Cheri Bustos

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support the American Rescue Plan. Nearly 1 year ago, the first case of COVID-19 was confirmed in the district that I serve. Now, the virus has infected more than 100,000 people in my district. No family in our region, in our State, throughout our Nation has been left untouched. Our sense of urgency could not be stronger. The American Rescue Plan is an opportunity to deliver help. My corner of Illinois has thousands of small businesses struggling to keep their doors open, 113,000 kids who have yet to return to the classroom, and 150 towns in the congressional district I serve that need help to keep essential services running. Mr. Speaker, the bill would provide an estimated $27 million to Rock Island County, $55 million to Winnebago County, $35 million to Peoria County, and more than $85 million to the other 11 counties in between in the congressional district that I serve. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support and vote for the American Rescue Plan.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to thank the citizen soldiers and airmen of our National Guard for upholding their oath to the Constitution. Just 1 week after the attack on our Capitol, the inauguration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris was peaceful. That is thanks to the 26,700 National Guardsmen and -women who answered our Nation's call to serve at this moment of need. Their motto is ``Always Ready, Always There.'' During the past month, their actions have fully embodied that motto. Like Lieutenant Colonel John Bryk, who juggles his commitment to our Nation with his commitment to the students he serves in Orland Park School District in my home State of Illinois, he is one of more than nearly 1,000 Illinois Guardsmen and -women who have been deployed to Washington. There are still 500 here right now. I met with some of them this morning. I will meet with more of them tomorrow. Illinois' sons and daughters, who have chosen to serve and protect this government body and this sacred building, we are stronger for their sacrifice, and I thank them for their service.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize WHBF-TV for being named 2020 Medium Market TV Station of the Year by the Illinois Broadcasters Association. The Illinois Broadcasters Association is the leading advocate for the broadcast industry in Illinois and is engaged in shaping public policy to create a positive legislative and regulatory environment for its members. They award TV stations who are the best at what they do, and they have named WHBF-TV the best of the medium market TV stations in Illinois. As a former journalist, I understand the importance of local media and the prestige carried by this award. I commend WHBF-TV for the work that they do to inform the public and create a positive work environment. It is because of community leaders such as WHBF-TV that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate WHBF-TV for receiving the 2020 Medium Market TV Station of the Year Award.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Moline Public Library for its work with people with disabilities. The library received an award from the American Library Association for their efforts--becoming the only library in North America to win in this category. The Moline Public Library has made a special effort in recent years to make their library more accessible for everyone in their community-- beginning with a reading and education book club for people with disabilities. Additionally, the Moline Public Library works with ARC of the Quad Cities and Quad City Arts to provide programming and activities for engagement. I commend the Moline Public Library for its work with people with disabilities, and I thank them for their continued service to the Moline community. It is because of community leaders such as the Moline Public Library that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally honor the Moline Public Library for winning an award from the American Library Association for its work with people with disabilities.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Derek Bergsten for winning the Fire Chief of the Year Award from the Illinois Fire Chiefs Association. This honor recognizes an exemplary fire chief who makes ``significant ongoing contributions'' to the profession and who was a full-time chief serving a city of more than 25,000 people. After joining the Rockford Fire Department in 1994, Derek worked his way through the ranks to become a Captain, In 2007, he was named chief, becoming just the 10th chief in department history since 1880, During his time he created a mobile integrated health program that has worked to reduce visits to area emergency rooms, hospital admissions, and ambulance calls, Derek is responsible for the success of departmental accreditation through the Center for Public Safety Excellence, Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services, and Accreditation for Government Fleet Management Services. He expanded the certified fire vehicle repair shop operated by the department to reduce down time for fire equipment across the region while creating revenue, He also created a program that allows Rockford fire personnel to transport patients experiencing a mental health issue to the Rosecrance Mulberry Center for evaluation rather than a potentially stressful emergency room, In order to prevent overdose deaths, he created a program that provides Naloxone kits and training to the families of those who have overdosed, driving down the number of opioid overdose deaths, Derek is the first Fire Chief from our region chosen for this honor in over forty years. I commend him on his work to better the Rockford community through his job as a fire chief. It is because of leaders such as Derek Bergsten that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally recognize Derek Bergsten for winning the Fire Chief of the Year Award.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Kai Swanson for winning the ``I Have a Dream'' Award from the Rock Island Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center. Kai is a Rock Island native who works as the Special Assistant to Augustana College's President. Kai gives so much of himself to help others, and it is truly inspiring. He has also received several awards for his service to the Rock Island community, such as a Rock Island Rotary community service award, the Habitat Hero award from Quad Cities Habitat for Humanity, the Professional Citizen of the Year (1998) from the City of Rock Island, and the Outstanding Community Service Award from the Metropolitan Community Church. Kai is currently serving on the Quad Cities Holocaust Remembrance Committee, is a member of the Rock Island NAACP and is a board member for the Doris and Victor Day Foundation. Apart from his duties on those boards, he is also a Visit Quad Cities board member and a Rock Island County board member. Additionally, Kai is president of the county Forest Preserve Commission. His commitment to his community is palpable and I commend him on his work to better the Rock Island community through lifting others and addressing problems head-on to affect change. It is because of leaders such as Kai Swanson that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally recognize Kai Swanson for receiving the ``I Have a Dream'' Award from the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center in Rock Island, Illinois.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to thank the Sherrard High School FFA for donating over 2,766 pounds of homegrown produce to local food pantries in Sherrard and Milan, Illinois. The Sherrard FFA manages a garden used to grow produce for local food pantries to help those with food insecurity. Students drive the produce to local food banks to donate to those in need. The COVID-19 pandemic has created heightened food insecurity in our communities and around the country. The Sherrard FFA provides a much-needed service to the local community. I commend the efforts of the Sherrard FFA, and I am proud of the selfless work they are doing to feed the hungry. It is because of community leaders such as the Sherrard FFA that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally thank the Sherrard FFA for donating freshly grown produce to local food pantries, helping to alleviate the insecurities families in our district face today.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Joe Terronez the first Mexican-American Mayor in the State of Illinois and long-time Silvis City Council Member. Joe was born February 15, 1929 in a boxcar in the Silvis yards, the son of Benito and Felisa Anguiano Terronez. He married Rebecca Herrera on November 6, 1948, and together they had 8 children. As a devout Catholic and lifelong member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, Joe was always a strong member of the community. Joe attended Silvis public schools and proudly graduated from United Township High School in 1947. He was employed by International Harvester Company in East Moline as a repairman and retired in 1984 after 33 years. Throughout his lifetime he was a member of several religious, labor, political, and civic organizations and was most proud to work with veterans. He was an Honorary member of the Mexican American Veterans Association (MAVA) and Hero Street Memorial Committee. He was also a proud union member and loyal to the Democratic Party. His love of family, faith, and community were most important through his life. He served the City of Silvis and his community for 30 years--26 years as First Ward Alderman and four years as Mayor. Joe was honored to be the first elected Hispanic Mayor in the State of Illinois. He worked tirelessly in the renaming of 2nd Street in Silvis, Illinois to ``Hero Street, USA'' and establishing ``Hero Street Memorial Park'', a living memorial to the eight Mexican Americans from Hero Street and all the heroes from Silvis. I thank him for his life of service to his community and honor his legacy. It is because of leaders such as Joe Terronez that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally recognize and honor the life of former Silvis Mayor, Joe Terronez.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate WRMJ for receiving the 2020 Small Market Station of the Year Award from the Illinois Broadcasters Association. The Illinois Broadcasters Association is the leading advocate for the broadcast industry in Illinois and is engaged in shaping public policy to create a positive legislative and regulatory environment for its members. Through their Silver Dome Awards, the Illinois Broadcasters Association recognized WRMJ's broadcasting excellence in TV, distinguishing WRMJ as one the best of the small market TV stations in Illinois. This award is a well-deserved honor, and as a former journalist, I commend the hard work they do to keep the public informed. I would also like to congratulate Jim Taylor, WRMJ's News & Sports Director, who received the Illinois Broadcasters Association's Best News Reporter and Best Sportscaster Award. His dedication and love for our community does not go unnoticed. It is because of community leaders such as WRMJ that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate WRMJ for winning the 2020 Small Market Station of the Year Award.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the acquiring of the Carroll County Mirror-Democrat by Bob Watson on November 19, 1980. Bob's lifelong goal was to acquire and operate the Carroll County Mirror-Democrat because his father, Thomas A. Watson, and his mother, Grace, purchased the Mirror-Democrat in 1950 and ran it until 1962. The Watson family has been personally connected to the Carroll County Mirror-Democrat for 70 years. Bob was raised in Mount Carroll, Illinois, and graduated from Mount Carroll High School in 1968. After earning a bachelor's degree in Journalism from Northern Illinois University in 1972, he spent eight years working for weekly and daily newspapers in Northwestern Illinois. Thomas Sr. and Grace Watson ran the Mirror-Democrat from 1950 until Thomas Sr. passed away in 1962. The newspaper was sold in 1963, and did not become available for purchase again until autumn of 1980, when Bob was able to acquire it. On April 1, 1990, he also purchased the Savanna Times-Journal. His wife, Paula, who is a retired grade-school teacher, and Bob are the co-publishers of the Mirror-Democrat. They are very proud of their son, Thomas R., who is a graduate of the College of Business at the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana and is employed by a large marketing and advertising company in Chicago. They maintain offices in downtown Mount Carroll and Savanna, publishing both weekly newspapers with a talented, veteran staff of four employees. As a former journalist, I admire their dedication to journalism and the determination they demonstrate across generations. It is because of leaders such as Bob Watson that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate Bob Watson for 40 years of owning the Mirror-Democrat.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the legacy of Daniel Miller, the eldest of six children, from Galesburg, Illinois. A member of the varsity football team, his principal described him as ``always smiling'' and ``caring about everyone.'' In 2004, he joined the Air Force and continued to lead as a senior airman. With great courage, he defused explosive devices and worked with chemical and biological weapons. On January 7, 2007, Senior Airman Miller, Senior Airman Elizabeth A. Loncki, and Technical Sergeant Timothy R. Weiner all made the ultimate sacrifice, attempting to defuse a car bomb in Iraq. Our Nation will never be able to repay them, but it is our duty to remember their service. It is my honor today to commemorate the service of Senior Airman Miller with the dedication of the U.S. Post Office on East Main Street in Galesburg, Illinois, as the Senior Airman Daniel Miller Post Office Building.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I was unable to vote on September 29, 2020. The peaceful transition of power following an election is the cornerstone of our democracy. Had I been present for the roll call vote on H. Res. 1155 to reaffirm this commitment, I would have cast the following vote: Roll Call 208: Yea.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. I rise in support of the Delivering for America Act. The post office is a lifeline to rural communities. More than 1,000 people in the district that I serve have written to my office desperate to save the Postal Service: a disabled veteran who depends on the post office to deliver lifesaving medication; a small business owner who needs the post office to deliver her products in an efficient and cost-effective way, so she can feed her family; seniors who must self- isolate because they are at high risk, who depend on the Postal Service for the supplies they need each and every day. The Postal Service is more than a service; it is part of who we are. For Joseph in Peoria, he was a child waiting for that decoder ring to come through the mail. For Heather in Pekin, it is a care package full of old family photos after losing a loved one. For Joseph in Kewanee, it is a letter from his best friend serving in Afghanistan. Birth certificates, college acceptance letters, the mortgage paid off, the Postal Service delivers the American Dream. We cannot let it fail.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, due to the birth of a grand child, I was unable to vote on the Legislative Day of July 27, 2020. I am a proud cosponsor of the Commission on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys Act and had I been present for this roll call vote, I would have cast the following: Roll Call 167: Yea.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the National Defense Authorization Act. The heart of our Nation's defense capabilities runs right through the congressional district that I serve, from the Rock Island Arsenal to aerospace manufacturing in Rockford, to the Peoria Air National Guard Base. Because of COVID-19, the last several months have relied on the service of our National Guard in new ways. The Peoria Air National Guard set up health clinics and testing centers in Bloomington, Illinois. They built a field hospital when Chicago needed it most. They have protected and served us throughout this pandemic. They deserve our support, and the National Defense Authorization Act will do just that. I was proud to help secure provisions that protect the benefits of our National Guard members that they have earned, expand student loan benefits to make sure that they have a bright future ahead, and to give our men in uniform a much-earned pay raise. The district I represent is steeped in rich tradition of service to our Nation. The bipartisan defense package that we passed this week honors and upholds that tradition.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to mourn and also to celebrate a historic life, a man I was honored to know, privileged to serve with, and to call my friend. Congressman John Lewis has been called home to God. I met Mr. Lewis right after I was elected to Congress, but over the years, I had the pleasure of getting to know him, a civil rights icon, a true American hero. Too rarely are the most powerful also the most humble, the most caring, and the most kind. But Mr. Lewis had that rare combination and more. He was the best among us. In one moment, he would fearlessly stand in harm's way to stand up for what is right, and in the next, he wouldn't hesitate to take a minute to share his insights, his lessons, his personal stories with those lucky enough to cross his path or to walk into his office. In 2015, so many of our colleagues and I joined him for the 50th anniversary walk across the Edmond Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama, to honor the moment that young John Lewis forever changed our Nation. As we all gathered to follow in his historic footsteps, the magic and the power of John Lewis' action on that fateful day in 1965 could be felt by all of us. Our country is better, our Congress is better, and I am better for having known him. I will miss you, Mr. Lewis, but I will forever celebrate and honor the impact you made on our Nation and on me.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise in support of the HEROES Act. The messages I receive paint a stark picture. Steve, in Rockford, Illinois, prays the unemployment benefits that have saved his home will be extended beyond next week. Sharon, in Moline, Illinois, worries that her beloved niece may be out of work for another 6 months. John, in Sterling, Illinois, is concerned the outlook for small towns like his will only worsen. But perhaps the most touching letter that I have received is from a young boy from the town of Orion, who just wants to go back to school safely. As conversations ramp up across the Nation about whether classes should return, one thing is certain: Our cities, our towns, and our schools do not have the resources that they need. Whether it is funding to increase testing or funding for personal protective equipment or expanded broadband to make sure that distance learning is an option, we cannot expect schools to return or our Nation to rebuild without support. America has waited for months. It is past time to pass the HEROES Act.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Moving Forward Act. I represent a district where 85 percent of the towns are 5,000 people or fewer, and 60 percent of the towns are 1,000 people or fewer. Earlier this year, I reached out to every mayor and city administrator and county administrator and village president, 151 leaders, representing towns and counties in the 7,000 square miles in the congressional district that I serve. I listened to their needs, and the Moving Forward Act reflects many of their priorities. Now, the administration has said this package is biased against rural America, to which I say: What? The President has failed to bring forward any plan that prioritizes rural America. This bill expands broadband. It strengthens water systems. It provides $250 million for our rural roads and our communities, rebuilding our rural schools, and prioritizing buying American in all that we build. Today, for the district I represent, and for all rural communities, I will be proud to cast my vote in favor of this important legislation.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of the HEROES Act. When I last spoke on this bill in this Chamber, I told a story about a young man in my congressional district that I serve named Noah. He wrote to me that his town may not survive this pandemic. Now, more than a month since, I am awfully worried, too. The HEROES Act would provide $915 billion for State and local assistance so our small towns and cities, like where Noah lives, are not left behind. It would strengthen programs for small business and deliver economic security to those that are the backbone of our economy. As our country is reeling from record-high COVID-19 cases, it would allow uninsured Americans to access health insurance. Pretty darn important during a worldwide pandemic. For the cities and towns, for our small businesses, and for so many Americans, this is not about politics; it is about survival. I urge the Senate to join us in passing the HEROES Act.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. I rise today to support the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Enhancement Act. So many in our Nation are facing extreme financial insecurity and extreme worry surrounding this global pandemic. And the Trump administration is trying to eliminate protections for people and families with preexisting conditions and leave millions of Americans without care. This includes more than 730,000 Illinoisans. A man from the congressional district I serve named Robert wrote to me about his family's rising healthcare costs. Robert and his wife have both worked hard almost their entire lives. Robert's first job went back to the age of 17. His wife started working when she was 16. Today, they are in their early sixties and they are facing skyrocketing premiums and astronomical deductibles. Robert currently pays more than $2,500 each and every month for just his premiums. That, along with his deductibles, cost his family about a quarter of all they earn every month. He has even been told that because of his age and his wife's age they are lucky to get coverage at all. Working your whole life and having to struggle so much just to afford a necessity like healthcare, that is not what the American Dream is all about. Robert said to me, ``I am hoping more than lip service will happen in Washington, D.C.'' For Robert and his wife and so many other Americans, we must pass this bill to lower the cost of healthcare and the cost of prescription drugs, and also to protect people with preexisting conditions.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Jeffries for yielding me the time. Mr. Speaker, I rise today as the wife of the sheriff of Rock Island County, Illinois. I also rise today in support of the Justice in Policing Act. I have listened to so many people throughout the district that I serve who are hurting, so many stories of people who are in pain: a woman whose cousin died when the police used a neck restraint like the one that took George Floyd's life. That was in 2010, a decade ago. Her family has been fighting for justice ever since. I recognize that I as a White woman cannot fully understand the pain that Black Americans feel, but I also know that if we are going to make real and lasting change to end systemic racism, I must care just as much and I must be just as motivated as those in the communities who are hurting most. Today, I lift their voices. America will hear you. For this family's decade-long quest for justice, we can, we will, and we must act.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Mr. Speaker, a Boy Scout named Noah from Peoria, Illinois, wrote to me. He heard his city council talking about layoffs in the wake of COVID-19. Noah understands that we have failed towns like his. He wrote: ``Many people are going to lose their jobs. Some of those will be firefighters and police officers. That will not help my city. . . . The city will not be as safe.'' Noah, I hear you. Today, the United States House of Representatives hears you. With $915 billion for State and local assistance, we will help towns and cities like Noah's. We will also expand assistance to small businesses and farmers and keep families afloat. This isn't the final battle in the war against this virus, but the HEROES Act will increase American security--our food, health, and workplace security. I will vote ``yes.''

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Kelli Martin, who opened a food pantry on her front porch to feed the hungry during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since opening the ``Free Food Porch Pantry,'' her operation has tripled from one to three tables. Ms. Martin is a Certified Nursing Assistant who saw a need in her neighborhood once the coronavirus pandemic hit. The West Bluff Neighborhood in Peoria sits amid a food desert in the area, where residents have to make a long trek just to get to a grocery store. The state's stay-at-home order has caused many of the neighborhood's residents to lose their jobs. News spread in the neighborhood and on Facebook about the food pantry porch and more and more people began to rely on this generous service to feed their families or donate their own supplies. Ms. Martin is a Hometown Hero who cares about her neighbors and community. I commend Ms. Martin for taking immediate action so her neighbors do not go hungry. It is because of leaders such as Ms. Martin that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally thank Ms. Kelli Martin for her actions amidst a global pandemic to keep her neighbors from going hungry.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dallas Krueger, a senior from Rockridge High School, who won the Illinois High School Association's Class 1A State Finals Wrestling Tournament in the 138 pound weigh class. At 138 pounds, Dallas pinned his opponent in four minutes and forty seconds to finish 47-0. As a former athlete, I appreciate the fortitude Dallas displayed to achieve his dream of being a state champion and commend him for his efforts and attitude. Dallas is an example of the importance of dedication and a strong work ethic, and I am proud to see him represent Taylor Ridge so well throughout the state with his talent and passion. It is because of student leaders such as Dallas Krueger that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate Dallas Krueger on his Class 1A State Finals title in Wrestling.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Deputy Sarah McWhirter for being named ``Deputy of the Year'' by the Illinois Sheriff's Association for her heroic actions during an incident in 2018. Deputy McWhirter is a four-year veteran of the Winnebago County Sheriffs Police and currently serves in the Sheriffs Crime Scene Unit. In August of 2018, Deputy McWhirter went above and beyond the call of duty to save both herself and a citizen from an armed robbery. The robber approached her car and got several shots off, but she pulled her weapon, defended herself, and saved the citizen. I want to thank Deputy McWhirter for her courageous actions during a life-threatening incident and for saving another person's life. Deputy McWhirter is a hero and I commend her actions to protect and save innocent lives. It is because of leaders such as Deputy McWhirter that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate Deputy Sarah McWhirter for being named ``Deputy of the Year'' by the Illinois Sheriff's Association and recognize her for her heroic actions at a citizen's time of need.