Cheri Bustos

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Rockridge High School Girls Softball team for their win at the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) State Championships. The unbeaten Rockridge Rockets won 64 games before competing in IHSA State Championship game. The ladies took a chance on their winning streak and came back from a 4-0 deficit with grit and determination. The Rockridge Rockets are the first team in IHSA history to finish as undefeated State Champions in back-to-back seasons. The team never gave up and accomplished a goal they set out for themselves at the beginning of the season. As a former athlete, I commend their hard work and dedication to their team. The Rockets athletic success is remarkable. I am incredibly proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District and student-athletes. Madam Speaker, I would like to formally congratulate the Rockridge Rockets again on winning the Illinois High School Association 2A State Championships for Softball.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Annie Wirth, a junior from Geneseo High School, who won first place at the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) State Championship in Long Jump. Annie's win at the IHSA Girls Track and Field State Championship can be summed up by shattered records and a team trophy. With the bar set at 5 feet, 10 inches, Annie began her attempt with a slight jump before sprinting at the bar and bending around it nearly six feet in the air. She knew that jump would set a new record, and the height of the jump was the tallest out of any of the three classes. Annie medaled again after a 17-foot, 7\3/4\ leap, placing third in that competition. She also placed fifth in the 300m hurdles, running 45.35 in the rain. As a former athlete, I commend Annie for her dedication to her team and to her sport and am proud of how far that has taken her. Annie's athletic success is remarkable. I am incredibly proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District and student-athletes like Annie Wirth. Madam Speaker, I would like to formally congratulate Annie Wirth again, the Illinois High School Association State Champion in Long Jump.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Alice Sotelo, a junior from Sterling High School who won the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Class 2A State Triple Jump title. Alice won the 2A State Title in the triple jump with a final clearance distance of 11.36 meters, setting a new school record. It was also her fourth time setting a new school record in the last month. As a former athlete, I commend her for her determination and attitude. Alice is an example of the importance of dedication and a strong work ethic. I am proud to see her represent Sterling so well throughout the state and the country with her talent and passion. It is because of student leaders such as Alice that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate Alice Sotelo on her Class 2A State Title in the triple jump.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Matthew Marcum, a Senior from Rock Falls Township High School, who won the Illinois High School Association's Class 2A State Champion in the 300-meter hurdles, running a 39.59 at the state final. Although Matthew began the race for the championship on the wrong foot, he managed to finish his final year at Rock Falls as a State Champion. He posted the fastest time in IHSA's Class 2A State Boys Track & Field prelims at 39.73 seconds for the 300-meter hurdles. Matthew had qualified for state finals in the 300 hurdles last year as well, placing sixth in a very tight race. After reaching the state final again as a senior, he was determined to go out on top. In this year's 2A State Championship, he ran even faster, running a 39.59 on his way to a state championship. As a former athlete, I appreciate the fortitude Matthew displayed to achieve his dream of being a state champion and commend him for his determination and attitude. Matthew 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 so well throughout the state. It is because of student leaders such as Matthew that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate Matthew Marcum a 2A State Champion in the 300-meter hurdles.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Andrew Lister, a teacher from Orion High School, for receiving the Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching from the Golden Apple Foundation. The Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching recognizes and honors our most outstanding teachers for the positive and lasting impact they have on our students' lives and our community as a whole. Mr. Lister is one of 10 award recipients in Illinois--selected out of 400 nominations of 9 through 12 grade teachers. I'm so glad to see Mr. Lister recognized for inspiring students at Orion High School and his overall contributions to the Orion community. It is because of committed and honorable educators such as Mr. Lister that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate Andrew Lister for receiving the Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Chad Schmidt of Nutrien Ag Solutions, an agricultural business that was honored by achieving a national certification from the ResponsibleAg Certification Program. ResponsibleAg is a non-profit organization founded in 2014 to promote public welfare. It is a successful voluntary initiative that provides a comprehensive assessment of agricultural facilities that store and handle farm input supplies such as fertilizer, crop protection products, seed, and fuel. Certification requires that a facility meet stringent regulatory-based criteria, implement industry leading safety and security measures, and uphold facility safety as one of its highest priorities. Nutrien Ag Solutions provides full-acre solutions through a network of trusted crop consultants at more than 1,700 global locations. They help growers achieve the highest yields with the most sustainable solutions possible, offering a wide selection of crop seed, protection and nutrition that help farmers across the world. It is because of industry leaders such as Chad that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate Chad Schmidt and Nutrien Ag Solutions on receiving national certification from the ResponsibleAg Certification Program.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate City of Galesburg Firefighter Haley Stevenson on being sworn in as the first female firefighter in the history of the Galesburg Fire Department. Growing up in Galesburg, Illinois, Haley Stevenson was enamored with the prospect of one day becoming a firefighter. Her father, retired Galesburg Fire Department Deputy Chief Brad Stevenson, was her role model, an admirable individual who served with honor. As she progressed through life, she continued to apply herself with diligence as she strived toward this goal, despite the Department never having had a female firefighter before her. On May 2, 2022, that changed when Stevenson was sworn into the Galesburg Fire Department at 22 years old. Firefighter Stevenson's father taught her how to pass the written test and oral interview. She also handily passed the physical agility test on her way to fulfilling her lifelong dream. Firefighter Stevenson is a trailblazer. Her presence in the Department will serve as a constant reminder to her peers and community to be unafraid of breaking barriers. It is because of selfless leaders such as Firefighter Haley Stevenson that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to, again, formally recognize Firefighter Haley Stevenson on being sworn in as the first female firefighter in Galesburg Fire Department history.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the Rock Island Arsenal's 160th Anniversary. The Rock Island Arsenal is a major Army installation and a home to more than 80 organizations that provide important products and services to our Armed Forces. The arsenal is a prominent employer in the Rock Island area with over 6,000 military, civilian and contractor personnel. The Rock Island Arsenal was established in 1862 by an Act of Congress, with a mission to deliver base support and enhance readiness for a globally-responsive Army. Major Charles P. Kingsbury was the first Commanding Officer of the Rock Island Arsenal and during his tenure he located and designed three buildings for the arsenal. The second officer to command the arsenal was Brevet Brigadier General Thomas J. Rodman, also called the ``Father of Rock Island Arsenal,'' who redesigned the arsenal on a much grander scale. After his passing in 1871, Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Flagler oversaw the construction of much of the arsenal buildings. It is because of vital organizations such as the Rock Island Arsenal that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally celebrate the Rock Island Arsenal's 160th Anniversary.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Rock Island High School boys' head basketball coach Marc Polite for being named ``Coach of the Year'' for 2022 by the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association. When Marc began coaching at Rock Island High School, he decided he wanted to build a strong and solid team both on and off the court. The student-athletes that he coaches are able to set academic, athletic, personal, and professional goals, and play basketball while having fun. And just one year into his coaching career at Rock Island High School, coaches from across the State of Illinois voted Marc ``Coach of the Year.'' As a former athlete, I appreciate Marc's dedication to his team, and I commend him for receiving this honor from the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association. It is because of community leaders like Marc Polite that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate Marc Polite for being named ``Coach of the Year'' by the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Emily Bear on her Grammy Award for ``Best Musical Theater Album.'' A graduate of Guilford High School, 20-year-old Emily Bear is a native of Rockford, Illinois. Since graduating in 2017, she has released numerous albums, scored major films with Warner Brothers and has performed at internationally renowned settings, such as the Lincoln Center, the Hollywood Bowl and Carnegie Hall. This year, Emily won her first Grammy Award with Abigail Barlow for Best Musical Theater Album for ``The Unofficial Bridgerton Musical.'' Last year, Emily and Abigail began the project inspired by the popular Netflix series by going through the show's plot as if it were a musical. With her hard work, Emily has turned a viral social media sensation into a Grammy Award. Madam Speaker, I am proud to congratulate Emily Bear on her first Grammy Award and wish her much success in her life and career.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Robert Istad for receiving a Grammy Award for ``Best Choral Performance.'' Robert Istad is a native of Rockford, Illinois and a graduate of the Christian Life High School. Now a professor of Choral Studies and a conductor at Cal State Fullerton, Robert's passion for music has become a fulfilling career. This year, Robert won a Grammy Award for ``Best Choral Performance'' for his work on the classical piece Mahler Symphony Number 8, Symphony of a Thousand. It is the first Grammy Award for Robert and his renowned choir, the resident chorus at Segerstrom Center for the Arts. Madam Speaker, I am proud to, again, formally congratulate Robert Istad on his first Grammy Award, and wish him much success in his life and career.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Caleb Batson, the seventh and eighth grade girls' basketball coach at Abingdon-Avon Middle School, who was named a Coach of the Year by the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association. The 2021-2022 season was Caleb's second as a coach at Abingdon-Avon Middle School. Both the seventh and eighth grade teams went 19-3 overall, with the 7th grade team winning the Class 3A sectional championship, and the 8th grade team winning the Class 3A regional title. Caleb is no stranger to developing young talent. In 2016 Caleb joined Monmouth College's men's basketball coaching staff, where, in 2018, he helped the Fighting Scots win the Midwest Conference regular season championship and the Midwest Conference tournament, giving Monmouth its first NCAA Division III Tournament berth since 1990. As a former athlete, I commend Caleb for his determination and hard work. Caleb has shown us all the importance of dedication and a strong work ethic. I am proud to see him represent our community so well throughout the state and the country with his talent and passion. It is because of leaders such as Caleb that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate Caleb Batson on being named a Coach of the Year by the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Judy Krause, former Winnebago High School girls' basketball head coach, for retiring with a historic and successful career. Coach Krause began her career as head coach with the Winnebago girls' basketball team 33 years ago. Krause's impressive career comes to an end with 18 regional titles, four sectional championships, three super- sectional titles, a third-place state finish in 1992, and a runner-up finish in 2022. In total, she's accumulated 598 wins and 332 losses as head coach. Speaking to her success, Coach Krause was inducted into the IBCA Hall of Fame in 2017 and was recently named the IBCA Coach of the Year for Class 2A for the seventh time in a row. She was also nominated for overall coach of the year. Madam Speaker, I would like to thank the Winnebago High School girls' basketball head coach, Judy Krause, for her 33 years coaching the Winnebago High School girls' basketball team and congratulate her on her retirement after a highly successful career.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise to speak enthusiastically in support of my bill, the Ending Forced Arbitration of Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Act. Five years ago, The Washington Post published a story that shocked me to my core. Madam Speaker, 69,000 women were suing Sterling, Inc., for sexual harassment, sexual assault, and sexual discrimination. Sterling is the parent company of Kay and Jared Jewelers. And, yes, I did say 69,000. I had to double-check that over and over--not 69, not 6,900--69,000 women. ``If you didn't do what he wanted with him, you wouldn't get your''-- preferred--``store or raise.'' That is what Sanya Douglas, a former employee, testified. ``A boozy, no-spouses-allowed `sex fest,' where attendance was mandatory and women were aggressively pursued, groped, and harassed.'' That is how meetings at the company were described. ``You were meat, being shopped.'' That is how a former employee described her workplace. Each story was more disturbing than the story before it: managers demanding sexual acts in exchange for employment benefits; company events where women were expected to undress publicly. In one story, a former employee attended an overnight meeting where she woke up with her underwear pushed down to her ankles, a manager raping her. This type of sexual perverseness in the workplace went on for years, and it all stayed secret. And the reason for that secrecy? Because of one single legal clause hidden deep down in these women's employment paperwork, a clause that says if a claim arises between an employer and an employee, it must go to arbitration, and taking a case like this to court is prohibited. My bill would make it illegal to enforce agreements that mandate third-party arbitration, which is a type of legal dispute resolution that is conducted behind closed doors and often favors the employer. Seems simple, right? Well, that one tiny clause protected a company of abusers and silenced those 69,000 women just at Sterling, Inc. That is just one single company we are talking about. But the stories go on, and the bad actors aren't just at workplaces. While 60 million--that is 60 million--Americans are working under these forced arbitration clauses through their employers, the real number of people impacted by this incredibly common pitfall is huge. Many more millions of Americans have signed away their rights through property leases, ride-share applications, moving companies, nursing homes, grocery deliveries. That terms and conditions box that we have all simply checked off after downloading an app or hiring a service might just have an arbitration clause hiding in it, ready to strip away your right to go to court if you have been sexually harassed or sexually assaulted and you choose to go to court. While some companies have already eliminated this abusive practice-- thank you to them--it is time to do away with these legal traps for good. The Ending Forced Arbitration of Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Act will invalidate any forced arbitration clause in any contract or agreement in the case of sexual assault or harassment. And I am proud to say that my bill has widespread support among Republicans and Democrats over at the Senate and here at the House. I thank those that have helped us get here today. I thank Pramila Jayapal, Morgan Griffith, Ken Buck, David Cicilline, Chairman Nadler, Senators Gillibrand, Lindsey Graham and Dick Durbin, and our fearless champion on this, Gretchen Carlson. I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I look forward to the day when our sexual assault survivors can have their day in court.

Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I am a proud co-lead of the amendment with Ranking Member Ken Buck of Colorado. This amendment is the result of good faith negotiations on an issue raised by Republicans on the House Judiciary Committee during debate on my bill, the Ending Forced Arbitration of Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Act. We promised them that we would work to address those issues, and we did. I am glad we could reach an agreement to address their concerns about State and local laws. This amendment and the underlying bill are a testament to what we can accomplish when we listen to each other and trust that we are working toward a common goal. In this case, that goal is protecting survivors of sexual assault and harassment and giving them a choice on how to pursue justice. Madam Speaker, I thank Congressman Buck for offering this amendment and working with us to address the concerns of his colleagues. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this amendment.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in favor of the rule, which provides for consideration of my bill, the Ending Forced Arbitration of Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Act. This bill would simply void forced arbitration provisions as they apply to sexual assault and harassment claims, giving survivors the choice of how to pursue justice. It would allow sexual assault or harassment survivors to discuss their cases publicly if they would choose. And it would eliminate institutional protection for harassers and abusers. The rule also includes an amendment I co-led with Ranking Member Ken Buck of Colorado. This amendment was negotiated in good faith with Democrats and with Republicans to address concerns as my bill was debated in committee. We promised them that we would work together to address those issues, and we did. My bill has the support of Democrats and Republicans. It has support in the House and in the Senate. And passing the rule is the next step toward sending this bill to the President of the United States and having it become the law of the land. I urge my colleagues to support the rule.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Lena- Winslow High School football team for winning the IHSA State Championship for football. The Lena-Winslow Panthers beat the Carrollton Hawks 38-25 in the championship game of the IHSA Class 1A football playoffs. The Panthers added 2021 to their state championship titles of 2019, 2017, 2013, and 2010, making them five-time champions. Running back Marey Roby finished with 241 rushing yards and three touchdowns, leading the team to their 5th win. I am pleased to see the Lena-Winslow Panthers representing the Lena community state-wide and I congratulate them on their win at the state championship. It is because of leaders such as the Lena-Winslow Panthers that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate the Lena-Winslow football team on its win at the Class 1A IHSA State Championship for football.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Todd Gorman on his national win playing Hearthstone at the NJCAA Esports competition. Todd has been playing Hearthstone since 2015, and it is a game that involves strategy and skill to succeed. Hearthstone is a fast-paced, strategy-based computer card game in which players amass a collection of unique cards to build four decks of 20. Before each one-on-one match, both players can protect one of their decks and ban one of their opponent's decks. And then they play a best-of-five series. In the championship, he earned a 3-0 sweep over the runner-up from Bryant & Stratton. This season, he has won 21 of 25 rounds played. I am pleased to see Todd representing the Knoxville community nationally. I congratulate Todd on his win at the national championship, and I look forward to seeing what he accomplishes in the future. IT is because of leaders such as Todd Gorman that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate Todd Gorman on his winning of the NJCAA Esports National Championship.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Austin Huff on winning the Special Olympics State Bowling Championship. In the state championship, Austin bowled 89, 71, and 75 to win the gold. I am pleased to see Austin representing the Rock Island community in the Special Olympics. I congratulate Austin on his win at the state championship, and I commend him for his good sportsmanship and exciting win at the state championship. It is because of inspirational people such as Austin Huff that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate Austin Huff on his win at the Special Olympics State Bowling Championship.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 100th Birthday of World War II veteran and Peoria, Illinois resident Eleanor Henley. Born on January 2, 1922 in Kunkletown, Pennsylvania, Eleanor devoted her life to fighting for our country and helping others reach their potential. She enlisted in the Women's Army Corps in 1944, completing her basic training in Oglethorpe, Georgia. After stopping at different bases across the country for supplementary job and overseas trainings, she earned an assignment to the Army Air Force. Climbing aboard the troop transport ship, the Aquitania, she sailed across the Atlantic Ocean to join her fellow American soldiers at a base near Cambridge, England. She was a member of the 8th Air Force, better known as The Mighty Eighth. While stationed there, she typed and decoded messages as she helped provide intelligence to boost the Allies' efforts on the ground until Germany's surrender. She was then transferred to France and was eventually discharged as Sergeant Eleanor Henley, traveling back stateside on the Queen Mary. She married her husband, whom she met while serving, Conrad Stewart, soon after returning home. They were together for 63 years until his death, raising three children, 11 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Looking for new ways to continue serving her community, she graduated from Peabody College with a degree in education. She relocated to Illinois shortly thereafter and became a teacher in Peoria Public Schools District 150, where she mentored and uplifted students for 28 years. It is because of heroic, selfless, and trailblazing leaders such as Eleanor Henley that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to, again, formally celebrate Eleanor Henley on her 100th Birthday and thank her for her service to the United States of America.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Andrea Talentino, who has been named the ninth President in the rich, 161-year history of Augustana College located in Rock Island, Illinois. Her first day will be July 1, 2022. After earning a bachelor's degree from Yale University and doctorate from UCLA, Dr. Talentino has dedicated her professional career to helping our next generation prepare for the future. She perfected the art of teaching and mentored countless students as a member of faculty at Tulane University. Committed to becoming more versed in all aspects of higher education, Dr. Talentino developed her leadership administrative and supervisory skills as Associate Dean at Drew University and Dean of the College of Liberal Arts at Norwich University. Her proven work ethic and detail-oriented approach afforded her the opportunity to become Provost at Nazareth College, her most recent position. Dr. Talentino will strive to provide an all- encompassing and inclusive educational experience for the Augustana community. It is because of passionate and selfless leaders such as Dr. Andrea Talentino that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to, again, formally congratulate Dr. Andrea Talentino on being announced as the ninth President of Augustana College.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Geneseo High School principal, Travis Mackey, who is retiring from Geneseo Community Unit School District No. 228 after nearly 20 years at the end of 2021/ 2022 school year. Mr. Mackey has been an integral part of the fabric of the city of Geneseo since he arrived in 2001 after teaching math at Rock Island High School for nearly 8 years. Mr. Mackey's first role with Geneseo High School was athletic director, which he held for 16 years. In a city that is deeply passionate about their interscholastic athletics, Mr. Mackey quickly became a beloved figure in the Geneseo Community. He further cultivated the strong city-wide culture around the High School's sports teams and aided in making Maple Leafs sporting events a proud tradition. His work ethic and vigilant stewardship earned him a promotion in 2017, when he became principal of the High School. As the School's lead administrator, he helped position our children for future success, listened to their stories, offered advice, and strived to be a friendly face and voice to every student without reservation. It is because of compassionate and trailblazing leaders such as Travis Mackey that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to, again, formally congratulate Mackey on his retirement from Geneseo Community Unit School District No. 228 and thank him for his nearly 20 years of service to the city of Geneseo.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mark the beginning of my final year in Congress. Throughout my five terms, I have always made working families my number one priority. So, in my final year, what is at the top of my list to make sure that I am focusing on? Well, right now it is reinstating the child tax credit that just expired this month. Hardworking families who are just trying to get by have come to count on that support month to month since we passed that last year. Now, there are 71,000 families, just in the congressional district that I serve, who won't see that deposit into their bank account starting this month. So let's get to work. In Illinois, more than half of the children living in poverty don't have a seat in the pre-K classroom. So let's get to work. Parents across our Nation are spending a good chunk of their take- home pay for the childcare that they need in order to be able to go to work, and it is our job to help make that more affordable. So let's get to work. I have got 1 year left in Congress and so much to accomplish, so I say to my own staff, I say to myself, I say to everybody in this body, let's get to work.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Doug House, who is retiring as Deputy Secretary of the Illinois Department of Transportation after two and a half years of service. Throughout his life, in every action he has undertaken, Mr. House has selflessly served the public in pursuit of delivering a better Illinois. He has always been a fighter for meaningful change and produced real results for Illinoisans. His journey began in the Quad Cities region, when he graduated from Rockridge High School in Taylor Ridge, Illinois. Mr. House became a Staff Sergeant in the 182nd Airlift Wing of the Illinois Air National Guard in Peoria in 1980. He joined the 682nd Engineer Battalion of the U.S. Army Reserve in 1983, where he helped train heavy construction equipment operators to build roads until his honorable discharge in 1986. Mr. House's commitment to revitalize our state's infrastructure was only beginning and would stay with him over the next four decades. He oversaw the progress of many public works projects while presiding over the Illinois Chapter of the American Public Works Association. Mr. House, an advocate for workers' rights, was named to The Indiana, Illinois, Iowa Foundation for Fair Contracting as a construction analyst in 2016. In April 2019, he was hired as Deputy Secretary of the Illinois Department of Transportation. One of his proudest moments was being in Moline, Illinois on December 1, 2021 for the opening of the I-74 Bridge, which will symbolize the hard-working spirit of our region for generations to come. It is because of diligent and noble leaders such as Doug House that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate Doug House on his two and a half years of service as Deputy Secretary of the Illinois Department of Transportation.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Fourth Wall Films for receiving a MidAmerica Emmy Award for their short documentary, ``Over & Under: Wildlife crossings.'' The Emmy awarded film aired earlier this year on WQPT PBS which allowed viewing for many Illinoisans from the northwestern region, serving the Quad Cities. The Fourth Wall Films is a film and video production company from Moline, Illinois. The Fourth Wall Films serves the Northwestern region of Illinois and specializes in Midwestern Historical documentaries for public television broadcast and other streaming services. Other awards and accolades earned by Fourth Wall Films are eight mid- America Emmy nominations, video and television Telly Awards, film festival Best Documentary Awards, and abundant amounts of recognition for their excellence and outstanding skill in the film and television industry. It is because of the wonderful talent of the Fourth Wall Films that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate the Fourth Wall Films for receiving a Mid-America Emmy Award for their short documentary, ``Over & Under: Wildlife crossings.''