Cheri Bustos

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Tanner Whipple for his win at the Six Day International Enduro in Portugal. The six- day, 1,140-mile, off-road motorcycle race started in 1913, and is now in its 94th year. This year, Tanner took home the gold medal after competing against 30 other countries. Tanner was born into a racing family and has been riding since he was four years-old. He won the gold medal by being within 10 percent of the fastest person in his class division. Tanner competed against 30 other countries and is the first rider to represent the Quad-Cities Area since 1979. This is the most difficult race he says he has ever competed in. The weather and terrain were obstacles, but Tanner was able to surmount them to win the gold. He says his favorite part about riding was the adrenaline rush. Tanner is an example of the importance of dedication and a strong work ethic. With his talent and passion, I am proud to see him represent Colona, Illinois so well in the world. It is because of leaders such as Tanner that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate Tanner Whipple on his win at the Six Day International Enduro in Portugal.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to share with you a framework of principles to give rural America a seat at the table as we work to combat climate change. I call it the Rural Green Partnership. For generations, farm families in Illinois have worked hard to provide food for our country and for the world, but this year has brought a challenging growing season. Farmers have seen shifting weather patterns and severe flooding delay and even prevent planting and harvesting. Rural economies in Illinois and across the country depend on a stable climate to survive. Weather chaos means it is more difficult to grow our crops and put food on the table. I am proud to put forward the Rural Green Partnership, and if we follow the principles in this plan, we can lower greenhouse gas emissions and spur economic growth. Madam Speaker, I say to my colleagues: It is our moral and economic imperative to address this climate crisis and its impact on rural America. I urge them to join me in enacting the policies outlined in the Rural Green Partnership so we can provide our farming communities with more than just a path forward but, also, an opportunity to prosper.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3, the Lower Drug Costs Now Act. Too many hardworking families and seniors in Illinois can't afford the rising costs of prescription drugs. We must rein in these outrageous prices. That is why I am proud to cosponsor this bill. When I walk the supermarket aisles and I talk with folks back home, who also write me notes and send them to my office, the stories about the high cost of drugs are absolutely shocking. Let me share a couple of them with you. In Stronghurst, one woman's medication spiked from $23 to $98, more than a 300 percent increase, for no apparent reason. In Andalusia, another person's insulin jumped from $365 to $538 every single month, more than $2,100 increase over the year. And several counties away, in Pekin, Illinois, a senior saw his insulin skyrocket from $333 to $830 per month, a 250 percent increase-- again, no explanation. We must do more to make prescription drug prices more affordable and lift this unfair burden on families. This bill would do just that. I ask my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this bill.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Pastor Stacie Fidlar for her 20 years of ministry at St. John's Lutheran Church in Rock Island, Illinois. Pastor Fidlar has demonstrated her commitment to inclusivity, social justice and environmental responsibility, as well as her deeply personal investment in each parishioner as a member of the church family. Pastor Stacie Fidlar is a native of Cordova, Illinois, and a graduate of Riverdale High School. She earned her B.A. degree, summa cum laude, from Augustana College, majoring in religion with a concentration in Asian Studies. After completing seminary at the Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago, she was ordained in 1995 and served churches in Forreston and Seneca, Illinois before joining St. John's in 1999. She has since devoted her time to helping and building the community. She is in charge of the W.O.W. program for after-school study help and meals, the establishment of the Free Little Pantry and the designation of St. John's as a Reconciling in Christ congregation. Pastor Fidlar also oversaw the church's major building expansion project and aided a partnership to create the Micah House, a community of students practicing intentional living in which faith questions were explored through conversation and outreach projects. In addition, she serves on several boards around the community and her work has led her to be named a Leader Under 40 by the Black Hawk College Foundation, Professional and Overall Citizen of the Year by Rock Island, and a Heart of Gold recipient by the YWCA. It is because of strong community faith leaders such as Pastor Stacie Fidlar that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate Pastor Stacie Fidlar on her 20th Anniversary with St. John's Lutheran Church.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Honor Flight of the Quad Cities for its 50th flight. The Quad Cities formed a local chapter of the Honor Flight Network, called Honor Flight of the Quad Cities (HFQC) in 2008. The mission of HFQC is to fly America's veterans to Washington, D.C. in order to honor their sacrifices by allowing them visit memorials dedicated to their service. I especially extend my gratitude to Robert ``Bob'' Morrison, the founder of Honor Flight of the Quad Cities, for his dedication to serving local veterans and ensuring they can travel to visit the memorials. Mr. Morrison passed away October 7, 2019. He was the first Hub Director and took more than 3,000 veterans on 33 flights to see the memorials in our nation's capital. His memory and impact on our community will be well regarded for generations to come. Thank you again to this organization for its commitment to our veterans over the course of the 50 flights they have organized. It is because of organizations such as the Honor Flight of the Quad Cities that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate the Honor Flight of the Quad Cities on its 50th flight.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Richard Apple, the recipient of the first ever National Citizen Scientist Champion Award from the Global Alzheimer's Platform Foundation. This award recognizes Mr. Apple for his advocacy for Alzheimer's clinical trial participation in Illinois. A resident of Rockford, Illinois, Mr. Apple's passion for Alzheimer's research advocacy stems from losing both of his grandparents to Alzheimer's and having been the primary caregiver to his uncle and his mother, both of whom died from the disease. He has since devoted his time to aiding in research, enrolling in his first trial at Great Lakes Clinical Trials in Chicago, IL immediately after he retired and has participated in four since then. I want to thank Mr. Apple for his contributions to science and furthering the cause to find a cure for Alzheimer's. It is because of community leaders such as Richard Apple that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate Richard Apple on his receipt of the National Citizen Scientist Champion Award from the Global Alzheimer's Platform Foundation.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Gail Fisher for winning the U.S. Army Materiel Command (AMC) Paralegal of the Year Award. Ms. Fisher received the award at the AMC Legal Conference held in Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama in August. Gail Fisher was born and raised in Rock Island, Illinois, and started working at the Rock Island Arsenal in August 1981. She began as a receptionist before working her way up to a secretary and then a paralegal, after attending Marycrest College in Davenport, Iowa. From 1999 to 2006, Ms. Fisher worked for the U.S. Army Tank-Automotive & Armaments Command (TACOM) in Rock Island, while pursuing a bachelor's degree in business administration from St. Ambrose University. After leaving TACOM, she moved to her office in the AMC Legal Center, where she has worked for the past 31 years. Her award is well warranted. Ms. Fisher is responsible for ensuring the assembly of agency reports and administrative records for federal court--confirming they are accurately marked, indexed and uploaded and transmitted in a timely manner. Her vast knowledge of law and wide range of experience allow her to process and track numerous cases at the same time. I commend Ms. Fisher for winning this prestigious award and thank her for her service to the Rock Island Arsenal. It is because of community leaders such as Gail Fisher that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate Gail Fisher for winning the prestigious AMC Paralegal of the Year Award.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Denise Moore and the Minority Business Development Center for winning the Small Business Advocate of the Year Award for the Bradley University Turner Center's Small Business Awards. The Minority Business Development Center is a 501c3 organization that was created by Denise Moore and the Black Business Alliance to aid aspiring business owners get their ideas off the ground. The Minority Business Development Center addresses concerns like lack of resource accessibility and a need for training on topics addressing business expansion. The organization serves the Peoria community by providing local aspiring business owners with education and training in the fundamentals of business planning and development. I am deeply grateful to Denise Moore and the Minority Business Development Center for their service to the Peoria community. It is because of community leaders such as Denise Moore that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate Denise Moore and the Minority Business Development Center for winning the Small Business Advocate of the Year award from Bradley University's Turner Center 2019 Small Business Awards.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Kiwanis Club of Rock Island, Illinois for its 100th Anniversary. The club's rich history has been the cumulative effort of its members coming from fields such as accounting, civil service, education, management, retail stores, retirees and many more. Founded in 1919, the Kiwanis Club of Rock Island began with 50 charter members and has grown to its current membership to nearly 100. Throughout the years, the Kiwanis held numerous fundraisers, including pancake breakfasts, spaghetti suppers, peanut days, rose days, bags tournaments, and more. They are committed to serving the community through their support of service leadership programs throughout the schools in Rock Island. The Kiwanis have also cleaned up highways, aided with numerous community events and have raised money to benefit children and children's support groups across our community. In addition, they provide scholarships to outstanding graduation seniors of Alleman and Rock Island High School. Their impact is outstanding. I want to thank and commend the Kiwanis Club for its extraordinary service to the Rock Island community. It is because of the community leaders at the Kiwanis Club in Rock Island, Illinois that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate the Kiwanis Club of Rock Island for its 100th Anniversary.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Samaritan Ministries on their 25th Anniversary. Samaritan Ministries recognizes health care needs as multi-dimensional--requiring emotional and spiritual support, as much as physical and financial. They address these needs by coordinating and connecting members through prayer, encouragement, and financial support. Samaritan Ministries was formed by founder Ted Pittenger, who was inspired to provide an affordable non-insurance health care option for the Christian community after joining a health care sharing ministry in the 1980's. Intrigued by the method of sharing health care costs, he began considering how to improve the process to reach a wider population and share medical needs more efficiently while maintaining Biblical foundations. This idea came Samaritan Ministries International in 1994. Since then, this organization has helped countless of people all through our community. I thank Samaritan Ministries for seeing a need in the community and rising exceptionally to meet that need. It is because of community pillars such as Samaritan Ministries that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate Samaritan Ministries on its 25th Anniversary.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Mr. Chair, I thank Chairman Nadler for yielding, and I also thank Congressman Johnson for this very important bill. I thank him for his fight on behalf of so many people. I rise today in strong support of the FAIR Act. This is a bill that would end the secret arbitration process and the cycle of silencing victims of predatory behavior. I first became involved with this fight a couple of years back when The Washington Post detailed allegations of a chief executive at Jared and Kay Jewelers who only promoted women who would sleep with him. The Post shed light on mandatory, alcohol-fueled managers meetings where dozens of women were demeaned and groped. As I continued working on this issue, I met with women from the tech industry who watched in horror as bigwig executives were given multimillion-dollar exit packages after facing credible allegations of misconduct. But none of these women were allowed to speak out. Why? Because they were forced into a secret arbitration process, losing their right to sue and ensuring their claims would never see the light of day. And, if they were to speak out publicly, they--they as the women who were victims of this--could be sued for breaking this nondisclosure agreement. This is a practice that is so egregious that the attorneys general in all 50 of our States have come out against forced arbitration clauses that are used in cases of sexual misconduct. Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to stand on the side of workers, on the side of fairness and transparency, and on the side of doing what is right. I urge all of us to support this piece of legislation.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Bump Boxes in Peoria, Illinois for winning the Small Business of the Year award through the Bradley University Turner Center's Small Business Awards. Bump Boxes was founded in 2015 by Christine and Leland Deehring as an idea to provide healthy and chemical-free products to expecting mothers through a monthly delivery service. They moved to their first warehouse in 2015, and by 2016 hit a $1 million revenue with six employees, which meant they had to add a second warehouse. In 2017, they hit $3 million in revenue with 11 employees and acquired Hello Mamas in addition to launching Glow Organics. By 2018, the business hit $8 million with 32 employees. They are currently thriving and continuing to develop their company. It takes dedication and hard work to keep a small business prospering and I am so proud of all Bump Boxes has done for the Peoria community. It is because of community leaders like those at Bump Boxes that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate Bump Boxes for winning the Small Business of the Year award through the Bradley University Turner Center's Small Business Awards.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Greater Peoria Economic Development Council for winning the Community Partner of the Year award through the Bradley University Turner Center's Small Business Awards. The Greater Peoria Economic Development Council--a non-profit organization focused on helping local businesses, site selectors and the local community develop in the Peoria community--is a wonderful resource for all businesses in the Peoria area. The Council currently runs several programs, including Elevate, Manufacturing Network, Economic Gardening, Startup, Pathways, Hello Greater Peoria, Farm Forums and Co Starters. These programs all help local businesses thrive. I commend the Council for all of its work in Peoria and I wish them all the best in their future endeavors. It is because of community builders like the Greater Peoria Economic Development Council that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate the Greater Peoria Economic Development Council for winning the Community Partner of the Year award through the Bradley University Turner Center's Small Business Awards

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Lux Blox for winning the Innovation of the Year award through the Bradley University Turner Center's Small Business Awards. Lux Blox was founded by Michael and Heather Acerra of Galesburg, Illinois, who created a construction system designed to build things the same way nature builds itself. The blocks curve, bend and move without the limits of traditional building blocks. With the help of Daniel Wollin, a 15 year-old down the street from their home, and a 3-D printer, they developed these innovative building blocks. Their product aims to inspire future creativity and exploration. The blocks are manufactured near Galesburg, Illinois, and are packaged by the skilled hands of those with disabilities living their community. It is because of community pioneers like Lux Blox that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate Lux Blox for winning the Innovation of the Year award through the Bradley University Turner Center's Small Business Awards.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Andrew Conton for receiving the Mentee of the Year Award from the 100 Black Men in America organization. Mr. Conton is a member of the Mentor for Life Program, Central Illinois Chapter. He has been a member since 2016, when the Central Illinois Chapter expanded to Peoria. He is the second individual from Illinois to win this prestigious award. Mr. Conton earned a 3.8 GPA from Peoria High School and has been involved in a variety of extracurricular programs, such as the Peoria High marching and concert bands, the Peoria Jazz All-Stars, the Bradley University and Eastern Illinois University Honors Bands, the Solo Ensemble and the Illinois Music Education Association. Mr. Conton has a strong passion for science, art, politics and music. He further plans to use his strengths to reignite the Peoria community. His determination and drive have earned him a full ride scholarship to attend Benedict College in Columbia, South Carolina. I am proud there is such young dedication in our community. It is because of remarkable leaders like Andrew Conton that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate Andrew Conton for receiving the Mentee of the Year Award from the 100 Black Men in America organization.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Bill Hammes of Sherrard, Illinois, who was recently named the ``Conservation Teacher of the Year'' by the Association of Illinois Soil and Water Conservation Districts, Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the Illinois Audubon Society. Bill Hammes is an agriculture teacher at Sherrard High School where he has dedicated the last couple decades of his life to agricultural education. Hammes' work has not gone unnoticed as his class received the ``Environmental Youth Group Award'' in the 1980s and ``Iowater Award'' in the 2000s. Hammes has supported his students inside and outside of the classroom, teaching them essential agricultural skills and helping them coordinate a Cover Crop Tour in 2017. As an FFA mentor, his students went on to positively impact the community from cultivating crops, serving local food pantries and more. Additionally, he has enriched the local community by developing an outdoor learning campus which includes a garden, greenhouse and cropland for Sherrard students. It makes me immensely proud to see such dedication to our environment and community. Madam Speaker, I want to again formally congratulate Bill Hammes for being recognized for his great work. I am hopeful that communities across the state can learn from Hammes' leadership and agricultural success.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise also today in support of the FAIR Act and to bring an end to the secret arbitration process that silences victims of harassment and discrimination. This is a fight that we have been waging for years now. It is about doing the right thing and giving a voice to women like Jasmine Edwards. Jasmine is an African American woman who was a comanager of a Guess retail store. When she began there, she came to the store with 15 years of retail experience and was promised that she would be promoted to manager shortly, but then the harassment started. Her boss instructed the women at the store to ``dress sexier.'' He regularly made racist and sexist comments about employees and about customers. He would stare at female customers and then share his observations with Jasmine. He would continuously make offensive remarks about African Americans and would claim they would be more likely to steal from the store, and he even segregated employees by shift. His behavior was so concerning that even the customers noticed this and began complaining about him. Jasmine voiced her concerns about her manager's behavior, but rather than taking her seriously, she was retaliated against and she was accused of theft. There was no investigation of those claims against her. She was bullied. Eventually the stress was too much to handle, and so Jasmine had to resign. But she wasn't done fighting. She found an attorney and she filed a complaint in court. But this clothing company--again, Guess retailer-- now says the case must be sent to arbitration. Why? Because on one of her first days at the retailer, the company says that Jasmine agreed to arbitrate any disputes. Of course, the arbitration agreement requires her to stay silent about what happened; and, under the arbitration agreement, it is the company-funded arbitrator who gets to decide what type of evidence there would be. I would ask anybody here: What kind of justice is that? It will be no surprise to you that Jasmine would rather have an impartial judge hear her case. Wouldn't we all? But that is not something she will likely be allowed to get. That is why we need to pass the FAIR Act now, because we have had enough. No more looking the other way when powerful men use their position of authority to victimize women. No more excuses for abusers just because of their status, their position, or their gender. No more telling women to stay silent or to get over it. No more.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Margie Carlson on her 100th Birthday. Ms. Carlson was born August 7, 1919 in rural Prophetstown, Illinois to the late Letha and August Carlson. Ms. Carlson grew up in Prophetstown and went on to get her degree at Northern College in DeKalb, now known as Northern Illinois University. Ms. Carlson went on to start her teaching career at a country school called Highland, and then taught in the Tampico school system for 40 years before she retired. She is a lifelong member of the First Lutheran Church in Prophetstown, where a birthday reception was held in her honor. Ms. Carlson enjoys working with her quilting group every Monday morning at church, and weather permitting, taking walks every day. I am touched to have such an example of heart in our community. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally honor Ms. Carlson on her 100th Birthday. It is because of community leaders such as Ms. Margie Carlson that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dorothy Stone around her 100th Birthday. Ms. Stone was born August 6, 1919 in Erie, Illinois. Ms. Stone grew up in Erie, Illinois and graduated from Erie High School in 1937. She went on to get her teaching degree at Blackburn College in Carlinville, Illinois and Marycrest College in Davenport, Iowa. Ms. Stone then had a long and successful teaching career spanning 35 years in the Erie area until she retired in the 1970's. In that time, she left a long lasting, positive impact on her community. It is because of community leaders such as Ms. Stone that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally honor Ms. Dorothy Stone on her 100th Birthday.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Arlett Steinert around her 100th Birthday. Ms. Steinert was born August 26, 1919 in Erie, Illinois. Ms. Steinert grew up in Erie and graduated from Erie High School in 1937. She went on to get her teaching degree at Blackburn College in Carlinville, Illinois--where she met her husband William--and Marycrest College in Davenport, Iowa. Following her college years, Ms. Steinert had a long and successful teaching career in the Erie area until she retired in the 1970's. Currently, Ms. Steinert is still active in Whiteside County Retired Teachers meetings. I am honored by her lifelong dedication to positively serving and impacting our community. It is because of community leaders such as Ms. Steinert that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally honor Ms. Arlett Steinert on her 100th Birthday.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate September 10th, 2019 as Galesburg Kiwanis Club's 100th anniversary. On this occasion, I extend my gratitude to Faye Schulz, the proud secretary of the Club. Since its origin in 1919, the Galesburg Kiwanis Club has gone above and beyond to enrich the community through their commitment to community and service. The Club engages in multiple projects to positively impact the community, including driver's education senior classes; volunteer reading buddies; donating hand-maid dolls to local hospitals; and their annual Pancake Day in November. In addition, Club members engage in countless fundraisers that go toward local organizations for community development. Galesburg Kiwanis Club has prospered by always remaining true to its core mission and values. Madam Speaker, I would once again like to congratulate Galesburg Kiwanis Club on their 100th anniversary. I am proud to know that organizations, such as Galesburg Kiwanis Club, continue to flourish and strengthen our community.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the League of Women Voters of Jo Daviess County for winning the Water Quality Challenge put on by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. The League of Women Voters won this challenge by showing how an edge- of-field sensor system could support farmers in reducing nitrogen loss from their fields. The League of Women Voters worked to combat one of the most challenging water quality problems in our nation. In doing so, they identified creative ways to use low-cost tools to understand our resources and better advise nutrient management decisions. The installed sensors provide real-time data to best inform and guide farm-scale management decisions. They showed innovation, passion, and a drive to help our environment. Participation in this challenge strengthened the connections between scientists, advocates, and farmers in Jo Daviess County and Northwest Illinois. The prize will be used to continue to build a model of cooperative problem-solving and improve water quality in the Driftless Area of Northwest Illinois. It is because of community leaders such as the League of Women Voters of Illinois that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate the Illinois Leagues of Women Voters on their initiative in the Water Quality Challenge put on by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Eli Pannell, a senior from Fulton High School, who won the Illinois High School Association's Class 1A State Finals Boys Wrestling Tournament. Eli Pannell finished his final year at Fulton High school with 34 victories, a record single-season. He won the finals by pinning his opponent in 5 minutes 3 seconds. Due to his victory he not only won the State Finals, but holds multiple records at Fulton. As a former athlete, I appreciate the fortitude Eli displayed to achieve his dream of being a state champion and commend him for his determination and attitude. Eli 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 Fulton so well throughout the state. It is because of student leaders such as Eli that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate Eli Pannell on his Class 1A State Finals title in Wrestling.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the League of Women Voters of JoDaviess County for winning the Water Quality Challenge put on by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. The League of Women Voters won this challenge by showing how an edge- of-field sensor system could support farmers in reducing nitrogen loss from their fields. The League of Women Voters worked to combat one of the most challenging water quality problems in our nation. In doing so, they identified creative ways to use low-cost tools to understand our resources and better advise nutrient management decisions. The installed sensors provide real-time data to best inform and guide farm- scale management decisions. They showed innovation, passion, and a drive to help our environment. Participation in this challenge strengthened the connections between scientists, advocates, and farmers in JoDaviess County and Northwest Illinois. The prize will be used to continue to build a model of cooperative problem-solving and improve water quality in the Driftless Area of Northwest Illinois. It is because of community leaders such as the League of Women Voters of Illinois that I am especially proud to serve lllinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate the Illinois League of Women Voters on their initiative in the Water Quality Challenge put on by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Koby Brackemeyer, a junior from Morrison High School, for winning the Illinois High School Association's Class 1A State Finals Boys Track and Field Tournament in the 4X800 Meter Relay. Koby and his team finished first with a time of 7:57.85. Koby ran the opening leg and turned in a 1:57.8 to put Morrison ahead instantly. By giving his teammates such an advantage, the team was in an incredible position to finish first. As a former athlete, I appreciate the fortitude Koby displayed to achieve his dream of being a state champion and commend him for his athleticism and leadership. Koby is an example of the importance of dedication and a strong work ethic. I am elated with the presence of such young talent in our community and to see him represent Morrison so well throughout the state. It is because of student leaders such as Koby that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate Koby Brackemeyer on his Class 1A State Finals title in Boys Track and Field.