Cheri Bustos

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Grace McLaughlin, a junior at Rockford Boylan Catholic High School, for earning the Class 2A title for the Illinois State championships in the 1600 meter run and the 3200 meter run. Grace McLaughlin earned a time of 5:03.97 for the 1600 meter run, and earned a time of 10:40.45 for the 3200 meter run to win her the title of state champion for both races. I would like recognize Grace for her tremendous accomplishment. Grace's dedication and passion for her sport meant that she was determined to win gold for not just one race, but two. With both of these wins, Grace added two more state championships to her list of other championships. As a former athlete, I understand the amount of hard work and commitment to be awarded such a title. Grace is an example of the importance of perseverance and a strong work ethic. I am proud there is such young talent in our community, and to see him represent Rockford throughout the state. Mr. Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate Grace McLaughlin for her titles, and I join the rest of the community in wishing her every success in the future

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Easton Bianchi, a junior at Newman Central Catholic in Sterling, Illinois, for earning the Class IA title for the Illinois State Championship in both the 100 meter dash and the 200 meter dash. Easton Bianchi earned a time of 10.86 seconds in the 100 meter dash, and earned a time of 21.78 seconds in the 200 meter dash to win him the title of state champion for both races. I would like to recognize Easton for his tremendous accomplishment. Easton's dedication and passion for his sport meant that he was determined to win gold for not just one race, but two. With both of these wins, Easton is the first- ever individual track & field state champion in Newman Central Catholic School history. As a former athlete, I understand the amount of hard work and commitment to be awarded such a title. Easton is an example of the importance of perseverance and a strong work ethic. I am proud there is such young talent in our community, and to see him represent Sterling throughout the state. Mr. Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate Easton Bianchi on his titles, and I join the rest of the community in wishing him every success in the future.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Brayden Hamblen, a senior at Rock Falls High School, for earning the Class 2A title for the Illinois State Championships in the 3200 meter run. Brayden Hamblen earned a time of 9:22.90a in the 3200 meter run to claim for himself the title of state champion, and I would like to recognize Brayden for his tremendous accomplishment. Brayden's dedication and passion for his sport meant that he was determined to win gold, adding another state championship to his list of other state titles. As a former athlete, I understand the amount of hard work and commitment to be awarded such a title. Brayden is an example of the importance of dedication and a strong work ethic. I am proud there is such young talent in our community, and to see him represent Rock Falls throughout the state. Mr. Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate Brayden Hamblen on his title, and I join the rest of the community in wishing him every success in the future.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Reed Vanderheyden, Nathan Soria, Lucas Hofer and Nick Swartzendruber from Geneseo High School for earning the Class 2A title for the Illinois State Championships in the 4x400 meter relay. Reed, Nathan, Lucas and Nick Swartzendruber earned a time of 3:21.27a in the 4x400 meter relay, and I would like to recognize them for their tremendous accomplishment. Their dedication and passion for their sport meant that they were determined to win gold, winning Geneseo High School's first-ever relay state championship and breaking school records along the way. As a former athlete, I understand the amount of hard work and commitment to be awarded such a title. Reed, Nathan, Lucas and Nick are examples of the importance of perseverance, teamwork and a strong work ethic. I am proud there is such young talent in our community, and to see them represent Geneseo throughout the state. Mr. Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate Reed Vanderheyden, Nathan Soria, Lucas Hofer and Nick Swartzendruber for their titles, and I join the rest of the community in wishing them every success in the future.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Erika Furbeck, a junior at Geneseo High School, for earning the Class 2A title for the Illinois State Championships in the long jump. Erika Furbeck jumped a distance of 19 feet, 5 inches in the long jump, and I would like to recognize her for this tremendous accomplishment. Her dedication and passion for her sport meant that they were determined to win gold, even after winning silver in last year's state championship for the long jump. As a former athlete, I understand the amount of hard work and commitment to be awarded such a title. Erika is an example of the importance of perseverance and a strong work ethic. I am proud there is such young talent in our community, and to see them represent Geneseo throughout the state. Mr. Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate Erika Furbeck for her title, and I join the rest of the community in wishing her every success in the future.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Deion McShane, a junior at Freeport High School, for earning the Class 2A title for the Illinois State Championships in the 300 meter hurdles. Deion McShane earned a time of 36.53 in the 300 meter hurdles to claim for himself the title of state champion, and I would like to recognize Deion for his tremendous accomplishment. Deion's dedication and passion for his sport meant that he was determined to win gold, breaking the all-time state record in the process. As a former athlete, I understand the amount of hard work and commitment to be awarded such a title. Deion is an example of the importance of perseverance and a strong work ethic. I am proud there is such young talent in our community, and to see him represent Freeport throughout the state. Mr. Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate Deion McShane on his title, and I join the rest of the community in wishing him every success in the future

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Brian Curless of Pittsfield, Illinois, for being named the 54th annual World Livestock Auctioneer Champion by the Livestock Marketing Association. Mr. Curless stood out amongst 30 other auctioneers in the World Livestock Auctioneer Championship, and was awarded this prestigious title after three rounds of competition. This event works to bring together North America's best livestock auctioneers, showcasing the skill and professionalism required in the livestock auction industry. As someone who has visited the LMA-member Fairview Sale Barn and learned how to be auctioneer from Mr. Curless during a ``Cheri on Shift,'' I can undoubtedly speak to his passion and talent. Mr. Speaker, I want to again formally congratulate Mr. Curless on his title as the World Livestock Auctioneer Champion. I am proud to have Mr. Curless represent our strong agricultural community on the world's stage

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ella May Winger, an outstanding union woman who is being recognized by the UAW Local 865 Women of Excellence Award. When I think of trailblazing women in our community, Ella May is at the top of my list. As a pillar in our community, she has tirelessly worked to better the lives of union workers and served as a role model in our community. She spent her career at John Deere Harvester Works where she helped start the first UAW Women's committee in Region 4. After being retired for more than 30 years, she continues to work every day at empowering her union brothers and sisters. Mr. Speaker, once again I would like to honor Ella May Winger for her commitment to fighting for hardworking families and for all that she has done to strengthen our community. I congratulate her on the upcoming recognition she deserves.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend George and Gloria Smith for all of the great work they have done in our community to raise awareness and funds for mental health research. After the tragic loss of their son, Adam, the Smiths established AdamFest in their son's honor--an annual event to raise awareness and resources for mental health research. The Smith's steadfast beliefs and courage in a time of tragedy has inspired strength within our community, and for that I am very grateful. As a mother of three sons, my heart aches for the Smith's loss--and I deeply admire and share their resolve to ensure that no other family endure the pain they have felt. Their story is the reason awareness and research for mental illness is essential, and why events such as AdamFest are so important. I am extremely grateful to be a part of such a strong community and I hope that we can continue to come together and share our support for one another. Mr. Speaker, again I want to formally thank George and Gloria Smith for all of the great work they have done for our community.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Mr. Speaker, I worked in healthcare for a decade. I have seen up close how healthcare impacts families. That is why I began a short video series that we call ``Hear from the Heartland''. In this, I listen to families about how TrumpCare would affect them. I have spoken most recently with a woman named Anastasia. She has a little boy named Gryphon. They are from a town called Elizabeth, Illinois, just a small town. Gryphon was born with cerebral palsy, and because of TrumpCare, Gryphon's family might not have anywhere to turn for affordable coverage and would be at risk of reaching their lifetime limits on their insurance. Anastasia said it best when she said that her son's preexisting condition was simply being born. Whether it is at a grocery store or small business, I hear it: people talking about their grave concerns about TrumpCare and what it would do to them. I want us to work together on healthcare and make sure that we focus on lowering the costs for American families, but, instead, take a look at this. TrumpCare would raise costs, it would rip health insurance away from 23 million Americans, and it is so bad that, in the Senate, they are hiding their bill away. That is not what we were elected to do. I want to work with my colleagues to improve the healthcare that we deliver to American families.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Jacie Kersh, a Galesburg High School senior, for being named the winner of District 205's Great Galesburg Shake. The Great Galesburg Shake is an opportunity for young adults to demonstrate their manners and conversational skills in a professional environment. Thanks to this program, Jacie was able to learn important life skills such as engagement, confidence, a firm handshake, manners and conversational skills that will allow her to grow, succeed and become a leader in our community. I would like to recognize Jacie for standing out among the 120 students who participated, and for her tremendous composure which will serve her well in her bright future. I am proud to see such accomplished young individuals representing our community. Mr. Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate Jacie Kersh on her incredible accomplishment, and I join the rest of our community in wishing her every success in the future.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Sheriff Jim Padilla, who retired as the Henry County Sheriff on May 28. Sheriff Padilla has honorably served Henry County over the past 41 years and he will be greatly missed. Sheriff Padilla began a lifelong career in public service as a member of the Kewanee Police Department for 8 years, and later served 33 years with the Sheriff's Department. He has dedicated his career ensuring public safety and protecting the lives of all individuals within our community. Sheriff Padilla always exemplified what it meant to be a strong leader and worked tirelessly to pass the public safety sales tax, which provided the department with the resources it needed to better serve our community. I am proud to have such dedicated civil servants in our Illinois' 17th Congressional district. Mr. Speaker, as the wife of a Sheriff, I know how hard law- enforcement officers work to keep our communities safe. I would like to again formally congratulate Sheriff Padilla on his well-earned retirement and thank him for all of his contributions and service to our community.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Logan Lee, a sophomore at Orion High School, for being named the Class 1A 220-pound Illinois State Champion in wrestling. Logan Lee claimed a 12-9 victory at the Illinois State Wrestling Championship, and I would like to recognize Logan for his tremendous accomplishment. Logan's dedication and passion for his sport allowed him to overcome a difficult season, and a state bracket that included the top seed in his path. As a former athlete, I understand the hard work and dedication that goes into being awarded such a title. Logan has dedicated himself to his sport, and shows us all the value of perseverance and a strong work ethic. I am proud there is such young talent in our community, and to see him represent our community throughout the state. Mr. Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate Logan Lee on his title, and I join the rest of our community in wishing him every success in the future.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Tyler Fleetwood, for being named the Class 1A 120-pound Illinois State Champion in wrestling. Tyler Fleetwood is now Fulton High School's first two-time state champion with an 11-5 victory over Aurora Christian in a 120-pound title match, and I would like to recognize Tyler for his tremendous accomplishment. Tyler's dedication and passion for wrestling secured him the state championship title yet again, and a state bracket that included the top seed in his path. As a former athlete, I understand the amount of commitment and hard work it takes to be awarded such a title. Tyler is an example of the importance and value of perseverance and a strong work ethic. I am proud that there is such young talent in our community, and to see him represent our community throughout the state. Mr. Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate Tyler Fleetwood on his title, and I join the rest of our community in wishing him every success in the future.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Professor Jeffrey Fahrenwald who is retiring from Rockford University. Professor Fahrenwald has become a pillar in the Rockford community, and he will be greatly missed. Professor Fahrenwald is the Director of the MBA program at Rockford University, where he has taught in areas of human relations, management, leadership and international studies. He has enriched our community through his leadership in small business development, in addition to serving on numerous not-for-profit boards. Professor Fahrenwald's contributions to our community have not gone unnoticed, and he was named one of our region's ``People You Should Know'' in 2011, and ``Citizen of the Year'' in 2014 by the Rockford Chamber of Commerce for all his tireless work to empower those living in the Rockford community. It is because of dedicated and selfless leaders such as Professor Fahrenwald that I am especially proud to serve Illinois l7th Congressional District. Mr. Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate Professor Jeffrey Fahrenwald on his well-earned retirement and thank him for all of his contributions and service to our community.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Julia Frances Mattocks, who celebrates her 99th birthday this Sunday. Ms. Mattocks, Galesburg's `Rosie the Riveter', serves as a role model in our community due to her tireless work ethic and dedication to serving others. As the United States entered the war after the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, she stepped up and did her part to protect Americans abroad. With her sister Helen, Julia completed rivet work on B-17 Flying Fortresses, and worked at the Lockheed Vega plant in Burbank making Quonset huts for the military and airplane parts at Gale Products. Ms. Mattocks ultimately sacrificed her hearing in one ear and received chemical burns across her arms due to her work on behalf of our country. I celebrate and admire the role that she--and many other women--played in supporting our nation during a time of war. Ms. Mattocks is a true inspiration for many people, and her passion and dedication makes her a uniting force within our community. Mr. Speaker, I am grateful for Julia's contributions and service to our community and our nation. I wish her a Happy 99th Birthday, with more to come

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Mr. Speaker, yesterday, President Trump released his budget. And what he has shown is that rural America is just about at the bottom of his list. His budget is a killer for the Department of Agriculture. The cuts to the rural development program would mean fewer jobs in small towns that are already struggling. While he promised to ``end the war on the family farmer,'' President Trump slashes funding for the crop insurance program. And in Peoria, his budget would even close the Nation's largest agricultural research lab, a place for ag innovation that is part of the solution for renewed ag economy. Time and time again, President Trump made a great big promise spelled out on his red ball cap. Now I am left wondering how a budget that would devastate Main Street and our family farmers would make anything great again. Mr. President, middle America is not just flyover country. We value those who look us in the eye, tell us the truth, and then do what they say they are going to do. So, President Trump, I ask you: Does your budget live up to what you spelled out on your ball cap?

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate May 21st, 2017 as Gaines Chapel A.M.E. Church's 100th Anniversary. As we celebrate its centennial, we celebrate the past while embracing all that the future holds for the congregation. On this occasion, I extend my gratitude to Claranne Perkins and Jeanette Hunter, Co-Chairs of this centennial celebration, and Pastor Cyrus Burns, the proud leader of this community. Gaines Chapel A.M.E. Church has grown tremendously from its 10 original founders in 1917, and has since become an integral part of the City of East Moline. It has undergone many transformations over the past 100 years--new church buildings replaced old, and many different Pastors have contributed their wisdom. But from its original organization in Campbell School, the church has prospered and always remained true to its mission and values. Gaines Chapel A.M.E. Church has gone above and beyond to enrich our community through their youth programs and extensive charitable work. Mr. Speaker, I would once again like to congratulate Gaines Chapel A.M.E. Church on their 100th Anniversary. I am proud to know that organizations such as Gaines Chapel A.M.E. Church, are flourishing and strengthening our community.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Mr. Speaker, on the first day of this month, President Trump promised an infrastructure package ``in the next 2 to 3 weeks, maybe sooner.'' Here we are into week three and in the middle of National Infrastructure Week. So, Mr. President, where is the plan? I wish we were spending today working together to create jobs by making meaningful investments in our roads, our bridges, our rail, and our airports. That is what the hardworking men and women I represent wish Washington would focus on, too. But, instead, at breakfast tables all over the country, moms and dads turn on the morning news and have to explain to their kids what is an obstruction of justice before putting their kids on the school bus and traverse our bumpy and potholed roads. This is a dark moment in our Nation's history. History demands that we rise to the occasion. Nobody is above the law, not even the President of the United States of America. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to do the right thing for the good of our country. Join us in demanding a true and independent investigation to get to the bottom of the President's ties to Vladimir Putin and any possible attempted coverup.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize my dear friend, Jan Pohlman, who is retiring this month after teaching in the Physical Education Department of Calhoun High School for the past 34 years. Throughout her distinguished career, Jan has served as a strong role model in our community both inside and outside the classroom. During her time at Illinois College, where I had the pleasure of having her as a teammate and a Floor Monitor, Jan's leadership and passion allowed her to build a notable sports career for which she was inducted into the Illinois College Sports Hall of Fame. She was one of the first stars of the Illinois College women's track and field team where she served as senior captain, and set school records for the 400 meter run, the discus and the javelin, which earned her the status of NCAA Division III Illinois State Champion in 1981. Jan's love of sports naturally led to her teaching career at Calhoun High School where she has enriched the lives of her students by instilling values of teamwork and perseverance for more than three decades. Jan's compassion and service to our community goes beyond the classroom. She always goes above and beyond to help others--evident in the integral role she plays in the annual James R. Pohlman Memorial Golf Outing, which raises money for Parkinson's disease research. Jan has been a truly influential individual in the lives of so many people, and I am honored to be able to call her a friend. Mr. Speaker, I would like to again congratulate Jan on her well-deserved retirement and thank her for all of her contributions and service to our community.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mickey Goral, who is retiring as the Rockford Township Supervisor. Mr. Goral has honorably worked through various levels of government and public service for more than 40 years, and he will be greatly missed. Mr. Goral served our region as a member of the Winnebago County Board for 18 years. Since then, he has held the position of Rockford Township Supervisor for the past two decades in which he has provided temporary assistance to some of our community's most vulnerable populations. Through his tenure as Township Supervisor, he has strived to mentor and provide individuals with the tools and resources they need to succeed. Under the direction of Mr. Goral, Rockford Township's general assistance office has not only enriched the lives of those in our community, but has allowed Rockford Township to serve as a role model for those across our state and the country that are looking to better their assistance services. Mr. Goral's great accomplishments have been recognized far beyond our community, leading him to being elected to the position of First Vice President for the Township Officials of Illinois by representatives from over 14,000 Townships. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank Mr. Goral for his commitment to public service and for all of the work he has done to better our community. I congratulate him again on his well-earned retirement and wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Mr. Speaker, this is not how Washington is supposed to work. We are supposed to improve the lives of hardworking people. Instead, this reckless and dangerous TrumpCare bill would undermine both the health and the economic security of millions of Americans, people like Emily Carlson. Emily is a small-business owner and mother of two from rural Abingdon, Illinois. She lives with MS, a lifelong and very expensive preexisting condition. Before healthcare reform, Emily and her husband, Kevin, a farmer, often had to sit around the table at night, go over their bills, and decide between sickness or debt from one month to the next. If this bill passes, that is a choice they are going to have to face once again. For families like the Carlsons, TrumpCare means higher costs, fewer choices, and worse coverage. TrumpCare is a bad deal for Americans, but it is devastating for rural Americans. Right now, there are nearly 700 rural hospitals at risk of closure. This bill will pull the plug on far too many of them, killing thousands of jobs and ripping the economic heart out of small towns across our Nation. It is time to put hardworking families first. Do the right thing, and vote against this bill.

Mrs. BUSTOS. Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record letters from the United Steelworkers, the AFL-CIO, and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters in relation to this bill. United Steelworkers, May 3, 2017. House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Representative: On behalf of the members of the United Steelworkers union (USW), I continue to urge you to oppose the American Health Care Act (AHCA), despite proposed amendments. This legislation will adversely affect every American's health insurance benefits including workplace plans, Medicare, Medicaid, and the individual market. This harmful and partisan legislation will cause tens of millions to lose insurance coverage over the next decade. Deductibles and premiums are expected to rise. In short, rather than reducing costs of health care, this bill will simply shift costs to working Americans and their families while cutting taxes for the wealthy and corporations. The MacArthur Amendment allows states to opt out of certain protections under the Affordable Care Act such as the requirements that insurers provide plans with a minimum package of services and don't discriminate against people with pre-existing conditions. The amendment also lets states allow insurance companies to charge older people up to five times what they charge younger people. This amendment will allow for an uneven patchwork of insurance coverage across the country and will make insurance cost prohibitive for many working and retired Americans. Although lawmakers are working to address the treatment of individuals with pre-existing conditions, none of the proposals have adequately addressed the costs associated with removal of the Affordable Care Act's protections for those individuals. Overall, the AHCA is a transfer of wealth from working Americans to the very wealthy and to corporations including the pharmaceutical industry, insurance companies, and medical device manufacturers. It removes taxes on the very wealthy and on corporations, giving the wealthiest 400 household an average tax cut of about $7 million each. Meanwhile, the bill retains the ``Cadillac Tax'' which puts the burden of the cost of this legislation squarely on the backs of middle class working families. Most of our members are covered under employer-negotiated insurance plans. However, the AHCA removes the employer- mandate included in the Affordable Care Act. This dramatically changes the incentive and landscape for employer-sponsored insurance, which threatens the system that provides insurance for millions of hard-working Americans. CBO estimated that 7 million people will lost their workplace coverage as a result of this bill. The AHCA also undoes protections and assistance for older Americans and our members who are retirees with dramatically increased out-of-pocket costs to Americans who are older but not yet eligible for Medicare. For those who will or currently rely on Medicare this bill reduces the solvency of the program by three years by repealing taxes on the wealthy and on corporations. Additionally, this bill makes perilous cuts to Medicaid which provides health care to low-income Americans who have been laid off, work at low-paying jobs, are disabled, or are elderly. This will strain already limited state budgets, restrict the needy Americans who are eligible for assistance, and eliminate needed services. Our members who work in the health care industry may also be affected by job losses and strained budgets caused by the passage of this bill. Providers (our employers) may be subjected to lower reimbursement rates from state Medicaid programs as a result of the federal cuts. Also, the costs of uncompensated care will rise as millions of Americans lose health insurance but still need health care treatment for illnesses and injuries. Once again, hard-working middle class health care workers will have to bear the costs of this harmful legislation. The amendments to the bill do not change the fundamental flaws in the legislation enough to make it worthy of your support. Harmful tax cuts are retained, and the bill would not do anything to reduce costs or to prevent Americans from losing health insurance--in fact, this bill would make those problems worse. The American Health Care Act is a harmful piece of legislation that does not solve the problems in our current health insurance system. Despite amendments, the costs of this bill would still be borne by working families, making health care less affordable and less accessible. The United Steelworkers strongly opposes the AHCA and we urge you to vote against it. Sincerely, Leo W. Gerard, International President.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Mr. Speaker, I also want to thank my colleague, Congressman Rodney Davis, for working with me to advance this long overdue legislation, which we call the Disaster Declaration Improvement Act. This bill seeks to bring fairness to the Federal Emergency Management Agency's disaster declaration process. Right now, if a tornado, a flood, or any other natural disaster strikes a small town, like many of the ones I represent in the State of Illinois, FEMA's current per capita formula leaves much of rural America behind. That is because FEMA's current disaster assessment rules fail to take into account localized impacts on Main Streets and agricultural communities throughout our Nation. This has left hardworking families in Illinois and rural States throughout the United States without access to the Federal relief they so badly need under these circumstances. For instance, in my district, the city of Pekin was denied FEMA disaster recovery funding following a deadly tornado that had winds up to 120 miles per hour that ripped through the town in November of 2013. Gary and Selena Cleer were in church on that Sunday afternoon when this tornado hit. They took shelter along with the rest of the congregation in the hallway to protect themselves. Finally, and with God's blessing, they were able to drive safely home, and they didn't even recognize what was in front of them. Much of their roof was gone, their garage had been torn away, and their battered car lay among all of the rubble. The tornado destroyed about 200 other structures in this town of only 35,000 people. But this community received no public assistance dollars--zero. This was a direct result of FEMA's disaster declaration formula, which, again, makes it unnecessarily difficult for Illinois' smaller communities to receive the help that they need. Mr. Speaker, we are not asking for a handout for rural America. In fact, in the Midwest, we are as resilient as they come, but we are certainly asking for a fair shake and the opportunity for all of our families to get the help that they need in a time of crisis. A few million dollars of damage can devastate a smaller town or a rural community. That is why FEMA must give greater weight to the local impact of a disaster when making these decisions about the need for Federal assistance. Our bill fixes an unfair formula that hurts too many of our smaller towns and villages across Illinois and across America. This bill had been included in the FEMA Disaster Assistance Reform Act of 2015, but it sat in the Senate without any action. Today we are working together to pass it once again because we can't solve this problem by ignoring it. I urge our friends in the Senate to take action. With new flooding, damaging roads and infrastructure in places like Pekin, Peoria, and in southern Illinois where my friend, Mike Bost, serves and where Rodney Davis serves, I urge my colleagues to join us in supporting this bill so that we can help ensure that hardworking families from the heartland have the support they need to get back on their feet after a disaster.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize John Brown, who is retiring as the Rock Island County Deputy Clerk. Mr. Brown has honorably served Rock Island County in various levels of government and public service for the past 40 years and he will be greatly missed. Mr. Brown began his career in public service as a Democratic Precinct Committeeman in 1978. Since then, he has served as the Deputy County Clerk under Karen Kinney, Dick Leibovitz and John Gianulis, in addition to serving as the Rock Island Township Supervisor from 1997 to 2013. Mr. Brown has dedicated his career to ensuring our local institutions are accessible, and striving to improve the lives of all individuals within our community. He has lead projects to improve early voting locations and accessibility, same day voter registration, as well as created initiatives to hire bilingual individuals to ensure all of our constituents are able to be heard. All the work Mr. Brown has done to improve our county and his passion for helping people will be not be forgotten. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank Mr. Brown for his commitment to public service and for all of the work he has done to better our community. I congratulate him again on his well-earned retirement and wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors.