s request for a Federal Disaster Declaration. We believe Illinois residents deserve equal consideration amid the same weather events to receive federal assistance toward recovery as well. We respectfully request that you approve Governor Pritzker’s request for Individual Assistance for St. Clair County. Thank you for your timely consideration of this important request. We stand ready to assist in any way appropriate. Sincerely, ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T02:59:24Z https://bost.house.gov/2022/8/bost-statement-on-biden-s-federal-student-loan-cancelation-plan,BOST STATEMENT ON BIDEN’S FEDERAL STUDENT LOAN CANCELATION PLAN,2022-08-24,2022,2022-08,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) released the following statement after President Biden announced his plan to cancel $10,000 in federal student loans per borrower: “I appreciate that many young people and their families are struggling with the burden of student loan debt. But there are many hardworking Americans who attended a trade school, work in the service industry, run a small business, or stayed home to raise a family who are struggling too. It is unfair to make them shoulder the cost for those who decided to attend college. We must continue working to find solutions that make college more affordable and accessible, but President Biden’s plan is nothing more than a taxpayer giveaway to score political points.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T02:59:24Z https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-miller-statement-biden-taxpayer-funded-bailout-leftist-colleges-and,Rep. Miller Statement on Biden Taxpayer-Funded Bailout for Leftist Colleges and Universities,2022-08-24,2022,2022-08,Republican,House,IL,Mary E. Miller,M001211,marymiller.house.gov,marymiller,https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Effingham, Ill. - Congresswoman Mary Miller (R-IL) released the following statement on President Biden's announcement on student loan “forgiveness”: ""Today, Joe Biden announced a $300 billion taxpayer-funded bailout for leftist colleges and universities that prey upon young people by selling them worthless ""humanities"" degrees so they can become foot soldiers in the Marxist revolution destroying America,"" Miller said. ""In the midst of the Biden Recession, Joe Biden is using working class taxpayers to pay off his donors and voters at a time of historic debt, and record inflation."" ""The blue-collar working class is now saddled with the cost of paying off ""elite"" institutions with billion dollar endowments. They defrauded young people by exaggerating their future earning power that would enable them to pay back those loans."" ""Parents sacrificed for years to save for their children's college expenses and many students forfeited going to the school of their choice and instead choose community college or instate tuition. Some didn't go to college because it was unaffordable and didn't want to pay back loans. Many people worked full time and lived at home to pay for college and lots of graduates have been making college loan payments for YEARS! President Biden's decision to bailout colleges and universities adds insult to injury and is completely irresponsible."" ""A new majority in Congress must investigate the staggering increase in costs for college degrees, the disconnect between those rising costs and the job prospects of graduates who cannot pay back these loans, and the corrupt endowment system! The U.S. Department of Education's role is to protect and defend the TAXPAYERS, not the leftist colleges and universities with billion dollar endowments that prey upon borrowers! It's time to defund and eliminate the U.S. Dept. of Education.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T02:59:24Z https://bost.house.gov/2022/8/bost-announces-2022-congressional-app-challenge,BOST ANNOUNCES 2022 CONGRESSIONAL APP CHALLENGE,2022-08-18,2022,2022-08,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 invited middle and high school students from Illinois’ 12th Congressional District to participate in the 2022 Congressional App Challenge. Launched in 2015, the competition is a nationwide event intended to engage students’ creativity and encourage their participation in STEM fields. “In an increasingly technological world, the Congressional App Challenge provides students with an opportunity to grow their coding skills,” said Bost. “I encourage Southern Illinois middle and high school students to participate this year and am looking forward to seeing what they create.” The Congressional App Challenge is an opportunity to encourage students to create and exhibit their software application (also known as an “app”) for web, PC, tablet, mobile, Raspberry Pi or other platform of their choice. We accept any programming language, such as C, C++, Java, JavaScript, Python, Ruby, ""block code"", etc. Students may compete as individuals or in teams of up to four, as long as two of the teammates attend schools within the 12th District. The deadline to submit an app is November 1, 2022, but students are encouraged to register and submit their apps early. Students can find more information and register to participate here. Additional questions can be directed to Congressman Bost’s Carbondale office at 618-457-5787. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T02:59:24Z https://bost.house.gov/2022/8/bost-votes-against-biden-s-spending-spree,BOST VOTES AGAINST BIDEN’S SPENDING SPREE,2022-08-12,2022,2022-08,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 voted against Democrats’ tax and spending bill. The legislation contains funding for the IRS to hire an additional 87,000 agents, a 15% minimum tax on book income, drug price controls, a natural gas tax, and billions of dollars for Green New Deal provisions. “President Biden and D.C. liberals will stop at nothing to make their Green New Deal dreams a reality, even if it means crushing struggling American families in the process,” said Bost. “This bill is packed with taxes that will kill jobs and raise energy prices and price controls that will sabotage the development of new lifesaving medications and cures. When 40-year high inflation is already making it nearly impossible for Americans to pay their bills, fill up their cars, and put food on their tables, this spending spree is not the solution. It will only make a bad situation worse.” Provisions in the bill: Funding for the IRS to hire 87,000 new agents, which will mean 1 million new audits of people making $200,000 or less 15% minimum tax on book income Drug price controls that would kill the development of up to 342 lifesaving drugs and cures $27 billion slush fund for a National Climate Bank to dole out money for pet projects and special interest groups $396 billion for green special interests without guardrails to ensure the funding doesn’t go towards Chinese companies Natural gas tax $500 million slush fund for the Biden Administration to use the Defense Production Act to carry out their radical climate agenda in the name of a “national emergency” $500 million for DHS to carry out “sustainability and environmental programs” instead of securing the border and enforcing immigration laws $3 billion for a new fleet of electric postal trucks ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T02:59:24Z https://lahood.house.gov/2022/8/lahood-opposes-democrats-reconciliation-bill,LaHood Opposes Democrats' Reconciliation Bill,2022-08-12,2022,2022-08,Republican,House,IL,Darin LaHood,L000585,lahood.house.gov,lahood,https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-18) released the following statement on his vote against Democrats' so-called ""Inflation Reduction Act,"" legislation that will raise taxes, kill American jobs, and target working families with a supercharged IRS: ""The historic inflation crisis is hitting Illinois families hard, with the cost of everyday necessities – food, fuel, and electricity – rising significantly since President Biden took office. Instead of reducing inflationary spending, the Biden Administration is doubling down on their failed economic agenda that launched us into a recession. The so-called ""Inflation Reduction Act” is filled with tax hikes that will harm working families, manufacturers, and Main Street businesses. This bill targets low and middle income families by creating a supercharged IRS with unprecedented new audit and enforcement authorities, adds more government into healthcare choices, limits new lifesaving cures, and prioritizes Green New Deal spending over measures that would reduce inflation. As our economy enters a recession and Illinois families face an inflation crisis, the so-called ""Inflation Reduction Act"" is the last thing we need.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T02:59:24Z https://bost.house.gov/2022/8/pact-act-signed-into-law,PACT ACT SIGNED INTO LAW,2022-08-10,2022,2022-08,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) released the following statement after the president signed the SFC Heath Robinson Honoring Our PACT Act into law: “For the past 20 months, we have worked with countless advocates, senators, and members of Congress from both sides of the aisle to get comprehensive toxic exposure legislation to the president’s desk. As a veteran myself, this goal was always a top priority of mine. The PACT Act will make a difference in the lives of millions of veterans and the survivors and families of those who have unfortunately already left us. It delivers on the promise we have made to our warfighters. Now, Congress will be focused on ensuring VA properly implements this massive bill. The funding in it must be strictly used for getting veterans the care, benefits, and services they are due.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T02:59:24Z https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-miller-issues-statement-fbis-raid-president-trumps-residence,Rep. Miller Issues Statement on FBI’s Raid of President Trump’s Residence,2022-08-09,2022,2022-08,Republican,House,IL,Mary E. Miller,M001211,marymiller.house.gov,marymiller,https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON - Congresswoman Mary Miller (R-IL) issued the following statement on the unprecedented raid of President Trump’s residence: ""Every American should be alarmed and outraged by what’s happening in this country. This raid on a former President’s home is unprecedented and has all the markings of a total abuse of power,"" Miller said. ""If TODAY the FBI does not raid the homes of the Biden family members who took payments from Chinese communist officials, Moscow officials, and Ukrainian officials while holding ""10% for the Big Guy,"" then we have conclusive proof of two systems of justice. The evidence is on a laptop that has been in the FBI's possession FOR YEARS. Remember, the FBI went after Paul Manafort for the same offenses that are well documented on the ""laptop from hell."" Where are the Biden family FARA registrations for the Chinese, Russian, and Ukrainian government-controlled entities? The policies of the Biden Administration and Congressional Democrats have led us into a recession with open borders, a massive crime wave, food shortages, supply chain issues, a destruction of our youth, and a foreign policy crisis showing extreme weakness on the world stage. In an act to make us all forget, the Department of Justice is now engaging in partisan politics by smearing President Trump, attempting to affect the outcome of the 2022 midterm elections AND the 2024 presidential election at the request of President Trump’s political enemies on the sham J6 Committee. By targeting the political opponents of Joe Biden and engaging in partisan politics on behalf of the Democrat Party, the FBI has done lasting and permanent damage to our democracy. The Biden DOJ officials involved in this attack on the democratic process must be held accountable by Congress under a new majority. If this is what they’re able to do to the former president of the United States, think about what they could do to you.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T02:59:24Z https://lahood.house.gov/2022/8/lahood-statement-on-u-s-strike-that-killed-terrorist-ayman-al-zawahiri,LaHood Statement on U.S. Strike that Killed Terrorist Ayman al-Zawahiri,2022-08-02,2022,2022-08,Republican,House,IL,Darin LaHood,L000585,lahood.house.gov,lahood,https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-18), a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, released the following statement on the U.S. drone strike that killed al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri: ""America is safer with al-Qaeda terrorist leader Ayman al-Zawahiri gone, and I applaud the members of our Intelligence Community who acted to take him out. For decades, al-Zawahiri worked alongside Osama bin Laden to carry out attacks on American citizens, including the 9/11 attacks. The work done to end al-Zawahiri’s terror reign is a testament to the United States’ resolve to pursue those who threaten our interests and our citizens at home and abroad. We are grateful to our U.S. Military and Intelligence Community personnel, and I will continue to support their work and resources on the House Intelligence Committee. ""Unfortunately, this mission also serves as a reminder that al-Qaeda is not gone from Afghanistan as President Biden claimed last year following his disastrous withdrawal. Rising threats from al-Qaeda and other terror organizations in the region must be confronted by the Administration in consultation with Congress to keep America safe.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T02:59:24Z https://lahood.house.gov/2022/7/lahood-delbene-chabot-bera-introduce-bipartisan-resolution-to-promote-the-u-s-digital-economy-and-digital-trade,"LaHood, Delbene, Chabot, Bera Introduce Bipartisan Resolution to Promote the U.S. Digital Economy and Digital Trade",2022-07-28,2022,2022-07,Republican,House,IL,Darin LaHood,L000585,lahood.house.gov,lahood,https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representatives Darin LaHood (IL-18), Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Steve Chabot (OH-01), and Ami Bera (CA-07) introduced a bipartisan, bicameral resolution outlining the importance of the U.S. digital economy and greater U.S. leadership on digital trade negotiations with like-minded countries. The resolution calls for the White House to negotiate strong, inclusive, forward-looking, and enforceable rules on digital trade and the digital economy with like-minded countries as part of a broader trade and economic strategy to address trade barriers and ensure that the American values of democracy, rule of law, freedom of speech, human and worker rights, privacy, and a free and open internet are at the very core of the digital world and advanced technology. “Digital trade is an engine for economic growth and a vehicle to promote American values and standards around the world,” said Rep. LaHood, a member of the House Ways & Means Committee. “Supporting free and open digital trade policies will support our broader trade and economic strategy, help U.S. industries remain competitive in the global marketplace, and support our national security interests. As co-chair of the bipartisan Digital Trade Caucus, along with Rep. Suzan DelBene, I will continue to advocate for a robust and proactive trade agenda that strengthens the American economy and empowers the US to work with our partners and allies to set rules and standards in the evolving digital trade marketplace.” “In the 21st century, the U.S. should be rule makers, not rule takers, for the global digital economy. Digital trade is far more than just the tech sector. It supports nearly 8 million American jobs and is especially important to Washington state’s tech, agriculture, and manufacturing industries. This resolution encourages the U.S. to pursue digital trade chapters in broader trade and economic agreements that also emphasize strong labor and environmental provisions,” said DelBene, Vice Chair of the House Ways & Means Committee. “Without American leadership in this space now, we risk an unchecked China with its dangerous example built around censorship and surveillance.” “Without U.S. leadership and engagement in negotiations, there is no guarantee that digital trade policies impacting the U.S. will be pro-worker, pro-consumer, or pro-small business,” said Bera, Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific, Central Asia, and Nonproliferation. “It is critical to advance policy efforts that will ensure workers are treated fairly, consumers’ privacy is protected, and that small businesses have the digital tools they need to create good jobs. This resolution supports a forward-looking and enforceable digital trade agreement with like-minded countries, including with our partners in the Indo-Pacific, to ensure the digital world embodies the democratic values we champion.” “Expanding digital trade through high-standards agreements would bring untold benefits to American consumers, workers, and small businesses,” said Chabot, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific, Central Asia, and Nonproliferation. “As the Ranking Member of the Foreign Affairs Asia-Pacific subcommittee, I see this as particularly critical in the Indo-Pacific where countries are eager for increased U.S. economic engagement. And it is imperative that we are at the table to write the rules of the road, because our absence would bolster China’s efforts to spread digital authoritarianism throughout the Indo-Pacific and directly challenge to our values in the region.” “If the United States isn’t leading on trade, we’re falling behind – which is especially true in the digital economy. We are at a crossroads of standard-setting in the digital sector – particularly when it comes to digital trade – and it is paramount the United States and our like-minded allies are shaping high-standard, forward-looking, and enforceable policies that reflect our values. We cannot leave it to nations like China. We have our work cut out for us, and I thank my colleagues for the opportunity to co-lead this bipartisan, bicameral resolution to outline how the U.S. can foster economic prosperity through digital trade,” said Smith, Ranking Member of the House Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee. The resolution was cosponsored by Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee Chairman Earl Blumenauer (OR-03) and Ranking Member Adrian Smith (NE-3). A companion resolution in the Senate was led by Senators Young (IN) and Carper (DE) and is cosponsored by Sens. Ron Wyden (OR) and Mike Crapo (ID), the chairman and ranking member of the Senate Finance Committee, Ben Cardin (MD), and John Cornyn (TX). A copy of the resolution can be found here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T02:49:02Z https://lahood.house.gov/2022/7/lahood-statement-on-2nd-quarter-gdp-report,LaHood Statement on 2nd Quarter GDP Report,2022-07-28,2022,2022-07,Republican,House,IL,Darin LaHood,L000585,lahood.house.gov,lahood,https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-18), a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, released the following statement on the 2nd Quarter GDP report, which shows the economy dangerously slipping into a recession:""Under the Biden Administration and one-party Democrat rule in Washington, inflation is at a 40-year high, gas prices have doubled, real wages are falling, and the economy has shrunk for the second straight quarter. The White House can play word games all they want, but it's their reckless economic policies and failure to address the true causes of inflation that are forcing families in central and west central Illinois to make incredibly tough budgetary decisions. ""Now, Congressional Democrats have revived their radical ""Build Back Better"" agenda that would raise taxes, kill American jobs, and stifle our independent energy sector, all while pushing inflation higher and further harming economic growth. President Biden and Washington Democrats carelessly threw our economy into a recession, and they are preparing to make it worse for American workers and families."" ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T02:49:02Z https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases/biden-recession,The Biden Recession,2022-07-28,2022,2022-07,Republican,House,IL,Mary E. Miller,M001211,marymiller.house.gov,marymiller,https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON - Congresswoman Mary Miller (R-IL) released the following statement on the Biden Recession: ""The Biden Recession is a serious crisis for our country: negative growth, extreme inflation, high gas prices, a supply chain crisis, and labor shortages,"" Miller said. ""Biden and the corrupt ""media"" don't want to admit that Marxist economic policies caused this, so they are just lying to the public and gaslighting about the definition of ""recession."" Right now, Senate Democrats are working on a ""Green New Deal"" spending plan that will make inflation and the energy crisis even worse. My constituents miss President Trump and the booming economy, energy independence, and low gas prices we had during the Trump Administration!""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T02:49:02Z https://lahood.house.gov/2022/7/lahood-joins-brookings-and-csis-for-discussion-on-the-importance-of-domestic-renewal-amid-great-power-competition,LaHood Joins Brookings and CSIS for Discussion on the Importance of Domestic Renewal Amid Great Power Competition,2022-07-25,2022,2022-07,Republican,House,IL,Darin LaHood,L000585,lahood.house.gov,lahood,https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-18) joined the Brookings Institution and the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) as part of their Vying for Talent program for a conversation with Brookings Senior Fellow Ryan Hass about the importance of domestic renewal amid a great power competition. The discussion focused on the challenges presented by China, the outlook for the United States’ relationship with China, and how Congress can strengthen our global competitiveness. The full discussion can be viewed here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T02:49:02Z https://bost.house.gov/2022/7/house-committee-approves-bost-truck-parking-bill,HOUSE COMMITTEE APPROVES BOST TRUCK PARKING BILL,2022-07-20,2022,2022-07,Republican,House,IL,Mike Bost,B001295,bost.house.gov,bost,https://bost.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – The House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee today unanimously voted to advance U.S. Representative Mike Bost’s (IL-12) Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act to the full House for approval. The bill would set aside existing U.S. Department of Transportation funding to address a critical shortage in available parking for semis and large commercial trucks. “Growing up in a family trucking business, I am all too familiar with the struggle our nation’s truckers face as they push the extra mile to find somewhere safe to park,” said Bost. “Expanding access to parking options for truckers will not only help ensure their safety and the safety of all on the road but will also help address our supply chain crisis by ensuring they aren’t spending precious time searching for somewhere to park. I’m grateful to my colleagues for supporting my bill today and hope that it will quickly be brought up for a vote on the House floor soon.” In 2012, Congress passed Jason’s Law in honor of Jason Rivenburg, a truck driver who lost his life in a violent crime because he couldn’t find safe parking. Jason’s Law established federal studies, stakeholder meetings, and roundtables to examine truck parking issues. The Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act would build on the results of these studies. The Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act is co-sponsored by 37 members of Congress. In addition, it is supported by the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA), the American Trucking Associations (ATA), the Truckload Carriers Association, ATA Law Enforcement Advisory Board, Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance, ATA Women in Motion Advisory Board, SHIPPERS Coalition, National Association of Small Trucking Companies, and Consumer Brands Association. Click here to watch Bost’s remarks during the committee markup. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T02:49:02Z https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-miller-american-people-are-appalled-radical-leftwing-agenda,Rep Miller: The American People are Appalled by the Radical Leftwing Agenda,2022-07-19,2022,2022-07,Republican,House,IL,Mary E. Miller,M001211,marymiller.house.gov,marymiller,https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON - Congresswoman Mary Miller (R-IL) issued the following statement on the extreme leftwing agenda of House Democrats: “In just one week, House Democrats have managed to bypass the wishes of the American people and pass radical legislation that permits abortion through the 9th month, assures payouts to Planned Parenthood, attacks the traditional family, and eliminates medical supervision for chemical abortion pills. The American people, who overwhelmingly oppose abortion through the third trimester, are appalled by the radical leftwing agenda put forward by the Speaker,"" Miller said. ""House Democrats are pushing an extreme leftwing agenda to try and distract from surging gas prices, record inflation and the crisis at the border. It took less than two years for woke leftists to destroy the American economy, which was booming under President Trump's leadership. These same leftists have also openly advocated for open borders, transgender surgeries on teens, and removing the Second Amendment rights of our citizens. All of these initiatives are deeply unpopular with the American people, and I will always vote NO against the radical agenda of the Left.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T02:49:02Z https://bost.house.gov/2022/7/bost-votes-against-democrats-abortion-bills,BOST VOTES AGAINST DEMOCRATS’ ABORTION BILLS,2022-07-15,2022,2022-07,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 voted against legislation to override the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization and stop states from limiting abortion services. “Last month, the Supreme Court restored power to the American people to determine how abortion services are regulated in their state,” said Bost. “This has not stopped Speaker Pelosi and House Democrats from pushing forward with their abortion-on-demand agenda. If these bills became law, states would be powerless to protect the lives of unborn children with developmental disabilities. They would be unable to ensure parents are involved in the decision-making process if their young daughter is pregnant. And they would put the lives of women and minors at risk by eliminating mandatory reporting laws and medical supervision.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T02:49:02Z https://bost.house.gov/2022/7/bost-introduces-bill-to-make-prairie-du-rocher-a-national-park,BOST INTRODUCES BILL TO MAKE PRAIRIE DU ROCHER A NATIONAL PARK,2022-07-14,2022,2022-07,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 introduced legislation to establish the Prairie du Rocher French Colonial National Historical Park. The park would include sites in Prairie du Rocher, Kaskaskia, and Fort de Chartres. “Southern Illinois is blessed to have a rich history that began long before the founding of our nation,” said Bost. “Founded in 1722 as a French settlement, Prairie du Rocher once represented the western boundary of the United States. Today, its many sites still stand as some of the best examples of French Colonial architecture and culture in the United States. As we celebrate 300 years of Prairie du Rocher, it is vitally important that we preserve this piece of our history for years to come.” Click here to read the bill. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T02:49:02Z https://bost.house.gov/2022/7/bost-votes-to-support-toxic-exposed-veterans,BOST VOTES TO SUPPORT TOXIC-EXPOSED VETERANS,2022-07-13,2022,2022-07,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) tonight voted in support of legislation to connect toxic-exposed veterans and their survivors with the health care and benefits they have earned. The SFC Heath Robinson Honoring Our PACT Act passed the House on a bipartisan basis and now heads to the Senate for consideration. “Since 9/11, an estimated 3.5 million servicemembers were exposed to burn pits and other dangerous substances in service to our nation,” said Bost. “This bill is for them and the survivors they left behind. The PACT Act will expand health care and disability benefits to toxic-exposed veterans and equip VA to take better care of them and their loved ones. As a veteran, I am pleased that we were able to pass this bill out of the House today. I hope that the Senate will pass it, and the President will sign it into law, very soon. And I thank the veterans service organizations and the many Senators and Members of Congress from both parties for the hard work they have put into this effort.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T02:49:02Z https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-miller-statement-41-year-record-inflation-high-91,Rep. Miller Statement on 41-year Record Inflation High of 9.1%,2022-07-13,2022,2022-07,Republican,House,IL,Mary E. Miller,M001211,marymiller.house.gov,marymiller,https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON - Congresswoman Mary Miller (R-IL) released the following statement on the new 41-year inflation high of 9.1% under President Biden: ""Under President Biden, Speaker Pelosi, and Leader Schumer, inflation has reached a shocking 9.1%, the highest in 41 years. Inflation is causing prices to skyrocket, which hurts working families trying to buy groceries and seniors living on a fixed income the hardest,"" Miller said. ""The very people that Biden, Pelosi, and Schumer claimed they would represent are suffering the worst under their leadership. Once GDP numbers are released, our nation will officially be in a recession while the cost of living is at an all-time high. It took less than two years for woke leftists to destroy the American economy, which was booming under President Trump's leadership. Like every American, I fear for the country that our children and grandchildren will inherit after the irreparable damage of Biden, Pelosi, and Schumer's reckless spending and leftist economic policies.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T02:49:02Z https://bost.house.gov/2022/6/bost-applauds-supreme-court-ruling-on-abortion,BOST APPLAUDS SUPREME COURT RULING ON ABORTION,2022-06-24,2022,2022-06,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) released the following statement regarding the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in the case of Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization: “The issue of life is one that’s very personal to my wife, Tracy, and me; it’s the reason we got involved in politics nearly 40 years ago. I agree wholeheartedly with the Supreme Court’s decision to restore power to the American people to determine for themselves how abortion services are regulated in their state. It’s a historic decision that will help save the lives of countless innocent unborn children. As liberals in Illinois and Washington undoubtedly push forward with their abortion on-demand agenda, I’ll keep fighting to protect the lives of the unborn.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T02:39:01Z https://lahood.house.gov/2022/6/lahood-statement-on-dobbs-v-jackson-decision,LaHood Statement on Dobbs v. Jackson Decision,2022-06-24,2022,2022-06,Republican,House,IL,Darin LaHood,L000585,lahood.house.gov,lahood,https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-18) released the following statement on the Supreme Court's decision on the Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization: ""As a father of three and Pro-Life advocate, I applaud the Supreme Court's decision in the Dobbs case, returning the question of abortion to the states and to the people. In Congress, I stood proudly with the growing Pro-Life movement to advocate for the Supreme Court to reconsider Roe v. Wade, and this decision is a huge victory for the sanctity of life. ""Democrats in Washington and Illinois, including President Biden, Speaker Pelosi, and Governor Pritzker have spent years seeking to undermine and delegitimize our independent judiciary. In the weeks since the unprecedented leak of Justice Alito's opinion, we have seen attacks on pro-family crisis pregnancy centers, disruptions of church services, and an assassination attempt on Justice Kavanaugh and his family. The Dobbs decision, in the face of violence, is a win for our independent judiciary and the Constitution. ""Governor Pritzker continues to push his radical abortion agenda in Illinois, which includes late-term and taxpayer-funded abortion, restrictions on conscience protections, and limits on parental involvement. The Governor's policies are widely outside the mainstream. I will continue to lend a voice to the voiceless and push to enact Pro-Life protections that uphold the sanctity of life and support mothers and families.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T02:39:01Z https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-mary-miller-scotus-decision-overturn-roe-v-wade-joyous-victory-life,"Rep. Mary Miller on SCOTUS Decision to Overturn Roe v. Wade: ""A Joyous Victory for Life!""",2022-06-24,2022,2022-06,Republican,House,IL,Mary E. Miller,M001211,marymiller.house.gov,marymiller,https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Congresswoman Mary Miller (R-IL) released the following statement regarding the United States Supreme Court's decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, overturning Roe v. Wade. ""A joyous victory for Life! The end of Roe is the beginning of a new chapter, where we embrace a culture of life with a reverence for all of God's children,"" Miller said. ""I applaud President Trump, who delivered on his promise of a Court that would honor the Constitution and our sacred right to life. Please join me in praying for all the unborn victims of Roe v. Wade and for the women who have been deceived by the cruel abortion industry. I look forward to always defending life during my time in Congress, and I will never stop using my voice to speak out on behalf of those who have no voice.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T02:39:01Z https://bost.house.gov/2022/6/bost-backed-veterans-mental-health-bill-passes-house,BOST BACKED VETERANS’ MENTAL HEALTH BILL PASSES HOUSE,2022-06-23,2022,2022-06,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 applauded House passage of the Supporting the Resilience of Our Nation’s Great (STRONG) Veterans Act. This bipartisan legislation gives the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) important new resources to support veterans’ mental health and well-being. “Veterans deserve access to the health resources they need to thrive following their brave service, and the STRONG Veterans Act will help them get it,” said Bost. “This bill will help more veterans connect with crisis services and improve the delivery of mental health support for veterans and military families across the country. I am proud to sponsor the STRONG Veterans Act and look forward to seeing it passed by the Senate and signed into law soon.” If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, contact the Veterans Crisis Line to receive free, confidential support and crisis intervention available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Call 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1, text to 838255 or chat online at http://VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T02:39:01Z https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-miller-opposes-senate-gun-control-framework-implementing-unconstitutional,Rep. Miller Opposes Senate Gun Control Framework Implementing Unconstitutional Red Flag Laws,2022-06-21,2022,2022-06,Republican,House,IL,Mary E. Miller,M001211,marymiller.house.gov,marymiller,https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Oakland, Ill. - Congresswoman Mary Miller (R-IL), member of the House Second Amendment Caucus, issued the following statement upon the of the release of the Senate's gun control framework that implements unconstitutional red flag laws: ""I oppose the Senate gun control bill released today because I oppose all efforts to infringe on the Second Amendment rights of my constituents with ""red flag"" gun confiscation,"" Miller said. ""The leftists pushing these gun confiscation policies have created a crime wave with their ""woke"" soft-on-crime policies and the open southern border. If they cared about public safety, they would secure the border and these leftist DAs would prosecute criminals instead of releasing them.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T02:39:01Z https://lahood.house.gov/2022/6/lahood-sanchez-introduce-legislation-to-expand-access-to-retirement-plans,"LaHood, Sanchez introduce legislation to expand access to retirement plans",2022-06-17,2022,2022-06,Republican,House,IL,Darin LaHood,L000585,lahood.house.gov,lahood,https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Darin LaHood (R-IL) and Congresswoman Linda T. Sánchez (D-CA) introduced the Starter-K Act, bipartisan legislation that will expand access to retirement savings for more Americans. Companion legislation has been introduced in the Senate by Senators John Barrasso (R-WY) and Tom Carper (D-DE). Only half of small businesses with fewer than 50 employees currently provide a retirement plan for their employees. The Starter-K Act creates starter retirement plans that streamline regulations and lower costs for small businesses and start-ups, resulting in more access to easy retirement savings. Employees of participating small businesses are automatically enrolled, meaning easier retirement savings up to $6,000 per year. “In Illinois and throughout America, small businesses are the biggest employers and they should be able to provide their workers with better options to save for retirement,” said Congressman Darin LaHood. “Our bipartisan legislation will remove unnecessary, complex regulations to allow more small businesses to offer retirement plans and help more Americans secure their financial future.” “Small businesses fuel our economy and allow our communities to thrive,” said Congresswoman Linda T. Sánchez. “Unfortunately, the hard-working Americans who keep our small businesses running are often left with few options to save for retirement. This legislation will help small business owners provide their employees with streamlined, cost-effective retirement plans, ensuring more Americans can retire with financial peace of mind.” The Starter-K Act creates “starter” defined contribution plans (DC) under Sections 401(k) and 403(b). These starter DC plans would streamline regulations by providing employers a safe-harbor for the nondiscrimination and top-heavy testing requirements for defined contribution plans. Employers are not required to provide matching contributions, meaning lower costs for small businesses and start-ups. Eligible employers are those who do not currently offer a plan. Annual contributions would be limited to $6,000, indexed to inflation (with an additional catch-up contribution for those at least age 50). Eligible employees are automatically enrolled at the minimum default level of 3% of pay. Directs the Department of Labor (DOL) to provide simplified reporting for the plans.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T02:39:01Z https://lahood.house.gov/2022/6/lahood-intel-gop-kick-off-beyond-the-scif-series,"LaHood, Intel GOP Kick-Off Beyond the SCIF Series",2022-06-16,2022,2022-06,Republican,House,IL,Darin LaHood,L000585,lahood.house.gov,lahood,https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-18), House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence (HPSCI) member, kicked off the House Intelligence GOP Committee's Beyond the SCIF Series this week with ""Defending Western Economies Against Chinese Unfair Practices"" hosted by American Enterprise Institute (AEI). Beyond the SCIF is an effort by Lead Republican Mike Turner and the House Intelligence Committee Republicans to connect with experts and leaders in the national security field to create an open dialogue on threats facing our nation and what committee members can do to counter the malign actions of our adversaries. Rep. LaHood at AEI Defending Western Economies Against Chinese Unfair Practices During his opening remarks, Congressman LaHood states that China ""has a plan to replace us."" This lays the foundation for the rest of the discussion as each panelist critically assesses and unpacks the implications of China's threat towards the U.S. both economically and militarily. Watch the full livestream here. Panel Participants: Congressman Darin LaHood James Palmer, Deputy Editor, Foreign Policy Derek Scissors, AEI Senior Fellow Adolfo Urso, Chairman of the Italian Parliament Intelligence Committee The next installment of the Beyond the SCIF Series will be in July. Follow @HouseIntelGOP on Twitter for updates. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T02:39:01Z https://lahood.house.gov/2022/6/lahood-panetta-lead-bipartisan-push-for-white-house-to-strengthen-us-supply-chains-in-wake-of-covid-19-pandemic,"LaHood, Panetta Lead Bipartisan Push for White House to Strengthen US Supply Chains in Wake of COVID-19 Pandemic",2022-06-15,2022,2022-06,Republican,House,IL,Darin LaHood,L000585,lahood.house.gov,lahood,https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congressmen Darin LaHood (IL-18) and Jimmy Panetta (CA-20) led a bipartisan letter to President Joe Biden urging the United States to bolster supply chains to support U.S. preparedness, strengthen our economy, and improve international vaccine delivery efficiency as we move forward from the COVID-19 pandemic. In the letter, the members push the White House to prioritize strategies that support a robust U.S. economy and global supply chain, including maintaining testing and therapeutics, PPE, ventilators, cold chain capacity, and training of healthcare workers. They also encourage the Administration to support policies that advance further U.S. innovation, utilize our existing COVID 19 resources efficiently, and work with Congress to meet these critical goals. ""We believe support in these areas will save lives globally, protect the United States from any future variants, and help the world to move forward from the COVID 19 pandemic,"" the lawmakers write. ""An investment to maintain vaccination efforts in lower income countries now will eliminate the need to spend trillions later in res ponding to successive waves of COVID variants. We are ready to engage with your administration further to support U.S. leadership in ending the COVID-19 pandemic."" The full letter can be read here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T02:39:01Z https://lahood.house.gov/2022/6/lahood-statement-on-caterpillar-hq-relocation-to-texas,LaHood Statement on Caterpillar HQ Relocation to Texas,2022-06-15,2022,2022-06,Republican,House,IL,Darin LaHood,L000585,lahood.house.gov,lahood,https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"PEORIA – Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-18) released the following statement on Caterpillar's decision to relocate its headquarters from Illinois to Texas: ""Caterpillar's decision to move its headquarters from Illinois is deeply disappointing, as was its leadership's misguided decision to leave Peoria in 2017. The Greater Peoria Area and central Illinois remain the home to much of Caterpillar's workforce in Illinois, and this decision will leave many workers in our community with questions that deserve answers from Caterpillar's leadership. I will continue to work to ensure that Caterpillar's leadership keeps their commitment to Illinois' workforce and minimizes any repercussions this could have on our downstate communities. ""For nearly 100 years, Illinoisans have helped build Caterpillar into the company it has become, it is a part of our identity, and this move is a blow to our state. We need to change the trajectory of Illinois and work to provide a better business climate, more competitive tax policies, and more growth opportunities. Despite what Governor JB Pritzker and Illinois Democrats say, Illinois businesses and workers are over-taxed, over-regulated, and will be impacted by this move. Caterpillar's move should be a wake-up call for the Governor and Democratic legislature who have pushed for higher taxes, soft-on-crime policies, more regulations, and punished our energy sector."" You can find Rep. LaHood's statement on Caterpillar's relocation of its headquarters from Peoria to Deerfield in 2017 here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T02:39:01Z https://lahood.house.gov/2022/6/lahood-delbene-lead-bipartisan-push-for-white-house-to-protect-american-companies-workers-against-new-tariffs-at-wto-conference,"LaHood, DelBene Lead Bipartisan Push for White House to Protect American Companies, Workers Against New Tariffs at WTO Conference",2022-06-13,2022,2022-06,Republican,House,IL,Darin LaHood,L000585,lahood.house.gov,lahood,https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Digital Trade Caucus Co-Chairs Darin LaHood (IL-18) and Suzan DelBene (WA-01) led a bipartisan effort calling on World Trade Organization (WTO) members to renew a longstanding agreement that bars new tariffs and other trade barriers on digital goods and digital services that would harm American companies and workers. In a letter to U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai, 34 House lawmakers pushed the Biden administration to make renewing the Moratorium on Customs Duties on Electronic Transmissions one of its top priorities at the twelfth WTO Ministerial Conference (MC12) this week in Geneva. “The international flow of digital goods and digital services has become increasingly vital to American workers and businesses of all sizes, including the countless small businesses that use digital tools to export products and services across the globe. Failing to renew the Moratorium, as we have done for more than twenty years, would undermine the strength of the American economy, jobs, and innovation,” the lawmakers wrote. “If the Moratorium is not renewed, governments around the world would be free to impose tariffs and other trade barriers on numerous American industries that transmit products and services electronically and rely heavily on the free flow of data around the globe, including manufacturing, agriculture, entertainment, software, financial services, semiconductors, aerospace, autos, robotics, and medical devices."" Since 1998, the U.S. and all other WTO members have agreed to not impose tariffs on electronic transmissions. The moratorium has consistently been extended at WTO ministerial conferences ever since. The U.S. has been a consistent advocate for the moratorium. The moratorium covers electronic transmissions of both digital goods (e.g., e-books, music, movies, and video games) and digital services (e.g., software, emails, and text messages), enabling a stable environment for growing digital trade and American jobs. The letter to Ambassador Tai can be found here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T02:39:01Z https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-mary-miller-will-vote-no-biden-schumer-gun-control-package,Rep. Mary Miller will vote NO on Biden-Schumer Gun Control Package,2022-06-12,2022,2022-06,Republican,House,IL,Mary E. Miller,M001211,marymiller.house.gov,marymiller,https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Oakland, Ill. - Congresswoman Mary Miller (R-IL) released the following statement announcing she will vote no on the gun control package announced by the Senate: ""I will vote against the Biden-Schumer gun confiscation legislation, which includes red flag gun confiscation that violates the Second Amendment rights of my constituents. As a member of the House Freedom Caucus and the House Second Amendment Caucus, I have always stood up for our Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms, and I will never betray my constituents by caving into the left's demands for gun confiscation.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T02:39:01Z https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases/icymi-rep-mary-miller-beware-lefts-second-amendment-power-grab,ICYMI Rep. Mary Miller: Beware the Left's Second Amendment Power Grab,2022-06-10,2022,2022-06,Republican,House,IL,Mary E. Miller,M001211,marymiller.house.gov,marymiller,https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON - Congresswoman Mary Miller (R-IL) speaks out against the Left's Second Amendment Power grab in a piece published by the Washington Examiner. ""The leftists who wanted to force you to take a vaccine to keep your job and wanted to use a ""Disinformation Board"" to silence your First Amendment right to speak out against the government now want to eliminate your Second Amendment right to defend yourself and your family,"" Miller said. ""Our Bill of Rights, which includes the Second Amendment, is crucial to protect our personal liberties from an all-powerful federal government."" You can read the full piece here and also see Rep. Miller's speech from the Second Amendment Caucus press conference here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T02:39:01Z https://bost.house.gov/2022/6/bost-davis-fighting-to-save-932nd-air-wing-at-scott-afb,"BOST, DAVIS FIGHTING TO SAVE 932ND AIRLIFT WING AT SCOTT AFB",2022-06-09,2022,2022-06,Republican,House,IL,Mike Bost,B001295,bost.house.gov,bost,https://bost.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representatives Mike Bost (IL-12) and Rodney Davis (IL-13) today applauded the inclusion of an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2023 National Defense Authorization Act that would prevent federal funding from being used to retire Scott Air Force Base’s C-40C aircraft as long as the planes remain mission capable. Sidelining the aircraft would mean the end of the 932nd Airlift Wing’s flying mission. “The 932nd Airlift Wing provides critical transport for U.S. leaders and special assignment missions,” said Bost. “The loss of the C-40Cs would be detrimental to military readiness and the Scott AFB community. I’m grateful to my colleagues on the Armed Services Committee for working with Rep. Davis and me to advance this amendment to ensure these aircraft continue to fulfill their vital mission based right here at Scott AFB.” “Since 2007, the C-40s of the 932nd Airlift Wing at Scott Air Force Base have contributed to our Nation’s military readiness and the transportation of military and U.S. Government leaders across the globe,” said Davis. “The Air Force’s proposed divestment of this aircraft will negatively impact the Wing personnel who are stationed at Scott Air Force Base and also the Scott AFB community. I’ve been proud to work with Rep. Bost and our colleagues on the House Armed Services Committee to protect Scott AFB’s C-40 mission, and am thankful that the committee added our language at yesterday’s mark-up of the FY23 NDAA. As discussions over defense spending continue, Rep. Bost and I will continue to advocate for priorities important to Scott Air Force Base.” The House Armed Services Committee is expected to approve the defense authorization bill later this month before it advances to the full House for a vote. Bost and Davis had previously urged the committee to include C-40C aircraft protections in the legislation this year and met with Air Force leadership regarding the issue. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T02:39:01Z https://lahood.house.gov/2022/6/lahood-presses-treasury-secretary-yellen-on-inflation-tax-hikes-and-high-costs-for-illinois-families,"LaHood Presses Treasury Secretary Yellen on Inflation, Tax Hikes, and High Costs for Illinois Families",2022-06-08,2022,2022-06,Republican,House,IL,Darin LaHood,L000585,lahood.house.gov,lahood,https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – At today's House Ways and Means Committee hearing with Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-18) pressed on President Biden's economic agenda, the impact of inflation on working families in Illinois, and the harm of proposed tax hikes by the Biden Administration on costs for consumers. Rep. LaHood's full remarks are below. Secretary Yellen, welcome. Frankly, Secretary Yellen, I wish you would be here more with everything going on in the economy, as I think this is the second time you've come here in 18 months. Madam Secretary, like so many of my colleagues, have talked about, I just spent the last two weeks in my district in central and west-central Illinois. The two biggest issues are gas and groceries. That is what everyone talks about, and it transcends everything. Inflation is a tax on Americans, and those making the least are the ones most affected. Two weeks ago, I attended an event put on by Americans for Prosperity at Beachler’s Gas Station in Peoria, IL where AFP paid the difference between the cost of gasoline today and $2.30, the price per gallon the day President Biden took office. It's now over $5.00 in Peoria. We had people lined up for hours. Literally five-mile-long lines. I talked to a lot of those folks who are single moms, working families, and low-income folks filling up gas. There was immense anxiety and fear about the state of our economy. As I listen to you here today and look at what has not been done by this Administration it's very perplexing whether the Administration is tone-deaf or just becoming aware of these issues. I look at what President Obama's Treasury Secretary Larry Summers said, alerting the Administration in February of 2021 about the fear of inflation, and nothing was done. I want to pivot and talk about the budget of the Treasury Department, which is why we are here. As I look at Biden Administration’s FY2023 budget proposal, the budget proposal includes $4 trillion in tax hikes on U.S. companies, including targeted tax hikes on U.S. energy. My question is, will hitting these U.S. businesses with $4 trillion in tax hikes help lower the costs of goods for consumers?",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T02:39:01Z https://lahood.house.gov/2022/6/rep-lahood-announces-2022-u-s-service-academy-appointments,Rep. LaHood Announces 2022 U.S. Service Academy Appointments,2022-06-06,2022,2022-06,Republican,House,IL,Darin LaHood,L000585,lahood.house.gov,lahood,https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Peoria, IL - Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-18) on Friday, June 3rd, announced that seven of the young men and women he nominated to U.S. Service Academies have accepted appointments to attend the United States Military Academy at West Point, the United States Air Force Academy, and the United States Naval Academy. ""I am honored to have these distinguished young men going on to represent the 18th District of Illinois across the country at our nation's distinguished military academies,"" stated Rep. LaHood. ""After meeting with them and their families, I know they will put country before self and make their family, friends, and hometowns proud. These appointees are shining examples of selfless leaders, and I give them my best as they prepare for this next chapter of their life. I commend them on their commitment and dedication on being selected to these elite military institutions. Wishing them much success!"" Appointees completed a rigorous application process conducted by a selection panel including veterans and central and west-central Illinois community leaders. On Friday, Congressman LaHood hosted the appointees and their families at his Peoria office for a reception to congratulate them on their appointments. 2022 Appointees from IL-18 Wyatt Bailey U.S. Air Force Academy Morton, IL Carter Coffman U.S. Military Academy at West Point Lexington, IL Adam Duffer U.S. Military Academy at West Point East Peoria, IL George Fish U.S. Air Force Academy Bloomington, IL Kyle Rolf U.S. Naval Academy Springfield, IL Jettason Rose U.S. Air Force Academy Quincy, IL Camden Swigart U.S. Air Force Academy Bloomington, IL",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T02:39:01Z https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-mary-miller-statement-uvalde-texas-tragedy,"Rep. Mary Miller Statement on Uvalde, Texas Tragedy",2022-05-25,2022,2022-05,Republican,House,IL,Mary E. Miller,M001211,marymiller.house.gov,marymiller,https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Oakland, Ill. - Congresswoman Mary Miller (R-IL) issued the following statement on the tragedy in Uvalde, Texas: “Chris and I are grieving for the families in Uvalde as they face this unimaginable loss, and we are praying for the Lord to comfort and guide the entire Uvalde community through this dark time. It's shocking that President Biden would use this tragedy to make a political speech last night, where he called on Congress to respond by restricting the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens who had nothing to do with this tragedy. I support securing our schools, funding the police departments that were defunded, and prosecuting criminals instead of releasing them. I will continue to support the Second Amendment rights of my constituents in Illinois to defend their homes and their families in the same manner that President Biden, Speaker Pelosi, and Leader Schumer defend their homes and their families.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T02:29:07Z https://lahood.house.gov/2022/5/lahood-opens-military-service-academy-applications-process-hosting-service-academy-day-with-rodney-davis,"LaHood Opens Military Service Academy Applications Process, Hosting Service Academy Day with Rodney Davis",2022-05-20,2022,2022-05,Republican,House,IL,Darin LaHood,L000585,lahood.house.gov,lahood,https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Peoria, IL – Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-18) announced today that he is accepting applications from students who wish to seek a nomination to one of our nation's service academies for the Class of 2027. LaHood can nominate students to the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA), U.S. Military Academy (USMA), U.S. Naval Academy (USNA), or the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA). LaHood will also host a Service Academy Day informational event for interested students, parents, and school officials with Congressman Rodney Davis (IL-13) in Springfield on Saturday, June 18th. “I am honored to nominate outstanding individuals from the 18th District to be considered to attend our great service academies each year,” said Rep. LaHood. ""I encourage interested students to reach out to our office or attend our event to get the process started.” Service academies offer fully-funded four-year scholarships to young U.S. citizens with a desire to serve their country, who qualify by age and academics, who demonstrate desirable leadership qualities, and who have the wherewithal to strive for excellence in all their endeavors. Application Information: To receive an application or for more information about the nomination process visit https://lahood.house.gov/apply-for-a-service-nomination and submit your information or call Mike Gilmore, in Rep. LaHood's Peoria Office at (309)-671-7027. Event Information: WHAT: Service Academy Day hosted by Offices of U.S. Reps. Darin LaHood (IL-18) and Rodney Davis (IL-13) WHEN: Saturday, June 18th, 10:00am-12:00pm, doors open at 9:30am WHERE: Springfield Air National Guard, 183d Wing, 3101 J. David Jones Parkway, Springfield, IL WHO: Students, parents, school counselors are invited to join congressional staff and representatives from the service academies RSVP: Registration is required by June 15th to enter the Air National Guard facility. E-mail Michael.Gilmore@mail.house.gov or call (309) 671-7027 to register.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T02:29:07Z https://bost.house.gov/2022/5/bost-davis-block-harmful-pritzker-provision-that-would-increase-water-costs-for-southern-illinois,"BOST, DAVIS BLOCK HARMFUL PRITZKER PROVISION THAT WOULD INCREASE WATER COSTS FOR SOUTHERN ILLINOIS",2022-05-19,2022,2022-05,Republican,House,IL,Mike Bost,B001295,bost.house.gov,bost,https://bost.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representatives Mike Bost (IL-12) and Rodney Davis (IL-13) yesterday succeeded in stripping language from the House Water Resources Development Act that would have limited access to affordable water for communities at Rend Lake, Carlyle Lake, and Lake Shelbyville. The provision would have set the stage for Governor Pritzker to terminate several existing contracts between the state of Illinois and the Army Corps of Engineers, forcing communities near Army Corps-managed lakes to pay more for water usage. “Once again, Governor Pritzker and liberal Democrats in Chicago and Springfield have completely disregarded the needs of Southern Illinois,” said Bost. “Resources are already stretched thin at the local level and terminating these contracts would have forced our communities to choose between affordable water and other necessary services. I’m pleased that Rep. Davis and I were successful in stripping this provision from the House bill; and we’ll continue working to ensure it doesn’t become law. It’s maddening that Governor Pritzker was willing to increase costs for our people at a time when they are already struggling to make ends meet.” “Governor Pritzker and his left-wing allies are already forcing electric rates higher with their energy policies,” said Davis. “On top of rising energy costs and historic inflation, the last thing communities in central and southern Illinois need to pay more for is water, which is what Pritzker is pushing. If the State’s financial condition is as rosy as Pritzker says it is, why is he trying to pass water costs along to local communities in these challenging economic times? Fortunately, Rep. Bost and I were successful in blocking Pritzker in the House, but Senators are pushing this policy in the Senate. As debate over WRDA continues, Rep. Bost and I will continue to advocate for these provisions to stay out of the final bill.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T02:29:07Z https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-miller-joins-republican-study-committee-introducing-womens-bill-rights,Rep. Miller Joins the Republican Study Committee in Introducing the Women's Bill of Rights,2022-05-19,2022,2022-05,Republican,House,IL,Mary E. Miller,M001211,marymiller.house.gov,marymiller,https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON - Today, Congresswoman Mary Miller (R-IL), Republican Study Committee Chairman Jim Banks (IN) and other RSC members gathered outside the Capitol to discuss the introduction of the “Women’s Bill of Rights” resolution to reaffirm legal protections for women. Senators Ted Cruz (TX), Cindy Hyde-Smith (MS), and Cynthia Lummis (WY) introduced companion legislation in the Senate. “I will never be afraid to speak out in defense of our daughters, who need adults in leadership positions who are not afraid of being criticized by radical leftists,"" Miller said. ""The answer to the question “what is a woman” has been clear for the entire history of our civilization, and it has not changed since Genesis. The radical left has launched an attack on biology because they want to put themselves above God, and they want to brainwash our daughters with their ""wokeism."" That’s why today, we are unveiling the Women’s Bill of Rights in order to legally define what it means to be a woman. I am doing this on behalf of my 5 daughters, and all women. This common-sense document will help codify our common understanding and the reality we all know of the words ‘female,’ ‘woman,’ and ‘sex’, and I am proud to support it.” The following outside groups support the RSC’s Women’s Bill of Rights: Independent Women’s Voice, Independent Women’s Law Center, Concerned Women for America LAC, Heritage Action for America, American Principles Project, Women’s Liberation Front, Family Policy Alliance, Eagle Forum, Conservative Political Action Committee (CPAC), and Women’s Declaration International USA.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T02:29:07Z https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-millers-statement-opposing-bidens-amendments-world-health-organizations,REP. MILLER'S STATEMENT OPPOSING BIDEN’S AMENDMENTS TO THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION’S INTERNATIONAL HEALTH REGULATIONS,2022-05-17,2022,2022-05,Republican,House,IL,Mary E. Miller,M001211,marymiller.house.gov,marymiller,https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON - Today, Congresswoman Mary Miller (R-IL) issued the following statement opposing the Biden Administration’s amendments to the World Health Organization’s International Health Regulations: ""The World Health Organization is corrupt and controlled by the Chinese Communist Party, which is why they lied about the origin and transmission of the Wuhan coronavirus and named the Wuhan coronavirus “COVID-19” at China’s request. President Trump was right to withdraw our membership from this corrupt globalist organization, and my constituents are horrified that the Biden Administration is empowering the Chinese Communist Party to govern our response to a pandemic caused by China. Mothers cannot find formula to feed their newborns, yet the DC establishment is funneling billions to an organization that failed to control the spread of the Wuhan coronavirus and lied to the world about its origin. Any action taken by President Biden should be ratified by the United States Senate in accordance with Article II, Section 2 of the United States Constitution.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T02:29:07Z https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-mary-miller-pritzker-federal-funds-cannot-be-used-abortion,Rep. Mary Miller to Pritzker: Federal Funds Cannot Be Used for Abortion,2022-05-16,2022,2022-05,Republican,House,IL,Mary E. Miller,M001211,marymiller.house.gov,marymiller,https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON - Congresswoman Mary Miller (R-IL) released the following statement upon Governor Pritzker's announcement that Illinois will be rejoining the federal Title X program and putting the funds towards the Illinois Family Planning Program, which includes Planned Parenthood. ""The Hyde Amendment and federal law prohibit funding for abortion or abortion services,"" Miller said. ""Governor Pritzker may support aborting 9-month-old babies in the womb, but he can't use tax dollars to pay for it.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T02:29:07Z https://lahood.house.gov/2022/5/lahood-announces-5-million-grant-for-quincy-regional-airport,LaHood Announces $5 Million Grant for Quincy Regional Airport,2022-05-13,2022,2022-05,Republican,House,IL,Darin LaHood,L000585,lahood.house.gov,lahood,https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-18) announced today that Quincy Regional-Baldwin Field Airport received a $5,000,000 grant from the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) Airport Improvement Program (AIP). The grant will be used to continue the reconstruction of the airport's runway and improve overall safety. ""The Quincy Airport is an important part of our transportation system in west-central Illinois,"" said Rep. LaHood. ""This grant will help fund phases 3 and 4 of the ongoing runway construction project which will upgrade the facility, improve operations and help allow the airport to expand their services. In Congress, I will continue to work to support local infrastructure that adds jobs and stimulates our economy in Illinois."" The FAA funding is part of the FY22 Regular AIP grants program to help improve the runways and ensure the Quincy airport is compliant with the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) safety guidelines. Related: LaHood Announces $8 Million in Grant Funding for Quincy Regional Airport Rep. LaHood Announces $9 Million Grant Award for the Quincy Regional Airport ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T02:29:07Z https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases/2022-congressional-art-competition-winners,2022 Congressional Art Competition Winners,2022-05-13,2022,2022-05,Republican,House,IL,Mary E. Miller,M001211,marymiller.house.gov,marymiller,https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON - Congresswoman Mary Miller (R-IL) announced that Carmi White County High School student wins the annual Congressional Art Competition. Gage Atteberry of Carmi, Illinois won first place with his piece titled, ""Petrification"". The artwork is a self portrait reimagined as a statue that includes original poetry by the artist. ""Thank you to all the students that participated in this year's Congressional Art Competition. I am encouraged and impressed by the talented student artists and dedicated teachers that participate in the competition every year,"" Miller said. ""I am pleased to be a part of encouraging the next generation of artistic talent. Art enriches our lives and art education promotes skills that equip children for future successes. Congratulations to Gage on his winning piece that will be a beautiful addition to the halls of Congress for the next year."" Gage competed against 13 other pieces of artwork. The judges for the competition were current and past teachers from Danville Area Community College. The annual Congressional Art Competition celebrates the artistic achievements of the nation’s high school students. Since it began in 1982, more than 670,000 high school students have participated. The winner will be honored by having his artwork hang inside the US Capitol Building for a full year. The second place runner-up in addition to the ""People's Choice"" award on social media was awarded to the piece ""Timeless Love"" by Genesis Campbell of Lawrenceville High School.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T02:29:07Z https://bost.house.gov/2022/5/bost-leads-effort-to-modernize-va-home-loan-program,BOST LEADS EFFORT TO MODERNIZE VA HOME LOAN PROGRAM,2022-05-12,2022,2022-05,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 introduced the Improving Access to the VA Home Loan Act. The bill will enhance VA’s home loan program by streamlining the home buying process for veterans and their families. “VA home loans have given millions of veterans and their families the opportunity to purchase a home,” said Bost. “Yet, on average, veterans wait longer and pay more during the closing process due to VA’s out-of-date appraisal requirements. That’s why I am introducing the Improving Access to the VA Home Loan Act of 2022 today. This bill will make sure that veterans are not unfairly disadvantaged during the home buying process and allow for a modern, digital appraisal process, which will get them into their new home faster.” To learn more about H.R. 7735, the Improving Access to the VA Home Loan Act, click here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T02:29:07Z https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases/honoring-our-veterans-highland-illinois-congressional-vietnam-veteran-pinning,"Honoring our Veterans in Highland, Illinois: Congressional Vietnam Veteran Pinning Ceremony",2022-05-11,2022,2022-05,Republican,House,IL,Mary E. Miller,M001211,marymiller.house.gov,marymiller,https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Highland, Ill. - The office of Congresswoman Mary Miller (R-IL) announced that they will be hosting a Veteran Pinning Ceremony in Highland, Illinois on May 20, 2022. ""I am thankful for all the men and women in the armed forces who protect our country, our freedom, and our way of life,"" Miller said. ""As your congresswoman, I am always on the lookout for ways to honor our service members and recognize the sacrifices that our veterans have made for our country."" Vietnam and Vietnam-era veterans will be honored with a pin, and all veterans in attendance will receive a certificate recognizing their service. Anyone that wishes to attend should RSVP at least three days before the event. Please provide your rank, service branch, years served, and confirmation for the correct spelling of your name. Please also provide an estimate of the number of guests who will be joining you at the event. You can direct questions and confirm your participation by emailing or calling Congresswoman Miller's Deputy District Director Sallie Nyhan at Sallie.Nyhan@mail.house.gov or (217) 500-7834. Full event details are below.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T02:29:07Z https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases/statement-congresswoman-miller-passing-former-representative-tim-johnson,Statement from Congresswoman Miller on the Passing of Former Representative Tim Johnson,2022-05-10,2022,2022-05,Republican,House,IL,Mary E. Miller,M001211,marymiller.house.gov,marymiller,https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON - Congresswoman Mary Miller (R-IL) released the following statement on the passing of Former Illinois Representative Tim Johnson. ""Today, we learned of the passing of a great American, Former Illinois Representative Tim Johnson. Congressman Tim Johnson was a dedicated advocate for downstate Illinois. He loved his family and everyone around him, and he was a comforting source of guidance and advice that I always appreciated. He served our community, state and country for over 5 decades. We'll all miss him but so many of us have great memories as well. I will miss talking with him on my way to and from DC, and Chris and I offer our heartfelt condolences to his son Buzz and the entire Johnson family.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T02:29:07Z https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-mary-miller-host-service-academy-day,Rep. Mary Miller to Host Service Academy Day,2022-05-09,2022,2022-05,Republican,House,IL,Mary E. Miller,M001211,marymiller.house.gov,marymiller,https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON - The Office of Congresswoman Mary Miller (R-IL) will be hosting a Service Academy Day on Saturday, May 14 at the Mahomet Public Library from 10-12 PM CT. The purpose of the event is to share information with students about the process of being nominated to a US service academy or being involved in ROTC. The event will have representatives from the U.S Military Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, U.S. Coast Guard Academy, and representatives from the ROTC Programs. All 7th-12th grade students, parents, guardians, and school staff are invited. Full event details are below. Please reach out to our Deputy District Director Sallie Nyhan at 217-500-7834 with questions.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T02:29:07Z https://bost.house.gov/2022/5/bost-statement-on-leaked-supreme-court-opinion-on-abortion,BOST STATEMENT ON LEAKED SUPREME COURT OPINION ON ABORTION,2022-05-03,2022,2022-05,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) released the following statement after a confidential U.S. Supreme Court draft opinion was leaked indicating the justices are considering overturning Roe v. Wade: “I am proudly pro-life. I believe the Supreme Court draft opinion is a necessary step forward in protecting innocent unborn lives. It empowers the American people to determine for themselves at the state level how to regulate abortion services, free from federal mandates. “As pleased as I am with the draft opinion, I am equally concerned by the fact that this confidential draft was leaked to the media in the first place. I don’t see how it can be interpreted as anything but an attempt to subvert the will of the Court and intimidate justices into changing their decision. That’s a dangerous precedent and one that must be fully investigated.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T02:29:07Z https://lahood.house.gov/2022/5/lahood-statement-on-leaked-draft-of-scotus-opinion-on-the-dobbs-vs-jackson-case,LaHood Statement on Leaked Draft of SCOTUS Opinion on the Dobbs vs. Jackson Case,2022-05-03,2022,2022-05,Republican,House,IL,Darin LaHood,L000585,lahood.house.gov,lahood,https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-18) released the following statement after reports of a draft U.S. Supreme Court (SCOTUS) opinion on the Dobbs vs. Jackson Women’s Health Organization case leaked: ""The unprecedented leak of Justice Alito's reported draft opinion is an attack on the independence of the Supreme Court – a separate and equal branch of our government. Leaders should be defending the Court, but President Biden, Speaker Pelosi, and Governor Pritzker's statements continue to play into the radical Left's long-running campaign to intimidate federal judges and politicize the Supreme Court. These efforts to undermine the rule of law, judicial independence, and the Constitution must not be allowed to prevail. ""As a father of three and a staunch Pro-Life advocate, I believe that the Supreme Court should reconsider Roe and that states should be empowered to enact Pro-Life protections for the unborn. Democrats in Illinois and Congress continue to advocate for an extreme abortion agenda which includes late-term and taxpayer-funded abortion, restrictions on conscience protections, and limits on parental involvement. ""I remain committed to upholding the sanctity of Life and will continue to fight for the voiceless in Congress."" ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T02:29:07Z https://lahood.house.gov/2022/5/house-passes-bipartisan-lahood-legislation-to-support-fish-wildlife-restoration-in-great-lakes,House Passes Bipartisan LaHood Legislation to Support Fish & Wildlife Restoration in Great Lakes,2022-05-02,2022,2022-05,Republican,House,IL,Darin LaHood,L000585,lahood.house.gov,lahood,https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – The House of Representatives last week passed H.R. 5973, the Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act of 2022, bipartisan legislation introduced by Representatives Darin LaHood (R-IL), Paul Tonko (D-NY), and David Joyce (R-OH), and Debbie Dingell (D-MI) to support fish and wildlife in the Great Lakes region. The Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Reauthorization Act of 2022 would reauthorize the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) to work with states and other agencies to develop and execute proposals to conserve, restore and manage fish and wildlife populations and their habitats. “The Great Lakes are a unique resource for Illinois residents who enjoy the outdoors, providing recreation and freshwater, and supporting our economy,” said Congressman LaHood. “As a Dad who regularly enjoys the outdoors with my three sons, I am proud that our bill will help fish and wildlife restoration in the Great Lakes, expand economic opportunities in Illinois, and improve conservation efforts. “Protecting the Great Lakes and its diverse species is personal to me and so many who call Michigan home,” said Congresswoman Dingell. “Our Great Lakes are a way of life– providing fresh water and fish and wildlife habitat, as well as countless economic and recreation opportunities– and they must be preserved for generations to come. I am proud that this bipartisan legislation passed with overwhelming support in the House, and I urge my friends in the Senate to take up this bill and send it to President Biden’s desk. We simply can’t wait to reauthorize this program and protect our Great Lakes and the wildlife that call it home.” “Some of my fondest memories from growing up are connected to the Great Lakes,” said Congressman Joyce. “Our commonsense legislation is critical to protecting the fish and wildlife of the Great Lakes so that both current and future generations have the chance to make similar memories of their own. Congresswoman Dingell, Congressman LaHood, Congressman Tonko, and I are proud that the House passed our bill in an overwhelmingly bipartisan vote and urge our colleagues in the Senate to act on this legislation quickly so that we can continue to preserve the Great Lakes, their natural beauty, and the critical role they play in our economy.” “Our Great Lakes benefit our New York communities in so many ways, providing clean drinking water, supporting healthy environments and ecosystems, and serving as powerful economic drivers,” said Congressman Tonko. “Without federal action to protect our Great Lakes, we could lose these vital resources. Today, the House took that strong action by advancing the bipartisan Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Reauthorization Act. I’m proud to have introduced this legislation alongside my friend and colleague Congresswoman Dingell, and I urge the Senate to move quickly to advance our bill that will strengthen our waterways and ensure they can be enjoyed for years to come.” Background: Since 1998, the Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act has provided federal funding to 148 research and restoration projects in the Great Lakes Basin – from restoring habitat for the Kirtland Warbler, an endangered species, to detecting the successful reproduction of Lake Trout in southern Michigan. Companion legislation has been introduced in the U.S. Senate by Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Rob Portman (R-OH), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), and Todd Young (R-IN). To see the full bill text, please click here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T02:29:07Z https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-miller-slams-biden-admin-possibility-department-veterans-affairs-funds,Rep. Miller Slams Biden Admin for Possibility of Department of Veterans Affairs Funds Going to Border Crisis,2022-04-28,2022,2022-04,Republican,House,IL,Mary E. Miller,M001211,marymiller.house.gov,marymiller,https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON - Today, Congresswoman Mary Miller (R-IL) sent a follow-up letter to the President Biden's Veterans Affairs Secretary asking if any resources from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will be diverted from serving our nation’s veterans to deal with the crisis President Biden has created on our southern border. “We need to ensure that no money that was set aside to help our veterans is being diverted to the southern border,"" Miller said. ""VA resources should be used for our veterans, not to manage President Biden’s self-created crisis at the southern border. Instead of depriving our nation’s heroes of resources, the Biden administration should reinstate the effective border security policies of the Trump administration and complete construction of the border wall.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T02:19:30Z https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases/icymi-rep-mary-miller-standing-parental-rights,ICYMI: Rep. Mary Miller is Standing up for Parental Rights,2022-04-26,2022,2022-04,Republican,House,IL,Mary E. Miller,M001211,marymiller.house.gov,marymiller,https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON - Congresswoman Mary Miller (IL-15) published an opinion piece in the Washington Times and also joined Breitbart News Radio to discuss parental rights over the Biden Administration's push to encourage puberty blockers, hormone therapies, and sex-change surgeries for children who believe they are transgender. You can view Congresswoman Miller's opinion piece here and below. You can listen to the interview as well as read the full Breitbart News article on this topic here. ‘PolitiFraud’ defends Biden’s push for child sex-change procedures By: Congresswoman Mary Miller, Illinois’ 15th District One of the most disturbing trends during the first year of the Biden Administration has been the effort by the White House and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to engage children to push an extreme left-wing political concept known as “gender ideology.” The Biden Administration has bypassed parents to deliver extremely controversial messages to children about “changing” their gender through puberty blockers, chemical castration drugs, and sex change operations. In his short Transgender Day of Visibility message, President Biden mentioned “children” and “kids” five times. Earlier this month, during a House Education and Labor Committee Hearing, I asked President Biden’s HHS Secretary if he considers performing sex-change procedures on 12-year-old children to be child abuse. Secretary Xavier Becerra refused to answer the question. I then asked Secretary Becerra if he would confirm that parental consent would always be necessary for these life-altering procedures, and he once again refused to answer the question. My questioning of President Biden’s HHS Secretary was based on guidance titled “Gender-Affirming Care and Young People,” which was issued by the Biden Administration as a guide for young children on procedures they could purportedly use to “change” their gender. This guidance was issued by political officials with the goal of injecting leftist politics into medicine, which was once respected as apolitical. The Biden guidance recommends telling children that they can change their gender by changing their “hairstyles, clothing, name, gender pronouns, and restrooms,” which the Biden Administration disturbingly recommends at “any age.” The Biden guidance specifically states, “for transgender and nonbinary children and adolescents, early gender-affirming care is crucial to overall health and well-being.” The Biden Administration is engaging in extreme “woke” politics by encouraging children to take chemical castration drugs and undergo surgeries, and they are lying to children by telling them puberty blockers are “reversible.” I asked President Biden’s HHS Secretary why he claims blocking puberty is “reversable,” but he once again refused to answer any questions about this guidance. The concerns I raised to the Secretary during the committee hearing were challenged by a left-wing media organization called “PolitiFact,” which claimed that puberty blockers are “reversible” and therefore safe for children as young as 10 years old. Horrified by PolitiFact’s agenda of encouraging 10-year-olds to experiment with puberty blockers, I explained to the left-wing reporter that blocking puberty is dangerous for young children and can lead to irreversible outcomes. I cited the Mayo Clinic’s guidance on puberty blockers, which states that use of GnRH analogues can have long-term effects on growth spurts, bone growth and density, and future fertility. Shockingly, the Mayo Clinic guidance references starting puberty blockers on children as young as 10 years old and giving them injections or implants to prevent puberty for years. Purposely preventing a child's physical development is child abuse, and leftists are targeting young children with radical transgender politics in the classroom and on social media to push them towards a course that will permanently affect their life. The Los Angeles Times ran an extensive piece on this topic, which cites practitioners who say many clinicians are rushing teens into medicalization and that “sloppy healthcare work” would result in “more young adults who will regret having gone through this process.” In a thorough follow-up study of sex-reassigned people, extending over 30 years, ten to 15 years after surgical reassignment, the suicide rate of those who had undergone sex-reassignment surgery rose to 20 times that of comparable peers. After admitting in their own article that puberty blockers could cause irreversible effects and acknowledging that I cited the Mayo Clinic as my medical source, “PolitiFraud” still rated my claim as “false” because they are a leftist political organization, not a fact-finding organization. There is a reason that left-wing PolitiFact chose Easter Sunday, the most holy day of the Christian calendar, to advance their radical agenda of permanently harming young children with these procedures. As a mother and grandmother, I will never stop fighting to protect young children from the Biden Administration’s woke political agenda, and I will never back down to the extremists in left-wing ""media."" Last year, parents showed up to school board meetings to voice their outrage at the leftist agenda that is infiltrating our schools. The Biden Administration responded by mobilizing the Department of Justice and FBI to intimidate and harass parents who dared to show up to school board meetings in opposition of the Biden political agenda. Despite these authoritarian tactics, parents voted in record numbers in Virginia and made history on election night. The radical left should never underestimate the power of parents or the love that we have for our children. President Biden has made his agenda crystal clear, and while the left is “woke,” parents are now awake. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T02:19:30Z https://bost.house.gov/2022/4/bost-announces-2022-congressional-art-competition-winner,BOST ANNOUNCES 2022 CONGRESSIONAL ART COMPETITION WINNER,2022-04-25,2022,2022-04,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 announced the winner of the 2022 Congressional Art Competition, “Captivating Cardinals” by Kassidee Gabby of Marion High School. Kassidee’s artwork will hang in the Cannon Tunnel in the U.S. Capitol for the next year. “Congratulations to Kassidee for winning our 2022 competition,” said Bost. “I especially like that she incorporated not only Illinois’ state bird, the cardinal, into her artwork, but also our state flower, the violet. I’m looking forward to seeing it hang in the Capitol later this year. Thank you to the Mt. Vernon Visitors Center for hosting this year’s gallery as well as our judges, teachers, and students who participated this year. Job well done!” 1st place: “Captivating Cardinals” by Kassidee Gabby ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T02:19:30Z https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressional-art-competition-2022,Congressional Art Competition 2022,2022-04-25,2022,2022-04,Republican,House,IL,Mary E. Miller,M001211,marymiller.house.gov,marymiller,https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Danville, Ill. - The office of Congresswoman Mary Miller (R-IL) is currently accepting submissions for the 2022 Congressional Art Competition. The winner’s artwork will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year. ""Illinois has some of the most talented student artists in the country, and I look forward to showcasing their work,"" said Miller. ""If you have or know of a high school student interested in participating in the Congressional Art Competition, please share this opportunity!"" Submissions are due on May 2, and winners will be announced soon after. Please visit Congresswoman Miller's website for more details and call our Deputy District Director Sallie Nyhan at 217-500-7834 to coordinate a drop-off time with one of our District Offices before the deadline on May 2.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T02:19:30Z https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases/god-bless-our-military-heroes,God Bless Our Military Heroes,2022-04-21,2022,2022-04,Republican,House,IL,Mary E. Miller,M001211,marymiller.house.gov,marymiller,https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Danville, Ill.- The office of Congresswoman Mary Miller (R-IL) hosted its first Vietnam Veterans pinning ceremony in Danville yesterday. ""To all the men and women in the armed forces who protect our country, our freedom, and our way of life– you are what make America Great. We are the land of the free because we are the home of the brave,"" said Miller. ""We have been looking forward to recognizing the important contributions of our Vietnam Veterans on the 50th National Vietnam War Veterans Day, and I am so grateful we were able to be together and honor our veterans on this special anniversary. Thank you to all that have served, it is the highest honor."" The ceremony was held at Danville VFW Post 728. Photos from the ceremony can be viewed here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T02:19:30Z https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases/left-wing-media-attempts-defend-dangerous-sex-change-chemicals,"Left-Wing ""Media"" Attempts to Defend Dangerous Sex Change Chemicals",2022-04-18,2022,2022-04,Republican,House,IL,Mary E. Miller,M001211,marymiller.house.gov,marymiller,https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Effingham, Ill. - Congresswoman Mary Miller (R-IL) released the following statement regarding the left-wing media's attempt to defend harmful sex change chemicals. ""The left-wing media chose Easter Sunday to advance the Biden Administration's radical agenda of pushing children to take dangerous sex change chemicals. ""PolitiFraud"" attacked me for defending young children from the Biden Administration's radical political agenda, which includes pushing dangerous chemical castration drugs, puberty blockers, and irreversible sex change operations on children,"" Miller said. ""In their own article, PolitiFraud admitted that puberty blockers could cause permanent harm to children, and in their own article, they cite Biden's HHS guidance recommending these radical procedures for children. Even though their own article established these facts, they rated them as false anyway, which was a fitting tribute in an article defending Jen Psaki! There is a reason the left-wing media chose Easter Sunday, the holiest day of the Christian calendar, to advance their radical agenda of permanently harming young children with these procedures. As a mother and grandmother, I will never stop fighting to protect your young children from Biden's agenda, and I will never back down to the extremists in left-wing ""media."" If this is the fight they want, bring it on!"" ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T02:19:30Z https://lahood.house.gov/2022/4/lahood-announces-2022-art-competition-winners,LaHood Announces 2022 Art Competition Winners,2022-04-14,2022,2022-04,Republican,House,IL,Darin LaHood,L000585,lahood.house.gov,lahood,https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Peoria, IL – Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-18) this week announced the 18th District of Illinois winners of the 2022 Congressional Art Competition at the Peoria Riverfront Museum. The Congressional Art Competition is an annual opportunity to showcase artistic high-schoolers in central and west-central Illinois. Participants were judged anonymously by a select, volunteer panel and award winners were selected by a cumulative vote. This was the seventh Congressional Art show hosted by Congressman LaHood. There were 142 entries from 12 schools throughout the 18th District. The Artwork will be displayed through Saturday, April 30th, and free to the public to view during the Peoria Riverfront Museum public hours. “It was great to see so many students from the 18th District participate in this year’s Congressional Art Competition. What makes this competition so special is that it provides the opportunity to recognize the remarkable talents of Illinois students,” said Rep. LaHood. “Congratulations to all of our award recipients this year, particularly to our first-place winner Isha Gollapudi from Normal Community High School, whose piece ‘Golden Repair’ will be displayed in the halls of our nation’s Capitol Building in Washington D.C.” 1st place (to be hung in the Capitol): Isha Gollapudi, Normal Community High School: Golden Repair 2nd place (to be hung in Rep. LaHood’s DC office): Laura Pokarney, Washington Community High School: Experimental Imagination 2nd place (to be hung in Rep. LaHood’s DC office): Ally Unruh, Dunlap High School: A Word Memorial The following students received honorable mentions for their pieces:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T02:19:30Z https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases/honoring-our-veterans-congressional-vietnam-veteran-pinning-ceremony,Honoring our Veterans: Congressional Vietnam Veteran Pinning Ceremony,2022-04-13,2022,2022-04,Republican,House,IL,Mary E. Miller,M001211,marymiller.house.gov,marymiller,https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Danville, Ill. - The office of Congresswoman Mary Miller (R-IL) announced that they will be hosting their first Veteran Pinning Ceremony in Danville, Illinois on April 20, 2022. ""I am thankful for all the men and women in the armed forces who protect our country, our freedom, and our way of life,"" Miller said. ""As your congresswoman, I am always on the lookout for ways to honor our service members and recognize the sacrifices that our veterans have made for our country."" Vietnam and Vietnam-era veterans will be honored with a pin, and all veterans in attendance will receive a certificate recognizing their service. Anyone that wishes to attend should RSVP at least three days before the event. Please provide your rank, service branch, years served, and confirmation for the correct spelling of your name. Please also provide an estimate of the number of guests who will be joining you at the event. You can direct questions and confirm your participation by emailing or calling Congresswoman Miller's Deputy District Director Sallie Nyhan at Sallie.Nyhan@mail.house.gov or (217) 500-7834.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T02:19:30Z https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases/biden-economic-crisis-inflation-hits-new-40-year-high,BIDEN ECONOMIC CRISIS: INFLATION HITS A NEW 40-YEAR HIGH,2022-04-12,2022,2022-04,Republican,House,IL,Mary E. Miller,M001211,marymiller.house.gov,marymiller,https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Effingham, Ill. - Today, the Bureau of Labor Statistics released their latest report on the Consumer Price Index, stating that inflation rose 8.5% in March compared to March of last year. This marks the fastest rise since December 1981. Congresswoman Mary Miller (R-IL) released the statement below following this report: ""Inflation is at a 40-year high for the 5th straight month as a result of President Biden and Speaker Pelosi's reckless spending,"" Miller said. ""Americans are facing an extreme economic crisis as the cost of groceries, fuel, and fertilizer continue to rise, and Biden's plan is to pass 'Build Back Broke,' which would make inflation even worse. The Biden Administration repeatedly lied to the American people, telling them there was no inflation, then saying it was transitory, then saying it was good for the economy, and now saying inflation just became an issue last month after Russia invaded Ukraine. Americans are horrified by the inflation crisis, energy crisis, supply chain crisis, and border crisis created under Biden, Pelosi, and Schumer."" ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T02:19:30Z https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases/president-biden-announces-anti-second-amendment-atf-nominee,President Biden Announces Anti-Second Amendment ATF Nominee,2022-04-11,2022,2022-04,Republican,House,IL,Mary E. Miller,M001211,marymiller.house.gov,marymiller,https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Effingham, Ill. - Today, President Biden announced his nomination of radical, Obama-era gun control advocate Steve Dettelbach to lead the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Congresswoman Mary Miller (R-IL) released the following statement on Biden's ATF nominee: ""The Biden Administration is embracing a radical gun banning agenda, which includes ""red-flag"" gun confiscation and anti-Second Amendment nominees,"" Miller said. ""I will continue to oppose Joe Biden's anti-Second Amendment agenda."" In his role as a federal attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, ATF nominee Steve Dettelbach has called for gun confiscation measures. Last year, Congresswoman Miller joined many conservatives in opposing the nomination of David Chipman to lead the ATF because of his views on gun confiscation. Strong opposition from fellow conservatives in Congress successfully forced the Biden Administration to withdraw Chipman's nomination. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T02:19:30Z https://lahood.house.gov/2022/4/lahood-appointed-to-conference-committee-on-china-legislation,LaHood Appointed to Conference Committee on China Legislation,2022-04-07,2022,2022-04,Republican,House,IL,Darin LaHood,L000585,lahood.house.gov,lahood,https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-18) was appointed by House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy as a Core Conferee from the House Ways and Means Committee to the Conference Committee negotiating legislation related to China. Congressman LaHood released the following statement after the appointment. ""I am grateful to Leader McCarthy for my appointment to the Conference Committee,"" said Rep. LaHood. ""China presents dynamic and growing challenges that impact the U.S. economy and our national security, which require strong action and thoughtful policy solutions. As a Core Conferee from the Ways and Means Committee, I look forward to working with Leader Brady and my colleagues to prioritize trade and economic policy that strengthens American competitiveness in international trade, protects Illinois agriculture, manufacturing, and small businesses, and addresses China's economic manipulation and statecraft."" LaHood also serves on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. He is a Co-Chair of the bipartisan U.S.-China Working Group, with Congressmen Rick Larsen (D-WA), and a member of the House Republican China Task Force. The Conference Committee consists of members from both the House and Senate who will work to resolve differences between the House-passed H.R. 4521 and the Senate-passed S. 1260, two pieces of legislation that seek to address challenges presented by China and increase American competitiveness.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T02:19:30Z https://lahood.house.gov/2022/4/lahood-bipartisan-group-of-members-urge-biden-administration-to-ensure-free-fair-lebanese-election,"LaHood, Bipartisan Group of Members Urge Biden Administration to Ensure Free & Fair Lebanese Election",2022-04-06,2022,2022-04,Republican,House,IL,Darin LaHood,L000585,lahood.house.gov,lahood,https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congressmen Darin LaHood (R-IL), Gregory Meeks (D-NY), Darrell Issa (R-CA), and David Cicilline (D-RI) were joined by 20 of their colleagues today in urging the Biden Administration to work with Lebanese officials to ensure that the upcoming elections on May 15, 2022, are carried out on time, transparently and free of corruption. In their letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken, the Members write, “With dueling political and economic crises, the May parliamentary elections are the first opportunity the Lebanese people will have to cast their ballots since protests in the country began in 2019 after years of corruption and mismanagement. We concur with Ambassador Dorothy Shea that in holding elections on time, there is “no wiggle room,” and that the failure to do so should result in swift condemnation for those responsible in any delay.” The greater Peoria, Illinois area is home to over 8,000 Lebanese Americans, one of the largest Lebanese populations in the country. Congressman LaHood’s great-grandparents immigrated to the United States from the village of Aitou in Northern Lebanon. The U.S. is home to over 14,000 immigrants from Aitou, many of whom live in Peoria, Illinois. Joining the Members on the letter are Representatives Debbie Dingell (D-MI), Tom Cole (R-OK), Ted Deutch (D-FL), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Jimmy Gomez (D-CA), Jahana Hayes (D-CT), Jim Himes (D-CT), Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), Dan Kildee (D-MI), Adam Kinzinger (R-IL), Ted Lieu (D-CA), Stephen F. Lynch (D-MA), Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY), Jim McGovern (D-MA), Carol Miller (R-WV), Maria Elvira Salazar (R-FL), Jason Smith (R-OH), Dina Titus (D-NV), David Trone (D-MD), Juan Vargas (D-CA). Full text of the letter is below and a PDF can be found here. Dear Secretary Blinken: We write to urge that the Administration continues to call upon and work with Lebanese officials to ensure that parliamentary elections scheduled for May 15, 2022, are carried out on time, transparently and free of corruption. With dueling political and economic crises, the May parliamentary elections are the first opportunity the Lebanese people will have to cast their ballots since protests in the country began in 2019 after years of corruption and mismanagement. We concur with Ambassador Dorothy Shea that in holding elections on time, there is “no wiggle room,” and that the failure to do so should result in swift condemnation for those responsible in any delay. With this in mind, we strongly urge the Administration to: Speak out against any entity or individual that instigates the corruption, disruption, postponement or cancellation of the May 15, 2022 parliamentary elections; Work with relevant stakeholders to ensure a successful election monitoring operation is undertaken to ensure a free and fair election, which includes collaborating with stakeholders, qualified individuals, and organizations planning Lebanon’s election monitoring effort; Ensure that diaspora voting outside of Lebanon occurs on time, transparently, and votes are independently counted and reported in a manner consistent with current law; Continue to support the Lebanese Armed Forces and Internal Security Forces in maintaining security and stability ahead of, and during, elections; and, Continue to support Lebanon’s vibrant civil society in its pursuit of democracy, adherence to the rule of law, and the promotion and protection of human rights. Thank you for your attention and action in helping Lebanon achieve a corruption-free government as well as free and fair May elections.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T02:19:30Z https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-mary-miller-grills-bidens-hhs-secretary-harmful-transgender-policies,Rep. Mary Miller Grills Biden's HHS Secretary on Harmful Transgender Policies,2022-04-06,2022,2022-04,Republican,House,IL,Mary E. Miller,M001211,marymiller.house.gov,marymiller,https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON - Today, the House Education and Labor Committee held a hearing with Biden's Secretary of Health and Human Services. Congresswoman Mary Miller (R-IL) released the following statement: “The Biden Administration put out guidance titled “Gender-Affirming Care and Young People” that encourages minor children to have sex-change operations and take chemicals that will permanently eliminate their ability to have children. Today, I asked the HHS Secretary if performing these procedures on 12-year-old children is child abuse and he refused to answer the question. The Biden guidance specifically states, “for transgender and nonbinary children and adolescents, early gender-affirming care is crucial to overall health and well-being.” The Biden Administration is engaging in extreme “woke” politics by encouraging children to take chemical castration drugs and undergo surgeries, and they are lying to children by telling them puberty blockers are “reversible.” I was most troubled that Biden’s HHS Secretary refused to confirm that parental consent would be necessary for these procedures. I will be following up with written questions demanding the Secretary affirm parental rights over their minor children.” Highlights from Miller's questioning along with the Biden Administration's federally administered guidance are below. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k6BaC8ydAxk&feature=youtu.be",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T02:19:30Z https://lahood.house.gov/2022/3/lahood-statement-on-european-digital-markets-act,LaHood Statement on European Digital Markets Act,2022-03-29,2022,2022-03,Republican,House,IL,Darin LaHood,L000585,lahood.house.gov,lahood,https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-18), Co-Chair of the Digital Trade Caucus, released the following statement on the European Union's decision to move forward with the Digital Markets Act (DMA). ""The European Union's decision to finalize the Digital Markets Act, which is specifically designed to mostly target American businesses and workers, despite serious concerns raised by bipartisan members of the House and Senate and the Administration, is deeply disappointing. These flawed regulations fail to address harmful actions by Chinese, Russian, and other foreign-owned tech companies that continue to engage in digital authoritarianism, surveillance regimes, and human rights violations. The DMA’s discriminatory policies are at odds with the fundamental principles of the World Trade Organization. The EU should instead work with the United States to develop any future rules governing the digital economy."" Congressman LaHood previously led a bipartisan letter to President Biden requesting the Administration intensify engagement with the EU and demand changes to the discriminatory aspects of the DMA.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T02:06:17Z https://lahood.house.gov/2022/3/lahood-supports-key-retirement-legislation,LaHood Supports Key Retirement Legislation,2022-03-29,2022,2022-03,Republican,House,IL,Darin LaHood,L000585,lahood.house.gov,lahood,https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-18), a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, voted today in support of the Securing a Strong Retirement (SECURE 2.0) Act, a key piece of bipartisan legislation that will help employees save for retirement throughout their careers and protect American futures. The legislation includes two pieces of legislation authored by Congressman LaHood, the Retirement Parity for Student Loans Act and the Public Service Retirement Fairness Act. The legislation passed the House with strong bipartisan support. During debate on the House floor, Congressman LaHood spoke in support of the legislation. ""The bipartisan work done by the Ways and Means Committee with SECURE 2.0 will help Americans save for retirement at all stages of their career,"" said Rep. LaHood. ""I am proud that key provisions I authored to help workers simultaneously pay off student loans and contribute to their retirement and ensure public servants are not limited in their retirement investment options were included in this package. I will continue to work with my colleagues on the Ways and Means Committee in a bipartisan manner to help Illinois residents and all Americans financially prepare for retirement."" The Securing a Strong Retirement Act of 2021 (SECURE 2.0) Helps employees save for retirement earlier. Employees would be automatically enrolled in their company’s 401(k) plan, while still providing a chance to opt out. Support for employees with student loan debt. The bill allows employer matching contributions to a retirement plan for employees that are making payments on student loans. Helps late career workers catch up in saving for retirement. Late-career workers – who may finally be earning the highest salaries of their careers after spending years at lower wages – can contribute a larger amount to “catch up” on their retirement savings, doubled from $5,000 a year to $10,000 a year. The Retirement Parity for Student Loans Act The Retirement Parity for Student Loans Act, introduced by Illinois Congressmen Darin LaHood and Danny Davis and included in SECURE 2.0, would permit 401(k), 403(b), SIMPLE and governmental 457(b) retirement plans to make matching contributions to workers as if their student loan payments were salary reduction contributions. Thereby the will help reducing student loan debt and building retirement savings. This provision has been widely praised by experts across the political spectrum. The Public Service Retirement Fairness Act The Public Service Retirement Fairness Act, introduced by Representatives LaHood, Panetta, Estes, Boyle, Barr, and Dean, would level the playing field and create parity by ensuring public sector and non-profit retirement-savings programs have the same access to low-cost investments as private sector retirement plans.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T02:06:17Z https://lahood.house.gov/2022/3/lahood-joins-house-intelligence-committee-members-to-urge-ic-to-declassify-and-catalogue-potential-war-crimes-support-humanitarian-efforts,"LaHood Joins House Intelligence Committee Members to Urge IC to Declassify and Catalogue Potential War Crimes, Support Humanitarian Efforts",2022-03-22,2022,2022-03,Republican,House,IL,Darin LaHood,L000585,lahood.house.gov,lahood,https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-18) joined his colleagues on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence to deliver a letter to Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines, urging the Intelligence Community to prioritize its unique resources and capabilities to defend human rights in Ukraine. The bipartisan letter can be read in full here. Russia has stepped up the brutality of its unprovoked war against Ukraine with deadly attacks against civilian infrastructure, members of the press, and thousands of innocent civilians, including children. Earlier this month, 39 countries referred the situation in Ukraine to the International Criminal Court due to numerous allegations of serious war crimes and crimes against humanity by Russian forces. The IC’s unparalleled insight into the events happening on the ground means it is in a unique position to support humanitarian efforts, as well as to preserve intelligence that will be critically important in future war crimes proceedings. “As Russia intensifies its indiscriminate killing of Ukrainians, we believe it is vital the IC continues maximizing intelligence sharing with our Ukrainian and international partners, and declassifying intelligence that reveals Russia’s malign intentions and actions, including any potential war crimes. In this ongoing conflict, each day matters, and we hope that, in coordination with our diplomats, you consider all the ways in which you can leverage IC capabilities to help save lives of Ukrainian civilians,” the members wrote in the letter. Specifically, the letter calls for the IC to prioritize: Disclosing or declassifying intelligence that could protect endangered Ukrainian civilians, such as identifying safe evacuation corridors; Declassifying information on Russia’s planned or actual acts that could amount to war crimes, particularly the use of chemical weapons; and Documenting and cataloging Russian actions in Ukraine that could inform future potential war crimes proceedings. “Though the possibility of accountability appears distant today, we have a responsibility to bear witness,” the members continued. “The present moment tests our collective resolve to defend human rights and freedoms.” The full letter can be read here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T02:06:17Z https://bost.house.gov/2022/3/bost-statement-on-va-s-facility-modernization-recommendations,BOST STATEMENT ON VA’S FACILITY MODERNIZATION RECOMMENDATIONS,2022-03-14,2022,2022-03,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) released the following statement after the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced their recommendations for the VA medical facilities that should be modernized, realigned, or closed under the Assent and Infrastructure Review (AIR) Act, including the realignment of several departments at the Marion VA: “Modernizing our VA system is critical, as is ensuring that our veterans can get the care they need when and where they need it,” said Bost. “The AIR Commission will spend the next year studying these recommendations before they make a final decision, which will ensure that no immediate changes are made to Marion or any other Southern Illinois facility. I will continue working to ensure that any Southern Illinois veterans impacted by these potential changes to Marion will still continue to receive the care they need and have earned.” To read more about VA’s recommendations to the AIR Commission, click here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T02:06:17Z https://lahood.house.gov/2022/3/lahood-statement-on-vote-to-ban-russian-energy,LaHood Statement on Vote to Ban Russian Energy,2022-03-10,2022,2022-03,Republican,House,IL,Darin LaHood,L000585,lahood.house.gov,lahood,https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-18), a member of the House Ways and Means Committee and the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, released the following statement on his vote for legislation to ban Russian energy imports: ""Russia's unprovoked invasion of Ukraine cannot go unchecked without severe consequences for Vladimir Putin and his enablers. While this bill is far from perfect, banning Russian energy imports is a start, and will help isolate Putin, ensure we are not funding Putin's war, and hit the heart of the Russian economy. The Biden Administration's decision to kill the bipartisan deal negotiated by House and Senate trade leaders, which would have ended favorable trade status for Russia and Belarus, raises serious concerns about the Administration's approach to cutting off Putin and his allies as they wage war in Ukraine. More must be done in the weeks ahead to punish Putin, including revoking Russia's favorable trade treatment. ""In addition, the United States must take immediate action to unleash our domestic energy independence. On day one in office, President Biden moved to reduce American energy production and prioritize left-wing Green New Deal initiatives, increasing our reliance on foreign adversaries for energy. These policies alone have pushed gas prices to record highs. Instead of working to prioritize American energy production, the Administration is currently negotiating with dictators in Iran and Venezuela. Now is the time to take decisive action to unleash America's energy sector, including oil, gas, renewables, and Illinois biofuels, to protect our national security and protect Americans at the pump.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T02:06:17Z https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-mary-miller-votes-against-democrats-radical-spending-bill,REP. MARY MILLER VOTES AGAINST DEMOCRATS' RADICAL SPENDING BILL,2022-03-09,2022,2022-03,Republican,House,IL,Mary E. Miller,M001211,marymiller.house.gov,marymiller,https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON - Congresswoman Mary Miller (R-IL) released the following statement upon voting NO for reckless spending from House Democrats. ""Democrats rammed through a 2,741 page, $1.5 trillion spending bill that cuts America’s border security funding and pushes pro-China “Green New Deal” policies instead of increasing American energy production during the Biden fuel crisis. The Democrats’ spending bill includes gun control provisions, increases funding for the IRS, and provides $286 million in Title X funding that can flow to Planned Parenthood. Democrats also included offensive earmarks for gender transition services funded by taxpayers and provisions that will force domestic violence shelters for women to house men who identify as women. As a farmer, I know the biggest challenges facing farmers right now are record fuel prices, fertilizer costs doubling, and the supply chain crisis. Instead of addressing these issues, Democrats are funding the Department of Agriculture to “confront the climate crisis” and “advance racial justice,” using taxpayer dollars to fund a woke political agenda instead of preventing the coming food crisis. I voted in support of the national security bill funding a pay raise for our troops and providing aide for Ukraine, but against the omnibus spending bill because I will not vote for any bill that contains gun control, grants for Planned Parenthood, or taxpayer-funded gender transition. Americans deserve a spending bill that puts America First by securing our border and putting us back on a path to energy independence, which was achieved during the Trump Administration.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T02:06:17Z https://lahood.house.gov/2022/3/lahood-presses-fbi-director-wray-on-section-702-fisa-abuses,LaHood Presses FBI Director Wray on Section 702 FISA Abuses,2022-03-08,2022,2022-03,Republican,House,IL,Darin LaHood,L000585,lahood.house.gov,lahood,https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-18) pressed FBI Director Christopher Wray at the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence Worldwide Threats Hearing about abuses of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) under Section 702, which permits the government to conduct targeted surveillance of foreign persons located outside the United States. Last year, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence declassified FISA Court opinions related to Section 702, which showed a number of ongoing compliance problems and issues, including surveillance of American citizens. The full exchange can be viewed here and below: In remarks, Rep. LaHood outlined issues raised in Judge James Boasberg's FISA Court filing: ""Director Wray, I wanted to talk to you about FISA. As you are aware, Section 702 of FISA is scheduled to expire in 2023. I think you know that the FBI's credibility with Members of Congress when it comes to executing this law is dubious at best - and I would say in a bipartisan way. ""Last year as you know, ODNI declassified a FISA Court opinion from here in the District of Columbia by Judge Boasberg. As part of his judicial oversight, he criticized extensively the FBI and the FISA process. In that opinion, Judge Boasberg detailed breaches, illegal activity, the abuse of power, and the blatant failures of this process. As you know, in the opinion the judge specifically highlighted dozens of FBI queries that were conducted in support of predicated criminal investigations that accessed Section 702 acquired information. This includes purely domestic activities like health care, fraud, bribery, and public corruption that were outside the norms of Section 702. Director Wray, was that appropriate conduct?"" LaHood went on to press Director Wray about evidence of FISA surveillance abuses by FBI officials: ""In that same opinion, it also showed that during a four-month period in 2019 an FBI official conducted more than a hundred background checks that returned Section 702 acquired information not on individuals with suspected foreign ties, but business, religious, civic, and community leaders applying to the FBI's citizen academy program. I think you would agree that this is not appropriate conduct. Just to follow up on the internal mechanisms that you have gone through, what were the consequences for FBI personnel that repeatedly violated compliance procedures?"" LaHood's full exchange of questioning can be viewed here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T02:06:17Z https://bost.house.gov/2022/3/bost-announces-2022-congressional-art-competition,BOST ANNOUNCES 2022 CONGRESSIONAL ART COMPETITION,2022-03-03,2022,2022-03,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 invited high school students from Illinois’ 12th Congressional District to participate in the 2022 Congressional Art Competition. Initiated by Congress in 1982, the nationwide annual art competition allows high school students from all 50 states to showcase their artistic ability. “Southern Illinois is home to so many talented students,” said Bost. “The Congressional Art Competition provides them with a wonderful opportunity to showcase their artistic abilities. I look forward to seeing what students create this year.” The Congressional Art Competition is an opportunity to recognize and encourage the artistic talent in the nation, as well as in our Congressional District. The winning artwork from our District's competition will be displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol. Judging is performed by members of the local art community. The deadline to submit artwork digitally will be Thursday, April 14, 2022. Further information about the program, including guidelines and student release forms that are required in order to participate in the 2022 competition, can be found on Congressman Bost’s website or by calling his office at (618) 457-5787. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T02:06:17Z https://lahood.house.gov/2022/3/lahood-statement-on-the-federal-indictment-of-michael-madigan,LaHood Statement on the Federal Indictment of Michael Madigan,2022-03-03,2022,2022-03,Republican,House,IL,Darin LaHood,L000585,lahood.house.gov,lahood,https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-18) released the following statement on the indictment of former Illinois Speaker of the House Michael Madigan: ""The indictment brought forward against former Speaker Michael Madigan is another step in the long process to clean up Illinois corruption. During his half-century in office, Michael Madigan spearheaded Illinois' decline, all while using his position of power and the state government to enrich himself personally. ""Starting with Governor JB Pritzker, Madigan's allies in the Illinois Democrat Party will have to answer for why they enabled this corruption for so long that contributed greatly to our states' challenges. ""As a former federal prosecutor, I applaud the United States Attorney John Lausch and his team for their work. The type of corruption outlined in the indictment must be eradicated from our political system and the people of Illinois deserve justice.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T02:06:17Z https://bost.house.gov/2022/3/bost-reacts-to-biden-s-first-state-of-the-union,BOST REACTS TO BIDEN’S FIRST STATE OF THE UNION,2022-03-01,2022,2022-03,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) released the following statement in response to President Biden’s first State of the Union Address. “President Biden’s State of the Union rightly focused a great deal on the devastating situation in Ukraine and America’s role in defending democracy and promoting freedom. We stand with the courageous Ukrainian people as they fight off a brutal dictator. Sadly, one of the Biden Administration’s biggest failures comes in an area that could have made the biggest difference: American-made energy. By halting construction of the Keystone XL pipeline and limiting our tremendous energy potential, the Biden Administration has left us weaker in a dangerous world. “Here at home, working families are fearful of rising crime rates, a deadly opioid epidemic, and a lack of security at our southern border. They see increased inflation and a supply chain crisis making it harder to make ends meet. Main Street jobs that were lost during the crippling COVID shutdowns have yet to return. With each passing day, our challenges are only getting worse. The president talked big tonight, but the American people are yearning for actionable leadership from this White House.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T02:06:17Z https://bost.house.gov/2022/3/bost-statement-on-positive-covid-19-test,BOST STATEMENT ON POSITIVE COVID-19 TEST,2022-03-01,2022,2022-03,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) released the following statement after receiving a positive COVID-19 test result this morning: “Following a routine test, I learned early this morning that I have tested positive for COVID-19. I am fully vaccinated and experiencing no symptoms. However, for the safety of my constituents, staff, and colleagues, I will be adjusting my schedule for the week and isolating according to the guidance of the Office of the Attending Physician.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T02:06:17Z