Cheri Bustos

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize John David, who is retiring from Moline, Illinois' TV station, WQAD. Mr. David has been reporting for 29 years at WQAD and has become an integral part of the Quad Cities community. Mr. David grew up in Southern California, where he began his broadcasting career at age 16 for KCSN-FM. He graduated cum laude from Occidental College in Los Angeles with degrees in Political Science and Theater Arts and Rhetoric. He then went on to receive a Master's degree in Broadcast Journalism with distinction from Northwestern University. Mr. David is best known for reporting on the rise and fall of American manufacturing and its toll on the workforce. His documentary, ``Where Did the Jobs Go?'' received the 2006 Regional RTNDA Edward R. Murrow Award for a news documentary. As a former reporter, I understand the demands of this work and thank David for his commitment to informing our community. It is because of dedicated community leaders such as Mr. David that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Mr. Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate Mr. David 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 recognize Margo Price, who has been nominated for a 2019 Grammy Award for Best New Artst. Ms. Price is a talented country musician and I would like to congratulate her on this achievement. Ms. Price grew up in Aledo, Illinois, where she played piano and sang in church choir before studying dance and theater at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, Illinois. At age 20, she moved to Nashville where she worked a number of jobs while pursuing her music career. She and her husband, Jeremy Ivey, were part of the band ``Secret Handshake'' before they started ``Buffalo Clover'' and ``Margo and the Pricetags.'' Ms. Price has been on Saturday Night Live and her music was featured on the show ``Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown.'' Her first album, ``Midwest Farmer's Daughter,'' went to number 10 on the U.S. Country chart and her second album, ``All American Made,'' went to number 12 on the U.S. Country chart. It is because of talented artists such as Ms. Price that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Mr. Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate Ms. Price on her Grammy nomination and her commitment to making music for so many fans to enjoy across the country.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Tom Connaughton, who is retiring from Cook Medical Group in Canton, Illinois. Mr. Connaughton served as Vice President of Government Affairs for Cook Medical Group for 15 years, and has had a stellar career in public service. Mr. Connaughton served as a staff member for Senator Birch Bayh for many years. He began working for Sen. Bayh in 1969, and in 1970, was called to active duty in Vietnam as a captain in military intelligence, where he was awarded a Bronze Star. He returned to Sen. Bayh's staff in 1974, where he served as Counsel to the Senate Judiciary Committee. He then served as Issues Director for Sen. Bayh's reelection campaign in 1974 and presidential campaign in 1976. Mr. Connaughton moved to Sen. Bayh's personal staff in 1978 taking on the position of Legislative Director, and later becoming an Administrative Director from 1979 to 1980. After leaving Sen. Bayh's staff, Mr. Connaughton became a founding partner and managing partner of Bayh, Connaughton, and Stewart. From 2000 to 2003 Mr. Connaughton was the President of the American Association for Homecare, and from 2003 to 2018 he served as the Vice President of Government Affairs for Cook Group. I commend Mr. Connaughton on an outstanding career of public service and wish him the best as he begins to enjoy a well-earned retirement. It is because of dedicated leaders such as Mr. Tom Connaughton that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th District. Mr. Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate Mr. Tom Connaughton for an exceptional career and thank him for all of his contributions and service to the community of Canton.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Gary Perinar who is being honored with the George Meany Award in recognition of his incredible contributions to the community and the working families of union trades. Mr. Perinar currently serves as executive secretary- treasurer of the Chicago Regional Council of Carpenters, which consists of more than 30,000 workers pursuing careers in the trades. Mr. Perinar completed his apprenticeship with the Carpenters Local 174 before going on to become a 40-year member as a third-generation business representative of the union. During Mr. Perinar's stellar career he has taken on multiple roles, such as becoming a full-time business representative at the age of 32 and then assistant to the president. In addition, Mr. Perinar performed multiple leadership roles on various committees and boards while serving as both a vice president and a delegate on the Regional Council. Under the leadership of Mr. Perinar, an emphasis was placed on both character and skills development in order to embody responsible citizenship. Mr. Perinar recognizes the investment that must be made in young people looking to build a career in the trades and I would like to congratulate him on all his efforts and accomplishments. It is because of dedicated leaders such as Mr. Gary Perinar that I am especially proud to serve Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate Mr. Gary Perinar on earning the George Meany Award for his exceptional service and thank him for all his contributions to the community.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from New York for yielding me time. I appreciate it. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of my bipartisan bill, the All- American Flag Act. This commonsense legislation will require all American flags purchased by the Federal Government to be made entirely in the United States from materials grown or manufactured in the United States. The idea for this bill came to me when I was sitting down and talking with a Vietnam vet. We were at a VFW hall, and he pointed to the corner, saw an American flag there, and said: Do you know that the American flag can be made in China? I was very surprised that that could even happen. I will never forget when he looked at me and said: ``I didn't fight for China. I fought for the USA.'' I later learned that, in 2015 alone, taxpayers footed the bill to import American flags to the tune of $4.4 million, $4 million of which went straight to China. Since that conversation, I have worked with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to require the Department of Defense to purchase 100 percent American-made flags. With the support of my colleagues today, we can ensure that all American flags purchased with taxpayer money are 100 percent American made. There is no reason that the symbol of our Nation, our freedoms, and our values, proudly worn on the sleeves of our American soldiers or displayed right here, like right behind me, in our Nation's Capitol should be manufactured anywhere but in the United States of America. By purchasing flags made on American soil, we can ensure that the symbol of our Nation is preserved, while supporting American jobs and manufacturing.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Sterling High School Golden Warriors for earning the Class 3A title for the Illinois State Championship in volleyball. Claiming a state title is something to be proud of 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. As a former athlete, I understand the amount of hard work and commitment to be awarded such a title. They are 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 them represent Sterling throughout the state. Mr. Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate the Sterling High School Golden Warriors Volleyball Team on their title, 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 Marcus Smith, from Winnebago High School, for earning the Class 1A title for the Illinois State Championship in golf. I would like to recognize Mr. Smith for his tremendous accomplishment. His dedication and passion for golf meant that he was determined to win gold. As a former athlete, I understand the amount of hard work and commitment to be awarded such a title. He 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 Winnebago throughout the state. Mr. Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate Marcus Smith 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 honor and recognize all of our rural hospitals on National Rural Health Day. Small towns and rural communities across our country face unique obstacles, and access to affordable quality care is one of them. Our doctors, nurses, and other rural hospital employees work tirelessly to help patients overcome many of the health care challenges they face on a daily basis, including limited access to primary care providers and specialists. Additionally, rural hospitals face larger financial barriers. That is why I have continually fought for Medicare and The Affordable Care Act which are critical lifelines for rural patients and providers. Medicaid expansion alone has provided nearly 1.7 million additional rural Americans with access to care. As an advocate for rural America, I have also helped to overcome these obstacles by expanding broadband access and removing barriers to telehealth that have the ability to provide 21st century care. I introduced the Special Registration for Telemedicine Clarification Act with my colleague Congressman Buddy Carter. I was proud to see our common sense provision signed into law that will provide more treatment options to rural communities through telemedicine. On National Rural Health Day, it is important that we take a moment to thank those who serve our nation in rural hospitals and provide access to quality health care. I look forward to working with my colleagues to provide the resources necessary to ensure the health of rural America is never left behind.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Whitey's Ice Cream from the Quad Cities for placing first with their ice cream sandwiches at the National Dairy Expo. Whitey's Ice Cream has been serving Illinois since 1933, and has a large following in our Congressional district. Whitey's Ice Cream was founded and owned by Chester ``Whitey'' Lindgren until 1953, when he sold it to Bob and Norma Tunberg. Their sons, Jon and Jeff Tunberg, serve as its current owners, but leave the President position open for Bob, who has passed on. Whitey's expanded in 1977 from just Moline to East Moline and Rock Island. In 1984, they expanded to Bettendorf, Iowa and other locations. Since 1988, their ice cream has been able to be purchased in grocery stores across the Midwest. Their ice cream sandwiches, or ``Chippers'' as they call them, have now placed first at the National Dairy Expo. It is because of businesses such as Whitey's Ice Cream that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Mr. Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate Whitey's Ice Cream for placing first at the National Dairy Expo for their ``Chippers.''

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Pekin Chamber of Commerce on its 125th Anniversary. The Chamber has joyfully served the Pekin community since 1893. In October of 1893, what is now the Pekin Chamber of Commerce was formed by five businessmen who originally named their new organization the Citizen's Improvement Association of Pekin. The organization set out with the goal of ``advancing the business interest and promoting the commercial growth of the City of Pekin.'' Although the organization went through several name changes, before settling on the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce, their mission remained the same. Today, the Pekin Chamber of Commerce continues to serve businesses and consumers in the region as they work to grow and strengthen the local economy. I commend them on their 125th Anniversary for all of the work they have done for the residents of Pekin and look forward to seeing their continued efforts. It is because of groups such as the Pekin Chamber of Commerce that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Mr. Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate the Pekin Chamber of Commerce on its 125th Anniversary and thank them for their service to the community. In October the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce will be finishing 125 years of leading Pekin businesses.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dan Roach, who is retiring from the Illinois State Police. Mr. Roach has a diverse background in police work, and has been an asset to the community. Mr. Roach has served as an Illinois State Police law enforcement professional for 26 years, including over 21 years of investigations, patrol, and administrative leadership experience, retiring as Captain. Mr. Roach served as the Deputy Chief of the Schaumburg Police Department for the last 4 years, where he oversaw the Patrol Division, the Investigations Division, and the Special Operations Division. Mr. Roach has accrued extensive experience in team-building, and interpersonal and management skills such as employee development, problem-solving, and networking with diverse groups of people at all levels. I commend Mr. Roach on an outstanding career of public service and wish him the best as he begins to enjoy a well-earned retirement. It is because of dedicated leaders such as Mr. Dan Roach that I am especially proud to serve Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate Mr. Dan Roach for an exceptional career and thank him for all of his contributions and service to the community.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Katherine L. Cruz on her retirement from the U.S. Army Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center in Rock Island, Illinois. Ms. Cruz has spent over 34 years in federal civilian service at the Rock Island Arsenal, which plays such an important role in providing our soldiers with the resources they need at war and at peace. In her role as a Product Quality Manager for Small Arms, Ms. Cruz was committed to ensuring our troops were well equipped by manufacturing a variety of products. Throughout her time at the Arsenal, Ms. Cruz gained the reverence of her colleagues due to her attention to detail, deep knowledge of her work and friendly spirit. I would like to recognize her years of service and thank her for her commitment to the Rock Island Arsenal and our troops. I wish her well as she begins to enjoy a well-deserved retirement and exits a role she dutifully performed. It is because of dedicated and hardworking people such as Ms. Cruz that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Mr. Speaker, I would like to again formally recognize Ms. Cruz for an outstanding career.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Justin and Ellen Rahn of Mount Carroll for receiving the 2018 Illinois Farm Bureau Young Leader Achievement Award. The Illinois Farm Bureau Young Leader Achievement Award recognizes exceptional young farmers for not only their success in agriculture, but for their strong leadership and commitment to our farming community. Justin and Ellen Rahn have been leaders within the Farm Bureau since 2005. From hosting young leaders' meetings to serving on the Farm and Fork Committee, their involvement has enriched our community. Justin and Ellen Rahn both grew up on their family farms in northwestern Illinois, learning the strong work ethic of our farmers at an early age. Ellen went on to receive a degree in agronomy from Iowa State University and gained seed corn brokerage experience before later managing the Illinois territory for Hartung Brothers, Inc. Justin earned his degree in agricultural production and management from Kirkwood College. Justin and Ellen now run their own farm in Carroll County in addition to operating a seed dealership. It is because of dedicated and hardworking people such as Justin and Ellen Rahn that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Mr. Speaker, I would like to again formally recognize Justin and Ellen Rahn for all they do in the farming community.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Project NOW from the Quad Cities on its 50th Anniversary. Project NOW has been joyfully serving thousands in Rock Island, Henry, and Mercer counties since 1968. Project NOW (Neighborhood Outreach Work, Inc.) was founded by former Father Jim Real and Father Tom Murphy in the mid 1960's with the goal of providing residents in the area with the resources needed to meet basic needs. To accomplish their goal and address the needs of the community, Project NOW provides programs that assist with issues such as housing, nutrition, clothing, utilities, and more. The organization was first established and recognized by local governments in May of 1968. The following year, Project NOW earned designation from the federal government as a Community Action Agency and began to receive federal funds. Project NOW works to address the issue of poverty by taking action in the community and also holding onto the words of Martin Luther King Jr., ``Change does not roll in on the wheels of inevitability, but comes through continuous struggle.'' Project NOW's commitment to strengthening our communities does not go unnoticed and I look forward to seeing their continued work. It is because of dedicated and selfless groups such as the Project NOW that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Mr. Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate Project NOW on its 50th Anniversary and thank the organization for all of its service to the community.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Milan Post 569's baseball team for winning the Illinois American Legion third division tournament. Milan Post 569's team defeated Oneida Legion Post 727 2-1 to advance to the state tournament for the first time, and I would like to recognize the team for their tremendous accomplishment. The team's dedication and passion for their sport is evident in their quest for victory at the tournament. As a former athlete, I understand the amount of hard work and commitment to be awarded such a title. They are an example of the importance of dedication and a strong work ethic. I am proud there is such talent in our community, and to see them represent Milan throughout the state. Mr. Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate the Milan Post 569's baseball team on their title, 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 recognize Dr. George Inglett who is turning 90 years old. Dr. Inglett is a pillar in the Peoria community, and has advocated for a safer and healthier food supply at the National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research. Dr. George Inglett is best known for the development of a family of food ingredients based on cereal glucans, known collectively as the Trim Technologies. His research on these ingredients has led to them being used as fat substitutes, fiber additives, texturizers, and emulsion stabilizers in many foods. In 2005, Dr. Inglett was chosen as one of the Laureates of the Lincoln Academy of Illinois, the highest honor the State of Illinois can bestow on a person who was born or has resided in Illinois for outstanding achievement. Over the course of his career Dr. Inglett has been presented numerous awards for his years of work in agricultural research. It is because of dedicated and selfless leaders such as Dr. George Inglett that I am especially proud to serve Illinois 17th Congressional District. Mr. Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate Dr. George Inglett on his 90th birthday and thank him for all of his contributions and service to our community.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of my bill, the Gold Star Spouses Leasing Relief Act. This bipartisan bill would support the widows and widowers of our fallen heroes by allowing them to terminate residential leases without penalty in the wake of a servicemember's death. This issue first came to my attention when I met a Gold Star spouse, Kylie Riney of Farmington, Illinois, which is in a central part of the congressional district that I serve. Kylie's life was forever changed on October 19, 2016, when her husband, Sergeant Douglas Riney, tragically died defending our freedom in Kabul, Afghanistan. Kylie and her two young children, James and Elea, were living in Texas at the time. This is their beautiful family before tragedy hit. They had moved there when Sergeant Riney was assigned to Fort Hood before deploying in support of Operation Freedom's Sentinel. After her husband's death, Kylie chose to be back in Illinois with her family, surrounded by those whom she loves and love her so they could mourn together this inconceivable loss. But in the wake of this tragedy, their landlord refused to allow Kylie to terminate the lease that she and her husband had signed--I mean, it is just hard to even get those words out--refused to allow them to get out of their lease. The families of our fallen heroes have already sacrificed far too much, and we should do everything in our power to ensure grieving spouses receive the support that they need. For this reason, I was proud to introduce this commonsense, bipartisan bill, the Gold Star Spouses Leasing Relief Act. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my colleague, Congressman Brad Wenstrup, who is also an Army Reserve officer and a physician, who helped introduce this with me. I would also like to thank Chairman Roe and Ranking Member Tim Walz for their work in bringing this to the floor. Currently, the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act protects servicemembers from lease termination fees when they deploy or receive a permanent change of station. Our legislation narrowly extends that law's residential leasing protections to the surviving spouses of servicemembers who are killed while serving their country. Ranking Member Walz helped ensure the bill would protect all these families, including those who lose a member of the National Guard or Reserves. He has been a tireless advocate for the National Guard in Congress, and it is a pleasure to be able to work with him. I can hardly think of anything worse than taking advantage of a grieving widow or widower whose spouse made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to support this bill to ensure this does not happen again.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Knox County Farm Bureau on its 100th Anniversary. Ever since the Knox County Farm Bureau Foundation was organized in 1918, it has served an essential role in the growth and development of the agriculture industry throughout Illinois. The Knox County Farm Bureau advocates for agriculture, assists farmers with legislative issues and provides leadership opportunities for members of all ages. The organization's Committees and Task Forces provide their members with many programs, functions, and opportunities to continually improve their farming practices. Community and farmer education, in addition to your scholarship and internship programs have also increased awareness and spurred innovation on the issues that relate to the future success of agriculture in Knox County and ultimately the quality of life in our region. It is because of dedicated groups such as the Knox County Farm Bureau that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Mr. Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate the Knox County Farm Bureau on its 100th Anniversary and thank the organization for all of its service to the farmers in our community.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Y Quad Cities Rowing program's junior women's crew for winning the Diamond Jubilee Challenge Cup at the Henley Royal Regatta in England. This is a first for the rowers, who are based out of the Sylvan Boat House in Moline, Illinois. Coached by Dr. Peter Sharis and Assistant Coach Jamie Whalen, scullers Caroline Sharis, Delaney Evans, Emma Mask and Taylor English set a new course record at the prestigious regatta on the Thames River, becoming one of only two American crews to win at Henley this year and the first overseas crew ever to win the Diamond Jubilee Challenge cup. This impressive victory followed the team's win at the USRowing Youth National Championships in June. Mr. Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate the Y Quad Cities rowers on their title, 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 recognize Katie Miller of Cambridge, Illinois, who was named the 2018 Outstanding Junior of the Year by the Illinois Beef Association. Katie Miller has excelled on campus at Western Illinois University, where she recently completed her junior year. Her studies in agricultural sciences with an emphasis on animal science were inspired by the time she spent alongside her grandparents working with beef producers. Following the completion of her undergraduate work, she plans to pursue a graduate degree in ruminant nutrition or meat science, while partnering on the farm with her grandparents. Outside of the classroom, Ms. Miller is the Vice President of the Illinois Junior Beef Association Board and has held various other local and state leadership positions with the Illinois Beef Association further demonstrating her qualifications for this award. It is because of dedicated citizens like Katie Miller that I proudly serve the people of the 17th District of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I would like to formally congratulate Katie Miller on her outstanding achievement and journey into agricultural science.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Carmen DeVries, as the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Class 1 A 400 meter dash gold medalist in the 2018 track and field state championships. This was DeVries' fourth trip to the state championships, and she was determined to go home with a gold medal her senior year. She persevered and completed the 400 meter dash with a first place time of 57.04 seconds. In the same competition, she also achieved a bronze medal in the triple jump, stretching for 37ft., 4\1/4\ inches in the Class 1A triple jump. DeVries also earned her personal best time in the 400 meters with a time of 57.95 seconds, which set the new school record at Lena-Winslow High School. I want to commend this student athlete on her tremendous accomplishments and work ethic. It takes a great deal of discipline and talent be awarded such titles. The great state of Illinois is very proud that our small towns produce giant athletes. Mr. Speaker, I want to again formally acknowledge Carmen DeVries on winning the first place title in the IHSA state competition for the 400 meter dash. I join the community in congratulating her and we look forward to seeing her future achievements.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Emily Offenheiser, a senior from Stockton Senior High School, for earning the Class IA Illinois High School Association (IHSA) first place championship in discus throw. Emily Offenheiser has often been recognized as a star athlete playing several sports such as basketball, softball, shotput, and discus. In 7th grade she began discus and has qualified for the state championships four times since. She has demonstrated a tremendous dedication to track and field, and in the recent state championship accomplished a personal best discus throw of 151-08, which decided her victory. Additionally, she earned second place in the Class IA IHSA shot put championship and was also named the WREX news Athlete of the Week. It takes a tremendous amount of commitment and hard work to be presented with such tremendous accolades. Emily has demonstrated leadership, admirable determination, and I am proud that she represents the Stockton community. I look forward to watching her advance in her athletic career as she begins her college education. Mr. Speaker, it is once again my honor to formally congratulate Emily Offenheiser on winning gold, and the rest of Illinois joins me in wishing her great success in the future.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mardell Urish, who in her 93 years on earth, has lived an inspiring life as one of the nurses in the Cadet Corps in World War II. Ms. Urish raised a farm family of six with the help of her beloved husband, Richard. Throughout her life, she has run two assisted living facility businesses, and still runs one today. Her dedication to ensuring that the elderly have a home has undoubtedly enriched our community and the lives of those she has touched. It is because of dedicated women such as Ms. Mardell Urish that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Mr. Speaker, I would like to again formally honor Ms. Mardell Urish's life and her service to this great country.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize columnist William ``Bill'' Wundram for 74 years of honorable service to the Quad-City Times newspaper. Mr. Wundram is a pillar in the Quad Cities community, and his knowledge and ability to generate creative ideas will be missed. Bill Wundram has made a longstanding career of writing stories that are substantive, interesting, and newsworthy for the Quad-City Times. Of his 39 years as a columnist, 36 were spent writing 7 days a week. This has been hailed by many as a marvelous feat for American journalists. Bill has achieved countless accolades: a green space named William Wundram Parkway, becoming the ``Honorary Mayor for Life'' in Davenport, Iowa, and a bronze statue in Bix Plaza in front of the Quad- City Times will forever stand in his honor. As a former journalist, Bill's legacy and contributions have a special place in my heart. He understands what it takes to create a good story, and presents it in a way that is engaging to his audience. His career reached beyond writing, as he connected to the hearts of the people in our community. The skillset and historical knowledge that Bill possesses is something that can never be replaced. Yet at the age of 93, Bill Wundram has decided to rest his pen and enjoy retirement alongside his wife Helen and dog Molly. It is because of dedicated citizens like Bill that I proudly serve the people of the 17th District of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I would like to formally congratulate William Wundram on a tremendous career. I join the rest of the community in thanking him for the contributions he has made to journalism, and for setting an example of how to live a life of excellence.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Hayley Huls, Payton Peckham, Sarah Litchfield, and Jordan Peckham from Farmington High School, for earning the Class lA title for the Illinois State Championship in the 4x400 relay. Hayley Huls, Payton Peckham, Sarah Litchfield, and Jordan Peckham took first in finals with a time of 4:02.92 to claim their title as state champions, 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. As a former athlete, I understand the amount of hard work and commitment to be awarded such a title. They are 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 them represent Farmington throughout the state. Mr. Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate Hayley Huls, Payton Peckham, Sarah Litchfield, and Jordan Peckham on their title, and I join the rest of the community in wishing them every success in the future.