Cheri Bustos

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Kyle Kruhtoff, a senior from Erie-Prophetstown High School, who won the Illinois High School Association's Class 1A State Finals Boys Track and Field Tournament in Pole Vaulting. Kyle set the Class 1A record at 16 feet, 8 inches, beating the previous mark of 16 feet 3 inches held by two others. Kyle is a record-setter with the talent to go even further in the athletic world. He broke records after overcoming a serious injury. As a former athlete, I appreciate the fortitude Kyle displayed to achieve his dream of being a state champion and commend him for his determination and passion. Kyle is an example of the importance of dedication and a strong work ethic. I am delighted to see such young talent in our community and to see him represent Erie-Prophetstown so well throughout the state. It is because of student leaders such as Kyle that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate Kyle Kruhtoff on his Class 1A State Finals title in Boys Track and Field.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Keegan Anderson, a junior from Morrison High School, who won the Illinois High School Association's Class 1A State Finals Boys Track and Field Tournament in the 4x800 Meter Relay. Keesan and his team finished first with a time of 7:57.85. Keegan and his teammates easily beat out the second-place team for their victory at state. As a former athlete, I appreciate the fortitude Keegan displayed to achieve his dream of being a state champion and commend him for his passion and determination. Keegan 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 Morrison so well throughout the state. It is because of student leaders such as Keegan that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate Keegan Anderson on his Class 1A State Finals title in Boys Track and Field.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Nathan Mickley, a junior from Morrison High School, who helped win the Illinois High School Association's Class 1A State Finals Boys' Track and Field Tournament in the 4x800 Meter Relay. Nathan and his team finished first with a time of 7:57.85. Nathan and his teammates dominated their win at state. As a former athlete, I appreciate the fortitude Nathan displayed to achieve his dream of being a state champion and commend him for his efforts and attitude. Nathan is an example of the importance of dedication and a strong work ethic. He is a wonderful example of young and strong talent in our community. I am proud to see him represent Morrison so well throughout the state. It is because of student leaders such as Nathan that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate Nathan Mickley on his Class IA State Finals title in Boys Track and Field.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Hunter Newman, a freshman from Morrison High School, who won the Illinois High School Association's Class 1A State Finals Boys' Track and Field Tournament in the 4x800 Meter Relay. Hunter and his team finished first with a time of 7:57.85. Hunter and his teammates easily overcame the second-place team for their win at state. As a former athlete, I appreciate the fortitude Hunter displayed to achieve his dream of being a state champion and commend him for his efforts and attitude. Hunter is an example of the importance of dedication and a strong work ethic. I am proud to see him represent Morrison so well throughout the state with his talent and passion. It is because of student leaders such as Hunter that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate Hunter Newman on his Class 1A State Finals title in Boys' Track and Field.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Illinois American Water from Peoria, IL, for achieving the milestone of 130 years of continued water quality service to 1.3 million citizens in the State of Illinois. Illinois American Water has represented exemplary values since its founding in 1890. With a dedicated and skilled work force, members of Illinois American Water ensure the safety of the Peoria area's water supply. They offer an abundance of water services and provide education to the public about our world's most precious resource. They are invested in new technologies and renewable energy methods that continue to set the standard for their industry. Their 130 years of integrity and environmental stewardship displayed in the community is to be celebrated. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate Illinois American Water on 130 years of service, and I join the rest of the community in wishing them every success in the future.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 150th anniversary of Rock Falls United Methodist Church as they honor August 6, 2019 as ``Rock Falls United Methodist Church Day'' in the city. On this occasion, I extend my immense gratitude to Reverend Dr. Solomon Sudhaker, the proud leader of this congregation. Rock Falls United Methodist Church has grown tremendously since its origins in 1869 as the first church in the City of Rock Falls. Since then, it has become an integral part of the city of Rock Falls. In the last 150 years, the church has undergone many transformations--from sharing the wisdom of several different Pastors through the years, to rising from the ashes of a 1922 fire, to the addition of the Education Wing in 1961. The church has prospered and has always remained true to its core mission and values. Rock Falls United Methodist Church has gone above and beyond to enrich our community through their commitment to education, youth and faith. Madam Speaker, I would once again like to congratulate Rock Falls United Methodist Church on their 150th anniversary. I am proud to know that organizations, such as Rock Falls United Methodist Church, continue to flourish and strengthen our community.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of the National Defense Authorization Act. Just this week, I returned from a bipartisan congressional mission to the Middle East that underscored the importance of investing in our national security and, of course, in our men and women in uniform. This year's bill is the most robust military authorization in the history of our country and includes a much-needed pay raise for our troops. I was also proud to add support for the Rock Island Arsenal, which is in my district and has supported our men and women in the military going all the way back to the days of the Civil War. My amendment would allow Army arsenals to approve leases for underused space and would require the Army to study how they can better market available space on military installations. The House also approved my amendment to expand important leasing protections for Gold Star spouses and injured servicemembers. Finally, I amended this bill to recognize cadet nurses as honorary veterans for their patriotic service in World War II. That is why today I will proudly cast a ``yes'' vote for this National Defense Authorization Act.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Mr. Speaker, it is a fact that Russia, a foreign adversary, interfered in our election and even breached the voter database for the State of Illinois, my home State. For the sake of our national security, this is an issue that must be addressed by the United States Congress because this isn't a Republican issue and it is not a Democratic issue. It is our duty as Americans and elected officials to protect our democracy. That is why, this week, we will pass the Securing America's Federal Elections Act. Our bill would require voting machines to be manufactured in the United States of America. It would also make investments to secure our elections and prevent interference from foreign enemies in the future. As Members of Congress, we take an oath to protect our Constitution and our democracy. I hope both Republicans and Democrats will come together to support this bill and secure our elections.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to clause 1, rule I, I demand a vote on agreeing to the Speaker's approval of the Journal.

Mrs. BUSTOS. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Illinois Marine Corps League on its 75th Annual Department of Illinois Convention. Congratulations for serving the United States Marine Corps in Illinois for 75 years. The Marine Corps League was founded by Major General John A. LeJeune and has ever since been committed to upholding the ideals of the United States Marine Corps. Throughout the years, the League has provided a place for Marines to come together in the common bond they shared in service to our nation. The League also has the ability to bring together Marines who are currently serving with those who have been honorably discharged, making the group span across generations of leadership in the Marine Corps. It is my hope that this convention allows this group to celebrate the goals of the Marine Corps League and all they have accomplished in service to our nation. It is because of dedicated community organizations such as the Illinois Marine Corps League that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate the Illinois Marine Corps League on its 75th Annual Department of Illinois Convention.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Quad Cities Vet Center on 40 years of assisting the veterans of this community. As a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, I'm committed to serving the men and women who've worn our country's uniform--making sure they have the resources they deserve and have earned. The Quad Cities Vet Center was established in 1979 as a response to the lack of services that veterans received after the Vietnam War. Today, the center provides a wide range of social and psychological services, such as individual, group, marriage and family counseling. I am proud to represent a community that provides such essential services to veterans and their families, and I look forward to the continuation of their program. I join the Quad Cities community to celebrate this milestone and commend them on all of their efforts to improve the lives of those who have served our nation. It is because of philanthropic services such as this that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate the Quad Cities Vet Center on their 40th Anniversary and all that they do to enrich our community.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Everett Whitcher for winning the Citizen of the Year Award through the Kewanee Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Whitcher's dedication to organizations in the Kewanee community is admirable. Mr. Whitcher is a graduate of Wethersefield High School and went on to pursue his career in the grocery business. Since 1989, Mr. Whitcher has been the owner of the Super Value grocery store, which is now Save- A-Lot in Kewanee, Illinois. In 2015, Mr. Whitcher needed to keep up with the demands of the community so he moved his Kewanee store to a bigger location on South Main Street where he expanded his food and meat inventory. Mr. Whitcher is an active participant in the local community and has contributed a great deal to Kewanee's economy. In addition to running his business, he assists all the food pantries in Kewanee and donates pet food to the Humane Society. Mr. Whitcher has been an active member of the Kiwanis Club since 2007 and serves on the Board of Directors in a continued effort to give back to his neighbors. I admire Mr. Whitcher's service to the community and thank him for his many contributions as he accepts the Citizen of the Year Award. It is because of community leaders like Mr. Whitcher that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate Everett Whitcher for winning the Citizen of the Year Award given by the Kewanee Chamber of Commerce.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Amber Patch- Troxell for winning the Meritorious Service Award through the Kewanee Chamber of Commerce. Ms. Patch-Troxell's dedication to the Kewanee community is admirable, and I commend her for winning this award. Ms. Patch-Troxell graduated from Wethersfield High School in 1999 and went on to pursue a career in insurance. She has been with Farmers Insurance for 11 years, and is an asset to the Kewanee community. So much so that she has been recognized in the community already by receiving the Elks Club Citizen of the Year award and the Kewanee Park District's Child's Best Friend award. Ms. Patch-Troxell also started Patchy's Toy Drive and has provided Christmas gifts to children and teenagers in need in the community, while also providing a helping hand to families who are faced with loss due to fire or a medical emergency. Her fundraising events have become community happenings where her kindness and generosity have not gone unnoticed. I admire Mr. Whitcher's service to Kewanee and thank her for her many contributions to the community. It is because of community leaders like Ms. Patch-Troxell that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate Amber Patch- Troxell for winning the Meritorious Service Award given by the Kewanee Chamber of Commerce.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Bradley University Speech Team on their victories at the American Forensics Association and National Forensic Association national tournaments. Bradley University is the only team to win a national championship every decade since 1980 and is one of the most winning teams in the country. Bradley's Speech Team is an extremely accomplished program and impressively have now added two more national titles to their long list of championships. The program has also claimed more than 150 individual national champions and has served as a special place on campus for students to come together, tell stories and improve their communication skills along the way. The speech community unites students across the country and provides them with a community to share their passions and discuss topics important to them. I understand the amount of hard work and commitment to have a team as special as this. They are an example of how a strong work ethic and dedication can lead to victory. I am proud there is such young talent in our community, and to see them represent Peoria throughout the state and country. I look forward to following them as they continue their work and build skills that will last a lifetime. It is because of dedicated leaders such as the Bradley University Speech Team that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate the Bradley University Speech Team on their victories at the American Forensics Association and National Forensic Association national tournaments.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Michael Allen for his promotion to National Chair of the Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA). Mr. Allen will rise from the position of Chief Financial Officer at OSF Health Care in Peoria, Illinois. Mr. Allen began his career after earning an accounting degree from Illinois State University and a master's degree in healthcare administration from the University of Minnesota. Mr. Allen then went on to gain more than 25 years of experience in business and the healthcare industry--making him well qualified to take on this new role with the nation's largest membership organization for healthcare financial management executives and leaders. Leadership experience is something Mr. Allen gained in his 19 years as Chief Financial Officer for health systems and eight years in public accounting. Mr. Allen is no stranger to HFMA--he has been a member since 1993, and has chaired the Board of Examiners and served on the National Advisory Council. Mr. Allen will bring a new set of eyes to HFMA, having selected ``Dare You to Move'' as this year's theme to encourage members to get out of their comfort zone. I want to thank Mr. Allen for his work in healthcare and for his service to the Peoria community. It is because of dedicated leaders like Michael Allen that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate Michael Allen on his promotion to National Chair of the Healthcare Financial Management Association.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Gaye Dunn for winning the Middle/Junior High School Counselor of the Year Award given by the Illinois School Counselors Association. Ms. Dunn will be retiring after 42 years in the education system and has been a school counselor in the East Moline School District for more than 25 years. Ms. Dunn got her start at the University of Illinois and University of Kansas before going on to earn a master's degree in School Counseling from Eastern Illinois University. During the course of her career, Ms. Dunn has earned a reputation among her peers as a team player who will do anything to improve her community. Ms. Dunn dedicated herself to being a positive resource for the students of Glenview Middle School and someone they can turn to. The ``Builders Club'' was established by Ms. Dunn to fundraise and provide gifts to other students and families in the area. Additionally, she initiated GBAY, which operates in a similar concept to EBAY, where students donate and then bid for holiday presents for community members. Annual Career Fairs are also a tradition jumpstarted by Ms. Dunn and have even included visits by students to local nursing homes. Ms. Dunn is an asset to the East Moline community and her students, and I thank her for all of her tremendous work. It is because of dedicated leaders like Ms. Dunn that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate Gaye Dunn for winning the Counselor of the Year Award.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Jail Hill Inn for winning first place in the Travelers' Choice Award for TripAdvisor in the United States and for being named second place globally for the bed-and-breakfast/inn category. The brick building where Jail Hill Inn operates today has been around for 140 years and originally served as a jail until 1977. The Jail Hill Inn was lovingly restored and revitalized by its owner, Matthew Carroll, and has been a hotel for the last 17 years. The hotel has six luxurious rooms complete with a fireplace, wet bar, king-size bed, high-end linens and a Bluetooth-connected sound system. Those who stay in all six of the rooms are dubbed ``repeat offenders'' for their frequent visits to the inn. Galena's historic Main Street and downtown area are only a short walk away and provides guests with easy access to all Galena has to offer. I commend Matthew Carroll for creating an excellent stop for visitors hoping to catch a glimpse of some of the beauty our region has to offer and look forward to hearing about the Jail Hill Inn's future successes. It is because of creative entrepreneurs like Matthew Carroll that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate the Jail Hill Inn for its rise to the top of TripAdvisor's Travelers' Choice Awards.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Jail Hill Inn for winning first place in the Travelers' Choice Award for TripAdvisor in the United States, and for being named second place globally for the bed-and-breakfast/inn category. The brick building where Jail Hill Inn operates today has been around for 140 years and originally served as a jail until 1977. The Jail Hill Inn was lovingly restored and revitalized by its owner, Matthew Carroll, and has been a hotel for the last 17 years. The hotel has six luxurious rooms complete with a fireplace, wet bar, king-size bed, high-end linens and a Bluetooth-connected sound system. Those who stay in all six of the rooms are dubbed ``repeat offenders'' for their frequent visits to the inn. Galena's historic Main Street and downtown area are only a short walk away and provides guests with easy access to all Galena has to offer. I commend Matthew Carroll for creating an excellent stop for visitors hoping to catch a glimpse of some of the beauty our region has to offer and look forward to hearing about the Jail Hill Inn's future successes. It is because of creative entrepreneurs like Matthew Carroll that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate the Jail Hill Inn for its rise to the top of TripAdvisor's Travelers' Choice Awards.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Sue Malahy for winning the Golden Apple Award. Ms. Malahy is the first educator from downstate Illinois who has received this award. Ms. Malahy serves as the Principal at Charles Lindbergh Middle School in Peoria, Illinois. Upon receiving the award, she was greeted in the school's gymnasium by golden balloons and singing middle school students to show their appreciation for her work and congratulate her on this outstanding achievement. Ms. Malahy as earned the admiration of her colleagues and students through her leadership. After five years with Ms. Malahy as principal, Lindbergh Middle School is known for having a positive culture for students and teachers to grow and support one another inside and outside of the classroom. One of the area where Ms. Malahy has led the way is helping teachers use data to recognize students' achievements. In addition, she has introduced programs for students to arrive early before school to study subjects such as algebra and Spanish. As a result of winning this award, her middle school will receive a prize to put towards enhancements at the school, while Ms. Malahy will use her prize to help prepare Illinois undergraduate students interested in pursuing a career in education. I applaud Ms. Malahy's successful efforts to make her school a better place to learn. It is because of dedicated leaders such as Ms. Malahy that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate Ms. Malahy on winning the Golden Apple Award.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Gwen Tombergs for winning the Quad-Cities Athena Leadership Award for empowering and mentoring women throughout their careers. Ms. Tombergs is the first female president in the Southern Professional Hockey League for the Quad-City Storm. The Quad-Cities Athena Awards were founded 14 years ago by a group of women focused on female leadership and gender diversity. Ms. Tombergs embodies the spirit of this award through her work in our community. She has had an outstanding career where she led the way and shaped the lives of women at places such as casinos, Lujack's, the Quad-City Times and the Quad-Cities Chamber of Commerce--culminating with the nomination for this distinguished award. However, Ms. Tombergs did not stop there--she has taken on multiple leadership roles within the Quad- City Thunder CBA Basketball Team, the Quad-City Sports Center, the New York Mets and now the Quad-City Storm hockey team. Ms. Tombergs has been a steadfast advocate for young women in the Quad-Cities region, and is an asset to our community. I am grateful for her leadership and wish her continued success in the future. It is because of dedicated leaders like Ms. Tombergs that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate Gwen Tombergs for winning the Quad-Cities Athena Award and thank her for empowering women in everything she does.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Richard Seidler for his retirement from UnityPoint Health-Trinity as president and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Seidler has 37 years of leadership experience within the health care industry. Mr. Seidler received his MBA and BBA from the University of Miami in Florida, and is Board Certified in Health Care Management. He is a Fellow in the American College of Health Care Administrators and received the Distinguished Service Award in 2011. Mr. Seidler's professional experience ranges from Assistant Administrator, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Executive Officer when he was in California. His vision and expertise have driven the success of facility mergers, managed care organizations, primary care group acquisitions, market share and referral increases, new partnerships with insurers and the development of comprehensive outpatient campuses and cardiovascular centers. Mr. Seidler came to Trinity and the Quad- Cities in 2010 following twelve years leading Allen Health System in Waterloo, Iowa. He also serves on several boards and has shown a continued dedication to the Quad-Cities community. It is because of dedicated leaders such as Mr. Seidler that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate Mr. Seidler on his retirement and thank him for his service to the community.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize David Mingus for his retirement from the position of mayor in East Peoria, Illinois. Mayor Mingus has served as the mayor of East Peoria for 12 years. Mayor Mingus' retirement from this position brings to an end a long chapter in his outstanding career in public service. As a certified counselor and social worker, Mayor Mingus has used his knowledge and expertise to better the East Peoria community. In addition to serving as the city's mayor, Mayor Mingus spent three terms on the City Council and served on the local School Board. Serving his community has always been a passion of Mayor Mingus' ever since he earned a master's degree in counseling and human development, and went on to begin a career in the mental health field. He served as director of Neighborhood House in Peoria, as well as CEO of the Tazwood Mental Health Board. I commend Mayor Mingus for all of his efforts to better the community of East Peoria and wish him well as he takes on new professional opportunities in his career. It is because of dedicated leaders such as David Mingus that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate David Mingus on his retirement as mayor and thank him for his service to the community.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Paul Rumler for winning the Quad-Cities Male Champion of Change Award for his work as president and CEO of the Quad-Cities Chamber of Commerce. The Quad-Cities Athena Awards are given to one woman and one man who are committed to gender diversity and empowering women in leadership. Under Mr. Rumler's leadership, 13 women have been hired or promoted within the Quad-Cities Chamber of Commerce, which was one of his top goals in the role. These efforts to make the organization more inclusive and, as a whole, more representative of our community. Mr. Rumler is dedicated to his work in the Quad-Cities region and is an asset to the community where he has fought for women's aspirations and goals. I commend Mr. Rumler for his work and look forward to seeing his future accomplishments. It is because of dedicated leaders such as Paul Rumler that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate Paul Rumler for winning the Quad-Cities Male Champion of Change Award and thank him for empowering women in our community.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Susan Kuborn of Rockford for winning a gold medal at the 2019 Special Olympics World Games held in Abu Dhabi. Susan Kuborn knew that this was a ``once-in-a-lifetime'' opportunity and she trained hard to win gold in the 1,500 meter run. Ms. Kuborn was one of only seven athletes from Illinois to compete at the Special Olympics World Games. As a former athlete, I appreciate the fortitude Ms. Kuborn displayed to achieve her dream of winning gold and commend her for her outstanding efforts. Ms. Kuborn 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 her represent Rockford not just here at home but throughout the world. It is because of leaders such as Susan Kuborn that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate Susan Kuborn on her gold medal win at the Special Olympics World Games.