url,title,date,year,month,party,chamber,state,member_name,bioguide_id,domain,scraper,source,date_source,text,has_text,collected_at,updated_at
https://lahood.house.gov/2023/12/year-in-review-16-from-2023-in-il16,Year in Review: 16 Snapshots from 2023 in IL16,2023-12-31,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,IL,Darin LaHood,L000585,lahood.house.gov,lahood,https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"16 Snapshots from 2023 in the 16th Congressional District

In 2023, I've been honored to begin representing the new 16th Congressional District of Illinois. With constituents in 21 counties covering central and northern Illinois, we've made it a priority to get into the community and discover what makes our state and region special. Over the course of the year we visited small businesses, community organizations, farms, factories, colleges, hospitals, energy facilities, and much more. To highlight an eventful year, I wanted to showcase 16 snapshots from the new 16th Congressional District! Happy New Year and see you in 2024!

In January, I made my first official visit to Galena to meet with small businesses, elected officials, and the Chamber of Commerce to learn about what's happening in the community and issues impacting the region.

Later in January, I visited the Rockford Airport to discuss the status of airport upgrades and what the future looks like for them.

In February, I spoke at Eureka College in honor of one of their most famous alumni, President Ronald Reagan. President Reagan’s legacy of civic leadership continues to be carried out through the Ronald W. Reagan Leadership Fellows and it's always a privilege to celebrate the incredible students at Eureka.

In March, I traveled to Morris in Grundy County to visit the LyondellBasell plant. They do a great job supporting their community by offering jobs and they are leaders in the low-carbon industry.

Farmers are a key economic driver in the 16th District. In April, I visited Brian Duncan's family farm to help plant. I appreciate all the family farmers who feed and fuel our country.

The Future Farmers of America (FFA) shape and educate the next generation of Illinois farmers. In May, I visited with the Livingston County FFA to check in on their projects and innovative work in agriculture.

In June, I toured the Byron Nuclear Plant. Nuclear energy helps support our economy in Illinois and it is an important emission-free energy resource, which is critical to our all-of-the-above energy approach.

Each year, I am honored to nominate young men and women to attend our nation's military academies. In June, I hosted those students who were appointed to one of the service academies in our Peoria District Office.

One of my top priorities is providing high quality constituent services. In July and August, I was proud to join community leaders in Morris and Normal to open new Congressional Offices, which are open and accessible to all IL16 constituents.

In September, I did a hard hat tour of the OSF's Cancer Institute in Peoria, which will make Peoria a hub for cancer research and treatment throughout our state and region.

Precision Planting's new facility in Morton will support hundreds of jobs in the community and I was grateful to visit in September.

My office was proud to secure a Community Funding Project award to support the new YMCA facility in Morris. I was honored to participate in a beam signing with local officials in October.

The Rockford Chamber of Commerce is an important advocate for local small businesses and I joined them in November to provide a Congressional update.

I am proud to champion legislation to strengthen the low income housing tax credit. In November, I was honored to break ground on the new Willis Senior Lofts project in Rochelle.

In December, I visited with the Little Learners and Birth to Five Council at the CTE Academy in Elizabeth to talk about their mission to improve child care and support families.

Wishing everyone a safe and happy New Year! I look forward to seeing many of you in 2024",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://lahood.house.gov/2023/12/lahood-delbene-wenstrup-beyer-tenney-panetta-urge-passage-of-affordable-housing-credit-improvement-act-as-the-bill-reaches-200-cosponsors,"LaHood, DelBene, Wenstrup, Beyer, Tenney, Panetta Urge Passage of Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act as the Bill Reaches 200 Cosponsors",2023-12-18,2023,2023-12,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), Suzan DelBene (D-WA), Brad Wenstrup (R-OH), Don Beyer (D-VA), Claudia Tenney (R-NY), and Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), all members of the House Ways and Means Committee, urged House Leadership in a letter for consideration of their bipartisan Affordable Housing Credit Improvement (AHCIA) Act in any potential tax legislation brought to the floor. The AHCIA would help build nearly 2 million new affordable homes over the next decade and has reached 200 cosponsors, with 100 Republicans and 100 Democrats in support.

In the letter, the lawmakers write:

""Throughout its 37-year history of bipartisan support, the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (Housing Credit) has financed the production of over 3.7 million homes nationwide. It is responsible for virtually all affordable housing produced since its inception. This finances homes for people in need like veterans, seniors, and working families. Unfortunately, our nation remains in a deepening affordable housing crisis and the time to expand and improve the Housing Credit is now.

""We must address this crisis directly and immediately by increasing Housing Credit resources. Therefore, we must enact provisions from the AHCIA that will do just that by:

Reversing a 12.5 percent cut to the Housing Credit. Though the Housing Credit allocation was increased by this amount with bipartisan support in 2018, the increase expired at the end of 2021, meaning we now produce less affordable housing at a time when it is needed more than ever.

Lowering the “50 percent test” bond financing threshold to access Housing Credit equity. This arbitrary threshold creates a barrier to affordable housing production, especially for the growing number of states that fully utilize their private activity bond cap.""

The nationwide housing crisis continues to worsen. Currently, nearly one-in-four renters or, over 10 million families, spend more than half of their household income on rent, cutting into other essential expenses like child care, medication, groceries, and transportation. At the same time, nearly 600,000 Americans are experiencing homelessness on any given day, an increase over pre-COVID levels.

The Affordable Housing Credit Improvement (AHCIA) Act would support the financing of nearly 2 million new affordable homes by:

Increasing the amount of credits allocated to each state. The legislation would increase the number of credits available to states by 50 percent for the next two years and make the temporary 12.5 percent increase secured in 2018 permanent—which has already helped build more than 59,000 additional affordable housing units nationwide.

Increasing the number of affordable housing projects that can be built using private activity bonds. This provision would stabilize financing for workforce housing projects built using private activity bonds by decreasing the amount of private activity bonds needed to secure Housing Credit funding. As a result, projects would have to carry less debt, and more projects would be eligible to receive funding.

Improving the Housing Credit program to better serve at-risk and underserved communities. The legislation would also make improvements to the program to better serve veterans, victims of domestic violence, formerly homeless students, Native American communities, and rural Americans.

Learn more about the legislation HERE. A summary of the legislation provided by the ACTION campaign can be found HERE. The text of the legislation can be found HERE.

The full text of the letter can be read HERE and below.

December 15, 2023

Dear Speaker Johnson and Leader Jeffries,

Throughout its 37-year history of bipartisan support, the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (Housing Credit) has financed the production of over 3.7 million homes nationwide. It is responsible for virtually all affordable housing produced since its inception. This finances homes for people in need like veterans, seniors, and working families. Unfortunately, our nation remains in a deepening affordable housing crisis and the time to expand and improve the Housing Credit is now.

That is why we must act now to advance provisions from our bill, the Affordable Housing Tax Credit Improvement Act (H.R. 3238/ AHCIA). If two key provisions from the AHCIA are enacted, we can finance 1.5 million more affordable homes in communities coast to coast suffering from a chronic lack of affordable housing. Inclusion of these proposals in any emerging tax vehicle is essential to address America’s housing crisis head-on. There is not a single community in the U.S, that is unaffected by this urgent need, and the significant support for our bill shows that – 200 cosponsors in the House, equally divided between Republicans and Democrats.

Our nation had an affordable housing supply crisis before the overwhelming pressure of inflation, rising interest rates, and supply chain issues exacerbated it even more. Nationwide, we are over 3.8 million homes short of meeting the general housing needs of Americans, and 7 million homes short of housing for extremely low-income renters. The Housing Credit is an indispensable part of the solution because it is our nation’s primary tool to finance affordable housing production in rural, suburban, and urban areas. Skyrocketing rents and persistent underdevelopment of affordable housing are a major issue for economic growth and job creation. Local economies are facing a vicious cycle in which workers cannot find housing and employers struggle to find workers. More Housing Credit resources means more housing for the working people who are essential to a thriving community and growing economy—including in the education, healthcare, hospitality, and retail sectors.

We must address this crisis directly and immediately by increasing Housing Credit resources. Therefore, we must enact provisions from the AHCIA that will do just that by:

Reversing a 12.5 percent cut to the Housing Credit. Though the Housing Credit allocation was increased by this amount with bipartisan support in 2018, the increase expired at the end of 2021, meaning we now produce less affordable housing at a time when it is needed more than ever.

Lowering the “50 percent test” bond financing threshold to access Housing Credit equity. This arbitrary threshold creates a barrier to affordable housing production, especially for the growing number of states that fully utilize their private activity bond cap.

The AHCIA also includes other important provisions such as additional state allocation and “basis boosts” to make more developments feasible for particular communities, including rural, tribal, and other difficult development areas, plus properties that specifically serve extremely low-income populations like homeless veterans. All of these provisions of the AHCIA will help directly increase the supply of affordable housing.

Because the Housing Credit is vastly oversubscribed and the need has never been greater, getting these critical provisions signed into law would have an immediate positive impact. Thousands of projects currently on the sidelines could begin development.

At a time of heightening division and negativity in our politics, this crisis transcends party because it affects everyone. With such a packed agenda for Congress in the remainder of this year and into early 2024, we must act now before America’s affordable housing crisis gets any worse.

We urge inclusion of these essential provisions of the AHCIA in any tax vehicle that emerges. Thank you in advance for your support.

Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-miller-votes-no-biden-schumer-ndaa-over-abortion-funding-and-fisa-spying,Rep. Miller Votes No On Biden-Schumer Ndaa Over Abortion Funding And Fisa Spying Abuses,2023-12-14,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,IL,Mary E. Miller,M001211,marymiller.house.gov,marymiller,https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON - Today, the U.S. House of Representatives voted on the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2024. Congresswoman Mary Miller (IL-15) voted against the legislation and released the following statement:

“The purpose of the NDAA is for Congress to provide authorization and oversight for the Defense Department on behalf of the American people. Instead, Biden and Schumer have bloated the bill with woke ideology, including their abortion travel policy that forces taxpayers to pay for abortion-related costs.

""Biden and Schumer are also using the NDAA to extend abusive FISA spying powers, which need reform to prevent the Biden administration from spying on American citizens without a warrant for political purposes. We need serious FISA reform because partisan politics has infected the FBI and intel community, and the Obama-Biden administration abused the FISA process to begin the ""Russia Collusion Hoax"" against the Trump Administration.

""The 8 million foreign nationals, who Biden has allowed to illegally cross our border, include known terrorists and military-aged men from China and the Middle East who pose the greatest threat to our nation since 9/11.

""Instead of stopping the threat on our border, Biden has used the DOJ and security state to target and prosecute his political opponents. Biden and his corrupt administration must be checked, restrained, and restricted by the House, and this bill fails to do that.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://bost.house.gov/2023/12/bost-introduces-bill-blocking-va-funding-for-illegal-migrants,BOST INTRODUCES BILL BLOCKING VA FUNDING FOR ILLEGAL MIGRANTS,2023-12-13,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,IL,Mike Bost,B001295,bost.house.gov,bost,https://bost.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON D.C. – U.S. Rep. Mike Bost, chairman of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, today introduced legislation to block the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) from using its resources to provide healthcare or engage in claims processing for illegal migrants. The “No VA Resources for Illegal Aliens Act” comes after reports indicated the Department of Homeland Security is leveraging the VA’s established claims processing system, through its Financial Services Center, to pay for illegal migrants in ICE detention.

“Joe Biden’s failed border policies have created a humanitarian and national security crisis. Now it appears he’s taking resources away from our veterans to facilitate healthcare for illegal migrants,"" said Chairman Bost. ""As a Marine, I believe any dollar taken away from a veteran is a promise broken to those who served. I’ve demanded answers from the Biden administration and been stonewalled every step of the way. Until I get the response our veterans deserve, I’ll use every available tool of my chairmanship to end this practice and put our veterans first.”

The VA’s Financial Services Center supports the VA’s Community Care mission to ensure veterans have access to healthcare without being forced to travel long distances or suffer lengthy wait times for care by allowing veterans to choose whether to seek care at a VA facility or within their own community. Bost's legislation would ensure the VA is fully focused on meeting the needs of our veterans.

U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) introduced companion legislation in the U.S. Senate.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://lahood.house.gov/2023/12/lahood-s-nchez-introduce-roth-ira-rollover-legislation-to-bolster-retirement-security,"LaHood, Sánchez Introduce Roth IRA Rollover Legislation to Bolster Retirement Security",2023-12-13,2023,2023-12,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 Linda T. Scnchez (D-CA) introduced bipartisan legislation that will allow retirement savers to roll over their Roth IRA savings into a Roth account within a workplace retirement plan.

Current law prohibits workers from rolling Roth IRA savings into workplace-based Roth retirement plans offered by employers. LaHood and Sánchez's bill would specifically allow the transfer of contributions from Roth IRA plans to a workplace designated Roth account, such as a Roth 401(k), Roth 403(b), or Roth 457(b).

""Building retirement security is critical to the longevity and strength of our economy,"" said Rep. LaHood. ""Our bipartisan bill will allow for the consolidation of assets, reduce the potential for duplicative fees, and bolster retirement savings for families across the country. As workers face rising costs and burdensome interest rates, Congress should continue to find solutions to help workers build for a comfortable retirement. I am proud to join my Ways and Means colleague, Rep. Sanchez, on this commonsense, bipartisan legislation.""

“Nearly 7 million Americans use Roth IRA accounts to save for retirement. As that number continues to grow rapidly across the country, we must ensure workers can roll their savings into designated Roth accounts within a workplace-based retirement plan,” said Congresswoman Linda Sánchez. “I’m proud to co-lead this bipartisan bill with Congressman LaHood so that retirement savers can rollover and boost their retirement savings, ultimately allowing them to enjoy a comfortable retirement in the future.”

“We applaud Reps. LaHood and Sánchez for introducing this sensible proposal. Allowing workers to move their Roth IRA balances into designated Roth accounts in a workplace retirement plan would benefit workers in several ways, including the reduction of duplicative fees inherent in maintaining multiple accounts and reduced retirement savings leakage by allowing the seamless transfer of Roth savings through the auto-portability process. These changes will be even more important as state auto-IRA programs grow,” American Retirement Association CEO Brian Graff stated.

This bill builds off of previous legislation championed by Reps. LaHood and Sánchez, the Starter-K Act, which was included in the SECURE 2.0 retirement package signed into law at the end of 2022. The Starter-K Act created “starter” defined contribution plans to allow more small businesses to offer retirement plans to their employees.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://lahood.house.gov/2023/12/lahood-votes-to-formalize-impeachment-inquiry,LaHood Votes to Formalize Impeachment Inquiry,2023-12-13,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,IL,Darin LaHood,L000585,lahood.house.gov,lahood,https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-16) released the following statement on his vote to formalize the impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden:

""I believe it is time for the House to take the next step in the Biden impeachment investigation. As a member of the Ways and Means Committee, we have found significant wrongdoing and preferential treatment by the DOJ and IRS through hours of whistleblower testimony. Additionally, the Oversight Committee has uncovered records that indicate the president may have received laundered foreign money from his family's influence peddling scheme. Lastly, the White House and certain witnesses have refused to cooperate with the investigation or comply with subpoenas. The American people deserve to know the truth and formalizing the impeachment inquiry will help the committees of jurisdiction compel additional evidence and documents and put Congress in the best position to hold the Biden Administration accountable.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://lahood.house.gov/2023/12/lahood-joins-the-politico-tech-podcast-to-discuss-digital-trade-policy,LaHood Joins the POLITICO Tech Podcast to Discuss Digital Trade Policy,2023-12-06,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,IL,Darin LaHood,L000585,lahood.house.gov,lahood,https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-16), a member of the House Ways and Means Committee and Co-Chair of the Digital Trade Caucus, joined the POLITICO Tech podcast to discuss digital trade policy, his effort to reverse the Biden Administration's abandonment of key bipartisan digital trade proposals at the the World Trade Organization (WTO), and risks posed by China. LaHood joined Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (D-WA) for the joint, bipartisan interview.

(Click here to listen to the full podcast)

In November, Reps. LaHood and DelBene led a bipartisan effort pushing back on the Biden Administration's decision to pull out of key digital trade proposals at the WTO.

Key Quotes from Rep. LaHood

""I share the concerns of many of my colleagues as it pertains to China and that we not allow China to write the rules of the road for the digital economy. The PRC’s restrictive model of digital governance advanced through their Golden Shield Project, or the “Great Firewall” and its Digital Silk Road Initiative promotes censorship, surveillance, human rights abuses, forced technology transfers and severely restricts the free flow of data. We should be the ones writing the rules for the future...""

""If you look at the digital chapters of USMCA, which we passed in a bipartisan way, we addressed competition, protectionist data flows, localization restrictions, and web blocking. I would argue that those digital chapters should be the formula moving forward and should be embraced by the Biden Administration.""

“Our allies around the globe, particularly in the Indo-Pacific, are craving U.S. leadership. It's really important that we step up to the plate. We've had a number of bipartisan letters pressing upon the Administration to be engaged on digital trade. I wish I could tell you that we were at a point where I thought I had confidence that they (the Biden Administration) have the kind of the same level of enthusiasm that we have. But I don't have that confidence at this point.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://bost.house.gov/2023/11/bost-co-leads-bill-to-increase-accountability-for-snap-spending,BOST CO-LEADS BILL TO INCREASE ACCOUNTABILITY FOR SNAP SPENDING,2023-11-30,2023,2023-11,Republican,House,IL,Mike Bost,B001295,bost.house.gov,bost,https://bost.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Reps. Mike Bost (IL-12) and Randy Feenstra (IA-04) today introduced legislation increasing accountability for states to reduce costly spending errors in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as SNAP. The bill is expected to save taxpayers up to $1 billion per month, in part by requiring states to recover overpayments and pay back what they owe.

“We owe it to the American people to be responsible stewards of their taxpayer dollars; and part of that is ensuring that funding for nutrition assistance is only going to families who truly need help,"" said Bost. ""We must hold the bureaucrats accountable for reducing spending errors that have contributed to a less effective and efficient SNAP program. I’m proud to help lead this legislation because it’s a step forward in restoring good governance.""

The Snap Back Inaccurate SNAP Payments Act would implement a zero-tolerance policy for lost taxpayer dollars. Inaccuracies in SNAP payments predominantly come in the form of payments to recipients not eligible for benefits.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://bost.house.gov/2023/11/house-committee-advances-bost-election-integrity-bill,HOUSE COMMITTEE ADVANCES BOST ELECTION INTEGRITY BILL,2023-11-30,2023,2023-11,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’s (R-IL) legislation requiring U.S. citizenship to vote in any Washington, D.C., election was approved by the House Committee on Administration in preparation for an eventual vote in the House. Bost’s bill, the American Confidence in Elections: District of Columbia Citizen Voter Act, comes in response to the D.C. City Council’s decision last year to give non-citizens over the age of 18 the right to vote in city and local elections.

“Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution grants Congress direct control over Washington, D.C.; and we have the right and responsibility to ensure that American citizens, and American citizens only, are voting in our nation’s capital city,” said Bost. “When you allow non-citizens to vote in D.C., you are diluting the votes of legal U.S. citizens and opening the door to foreign agents fomenting chaos at the ballot box. I refuse to stand by and allow radical liberals to weaken the voice of legal American citizens when Congress has the constitutional authority to stop it.”

“American elections should be for American citizens,” said Committee on House Administration Chairman Bryan Steil (R-WI). “D.C. elections have been a disaster for years, and now they have implemented a ridiculous measure that will allow embassy staff from our foreign adversaries like Russia and China to vote after living in the Capital for just 30 days. It’s past time for Congress to exercise our constitutional responsibility over D.C. to protect voters. I thank Congressman Bost for leading this common-sense legislation that will help restore voter confidence.”

The American Confidence in Elections: District of Columbia Citizen Voter Act is expected to be included in a package of legislation that House Republicans plan to advance for protecting the integrity of America’s elections.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://lahood.house.gov/2023/11/lahood-delbene-lead-effort-to-reverse-biden-administration-s-abandonment-of-key-bipartisan-digital-trade-proposals,"LaHood, DelBene Lead Effort to Reverse Biden Administration's Abandonment of Key Bipartisan Digital Trade Proposals",2023-11-16,2023,2023-11,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 Suzan DelBene (D-WA), Co-Chairs of the Digital Trade Caucus, led a bipartisan letter with 36 colleagues urging U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai to reconsider her agency’s decision to abandon important bipartisan digital trade proposals at the World Trade Organization.

The decision to walk away from key digital trade proposals, which was made without sufficient consultation with Congress, runs counter to the interests of American workers and businesses of all sizes, while ceding more leverage to foreign powers, like the People's Republic of China (PRC), to write the rules that will govern the global digital economy for years to come.

In part the Members write:

""American leadership in shaping digital trade rules is critical for competing globally in the long-term and countering the unfair trade practices of other foreign powers, including the PRC. We are especially concerned by the PRC’s efforts to advance a model of digital governance domestically and through its Digital Silk Road Initiative that permits censorship, surveillance, human and worker rights abuses, forced technology transfers, and data flow restrictions...

""The void created by this decision will harm American workers, companies, security, and innovation, while benefitting our largest competitors in the digital space. We reiterate our request for the administration to reassess its decision. ""

LaHood and DelBene issued a statement opposing the Biden Administration's decision earlier this month. The full text of the letter can be read HERE and below:

Ambassador Katherine Tai

United States Trade Representative

600 17th St NW

Washington, DC 20006

Dear Ambassador Tai:

We write to express our opposition to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative’s (USTR) decision to abandon important bipartisan digital trade proposals at the World Trade Organization (WTO). This action, which was made without sufficient consultation with Congress, runs counter to the interests of American workers and businesses of all sizes and cedes more leverage to other foreign powers, including the Peoples’ Republic of China (PRC), that seek to write the rules of the 21st-century digital economy. We urge the administration to reconsider its approach.

Digital trade is vital to American workers and businesses of all sizes and virtually all industries, and the growth of e-commerce has only accelerated in recent years. In 2021, the U.S. digital economy produced $3.70 trillion in gross output, a 36-percent increase from 2016, and the sector supported over 8 million jobs. Further, U.S. digital services exports equated to more than 75 percent of total services exports or $594 billion in 2021. Digital trade is more critical than ever, impacting the competitiveness of nearly every American industry, from manufacturing and traditional technology to agriculture and services.

We are concerned by an increasing number of policies and proposals around the world that unfairly target American businesses and workers and threaten to undermine the leading position U.S. innovators have achieved. These policies include restrictive data localization requirements that fail to advance legitimate public policy objectives, controls on cross-border data flows, intellectual property theft and the forced transfer of technology, discriminatory regulations and digital service taxes, web filtering, and cybercrime.

American leadership in shaping digital trade rules is critical for competing globally in the long-term and countering the unfair trade practices of other foreign powers, including the PRC. We are especially concerned by the PRC’s efforts to advance a model of digital governance domestically and through its Digital Silk Road Initiative that permits censorship, surveillance, human and worker rights abuses, forced technology transfers, and data flow restrictions.

We wholeheartedly agree that the United States and our allies must maintain sufficient room to regulate the digital economy in a fair and transparent manner. Further, we agree that consumers must be protected as they interact with the digital economy, including by bolstering consumer data privacy protections and cybersecurity safeguards. That said, the U.S. can regulate companies within our borders without giving foreign countries, including our adversaries, the impression that the United States will no longer protect our industries and workers against discrimination, push back against the PRC’s model of data censorship and surveillance, promote the free and secure flow of data across borders, and defend American companies against source code theft.

To combat these challenges, we have encouraged the Biden administration to embrace a bold digital strategy that puts American values front and center. We continue to support an approach that ensures fair competition by addressing protectionist data flow and localization restrictions, prohibiting web blocking, and protecting against forced source code transfer as a condition of market access. All these objectives were advanced by successive administrations, implemented in the bipartisan United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, and previously supported by the United States in the WTO Joint Initiative on E-Commerce.

These provisions maintain broad support in the United States, and we are troubled that USTR has abandoned these positions without meaningful consultations with Congress and without putting forth any alternative approaches to advance the key objectives we outline above. The void created by this decision will harm American workers, companies, security, and innovation, while benefitting our largest competitors in the digital space. We reiterate our request for the administration to reassess its decision.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://lahood.house.gov/2023/11/lahood-intelligence-committee-release-fisa-report-section-702-must-be-reformed,"LaHood, Intelligence Committee Release FISA Report: Section 702 Must Be Reformed",2023-11-16,2023,2023-11,Republican,House,IL,Darin LaHood,L000585,lahood.house.gov,lahood,https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-16) joined the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence to release a report titled “FISA Reauthorization: How America’s Most Critical National Security Tool Must Be Reformed to Continue to Save American Lives and Liberty.” The report was issued by the Majority FISA Working Group, comprised of LaHood, Chairman Mike Turner (OH-10), and Representative Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01).

In March of 2023, Rep. LaHood pressed FBI Director Wray on FISA abuses and was appointed as the lead on the HPSCI FISA Working Group, which has worked extensively in recent months on this report and much needed reforms to the FISA Section 702 authority.

""The extensive HPSCI report outlines the important reforms needed in order to responsibly reauthorize FISA before the end of the year,” said Rep. LaHood. “In the wake of the Hamas terrorist attacks, our nation faces the greatest threat of terror in nearly decade. Allowing this critical national security tool to expire would put our country at greater risk. However, there have been too many abuses of the program, and it must be reformed to protect the rights and privacy of American citizens. I look forward to working with my colleagues to implement the necessary reforms outlined in our report to get this important national security tool reauthorized.""

Key takeaways:

All federal courts to date have found Section 702 constitutional (pp. 10-11) – The U.S. Courts of Appeals for the Second, Ninth, and Tenth Circuits have all held that when “the target of Section 702 surveillance is a foreign national located abroad having no substantial connections with the United States, that target is not entitled to Fourth Amendment protections,” even if the collection occurs inside the United States. In addition, the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court has repeatedly found Section 702 collection to be constitutional under the Fourth Amendment in its annual certification decisions.

Regarding incidental collection of U.S. persons’ communications, the Second Circuit held in United States v. Hasbajrami that when surveillance is “lawful in the first place . . . the incidental interception of non-targeted U.S. persons’ communications with the targeted persons is also lawful.”

Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court judges are Senate-confirmed Article III judges (p. 16) – The Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court is composed of eleven Senate-confirmed federal district court judges who are appointed to serve by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. Therefore, all judges who preside over the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court are Article III judges. By statute, each judge serves a maximum term of seven years, and all terms are staggered so that there is continuity on the Court. Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court judges must be selected from at least seven of the United States judicial circuits, and three of the judges must live within 20 miles of Washington, D.C. Each judge that sits on the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court does so in addition to their regular caseload in their home federal district.

FISA Myths vs. FISA Realties (pp. 17-20) – To address some of the popular myths surrounding FISA, a side-by-side myth vs. reality chart was included. One such myth is that if a U.S. person communicates with a target of Section 702 collection, all of the U.S. person’s emails are subject to collection and review by the IC. In reality, if a U.S. person communicates with a target of Section 702 collection, only the specific correspondence in which the foreign target is a party is collected—this is referred to as “incidental collection.” The government can never target U.S. persons whose communications are incidentally collected under Section 702.

Another myth is that Section 702 collects on all foreigners and that any foreigner you communicate with is subject to Section 702 collection. In reality, Section 702 is a highly targeted collection program that only collects on foreigners who possess or communicate specific types of foreign intelligence information. It is individualized and extremely limited.

President Trump supported the last Section 702 reauthorization. – During the signing of S. 139, the FISA Amendments Reauthorization Act of 2017, President Trump said, “I would have preferred a permanent reauthorization of Title VII to protect the safety and security of the Nation. By signing this Act today, however, I am ensuring that this lawful and essential intelligence program will continue to protect Americans for at least the next six years. We cannot let our guard down in the face of foreign threats to our safety, our freedom, and our way of life.”

We have 45 FISA reform proposals. (pp. 42-47) – Our reforms go beyond Section 702 to make meaningful reforms to all of FISA.

Nineteen Provisions Stopping FBI Querying Abuses

Restricts the number of FBI personnel who can authorize a U.S. person query by more than 90 percent.

Requires the FBI to obtain a warrant to conduct a query on an American for evidence of a crime.

Creates specific criminal liability for 702 leaks of a U.S. person’s communications.

Makes FBI compensation contingent on query compliance.

Mandates independent audits of all FBI queries of U.S. persons.

Prohibits queries to suppress Americans’ political opinions or religious beliefs.

Fourteen Provisions to Prevent Another Carter Page Abuse

Creates five enhanced criminal penalties for those who violate FISA, leak FISA applications, or lie to the FISA Court.

Gives the FISA Court the authority to prosecute for contempt.

Prohibits using political opposition research and press reports to get a FISA order.

Seven Provisions to Fix and Open Up the FISA Court

Allows Members of Congress to attend.

Requires court hearings to be transcribed and made available to Congress.

Assigns a court-appointed counsel to scrutinize U.S. person surveillance applications.

Stops the government from shopping for FISA Court judges.

Other Provisions Reflecting Congress’s Opportunity to Address Political and National Security Concerns

Enhances the ability of the National Security Agency to target international fentanyl trafficking operations.

Gives the Intelligence Community the ability to track Mexican drug cartels’ burner phones.

Allows all foreigners applying for a visa, immigration, or asylum to be vetted using 702 queries.

Click here to read the full report.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://lahood.house.gov/2023/11/lahood-honors-bradley-soccer-coach-jim-derose,LaHood Honors Bradley Soccer Coach Jim DeRose,2023-11-14,2023,2023-11,Republican,House,IL,Darin LaHood,L000585,lahood.house.gov,lahood,https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-16), Co-Chair of the Congressional Soccer Caucus, went to the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives to honor Bradley Soccer Coach Jim DeRose on his retirement after 28 successful seasons of coaching. DeRose, who announced his retirement this month, was named the Soccer America Coach of the Year in 2007 and led Bradley Soccer to seven NCAA Tournament appearances, the highest for any coach in Bradley Athletics history.

You can view Rep. LaHood's remarks HERE. LaHood's remarks as prepared can be read below.

I rise today to honor and congratulate Jim DeRose on his retirement as Bradley University’s Men’s Soccer Coach after 28 successful seasons.

Beginning his career in 1996 at the age of 28 and as the youngest coach in NCAA Division I men’s soccer, Jim quickly emerged as a dominant figure in the soccer community. Under Jim’s leadership, Bradley’s soccer program reached new heights and resulted in a 2007 run to the NCAA Elite Eight, where Jim was chosen as the Soccer America National Coach of the Year. During his tenure as head coach, Bradley held a 267-227-66 record with seven NCAA tournament appearances, the highest for any coach in Bradley University Athletics history. Jim finishes his career as the second-winningest coach in Missouri Valley Conference soccer history and coached the only four-year all-Americans in MVC men’s soccer history.

In addition to his accomplishments on the pitch, the accomplishments of his players in the classroom and post-graduation are a testament to his ability to grow his players into successful young men.

Jim has been an integral part of growing the game of soccer throughout central Illinois and his legacy will last for years to come. It is my privilege to congratulate Jim DeRose on his retirement after 28 years with Bradley University Men’s Soccer and wish him, his wife Robin, and his two children, Raleigh and J.R., all the best.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://lahood.house.gov/2023/11/lahood-bipartisan-colleagues-reintroduce-keep-physicians-serving-patients-act,"LaHood, Bipartisan Colleagues Reintroduce Keep Physicians Serving Patients Act",2023-11-09,2023,2023-11,Republican,House,IL,Darin LaHood,L000585,lahood.house.gov,lahood,https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Reps. Darin LaHood (R-IL), Adrian Smith (R-NE), Terri Sewell (D-AL), and Melanie Stansbury (D-NM) reintroduced the Keep Physicians Serving Patients Act, legislation to help ensure seniors in rural America have access to health care providers by adjusting the geographic practice cost index (GPCI) to more accurately portray the costs of practicing medicine in rural areas.

The members released the following statements:

“Ensuring Medicare providers in rural communities are not unfairly impacted from lower payments based on an outdated geographic practice cost index (GPCI) is critical for access to care in Illinois,” said Rep. LaHood. “I am proud to join this bipartisan group to introduce this commonsense bill, which will modernize the GPCI formula, accounting for the unique practice needs of rural providers, and ensure physicians can continue serving patients in need regardless of where they live.”

“The last thing rural communities need is to lose health care providers to an outdated, flawed reimbursement index,” said Rep. Smith. “Modernizing the GPCI is a commonsense step we can take to ensure Medicare patients in rural America have access to care while also setting a reasonable, responsible reimbursement minimum for rural providers. I thank Reps. Sewell, LaHood, and Stansbury for partnering with me on this important legislation.”

“We in Alabama have seen our rural health care providers come under immense strain, due in part to Medicare reimbursement rates that fail to fully reflect the cost of providing services in smaller, rural communities,” said Rep. Sewell. “By modernizing the GPCI, this legislation would help ensure that providers are fairly reimbursed so that our health care professionals can focus on treating patients and saving lives.”

“Seniors in our rural communities, and the physicians that serve them, are on the frontlines of the healthcare crisis. Rural America, especially in New Mexico, have been left behind,” said Rep. Stansbury. “Health care providers are leaving rural areas because of an outdated system that doesn’t accurately calculate reimburse costs, making practicing in rural areas unaffordable for providers. The Keep Physicians Serving Patients Act corrects for this by adjusting the geographic practice cost index (GPCI), assuring that the costs of practicing medicine in rural areas is accurately portrayed and reimbursed to rural providers. I’m happy to join this bipartisan coalition in reintroducing this crucial piece of legislation, which will pave the way to ensure care for our seniors in rural America.”

Currently, Medicare adjusts payments to providers based on GPCI estimates; however, the index consistently underestimates the costs associated with practicing medicine in rural communities. This leads to rural providers receiving lower, less competitive payment than providers practicing in more urban areas. The Keep Physicians Serving Patients Act – which you can read here – would set a permanent minimum GCPI to ensure all providers are adequately and fairly compensated for their services.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://lahood.house.gov/2023/11/lahood-s-bridge-for-worker-s-act-passes-ways-and-means-committee,LaHood's BRIDGE For Worker's Act Passes Ways and Means Committee,2023-11-03,2023,2023-11,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 passed Congressman Darin LaHood's (IL-16) bipartisan Building on Reemployment Improvements to Deliver Good Employment (BRIDGE) for Workers Act this week, which would give states greater flexibility in administering existing unemployment benefits to help more Americans find good-paying jobs. LaHood, who is the Chairman of the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Work and Welfare, introduced the BRIDGE for Workers Act with Subcommittee Ranking Member Danny Davis (D-IL).

You can view Rep. LaHood's remarks at the mark up HERE.

""The United States currently has 1.5 unfilled jobs for every unemployed worker, which underscores the need for Congress to incentivize individuals to get back into the workforce,"" said Rep. LaHood. ""The BRIDGE for Workers Act provides more flexibility to the states and gives individuals on unemployment greater access to workforce development tools, which will strengthen our communities and our economy. I am proud to work with my colleague from Chicago, Ranking Member Davis, on this important issue and urge the full House to swiftly pass our bill.""

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) awards annual Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment (RESEA) grants to states and territories providing individual reemployment services for Unemployment Insurance (UI) claimants. Reemployment services give workers who might otherwise struggle to find new jobs the tools that they need to get back to work and reduce the number of weeks that UI claimants receive unemployment benefits.

Under current law, however, states can only use their federal grants to assist workers who are “most likely to exhaust their unemployment benefits.” This unnecessary restriction prevents many unemployed workers from getting valuable assistance. The BRIDGE for Workers Act would remove this restriction and allow states to use their allocated funding to provide support to any individual receiving unemployment benefits, as long as the state believes these services would help them return to work more quickly.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://lahood.house.gov/2023/11/lahood-moolenaar-introduce-no-gotion-act-to-stop-federal-taxpayer-funding-of-ccp-companies,"LaHood, Moolenaar Introduce NO GOTION Act to Stop Federal Taxpayer Funding of CCP Companies",2023-11-02,2023,2023-11,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) and John Moolenaar (R-MI) have introduced the No Official Giveaways Of Taxpayers’ Income to Oppressive Nations (NO GOTION) Act. The bill would prohibit companies affiliated with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) from receiving green energy production tax credits implemented by the Biden Administration in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). The legislation comes in response to Gotion Inc., a subsidiary of the CCP-affiliated Gotion High-Tech, planning to build battery factories in Illinois and Michigan, which would likely qualify for the tax credits under the IRA. In addition to the CCP, companies affiliated with Russia, Iran, and North Korea would be prohibited from receiving tax credits implemented by the IRA under the bill.

“As a member of the House Select Committee on the CCP and the House Intelligence Committee, I have seen the malign efforts that the CCP and other foreign adversaries like Iran and Russia are engaged in to undermine our domestic supply chains and national security,” said LaHood. “Hard-working taxpayers should not be on the hook for billions in federal subsidies funneling to companies beholden to malign actors, like the CCP. It is clear that the so-called ‘Inflation Reduction Act’ is being leveraged by foreign adversaries to exploit loopholes to gain generous incentives and dominate key technologies in the United States. Congress and the federal government should be promoting pro-growth tax policy that supports American businesses and this commonsense bill is a positive step to get us back on track.”

“The NO GOTION Act is a simple three-page bill that will prohibit CCP-affiliated companies, including Gotion, from receiving the federal tax dollars of hardworking American families. If America is going to have a secure energy supply, we cannot give federal tax credits to CCP-controlled companies and allow them to expand their influence in the U.S.,” said Moolenaar. “Quite simply, the tax dollars of the American people should not be used to pad the profits of a company beholden to the CCP.”

“Under no circumstance should the United States allow our adversaries to benefit from American taxpayers’ hard-earned income,” said Congressman Rob Wittman (R-VA), a co-sponsor of the legislation. “I am proud to join my colleagues in introducing the NO GOTION Act, which is a critical measure to deny green energy tax benefits from going to companies that are created, organized, or controlled by Russia, Iran, North Korea, and China.”

In a media report last month, a Gotion official said the company is “reviewing and assessing” how it can use the green energy tax credits President Joe Biden signed into law in 2022. In September 2022, Gotion Inc.’s plans were initially approved by local leaders to build a battery component factory in Mecosta County, Michigan. In September 2023, Gotion Inc. announced plans to build a similar factory in Manteno, Illinois.

In a recent Foreign Agents Registration Act filing, Gotion Inc. claimed it was “wholly owned and controlled by” Gotion High-Tech, which is based in China. According to Gotion High-Tech’s bylaws, it is required ""to carry out Party activities in accordance with the Constitution of the [Chinese Communist Party].”

The NO GOTION Act is cosponsored by Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-WI), the Chairman of the Select Committee on the Strategic Competition between the United States and the CCP, as well as Reps. Jack Bergman (R-MI), Mike Bost (R-IL), Neal Dunn (R-FL), Drew Ferguson (R-GA), Carlos Giménez (R-FL), Bill Huizenga (R-MI), John James (R-MI), Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-MO), Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY), Lisa McClain (R-MI), Mary Miller (R-IL), Greg Murphy, M.D. (R-NC), David Schweikert (R-AZ), Michelle Steel (R-CA), Greg Steube (R-FL), Claudia Tenney (R-NY), and Tim Walberg (R-MI). The full text of today’s the bill can be found here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://lahood.house.gov/2023/11/lahood-supports-aid-to-israel,LaHood Supports Aid to Israel,2023-11-02,2023,2023-11,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) released the following statement after he voted in favor of H.R. 6126, The Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, which provides aid to Israel in the wake of the Hamas terrorist attacks:

""The United States must stand with the State of Israel in response to the barbaric terrorist attacks by Hamas on October 7 - the worst massacre of Jews since the Holocaust. The Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act provides needed funding to Israel for the Iron Dome defense system, advanced weapons systems, and ammunition, while ensuring our own military readiness is not impacted. I am proud to support this as an important first step in assisting our ally Israel. However, it is critical that the Biden Administration continue to support Israel as they seek to eradicate Hamas, that all hostages held by Hamas in Gaza be released, that support for humanitarian aid continues, and that we stand strongly against the rise in antisemitism accelerating throughout our country.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://bost.house.gov/2023/11/bost-announces-rural-development-grants-for-southern-illinois,BOST ANNOUNCES RURAL DEVELOPMENT GRANTS FOR SOUTHERN ILLINOIS,2023-11-01,2023,2023-11,Republican,House,IL,Mike Bost,B001295,bost.house.gov,bost,https://bost.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Mike Bost (IL-12) announced today that 10 Southern Illinois counties will receive a combined $1.2 million in grants from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) to fortify rural energy.

""Biofuels and renewable energy are key components to ensuring America's energy independence,""said Bost. ""Farmers in Southern Illinois have experienced increased uncertainty over the last two years, but grants like these are a crucial step in ensuring that biofuels remain a part of America's fuel supply. I support an 'all-of-the-above' approach to meeting our energy needs and will continue to fight for energy resilience and reliability in Southern Illinois.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://bost.house.gov/2023/10/bost-statement-on-mike-johnson-speaker-election,BOST STATEMENT ON MIKE JOHNSON SPEAKER ELECTION,2023-10-26,2023,2023-10,Republican,House,IL,Mike Bost,B001295,bost.house.gov,bost,https://bost.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"""I was proud to cast my vote today for the new Speaker of the House, Mike Johnson. Speaker Johnson is a consistent conservative with the steady hand to lead the People’s House through consequential times. I share his conservative vision for America and value the respect he inspires from all corners of the Republican Conference. We’ve got a lot of work to do, from securing the border to passing conservative spending bills and aiding Israel. The time to get back to work is now; and we’ve got the right leader for the job.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://bost.house.gov/2023/10/senate-approves-bost-effort-to-protect-veterans-2nd-amendment-rights,SENATE APPROVES BOST EFFORT TO PROTECT VETERANS' 2ND AMENDMENT RIGHTS,2023-10-26,2023,2023-10,Republican,House,IL,Mike Bost,B001295,bost.house.gov,bost,https://bost.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"“Until now, a veteran who needed help managing their finances wouldn’t be able to go deer hunting because their name would have been submitted for a government-run background check that restricted their Second Amendment rights without due process,” said Bost. “It’s taken Congress over 30 years to right this wrong. I appreciate the bipartisan work the Senate has done on this issue, and in partnership with the House, I look forward to it being enacted in the final version of this year’s veterans appropriations bill.”

The House previously approved an amendment sponsored by Bost to stop the automatic referrals without a court’s order. Bost’s effort has the support of the National Rifle Association, Gun Owners of America, and the American Legion.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://lahood.house.gov/2023/10/lahood-delbene-statement-on-ustr-decision-to-abandon-digital-trade-leadership-at-the-wto,"LaHood, DelBene Statement on USTR Decision to Abandon Digital Trade Leadership at the WTO",2023-10-26,2023,2023-10,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 Suzan DelBene (D-WA), Co-Chairs of the Digital Trade Caucus, released the following statement on the U.S. Trade Representative's (USTR) decision to withdraw support for important digital trade proposals at the World Trade Organization (WTO):

“USTR’s decision to abandon important, longstanding, and bipartisan U.S. digital trade priorities at the WTO runs contrary to American interests,” said Reps. LaHood and DelBene. “Instead of promoting policies that Congress set in the bipartisan U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement that protect against the forced transfer of American technology, enable the free flow of information across borders, and defend American industries, small businesses, and workers against discrimination, USTR has unilaterally decided to walk away from these important rules without the consent of Congress. This decision provides more leverage for other foreign powers, including the Chinese Communist Party, to write the rules of the global digital economy into the future. We strongly urge the Biden administration to reconsider its approach.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://lahood.house.gov/2023/10/lahood-statement-on-the-election-of-speaker-mike-johnson,LaHood Statement on the Election of Speaker Mike Johnson,2023-10-25,2023,2023-10,Republican,House,IL,Darin LaHood,L000585,lahood.house.gov,lahood,https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-16) released the following statement after he voted for Congressman Mike Johnson (LA-04) to be the next Speaker of the House:

""I am proud to support Mike Johnson as the next Speaker of the House. Mike is a family man who understands the importance of advancing conservative policies that promote individual liberty, rein in spending, and secure the border, while also conducting needed oversight of the Biden Administration. Mike can unite our Conference and I look forward to working with him to deliver results for central and northwestern Illinois.

""Over the past three weeks, we’ve witnessed the consequences borne from a small group of Members who put self over governing and the impact of the Motion to Vacate. Russia, China, and Iran are on the move to distort and defeat democracy, Israel, one of our strongest allies, is under attack from Hamas terrorists, and tensions are escalating in the Middle East. Our southern border is in complete chaos and government funding runs out in less than a month.

""The election of a new Speaker has been a messy process that has prohibited the House from advancing a conservative agenda for three weeks. It's time to get back to work, govern for the American people, and pursue solutions to the problems voters sent our Republican Majority to Washington to fix.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-miller-proudly-votes-speaker-mike-johnson-strong-advocate-pro-life-and-pro,Rep. Miller Proudly Votes for Speaker Mike Johnson: A Strong Advocate for Pro-Life and Pro-Family Values,2023-10-25,2023,2023-10,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) proudly voted in support of Speaker Mike Johnson and issued the following statement:

“Speaker Mike Johnson is a thoughtful and compassionate leader with strong pro-life, pro-family values,"" Miller said. ""I have had the privilege of marching with Speaker Johnson during the annual March For Life in Washington, and I join him weekly for a private prayer meeting with members where we pray for our country. He used his position as Republican Conference Vice Chair to lead debates on the House Floor in defense of the unborn and parental rights, and I was honored when he joined the Congressional Family Caucus to be an advocate for the nuclear family.

""I look forward to the House resuming our important work of securing Biden’s open border, stopping Biden’s rampant inflation, and impeaching Joe Biden for selling out the United States in exchange for cash from our adversaries.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://lahood.house.gov/2023/10/lahood-delbene-legislation-to-incentivize-value-based-health-care-receives-expansive-support,"LaHood, DelBene Legislation to Incentivize Value-Based Health Care Receives Expansive Support",2023-10-20,2023,2023-10,Republican,House,IL,Darin LaHood,L000585,lahood.house.gov,lahood,https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Over 600 health systems, hospitals, physician practices, health clinics, and ACOs announced their support the Value in Health Care Act, introduced earlier this year by U.S. Representatives Darin LaHood (IL-16) and Suzan DelBene (WA-01). The bill would make commonsense changes to the program parameters of Medicare’s Alternative Payment Models (APMs) to incentivize participation in Accountable Care Organizations (ACO) and improve services for seniors and their families. In a letter, the stakeholders outline their strong support for the bipartisan legislation and stress the importance passing key provisions by the end of the year. ""The Value in Health Care Act is a commonsense proposal that includes substantive reforms to encourage and support greater participation by healthcare providers in ACO’s. The Value in Health Care Act would encourage more providers to join these models and accelerate this change, leading to improved quality of care and health outcomes for seniors,"" said LaHood and DelBene. ""As Congress works towards the end of the year, it is critical that we pass this bipartisan legislation to expand access to coordinated and comprehensive care.""In the letter, the stakeholders write: ""This bipartisan legislation includes a two-year extension of MACRA’s original 5 percent advanced APM incentives and adjusts the one-size-fits-all approach to revenue qualification thresholds to ensure that physicians and other clinicians continue to participate in APMs. These two crucial policy changes will help facilitate the continued transition to advanced APM arrangements while gradually increasing the associated revenue qualifications for incentive payments."" In July, LaHood and DelBene joined by U.S. Representatives Brad Wenstrup (OH-02), Kim Schrier (WA-08), Larry Bucshon, M.D. (IN-08), and Earl Blumenauer (OR-03) introduced the Value in Health Care Act. The Value in Health Care Act would make the following changes to the APM and ACO parameters:

Provides a multi-year commitment to reforming care delivery by extending MACRA’s 5 percent advanced APM incentive payments for 2 years to continue to encourage the movement to value.

Establishes guardrails for CMS to ensure that the process to set financial benchmarks is transparent and appropriately accounts for regional variations in spending to prevent arbitrary winners and losers.

Removes barriers to ACO participation by eliminating arbitrary program distinctions so all participants are participating on a level playing field.

Supports fair and accurate benchmarks by modifying performance metrics so participants aren’t competing against their own successes in providing better care.

Incentivizes participation in Advanced APMs by extending the annual lump sum participation bonus for an additional two years.

Corrects arbitrary thresholds for Advanced APM qualification to better reflect the existing progress of the value-based movement and to encourage bringing more patients into this model of care.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-miller-trump-gave-us-peace-biden-set-world-fire,"Rep. Miller: Trump Gave Us Peace, Biden Set the World on Fire",2023-10-19,2023,2023-10,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 President Biden's address to the nation:

""Joe Biden wants to defend every border except our own. Under President Trump, we had historic peace in the Middle East thanks to the Abraham Accords,"" Miller said. ""Joe Biden's weakness during the disastrous Afghanistan withdrawal emboldened our enemies and set the world on fire.

""Biden is asking taxpayers to send more money to Ukraine while he rejects audits, transparency, or accountability. Since Ukraine needs money, has the Biden Family returned the MILLIONS they were paid by Ukrainian entities?

""Biden is also sending $100 million to Gaza, which is controlled by the Hamas terrorists who killed American and Israeli citizens. His plan is to fund both sides of the war in Israel. He still hasn't frozen the $6 billion he released for Iran, and by attacking American domestic energy production, Biden has made Iran richer than they could have possibly imagined.

""Joe Biden is a failed president, and his open border policies allowing 7 million foreign nationals to cross into our country have put us in the most danger we've seen since 9/11.

""I stand in support of Israel and will continue to pray for both Israel and the successful rescue of all who were captured.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://lahood.house.gov/2023/10/lahood-applauds-the-selection-of-machh2-as-a-regional-clean-hydrogen-hub-including-clean-hydrogen-energy-investment-in-il16,LaHood Applauds the Significant Clean Hydrogen Energy Investment in IL16 as Part of the Selection of MachH2 as a Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub,2023-10-17,2023,2023-10,Republican,House,IL,Darin LaHood,L000585,lahood.house.gov,lahood,https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-16) applauded the selection of the Midwest Alliance for Clean Hydrogen (MachH2) for the Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub Funding Opportunity by the Department of Energy. Portions of the funding in the Hub will go towards building the world's largest nuclear-powered clean hydrogen production facility at Constellation's LaSalle Clean Energy Center, in Marseilles, Illinois.

In May, Rep. LaHood joined bipartisan members of Illinois' Congressional Delegation in a letter to the Department of Energy supporting the MachH2 application. The overall Hydrogren Hub will support clean energy investments and strengthen energy security in the Midwest and throughout the country, creating jobs and a network of hydrogen producers in Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan.

""I applaud the selection of MachH2 as one of the nation’s first Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs, including its support for creating the world's largest nuclear-powered clean hydrogen production facility in Marseilles, Illinois,"" said Rep. LaHood. ""Illinois, and specifically the 16th Congressional District, is home to robust energy resources and an established agriculture, manufacturing, and transportation network. This project will strengthen energy security in Illinois and throughout the country. With a healthy nuclear and carbon-free energy sector, central Illinois is in a strong position to be a leader in hydrogen production. In Congress, I will continue to support an all-of-the-above energy approach that invests in our domestic resources and returns our country to robust energy independence.""

The Midwest Hydrogen Hub will support clean hydrogen energy production including steel and glass production, power generation, refining, heavy-duty transportation, and sustainable aviation fuel. It is anticipated that the Hub will create over 13,000 construction and permanent jobs.

You can learn more about the project here. You can learn more about Constellation's project in Marseilles, Illinois, here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://lahood.house.gov/2023/10/icymi-lahood-gallagher-push-mayorkas-to-take-action-on-chinese-auto-parts-manufacturer-evading-tariffs,"ICYMI: LaHood, Gallagher Push Mayorkas to Take Action on Chinese Auto Parts Manufacturer Evading Tariffs",2023-10-04,2023,2023-10,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 Chairman Mike Gallagher (R-WI) of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party urged Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas to take action against Qingdao Sunsong -- a Chinese auto component manufacturer with a pattern of blatant trade fraud and tariff evasion that has had a catastrophic impact on American manufacturers. Sunsong's tariff evasion forced a company in Dixon, Illinois, to lay off one-quarter of its workforce, and threatens to permanently shutter operations.

In the letter, the lawmakers write, “Reviews of Qingdao Sunsong’s public disclosures lay out a case of blatant trade fraud that is having a catastrophic impact on American manufacturers. Indeed, one American company has been compelled to accumulate significant debt, divest itself of two business divisions and most recently lay off one-quarter of its workforce due to Sunsong’s trade fraud. If swift action is not taken, the affected company will be forced to permanently cease its operations.”

After a brief review of Qingdao Sunsong’s public disclosures and the controlling shareholder's on-the-record comments, the lawmakers quickly determined that Qingdao Sunsong demonstrated a clear pattern of trade fraud that warrants immediate review and enforcement from Secretary Mayorkas.

Click HERE to view a copy of the letter or read below.

Dear Secretary Mayorkas,

The House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) writes today to express our concern that Qingdao Sunsong—a company based in the People’s Republic of China (PRC)— and its U.S. based subsidiary, Sunsong North America, are circumventing Section 301 tariffs by transshipping their products with limited transformation through Thailand to the United States. Reviews of Qingdao Sunsong’s public disclosures lay out a case of blatant trade fraud that is having a catastrophic impact on American manufacturers. Indeed, one American company has been compelled to accumulate significant debt, divest itself of two business divisions and most recently lay off one-quarter of its workforce due to Sunsong’s trade fraud. If swift action is not taken, the affected company will be forced to permanently cease its operations.

The use of transshipment to evade United States tariffs is a serious violation of U.S. law and undermines American economic and national security. To evade Section 301 tariffs and duties, many PRC companies—including Sunsong—ship their Made in China products to countries that do not face tariffs at the same level as those imposed on the PRC by the United States. Without fundamentally transforming the product, the companies will then ship their Made in China products to the United States under the guise that the products were made in a country other than China. Only when a good has undergone substantial transformation in a third country—which is defined as a fundamental change as a result of processing or manufacturing in the third country which significantly adds to its value an amount or percentage that is significant in comparison to the value which the good (or its components or materials) had when exported from the country in which it was first made or grown—are these shipments permitted. Importers that knowingly falsify the country of origin label on their imports are subject to significant fines and penalties under 19 U.S.C. § 1592. We are concerned that these fines and penalties are not being enforced.

In June 2022, Qingdao Sunsong applied to publicly list on the Beijing Stock Exchange (BSE). As part of the listing process, the BSE required Qingdao Sunsong to provide a detailed accounting of its international operations, including its operations in Thailand and North America. In its response letter to the BSE, Qingdao Sunsong confirmed its rubber hose assembly products produced in China were subject to a 25% tariff and that “in order to reduce tariff costs, the issuer shifted its production (from China) to Thailand.” Qingdao Sunsong’s response detailed how it relied on its relationships with Thailand based Virayont Group Co. Ltd. and Imperial Cable Industry Co. Ltd. to reduce tariff costs borne by its U.S. subsidiary, Sunsong North America.

Reviewing the financials disclosed in Qingdao Sunsong’s response to the BSE, there is a clear pattern of fraud. A disclosure from Qingdao Sunsong indicates that the effect of outsourced processing in Thailand added between 12 cents and 23 cents to process each of its power steering hose assemblies between the period 2019 to 2021. These numbers indicate that processing by Virayont of the products received from Qingdao Sunsong accounted for 4 – 8% of the declared value of assembly based on Qingdao Sunsong’s numbers, far below the threshold expected to qualify as “substantial transformation.” Indeed, the Qingdao Sunsong disclosure indicates that Viayont’s added value is “assembly processing, and the process is relatively simple.” Industrial products shall be inspected and put into the warehouse of the company before being sold to the outside, and the company shall assume the main responsibility for the product quality. In 2021, Qingdao Sunsong began to use a new wholly owned subsidiary, Sunsong Thailand, to facilitate this continued practice.

Finally, in Qingdao Sunsong’s 2022 prospectus, Wei Zengxiang—the controlling shareholder of the company—said that ""[i]f (Sunsong) and its subsidiaries are subject to any penalties or legal liabilities by the competent authorities for violating the trade regulations of the importing or exporting countries, resulting in fines, compensation or other economic losses of (Sunsong) and its subsidiaries, I will unconditionally bear all the aforementioned fines, compensation and other economic losses on behalf of (Sunsong) and its subsidiaries, or if (Sunsong) and its subsidiaries must bear them first, I will give full compensation to (Sunsong) and its subsidiaries in a timely manner. Moreover, I guarantee that I will not recover from (Sunsong) in this regard in the future."" It appears that Mr. Wei understands that his company is circumventing Section 301 tariffs. Indeed, he claims he will personally pay any penalties for his company to continue evading tariffs.

We are concerned that this type of trade fraud is commonplace in today’s economic environment and companies are engaging in these practices to effectively evade the United States’ tariff regime. Therefore, we respectfully request that you provide the Select Committee with a briefing on how the Department is investigating and seeking redress from these perpetrators as soon as possible but no later than October 13, 2023.

The House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party has broad authority to “investigate and submit policy recommendations on the status of the Chinese Communist Party’s economic, technological, and security progress and its competition with the United States” under H. Res. 11.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-mary-miller-supports-judiciary-chairman-jim-jordan-speaker,REP. MARY MILLER SUPPORTS JUDICIARY CHAIRMAN JIM JORDAN FOR SPEAKER,2023-10-04,2023,2023-10,Republican,House,IL,Mary E. Miller,M001211,marymiller.house.gov,marymiller,https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Congresswoman Mary Miller (R-Illinois) released the following statement on her support for Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) in the upcoming Speaker election:

“I am supporting Jim Jordan for Speaker of the House based on his proven track record of holding the Biden Administration accountable, rejecting soft-on-crime policies, fighting for border security, bringing oversight to the leftwing bureaucracy, reining in reckless spending, and ending the corruption within the Biden Department of Justice.

""Joe Biden has weaponized the Department of Justice to target parents for attending school board meetings, pro-life Christians for protesting abortion clinics, and gun stores for selling firearms to law-abiding Americans. Biden is engaging in blatant election interference by using the DOJ to target his chief political opponent, President Trump, with a partisan witch hunt.

""With a tough, conservative Speaker, we can stand strong against Biden and Schumer through the ongoing budget battle and Biden impeachment inquiry.

""Jim Jordan is a man of faith who believes deeply in putting America first. I trust him to lead us as we work to confront the Biden border crisis, the Biden inflation crisis, and the Biden energy crisis. Under Speaker Jim Jordan, House Republicans will know they have a leader who will listen to them, fight for them, and stand with them in our battle to save America.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://lahood.house.gov/2023/10/lahood-statement-on-the-motion-to-vacate,LaHood Statement on the Motion to Vacate,2023-10-03,2023,2023-10,Republican,House,IL,Darin LaHood,L000585,lahood.house.gov,lahood,https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-16) released the following statement on the Motion to Vacate and removal of Kevin McCarthy as Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives. LaHood opposed the Motion to Vacate.

""Using the Motion to Vacate to remove Speaker McCarthy with a majority of Democrat votes is a shameful maneuver that does a disservice to the American people and hinders the key conservative priorities that voters put a Republican Majority in the House to advance.

""Under the Biden Administration and a Democrat-controlled Senate, the southern border is in crisis, violent crime is on the rise, and the Biden economy is harming working families. The House Republican Majority – led by Speaker McCarthy – has been the only body in the federal government pushing back against the left-wing agenda coming from the White House. Today's move by a few Members more concerned with clicks and soundbites, rather than working to achieve conservative policy victories, threatens to hand the House of Representatives back to Democrats. Hard working Illinois families will pay the price for these political games.

""I will continue to work in the days ahead to end this impasse and pursue solutions to the problems voters sent our Republican Majority to Washington to fix.""

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-miller-votes-prevent-coalition-government-democrats,"Rep. Miller Votes to Prevent ""Coalition Government"" with Democrats",2023-10-03,2023,2023-10,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 to prevent a ""coalition government"" with Democrats:

""I agree with President Trump that right now, we should be focused on stopping the radical Democrats,"" Miller said.

""I voted against Kevin McCarthy 15 times in January, but no one else has stepped forward to run for Speaker and I will NOT surrender the majority to a ""coalition government"" with the Democrats through a power-sharing agreement with extreme liberals Nancy Pelosi and Hakeem Jeffries.

""Any ""coalition"" with Democrats to defeat McCarthy would end the Biden impeachment inquiry and any hope of reforming the politicized DOJ that is targeting President Trump.

""We cannot risk Pelosi having any power in a Republican Majority while we are in the middle of budget negotiations and an impeachment inquiry into Biden!""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://lahood.house.gov/2023/10/lahood-s-health-savings-for-families-act-of-2023-passes-out-of-ways-and-means-committee,LaHood's Health Savings for Families Act of 2023 Passes Out of Ways and Means Committee,2023-10-02,2023,2023-10,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 voted in favor of Congressman Darin LaHood's (IL-16) Health Savings for Families Act of 2023, legislation that would allow individuals to maintain a Health Savings Account (HSA) even if the individual’s spouse is enrolled in a Flexible Spending Arrangement (FSA). Currently, individuals are not eligible to maintain an HSA if their spouse is enrolled in an FSA. This legislation allows patients to have more choice and control of their own health care dollars.

LaHood's Health Savings for Families Act of 2023 was included in the Ways and Means Committee's Bipartisan HSA Improvement Act of 2023. Full text of LaHood's Health Savings for Families Act can be read HERE.

LaHood spoke in favor of his legislation and his prepared remarks can be read below or viewed HERE.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://bost.house.gov/2023/9/bost-votes-against-45-day-funding-bill,BOST VOTES AGAINST 45-DAY FUNDING BILL,2023-09-30,2023,2023-09,Republican,House,IL,Mike Bost,B001295,bost.house.gov,bost,https://bost.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"""The people of Southern Illinois sent me to Washington to restore fiscal sanity and secure our southern border. We had a golden opportunity to do both as we worked this week to avoid a government shutdown. However, it became clear the Washington Democrats weren’t interested in solving either crisis. For that reason, I voted against the short-term government funding bill that passed the House on Saturday without any serious reforms on spending or border security. We must act now to ensure these burdens are not our children and grandchildren’s to bear.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:37:48Z
https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-miller-statement-voting-no-cr,Rep. Miller Statement on Voting NO on the “CR”,2023-09-29,2023,2023-09,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 her NO vote on the ""CR"":

""I voted no on the “CR” continuing resolution because I will not be part of the process to kick government funding down the road until the holidays, when Senate and House “insiders” will agree to ram through some massive omnibus with Ukraine funding behind closed doors.

Last year, Senate Democrats, Senate Republicans, and House Democrats passed a massive omnibus on Christmas Eve while no one was watching. The DC Swamp does not want the transparency and accountability that comes with passing 12 appropriations bills.

Last night, I voted for four conservative appropriations bills to reverse the damage Biden has done with his America Last agenda, and I have now voted for five bills to fund the government and keep our promises to the American people.

I have directed the clerk to withhold my pay and I will vote on appropriations bills all day, every day, until we keep the promises that we made to hold Joe Biden and the DC Swamp accountable through our “power of the purse.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:37:48Z
https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-miller-votes-conservative-wins-funding-fight,REP. MILLER VOTES FOR CONSERVATIVE WINS IN FUNDING FIGHT,2023-09-29,2023,2023-09,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 after voting in favor of four conservative appropriations bills that contained important victories in the fight against Biden’s America Last agenda:

“Tonight, I voted for a series of conservative policy wins in four appropriations bills that reverse Biden’s America Last agenda. I voted to strip all Ukraine funding out of the Defense Department bill, to end all DOD funding for abortion services, and to provide a pay raise for our troops. To end Biden’s invasion at our southern border, I voted to increase funding for border wall construction, increase funding for border patrol, and reduce Secretary Mayorkas’ salary to $1.

I proudly voted to cut all funding for John Kerry and his office, and I voted to prohibit funding for the World Health Organization and Wuhan Lab. I also voted for the Department of Agriculture bill, which included an important provision I fought for to prevent China and our adversaries from buying US farmland. I previously voted to fund the Department of Veterans Affairs in July.

I will continue to hold the line against Biden’s costly inflationary spending, his illegal invasion at our southern border, and his blank check to Ukrainian oligarchs.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:37:48Z
https://bost.house.gov/2023/9/bost-votes-to-restrict-ukraine-funding,BOST VOTES TO RESTRICT UKRAINE FUNDING,2023-09-28,2023,2023-09,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) issued the following statement after voting last evening to cut security assistance to Ukraine in the Fiscal Year 2024 Defense Appropriations bill:

""At a time when we're fighting to restore fiscal sanity here at home, we can't continue sending hundreds of millions of dollars to Ukraine with little accountability for how the money's spent. The needs of the American people must come first. For that reason, I voted to cut security assistance to Ukraine in the Defense Appropriations bill.

“I believe in fiercely defending America's national security interests at home and abroad. We must stand firm against our adversaries' aggression; but we must do so smartly, demanding transparency for every penny of taxpayer money. If, as the world’s leading superpower, we have to make future investments to protect our national security overseas, there must be accountability and a clear plan for how that money will be spent.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:37:48Z
https://lahood.house.gov/2023/9/lahood-introduces-legislation-to-rename-the-va-clinic-in-bloomington-illinois-as-the-andrew-jackson-smith-medal-of-honor-dva-clinic,"LaHood Introduces Legislation to Rename the VA clinic in Bloomington, Illinois as the ""Andrew Jackson Smith Medal of Honor DVA Clinic""",2023-09-28,2023,2023-09,Republican,House,IL,Darin LaHood,L000585,lahood.house.gov,lahood,https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-16) introduced legislation to rename the Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in Bloomington, Illinois as the ""Andrew Jackson Smith Medal of Honor Department of Veterans Affairs Clinic."" The legislation, supported by numerous veterans advocacy groups in Illinois, honors Corporal Andrew Jackson Smith, of Clinton, Illinois.

Corporal Jackson Smith was a member of the 55th Massachusetts Voluntary Infantry and distinguished himself on 30 November 1864 by saving his regimental colors, after the color bearer was killed during a bloody charge at the Battle of Honey Hill, South Carolina.

""The Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in Bloomington provides important primary care and specialty health services, including mental health care, laboratory services, and pharmacy services to veterans who served our nation with honor,"" said Rep. LaHood. ""Renaming the facility after Corporal Andrew Jackson Smith, who served our nation and the Union side with honor during the Civil War, will serve as a humble reminder of the sacrifice made by those who fought to defend our country. I am honored to recognize Corporal Jackson Smith's courage and I will continue to work with our veteran community in the 16th District to ensure they receive the resources and support they deserve.""

""I support HR 5597 which tells a fantastic story of America and its way of healing over time. Andrew Jackson Smith went from slave to owner of his father’s farm, to Medal of Honor recipient. What a story and where else could this of happened, but in the United States of America. I endorse this House Resolution to be enacted by both the House and Senate of the United States of America,"" said Art Rodriguez, District 17 Commander for the Illinois American Legion.

""This act of bravery during combat reflects the highest of military values. I stand in solidarity with my comrades in the Bloomington area veteran community, and officially encourage you to recognize the nomination of naming rights to Andrew Jackson Smith,"" said Travis Wheet, Commander, John H. Kraus Post 454 Veterans of Foreign Wars.

""Corporal Andrew Jackson Smith went beyond what a solider was expected to do on November 30,1864. He saw that his regimental colors needed to be saved and did so in a distinguished manner along with his extraordinary valor in the face of deadly enemy fire. I read his accomplishments and this is a most worthy recognition for him,"" said Steven Holt, Commander of AMVETS Illinois.

Full text of the legislation can be read HERE.

Background:

The legislation introduced by Rep. LaHood would designate the community-based outpatient clinic at 207 Hamilton Road, Bloomington, IL as the Andrew Jackson Smith Medal of Honor Department of Veterans Affairs.

In the late afternoon on November 30, 1864 during the Battle of Honey Hill, SC, as the 55th Massachusetts Voluntary Infantry Regiment pursued enemy skirmishers and conducted a running fight, they ran into a swampy area backed by a rise where the Confederate Army awaited. The 55th and 54th regiments formed columns to advance to the enemy position in a flanking movement. As the Confederates repelled other units, the 55th and 54th regiments continued to move into flanking positions.

Although half of the officers and a third of the enlisted men engaged in the fight were killed or wounded, Corporal Smith continued to expose himself to the enemy fire by carrying the colors throughout the battle.

Through his actions, the Regimental Colors of the 55th Infantry Regiment were not lost to the enemy. Corporal Andrew Jackson Smith's extraordinary valor in the face of deadly enemy fire is in keeping with the highest traditions of military service, the 55th Regiment, and the United States Army.

The legislation is supported by the Department of Illinois American Legion, the ILVFW, and the AMVETS Post 270.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:37:48Z
https://lahood.house.gov/2023/9/lahood-backs-legislation-to-support-levee-safety-along-the-mississippi-river,LaHood Backs Legislation to Support Levee Safety Along the Mississippi River,2023-09-27,2023,2023-09,Republican,House,IL,Darin LaHood,L000585,lahood.house.gov,lahood,https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-16) joined U.S. Representatives Mary Miller (IL-15), Mike Bost (IL-12), and Eric Sorenson (IL-17) to introduce the Upper Mississippi River Levee Safety Act in the House on Tuesday. This legislation will give local levee districts along the Upper Mississippi River more flexibility to maintain their systems and allow them to better prepare for future floods by addressing the federal regulatory challenges that make levee maintenance and improvements difficult.

In 2020, Rep. LaHood successfully advocated for the designation of the Mississippi River Ports of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois (MRPEIWI), the Mid-America Port and the Illinois Waterways Ports and Terminals as the Corn Belt Port Statistical Areas, which made it easier for the ports to attract business and investment, grow the local economy, and create new jobs.

“In central and northwestern Illinois, inland waterways are critical to the economic viability of our communities and allow small businesses, farmers and manufacturers to export commodities around the world,” said Rep. LaHood. “I am proud to join members of the Illinois Delegation to introduce this important legislation to improve levee operations along the Upper Mississippi River and provide local levee districts greater flexibility to maintain their systems.”

“This bill is a critical step to ensure that levee operators have the tools and flexibility they need to do essential maintenance along the Mississippi River,” Rep. Miller said. “The Mississippi levees protect countless homes and thousands of acres of farmland, and I’m proud to lead the effort in the House to protect Illinois communities from future flood threats. I am pleased to be joined on this bill by several of my colleagues from the Illinois Delegation. We look forward to working with Chairman Sam Graves and the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee on this important issue, especially as the House begins work on the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) next year.”

""Farmers and families living along the Mississippi River know how devastating floods can be to our low-lying communities,” said Rep. Bost. “Oftentimes, our levees are all that stand between our people and the dangerous effects of a natural disaster. Investing in strengthening the levee system can truly be a matter of life and death. I am proud to support this legislation and will continue to do all I can to keep Southern Illinoisans safe.”

“As the only meteorologist serving in Congress, I know how devastating the impacts of extreme weather can be to families, neighborhoods, and property,” said Rep. Sorensen. “I’m proud to work across the aisle to advance this bill that protects our region from the impacts of flooding along the Mississippi, supports our agriculture industry, and helps keep people safe.”

The Upper Mississippi River Levee Safety Act is also being supported by the Upper Mississippi, Illinois & Missouri Rivers Association, Corn Belt Ports, and the Illinois Farm Bureau.

“This legislation maintains what Congress and the Corps originally intended, or prior approved based on benefits, so it would not change the impact to any other levee districts along the Upper Mississippi River, and as locally funded, would not be taking any federal dollars away from other districts,” said said Mike Klingner, chairman of the Upper Mississippi, Illinois & Missouri Rivers Association (UMIMRA). “The act would also benefit environmental conservation areas protected by levees.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:37:48Z
https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases/icymi-rep-miller-introduces-legislation-support-levee-safety-along-mississippi,ICYMI: Rep. Miller Introduces Legislation to Support Levee Safety Along Mississippi River,2023-09-27,2023,2023-09,Republican,House,IL,Mary E. Miller,M001211,marymiller.house.gov,marymiller,https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Federal bill would boost flood protection on Mississippi River

BY TIMOTHY EGGERT FarmWeek

Sep 26, 2023

Local levee districts along the Upper Mississippi River — a primary channel for moving Illinois grain to export facilities — would have more flexibility to maintain their flood protection infrastructure under a federal bill introduced Tuesday.

Titled the ""Upper Mississippi River Levee Safety Act,"" the bipartisan legislation is championed by U.S. Rep. Mary Miller, R-Oakland, and co-sponsored by U.S. Reps. Mike Bost, R-Murphysboro; Darin LaHood, R-Dunlap; and Eric Sorensen, D-East Moline.

“This bill is a critical step to ensure that levee operators have the tools and flexibility they need to do essential maintenance along the Mississippi River,” Miller said in a statement.

“The Mississippi levees protect countless homes and thousands of acres of farmland, and I’m proud to lead the effort in the House to protect Illinois communities from future flood threats,"" Miller said.

LaHood said he was proud to co-sponsor the bill because the inland waterways of central and northwestern Illinois ""are critical to the economic viability of our communities and allow small businesses, farmers and manufacturers to export commodities around the world.""

Bost agreed, noting that ""farmers and families living along the Mississippi River know how devastating floods can be to our low-lying communities"" and ""oftentimes, our levees are all that stand between our people and the dangerous effects of a natural disaster.""

The bill is endorsed by Illinois Farm Bureau, the Upper Mississippi, Illinois & Missouri Rivers Association (UMIMRA) and Corn Belt Ports.

“Illinois Farm Bureau greatly appreciates Rep. Miller’s leadership on this effort,” said IFBPresident Richard Guebert Jr. “Congresswoman Miller recognizes that our waterway infrastructure requires continued investment in upgrades and maintenance if we are to maintain our competitive advantage in global trade.”

Although the bill's introduction comes as the Mississippi River is again experiencing extremely low water levels, it responds to issues that stem from perennial flooding events like when the river crested to historic highs this April, or in 2008, 2013, 2014 and 2019, when major flooding caused billions of dollars in damage to local communities. Damage costs associated with those events were partially so excessive due to outdated flood frequency and flood profiles used by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers when making assessments of levee infrastructure and setting design plans for local levee districts to implement improvements.

That modeling and each district's level of design and protection is based on the benefits protected, with rural districts set at a 50-year flood frequency design profile; rural and lower-populated urban districts set at 100-year frequency; and more concentrated urban and industrial areas set at 500-year frequency.

But they rely on outdated rainfall and flow frequency data, and guidance from the Corps often has not been supportive of districts' ability to maintain their original level of protection as flow frequencies have shifted over time.

“As the only meteorologist serving in Congress, I know how devastating the impacts of extreme weather can be to families, neighborhoods and property,” Sorensen said, adding he backs the legislation because it supports the state's ag industry and protects river communities.

Under the bill, the Corps would be required to update the flood probabilities used to set design standards for levees and floodwalls, using the most recent flood frequency profiles no less than every 20 years.

It would cover Upper Mississippi River District federal levees or floodwalls from Guttenberg, Iowa to Hamburg, Illinois, and levees south of Hamburg to Cape Girardeau, Mo. The bill also calls for adequate public input during the periodic updates of the flow frequencies profiles and clarifies that ""maintenance"" includes maintaining the local districts' original or prior-approved level of protection, while keeping protection voluntary and at local expense. Provisions of the legislation could ultimately be included in the 2024 Water Resources Development Act, and if so would represent ""one of the most pivotal initiatives in the past three decades to reduce potential future flood-related damages,"" said Mike Klinger, said Mike Klinger, UMIMRA chairman.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:37:48Z
https://lahood.house.gov/2023/9/lahood-ways-and-means-colleagues-push-back-on-canada-s-discriminatory-digital-services-tax,"LaHood, Ways and Means Colleagues Push Back on Canada's Discriminatory Digital Services Tax",2023-09-19,2023,2023-09,Republican,House,IL,Darin LaHood,L000585,lahood.house.gov,lahood,https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Darin LaHood (IL-16), a co-chair of the Digital Trade Caucus, and Reps. Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Beth Van Duyne (TX-24), and Bill Pascrell, Jr. (NJ-09) led their House Ways and Means Committee Colleagues in urging the U.S. Treasury Department, the U.S. Trade Representative, and the Organization for Economic Cooperation & Development to combat Canada’s unilateral imposition of a digital services tax (DST) that goes against the global consensus and underscored how Canada’s action will hurt American interests.

“We write as Members of the Ways and Means Committee to express our disapproval of Canada’s decision to move forward with a digital services tax that, if imposed, would seriously harm American companies and workers,” the members write. “We urge you to impress upon your counterparts in Canada that its unilateral approach is discriminatory and, if enacted, could face significant consequences.”

The letter is signed by Reps. LaHood, DelBene, Van Duyne, Pascrell, Jodey Arrington (R-TX-19), Donald Beyer (D-VA-08), Earl Blumenauer (D-OR-03), Brendan Boyle (D-PA-02), Vern Buchanan (R-FL-16), Mike Carey (D-OH-15), Judy Chu (D-CA-28), Danny Davis (D-IL-07), Ron Estes (R-KS-04), Dwight Evans (D-PA-03), Randy Feenstra (R-IA-04), A. Drew Ferguson (R-GA-03), Michelle Fischbach (R-MN-07), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01), Jimmy Gomez (D-CA-34), Kevin Hern (R-OK-01), Mike Kelly (R-PA-16), Daniel Kildee (D-MI-05), David Kustoff (R-TN-08), John Larson (D-CT-01), Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY-11), Carol Miller (R-WV-02), Blake Moore (R-UT-01), Gregory Murphy (R-NC-03), Jimmy Panetta (D-CA-19), Stacey Plaskett (D-VI), Linda Sánchez (D-CA-38), Bradley Schneider (D-IL-10), David Schweikert (R-AZ-01), Terri Sewell (D-AL-07), Adrian Smith (R-NE-03), Lloyd Smucker (R-PA-11), Michelle Steel (R-CA-45), W. Greg Steube (R-FL-17), Claudia Tenney (R-NY-24), Mike Thompson (D-CA-04), and Brad Wenstrup (R-OH-02).

The full text of the members’ letter is below and HERE.

September 19, 2023

The Honorable Katherine Tai

United States Trade Representative

600 17th Street NW

Washington, DC 20508

The Honorable Janet Yellen

Secretary

Department of the Treasury

1500 Pennsylvania Avenue NW

Washington, DC 20220

The Honorable Karen Enstrom

Deputy Permanent Representative of the

United States of America to the

Organization for Economic

Cooperation & Development

2, rue André Pascal

75016 Paris

Dear Ambassador Tai, Secretary Yellen, and Ms. Chargé d’Affaires ad interim:

We write as Members of the Ways and Means Committee to express our disapproval of Canada’s decision to move forward with a digital services tax (DST) that, if imposed, would seriously harm American companies and workers. Despite nearly all 140 economies participating in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development’s (OECD) work to reach agreement on updated international tax rules approving a one-year extension of the moratorium on DSTs through December 31, 2024,[1] we are disappointed that Canada is unfortunately moving against this global consensus with a punitive DST scheduled to take effect next year.[2] We urge you to impress upon your counterparts in Canada that its unilateral approach is discriminatory and, if enacted, could face significant consequences.

The proposed three percent DST included in Canada’s budget would apply retroactively to January 1, 2022. Canada’s unusually aggressive and discriminatory approach would target U.S. companies and workers who would disproportionally bear the burden of this new tax. Further, Canada’s approach raises serious questions about its obligations under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement and the World Trade Organization Agreement.

We echo the Biden administration’s message that Canada should drop its proposed tax, along with the warning that the United States “would examine all options, including under our trade agreements and domestic statutes,” if Canada does not change course. Given our prolific trading relationship with Canada, its retroactive DST proposal would be especially damaging to U.S. industry and workers. Therefore, we strongly encourage the Biden administration to work with Congress on action to safeguard our economy and challenge these unfair practices, including through our trade agreements and domestic trade statutes.

The Biden administration pushed to extend the moratorium on DSTs to allow more time for negotiations on a multilateral convention addressing the establishment of taxing rights for market jurisdictions. If Canada chooses to proceed with its DST despite this moratorium, that choice would be risky and may damage bilateral relations with its largest trading partner. The decision by nearly all economies participating in the OECD’s two-pillar process to extend the moratorium reflects a broad international consensus that unilateral DSTs are counterproductive.

Accordingly, we ask in our oversight capacity as members of the Ways and Means Committee that you provide us an update by October 3, 2023 on your efforts to ensure Canada does not enact a DST or any other discriminatory unilateral measure.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:37:48Z
https://lahood.house.gov/2023/9/lahood-applauds-air-force-selection-of-peoria-s-182nd-airlift-wing-for-c-130-upgrades,LaHood Applauds Air Force Selection of Peoria's 182nd Airlift Wing for  C-130 Upgrades,2023-09-14,2023,2023-09,Republican,House,IL,Darin LaHood,L000585,lahood.house.gov,lahood,https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-16) applauded the United States Air Force's selection of Peoria's 182nd Airlift Wing as a preferred location to receive C-130J Super Hercules upgrades to replace their aging C-130Hs. LaHood has been a longtime advocate for this upgrade, a process which began eight years ago.

""The 182nd Airlift Wing in Peoria is one of the nation's premier C130 units and a vital part of our community in central Illinois. Today's announcement is great news for Peoria and the men and women of the 182nd. Modernizing the 182nd's fleet to newer aircraft by converting the aging C-130Hs to C-130J’s will ensure the wing maintains and strengthens its flying mission for years to come,"" said Rep. LaHood. ""Since joining Congress in 2015, upgrading the 182nd's fleet has been a top priority of my office. I am pleased the Air Force has appropriately recognized the leadership of the 182nd and I will continue to advocate for the men and women who serve our nation in Congress.""

Rep. LaHood pushed for the C-130J upgrades and supported the 182nd over the past eight years serving central Illinois in Congress. LaHood has advocated for the C-130J upgrade at the 182nd in each appropriations cycle during his time in Congress. Additionally, in 2019, LaHood sent a bipartisan letter to request that the Air Force consider these upgrades.

The Air Force's announcement that four Air National Guard locations were chosen for C-130J upgrades begins the transition process that will see C-130J aircraft used to recapitalize the C-130H fleet in Peoria. The Air Force will now move forward with manpower review, training updates, and environmental impact analysis for each base through Fiscal Year 2025.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:37:48Z
https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-miller-impeachment-inquiry-will-expose-bidens-corrupt-foreign-deals,Rep. Miller: Impeachment Inquiry will Expose Biden’s Corrupt Foreign Deals,2023-09-12,2023,2023-09,Republican,House,IL,Mary E. Miller,M001211,marymiller.house.gov,marymiller,https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON - Today, House Republicans formally announced an impeachment inquiry into President Biden following the release of Biden family bank records exposing massive corruption and substantial foreign payments amounting to tens of millions of dollars in exchange for official government actions. Congresswoman Mary Miller (R-IL) released the following statement in support of the impeachment inquiry:

“We must hold Joe Biden accountable for selling out the American people through a series of shady foreign business deals involving his official government office,"" Miller said. ""Bank records and extensive evidence show that the Biden family received $20 million in cash, diamonds, and sports cars from various countries, including China, Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, and Romania. Joe Biden was directly involved in this foreign influence-peddling scheme, and even boasted on camera that he wanted a Ukrainian prosecutor who was investigating his family’s corrupt dealings fired in exchange for $1 billion in US taxpayer funds.

“Joe Biden made numerous phone calls to his son related to his family’s business deals with a Chinese energy tycoon. When Hunter Biden demanded $5 million in cash from a Chinese official, he wrote to him, “I am sitting here with my father and we would like to understand why the commitment made has not been fulfilled…I am sitting here waiting for the call with my father.” Hunter Biden even flew on Air Force Two to China with then-Vice President Joe Biden to meet with his Chinese business partner.

“Congress has a duty to the American people to expose this foreign influence peddling scheme and protect taxpayers from the Biden family’s corruption.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:35:26Z
https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-miller-statement-pritzker-and-cardona-visit-illinois-school-question,Rep. Miller Statement on Pritzker and Cardona Visit to Illinois School with Question from Parents,2023-09-06,2023,2023-09,Republican,House,IL,Mary E. Miller,M001211,marymiller.house.gov,marymiller,https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Mahomet, Ill. - Congresswoman Mary Miller (R-IL)released the following statement posing a question from parents for Governor Pritzker and President Biden's Secretary of Education as they visit a school in Illinois today.

""Governor Pritzker and Secretary Cardona oppose parental rights and believe young children should be indoctrinated with radical ""gender ideology"" politics in the classroom behind their parents' backs,"" Miller said.

""JB Pritzker signed the most radical sexual education curriculum in the country. Pritzker and Cardona have led the effort to violate Title IX by forcing our daughters to compete against men in sports, and they want to force schools to allow men into girls' locker rooms and bathrooms.

""Parents should be in charge of their child's education, not radical politicians like Pritzker and Cardona who believe teachers should be discussing chemical castration and gender reassignment with your child.

""After the country watched Joe Biden put a mask back on yesterday, the big question parents want the ""press"" to ask Gov. Pritzker and Sec. Cardona right now is: Are you going to ignore parents by once again forcing your illegal COVID mask mandates on our students?""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:37:48Z
https://lahood.house.gov/2023/8/lahood-s-affordable-housing-credit-improvement-act-surpasses-150-cosponsors,LaHood's Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act Surpasses 150 Cosponsors,2023-08-28,2023,2023-08,Republican,House,IL,Darin LaHood,L000585,lahood.house.gov,lahood,https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-16) announced that bipartisan legislation he introduced, the Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act of 2023, has received the support of over one-third of the U.S. House of Representatives. The legislation, which would support the construction of nearly two million new affordable homes over the next decade, surpassed 150 cosponsors in August.

This month, the Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act of 2023 reached 161 cosponsors in the House, maintaining strong bipartisan support with 80 Republicans and 81 Democrats. The Senate companion legislation has reached 27 cosponsors, with 14 Republicans and 13 Democrats.

“Securing support from over one-third of the U.S. House of Representatives on the Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act is an important step towards improving affordable housing opportunities across the United States,"" said Rep. LaHood. “As I travel throughout communities in the 16th District of Illinois, I frequently hear about the affordable housing crisis, especially in our rural areas. This bipartisan bill will modernize the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit and help expand our housing supply, strengthening communities and supporting economic development in Illinois and across the county.”

""The extensive bipartisan support the Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act has achieved in so short a time shows that members of Congress from across the ideological spectrum are ready to put aside their differences and work together to meet the housing needs of their constituents. The housing crisis impacts every state and district, spanning the red-blue divide, and the Housing Credit is the most important tool we have to bring private sector investment into desperately needed affordable housing. Despite the need, this essential program suffered a cut in resources in 2022 after an increase in Housing Credit authority expired. It’s time to restore that cut, further expand this program’s resources, and make common sense improvements to further strengthen this already successful program. We call on Congressional leaders to recognize the strong support for this legislation by passing it this year,"" said the Steering Committee of the ACTION Campaign, a coalition of over 2,400 national, state, and local organizations and businesses.

The Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act would support the financing of more affordable housing by expanding and strengthening the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (Housing Credit), our country’s most successful affordable housing program. The bill is led by Representatives LaHood, Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Brad Wenstrup (OH-02), Don Beyer (VA-08), Claudia Tenney (NY-24), and Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), and Senators Maria Cantwell (WA), Todd Young (IN), Ron Wyden (OR), and Marsha Blackburn (TN).

The nationwide housing crisis continues to worsen. Currently, nearly one-in-four renters or, over 10 million families, spend more than half of their household income on rent, cutting into other essential expenses like child care, medication, groceries, and transportation. At the same time, nearly 600,000 Americans are experiencing homelessness on any given day, an increase over pre-COVID levels.

The bill would support the financing of nearly 2 million new affordable homes by:

Increasing the amount of credits allocated to each state. The legislation would increase the number of credits available to states by 50 percent for the next two years and make the temporary 12.5 percent increase secured in 2018 permanent—which has already helped build more than 59,000 additional affordable housing units nationwide.

Increasing the number of affordable housing projects that can be built using private activity bonds. This provision would stabilize financing for workforce housing projects built using private activity bonds by decreasing the amount of private activity bonds needed to secure Housing Credit funding. As a result, projects would have to carry less debt, and more projects would be eligible to receive funding.

Improving the Housing Credit program to better serve at-risk and underserved communities. The legislation would also make improvements to the program to better serve veterans, victims of domestic violence, formerly homeless students, Native American communities, and rural Americans.

Learn more about the legislation HERE. A summary of the legislation provided by the ACTION campaign can be found HERE. The text of the legislation can be found HERE.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:30:18Z
https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-miller-condemns-partisan-witch-hunt-against-president-trump,Rep. Miller Condemns Partisan Witch-Hunt Against President Trump,2023-08-24,2023,2023-08,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) released the following statement on the partisan witch-hunt against President Trump:

“Tonight, our nation witnessed an assault on democracy as Fani Willis, a partisan District Attorney, led a political witch-hunt aimed at punishing Joe Biden's chief political rival. The mugshot released tonight should be of Joe Biden, who sold out America while he was Vice President to rake in $20 million for the Biden Family from China, Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, and Romania. The House must impeach Biden to protect our country from his proven track record of corruption.

""I support Chairman Jim Jordan in his investigation into whether any federal funds are being abused for this local Democrat prosecutor’s own political agenda.

""The America First movement has never been stronger, and tonight, I join many of my constituents in offering my prayers and support for President Trump as he fights to defend our democracy from these attacks on the rule of law.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:30:18Z
https://bost.house.gov/2023/7/house-passes-bost-amendment-protecting-veterans-second-amendment-rights,HOUSE PASSES BOST AMENDMENT PROTECTING VETERANS' SECOND AMENDMENT RIGHTS,2023-07-27,2023,2023-07,Republican,House,IL,Mike Bost,B001295,bost.house.gov,bost,https://bost.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congress approved an amendment offered by U.S. Rep. Mike Bost (IL-12) that prohibits the Department of Veterans Affairs from sending veterans’ names to the Department of Justice for a background check simply because they need help managing their finances. Under current law, when the VA appoints a fiduciary to help veterans with their finances, the veterans’ personal information is forwarded to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System without judicial review or due process.

“The VA Fiduciary Rule says that, if you're a veteran who needs help with your finances, you're a ‘mental defective’ who needs to be screened by the government to own a firearm. What an insult to the men and women who have served,”said Bost. “No veteran should be considered ‘defective’ simply because they need help managing their finances; and they certainly shouldn’t be forwarded to DOJ for additional screening because of it. I can think of no American I’d trust more to responsibly own a firearm than a veteran. I’m pleased the House passed my amendment to stop this unconstitutional assault on the rights of our veterans.”

Bost’s amendment was included in the yearly funding bill for military construction and veterans’ programs. It was endorsed by leading Second Amendment organizations, including the National Rifle Association, Gun Owners of America, and the National Association for Gun Rights. Bost’s effort was also backed by Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:18:03Z
https://lahood.house.gov/2023/7/lahood-delbene-wenstrup-schrier-bucshon-blumenauer-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-incentivize-value-based-health-care,"LaHood, DelBene, Wenstrup, Schrier, Bucshon, Blumenauer Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Incentivize Value-Based Health Care",2023-07-27,2023,2023-07,Republican,House,IL,Darin LaHood,L000585,lahood.house.gov,lahood,https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representatives Darin LaHood (IL-16), Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Brad Wenstrup (OH-02), Kim Schrier (WA-08), Larry Bucshon, M.D. (IN-08), and Earl Blumenauer (OR-03) reintroduced the Value in Health Care Act, a bipartisan bill that will make commonsense changes to the program parameters of Medicare’s Alternative Payment Models (APMs) to incentivize participation in Accountable Care Organizations (ACO). The changes will increase participation in these value-based health programs that are designed to improve the quality of care and health outcomes for seniors while lowering costs.

“The Value in Health Care Act is a commonsense proposal that includes substantive reforms to encourage and support greater participation by healthcare providers in ACO’s, particularly in our rural communities in Illinois,” said Rep. LaHood. “By incentivizing the use of these value-based health models that support coordinated care between doctors, hospitals, and other healthcare providers, this legislation will improve healthcare access and the quality of care for seniors and patients across my district.”

“Physicians and hospitals participating in Alternative Payment Models are leading the changes our health care system needs to focus on value instead of volume. The Value in Health Care Act would encourage more providers to join these models and accelerate this change, leading to improved quality of care and health outcomes for seniors,” said Rep. DelBene. “Shifting to value will also save everyday people and our health system money in the long-term. We must continue to provide the incentives that expand access to coordinated and comprehensive care.”

“As a physician, I know how important it is that we are valuing positive patient outcomes over the sheer volume of services provided. This legislation will help improve health care access and quality for seniors, particularly in rural communities, by encouraging more providers to participate in value-based health programs and coordinating care between hospitals, physicians, and health care providers,” said Rep. Wenstrup.

“The Value in Health Care Act is an effort to make our health care system more efficient and create an environment where providers are rewarded for transitioning to ways of providing healthcare that don’t compensate based on numbers of visits or procedures, but based on patient outcomes, "" said Rep. Schrier, M.D. ""This bill incentivizes coordinated and value-based care for our seniors by expanding access for Medicare patients. It has proven to save billions of dollars for taxpayers while improving care, and is exactly the type of pragmatic, bipartisan legislation that we can move through this Congress.”

“Having been a practicing heart surgeon for over 15 years, I believe it’s critical we continue working to move our health care system away from simply reimbursing health care providers based on volume – like a commodity – to reimbursing providers for providing quality care that achieves positive outcomes for patients,” said Rep. Bucshon, M.D. “I believe this legislation will help us ensure that more health care providers – especially independent practice and rural providers – can easily participate in Medicare’s value-based and coordinated care programs, which will improve access to quality care for seniors.”

“For too long, our health care system has prioritized volume over value,” said Rep. Blumenauer. “This is unsustainable for providers, patients, and the federal government. It is time we move toward a future that lowers costs while maintaining high-quality care for patients.”

Alternative Payment Models (APM) have played a key role in providing high-quality care for Medicare beneficiaries while producing billions of dollars in savings for taxpayers in the past decade. However, rules implemented to the Accountable Care Organizations (ACO) programs have limited the number of providers participating. The Value in Health Care Act helps maintain and further strengthen the movement towards value where financial performance is linked to the quality of patient care rather than the number of services delivered.

“By promoting enhanced coordination between hospitals, doctors and other healthcare providers, this collaborative approach to value-based healthcare will improve beneficiaries’ quality of care and, ultimately, health outcomes,” said A.J. Wilhelmi, Illinois Health and Hospital Association, President & CEO. “I’d like to thank Rep. LaHood for advancing this sensible, patient-focused initiative.”

“More than a decade of experience shows us that value-based care is improving patient outcomes, delivering high quality care at lower costs, while maintaining important patient protections. Accountable care organizations alone have saved Medicare more than $17 billion while improving quality. The Value in Health Care Act would maintain incentives to bring more providers into value-based care models and expand access for beneficiaries. This important piece of legislation should be part of Congress’s conversation to update physician payment. We thank Reps. LaHood, DelBene, Wenstrup, Blumenauer, and Schrier for their leadership on this issue,"" added Clif Gaus, Sc.D., President and CEO of the National Association of ACOs.

“The Value Act establishes important priorities in advancing health care delivery that drives health outcomes over the volume of services provided. MACRA established incentives to drive the transformation from fee- for-service to accountable care because a broad, bipartisan group of lawmakers knew America’s health care delivery system must improve to meet people’s needs. The pandemic demonstrated we need innovation in health care more than ever before, yet progress is threatened by incentives that will expire at the end of this year. The Value Act ensures this investment in people’s health continues for two more years. Accountable for Health and its members look forward to working with Representatives LaHood and DelBene to advance this bill and continue transforming American health care away from fee-for-service toward high quality, accountable care,"" added Mara McDermott, CEO, Accountable for Health.

“The movement toward value-based care -- designing payment models to support quality and coordination of patient care rather than the number of services delivered -- is gaining momentum. We must build on that progress with more investment in these models and ensure that physicians in all specialties can be active participants in alternative payment models (APMs). The American Medical Association applauds Reps. Darin LaHood (R-IL), Suzan DelBene (D-WA), Brad Wenstrup (R-OH), Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), Bucshon (R-IN), and Kim Schrier (D-WA), for introducing the Value in Health Care Act,"" said Jesse M. Ehrenfeld, M.D., M.P.H. President, American Medical Association.

The Value in Health Care Act would make the following changes to the APM and ACO parameters:

Provides a multi-year commitment to reforming care delivery by extending MACRA’s 5 percent advanced APM incentive payments for 2 years to continue to encourage the movement to value

Establishes guardrails for CMS to ensure that the process to set financial benchmarks is transparent and appropriately accounts for regional variations in spending to prevent arbitrary winners and losers.

Removes barriers to ACO participation by eliminating arbitrary program distinctions so all participants are participating on a level playing field.

Supports fair and accurate benchmarks by modifying performance metrics so participants aren’t competing against their own successes in providing better care.

Provides greater technical support to ACO participants to cover the significant startup costs associated with program participation.

Incentivizes participation in Advanced APMs by extending the annual lump sum participation bonus for an additional two years.

Corrects arbitrary thresholds for Advanced APM qualification to better reflect the existing progress of the value-based movement and to encourage bringing more patients into this model of care.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:18:03Z
https://lahood.house.gov/2023/7/lahood-introduces-legislation-to-curb-aggression-by-the-ccp-at-the-un,LaHood Introduces Legislation to Curb Aggression by the CCP at the UN,2023-07-27,2023,2023-07,Republican,House,IL,Darin LaHood,L000585,lahood.house.gov,lahood,https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-16), a member of the House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), introduced the Strategy to Oppose Purposeful CCP Aggression at the United Nations (STOP CCP at UN) Act of 2023. The legislation would curb the Peoples’ Republic of China's (PRC) increasing influence at the UN and other multinational organizations, which threatens U.S. diplomatic engagement and global security.

""The Chinese Communist Party continues to exert undue influence at the United Nations, within other multinational organizations, and in developing countries around the globe,"" said Rep. LaHood. ""The United States should not be on the sidelines while the CCP expands their influence through aggression and pressure at the UN and elsewhere. As Congress works to increase American competitiveness in relation to the CCP, this important bill will better equip the US to counter the CCP and strengthen our diplomatic leadership at the UN and throughout the world.""

“For too long, the CCP has weaponized and exploited international bodies, including at the UN, to spread its malign influence to the detriment of the United States, our allies, and the values these international organizations purport to champion. The STOP CCP at UN Act is an important step to begin to push back against the CCP’s coercive and corrupting tactics in these bodies,"" said Rep. Mike Gallagher, Chairman of the House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the CCP.

The STOP CCP at UN Act would establish an Office of Multilateral Strategy at the Department of State to develop and implement a strategy to counter the CCP at the UN and other multinational organizations and grow US influence. Additionally, the bill requires the Secretary of State and the U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations to issue an annual report on the CCP's efforts to place PRC officials in leadership positions at the UN.

The bill text can be read here. LaHood also serves on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and the House Ways and Means Committee.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:18:03Z
https://bost.house.gov/2023/7/bost-announces-rural-development-grant-for-kaskaskia-college,BOST ANNOUNCES RURAL DEVELOPMENT GRANT FOR KASKASKIA COLLEGE,2023-07-26,2023,2023-07,Republican,House,IL,Mike Bost,B001295,bost.house.gov,bost,https://bost.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Mike Bost (IL-12) announced today that Kaskaskia College will receive a $99,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development program to develop a mobile lab for industrial trades education and training.

“Many Southern Illinoisans determine they’re more interested in pursuing a skilled trade than a four-year college degree,"" said Bost. ""This grant will help Kaskaskia College train the next generation of skilled workers in industrial electronics and automation, welding, construction, and heating, ventilation and air conditioning. These hardworking men and women will help strengthen the backbone of our local economy for years to come.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:18:03Z
https://bost.house.gov/2023/7/bost-announces-clay-county-rural-healthcare-grant,BOST ANNOUNCES CLAY COUNTY RURAL HEALTHCARE GRANT,2023-07-25,2023,2023-07,Republican,House,IL,Mike Bost,B001295,bost.house.gov,bost,https://bost.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Mike Bost (IL-12) announced today that Clay County Hospital will receive a $1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development program to develop a larger medical lab and convert the clinic into an acute care clinic.

“Rural communities often do not have access to the same kinds of resources as many urban and suburban areas,” said Bost. “By expanding access to these critical federal grants, we can help ensure that communities, including those in Clay County, can provide vitally important healthcare services to keep residents safe and healthy.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:18:03Z
https://bost.house.gov/2023/7/bost-announces-hamilton-county-rural-healthcare-grant,BOST ANNOUNCES HAMILTON COUNTY RURAL HEALTHCARE GRANT,2023-07-25,2023,2023-07,Republican,House,IL,Mike Bost,B001295,bost.house.gov,bost,https://bost.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Mike Bost (IL-12) announced today that the Hamilton County Hospital District will receive a $896,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development program to purchase an electronic medical records system, providing better communication and collaboration between clinics and a higher quality of care for patients.

“Rural communities often do not have access to the same kinds of resources as many urban and suburban areas,” said Bost. “By expanding access to these critical federal grants, we can help ensure that communities, including those in Hamilton County, have the advanced technology they need to keep residents safe and healthy.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:18:03Z
https://bost.house.gov/2023/7/bost-announces-randolph-county-rural-healthcare-grant,BOST ANNOUNCES RANDOLPH COUNTY RURAL HEALTHCARE GRANT,2023-07-25,2023,2023-07,Republican,House,IL,Mike Bost,B001295,bost.house.gov,bost,https://bost.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Mike Bost (IL-12) announced today that Randolph County’s Comwell Behavioral Health Services will receive a $175,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development program to expand and renovate their facilities, thereby ensuring more residents can access critical mental health services.

“Rural communities often do not have access to the same kinds of resources as many urban and suburban areas,” said Bost. “By expanding access to these critical federal grants, we can help ensure that communities, including those in Randolph County, can provide vitally important mental health services to keep residents safe and healthy.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:18:03Z
https://bost.house.gov/2023/7/bost-announces-southern-illinois-healthcare-grant,BOST ANNOUNCES SOUTHERN ILLINOIS HEALTHCARE GRANT,2023-07-25,2023,2023-07,Republican,House,IL,Mike Bost,B001295,bost.house.gov,bost,https://bost.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Mike Bost (IL-12) announced today that Southern Illinois Healthcare will receive an $8.7 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development program to build an in-patient medical psychiatric unit that expands access for local residents to mental health services.

“Rural communities often do not have access to the same kinds of resources as many urban and suburban areas,” said Bost. “By expanding access to these critical federal grants, we can help ensure that communities in the region can provide vitally important mental health services to keep residents safe and healthy.”

The hospital will work with the Egyptian Health Department, the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, and the Southeastern Regional Planning and Development Commission to address the mental health needs of Hardin, White, Jackson, Pope, Gallatin, and Saline County.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:18:03Z
https://lahood.house.gov/2023/7/lahood-boyle-curtis-gottheimer-introduce-legislation-to-allow-dietary-supplements-to-be-covered-under-flex-health-spending-accounts,"LaHood, Boyle, Curtis, Gottheimer Introduce Legislation to Allow Dietary Supplements to be Covered Under Flex/Health Spending Accounts",2023-07-20,2023,2023-07,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-16), Brendan F. Boyle (PA-02), John Curtis (UT-03), and Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05) today introduced the Dietary Supplements Access Act, which will promote Americans' ability to make personal healthcare decisions, support healthy lifestyles by modernizing the availability and coverage of vitamins and minerals, and recognize the valuable role nutritional supplements play in helping to achieve better health outcomes and promote cost savings.

“Ensuring that Americans are able to utilize their Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Savings Accounts (FSA) as a tool to make personal healthcare choices for their families remains one of my priorities,” said Rep. LaHood. “As enrollment in HSA’s continues to grow, our bill would remove unnecessary barriers to better meet the needs of consumers. This bipartisan approach would allow over-the-counter nutrition and dietary supplements to be considered as qualified medical expenses under HSAs and FSAs so that a patient can choose to utilize their health savings dollars to access these dietary supplements.”

""More than 22 million Americans have chosen to enroll in a health savings account coupled with a consumer-direct health plan,"" said Rep Boyle. ""Given this substantial demand, action should be taken to better meet consumer needs. Since HSAs, FSAs, and HRAs, require a prescription for the reimbursement of vitamins it makes sense to remove barriers to supplementing nutrient-deficient diets. This legislation will serve to remove many impediments to self-care, with the goal of creating a sensible path toward better health for all.""

“The bipartisan legislation is a big deal for Utahns who use these products to maintain a healthy lifestyle,” said Rep. Curtis. “This bill also sends a clear message to consumers that Congress is serious about giving more Americans choice in how they take care of their health care needs, as well as the importance of proactive care. What works for one person may not work for another, and too often one-size-fits-all policymaking leads to higher costs for consumers and their families.”

“For many, dietary nutritional supplements — like vitamins and minerals — are key to supporting their health. I’m proud to help lead the bipartisan Dietary Supplements Access Act to make over-the-counter dietary supplements more affordable. We need to do everything we can to boost access to nutritional supplements,” said Rep. Gottheimer.

Roughly 80% of Americans use vitamins and dietary supplements for a range of benefits, from addressing nutrient deficiencies to strengthening bones and helping to prevent osteoporosis. Vitamins and dietary supplements can be a part of preventative care that can create cost savings to employers, consumers, and the entire healthcare system. Currently, Americans with health-related savings accounts can not be reimbursed for the out-of-pocket expenses they pay for nutritional and dietary supplements.

This bipartisan legislation would amend the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) to include over-the-counter dietary supplement products as a qualified medical expense. This change would allow Americans to use Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) or Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) to purchase dietary supplements, giving millions of Americans increased health and wellness options for better self-care.

The legislation is supported by the Consumer Healthcare Products Association, American Herbal Products Association, Council for Responsible Nutrition, Natural Products Association, and United Natural Products Alliance.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:18:03Z
https://lahood.house.gov/2023/7/lahood-statement-on-illinois-supreme-court-ruling-on-safe-t-act,LaHood Statement on Illinois Supreme Court Ruling on SAFE-T Act,2023-07-18,2023,2023-07,Republican,House,IL,Darin LaHood,L000585,lahood.house.gov,lahood,https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Peoria, IL – Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-16), a former state and federal prosecutor and Illinois State Senator, released the following statement on the Illinois Supreme Court's ruling to uphold the SAFE-T Act, including provisions to end cash bail:

""Under Governor J.B. Pritzker, Illinois has become less safe and violent crime is on the rise. Instead of giving law enforcement the tools they need to go after criminals, Governor Pritzker’s soft-on-crime policies, like ending cash bail, hinder cops from keeping communities safe. With morale of law enforcement at an all time low in Illinois, police departments across our state are struggling to recruit officers because of policies like the SAFE-T Act. The Illinois Supreme Court’s ruling is misguided, it will harm law enforcement, and make Illinois less safe.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:18:03Z
https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-pritzker-safe-t-act-will-flood-streets-criminals,MILLER: Pritzker SAFE-T Act will Flood the Streets with Criminals,2023-07-18,2023,2023-07,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 in response to the Illinois Supreme Court's decision to uphold J.B. Pritzker's SAFE-T Act, which will release dangerous criminals onto the streets and eliminate cash bail in Illinois.

""Today, the Illinois Supreme Court erased the rights of crime victims by upholding the Pritzker SAFE-T Act, which will release dangerous prisoners onto our streets and make it even harder for law enforcement to protect our communities,"" Miller said.

""By ending cash bail and ordering the release of dangerous criminals, JB Pritzker has made our neighborhoods and our families less safe in his desperate attempt to make Illinois more radical than California so that he can run for President,” added Miller.

“Our state's attorneys are warning that almost HALF of inmates currently in jail could be released under the SAFE-T Act, which is why 100 out of 102 State's Attorneys opposed the bill. Please pray for crime victims and our police officers as they face the latest danger unleashed by JB Pritzker's radical pro-crime agenda.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:18:03Z
https://bost.house.gov/2023/7/bost-votes-to-fund-troops-end-wokeness-in-military,"BOST VOTES TO FUND TROOPS, END WOKENESS IN MILITARY",2023-07-14,2023,2023-07,Republican,House,IL,Mike Bost,B001295,bost.house.gov,bost,https://bost.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Rep. Mike Bost (R-IL) voted today for the National Defense Authorization Act, legislation that fully funds military priorities for the upcoming fiscal year and provides servicemembers a 5.2% pay raise. The bill also targets the Biden administration’s efforts to inject divisive social policy into the military, restricting funds from being used for abortion services, to teach Critical Race Theory, or to expand gender identity and climate change initiatives.

“Congress has no greater responsibility than providing for the national defense and ensuring our brave men and women in uniform have the resources and support they deserve,” said Bost. “The Biden administration has sacrificed recruitment and readiness for social justice campaigns and virtue signaling. I pleased that House conservatives took action and passed a Defense Authorization bill that fully funds the military, provides a pay raise for our troops, and puts a stop to the woke nonsense that weakens our military.”

The Fiscal Year 2024 NDAA includes:

$886 billion for national defense programs

5.2% pay raise for active duty servicemembers

Reforms to strengthen oversight and fiscal accountability at the Pentagon

Funding to counter Chinese aggression, including the CCP’s spy balloon program and efforts to purchase land near U.S. military installations

No funding for abortion services

No funding for teaching Critical Race Theory

No funding for a Chief Diversity Officer and advisory committee to advance gender identity and social justice initiatives

No funding for climate change programs",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:18:03Z
https://lahood.house.gov/2023/7/lahood-supports-fy2024-national-defense-authorization-act,LaHood Supports FY2024 National Defense Authorization Act,2023-07-14,2023,2023-07,Republican,House,IL,Darin LaHood,L000585,lahood.house.gov,lahood,https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-16) voted today in favor of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which invests in our national defense, gives military members a 5.2% raise, provides our Armed Forces with the tools to counter growing global threats, and includes an amendment that supports Peoria's Air National Guard members.

“The FY24 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. “As we face growing threats from China, Iran, Russia, North Korea, and other bad actors, Congress must invest in our Armed Forces and strengthen our national security. 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 am proud to support this bill.”

LaHood successfully advocated for the inclusion of an amendment to support Peoria's 182nd Airlift Wing. The 182nd Airlift Wing is set to lose its Tactical Air Control Parties (TACP) - teams tasked with carrying out special operations for the United States Air Force. Although the 182nd Airlift Wing has been promised a new Contingency Response Group (CRG) unit as a replacement, no CRGs have been assigned at this time and future leadership changes could threaten the agreement. The bipartisan amendment will commission a study on the cost of decommissioning TACP units throughout the country, highlighting the potential consequences of TACP closures.

Related:

LaHood Works to Protect Air National Guard Jobs in Peoria",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:18:03Z
https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-votes-stop-biden-using-our-military-pay-abortion-and-his-woke-agenda,Miller Votes to Stop Biden from Using Our Military to Pay for Abortion and his Woke Agenda,2023-07-14,2023,2023-07,Republican,House,IL,Mary E. Miller,M001211,marymiller.house.gov,marymiller,https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON - Today, after the hard work of conservatives in the House to include historic conservative provisions, Congresswoman Mary Miller (R-IL) voted in favor of the National Defense Authorization Act.

""Today, I voted for the National Defense Authorization Act, which included my amendment to protect the religious liberty rights of our service members and the amendment I co-sponsored to end Joe Biden’s ability to use taxpayer dollars to pay for abortion expenses,” said Miller.

“Conservatives passed provisions in the NDAA to:

Prohibit military funding for abortion-related expenses

Protect troops' religious liberty

Establish a reinstatement pathway for service members unjustly discharged due to Biden's COVID vaccine mandate

Increase servicemember base pay by 5.2%

Prohibit the teaching of radical Critical Race Theory

Stop taxpayer funding for transgender castration procedures

Ban ""drag shows"" and ""drag queen story hours"" from military facilities

Create a Parents Bill of Rights for servicemembers, giving parents the right to review curriculum and provide consent before any medical exams at schools.

End Biden's woke military transformation, which has caused a recruitment and retention crisis

Counter China by blocking purchases from CCP-backed entities

Prohibit funds to EcoHealth Alliance and the Wuhan lab

Establish a new Inspector General for Ukraine funding, who will audit every penny Joe Biden spent on the proxy war in Ukraine and finally give taxpayers oversight and accountability.

Force Biden to secure the southern border by authorizing National Guard collaboration with local law enforcement to combat drug trafficking.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:18:03Z
https://lahood.house.gov/2023/7/lahood-works-to-protect-air-national-guard-jobs-in-peoria,LaHood Works to Protect Air National Guard Jobs in Peoria,2023-07-13,2023,2023-07,Republican,House,IL,Darin LaHood,L000585,lahood.house.gov,lahood,https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-16) introduced two bipartisan amendments with Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) to the FY2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to ensure continued support for the hardworking men and women at the 182nd Airlift Wing.

“The 182nd Airlift Wing in Peoria is one of the nation’s premier C130 units, providing critical military support and job opportunities to central Illinois,” said Rep. LaHood. “It’s vital for our greater Peoria community to maintain and bolster the Air National Guard’s presence, which is why I am proud to continue the bipartisan support for Peoria service members, their families, and the mission of the 182nd.”

""Central Illinois' military presence has always played a key role in supporting middle-class jobs and protecting our national security,"" said Rep. Sorensen. ""I am committed to strengthening the Peoria Air National Guard base and will take action to ensure Peoria service members and their families have their voices heard in Washington.""

LaHood has long been an advocate and leader on bipartisan initiatives to support the 182nd Airlift Wing, protect the unit from closures and funding cuts, and secure funding needed to construct the firehouse at the 182nd.

The 182nd Airlift Wing, stationed at the Peoria Air National Guard base, is set to lose its Tactical Air Control Parties (TACP) - teams tasked with carrying out special operations for the United States Air Force. Although the 182nd Airlift Wing has been promised a new Contingency Response Group (CRG) unit as a replacement, no CRGs have been assigned at this time and future leadership changes could threaten the agreement.

The amendment to the FY2024 NDAA will halt further closures of TACP units until the CRG is awarded to the 182nd Airlift Wing. Halting closure of TACPs would ensure jobs at Peoria Air National Guard base are not eliminated.

The pair also introduced a second amendment to commission a study on the cost of decommissioning TACP units throughout the country, highlighting the potential consequences of TACP closures.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:18:03Z
https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-miller-ymcas-decision-allow-men-girls-locker-room-puts-girls-risk,Rep. Miller: YMCA's Decision to Allow Men in Girls' Locker Room Puts Girls at Risk,2023-07-13,2023,2023-07,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 in support of a young girl from the Springfield, Illinois area who was kicked off her swim team for objecting to men using the girls' locker room.

“This is a travesty,” said Miller. “This young girl was simply exercising her right to privacy and safety. She should not be punished for defending herself and her teammates. In Congress, I am proud to defend our daughters from the Biden Administration and Governor Pritzker's radical ""gender ideology"" agenda that will make this an everyday occurrence for young girls across our country.""

""The YMCA should immediately reverse their decision and apologize to this young girl and her family. Men should NEVER be allowed to violate young girls' locker rooms and bathrooms. Any adult coach or organization like the YMCA that allows this to happen because of radical leftist politics should be ashamed of themselves,"" said Miller.

""Governor Pritzker continues to promote policies that put our daughters at risk. His failure to address the concerns of parents and protect the safety and privacy of young girls in Illinois is deeply concerning. This is a matter of basic safety, security, and common sense. Parents must stand with these girls and end this madness!""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:18:03Z
https://bost.house.gov/2023/6/bost-bill-ensures-only-american-citizens-vote-in-d-c-elections/362b32fd-b480-431c-aa6d-1bd97075adda,BOST BILL ENSURES ONLY AMERICAN CITIZENS VOTE IN D.C. ELECTIONS,2023-06-30,2023,2023-06,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 (R-IL) introduced legislation today requiring U.S. citizenship to vote in any Washington, D.C., election. Bost’s bill, the American Confidence in Elections: District of Columbia Citizen Voter Act, comes in response to the D.C. City Council’s decision last year to give non-citizens over the age of 18 the right to vote in city and local elections.

“Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution grants Congress direct control over Washington, D.C.; and we have the right and responsibility to ensure that American citizens, and American citizens only, are voting in our nation’s capital city,” said Bost. “When you allow non-citizens to vote in D.C., you are diluting the votes of legal U.S. citizens and opening the door to foreign agents fomenting chaos at the ballot box. I refuse to stand by and allow radical liberals to weaken the voice of legal American citizens when Congress has the constitutional authority to stop it.”

“American elections should be for American citizens,” said Committee on House Administration Chairman Bryan Steil (R-WI). “D.C. elections have been a disaster for years, and now they have implemented a ridiculous measure that will allow embassy staff from our foreign adversaries like Russia and China to vote after living in the Capital for just 30 days. It’s past time for Congress to exercise our constitutional responsibility over D.C. to protect voters. I thank Congressman Bost for leading this common-sense legislation that will help restore voter confidence.”

The American Confidence in Elections: District of Columbia Citizen Voter Act is expected to be included in a package of legislation that House Republicans plan to advance for protecting the integrity of America’s elections.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:08:25Z
https://lahood.house.gov/2023/6/lahood-bennett-open-district-office-in-morris,"LaHood, Bennett Open District Office in Morris",2023-06-28,2023,2023-06,Republican,House,IL,Darin LaHood,L000585,lahood.house.gov,lahood,https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-16) and State Senator Tom Bennett (53rd Senate District) announced that they opened a new district office in Morris to support constituent services and outreach in east-central Illinois.

""As our office continues to expand our outreach efforts into the new 16th District, we want to ensure that all areas of the district are represented and have access to constituent services,"" said Rep. LaHood. ""The 16th District constituent service office in Grundy County will provide east-central Illinois residents with a reliable resource to receive assistance with the federal government and support our constituent engagement efforts. I am proud to partner with State Senator Bennett to ensure that our constituents get the support they need in Washington and Springfield.""

“The district office in Morris is a significant step in our collaborative efforts with Congressman Darin LaHood to enhance constituent services and outreach in the area,” said State Senator Tom Bennett. “This office will help provide easy access to the support and resources they need both at the federal and state level. We are committed to amplifying our impact and providing exceptional assistance to our constituents in this region.”

“I look forward to Congressman Darin LaHood and State Senator Tom Bennett joining me in the City of Morris with the opening of a new district office,” said State Senator Sue Rezin. “The presence of their joint district office will ensure that residents of our region will have easy access to constituent services as well as state and federal assistance from all of their locally elected officials.”

""The people of Morris, and Grundy County, are excited to have a constituent service office in town to assist residents with state and federal issues. As a mayor, I appreciate the level of commitment and dedication Congressman LaHood and Senator Bennett have for their districts. We look forward to working with both of them on constituent issues and we are grateful for their effort to have a presence in this part of their districts,"" said Mayor Chris Brown.

The LaHood-Bennett Morris constituent service office is located at 1715 N Division Street Suite E, Morris, IL 60450. The office will be open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday. Appointments are preferred for office meetings and visits.

Congressman LaHood and State Senator Bennett will host an open house at the Morris office on July 24. Details will be provided at a later date.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:08:25Z
https://bost.house.gov/2023/6/bost-bill-aims-to-keep-prime-farmland-in-production,BOST BILL AIMS TO KEEP PRIME FARMLAND IN PRODUCTION,2023-06-27,2023,2023-06,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) is working to ensure that prime and unique farmland is used for farming by introducing legislation today that restricts access to federal tax credits for companies converting these properties into solar panels tracts. The PANELS Act would not prevent a farmer from leasing their property for solar panels, but it would reduce the economic incentive for companies to do so.

“We are losing precious and productive farmland to companies that are gobbling up acre after acre to install solar panels,” said Bost. “That has a big impact on America’s agricultural supply chain, our food security, and our local economies. My legislation provides a commonsense solution by excluding prime and unique farmland from receiving solar clean energy tax credits. We’re saying to our farmers that you still have the private property rights to make the decision that’s best for you; but we’re not incentivizing companies to swoop into our rural communities to convert these vital plots of land.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:08:25Z
https://lahood.house.gov/2023/6/lahood-napolitano-reintroduce-legislation-to-designate-route-66-as-a-national-historic-trail,"LaHood, Napolitano Reintroduce Legislation to Designate Route 66 as a National Historic Trail",2023-06-23,2023,2023-06,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 Grace Napolitano (D-CA) reintroduced legislation to designate Route 66 as a National Historic Trail. U.S. Representatives Jake LaTurner (R-KS) and Joe Neguse (D-CO) joined LaHood and Napolitano as original cosponsors.

“Route 66 is a historic transportation artery that connects America’s heartland to the west,” said Rep. LaHood. “The Mother Road provides powerful economic development tools for communities throughout Illinois, creating jobs and opportunities. Designating Route 66 as a National Historic Trail would provide this highway with a permanent program to preserve, promote, and economically develop the road, giving it the appropriate designation it deserves.”

""National Historic Trail designation of Route 66 would deliver much-needed federal dollars, resources, and jobs, not only to our San Gabriel Valley communities, but the countless others stretching from Chicago to Santa Monica, which proudly claim a portion of the Mother Road. Our local restaurants, shops, and other businesses, like so many others dotting the interstate from the heartland to the west coast, provide rest breaks for travelers, allowing them to sample the local flavors of our communities that are proud to be connected by the iconic road,"" said Rep. Napolitano. ""This legislation will provide critical funds to be used in close coordination with cities and stakeholders, and will help rehabilitate, improve, and preserve the legacy of the iconic road, benefiting millions of residents and boosting our economic recovery. I am proud to again join my colleague Congressman LaHood in introducing this bipartisan bill that revitalizes Route 66.""

""The Road Ahead is excited by the prospect of Route 66 being designated a National Historic Trail. As the road's Centennial approaches in 2026, we can think of no better birthday present than to make it a National Historic Trail. The Road Ahead commends the efforts of Representatives LaHood and Napolitano for introducing legislation to accomplish this designation,"" said Bill Thomas, Chairman of the Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership.

“The National Trust for Historic Preservation has long advocated for the preservation of historic Route 66 and we enthusiastically endorse bipartisan House legislation that would designate Route 66 as national historic trail ahead of the upcoming Route 66 centennial celebration in 2026,” said Pam Bowman, Senior Director of Public Lands Policy at the National Trust for Historic Preservation. “National historic trail designation for Route 66 appropriately recognizes a route internationally recognized as an iconic symbol representing America’s love of the open road with a rich history associated with Dustbowl migration, World War II, and a travel route celebrated in music, literature, television, movies, and popular lore. We sincerely appreciate Representatives Darin LaHood and Grace Napolitano for their years of leadership supporting the preservation and economic vitality of the Route 66 corridor and look forward to Congress approving the designation.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:08:25Z
https://lahood.house.gov/2023/6/lahood-bipartisan-group-urge-the-biden-administration-to-address-discriminatory-eu-digital-trade-policy,"LaHood, Bipartisan Group Urge the Biden Administration to Address Discriminatory EU Digital Trade Policy",2023-06-22,2023,2023-06,Republican,House,IL,Darin LaHood,L000585,lahood.house.gov,lahood,https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-16), a member of the House Ways and Means Committee and Co-Chair of the Digital Trade Caucus, led a bipartisan letter with 46 colleagues to urge the Biden Administration to increase engagement with the European Union (EU) on changes to discriminatory digital trade and regulatory policies that specifically impact American businesses, which will protect America's economic and national security.

In part, the Members write:

""America’s innovation economy is essential to our competitiveness across the globe and our economic strength at home. Our leadership in the digital economy supports millions of American jobs and has the potential to create significant economic opportunities for years to come. We strongly believe that we must safeguard the success of the United States in this sector by ensuring that American companies and workers face a fair and level playing field when competing in foreign markets...

""These policies include the recently enacted Digital Markets Act and Digital Services Act, proposals to limit access for American cloud service providers, and threats to revive digital services taxes, among others. These policies, which almost exclusively target American companies, collectively impose sweeping new regulations, forced technology transfers, compliance costs, hefty taxes, and potentially significant penalties while giving homegrown European rivals a leg up. Some of these policies also provide opportunities for Chinese, Russian, and other foreign-owned firms to increase market share in Europe.""

The EU's digital trade policies, such as the Digital Markets Act, single out American businesses and limit competition. Additionally, these policies provide a further opening for Chinese, Russian, and other foreign firms to expand their operations in Europe.

In the letter, the members also urge the Administration to work through the existing forums to cooperate on digital rules and update Congress on the recent Trade and Technology Council meeting that occurred at the end of May.

You can read the full letter HERE.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:08:25Z
https://lahood.house.gov/2023/6/lahood-bipartisan-group-introduce-bill-to-improve-broadband-access-in-rural-communities,"LaHood, Bipartisan Group Introduce Bill to Improve Broadband Access in Rural Communities",2023-06-21,2023,2023-06,Republican,House,IL,Darin LaHood,L000585,lahood.house.gov,lahood,https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-16) joined U.S. Representatives Zach Nunn (IA-03), Angie Craig (MN-02), and Eric Sorensen (IL-17) in introducing bipartisan legislation to improve access to high quality, affordable broadband in rural communities. The ReConnecting Rural America Act makes improvements to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) ReConnect Program, which offers loans, grants, and loan-grant combinations facilitating broadband deployment in areas of rural America that currently do not have sufficient access to broadband.

“Access to reliable and fixed broadband is critical to our communities in the 16th District of Illinois, one of the largest rural and agricultural districts in the country,” said Rep. LaHood. “As we work to bridge the digital divide, I am proud to join this bipartisan group to introduce legislation that will expand broadband access for those who need it most in our rural communities.”

“During my Farm Bill listening tour, improving broadband access is one of the top priorities I’ve heard about. Access to high quality, affordable internet is critical for telehealth services, education, precision agriculture, and quality of life in rural America,” Rep. Nunn said. “This bipartisan bill will ensure faster, more reliable speeds for rural communities with the most critical needs.”

“Every single community deserves access to reliable, affordable high-speed internet. I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan bill to strengthen USDA’s ReConnect Program and provide Minnesota’s rural schools, businesses and families with the internet access they need,” said Rep. Craig.

""Broadband touches so many facets of our society, from health care, to education, to economic opportunity,"" said Rep. Sorensen. ""Access to affordable internet in rural communities is a necessity, not a luxury, in 21st century America. I'm proud to join this bipartisan effort to expand broadband access to those who need it most.""

Established in 2018, the USDA ReConnect Program provides loans and grants to eligible entities to facilitate broadband deployment in underserved areas of rural America that do not currently have sufficient access to broadband.

The ReConnecting Rural America Act strengthens the USDA ReConnect Program by:

Making the ReConnect Program permanent

Authorizing the USDA to make loans, grants, and grant-loan combinations for the construction and improvement of equipment and facilities to provide broadband

Establishing requirements for faster, more reliable internet at a 100/100 Mbps symmetrical buildout speed

Prioritizing communities with the greatest need for increased speeds by defining unserved communities as at least 75 percent of households unserved at 100/20 mbps speed and prioritizing awards to areas in which at least 90 percent of households lack 100/20 mbps speed

Ensuring the program can keep up with the increase in demand by including sufficient funding authorization levels

The ReConnecting Rural America Act is supported by the Rural Broadband Association (NTCA), National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), the Farm Credit Council, and the Fiber Broadband Association.

“As small broadband providers in rural areas work tirelessly to bridge the digital divide, the ReConnect program has been an important resource to get the job done,” NTCA CEO Shirley Bloomfield said. “The ReConnecting Rural America Act improves upon this already successful program to better target funding where it is needed most, recognizes that experience matters when it comes to delivering rural broadband, and ensures that those in the most rural and hard to serve areas receive the same high-quality, high-speed broadband as those in urban areas.”

“Efforts to close the digital divide began nearly 25 years ago, and yet many rural families and businesses still lack access to a reliable internet connection simply because of where they choose to live. That’s unacceptable,” Louis Finkel, Senior Vice President of Government Relations at the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), said. “The bipartisan ReConnecting Rural America Act will make USDA’s ReConnect Program permanent, and provide the tools and flexibilities necessary for rural providers to meet the unique challenges of building lasting broadband networks in rural areas.”

“Reliable and consistent broadband is a necessity, not a luxury,” Todd Van Hoose, President and CEO of the Farm Credit Council, said. “This essential service is integral to keeping rural communities thriving.? Broadband is needed to attract the next generation of producers into agriculture and for keeping rural residents in rural communities.”

“Over the years, the ReConnect program has provided funding to ensure more remote communities in America have the same broadband capabilities as urban areas, connecting them largely with reliable, fiber broadband networks,” Gary Bolton, President and CEO of the Fiber Broadband Association, said. “But, far too many rural communities are still stranded on the wrong side of the digital divide. By reauthorizing ReConnect and requiring that projects offer a minimum service build out speed of 100 Mbps symmetrical broadband service, the legislation will ensure that taxpayer dollars are used wisely and most importantly that rural Americans and their communities will receive the broadband connectivity that meets their needs today and tomorrow.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:15:57Z
https://lahood.house.gov/2023/6/lahood-applauds-inclusion-of-funding-for-river-infrastructure-upgrades-in-energy-and-water-bill,LaHood Applauds Inclusion of Funding for River Infrastructure Upgrades in Energy and Water Bill,2023-06-20,2023,2023-06,Republican,House,IL,Darin LaHood,L000585,lahood.house.gov,lahood,https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-16) applauded the inclusion of $75 million in the FY2024 House Energy and Water Appropriations bill to upgrade the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers’ navigation infrastructure. LaHood was joined by U.S. Representatives Eric Sorensen (D-IL-17), Sam Graves (R-MO-06), Nikki Budzinski (D-IL-13), and Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-MO-03).

“In central and northwestern Illinois, the inland water waterway system and locks and dams infrastructure are vital to the economic and environmental sustainability of our communities,” said Congressman LaHood. “Inclusion of our funding request for the Upper Mississippi River and Illinois Waterway in the FY24 House Energy and Water Development Appropriations bill is a win for Illinois, especially in our rural and downstate communities. I am proud to continue our strong, bipartisan support for these important Illinois resources.”

""This historic investment in Illinois' waterway infrastructure would help our state's agriculture and economy boom like never before, solidifying our region as a leader in producing the corn and soybeans that feed the world,"" said Congressman Sorensen. ""I'm urging the House and Senate to swiftly pass the bill with this critical funding to support our farmers and working families across Central and Northwestern Illinois.”

“The outdated locks and dams on the Upper Mississippi River lead to delays and congestion that cost farmers and families untold millions,” said Congressman Graves. “The fact that the Energy and Water appropriations subcommittee mark includes funding for the bipartisan project to upgrade these locks and dams is a big deal. It also continues to build on momentum for the project that’s been hard won in recent years. While we’re a long ways from the finish line, we’re going to continue fighting to make sure this funding moves forward.”

“Family farmers in Central and Southern Illinois rely on the Mississippi River to transport their commodities to the global market. But the locks and dams they depend on are nearly a century old,” said Congresswoman Budzinski. “By modernizing our inland waterway infrastructure, we can help our family farmers get their corn and soybeans to market more quickly and ensure that these critical transportation routes are sound for years to come. I’m proud to have worked on a bipartisan basis with Representatives LaHood, Sorensen, Graves and Luetkemeyer to secure $75 million to upgrade our locks and dams, and I look forward to continuing to work to bring our waterways into the 21st century.”

“Missouri’s Third District is home to several major waterways, including the Upper Mississippi River. These waterways play a critical role in our state’s trade, agriculture, tourism, and larger economy. This funding provides critical improvements to locks and dams on the Upper Mississippi River to keep commerce flowing. I’m hopeful our momentum with this bipartisan, multi-state effort will continue so we can deliver these important resources to our area,” said Congressman Luetkemeyer.

This funding will support the Navigation and Ecosystem Sustainability Program (NESP), a long-term program of navigation improvements and ecosystem restoration for the Upper Mississippi River System (UMRS).

This investment will reduce traffic delays along waterways and increase shipping capacity by constructing new 1,200-foot locks at locks 20 through 25 on the Mississippi River, as well as updating locks in Peoria and LaGrange on the Illinois River. By constructing new locks and upgrading outdated ones, agricultural goods will be exported faster and more efficiently.

This funding was requested as part of the Community Project Funding process, which allows members of Congress to designate funding for critical initiatives through the appropriations process. NESP funding is included in the House Appropriations Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies bill, one of twelve appropriations bills passed each year by Congress.

Next the funding heads to the Full Appropriations Committee for approval and then to the House floor.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:15:57Z
https://lahood.house.gov/2023/6/lahood-statement-on-hpsci-hearing-with-john-durham,LaHood Statement on HPSCI Hearing with John Durham,2023-06-20,2023,2023-06,Republican,House,IL,Darin LaHood,L000585,lahood.house.gov,lahood,https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-16), a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence (HPSCI) and Chair of the HPSCI Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) Section 702 Working Group, released the following statement after Special Counsel John Durham testified before HPSCI during a closed door session:

""Our HPSCI hearing with Special Counsel John Durham was an important opportunity to continue the necessary conversation about the reauthorization of Section 702 this year and reforming the FBI, FISA, and Section 702. FISA and Section 702 provide the IC with an important national security tool to protect Americans, but there have been far too many abuses of civil liberties.

""As a former state and federal prosecutor, I remain concerned about the disregard FBI personnel have shown for critical protections established to safeguard the American people from unlawful surveillance, which Special Counsel Durham describes in his report. The actions taken by FBI personnel that Durham outlines should have never happened and Congress has a responsibility to prevent them from occurring in the future.

""There is a clear, bipartisan consensus in Congress that a clean reauthorization of Section 702, without serious reforms to prevent future abuses, is a non-starter. Today's hearing with Special Counsel Durham underscored the essential work Congress and our HPSCI Section 702 Working Group must do to codify clear guardrails that prevent future FBI abuses and help restore the public’s trust in our law enforcement institutions.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:15:57Z
https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-miller-statement-hunter-biden-sweetheart-deal,Rep. Miller Statement on Hunter Biden Sweetheart Deal,2023-06-20,2023,2023-06,Republican,House,IL,Mary E. Miller,M001211,marymiller.house.gov,marymiller,https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON - Congresswoman Mary Miller (R-15) issued the following statement in response to the announcement of a sweetheart deal granted to Hunter Biden, which reveals a broken, two-tiered system of justice in America.

""Hunter Biden is receiving a sweetheart deal from the Department of Justice that shields ""The Big Guy"" Joe Biden from the Biden family's foreign bribery operation. The cash and diamonds for which the Biden family failed to pay taxes came from China, Russia, and Ukraine, yet there are no Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) charges. The Department of Justice's charges against President Biden's son Hunter reveal a two-tiered system of justice, in which the DOJ shields Joe Biden but attempts to send President Trump to prison for one hundred years. Chairman Comer and the House Oversight Committee will investigate the evidence uncovering the Biden family's influence peddling operation and foreign bribery scheme regardless of the DOJ's attempts to shield Joe Biden from the rule of law.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:15:57Z
https://lahood.house.gov/2023/6/lahood-smith-ways-and-means-gop-demand-answers-on-welfare-fraud-in-mississippi-scandal-involving-millions-in-misspent-tanf-funds,"LaHood, Smith, Ways and Means GOP Demand Answers on Welfare Fraud in Mississippi Scandal Involving Millions in Misspent TANF Funds",2023-06-16,2023,2023-06,Republican,House,IL,Darin LaHood,L000585,lahood.house.gov,lahood,https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – In a new letter to Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, Ways and Means Work and Welfare Subcommittee Chairman Darin LaHood (IL-16) joined Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith (MO-08) and Ways and Means Committee Republicans to call for improved oversight from the Biden Administration within the TANF program after reports exposed massive fraud in Mississippi.

Flexibilities in the TANF program, specifically in the usage of non-cash assistance funds, have unfortunately created an environment ripe for fraud that robs resources from families in poverty – the most notorious example being the ongoing scandal in Mississippi where the state’s auditor found at least $77 million in misused funds that were meant to help struggling Americans. Due to the Mississippi scandal, Members raised concerns about how states are spending non-cash assistance TANF funds, which make up about 78 percent of total TANF spending.

In their letter to HHS Secretary Becerra, Ways and Means Republicans highlighted how the Mississippi scandal illustrates broader problems with fraud and abuse within TANF:

“A series of headlines from Mississippi has drawn national attention to the vulnerability of TANF. The state’s auditor has flagged at least $77 million in misused funds from Mississippi’s TANF program from 2017 to 2020, resulting in charges against multiple state officials…The Mississippi case is emblematic of a larger systemic problem: TANF non-assistance dollars lack necessary guardrails making it susceptible to fraud and abuse. Since its enactment in 1996, states have found loopholes that allow re-direction of TANF non-assistance funds in ways that are loosely related to lifting people out of poverty and many states have used federal TANF non-assistance funds to fill state budget gaps.”

Since 2018, Ways and Means Republicans have fought to restore accountability to the TANF program that has not been reauthorized or seriously scrutinized since 2005. Most recently, in the Fiscal Responsibility Act (P.L. 118-5), Republicans successfully fought to include provisions that will close loopholes to ensure states are held accountable for implementing work requirements.

The Biden Administration has paid lip service to the idea of shining a light on TANF fraud, but Ways and Means Republicans challenged Secretary Becerra to join them in taking meaningful bipartisan action on behalf of welfare recipients and taxpayers:

“Committee Republicans have been fighting to reform TANF since 2018 to restore accountability, prevent fraud and protect taxpayers…

“American taxpayers spend more than a trillion dollars every year to provide benefits and services to low-income families…During testimony before our Committee, you said you would welcome the opportunity to work with Congress on TANF reauthorization and reforms. In light of recently uncovered abuses, we ask that your Department engage with Congress to strengthen TANF non-assistance spending so it can achieve its stated purposes instead of lining the pockets of people who need no assistance from the federal government.”

Read the letter here.

Background:

TANF is just one of a dizzying array of more than 80 federal programs created to fight poverty that provide food, housing, health care, energy assistance, and cash assistance to low-income Americans at a cost of over $1 trillion a year.

Unlike TANF cash assistance, non-assistance spending in TANF refers to programs other than direct monthly checks to recipients. Non-assistance constitutes 78 percent of total spending from the block grant and is almost wholly at the discretion of each state.

States spend non-assistance on a variety of social services including pre-kindergarten, child care, child welfare, and, in the case of Mississippi, pet projects unrelated to moving families from welfare to work.

Concerns have emerged that TANF funds are not reaching families in poverty. With more than 10 million job openings, we cannot afford to relegate an entire generation of workers to the sidelines.

It's time to reclaim TANF funds to ensure dollars are intentionally focused on removing barriers to work, reducing dependency, and growing the capacity of individuals to realize their full potential.

Mississippi TANF Scandal:

Non-assistance TANF funds were allegedly fraudulently spent, highlighting the ongoing fraud and abuse in the program.

From 2017 to 2020, Mississippi’s state auditor flagged at least $77 million in misused TANF funds.

This scandal is part of an ongoing investigation involving corrupt state and non-profit officials, six of whom have pleaded guilty to embezzlement.

The Mississippi Attorney General has now opened a civil case against 38 defendants seeking to recoup $94 million that was fraudulently diverted to pet projects for celebrities and the politically connected.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:15:57Z
https://lahood.house.gov/2023/6/lahood-tonko-lead-effort-to-expand-access-for-alzheimer-s-treatments,"LaHood, Tonko Lead Effort to Expand Access for Alzheimer's Treatments",2023-06-16,2023,2023-06,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-16) and Paul Tonko (NY-20) led a follow-up letter with over 45 colleagues to the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) Xavier Becerra and the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Chiquita Brooks-LaSure to urge HHS and CMS to allow Medicare beneficiaries access to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved treatments for early-stage Alzheimer's or Alzheimer's disease.

In the letter, the members ask HHS and CMS to reconsider the Coverage with Evidence Development (CED) requirements for FDA-approved monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) directed against amyloid for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease (AD).

In part, the members write: ""We remain deeply concerned about our constituents' lack of access to these FDA-approved therapies. Processes that may delay coverage decisions by months or years can impose significant access delays, resulting in irreversible disease progression for beneficiaries living with Alzheimer’s, and added burdens for their caregivers and loved ones...""

""We still strongly believe CMS should open a reconsideration of the NCD to remove the CED requirements for FDA-approved monoclonal antibodies targeting amyloid for the treatment of AD based on substantial new evidence published since the finalization of the NCD. This overdue CMS action will ensure Medicare beneficiaries, including many of our constituents, living with MCI due to Alzheimer’s disease and early-stage Alzheimer’s disease have immediate access to FDA-approved treatments if the patient and clinician decide it is right for them.""

In a statement of support from Robert Egge, Alzheimer’s Association Chief Public Policy Officer and Alzheimer’s Impact Movement (AIM) Executive Director said, “For over a year, CMS has blocked access to FDA-approved Alzheimer’s treatments. Individuals living with early Alzheimer’s deserve access to these treatments without barriers, just like people with cancer, heart disease and HIV/AIDS. Thank you Reps. Darin LaHood (R-Ill.) and Paul Tonko (D-N.Y.) for your steadfast support of the Alzheimer’s community and your continued leadership on this bipartisan effort to secure access to FDA-approved Alzheimer’s treatments.”

You can read the full letter HERE and below.

June 16, 2023

The Honorable Xavier Becerra

Secretary

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

The Honorable Chiquita Brooks-LaSure

Administrator

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

200 Independence Avenue, S.W.

Washington, D.C. 20201

Dear Secretary Becerra and Administrator Brooks-LaSure:

We thank you for your leadership on issues important to Americans living with Alzheimer’s and other dementia, as well as their caregivers. On behalf of the more than 6 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and their families, we are concerned about our constituents' continued inability to access Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved treatments to slow cognitive decline for those with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and early AD.

Earlier this year, nearly 100 bipartisan members of Congress sent letters to you raising concerns that the Coverage with Evidence Development (CED) requirements for FDA-approved monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) directed against amyloid for the treatment of AD that have effectively prevented Medicare beneficiaries from getting access to these therapies. While there are currently two FDA-approved anti-amyloid treatments, neither therapy is available to the Medicare population due to the restrictive nature of Medicare’s national coverage determination (NCD).

As we noted in our January 2023 letter, positive results from the Phase 3 trial of Leqembi (lecanemab), a mAb for the treatment of mild cognitive impairment due to AD and early-stage AD, were reported in November 2022. The results show that lecanemab will provide patients with more time to participate in daily life, live independently, and have many more months of patients recognizing their spouse, children, and grandchildren.

On June 1, 2023, CMS announced the conceptual approach to a registry for access to mAbs approved by the FDA under the traditional approval pathway. This is the first time CMS is requiring registry participation as a condition of coverage for an FDA-approved therapeutic drug. Registries should not be a requirement for coverage of a FDA-approved treatment as they can create an additional barrier to access. CMS said a nationwide CMS-facilitated portal will be available when FDA grants traditional approval. However, although this very complicated roll out is only weeks away, CMS has declined to share additional information about the data submission, registry requirements and details about how patients and physicians can enroll.

You’ve heard from many of our colleagues, from both sides of the aisle, and both the House and Senate over the past few months. We remain deeply concerned about our constituents' lack of access to these FDA-approved therapies. Processes that may delay coverage decisions by months or years can impose significant access delays, resulting in irreversible disease progression for beneficiaries living with Alzheimer’s, and added burdens for their caregivers and loved ones. Given the progressive nature of this terminal disease and the absence of treatment alternatives, delays would deny these Medicare beneficiaries the opportunity to benefit from this treatment.[1]

Please provide us with timely answers to the below questions.

Administrator Brooks-LaSure, you stated in testimony to the House Energy & Commerce Health Subcommittee that CMS plans to cover these treatments once they are approved under traditional approval at FDA. You also stated your intent to continue in CED which requires the traditional approval treatment to have patients enrolled in a prospective comparative study. In recent comments, CMS has confirmed the fact that it has never before used a registry for a drug treatment, further raising concerns about the state of CMS’s preparations to date. Can you please explain in detail the steps CMS is taking to:

Set up a registry that will be operational the day FDA grants traditional approval

Ensure equitable access, particularly for those living in rural and underserved communities, to the treatment via the registry;

Collect the scientific data CMS does not believe has yet been collected; and

Anything else pertinent to access for our constituents?

Secretary Becerra and Administrator Brooks-LaSure, you have both stated that CMS is not covering FDA-approved anti-amyloid treatments for AD because CMS has a different standard than FDA. As you have stated, the CMS standard is “reasonable and necessary” which is defined in statute as “reasonable and necessary for the diagnosis or treatment of illness or injury or to improve the functioning of a malformed body member.” Based on that statutory definition, why has CMS decided these treatments are unreasonable and unnecessary for the Medicare population? Why has CMS held Alzheimer’s treatments to a different standard than other diseases?

During testimony in both the House and the Senate earlier this year, you both referenced “full approval” when discussing traditional approval. Congress and the FDA have been very clear that accelerated approval and traditional approval are both considered “full approval.” Why does CMS not consider accelerated approval as full approval for Alzheimer’s treatments when it does for other diseases?

We still strongly believe CMS should open a reconsideration of the NCD to remove the CED requirements for FDA-approved monoclonal antibodies targeting amyloid for the treatment of AD based on substantial new evidence published since the finalization of the NCD. Our request reflects that of the patient community and is consistent with a request the Alzheimer’s Association submitted to CMS on December 19, 2022, that was subsequently denied by CMS. This overdue CMS action will ensure Medicare beneficiaries, including many of our constituents, living with MCI due to Alzheimer’s disease and early-stage Alzheimer’s disease have immediate access to FDA-approved treatments if the patient and clinician decide it is right for them.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:15:57Z
https://lahood.house.gov/2023/6/lahood-supports-ways-and-means-bills-to-strengthen-the-economy-grow-jobs-and-reduce-taxes,"LaHood Supports Ways and Means Bills to Strengthen the Economy, Grow Jobs, and Reduce Taxes",2023-06-15,2023,2023-06,Republican,House,IL,Darin LaHood,L000585,lahood.house.gov,lahood,https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-16), a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, voted to advance H.R. 3936, the Tax Cuts for Working Families Act, H.R. 3937, the Small Business Jobs Act, and H.R. 3938, the Build It in America Act, during a full committee mark up this week.

""As I've traveled throughout the 16th District of Illinois, I consistently hear from farmers, energy producers, small businesses, and workers who want Congress to strengthen our competitiveness in the global economy and invest in jobs in our communities in the Midwest,"" said Rep. LaHood. ""With these three bills, Ways and Means Republicans took an important step to grow our economy, build off the success of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, counter China's aggression, and invest in America's workforce.""

Highlighting his recent 16th District Ag Advisory Committee meeting, LaHood spoke in support of the bills, underscoring the positive impact these pro-growth policies will have on farmers and producers in central and northwestern Illinois. You can view his remarks below or HERE.

H.R. 3936, the Tax Cuts for Working Families Act:

To help working families struggling under Biden’s inflation crisis, the Ways and Means Committee is helping Americans keep more of their hard-earned money.

Under President Biden, inflation has gone up faster than wages for a record 26 straight months, leaving families farther and farther behind.

This bill provides a new $4,000 Guaranteed Deduction Bonus for the next two years, which will result in annual tax savings and more money in the household budgets of middle-class families who have been hit hard by the cost-of-living crisis.

This applies on top of the current Guaranteed Deduction (also known as the “Standard Deduction”), which was doubled by Republicans in the 2017 tax reform law.

H.R. 3937, the Small Business Jobs Act:

Encourages investment in new equipment and production capacity by increasing immediate expensing for small businesses to $2.5 million.

Builds on successful policy from the 2017 tax reform law, which doubled the expensing limit from $500,000 to $1 million.

With this provision, small businesses like farms and machine shops can afford new equipment and expand their businesses. Their investment raises productivity, boosts wages, and creates more jobs.

Delivers greater economic development and opportunity with a new Rural Opportunity Zone program that will revitalize struggling communities.

Opportunity Zones (OZs) were a major success from the 2017 tax reform law. They attracted investment and jobs to low-income communities across the country that were struggling to attract investment and capital.

While being the largest economic development program, investments have tended toward urban areas, which received 95 percent of OZ investment.

This provision will allow rural communities to benefit from the same recovery and development OZs have delivered to urban areas.

Stops the attack on the gig economy and Americans by repealing Democrats’ new rule that has the IRS targeting gig workers and those who use Venmo or PayPal to sell items like a used couch, guitar, or concert tickets.

In 2021, Democrats reduced the IRS reporting threshold for these transactions from $20,000 to $600.

The Biden Administration knows this rule is unfair and unworkable, which is why they have already delayed implementation this year.

Repealing this rule will ensure Americans aren’t saddled with a mountain of paperwork, confusion, or taxes that they don’t owe.

H.R. 3938, the Build It in America Act:

Restores American competitiveness and innovation by extending the ability for companies to immediately deduct research and development (R&D) costs.

Starting in 2022, companies could no longer immediately deduct R&D costs and have been required to gradually spread those expenses over time, for a minimum of 5 years and as high as 15 years.

Losing the immediate deduction has led to higher tax bills for small, innovative businesses – forcing them to slow their growth, reduce their workforce, or borrow funds to pay a big tax bill to the IRS.

This provision will ensure that the United States sustains its status as a global innovation leader.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:15:57Z
https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-miller-introduces-legislation-defend-parental-rights-radical-abortion,Rep. Miller Introduces Legislation to Defend Parental Rights from the Radical Abortion Industry,2023-06-15,2023,2023-06,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) introduced the Parental Notification and Intervention Act to the House to ensure that parents have an opportunity to intervene if their daughter is seeking to obtain an abortion.

""All children are created by God with a purpose, and that purpose begins at conception,"" Miller said. ""The Left wants to strip the rights of parents in every way possible and put unrestricted 'abortion-on-demand' at the top of their priority list - even if it puts minors at risk. That is why I am proud to be joined by my colleagues in the House in introducing the Parental Notification and Intervention Act. This legislation would prevent abortion providers from performing abortions on minors until the minor’s parents have received written notification that their child has requested an abortion and until they have had a 96-hour window within which they can intervene. In Congress, I will always be a voice for the unborn and respect the rights of parents.""

This legislation is being co-sponsored by Reps. Debbie Lesko (R-AZ), Diana Harshbarger (R-TN), Lauren Boebert (R-CO), Alex Mooney (R-WV), Paul Gosar (R-AZ), and is being led in the U.S. Senate by Senator Mike Braun (R-IN).

""Every single parent and guardian deserves to be notified if their minor child is seeking an abortion. I’m proud to lead the Senate version of this bill which will protect parents’ rights."" – Sen. Braun

The Parental Notification and Intervention Act is also being supported by the National Pro-Life Alliance, Students for Life Action, and the Concerned Women for America Legislative Action Committee. The full bill text is attached.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:15:57Z
https://lahood.house.gov/2023/6/lahood-ways-and-means-committee-advance-the-first-taiwan-trade-initiative-agreement,"LaHood, Ways and Means Committee Advance the First Taiwan Trade Initiative Agreement",2023-06-14,2023,2023-06,Republican,House,IL,Darin LaHood,L000585,lahood.house.gov,lahood,https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-16), a member of the Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee, joined the full Ways and Means Committee to advance bipartisan, bicameral legislation to approve agreements signed under the U.S.-Taiwan Initiative on 21st-Century Trade, and set robust transparency and Congressional consultation requirements for any future agreements negotiated under the initiative.

""Congress has a constitutional obligation to lead on trade, and this bipartisan bill underscores the strong desire in Congress for a robust and ambitious trade agenda, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region,"" said Rep. LaHood. ""As the United States and Taiwan deepen economic engagement, the bill requires that Congress be consulted on and approve any future trade steps with Taiwan.""

LaHood spoke in favor of the legislation during the Ways and Means mark-up and his remarks can be viewed above and HERE.

This bill approves the first agreement under the U.S.-Taiwan Initiative on 21st-Century Trade, which sets rules of the road in five areas of trade: customs administration and trade facilitation, good regulatory practices, services regulation, anti-corruption, and small and medium-sized businesses.

The legislation:

Provides for congressional approval of the first agreement arising from the U.S.-Taiwan Initiative on 21st Century Trade; and

Imposes new congressional consultation and transparency requirements on the Administration with respect to the negotiation of any subsequent agreements arising under the initiative.

LaHood recently spoke about the importance of developing a strong economic relationship with Taiwan at a Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee hearing on China, and he is also a member of the Select Committee on China.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:15:57Z
https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-mary-miller-denounces-gov-pritzkers-new-law-requiring-pornography,Rep. Mary Miller Denounces Gov. Pritzker‘s New Law Requiring Pornography in Children’s Libraries,2023-06-12,2023,2023-06,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) issued the following statement on Governor Pritzker's new law requiring pornography in children's libraries:

“Today is a sad day for parents in Illinois. Governor Pritzker signed a bill forcing libraries to display pornographic books in order to receive state funding, including the book “Gender Queer,” which features explicit images of sexual actions that are inappropriate for children. Parents, you must speak up if you oppose the left’s agenda to force these graphic sexual materials into your child’s library.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:08:25Z
https://lahood.house.gov/2023/6/lahood-bipartisan-group-introduce-bill-to-support-manufacturing-and-agriculture,"LaHood, Bipartisan Group Introduce Bill to Support Manufacturing and Agriculture",2023-06-06,2023,2023-06,Republican,House,IL,Darin LaHood,L000585,lahood.house.gov,lahood,https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-16), a member of the Ways and Means Committee, today announced new bipartisan legislation to help small and medium manufacturers and farmers generate good-paying jobs in Illinois and throughout the country. Congressman LaHood was joined by Reps. Dan Kildee (D-MI), Randy Feenstra (R-IA), and Dwight Evans (D-PA) to introduce the legislation.

The Modernizing Manufacturing and Agricultural Bonds Act updates the federal rules for manufacturing and agricultural bonds. These bonds are exempt from federal tax and are important tools used by state and local agencies to support small manufacturers and farmers and spur economic development. Over the last decade, use of these types of bonds has declined due to their outdated rules and regulations.

“When farmers and manufacturers succeed, our communities thrive in central and northwestern Illinois,” said Congressman LaHood. “The Modernizing Agricultural and Manufacturing Bonds Act will provide entrepreneurs and first-time farmers with the financing tools they need to grow, creating good-paying jobs, and bolstering our economy. I am proud to join this bipartisan effort and I will continue to work in Congress to ensure farmers and manufacturers have the necessary tools to be successful in our 21st-century economy.”

“Manufacturing and agricultural bonds can be powerful economic development tools to support farmers and small manufacturing businesses, but the bond programs need to better work for small businesses and farmers,” said Congressman Kildee. “Modernizing these bonds and cutting government red tape will grow our local economy and create more good-paying jobs in mid-Michigan. I’m proud to introduce this bill with Republican and Democratic support.”

“Industrial Development Bonds (IDBs) and First-Time Farmer Bonds (Aggie Bonds) are vital to economic development, manufacturing, and our farm economy in rural Iowa. However, outdated rules and regulations have hindered our domestic manufacturers and family farmers from utilizing these bonds,” said Congressman Feenstra. “I’m proud to work with my colleagues Rep. Darin LaHood, Rep. Dan Kildee, and Rep. Dwight Evans to modernize current law to reflect the intensive capital needs of Iowa farmers and manufacturers to be profitable and productive. I will continue to support policies that grow our manufacturing capabilities, generate robust economic activity, and help our beginning farmers thrive.”

“In the Philadelphia region alone, there are more than 60 certified manufacturing businesses that could benefit from expanded eligibility to retain or create jobs,” said Congressman Evans. “And the farming sector is vital to Pennsylvania and the nation, both because of its sizable role in the economy and because we all need food!”

“We're thrilled that MAMBA has been reintroduced with such broad-based support. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and amid increased global economic competition, it has become clear that investments in farmers and manufacturers are necessary to shore up the United States’ supply chains. By updating the 40-year-old rules around agricultural and manufacturing bonds, MAMBA allows for the innovative financing tools necessary to invest in local communities and provide a bulwark against future food and supply chain disruptions,” said Council of Development Finance Agencies President and CEO Toby Rittner. “Representatives Kildee, LaHood, Feenstra, and Evans have been great champions of private activity bonds and the development finance industry as a whole, and I'm thankful for their commitment to manufacturing and farming—key pillars of the U.S. economy.”

The Modernizing Agricultural and Manufacturing Bonds Act would:

Raise the maximum manufacturing bond size from $10 million to $30 million, updating this threshold for inflation and economic changes. Additionally, the bill ties future bond size increases to inflation.

Modernize the definition of a “manufacturing facility” to include high-tech manufacturing processes, including bio-technology, design and formula development.

Eliminate restrictions that prevented bond proceeds from being used towards offices space, locker rooms, and cafeterias at small manufacturing facilities.

Increase the amount of bond proceeds that can go to first-time farmers from $450,000 to $1 million and allow new farmers to use bond proceeds to upgrade existing agricultural buildings and property and purchase farm equipment.

Align the definition of “substantial farmland” in the federal tax code with existing law.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:08:25Z
https://lahood.house.gov/2023/6/lahood-leads-opposition-to-discriminatory-brazilian-tariffs-on-american-ethanol,LaHood Leads Opposition to Discriminatory Brazilian Tariffs on American Ethanol,2023-06-01,2023,2023-06,Republican,House,IL,Darin LaHood,L000585,lahood.house.gov,lahood,https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-16), a member of the Ways and Means Committee, led a bipartisan group of Members of Congress to urge the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Katherine Tai to prioritize ethanol export competitiveness and address unfair import tariffs imposed on American ethanol by Brazil.

In a letter, signed by 21 members, Rep. LaHood and his colleagues highlighted the importance of biofuel and ethanol production for rural communities throughout the country. Recently announced import tariffs by Brazil on American ethanol would negatively impact American agriculture, which previously received duty-free treatment from Brazil.

In the letter, the Members wrote in part, ""We believe the double layer issue of a tariff imbalance and an impenetrable RenovaBio is unjustified and puts American ethanol and farmers at risk. We strongly urge you to prioritize American ethanol export competitiveness in the Brazilian market by addressing these unfair policies. Further, if Brazil continues with its unfair treatment of American ethanol, we stand ready to work with you to consider measures that protect U.S. farmers and biofuels producers and counter these unfair trade practices.""

In a statement, Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor said, “We’re grateful to Rep. LaHood and all cosigners of the letter to Ambassador Tai for raising the concerning dual challenges that American ethanol producers face in Brazil while Brazilian ethanol exports receive duty-free treatment here in the U.S. Growth in the international export market is essential to the strength of American ethanol and our nation’s ag economy. We look forward to working with these Members and Ambassador Tai to ensure a level trade playing field.”

In addition to Rep. LaHood, the letter was signed by U.S. Representatives Mark Alford (R-MO), Don Bacon (R-NE), James Baird (R-IN), Mike Bost (R-IL), Nikki Budzinski (D-IL), Angie Craig (D-MN), Randy Feenstra (R-IA), Brad Finstad (R-MN), Michelle Fischbach (R-MN), Mike Flood (R-NE), Bill Foster (D-IL), Sam Graves (R-MO), Dusty Johnson (R-SD), Dan Kildee (D-MI), Mike Lawler (R-NY), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA), Zach Nunn (R-IA), Mark Pocan (D-WI), Adrian Smith (R-NE), and Victoria Spartz (R-IN).

The full text of the letter can be read here and below.

The Honorable Katherine Tai

United States Trade Representative

600 17th St NW

Washington, DC 20508

Dear Ambassador Tai:

We write to raise a critical international trade issue that is having a detrimental impact on the American agricultural economy.

On February 1, 2023, the Brazilian Foreign Trade Chamber (Camex) reinstated an import tariff on American ethanol shipped to Brazil. The new tariff rate on ethanol will be 16 percent this year and 18 percent in 2024. Before this announcement, American exports of ethanol to Brazil had received duty-free treatment since March 2022. This tariff increase is especially concerning given the duty-free treatment Brazilian ethanol exports receive in the U.S. market.

Additionally, there are non-tariff barriers that further complicate our bilateral ethanol trade with Brazil. Brazilian ethanol producers have access to our Renewable Fuel Standard and California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard program, which recognize the inherent value of low-carbon biofuels. This treatment is not reciprocated by Brazil, where U.S. ethanol producers, after two years, have yet to be approved for Brazil’s biofuel program, RenovaBio.

Currently, U.S. biofuel production supports 555,000 jobs across the country and the U.S. ethanol industry annually produces roughly 16 billion gallons of low carbon, renewable fuel that helps reduce prices at the pump. The ethanol industry purchases 500 million bushels of corn per year that are exported as finished fuel grade ethanol. The value of that purchased corn is about $2.5 billion, while the ethanol exported is worth about $4 billion. The ethanol industry also exports 11 million metric tons of dried distillers grains (DDGS), a nutrient-rich animal feed made during ethanol production, worth approximately $4 billion. Brazil’s unfair treatment of U.S. exports and the unlevel playing field for American ethanol could displace American ethanol and harm the rural communities we represent.

We believe the double layer issue of a tariff imbalance and an impenetrable RenovaBio is unjustified and puts American ethanol and farmers at risk. We strongly urge you to prioritize American ethanol export competitiveness in the Brazilian market by addressing these unfair policies. Further, if Brazil continues with its unfair treatment of American ethanol, we stand ready to work with you to consider measures that protect U.S. farmers and biofuels producers and counter these unfair trade practices.

We appreciate your attention to this matter and look forward to the opportunity to discuss ways to address this trade imbalance with Brazil.

Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:08:25Z
https://lahood.house.gov/2023/5/lahood-opposes-debt-increase-bill,LaHood Opposes Debt Increase Bill,2023-05-31,2023,2023-05,Republican,House,IL,Darin LaHood,L000585,lahood.house.gov,lahood,https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-16) released the following statement on his opposition to the debt ceiling agreement:

""While I appreciate the hard work of Speaker McCarthy and Republican negotiators to force President Biden to the table and get Democrat concessions, I cannot support the agreement in its current form as the bill allows unlimited borrowing over the next two years and does not take long-term steps to address our debt crisis.

""Illinois families who work hard must meet budgets and spend money within their means, and it is long past time that the federal government do the same. That's why I joined House Republicans to responsibly raise the debt limit and pass the Limit, Save, Grow Act last month, legislation to significantly reform Washington's spending addiction.

""As I've listened to residents of central and northwestern Illinois this past week, it is clear that 16th District constituents do not want unlimited COVID-19 level deficit spending that continues to kick the can down the road and places the burden on our children and grandchildren.

""Therefore, I opposed the legislation.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T23:55:44Z
https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-mary-miller-will-vote-no-4-trillion-debt-increase,Congresswoman Mary Miller Will Vote NO on $4 Trillion Debt Increase,2023-05-30,2023,2023-05,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 her opposition to the proposed $4 trillion debt increase in the statement below:

""I will vote NO on increasing the debt on our children and grandchildren by $4 trillion because this deal does not contain anywhere near the CUTS and policy changes we need in order to stop Joe Biden's war on the American people. This deal does not repeal Biden's ""Green Bad Deal"" attack on American energy or reinstate the Trump Administration energy independence policies we passed in the Limit, Save, Grow Act.

""This new deal adds $4 trillion in debt and relies upon Joe Biden's empty promises that he will not hire additional IRS agents this year and expects us to trust him that he will approve energy permits more quickly. I do not trust Joe Biden, and the language in this bill gives him the ability to break every major promise he made in this deal.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T23:55:44Z
https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-mary-miller-celebrates-supreme-courts-monumental-victory,Congresswoman Mary Miller Celebrates Supreme Court's Monumental Victory for Illinois Farmers,2023-05-25,2023,2023-05,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 Supreme Court's decision to declare President Biden's weaponization of the Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule against the hardworking agricultural community as unconstitutional. This landmark ruling delivers a victory for Illinois farmers, safeguarding their livelihoods and rejecting the radical anti-farm agenda of Biden's Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

""I am thrilled by the Supreme Court's ruling on President Biden's unconstitutional WOTUS power grab, which delivers a huge victory for Illinois farmers,"" said Congresswoman Miller. ""This decision sends a powerful message, expressing that President Biden's EPA will not be allowed to pursue an anti-farm agenda. Thank you to my fellow Illinois farmers, who work tirelessly to feed our nation and contribute to our economy. This victory is a testament to their resilience and unwavering dedication. As a member of the House Agriculture Committee, I will continue to fight alongside them, advocating for policies that support and empower our agricultural community.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T23:55:44Z
https://lahood.house.gov/2023/5/lahood-legislation-to-reform-cdl-process-address-supply-chain-challenges-passes-out-of-committee,"LaHood Legislation to Reform CDL Process, Address Supply Chain Challenges Passes Out of Committee",2023-05-23,2023,2023-05,Republican,House,IL,Darin LaHood,L000585,lahood.house.gov,lahood,https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee unanimously passed Congressman Darin LaHood's (IL-16) bipartisan Licensing Individual Commercial Exam-takers Now Safely and Efficiently (LICENSE) Act. The LICENSE Act would streamline burdensome licensing regulations by making permanent several waivers that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) implemented in response to COVID-19.

LaHood introduced the bill in April with U.S. Representatives Henry Cuellar (D-TX), Troy Balderson (R-OH), Jim Costa (D-CA), Dusty Johnson (R-SD), and Josh Harder (D-CA) as co-leads of the legislation. During the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee mark-up, Rep. Johnson submitted a letter for the record from Rep. LaHood in support of the legislation.

“Trucking workforce shortages continue to be a persistent challenge for small businesses throughout America, and the downstream effects are harming working families,"" said Rep. LaHood. ""As we face unprecedented supply chain challenges, this legislation will help streamline the process to obtain a commercial driver’s license and reduce unnecessary red tape. I am pleased that the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee has passed this commonsense legislation and hope to see it come before the full House for a vote soon.""

Background:

The bill would allow state and third-party examiners who have maintained a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL) test examiner certification and have previously completed a CDL skills test examiner training course to administer the CDL knowledge test without completing a CDL knowledge test training course. The continued availability of CDL knowledge testing will help maintain an adequate and sustained supply of trained truck drivers.

The bill also would allow states to administer driving skills tests to applicants from other states. This will streamline the credentialing process and allow future truck drivers to be tested where they live, rather than solely where they received training.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:07:47Z
https://lahood.house.gov/2023/5/lahood-bost-introduce-bill-to-raise-police-salaries-hire-more-police-officers,"LaHood, Bost Introduce Bill to Raise Police Salaries, Hire More Police Officers",2023-05-19,2023,2023-05,Republican,House,IL,Darin LaHood,L000585,lahood.house.gov,lahood,https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – During National Police Week, U.S. Representatives Darin LaHood (IL-16) and Mike Bost (IL-12) reintroduced the David Dorn Thin Blue Line Retention Act in the U.S. House to raise police officer salaries and hire more police officers.

“As a state and federal prosecutor, I spent countless hours with law enforcement officials who do heroic work, day-in-and-day-out, to protect and serve our communities in central and west-central Illinois,“ said Rep. LaHood. “It’s disappointing that some politicians and big-city mayors have sought to undermine the ability of our law enforcement to protect and serve their communities. I am proud to join Congressman Bost on this bill again because I see firsthand the sacrifices the men and women who button up the blue uniform make to keep Illinoisans safe. To Illinois police officers: I support you and will always have your back in Congress.”

“Defunding the police will not make our communities safer – in fact, the statistics prove the opposite. Now more than ever, it is critical that we provide our men and women in blue with the resources and training they need to keep our communities safe. I’m proud to once again support the David Dorn Thin Blue Line Retention Act and stand with our law enforcement officials in Southern Illinois and around the nation,” said Rep. Bost.

The David Dorn Thin Blue Line Retention Act:

Authorizes $15 billion through the Department of Justice to help state and local law enforcement departments to boost their department personnel.

Retains existing funding for the Mental Health and Wellness Act services at a minimum level in an effort to not negatively impact existing mental health services; provides that only funding appropriated over the currently authorized level of $7.5M can be used for the purposes of the bill.

Provides funding for additional officer hires and officer retention for departments that need more manpower on their police forces.

Gives pay raises to officers by allowing recipients to use federal funds to raise the salaries of officers up to 110 percent of the local median earnings.

Excludes cities that defund their police by not allowing any department to receive money for pay raises that recently cut officer salaries.

Includes language to ensure that an agency that has reduced salaries in the year prior due to COVID-19 related budget constraints are not penalized, only those seeking to dismantle law enforcement agencies.

The legislation is named in honor of David Dorn, a retired St. Louis Police captain, who was killed on June 2, 2020, while protecting a friend’s store during a violent night of rioting in St. Louis. He served for 38 years with the St. Louis Police Department.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T23:55:44Z
https://lahood.house.gov/2023/5/lahood-panetta-reintroduce-bill-to-support-motorcoaches-school-buses-and-passenger-vehicles,"LaHood, Panetta Reintroduce Bill to Support Motorcoaches, School Buses, and Passenger Vehicles",2023-05-18,2023,2023-05,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-16) and Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) reintroduced the CERTS Tax Exemption Act, bipartisan legislation to provide relief to motorcoach, school bus, and passenger vessel industries devastated by the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill is being led this Congress by Representatives LaHood, Panetta, John Rose (TN-06), Jared Golden (ME-02), Mike Kelly (PA-16), and Earl Blumenauer (OR-03)

“Illinois’ motorcoach and bus companies provide important transportation services to communities across our region and offer good-paying jobs,"" said Rep. LaHood. “The CERTS grant program was essential to supporting the motor coach and transportation service industry, and those small businesses should receive equal tax treatment as other disproportionally impacted businesses by the pandemic and state-mandated closures.”

“Many small businesses in the motorcoach industry were hit hard during the pandemic and are still recovering from related losses,” said Rep. Panetta. “The bipartisan CERTS Tax Exemption Act would ensure that COVID assistance for these businesses is tax exempt in order to help this industry fully recover and continue serving customers. As we get past the pandemic, we can’t leave behind critical sectors of our tourism and hospitality industry, especially the small businesses that provide passenger vehicles.”

“The small businesses that make up the motorcoach industry in Maine are a key element of our state’s tourism and travel industries,” said Rep. Golden. “This bipartisan bill will ensure that these businesses receive the same tax treatment as other beneficiaries of pandemic relief programs as they work to get Mainers and others safely to their destinations.”

“In Tennessee, the motorcoach industry plays a vital role in our state’s travel, tourism, and music industries,” said Rep. Rose. “Unfortunately, their recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic was made slower because of the taxes they had to pay on COVID-19 relief funds, unlike other tax-exempt pandemic relief programs. Making the Coronavirus Economic Relief for Transportation Services (CERTS) tax-exempt will put the motorcoach industry on a level playing field with other industries.”

“The CERTS grant relief program provided a necessary lifeline to the U.S. motorcoach industry in response to the economic devastation brought about by the pandemic. Without this funding at such a critical time, numerous small, multigenerational family businesses would have faced extinction, and thousands of rural and underprivileged communities would have lost access to their only form of intercity transportation,” said Peter Pantuso, President & CEO of the American Bus Association. “However, just when the industry began to recover and stabilize, operators were penalized with an unexpected tax bill for accepting the relief, forcing them to pay a good portion of relief funds back in taxes. Like other pandemic relief programs, the CERTS grants should not be taxable; it’s a matter of fairness, equity, and recognition of the key role motorcoach operations play in this country. We greatly appreciate Representatives Darin LaHood (R-IL), Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), Mike Kelly (R-PA), Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), John Rose (R-TN), and Jared Golden (R-ME), not only for their leadership on the CERTS Tax Exemption Act to fix this oversight, but also for their long-standing support of our industry.”

“The United Motorcoach Association thanks Representatives LaHood and Panetta, along with Representatives Rose, Kelly, Golden and Blumenauer for their support in re-introducing the CERTS Tax Exemption Act. The motorcoach industry lost 50% of its operators due to the pandemic. For the survivors that remain, the bill would correct an unfair disparity in tax treatment of CERTS funds as compared to all other Covid relief funds Congress provided. UMA strongly appreciates the support as the industry continues to recover and rebuild,” said Scott Michael, President and CEO of the United Motorcoach Association.

“On behalf of the nation’s private school bus contractors and 40% of the nations’ schoolchildren that rely on them for transportation to and from school, the National School Transportation Association (NSTA) thanks Representatives LaHood and Panetta for their longstanding leadership in fighting for fair tax treatment for CERTS funds,” said Curt Macysyn, Executive Director of NSTA. “NSTA also thanks Representatives Rose, Kelly, Golden and Blumenauer for their support in reintroducing the CERTS Tax Exemption Act. The private school bus industry suffered tremendous losses during the pandemic when many school districts refused to pay contractors during closures. School bus operators are still recovering and appreciate the support to correct the oversight on tax status of CERTS funds.”

“Grants from the CERTS program were a lifeline for U.S. passenger vessel operators during the coronavirus pandemic,” said John Groundwater, Executive Director of the Passenger Vessel Association. “Unlike the Paycheck Protection Program and the Restaurant Revitalization Program, which were both tax free, CERTS grants were taxable. We believe this was simply an oversight and we urge Congress to take the necessary steps to make CERTS non-taxable.”

Background:

Established by the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, the CERTS grant program provided relief to the motorcoach, school bus, and passenger vessel industries that were devastated by the economic impacts of COVID-19 closures.

Coronavirus Economic Relief for Transportation Services (CERTS) Act grants, while extremely beneficial for those industries, only replaced about 20% of their lost revenue from the pandemic.

Currently, these businesses must pay back a large portion of these emergency grants in taxes, further delaying economic recovery. Moreover, grants for other programs created during the pandemic, including the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF), were all made non-taxable.

Providing a tax exemption for CERTS grants will provide these essential transportation services with the needed resources to fully recover and continue to serve our local communities.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T23:55:44Z
https://lahood.house.gov/2023/5/rep-lahood-announces-16th-congressional-district-art-competition-winners,Rep. LaHood Announces 16th Congressional District Art Competition Winners,2023-05-18,2023,2023-05,Republican,House,IL,Darin LaHood,L000585,lahood.house.gov,lahood,https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-16) recently announced the winners of the 16th Congressional District of Illinois 2023 Congressional Art Competition. The Congressional Art Competition is an annual opportunity to showcase artistic high schoolers in central and northern Illinois.

This was Congressman LaHood's 8th Congressional Art show, and the first for the new 16th District. Participants were judged anonymously by a volunteer panel and award winners were chosen by a cumulative vote. There were 138 pieces of art submitted from 17 schools throughout the 16th District.

“It was great to see so much energy and enthusiasm from students and teachers in this year's art competition, enabling students to express themselves through art"", stated Rep. LaHood. “Congratulations to all of our award recipients this year, particularly to our first-place winner Brooklyn Smith from Illinois Valley Central (IVC) High School, whose piece ‘Love Bears’ will be displayed in the halls of our nation’s Capital Building in Washington D.C.”

Congressman LaHood honored the finalists at a reception in Rockford, where the winner was announced, and the final pieces were revealed. The Art Show is still ongoing at the Peoria Riverfront Museum where you can view all of the pieces until Saturday, May 20th during normal museum business hours.

Rep. LaHood is pictured above with Brooklyn Smith from IVC and her winning piece 'Love Bears' which will be placed in the U.S. Capitol.

Second Place

""Cycle of Existence"" by Tianna Bond, Normal Community High School

Honorable Mentions

""The Gaze of a Rooster"" by Darah Hankins, Illinois Valley Central High School

""Decomposition"" by Lucas Hallihan, Pekin Community High School

""Love to Copper"" by Morgan Viggers, Metamora Township High School

""A Different Time"" by AJ Westley, Washington Community High School

""Walk with Me"" by Corinna Kahrs, Washington Community High School",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T23:55:44Z
https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-miller-calls-united-states-withdraw-corrupt-world-health-organization,REP. MILLER CALLS FOR THE UNITED STATES TO WITHDRAW FROM THE CORRUPT WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION,2023-05-18,2023,2023-05,Republican,House,IL,Mary E. Miller,M001211,marymiller.house.gov,marymiller,https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON - Yesterday, Congresswoman Mary Miller (R-IL) stood alongside her fellow representatives during a press conference to call for the United States to withdraw from the World Health Organization, citing concerns about its corruption.

""Our hard-earned taxpayer dollars should not support a globalist organization that is controlled by China, undermines our national sovereignty, and threatens our rights,"" Miller said. ""President Trump made the right decision to cut all funding and participation in this organization, and it is foolish for the Biden Administration to place trust in an institution that repeated China's deceptive narratives regarding the origins of the pandemic in Wuhan. I stand proudly with my colleagues in calling for the United States to withdraw from the corrupt WHO. In Congress, I will always work to protect our nation's sovereignty, preserve our rights and freedoms, and ensure the responsible use of taxpayer dollars.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T23:55:44Z
https://lahood.house.gov/2023/5/lahood-and-syverson-announce-the-opening-of-rockford-district-office,LaHood and Syverson Announce the Opening of Rockford District Office,2023-05-17,2023,2023-05,Republican,House,IL,Darin LaHood,L000585,lahood.house.gov,lahood,https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-16) and State Senator Dave Syverson (35th Senate District) announced that they have opened a district office in Rockford to support constituent services and outreach in northern Illinois. ""One of my top priorities as a Member of Congress is providing high-quality constituent services for 16th District residents,"" said Rep. LaHood. ""The 16th District Constituent Service Office in Winnebago County will provide northern Illinois residents with a key resource to receive assistance with the federal government and support our outreach efforts. I am proud to partner with State Senator Syverson to ensure that our constituents get the support they need in Washington and Springfield."" “By partnering with Congressman LaHood, this new centralized office will make it more convenient for the constituents we serve to receive help whether they are dealing with a state or federal issue. Another benefit of having a shared office is it saves taxpayer dollars,"" said State Senator Syverson.

The LaHood-Syverson Rockford Constituent Service Office is located at 527 Colman Center Drive, Rockford, IL 61108. The office will be fully staffed and open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday. Appointments are preferred for office meetings and visits. Congressman LaHood and State Senator Syverson also announced today that they will host an open house at the office on Thursday, June 1. Details will be provided at a later date.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T23:55:44Z
https://bost.house.gov/2023/5/bost-introduces-legislation-to-combat-teacher-shortages,BOST INTRODUCES LEGISLATION TO COMBAT TEACHER SHORTAGES,2023-05-12,2023,2023-05,Republican,House,IL,Mike Bost,B001295,bost.house.gov,bost,https://bost.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Mike Bost (R-IL) today introduced legislation to combat inadequate funding and teacher shortages in rural schools. The Rural Education Investment Act requires the Secretary of Education to determine the percentage of K-12 students living in rural areas who are served by local educational agencies, and reserve at least an equal percentage of Teacher Quality Partnership grants for those agencies. The Teacher Quality Partnership Grant Program allows teachers to be placed in a full-time classroom clinical practice while completing Master’s level coursework.

“It doesn’t matter where you’re from, all students deserve access to a quality education,” said Bost. “That quality education comes from training and educating highly qualified teachers. Southern Illinois has many amazing educational professionals, which is a blessing, but rural communities face unique challenges in recruiting and retaining qualified teachers. I’m proud to lead this bipartisan effort to ensure rural areas like ours receive assistance and resources necessary to grow the next generation of American leaders.”

“Through establishing model residency programs, the Teacher Quality Partnership (TQP) program is essential in preparing educators of the 21st century,” said David Ardrey, President of the National Rural Education Association and Executive Director of Illinois Rural Schools. “AIRSS and NREA are proud to support the Rural Education Investment Act to ensure rural communities benefit from TQP and receive a pool of talented, licensed, and effective educators. This legislation promotes equity in rural and small schools and is an important step to provide all school children a high-quality education.”

“The nation’s rural schools continue to face unique challenges in recruiting teachers due to their location and limited budgets,"" said David Schuler, Executive Director of AASA, the School Superintendents Association. ""The Rural Education Investment Act would ensure rural districts have access to the critical Teacher Quality Partnership Program, which has proven success in recruiting and preparing high-quality teachers. We are grateful for Congressman Bost’s leadership on this issue.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T23:55:44Z
https://bost.house.gov/2023/5/bost,"BOST VOTES TO SECURE BORDER, HIRE MORE BORDER AGENTS",2023-05-11,2023,2023-05,Republican,House,IL,Mike Bost,B001295,bost.house.gov,bost,https://bost.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. –U.S. Rep. Mike Bost (IL-12) voted for theSecure the Border Act of 2023 today, the same day President Biden ended Title 42 rules that expedite the return of migrants apprehended crossing the border illegally. The legislation requires the president finish the southern border wall, hire more Border Patrol agents, and end catch and release.

“We can’t have national security without border security, and Biden’s bumbling has weakened both.”said Bost. “The president’s decision to end Title 42 is going take a crisis and make it a catastrophe. I recently visited the southern border and spoke with military veterans now serving on Border Patrol. Let me tell you, they are overworked and undermanned. They desperately want to know their representatives will back them up with the tools they need to do their jobs. That’s why I am proud to vote to finish the wall, hire more border agents and pay them better, and make our communities safer once and for all.”

More than five million illegal border crossings have occurred during Biden’s presidency, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Bostvisited the southern border last month at Laredo and Eagle Pass, Texas, to see the latest developments in the crisis firsthand.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T23:55:44Z
https://lahood.house.gov/2023/5/lahood-delbene-cantwell-young-bipartisan-colleagues-introduce-legislation-to-build-2m-new-affordable-homes,"LaHood, DelBene, Cantwell, Young, Bipartisan Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Build 2M New Affordable Homes",2023-05-11,2023,2023-05,Republican,House,IL,Darin LaHood,L000585,lahood.house.gov,lahood,https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, as millions of Americans struggle to find a safe, affordable place to call home and homelessness continues to rise, U.S. Representatives Darin LaHood (IL-16) and Suzan DelBene (WA-01), and Senators Maria Cantwell (WA) and Todd Young (IN) introduced bipartisan legislation to build nearly 2 million new affordable homes over the next decade.

The Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act would support the financing of more affordable housing by expanding and strengthening the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (Housing Credit), our country’s most successful affordable housing program. The bill is led by Representatives LaHood, DelBene, Brad Wenstrup (OH-02), Don Beyer (VA-08), Claudia Tenney (NY-24), and Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), and Senators Cantwell, Young, Ron Wyden (OR), and Marsha Blackburn (TN). The bill has over 60 bipartisan original cosponsors in the House.

The nationwide housing crisis continues to worsen. Currently, nearly one-in-four renters, over 10 million families, spend more than half of their household income on rent, cutting into other essential expenses like child care, medication, groceries, and transportation. At the same time, nearly 600,000 Americans are experiencing homelessness on any given day, an increase over pre-COVID levels.

“Affordable housing is vital for families throughout Illinois and the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit continues to be an important tool to drive investment in the affordable rental housing market,"" said LaHood. “As I travel throughout communities in the 16th District of Illinois, I constantly hear about the affordable housing crisis, especially in our rural areas. This bipartisan bill will modernize the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit and help expand our housing supply, strengthening communities and supporting economic development in Illinois and across the county.”

“As I travel the country, in nearly every community – urban to rural, red to blue – I hear how the lack of affordable housing is stretching family budgets and making it harder for employers to find workers. We know that stable housing increases the likelihood of stable employment and stable families,” said DelBene. “The scale of the affordable housing crisis is immense and it requires bold solutions. Passing our legislation will help jumpstart more affordable housing construction so more Americans can put a roof over their heads and better provide for their families.”

“Too many families are paying too much just to keep a roof over their heads. Securing more affordable housing is key to our economic growth and individual families' success,” said Cantwell. “This legislation would increase the federal resources allocated to each state, cut the red tape that hinders financing for workforce housing, better serve people most in need, and ultimately add more than 64,000 affordable units to Washington’s housing stock over the next decade.”

“In Indiana and across the nation, affordable housing is needed now more than ever. The Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act will leverage private sector investment to increase the stock of affordable housing for families in both urban and rural communities. Our bipartisan bill tackles the housing affordability crisis head on to help Hoosier families and strengthen our communities,” said Young.

""Americans should be empowered and have the tools they need to lift themselves out of poverty. Making sure there is enough safe, affordable housing for those who qualify is one way to achieve this, and a need I hear across Southern Ohio. I am proud to once again lead the Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act with my colleagues to help strengthen and expand the Low Income Housing Tax Credit program. In addition to growing affordable housing development across our communities, this legislation will also help homeless youth and veterans who seek access to affordable housing while pursuing an education. Affordable housing is one step towards the American dream, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to pass this bipartisan and bicameral bill,"" said Wenstrup.

“My community, like many others around the country, is facing a crisis in affordable housing,” said Beyer. “This bill would expand and update the most effective tool for financing affordable housing, and take a big step forward in addressing the massive need for affordable housing across the nation.”

""The Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act is bipartisan legislation that leverages private investments to increase access to affordable housing for low-income families in rural communities,” said Tenney. “Since 1986, the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit has supported the development of over 7,810 homes and 12,780 jobs in New York's 24th District alone. I am eager to see this bill's positive impacts on our community grow and am committed to working with my colleagues in Congress to ensure this valuable program continues to support those who need it most, especially those in rural areas across NY-24 who face a shortage of affordable housing options.""

“In the 19th Congressional District, it can be very difficult to find affordable housing,” said Panetta. “The bipartisan Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act would expand and strengthen our housing credits in order to incentivize the construction of over 500,000 affordable housing units around the country and double the number of projects the State of California. The housing crisis is a challenge, but through innovative, commonsensical solutions like this legislation, we can do something about it and build a more sustainable future in our community.”

“When it comes to solutions for affordable housing there’s no substitute for increasing supply. The centerpiece of this proposal is the largest-ever expansion of the Low Income Housing Tax Credit, which is the most effective program on the books for getting more affordable units built in Oregon and nationwide,” said Wyden. “On the Senate Finance Committee there is bipartisan interest in tackling the affordable housing crisis. With this proposal, Senators Cantwell and Young, along with our House colleagues, have laid out a cornerstone of that effort. I’m going to keep working with my colleagues because I believe there’s an opportunity to bring big housing ideas together and pass a bill in this Congress.”

Since its creation, the Housing Credit has built or restored more than 3.5 million affordable housing units, nearly 90% of all federally funded affordable housing during that time. Roughly 8 million American households have benefitted from the credit, and the economic activity that it generated has supported 5.5 million jobs and generated more than $617 billion in wages.

“Housing has become a top issue across the country, with communities of all sizes and types experiencing significant shortages. The Housing Credit is the number one federal tool for building and preserving rental homes that are within reach for families and individuals struggling to make ends meet. We commend this bipartisan, bicameral group of congressional leaders on the introduction of the Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act, which would both expand and strengthen the Housing Credit,” said the Steering Committee of the ACTION Campaign, a coalition of over 2,400 national, state, and local organizations and businesses. “Since its inception in 1986, the Housing Credit has created 3.7 million homes for over 8 million households, but more resources are needed. Congress should move swiftly to enact this critical legislation to address our affordable housing crisis and build strong, vibrant, and equitable communities where everyone has a stable and secure place to call home.”

The bill would support the financing of nearly 2 million new affordable homes by:

Increasing the amount of credits allocated to each state. The legislation would increase the number of credits available to states by 50 percent for the next two years and make the temporary 12.5 percent increase secured in 2018 permanent—which has already helped build more than 59,000 additional affordable housing units nationwide.

Increasing the number of affordable housing projects that can be built using private activity bonds. This provision would stabilize financing for workforce housing projects built using private activity bonds by decreasing the amount of private activity bonds needed to secure Housing Credit funding. As a result, projects would have to carry less debt, and more projects would be eligible to receive funding.

Improving the Housing Credit program to better serve at-risk and underserved communities. The legislation would also make improvements to the program to better serve veterans, victims of domestic violence, formerly homeless students, Native American communities, and rural Americans.

Last Congress, the Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act had 207 bipartisan cosponsors in the House of Representatives and 43 in the Senate, nearly a majority of each chamber.

A summary of the legislation provided by the ACTION campaign can be found here. The text of the legislation can be found here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T23:55:44Z
https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-miller-votes-stop-biden-border-crisis,Rep. Miller Votes to Stop the Biden Border Crisis,2023-05-11,2023,2023-05,Republican,House,IL,Mary E. Miller,M001211,marymiller.house.gov,marymiller,https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON -After joining as a cosponsor of The Secure the Border Act, Congresswoman Mary Miller (R-IL) released the following statement on her vote to restore significant border security measures established during the Trump Administration, with the aim of putting an end to the Biden Administration's ongoing Border Crisis:

""Today, the House passed a bill I proudly co-sponsored to secure our border and end the Biden Border Crisis. Joe Biden is violating his oath to defend our nation’s borders and uphold our immigration laws. Biden and “Border Czar” Kamala Harris have given criminal cartels operational control of our border, which has allowed the cartels to make billions of dollars by trafficking seven million foreign nationals and historic levels of deadly fentanyl into our country. I co-sponsored H.R. 2, which will reinstate important Trump Administration border security measures by resuming construction of the border wall, hiring more border patrol agents, and ending the “catch-and-release” of foreign nationals into our country. Fentanyl is the number one killer of young Americans, and while Americans are suffering from the crime and chaos caused by illegal immigration, JB Pritzker is planning to stick taxpayers with a $1 billion bill to pay for healthcare for illegal immigrants. House Republicans are putting America first by securing our border to stop this nightmare, but the Senate must now act.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T23:55:44Z
https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases/2023-congressional-art-competition-winners,2023 Congressional Art Competition Winners,2023-05-10,2023,2023-05,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) announced that Quincy Senior High School student, Dawsyn Perry-Broekemeier won first place in the annual Congressional Art Competition with her piece titled, Within Reach.

""Thank you to all the students that participated in this year's Congressional Art Competition. Every year, I am filled with inspiration and admiration for the skilled student artists and committed teachers who take part in this competition,"" Miller said. ""It brings me great joy to contribute to the promotion of the upcoming generation of artistic talent. Art has the power to enhance our lives, and education in this field helps children develop skills that prepare them for future accomplishments. My heartfelt congratulations go to Dawsyn for her award-winning artwork, which will be a stunning addition to the halls of Congress for the next year.""

The judges for the competition were art teachers, Taylor Marcel of the Unity K-12 school system in Tolono, Illinois, and Jake Beccue of St. Joseph-Ogden High School in St. Joseph, Illinois.

The annual Congressional Art Competition celebrates the artistic achievements of the nation’s high school students. Since it began in 1982, hundred of thousands of high school students have participated. The winner will be honored by having her artwork hang inside the US Capitol Building for a full year.

The second place winner is Heaven’s Hand by Lucas Dotson of Quincy Senior High School.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T23:55:44Z
https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-miller-statement-cdc-director-departure,Rep. Miller Statement on CDC Director Departure,2023-05-05,2023,2023-05,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 CDC Director Walensky's announcement that she will be departing her role:

""Today, the announcement of CDC Director Walensky's departure does not change the fact that the unelected bureaucrats at the CDC must be held accountable for attempting to impose an illegal and unconstitutional vaccine mandate. The American people deserve transparency and accountability from their public health agencies, and Congress must act accordingly. Director Walensky lost all confidence from the public when she made ridiculous claims that men can become pregnant, and when she said the COVID shot would prevent you from getting COVID. These baseless statements only fuel public distrust in the CDC and its leadership. The CDC and the corrupt World Health Organization have both lost all credibility, and they should both have ZERO power to impose any mandates on the American people!""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T23:55:44Z
https://lahood.house.gov/2023/4/lahood-and-turner-look-beyond-today-s-odni-report/50bbce3b-c4b4-4d80-9565-2bb2c28a96e2,LaHood and Turner: Look Beyond Today’s ODNI Report,2023-04-28,2023,2023-04,Republican,House,IL,Darin LaHood,L000585,lahood.house.gov,lahood,https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-16), leader of the bipartisan FISA 702 Working Group and House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence Chairman Mike Turner (OH-10), issued the following statement after the Office of the Director of National Intelligence released its annual statistical transparency report regarding the use of national security surveillance authorities:

“While there was a sharp decline in U.S. person queries from December 2021 to November 2022, it is incumbent upon Congress, not the Executive Branch, to codify reforms to FISA Section 702.

“The House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence launched a bipartisan working group to perform a thorough and comprehensive review of FISA and confront the missteps and inappropriate actions taken by the FBI. We need to pass substantive and meaningful reforms to help deter abusive behavior by the FBI in the FISA process.

“Without additional safeguards, a clean reauthorization of 702 is a non-starter.

“Section 702 of FISA is an irreplaceable national security tool that allows the Intelligence Community to collect information from foreign persons outside the United States. Section 702 has identified threats to U.S. troops and disrupted planned terrorist attacks both at home and abroad, prevented components needed to build weapons of mass destruction from reaching foreign actors, and contributed to successful efforts against fentanyl production and processing equipment in Mexico.""

“However, we must protect the American people’s privacy and civil liberties. That is why the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence supports reforming our foreign surveillance tools and increasing transparency and accountability while maintaining the critical effectiveness of FISA Section 702.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T23:44:29Z
https://lahood.house.gov/2023/4/legislation to address supply chain challenges,LaHood Introduces Bipartisan Commercial Driver’s License Reform Legislation to Address Supply Chain Challenges,2023-04-28,2023,2023-04,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) introduced a bipartisan bill to help address supply chain shortages and increase the number of truck drivers transporting goods in America. The Licensing Individual Commercial Exam-takers Now Safely and Efficiently (LICENSE) Act, would streamline burdensome licensing regulations by making permanent several waivers that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) implemented in response to COVID-19.

Rep. LaHood was joined by U.S. Representatives Henry Cuellar (D-TX), Troy Balderson (R-OH), Jim Costa (D-CA), Dusty Johnson (R-SD), and Josh Harder (D-CA) as co-leads of the legislation.

""Worker and trucking shortages continue to be a persistent challenge for small businesses in central and northwestern Illinois, and the downstream effects are harming working families,"" said Rep. LaHood. ""As we face unprecedented supply chain challenges, this legislation will help streamline the process to obtain a commercial driver’s license and reduce unnecessary red tape. This commonsense legislation will give companies the ability to hire qualified, safe drivers and strengthen the economy in Illinois.""

“The LICENSE Act is a prime example of how Congress can advance regulatory relief to addresses the driver shortage without compromising safety,” said ATA President and CEO Chris Spear. “FMCSA repeatedly granted these waivers during the pandemic, proving that they streamline the licensing process while maintaining the same high safety standards. Making them permanent will enable more professional truck drivers to focus on delivering for the American people, rather than dealing with bureaucratic red tape. We thank Representatives LaHood, Balderson, Johnson, Harder, Cuellar, and Costa for their support and leadership.""

“Given the severe shortage of truck drivers, we should be doing everything we can to streamline the training and credentialing process to get more people behind the wheel. These waivers have been proven to reduce the complexity of obtaining a CDL while maintaining high safety standards, and it’s time to make them permanent,” said Matt Hart, Executive Director of the Illinois Trucking Association. “We thank Congressman LaHood for introducing this measure to support the trucking industry and strengthen the supply chain.""

“This commonsense legislation eases the administrative roadblocks new drivers face in getting their commercial driver’s license,” said Jerome Redmond, Chairman of the Commercial Vehicle Training Association. “CVTA member schools offer safety-focused, high-quality training to 100,000 entry-level drivers each year, and these students deserve policies that have their interests in mind. The relief provided under this bipartisan proposal will allow drivers to become employed and start their driving careers more quickly and help address a workforce shortage in the trucking industry,”

“ABMA urges Congress to pass the LICENSE ACT, which will streamline the CDL process that is so desperately needed. We need more qualified drivers behind the wheel as so many of our nation's goods primarily move on the wheels of the trucking industry. There is no downside to supporting and passing this important piece of legislation as it strengthens our supply chain and our nation's supply needs,"" said the American Building Materials Alliance.

“Today, the tank truck industry is experiencing similar workforce shortages affecting other segments of the American supply chain. Credentialing and licensing procedures must be streamlined to encourage more drivers to enter our specialized industry. The LICENSE Act allows a state to administer driving skills tests to any commercial driver’s license applicant, regardless of the state they live or received their training in. NTTC believes that this measure of reciprocity, coupled with the authorization of state authorized third party, increases options for drivers to efficiently join the tank truck workforce,” said Ryan Streblow, President & CEO, National Tank Truck Carriers.

""FRA strongly supports enactment of the LICENSE Act. With our country experiencing an unprecedented shortage of qualified truck drivers and the entire supply chain straining to adapt, it only makes sense that these commonsense reforms to streamline the process for obtaining a CDL be made permanent. We thank the sponsors for their leadership on this critical issue,"" said the Forest Resources Association.

Background:

The bill would allow state and third-party examiners who have maintained a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL) test examiner certification and have previously completed a CDL skills test examiner training course to administer the CDL knowledge test without completing a CDL knowledge test training course. The continued availability of CDL knowledge testing will help maintain an adequate and sustained supply of trained truck drivers.

The bill also would allow states to administer driving skills tests to applicants from other states. This will streamline the credentialing process and allow future truck drivers to be tested where they live, rather than solely where they received training.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T23:44:29Z
https://bost.house.gov/2023/4/bost-votes-to-increase-debt-limit-restore-fiscal-sanity,"BOST VOTES TO INCREASE DEBT LIMIT, RESTORE FISCAL SANITY",2023-04-26,2023,2023-04,Republican,House,IL,Mike Bost,B001295,bost.house.gov,bost,https://bost.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Mike Bost voted today for the House Republicans’ plan to responsibly increase the debt limit through March 2024 in exchange for significant reductions in government spending. The Limit, Save, Grow Act returns spending to 2022 levels, caps future increases in spending at 1% per year, and recoups unspent COVID relief funds.

“House Republicans have acted boldly to address America’s debt crisis by flattening the curve on future spending and saving taxpayers trillions of dollars,” said Bost. “We won’t sit idle as President Biden and the Democrats resort to scare tactics and hiding from the negotiating table. Conservatives are restoring fiscal sanity and lifting the burden on our children and grandchildren, whether the Big Government liberals like it or not.”

Bost, the chairman of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, took to the House floor to denounce House Democrats for distorting the truth about phantom cuts to veterans’ benefits, benefits that Republicans already pledged to protect.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T23:44:29Z
https://lahood.house.gov/2023/4/lahood-supports-debt-ceiling-bill-calls-on-biden-to-begin-negotiations,"LaHood Supports Debt Ceiling Bill, Calls on Biden to Begin Negotiations",2023-04-26,2023,2023-04,Republican,House,IL,Darin LaHood,L000585,lahood.house.gov,lahood,https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-16) voted in favor of the Limit, Save, Grow Act, legislation that would responsibly raise the debt ceiling and protect our economy, while taking significant steps to address out-of-control spending. LaHood also joined Midwest colleagues in successfully advocating for the removal of provisions that would harm Illinois farmers, biofuels producers, and renewable fuels investment.

LaHood released the following statement after his vote:

""Illinois families who work hard must meet budgets and spend money within their means, and it is long past time that the federal government do the same. The Limit, Save, Grow Act is critical legislation that responsibly lifts the debt ceiling and grows our economy while addressing the key drivers of our national debt and unsustainable government spending. I was proud to advocate for the removal of proposed provisions that would harm renewable fuels investment and protect Illinois farmers and ethanol producers who are the lifeblood of our communities in the 16th District.

""In a divided government, we will need to come together to address the pending debt limit our nation will reach this summer. Debt ceiling negotiations are nothing new, and President Biden's refusal to come to the negotiating table with Speaker McCarthy is an irresponsible position that threatens our nation's economy. It's time for President Biden and Senate Democrats to get off the sidelines and work with House Republicans to reach a sensible debt ceiling increase that limits reckless Washington spending, saves Illinois taxpayers money, and strengthens our economy.""

The Limit, Save, Grow Act will:

End reckless spending by establishing spending levels for FY24 at FY22 levels–where the government was operating just 4 short months ago–and allow for 1% annual growth over the next 10 years.

Save taxpayer money by reclaiming unspent COVID-19 funding, repeal funding for the IRS that could target middle and low income families, and prohibit Biden's student loan giveaway that would benefit those in the top half of the income spectrum

Grow the economy by strengthening work requirements and helping more Americans earn a paycheck, learn new skills, and reduce child poverty

In exchange for these pro-growth and cost-saving policies, the debt limit would be responsibly lifted through March 31, 2024 or by $1.5 trillion",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T23:44:29Z
https://bost.house.gov/2023/4/bost-announces-trip-to-southern-border,ADVISORY: BOST ANNOUNCES TRIP TO SOUTHERN BORDER,2023-04-18,2023,2023-04,Republican,House,IL,Mike Bost,B001295,bost.house.gov,bost,https://bost.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Mike Bostannounced today that he will visit the U.S.-Mexico border at Laredo, Texas, beginning Thursday. As chairman of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, Bost organized the three-day oversight trip to meet with military veterans now serving on U.S. Border Patrol and study security conditions at one of America’s busier border crossings.

“After taking the gavel as chairman of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, it was one of my top priorities to perform much-needed oversight of President Biden’s failures at the southern border,” said Bost. “That’s why I’ll be heading to Laredo, Texas, this week to meet with the dedicated men and women who are protecting our communities from illegal immigration, crime, and dangerous drugs. I look forward to hearing firsthand what they need to combat this crisis now.”

WHO: Rep. Bost and members of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee

WHAT: Oversight visit to the U.S. - Mexico border

WHEN: Thursday, April 20th - Saturday, April 22nd

WHERE: Laredo, Texas

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T23:44:29Z
https://bost.house.gov/2023/4/bost-bill-aims-to-protect-u-s-companies-from-china-s-cheating,BOST BILL AIMS TO PROTECT U.S. COMPANIES FROM CHINA'S CHEATING,2023-04-18,2023,2023-04,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 introduced the Fighting Trade Cheats Act, legislation to hold China and other bad actors accountable for unfair trade practices that destroy American jobs. Bost’s bill takes aim at companies dumping foreign-made goods in U.S. markets by allowing U.S. manufacturers to sue foreign producers for customs fraud.

“The Chinese Communist Party has a long history of violating our trade agreements and stealing our jobs,” said Bost. “We are sharpening the teeth of America’s trade remedy laws and ensuring our manufacturers have the tools to fight back directly against trade cheats. This is America First legislation that puts foreign fraudsters on notice that there will be serious consequences for breaking our trade laws and hurting American workers.”

“Trade cheaters cost American jobs, plain and simple. This bill will give Customs and Border Protection and businesses the tools they need to stop the lawless foreign importers from evading U.S. laws and destroying American industries and communities,” said James Proctor II, Senior Vice President, Legal and External Affairs & General Counsel for McWane, Inc., whose Manchester Tank subsidiary includes a company with a facility producing propane tanks and cylinders in Quincy. “We thank Congressman Bost for standing up for American workers and businesses and helping put a stop to such illegal activity.”

The Fighting Trade Cheats Act will provide necessary updates to America’s existing trade laws and the penalties in place for violating them. The legislation more than doubles the penalties currently in place, providing a serious deterrent for bad actors looking to undermine American manufacturers. It also includes a new five-year prohibition on importing products from known violators.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T23:44:29Z
https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressional-art-competition-2023,Congressional Art Competition 2023,2023-04-14,2023,2023-04,Republican,House,IL,Mary E. Miller,M001211,marymiller.house.gov,marymiller,https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Mahomet, Ill. - The office of Congresswoman Mary Miller (R-IL) is currently accepting submissions for the 2023 Congressional Art Competition. The winner’s artwork will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year.

""As your Representative, I have the privilege of sponsoring the Congressional Art Competition every spring,"" Miller said. ""Illinois has some of the most talented student artists in the country, and I look forward to showcasing their work in the U.S. Capitol and in our Illinois Congressional Offices. The Congressional Art Competition is a great way to recognize and encourage the artistic talent in our community. If you have or know of a high school student interested in participating in the competition, please share this opportunity!""

Submissions are due on Wednesday, May 3, and winners will be announced soon after. Please visit Congresswoman Miller's website for more details. You can call or email our Staff Assistant Noah McCammon at (217) 703-6100 or noah.mccammon@mail.house.gov to coordinate a drop-off time with one of our District Offices before the deadline on May 3.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T23:44:29Z
https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-miller-demands-answers-bidens-defense-secretary-violating-religious,Rep. Miller Demands Answers from Biden's Defense Secretary for Violating Religious Liberty During Holy Week,2023-04-12,2023,2023-04,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) led over two dozen Members of Congress in writing a letter to President Biden’s Defense Secretary to demand answers on the attack on Christian faith administered by the Biden Administration over Easter weekend. Walter Reed National Military Medical Center sent a ""cease and desist"" letter to Catholic priests to stop providing care during Holy Week, violating the First Amendment rights of Americans.

“Priests and pastors guided our troops through the darkest days of our toughest battles,” Miller said. “The Biden Administration chose Easter weekend to kick Catholic priests out of Walter Reed, violating their First Amendment right to free exercise of religion. I am proud to lead this letter to Biden's Defense Secretary to demand answers on this unconscionable attack on Christian service members.""

In the letter, the Members ask Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin why the Biden Administration chose Holy Week to send a “cease and desist” letter forcing

Catholic priests, who have provided over 20 years of service, to discontinue their pastoral care.

Additionally, the Archdiocese of the Military reported that the Biden Administration agreed to contract pastoral care to a for-profit, secular company that does not provide pastoral care. In their letter, the Members demand to know who was awarded the contract and why.

The letter sent to the Pentagon is attached, and statements from co-signers are below. Congresswoman Miller was joined by the following Members of Congress in her letter to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin: Jim Banks, Paul Gosar, Byron Donalds, Tom Tiffany, Scott Perry, Marjorie Taylor Greene, Andy Biggs, Warren Davidson, Matt Rosendale, Lauren Boebert, Ralph Norman, Bob Good, Keith Self, Debbie Lesko, Andrew Clyde, Josh Brecheen, Brian Babin, Ben Cline, Andy Harris, Diana Harshbarger, Michael Cloud, Eli Crane, Alex X. Mooney, and Anna Paulina Luna.

Congressman Bob Good: “There is a long history of pastors and priests ministering to the troops who serve our country. Sadly, in another example of a weaponized government violating First Amendment Rights, the Biden Administration assaulted religious freedom just before Easter. Biden's attacks on religious liberty must end.”

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene: “This attack on the Church is not just another failure. It’s incredibly embarrassing and wrong. And this time it’s directed at our military and the men and women who have served. The Biden administration must reinstate Catholic Pastoral Care at Walter Reed immediately!”

Congressman Tom Tiffany: “Our service members and veterans took care of us, and it’s our duty to take care of them when they return home. It’s shameful that the Biden administration would terminate Catholic pastoral care services during Holy Week, and it’s even more despicable that his administration continues to attack Americans’ First Amendment rights.”

Congressman Ben Cline: “It is incomprehensible that essential pastoral care was taken away from the sick and the aged at Walter Reed during Holy Week and beyond. Worse still, is that any continued spiritual need was given to a secular defense contracting firm. Making sure the medical and spiritual needs of Veterans and military members who need medical care is essential to keeping the promise we make to care for those who have borne the battle. We must remedy this egregious attack on Christian service members and ensure this unconstitutional abuse of power never happens again to our men and women in uniform.”

Congressman Alex X. Mooney: “I am deeply concerned that the Biden administration would attack religious liberty during Holy Week. I am pleased to join my colleagues in demanding answers so we can rectify this injustice.”

Congressman Warren Davidson: “This shameful action by the Biden administration is an assault on the Christian faith and in violation of the First Amendment. It’s wrong and must be corrected immediately.”

Congressman Andy Harris: “It is both unconscionable and a cause of grave concern that the Biden Administration would issue a cease-and-desist order directing Catholic priests to halt all religious services during the Holy Week at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. Service members have a constitutional right to the free exercise of their religion and any effort to discriminate against that would amount to an infringement of their First Amendment Rights. The Biden Administration needs to provide answers to Congress regarding this act of blatant Defense Department overreach.”

Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger: “The Biden Administration’s decision to strip patients of essential pastoral care during a Holy Week is indefensible. These priests were sent a cease and desist just days before the Easter Holiday, despite having provided care at Walter Reed for nearly two decades. This is nothing short of an assault on the First Amendment and Christian faith.”

Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna: “During the most important week to the Christian faith, Walter Reed and the Biden Administration chose to attack faithful Catholic priests for simply carrying out their ministry to those in need like they’ve done for almost 20 years. These priests were there to assist our troops who have been injured as a result of war. Sometimes these priests are the only ones who can reach those struggling with the dark and painful wounds of war. This biased and hateful assault on Christianity has no place in our nation and I condemn it in the strongest terms. We will be investigating this.”

Congressman Andy Biggs: “I’m alarmed by the Biden Administration’s abrupt termination of the Holy Name College Friary’s services at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center during Holy Week—arguably the most important week of the year for Christians and Catholics.

“This unprecedented decision violates all religious norms at the hospital and is a direct assault on First Amendment rights. As a result of this move, service members at the hospital will have their right to exercise religion constrained.

“My House colleagues and I demand an immediate explanation from the Biden Administration.”

Congressman Michael Cloud: “Religious liberty is foundational to our society, and targeting any group on the basis of their religious beliefs is egregious and should be fully condemned. Our government should be protecting individuals who use their constitutionally protected right to exercise religion, not abusing their authority to attack them.”

Congressman Eli Crane: “The Biden Admin’s assault on believers before the start of the holiest week in Christianity is particularly vile. Sadly, it’s not surprising coming from a regime that advocates for abortion up until the moment of birth, threatens women’s rights by refusing to recognize the inherent differences between males and females, and pushes irreversible bodily mutilation on children.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T23:44:29Z
https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-miller-joins-chairwoman-foxx-condemning-biden-rule-rob-women-athletic,Rep. Miller Joins Chairwoman Foxx in Condemning Biden Rule to Rob Women of Athletic Opportunities,2023-04-06,2023,2023-04,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) and Education and the Workforce Committee Chairwoman Virginia Foxx (R-NC) made the following statement in response to the Department of Education’s proposed rule that will limit athletic opportunities for women and girls by allowing males identifying as women to compete in school sports:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T23:44:29Z