Cheri Bustos

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Peoria Players Theatre on its 100th anniversary. This milestone now makes the Peoria Players Theatre the oldest running regional theater in Illinois and fourth oldest in the nation. The Peoria Players Theatre first got its start back in 1919, where it originally was called the Peoria Women's Club home. Prior to settling in their current location in Lakeview park, where they have been since 1957, the Peoria Players Theatre has put on shows in places like the abandoned fire station on Jackson Street to the local high school auditorium--all without missing a beat. Not once has the Peoria Players Theatre closed its doors throughout its 100-year history; instead, they just kept entertaining the people of Peoria with everything from original plays to musicals. Peoria is lucky to have the Peoria Players Theatre represent the community so well, and I cannot wait to see what local talent they produce over the next 100 years. It is because of dedicated organizations such as the Peoria Players Theatre that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate the Peoria Players Theatre on its 100th anniversary.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize John Reid for his election into the National Academy of Engineering through his company, John Deere. Election to the Academy is among the highest professional distinctions accorded to an engineer, and Dr. Reid was elected for innovation in automation technologies for agricultural systems. Membership in the National Academy of Engineering honors those who have made outstanding contributions to engineering, including significant contributions to the engineering literature and to the pioneering of new and developing fields of technology, advancements in traditional fields of engineering, or innovative approaches to engineering education. John Reid graduated from Virginia Tech with a bachelors and master's degree in agricultural engineering. He obtained his Ph.D. from Texas A&M in 1987. Dr. Reid is currently the Director of Product Technology & Innovation at John Deere, and is also a full professor at the University of Illinois at Urbana--Champaign. Dr. Reid has created several patents with the U.S. Patent Office in the years he has worked at John Deere. He is also on the board of several organizations in the Moline area. It is because of dedicated leaders such as John Reid that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate John Reid for his acceptance into the National Academy of Engineering.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Johanna Hager for her work at the Braveheart Child Advocacy Center. Ms. Hager serves as a Diplomate Certified Practitioner and a Certified Child Forensic Interview Trainer who has done remarkable work. Johanna Hager, a member of First Lutheran Church in Geneseo, is committed to assisting members of the community through her expertise in child trauma. Ms. Hager earned a master's degree in Marriage, Family and Child Therapy and has gone on to work closely with the National Association of Forensic Counseling and the American Academy of Certified Forensic Counselors. Ms. Hager actively assists the State Police on how they can best communicate with children who are affected by criminal investigations. She has also used her knowledge to support and aid adults, children, and families dealing with grief, trauma and recovery from child sexual abuse and severe physical abuse. In addition, Ms Hager has testified as an expert witness in many cases and has assisted with the establishment of a nationwide competency exam for Child Forensic Interviewers. Ms. Hager is an asset to the community and provides much-needed services for those she assists. It is because of dedicated leaders such as Johanna Hager that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally honor Johanna Hager on her service to the community and thank her for all she does for those who are in need of assistance.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Debbie Simon on her retirement. She is the current Chief Executive Officer of UnityPoint Health. Ms. Debbie Simon earned a bachelor's degree of nursing from the University of Illinois before beginning her outstanding career at Methodist Hospital. Ms. Simon then later pursued a master's degree in business administration from Bradley University before furthering her training and education by completing both the Wharton Nurse Executive Fellowship and Henry Crown Fellowship. With this extensive knowledge, Ms. Simon stood out as a leader at Methodist and eventually became the regional chief executive officer. In 2011, Methodist Hospital integrated with UnityPoint Health and she led the expansion further into central Illinois. Ms. Simon's leadership has contributed to major growth at Methodist College where over 600 students are pursuing degrees. In addition to her stellar career, Ms. Simon has taken the time to serve on many boards and is a fierce advocate for the health and wellbeing of the Peoria community. I wish her the best in her well- earned retirement and thank her for her many years of service. It is because of dedicated leaders such as Debbie Simon that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate Debbie Simon on her retirement and thank her for her service to the Peoria community.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Logan Lee, a senior from Orion High School, who won the Illinois High School Association's Class 1A State Finals Wrestling Tournament. Lee completed a 21-1 season by securing a 7-5 decision over Tyler Elsbury of Byron. Logan Lee captured the 285-pound state title in exciting fashion on the University of Illinois' campus. After conceding a controversial takedown to his opponent with only :54 seconds left in the match, Logan quickly escaped to even the match at 5 points apiece. With overtime approaching, Logan went on the offense, and showed great determination to secure the go-ahead takedown with only seconds left in the bout-- leaving his opponent next to no time to respond. As a former athlete, I appreciate the fortitude Logan displayed to achieve his dream of being a state champion and commend him for his efforts and attitude. Logan 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 Orion so well throughout the state. It is because of student leaders such as Logan that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate Logan Lee on his Class 1A State Finals title in wrestling.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Shaun Livingston for his willingness to invest in the Peoria community where he grew up. Mr. Livingston is a 31-year-old point guard for the National Basketball Association's Golden State Warriors. Mr Livingston recently made a one-million-dollar donation to his elementary school, Concordia Lutheran School, in Peoria, Illinois. The veteran point guard's generosity will be put towards expanding the school. Specifically, the expansion will consist of a performance stage for band and theater, a renovated gym, new offices and locker rooms and a storm shelter. As a former athlete, I understand the amount of hard work and commitment it takes to have a career as successful as Mr Livingston's. I am grateful for his passion to give back to the community and am confident his selfless actions will help provide young students with the opportunity to succeed. His leadership demonstrates to kids everywhere that they too can follow their ambitions and reach their goals. Dedicated leaders like Mr. Shaun Livingston make me especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally thank Mr. Shaun Livingston on his investment in the Peoria community, and commend him on his kindness and generosity.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Bradley University Men's Basketball Team on capturing the Missouri Valley Conference title, earning them a spot in the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament. The Braves defeated Northern Iowa University in St. Louis by a score of 57-54 to capture an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament and finish off a stellar Missouri Valley Conference tournament. Bradley pulled off an outstanding comeback in the second half after trailing by as many as 18 points with only 17 minutes left in regulation. This title is the first the Braves won since 1988 and will be their first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2006, where they made a thrilling run to the Sweet Sixteen. As a former athlete, I understand the amount of hard work and commitment it takes to put together such an outstanding season. They are 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 them represent Peoria so well throughout the state and country. I will be rooting them on in the NCAA Tournament and wish them continued success. It is because of dedicated leaders such as the Bradley University Braves Men's Basketball Team that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate the Bradley University Braves Men's Basketball Team on their Missouri Valley Conference title, and wish them luck in the NCAA Tournament.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Danny Weiss for his service to Speaker Pelosi, to our House Democratic Caucus, and to our country. Danny is one of the many staff members who has worked tirelessly for the people's House. He has never viewed his service on Capitol Hill as a temporary stint. This was his life's work and a true call to public service. Most recently, as the Speaker said, I worked with Danny during my tenure as co-chair of the Democratic Policy and Communications Committee during the last session of Congress. As then-Leader Pelosi's chief of staff, Danny helped our Caucus develop our For the People agenda to clean up corruption in Washington, lower healthcare costs, and rebuild our country through investments in our infrastructure. Developing this agenda was no easy task, and as anybody like Danny knows, it is just as hard to keep Members of Congress on message--I thought that was funny--but Danny tried his hardest. With Danny's efforts and with his persistence, we were successful and gained a historic majority and a record number of women in the 116th session of Congress. To say that Danny was instrumental in our efforts would be an understatement. His career will also be defined by his undying belief that this body and each and every one of us can make a difference in the lives of the people whom we serve. Danny knows that even amid the chaos and the sensational headlines, we all have the power to be a force of good in this world. I would like to join my colleagues in thanking Danny Weiss for not just his years of service, but for always keeping his eye on the prize and on the purpose and for his dedication to this institution.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, we are delivering a major victory for American families today, a victory for transparency, integrity, and accountability in our democracy. I am proud to have helped introduce H.R. 1, the For the People Act, because, in every corner of Illinois, I hear from folks who are frustrated about politics. They are frustrated with the secret and dark money that enters politics; they are frustrated by the self-dealing in Washington; and they are frustrated by the culture of corruption that rewards the powerful while the voices of hardworking Americans are drowned out. Our For the People Act will bring fundamental change to Washington. Our bill will end the dominance of big money in politics; it will ensure that elections are fair; and it will make sure Congress is working for the people instead of for themselves, banning Members from serving on corporate boards. Our For the People Act will make it easier to vote. Madam Speaker, the American people sent us here to clean up the mess in Washington. Today we are delivering on that promise.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Stephen Bash for his retirement. Dr. Bash currently serves as Professor of Pediatrics, Section of Cardiology, in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Peoria. Dr. Bash has had a long and distinguished career as a doctor. He graduated from Indiana University Medical School in 1967 and began his medical career with an internship at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, New York. Dr. Bash then returned to Indiana where he completed his Pediatric Residency and a Pediatric Cardiology Fellowship at Riley Children's Hospital in Indianapolis. Academia has also been an important aspect of Dr. Bash's career as he worked as an instructor at the Fort Wayne Family Practice Residency and an assistant professor at the University of Illinois. Additionally, Dr. Bash served our country honorably as a Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy and was a visiting cardiology consultant for the Riyadh Armed Forces Hospital in Saudi Arabia. Dr. Bash is part of several professional societies and has received several awards for his work. I would like to wish Dr. Bash well as he begins his well-earned retirement and thank him for his many contributions to medical research. It is because of dedicated leaders such as Dr. Stephen Bash that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate Dr. Stephen Bash on his retirement and thank him for his service to our country.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Jitendra Shah for his retirement. Dr. Shah currently serves as the Director of the Pediatric Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory at the Children's Hospital of Illinois at St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria. Dr. Jitendra Shah has had a long and distinguished career as a doctor, which began after he graduated from the Medical College at Maharaja Sayajirao University in Baroda, India in 1969. Following graduation, Dr. Shah completed an internship and his residency at Shree Sayaji General Hospital in Baroda, India, the Albert Einstein Medical Center and Philadelphia General Hospital in Pennsylvania. Dr. Shah did a fellowship in Pediatric Cardiology at St. Christopher's Hospital for Children in Philadelphia, and then led research at the Congenital Heart Disease Research & Training Center's Hekteon Institute for Medical Research in Chicago, Illinois. He has also served in the academic world, most recently as Clinical Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Peoria. Dr. Shah is a part of many scientific organizations and has received two teaching awards for his time in academia. I would like to wish Dr. Shah well as he begins his well-earned retirement and thank him for his many contributions to medical research. It is because of dedicated leaders such as Dr. Jitendra Shah that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate Dr. Jitendra Shah on his retirement and thank him for his service to the Peoria community.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Richard Pearl for his retirement as Professor of Surgery and Pediatrics at the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria. Dr. Pearl is currently the director of Surgical Simulation at the Jump Simulation and Education Center at OSF HealthCare and is completing a long career of service through medicine. Dr. Richard Pearl began his distinguished career after he received a medical degree from Wright State University in 1980. Dr. Pearl first gained experience as a Surgical Intern at Madigan Army Medical Center prior to completing his residency at Harvard Surgical Service in Boston, and a fellowship focused on Pediatric Surgery in Toronto, Canada. In addition to these outstanding achievements, Dr. Pearl honorably served our nation as a Colonel in the U.S. Army. He began his military service as an infantry officer and helicopter pilot before joining the Army Medical Corps. In the Army Medical Corps, Dr. Pearl served in Operation Desert Storm as Deputy Commander of a Combat Support Hospital and Commander of a Forward Surgical Team in Saudi Arabia and Iraq. This extraordinary service earned Dr. Pearl many recognitions and accolades, including three Bronze Stars, the Legion of Merit and the Air Medal for Valor. I would like to wish Dr. Pearl well as he begins his well-earned retirement. It is because of dedicated leaders such as Dr. Richard Pearl that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate Dr. Richard Pearl on his retirement and thank him for his service to our country.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Steven Roegge on being named East Peoria's next police chief. His 31 years of service at the Peoria Police Department have not gone unnoticed. Mr. Roegge began his career in law enforcement after receiving a criminal justice degree from Illinois State University and earning a certificate in supervision of police personnel from Northwestern University. He then went on and served as a lieutenant with the Peoria Police Department for the past 11 years, where he worked as a vice and narcotics investigator. Additionally, he worked closely with the K9 Unit by serving as a K9 sergeant and training other officers and their K9s, while also developing active shooter trainings for the department. Mr. Roegge has also represented the Peoria Police Department with the Illinois Law Enforcement Alarms System to further his leadership within the department. I would like to express my gratitude for the work he has done to protect our community and I look forward to seeing what he will accomplish in his new role. As the wife of a sheriff, I know how important it is to share our gratitude for those who put their lives on the line for our communities. Dedicated leaders like Mr. Steven Roegge make me especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate Mr. Steven Roegge on his well-earned promotion to East Peoria Police Chief, and thank him for all of his service to the community.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Logan Brinson, whose love for reading and sharing books with others has led to him opening two locations of ``Logan's Little Library'' in Alpha, Illinois. Logan, a five-year old from Alpha, Illinois, noticed that his town did not have a library when he moved there in 2017. As a result, Logan decided to start one himself by building one right in his own front yard--that way, he could share his love of books and reading with others in the community. ``Logan's Little Library'' now stands out front of his house and serves as a space where members of the community may pick a book up that they are interested in reading and also drop books off that they would like to share with others. Logan has also included books that he has finished reading as well as some others from his collection. The success of ``Logan's Little Library'' has even led to the opening of a second location, which will be ready in May 2019. The second location came about after Logan made his case to the village that some children are unable to cross the busy Highway 150 and therefore cannot reach the Library. Logan's idea has even drawn the attention of those in other countries, and he has since received book donations from London and Australia. It is because of dedicated leaders such as Logan Brinson that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate Logan Brinson on sharing his love for books and inspiring the Alpha community.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Ben Farrar Insurance softball team of the Rock Island Girls Softball League on becoming the face of Big League Chew. This is the first time in the 38 years the gum has been offered that women have been on the cover. Big League Chew is one of the most famous bubble gums in the world, and the Ben Farrar Insurance softball team is on the cover of the packaging. George Stege, who represents Big League Chew, and Ben Swanson, who coaches the girls, formed a friendship that led to this wonderful debut of girls on the cover of the packaging where only boys had been before. The group of teenage girls from Rock Island helped make this happen by inspiring George Stege to take this idea to his team at Ford Gum Company. Not knowing that this would be something the company would consider, given they have such an iconic logo, the team was excited to hear the news that they would be the face of Big League Chew and inspire female athletes everywhere. It is because of dedicated leaders such as George Stege, Ben Swanson and members of the Ben Farrar Insurance softball team that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate the Rock Island Girls Softball League's Ben Farrar Insurance softball team for being on the cover of Big League Chew's packaging.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Rock Energy Cooperative for celebrating 83 years of service. Since they were founded, they have only continued to grow and expand their services. The Rock Energy Cooperative's articles of incorporation were first filed in 1936 and has been bringing electricity to homes across our region ever since. Starting out with 199 members, it has since expanded to draw in thousands of members. In 2007, Rock Energy Cooperative expanded their operations to Illinois when they acquired South Beloit Water, Gas & Electric from Alliant Energy. Following this addition to their service, the membership increased by ten thousand and now reached across two states, Wisconsin and Illinois. However, electricity is not the only service they deliver as they also provide natural gas to people across Illinois. Throughout all of their years of service and powering homes across our region, they have consistently met their member's needs, especially those living in rural areas. It is because of businesses such as the Rock Energy Cooperative that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate the Rock Energy Cooperative on its 83 years of service to the community.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Fidencio Hooper-Campos on his retirement. Mr. Hooper-Campos has been a steelworker and member of the United Steelworkers Local 63 for 45 years. Fidencio Hooper-Campos has much to celebrate following a stellar career as a steelworker and a public servant. Mr. Hooper-Campos began his career as a steelworker at the age of 19 at Northwestern Steel & Wire prior to continuing his work at Sterling Steel in the town where he was born. However, Mr. Hooper-Campos' work went beyond that as he took on leadership roles within the community, including service on the Whiteside County Board, Whiteside County Health Clinic Governing Council and the NCI Works Board. Mr. Hooper-Campos committed himself to civic activism and always worked to improve the community around him throughout his accomplished career. In addition, Mr. Hooper-Campos enjoys music, kickboxing and martial arts and I wish him well as he begins his well-earned retirement. It is because of dedicated leaders such as Fidencio Hooper-Campos that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate Fidencio Hooper-Campos on his retirement after 45 years as a steelworker.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Joe Terronez on his 90th birthday. Mr. Terronez is the first Hispanic mayor in the state of Illinois and is the former mayor of Silvis, Illinois. Joe Terronez began a long career of public service when he was first elected alderman in 1963 before later going on to serve the City of Silvis as its mayor. He was one of the first Hispanic city council members in the state and his dedication to his community is admirable. One of the best examples of Mayor Terronez's service to others, although there are many, was when he renamed 2nd Street in Silvis to ``Hero Street.'' Although this street is only one and a half blocks long, over 100 of its residents were members of the military, including six who gave the ultimate sacrifice defending our freedoms. As a result, Mayor Terronez dedicated this street to honor their sacrifices. Actions such as this embody Mayor Terronez's spirit of giving back to others. As he celebrates this milestone, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude for his many years of service to others. It is because of dedicated leaders such as Mayor Terronez that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally honor Mr. Joe Terronez on his 90th birthday.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Haddad's West Peoria Market for celebrating 100 years in business. Haddad's has been a staple in Peoria since it first opened its doors in 1919. Haddad's West Peoria Market has held its own as an independently-run business in the Peoria community owned by Mark Wrhel. Haddad's family owned operation along with its friendly atmosphere and welcoming staff is what has kept customers coming back for all of these years. Often times customers run into their neighbors, friends or familiar members of the community while walking the aisles at Haddad's to pick up their favorite products and providing them with a sense of community and comfort. Local businesses such as Haddad's are a critical part of our local economy and owners such as Mark should be celebrated for all of their hard work in creating a place for the community to come together and shop locally. 100 years of business is an outstanding achievement and I wish Haddad's continued success in the time to come serving the Peoria area. It is because of businesses such as Haddad's West Peoria Market that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate Haddad's West Peoria Market on its 100 years in business.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Innkeeper's Fresh Roasted Coffee for its twentieth anniversary of operation in Galesburg, Illinois. Innkeeper's has been a space for the Galesburg community to come together since 1998 when Mike Bond and Johan Ewalt first began serving freshly roasted coffee. In 2003, the two took a chance and decided to expand their business even as factory closings threatened to devastate the local economy. With in vestment, hard work and creativity, Innkeeper's managed to succeed, grow and become a central space for friends and family to enjoy one another's company. Innkeeper's small batch roasting method and their use of environmentally friendly shade- grown coffee sets them apart. It is in small businesses like Innkeeper's that rural communities have found stability and their perseverance makes me proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would again like to formally congratulate Innkeeper's Fresh Roasted Coffee on its twenty years in business and thank them for their service to our community.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Greg Pohlman, who is being inducted into the Illinois High School Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame. Mr. Pohlman served Carrollton Community High School for 40 years as a coach, teacher and athletic director. Mr. Pohlman retired from his post as the baseball coach at Carrollton in 2016 after a long, successful career where he tallied up over 500 career wins. Under his leadership, the Carrollton Hawks went on to win the 2011 Illinois High School Association Class 1A State Championship following a 31 win season. This championship season gave Mr. Pohlman the record for most wins in a single season and is an outstanding coaching achievement. Mr. Pohlman's accomplishments demonstrate not only his extensive knowledge of the game, but also his commitment to the students he coached. Throughout his tenure, Mr. Pohlman rightfully earned a reputation of being a great role model to young student athletes and someone who truly gave his all to allow students to compete and learn to the best of their abilities. However, his impact went beyond the sports he coached--throughout all of his years as a teacher and coach, he tried to instill in his students and athletes the importance of being productive members of our society. Mr. Pohlman is an exceptional leader in our community and it is fitting that his years of service are being recognized in this way. It is because of dedicated leaders such as Greg Pohlman that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate Greg Pohlman on his well-earned induction into the Baseball Coaches' Hall of Fame and thank him for all of his service to the community.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Sauk Valley Area Chamber of Commerce on receiving a Five-Star Accreditation from the United States Chamber of Commerce. The Sauk Valley Area Chamber of Commerce was one of 120 chambers across the nation to receive this accreditation this past year. Founded in 1912, the Sauk Valley Area Chamber of Commerce has gone on to develop their organization's abilities into one of the finest in the nation. The Sauk Valley Area Chamber of Commerce represents many communities across both Illinois and Iowa, where they work to expand economic opportunities in the region. With this accreditation, it is clear the Sauk Valley Area will continue to benefit from the efforts of this organization as we begin the new year. I am impressed by the work they have done to improve the well-being of local businesses across our region and congratulate them on a job well done. As we look to the future, I am eager to see how the Sauk Valley Area Chamber of Commerce builds upon this distinction and uses it to expand upon their successes and continue to improve the local business community. A strong workforce is key to a strong community, and this five-star recognition speaks volumes to that commitment. It is because of groups such as the Sauk Valley Area Chamber of Commerce that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate the Sauk Valley Area Chamber of Commerce on its five-star accreditation and thank them for their service to our community.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding work at the U.S. Department of Agriculture's research lab in Peoria, Illinois. For more than 75 years, the Ag Lab has conducted breakthrough research, impacting lives of people all over the world. Decades after discovering how to mass-produce penicillin, the Ag Lab just found out how to enhance its effectiveness in people who have developed antibiotic resistance. They have also developed an all- natural bug repellent that is more effective than DEET. Unfortunately, the 200 employees at the Ag Lab have been sent home due to this government shutdown, putting their groundbreaking research at a dead halt. It is time to stop using workers as pawns in this government shutdown. We must put this shutdown to an end so the Ag Lab can continue its advanced research that drives American agriculture and our economy.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Lieutenant Colonel Harold ``Hal'' Fritz on the 50th Anniversary of receiving his Medal of Honor. Lt. Col. Fritz is one of 74 living Medal of Honor recipients. A resident of Peoria, Illinois for the past 25 years, Lt. Col. Fritz honorably served our nation as a platoon leader in the Vietnam War. During his time as a Captain, Lt. Col. Fritz acted with great courage to receive the Medal of Honor. Captain Fritz was leading his fellow soldiers on a convoy when they were suddenly ambushed, and as a result, surrounded by the enemy. After receiving heavy fire, Captain Fritz was wounded, but instead of treating himself, he thought of those fighting alongside him. Captain Fritz responded swiftly by returning fire, directing the men with him, and treating their wounds. These extraordinary actions taken by Captain Fritz led him and his men away from danger. Lt. Col. Fritz showed immense bravery, and I commend him on his actions during the Vietnam War. The Medal of Honor is a great distinction and it is fitting that Lt. Col. Fritz actions are recognized in this way. It is because of dedicated and selfless leaders such as Lt. Col. Harold ``Hal'' Fritz that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally honor Lt. Col. Hal Fritz on the 50th Anniversary of his receipt of the Medal of Honor.

Mrs. BUSTOS

Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Raymond Torres for being a recipient of the Illinois Bicentennial Honor 200 campaign. The award is given by the Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs and the Illinois Bicentennial Office to honor veterans who have given back to their communities after their service. From Sterling, Illinois, Mr. Torres honorably served our nation in the Vietnam War, where he was wounded in the battle of Khe Sanh. Upon his return, Mr. Torres developed Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and has since made it his mission to help others who have gone through similar experiences. In 2015, I had the privilege of meeting Mr. Torres and his family in my Rock Island Office where I presented him with service medals he had not previously received. Mr. Torres' honors consist of a Purple Heart, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Presidential Unit Citation and a Combat Action Ribbon. It is fitting that Mr. Torres is honored for both his past and present service to our state and our nation, as Illinois celebrates its 200th birthday. His service is exemplary and I am humbled to have had the opportunity to meet him. It is because of dedicated leaders such as Mr. Raymond Torres that I am especially proud to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I would like to again formally congratulate Mr. Torres for receiving this honor and thank him for all he does for veterans in our communities.