Cheri Bustos

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Bennett Glessner, Dustin Goderis, and Elijah Medina of the Moline High School Bass Fishing Team on winning the Illinois High School Association's State Bass Fishing Competition. This is their second time achieving this honor. The team won the state title with a fish that was 20 pounds, 3 ounces. As a former student athlete, I admire the Moline High School Bass Fishing team's patience and determination. I am proud that this team represents Moline so well throughout the state. It is because of the hard-working student leaders such as those on the Moline High School Bass fishing team that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate the Moline High School Bass fishing team for their state title win.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Officer Joe Luna, who is retiring from the Galesburg Police Department after 26 years of service. Since becoming an officer over two decades ago, Officer Luna has been an honorable steward of the city of Galesburg and a dedicated public servant. As a detective, he investigated cases leading to criminal prosecution, and as Galesburg School District 205's School Resource Officer, he was an invaluable member of the community. Anyone who has walked the halls of Galesburg High School understands the impact Officer Luna had on students of all backgrounds. During his tenure, he kept our children safe, listened to their stories, offered advice, and was an ever-friendly face to every student without reservation. It is because of determined and compassionate leaders such as Officer Luna that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to, again, formally congratulate Officer Joe Luna on his well-deserved retirement and thank him for his 26 years of service to our community.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Annie Wirth and her relay team for winning the Illinois High School Association State Title. Addison Pischke ran a strong first leg and passed the baton to Alison Bowers. Bowers handed the baton to third leg Annie Wirth, and the Leafs were in the lead. Wirth increased the lead slightly and when the baton came to Ali Rapps, she increased the lead and finished in 1:42.55, nearly two seconds ahead of the rest of the field. The team captured a state title in the relay and shattered the previous school record of 1:43.85. As a former athlete, I commend the determination and drive of these young women. They are a bright example of the importance of team dedication and strong work ethic. I am proud to see them represent their community so well throughout the state and the country with their dedication and passion. It is because of student leaders like them that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate Annie Wirth and the relay team for their accomplishment.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the bipartisan infrastructure package. We have heard the stories of cracked roads, crumbling bridges, flooded farm fields, even kids doing homework from fast food restaurants so they can glom onto the internet access. Sadly, this isn't the exception. It is the status quo, and it is time to fix it. In my corner of Illinois, 1 in 10 bridges is classified as structurally deficient, 1 in 3 roads is rated in poor or mediocre condition, and 1 in 4 households don't have internet access of any kind. Our communities deserve much better than this. Americans deserve much better than this. Now is the time to think boldly in this once-in-a-generation investment in rebuilding America. Now is the time to create millions of good-paying union jobs. Now is the time to lay the foundation for the economic opportunity for years to come. There is plenty of work left to do. But if we do it together, we can get it done.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Rev. Dr. Melvin L. Grimes for celebrating 50 years as a Pastor and Minister. Melvin Grimes is the Pastor of Tabernacle Baptist Church as well as Executive Director of Churches United of the Quad City Area. Churches United serves hundreds of thousands of local residents each year by bringing together an ecumenical coalition of Quad City area churches to help feed the hungry, offer emergency assistance to those in crisis; and provide transitional housing for women and children victims of domestic violence or human trafficking. By growing this church and its programs to help the needy, Melvin has made a profound impact in the Quad Cities communities throughout the years, and I commend him for his service not only as a pastor and leader, but also as a community member who cares deeply about other people. It is because of strong community leaders such as Rev. Dr. Melvin L. Grimes that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally recognize Rev. Dr. Melvin L. Grimes for his 50 years of service to the community and the church.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate EP!C's 70th Birthday of empowering and inspiring people with disabilities through the services and support they provide to the community. EP!C offers a range of programs and services to help individuals with disabilities with educational, residential, employment, and care-taking resources. EP!C was founded in 1950, and began as a group of Peoria- area parents who wanted to provide their special needs children with education and opportunity. These parents decided to open a school in 1957, and what started out as an organization to help 10 children has now helped over 600 individuals with intellectual disabilities, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, autism, epilepsy, and other intellectual or developmental disabilities. I commend EP!C for its work in the Peoria community, and I thank the management and staff for their dedication to helping people with intellectual disabilities. It is because of strong organizations such as EP!C that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate EP!C on its 70th Birthday.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize MaKenna Peed of Kewanee High School for winning four gold medals for Track in the IHSA State Competition. MaKenna competed in the 100 meters (41.12 seconds), 200 meters (1:32.09), shot put (2.23 meters), and discus (5.28 meters), winning gold in all four events. She is also the first Kewanee High School athlete to medal in the Athletes with Disabilities Division. As a former student athlete, I admire and appreciate MaKenna's hard work and dedication to track. I am proud that she represented Kewanee High School and the community exceptionally well throughout the state. It is because of student leaders such as MaKenna that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would once again like to congratulate MaKenna Peed on her success in Track while competing at the state level.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Julia Finazzo of Galena, Illinois, for winning the Long Jump at the IHSA State Championships. Julia Finazzo competed in the IHSA State Competition at Eastern Illinois University in the 100, 200, long jump and 4x100 meter relay. Finazzo finished first place in the long jump event, jumping 18 feet, which broke her own record. She also anchored the winning 4x100 meter relay, which set a program record with a winning time of 50.46. As a former student athlete, I admire and appreciate Julia's hard work and dedication to track. I am proud that she has represented the Galena community exceptionally well throughout the state. It is because of student leaders such as Julia that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would once again like to congratulate Julia Finazzo on her success in Track while competing at the state level.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Olympic Tavern for its 75th anniversary of serving the Rockford area. Anthony Rotella founded The Olympic Tavern in 1945 when he returned from serving overseas in the U.S. Armed Forces. As a cook in the U.S. Marines, he figured he could use his knowledge and experience to open a restaurant, which has become a staple in the Rockford community for the last 75 years. Zak Rotello, Anthony's grandson, currently runs the restaurant and has maintained 95 percent of his pre-pandemic staff during the last year. Zak credits his father, Tom, his grandfather, Anthony, and their staff, for keeping the doors open for all these years, always providing great service and great food. I commend the Olympic Tavern and its team of management and staff, who commit every day to serve the public. It is because of strong community business leaders such as Zak Rotello of the Olympic Tavern that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate the Olympic Tavern on its 75th Anniversary.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Y Quad Cities Row team for winning their 7th straight title at the national level. The Y Quad Cities Row team consisting of Ava Satterfield, Olivia Meskan, Ella Saunders and Elizabeth Tessen finished first in the girl's quadruple sculls, winning their 7th consecutive national title. Their historic reign began in 2014 but suddenly came to a halt as the pandemic hit Illinois. The Y Quad Cities Row team is the first team ever in the history of the event to place 1st and 2nd. As a former athlete, I understand the amount of hard work and commitment it takes to pull off such an amazing feat. I am proud there is such young talent in our district, and happy to see them represent the Quad Cities so well throughout the state and country. It is because of student leaders such as Ava, Olivia, Ella, and Elizabeth that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally recognize them for winning their 7th consecutive national title in rowing.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mattie Kindelsperger, a senior at Sherrard High School, who won the Illinois High School Association's Class 1A state championship in the 3200-meter run. Mattie beat her qualifying time by twelve seconds to win the state championship with a time of 11:19.93. As a former student athlete, I understand the time that goes into being awarded such a title, and I applaud Mattie's persistence and hard work to archive her goals. I am proud to see her represent Sherrard exceptionally well throughout the state. It is because of student leaders such as Mattie that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate Mattie Kindelsperger on her state championship, and I join the entire Sherrard community in wishing her every success in the future.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Rockridge High School Chorus Department for taking 1st place in the IHSA Class B Music Sweepstakes. The IHSA Music Sweepstakes is an annual competition that judges solo and ensemble performances based on tone, technique, performance, creativity and other metrics. The exceptional performances secured Rockridge's sixth State Championship in the last ten years. It gives me great pleasure to see these students thriving both in school and with their peers despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is because of talented and determined individuals such as these students that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate the Rockridge High School Chorus Department on being named Class B State Champions. I commend their hard work and perseverance, and I am very proud to be their Representative.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mercado on Fifth for its effort in aiding small businesses and fostering cultural pride in the Quad Cities. The organization received the 2020 Governor's Hometown Project Award for the incredible work they have done in the community. Every Friday evening, Mercado on Fifth hosts market events where families come from all around the Quad Cities to enjoy Latin food, music and art. These inclusive events bring neighbors together to celebrate culture and community in the Quad Cities. Additionally, Mercado has served as a resource for aspiring entrepreneurs by offering free small business workshops in partnership with the Illinois Small Business Development Center at Western Illinois University. These events also host several nonprofit organizations that have provided educational and outreach materials to local families. I want to thank and honor Mercado on Fifth for their commitment to bringing people together and for their continued service to the Moline community. It is because of community organizations like Mercado on Fifth that make me proud to represent Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally honor Mercado on Fifth for being awarded the 2020 Governor's Hometown Project Award for their efforts in the community.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Reginald ``Reg'' Pohlman on his retirement as a Police Officer from the Carrollton Police Department. Reg joined the Carrollton Police Department on January 7, 1991 and dedicated over 30 years in service to the Carrollton community first as a police officer, before being promoted to Assistant Chief. Reg received both the distinguished Medal of Honor and Officer of the Year award during his time at the police department. Reg spent much of his time announcing, coaching and serving as an outstanding community advocate. He enjoys coaching and said it ``keeps him young.'' He served as an assistant coach to his brother, Greg Pohlman, for high school sports, including baseball. Reg has always been generous with his time and when the community needed something, he was always willing to help. I want to thank Reg for his dedication to his community and as a former athlete, I appreciate his kindness and generosity. It is because of leaders such as Reginald ``Reg'' Pohlman that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate Reg Pohlman on his retirement.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the TBK Quad Cities Marathon for bringing together thousands of athletes, volunteers and speculators to the Moline region. The event was selected as a winner of the 2020 Governor's Hometown Project Award for the positive impact it had in the community. The TBK Quad Cities Marathon, a USATF certified course and great Boston Marathon qualifier, offers some of the most beautiful views of the Mississippi River. The 26.2 mile run covers four cities and two states in the Quad Cities region. Run by more than 1,400 volunteers, it is a weekend full of activities that celebrates the accomplishments of these dedicated runners. I applaud the TBK Quad Cities Marathon for their philanthropic work and showcasing the very best of the Moline community. I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District with community leaders like TBK Quad Cities Marathon. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally honor the TBK Quad Cities Marathon for their contributions to the community and to congratulate them for receiving the 2020 Governor's Hometown Project Award.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Natalia Moreno, a senior from Winnebago High School, who won the Illinois High School Association's Class 1A title in the 1600 meter run. Natalia earned the state championship by 18 seconds, with a personal record time of 5:05:45. As a former student athlete, I admire Natalia's hard work and determination. She is an excellent example of the importance of commitment and persistence. Natalia has represented Winnebago High School and her community exceptionally well throughout the state. It is because of student leaders such as Natalia that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate Natalia Moreno on her state championship, and I join the rest of the community in wishing her success in her future endeavors.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Stockton High School Choral and Instrumental Music Department for taking 1st place in the IHSA Class C Music Sweepstakes. The IHSA Music Sweepstakes is an annual competition that judges solo and ensemble performances based on tone, technique, performance, creativity and other metrics. The exceptional performance of the students secured Stockton's first Class C State Championship, having already won seven Class D Championships over the last ten years. It gives me great pleasure to see these students thriving in school and with their peers despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is because of driven and dedicated individuals such as these students that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate the Stockton High School Choral and Instrumental Music Department on being named Class C State Champions. I commend their hard work and perseverance, and I am very proud to be their Representative.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker in 2016, my deputy chief of staff, Kate Jennings, first joined our office. After working with political greats like then-Senator Barack Obama and Senator Dick Durbin, our team was lucky that Kate would be bringing her passion and her dedication to our work. Over the next 5-plus years, there would not be one day when Kate didn't put the people who we serve at the very heart of everything she did. When COVID-19 hit Illinois last year, our office learned of a family sheltering in a hotel, unable to feed themselves or feed their children. So in the middle of this spreading pandemic, what did Kate do? She put herself at risk, went to the grocery, packed a box full of food, and delivered it to the door at the hotel where this family was sheltering so the children would not go hungry. And every year, Kate would take Valentines to our veterans to make sure that they knew that they were appreciated and that they were loved. She would travel thousands of miles across our vast Congressional district, and was unwavering in her hard work for all 14 counties in our district. She never tired and always worked to lift up the voices of the people that were fortunate enough to be able to serve. Madam Speaker, Kate recently began her next chapter, and our entire team and our office and I wish her well on her new adventure. This week, as we continue to strive to always deliver for the people, I can think of no better celebration than to thank the person who spent nearly 2,000 days in our office putting the people we serve first. Madam Speaker, I thank Kate for her dedicated service, her hard work, and her friendship for so many years. Everyone on our team knows that she will continue to deliver for the people of Illinois.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise to support the Social Determinants Accelerator Act. The community that lives in the 61605 ZIP Code in Peoria, Illinois, is vibrant and beautiful, but they face significant challenges. It is one of the most distressed ZIP Codes in the entire Nation, a food desert. And soon its only pharmacy will shut their doors, leaving them with fewer options for basic healthcare. Each of these factors can have a big impact on the health of every person in the community. All 14 of the counties in the district that I serve face healthcare provider shortages. Half of those counties face provider shortages for mental, physical, and dental healthcare. That is why I introduced the Social Determinants Accelerator Act, to empower our local communities to address the day-to-day factors that affect their lives. Today, the Energy and Commerce Committee heard my bill. I thank Chairman Pallone for his leadership on this issue. I urge my colleagues to support it because communities like 61605 in Peoria, Illinois, deserve better.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of efforts to build back our care economy. I recently toured a place called Lifescape in Rockford, Illinois, where I met a woman named Miss Selma. Miss Selma lives with her daughter and her granddaughter, and she has three generations under one roof. Three generations where she was the major caretaker for many years. About a decade ago she had a stroke, and so now her daughter has to take care of her. But she has to go to work also. So it is places like Lifescape that help families get back to work so they can make sure that their loved ones are cared for while they also make a living. The global pandemic put a spotlight on the need to invest in our care economy and places like Lifescape. Because of the CARES Act, Lifescape expanded their home meal delivery service by 800 meals every single day and allowed for the care of people like Miss Selma. As we continue to negotiate an infrastructure package, we need to invest in our care economy in order to get our national economy back in place.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the transformation that the American Rescue Plan has made in all of our communities. A week or so back, I traveled to a town called Kewanee, Illinois, to visit our Head Start classrooms there. There was a teacher named Miss Candice, who told me that she loves her job. But she doesn't stay for the pay, she doesn't stay for the benefits, but for the families. Miss Candice has a student in her class, and before that student, she had that student's siblings. All of the siblings in that family had passed through her classroom. She feels that she has helped this family grow up. And she has. The American Rescue Plan isn't just about the numbers, though. It is about the 143,000 children in the district I serve who will be helped, the 27 million children nationwide. Child poverty cut in half. We are rebuilding our communities all over this great country, and we can't stop now. We can keep rebuilding with the American Jobs and Families Act. Today and together, we can make this a once-in-a century investment in our families, the future of our children, and our Nation. Let's make sure teachers like Miss Candice can continue helping our families.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Mr. Speaker, I thank Congresswoman Demings for putting this together. We are grateful to her. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize National Police Week. I stand here today with my heart full of gratitude, gratitude for the brave police officers who saved our lives, who saved the lives of the staff who were here on January 6, who saved our Nation from suffering further harm at the hands of those who would see our democracy destroyed. It was January 6, and many of us stood on this floor. I was with many of the people here today that afternoon when the armed mob broke into our Nation's Capitol and threatened us, targeted us, hunted us. The moment they reached that door right there, the one just a few rows back, and began to shatter the glass on that door, there was just a handful of police officers who bravely stood in their way. It was in that moment that my thoughts were as a mother, as a daughter, as a citizen. Thoughts of legislation and budgets and parliamentary rules were not on my mind. What I wanted to do that day, and those of us who were on the floor that day, we just wanted to live. But it was our Capitol Police officers who stood up, stepped up, and fought back that mob. They protected all of us that day. They put their lives on the line. One even made the ultimate sacrifice to keep us and to keep our democracy safe. It wasn't until after those terrifying moments, when we reached a secure room, that I saw a text from my husband, who is the sheriff of Rock Island County, where we live and have lived for 30-plus years. He reminded me that the Capitol Police were there to protect us, and to listen to them. He could not have been more right. Shortly after that day, after we returned to the Chamber where our lives had been in jeopardy, I shared my experiences. Here is what I wrote: ``I feel sure that the Capitol Police saved countless lives. I don't think that America yet fully comprehends just how close we came to seeing Members of the U.S. House and the U.S. Senate kidnapped, held hostage, or perhaps even murdered. That mob had lethal intent.'' But it is because of our Capitol Police, because they risked their lives, because Brian Sicknick gave his life, that I could walk through that door and stand here on this floor today and speak to you. I speak with gratitude. Earlier this year, I was proud to vote to pass a bill awarding the Capitol Police a Congressional Gold Medal. It is my hope that the Senate will pass this legislation soon. But, today, I am so proud to be able to stand here to recognize National Police Week, a week to say thank you and to recognize those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. This year, 394 names were added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. Thank you to those 394 officers. Thank you to the nine Illinois police officers whose lives were part of that list. And as the wife of a sheriff, let me say that 394 is too many, and 9 is too many. Thank you to my husband of--35 years? I am sorry; I think that is right, Gerry, if you are watching. Thank you to my husband. He has been in law enforcement for 38 years. I do know that number. Thank you for his service to our community and his career in law enforcement. Thank you to the men and women in law enforcement who sacrifice and serve and protect others every single day.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I was unable to vote on the Legislative Day of April 19, 2021. For the purposes of supporting human rights around the world, had I been present for the roll call vote H. Res. 130--Condemning the continued violation of rights and freedoms of the people of Hong Kong by the People's Republic of China and the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative, I would have cast the following vote: Roll Call 121: Yea

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I was unable to vote on the Legislative Day of April 19, 2021. For public safety reasons, had I been present for the roll call vote H.R. 1996--SAFE Banking Act of 2021, I would have cast the following vote: Roll Call 120: Yea.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support H.R. 1868. I know we have talked this morning about the importance of the bill protecting Medicare. I want to talk with you for a couple of minutes here about its protection of farm supports and other direct spending as it pertains to our family farmers. As chair of the Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk Management, this bill will protect critical resources like the Commodity Credit Corporation, resources that our family farmers depend on now more than ever. There are nearly 2 million farmers across our Nation. In the district that I serve, we have close to 10,000 family farms. But throughout our Nation, there is no farm that isn't touched by the Commodity Credit Corporation, not one American farmer who wouldn't be impacted by these cuts. In the district I serve, those close to 10,000 family farmers would have fewer resources if this were to happen and would face challenges as they try to pay their bills and put food on the table. The truth is, our family farmers have seen an onslaught of challenges for years, each year worse than the one before it: extreme weather conditions; devastated crops; unstable and uncertain trade markets that held back exports and economic growth; and throughout the past year, a global pandemic that has left many of our farmers ravaged, even as they kept fighting for fellow Americans, to keep them fed. COVID-19 has impacted all of us. But, thankfully, we have never truly seen empty store shelves. We have our American farmers to thank for that. We have our American farmers to thank for the stable food supply and for the certainty that, even after years of challenges, even at the height of this worldwide crisis, our American farmers have had our backs. Now, it is time for us to have theirs. A vote against this bill is a vote to cut farm funding. I urge my colleagues to vote to protect our family farmers and vote ``yes'' on this critical bill.