Cheri Bustos

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Ice Cream Palace in Silvis, Illinois, owned by Mr. Umberto ``Red'' Ponce, which closed on December 27th after 50 years of business and service to our community. The Ice Cream Palace has been a staple for the community of Silvis for the past five decades. Despite its name, Ice Cream Palace is known for serving favorite traditional Mexican cuisine dishes like the popular carne-de-res burritos since 1965. The dishes served come from authentic recipes from Mr. Ponce's mother, Celia Ponce, who was initially a partner in the business and worked there for the restaurants' first 25 years. Locals who began frequenting the restaurant as children now bring their own families to enjoy both the food and the close-knit relationships between staff and regulars. Some can even remember the days that the Ice Cream Palace served up chilly treats and say that the great tasting food has not changed a bit over 50 years thanks to Mr. Ponce's loyalty to his mother's original recipes. Locals young and old alike have all expressed sadness for the end of such a long-lasting part of their community. Mr. Ponce is looking forward to spending more time with his children and grandchildren during his retirement and says he will miss the friends he has made over the years in his staff and customers. Mr. Speaker, I again want to recognize the Ice Cream Palace, and am glad that places like this exist, helping to create traditions and bonds within our communities and families.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Mr. Speaker, at this time, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Fattah).

Mrs. BUSTOS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I have no further speakers at this time. The veterans of Philadelphia have for some time been trying to gain recognition for their brother in arms, and I thank the Pennsylvania delegation for their work in bringing this bill to the floor. I urge all my colleagues to join me in supporting S. 229, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting S. 2921 in honoring the life of our former friend and colleague, Lane Evans, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. BUSTOS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of bipartisan legislation that I introduced last month to name the Galesburg VA community-based outpatient clinic in honor of former Congressman Lane Evans, who passed away just last month. Lane served the 17th Congressional District of Illinois, the district I now have the honor and privilege of representing. He served it with honor, humility, and hard work for more than two decades. A Marine Corps veteran himself, Lane was a steadfast champion for our men and women in uniform. A veteran of the Vietnam war era, he served on the House Veterans' Affairs Committee from his arrival in Washington to his position as the committee's ranking member, a post he held for more than 10 years. Lane Evans' record on behalf of veterans earned him the praise and respect from veterans service organizations and his colleagues on both sides of the aisle. I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring the life and legacy of former Congressman Lane Evans by designating the Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic located in Galesburg, Illinois, as the Lane A. Evans Community Based Outpatient Clinic. I first got to know Lane when I was a young newspaper reporter covering our region. Lane was always warm, accessible, and friendly to me. I interviewed him many times about a number of different topics. While he was young, with his trademark boyish haircut, his quiet courage and drive made him seem much older than his age. Through my interactions with him over the years and with those who worked with him and those who he touched through his service, I learned a lot about the man and what he stood for. A proud native of Rock Island, the son of a firefighter and a nurse, and an Alleman High School and Augustana College graduate, Lane truly represented everything that is right about public service. He will be sorely missed by all those he touched, and the legacy of service that he provided will never be forgotten. The dedication of a veterans' facility in the heart of the district he represented is a fitting tribute and acknowledgment of his career- long fight to ensure that all veterans get the care and the benefits that they have earned and deserve. I would like to thank the entire Illinois delegation and the many Members who served with Lane for supporting this effort. In particular, I would like to thank Chairman Miller and Ranking Member Michaud of the Veterans' Affairs Committee here in the House and their counterparts in the Senate, Chairman Sanders and Ranking Member Burr, for bringing this forward. I would also like to thank Senators Kirk and Durbin from Illinois for shepherding this bill through the Senate. By renaming this VA clinic, we can ensure that Lane Evans' strong legacy of service to our men and women in uniform lives on in a facility that serves them today. I urge my colleagues to join with me in supporting this bipartisan legislation in honor of the memory of Lane Evans. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of S. 1434, which designates the Junction City, Kansas, Community-Based Outpatient Clinic in Junction City as the Lieutenant General Richard J. Seitz Community-Based Outpatient Clinic. General Seitz served in the Army for 37 years. Among the medals and commendations he was awarded are the Silver Star, two Bronze Stars, and the Purple Heart. After he retired, he was awarded the Creighton Abrams Medal. In September 2011, he was given France's highest distinction, the Legion of Honor. In World War II, joined by a company of 7th Armored Division tanks, General Seitz was in command of a battalion of paratroopers who won two decisive attacks during the Battle of the Bulge. Seitz was only 28 years old at the time. He continued to serve in command roles after World War II, earning his first general's star in 1963, his second star in 1967, and finished his distinguished career in 1978 as a three-star general. Following his retirement, General Seitz stayed dedicated to those who served. He remained passionate for mentoring commissioned and noncommissioned officers, and frequently visited Fort Riley to greet deploying and returning units bound for the Middle East. As a native of Leavenworth, Kansas, General Seitz returned to Kansas in 1978 and settled in Junction City. Joining his name to the community-based outpatient clinic in Junction City, Kansas, would be a fitting way to honor General Seitz in his commitment to duty and valor. Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support S. 1434, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember the life of William Campbell, of Belvidere, Illinois, who passed away November 3, 2014 at the age of 67. Bill Campbell, as he was known, touched thousands of lives through his work as Financial Secretary of UAW Local 1268 for over 30 years. He began work at the Chrysler plant in Belvidere in 1965 and served as Financial Secretary of Local 1268 from 1981 until his retirement in 2013. The UAW was his true passion in life. Bill received the Walter P. Reuther Distinguished Service Award in 2013, the highest honor bestowed by the International UAW. His life was finally taken by cancer in November after an 18-month battle. He is sorely missed by his extended family and friends. Mr. Speaker, I would like to give my sincere condolences to Bill's family and friends in Belvidere and honor his years of dedicated service to the UAW and his community.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Mr. Speaker, on the Legislative Day of November 14, 2014, a series of votes was held. I intended to cast the following vote: rollcall 519--I vote ``yea.''

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Mr. Speaker, I proudly rise today to honor the legacy of former Congressman Lane Evans who passed away just this past week. Lane Evans served the 17th Congressional District of Illinois, the district I now have the privilege of serving myself, and he served it with honor, dignity, humility, and hard work for more than two decades. A Marine Corps veteran himself, Lane Evans was a steadfast champion for our men and women in uniform. A veteran of the Vietnam war era, he served on the House Veterans' Affairs Committee from the time he arrived in Washington, to rise to the position of ranking Democratic member, a post that he held for a decade. Lane Evans' record on behalf of veterans earned him praise and respect from veterans service organizations and his colleagues on both sides of the aisle. I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring the life and legacy of former Congressman Lane Evans by designating the Department of Veterans Affairs Community-Based Outpatient Clinic located in my congressional district in Galesburg, Illinois, the Lane A. Evans Community-Based Outpatient Clinic. I first got to know Lane when I was a young newspaper reporter covering our region. Lane was always warm, friendly, and accessible, and as a rookie reporter, I always appreciated that. I interviewed him many times about a variety of topics, and while he was young and with his trademark boyish haircut, his quiet courage and drive made him seem older than his age. Through my interactions with him over the years and with those who worked with him and those who he touched through service, I learned a lot about the man and what he stood for. A proud native of Rock Island, the son of a firefighter and a nurse, and an Alleman High School and Augustana College graduate, Lane truly represented everything that is right about public service. He will be sorely missed by all those he touched, but his legacy of service will never be forgotten. The dedication of a veterans facility in the heart of the district he represented is a fitting tribute and acknowledgment of his career-long fight to ensure all veterans get the care and the benefits that they have earned and deserve. I urge my colleagues to join with me in supporting this bipartisan legislation to honor the memory of Lane Evans.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Jasmine Babers of Rock Island, Illinois, who is one of ten individuals nationwide to receive the USA Network's Characters Unite award this year. Jasmine Babers, at a very young age, has shown an amazing amount of dedication, hard work, and drive. She is the founder and publisher of Love, GIRLS, a magazine that strives to build confidence and self- esteem in teenage girls. Jasmine's hard work has paid off as she was able to publish the first issue in 2012. Love, GIRLS has expanded its distribution over the past two years from Illinois to include Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, as well as the District of Columbia, reaching more than 5,000 young girls. Jasmine also has led local events, in conjunction with her magazine, that help bring attention to bullying and the dangerous effects that it can have on our youth. The Characters Unite award is presented annually to ten individuals who through extraordinary efforts are able to combat hate, intolerance, and discrimination, as well as make significant contributions towards promoting greater tolerance, respect, and acceptance in their communities. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to know that individuals like Jasmine Babers are making a difference in our communities. Once again I would like to congratulate her on her momentous achievement and wish her luck with her ongoing efforts, as well as her upcoming collegiate career.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Mr. Speaker, I demand a recorded vote.

Mrs. BUSTOS. Mr. Speaker, I have a motion to recommit at the desk.

Mrs. BUSTOS. Mr. Speaker, this is the final amendment to the bill. It will not delay or kill the bill or send it back to committee. If adopted, the bill will proceed immediately to final passage, as amended. This amendment reinforces our commitment to the middle class and making sure that jobs are created right here in America, not overseas, by taking five key steps. First, it would extend the reauthorization of the Export-Import Bank for 7 years. Illinois companies like John Deere and Caterpillar, as well as large and small businesses across our country, deserve the certainty that a long-term reauthorization would provide. Second, it would help ensure that employers provide equal pay for equal work. Equal pay is not simply a women's issue. It is an issue for all in the middle class. With households being led by women, equal pay will help those families get further ahead. Boosting women's earnings also will increase the purchasing power of families and will help our economy. Third, my amendment will make the minimum wage a living wage. The cost of living has skyrocketed in recent years, but wages have remained stagnant. Working full time, year round at Illinois' $8.25 minimum wage will earn a worker only $16,500 per year, a salary that is below the Federal poverty line. Raising the minimum wage would not only lift many families out of poverty, but it would also increase the earning power of households across the country, leading to an increase in overall economic activity. Fourth, my amendment would allow students with outstanding student loan debt to refinance their loans at the lower interest rates that are currently offered to borrowers. Student loan debt not only harms young people and prevents them from reaching their personal financial potential, such as purchasing a home and starting a family, but it is deadweight, pulling down our entire economy and preventing economic growth. Fifth, and finally, my amendment would prevent government contracts from going to companies that have moved their operations overseas. The government should not be giving taxpayer dollars to companies that ship jobs overseas and take advantage of corporate inversions to avoid paying their fair share. These five commonsense elements would strengthen the middle class and help create jobs right here in America. Too many families are struggling, and enough is enough. For too long, lawmakers have been looking out for themselves instead of looking out for the middle class. I urge my colleagues to support this amendment. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. BUSTOS. I am opposed to it in its current form.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Mr. Speaker, on the Legislative Day of September 15, 2014, a series of votes was held. Had I been present for these rollcall votes, I would have cast the following votes: Rollcall 497--I vote ``yea.''

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Steve Plunkett of North Pekin, Illinois and celebrate his receipt of the National Association of Letter Carriers' Hero of the Year Award. Mr. Plunkett, a local letter carrier, was finishing his shift as a troubling scene unfolded in the parking lot of the East Peoria Post Office. Employees witnessed a man forcibly lead a tearful young boy towards the back of the post office. Recognizing the child's distress, Plunkett and his colleagues sprang into action and confronted the man; little did the post office employees know that they had intercepted a registered sex offender. The man fled the scene and Plunkett followed, using his cell phone to capture pictures as well as his license plate number; images which led to his arrest several hours later. Plunkett's actions thwarted a kidnapping attempt and contributed to the conviction of a dangerous criminal, earning him one of the highest honors a letter carrier may receive. Sexual predators are every parent's nightmare and, as the mother of three sons, I commend Mr. Plunkett for his courage. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Plunkett demonstrated bravery and selflessness, much to the credit of his character, and I can think of no one more deserving of the National Association of Letter Carriers' Hero of the Year Award.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Dennis, Jane, and Darcy Steffes of Steffes Registered Holsteins of Elizabeth, Illinois, whose farm was recently awarded the Illinois Milk Producers' Association Environmental Stewardship Award. Dennis and Jane have continued to build upon their family's five- generation tradition of dairy farming. Along with their daughter Darcy and three employees, Dennis and Jane strive to consistently produce high quality milk, all while staying conscious of the farm's impact on the environment. It was with these goals in mind that the Steffes built a concrete tank on their property for the storage of manure, water, and yard run- off, with the contents being applied to the ground twice a year as part of the farm's comprehensive nutrient management plan. This plan has helped the Steffes to maintain an effective crop rotation program, ensuring that the land will continue to produce for years to come. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to know that businesses such as Steffes Registered Holsteins exist, and I want to once again congratulate the Steffes family and their employees on having been recognized by their peers for their dedication to environmentally friendly and sustainable farming practices.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to urge congressional leaders to keep the Senate and House in session and to forgo the August recess until both Chambers come together and pass compromise legislation to help our veterans get access to the timely and quality health care they have earned and deserve. In light of the serious allegations of wrongdoing within the Department of Veterans Affairs, in addition to unacceptably long wait times at the VA medical facilities, it is urgent that a fix be put in place now. Last month, both the Senate and House passed legislation that would expand veterans' ability to seek care at non-VA facilities under certain conditions, strengthen Congress' oversight of the VA, and eliminate performance-related bonuses for VA employees. Since then, the Conference Committee, tasked to work out a compromise between the two bills, has yet to do so. I know I speak for many when I say the health of the veterans who have served us so bravely should not be placed on hold while Congress is away in August. I urge all of my colleagues to join me in calling on Congress to stay in session until we do right by our veterans.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring attention to the current situation in Cyprus. This July 20th will mark the 40th anniversary of Turkey's invasion of Cyprus. As a result of Turkey's invasion, Cyprus has been divided into two territories. The main part of the Island under control of the Republic of Cyprus, which has de jure sovereignty, and the northern section controlled and occupied by Turkish troops, which the international community does not recognize. Because of this arbitrary and illegal division, thousands of Greek- Cypriot citizens have been unable to return to their homes, some of which have been confiscated or sold. Additionally, countless thousands of Turkish settlers and troops have inhabited the Northern territory since the Turkish invasion, in violation of UN resolutions and the Geneva Convention, and within the occupied territory, freedom of religion has been curtailed. Mr. Speaker, I hope that progress can be made and diplomacy wins out to allow the reunification of Cyprus. In 2008, a wall that divided portions of Cyprus had been razed. That wall was seen as a symbol of the island's long-standing division. With luck, further headway can be made.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the people of Prophetstown, Illinois, on the one year anniversary of the tragic fire that destroyed over half of their historic downtown. The massive fire destroyed eight buildings and damaged two others in a blaze that took two dozen first responders hours to put out. While this fire was devastating, seeing the people of Prophetstown come together in its aftermath has been truly inspiring. They rallied together behind the town slogan ``Prophetstown Strong'' and worked together to support the individuals and businesses who were impacted by this tragedy. On July 15, they will again come together to recognize the first responders who saved a woman's life one year ago and to break ground for a new building in their historic downtown. I am honored to recognize the people of Prophetstown today and to represent them in Congress each and every day. They truly demonstrate the best of what a community can accomplish by working together.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Union Dairy of Freeport, Illinois, on the occasion of their 100th Anniversary. Union Dairy started as a partnership between Albert J. Hill and Conrad F. Kaiser who had been delivering milk to customers across town. They began producing ice cream in 1934. Many of their original flavors were created by their early employees, including Orange Pudding, which is still a favorite today. Over the past 100 years, Union Dairy has excelled at providing good old fashioned American treats and delights to its loyal customers. They still offer classic ice cream soda, a traditional treat that you don't see every day. Over its history, Union Dairy has produced as much as one hundred thousand gallons of ice cream in a year, and sold as much as six hundred gallons of ice cream per week. Today, Union Dairy, in addition to their long-established offerings, also prepares standard fare that is anything but. With a focus on local ingredients, they serve hamburgers ground fresh daily from a local family owned butcher shop and Freeport's own Mrs. Mikes potato chips. Mr. Speaker, I again want to recognize Union Dairy on this notable event, and am glad that places like this exist, helping to bring smiles to faces of people throughout our community.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember and celebrate the life and service of former United States Senator to the State of Illinois, Alan J. Dixon, who recently passed away at his home in Fairview Heights, Illinois, on Sunday, July 6, 2014, one day short of his 87th birthday. Sen. Dixon, born in Belleville, Illinois, on July 7, 1927, led a life dedicated to service to the great State of Illinois and to our nation. He received his bachelor's degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and his law degree from Washington University in St. Louis. He also served our nation in the Navy Air Corps during World War II. Sen. Dixon began his political career as a member of the Illinois House of Representatives, for which he served from 1951 to 1963. He followed that by serving as a member of the Illinois State Senate from 1963 to 1971. In 1970 he was elected Illinois State Treasurer and then Illinois Secretary of State from 1976 until 1981. In 1981, Sen. Dixon took office as the U.S. Senator from Illinois, a position he held until 1993. Sen. Alan Dixon, who served the State of Illinois for more than four decades, was known as someone who got along with everyone. He happily would work with his colleagues across the aisle in order to get things done, a characteristic that is in short supply today. He also was recognized for his hard work, honesty, and gentlemanly conduct. Following his career as a public servant, Sen. Dixon returned to practice law with the Bryan Cave law firm in St. Louis. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to again commemorate the life and service of Senator Alan J. Dixon. I am very grateful for his service to our State and Nation. His passing weighs especially heavy on my family and I, as my father had the distinct honor to serve as his Chief of Staff for 23 years. Sen. Dixon is survived by his wife, Jody, three children, eight grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. It is my hope that I can live up to the example he has set forth as a statesman.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the achievements and community work of Deveraux and Kristie Hubbard, of Peoria, IL. Deveraux and his wife Kristie have been and continue to be invaluable members of their community, and for their hard work and dedication, they have fittingly been honored at the annual Boy Scouts of America, W. D. Boyce Council, Whitney M. Young reception on June 29, 2014. Extremely active throughout their communities in other capacities, Deveraux and Kristie have prioritized their work with our local youth and their dedication to the local Boy Scout troop is to be admired. The Boy Scouts of America is one of the nation's largest and most prominent values-based youth development organizations. Scouting is unique and provides young men with opportunities and structure they may otherwise never experience. Mr. Speaker, I'd like to thank the Hubbard family for their years of dedicated service to the greater Peoria community. They have truly been a catalyst for change and growth in the community. I am delighted to recognize their achievements and pleased to know they are not alone in their dedication to our youth and community development.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to speak in support of the Voting Rights Amendment Act. This is a critical piece of bipartisan legislation in response to the Supreme Court's ruling, Shelby County v. Holder, that was handed down exactly 1 year ago this week. This decision undid critical voting protections that have proven effective over the years and that Congress has reauthorized as early as 2006. The Voting Rights Amendment will do several things, among them: enhance the power of Federal courts to stop discriminatory voting changes from being implemented, create new nationwide transparency requirements that help keep communities informed about voting changes in their community, and continue the Federal observer program that combats racial discrimination at the polls. Voter discrimination is not just a problem of the past but is very much alive today. In fact, since the 2013 decision, there have been 10 voting changes across the country that have raised concerns about voting discrimination. As Representatives in a democratic government, we have a duty to prevent voter discrimination and make sure that every citizen's voice is heard.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Mr. Speaker, I have a motion to recommit.