Chuy García

Mr. GARCIA of Illinois

Mr. GARCIA of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to proudly honor the Chicago city champs, the members of the Farragut Career Academy 16- inch softball team from my district. At a time when ICE raids swept through our neighborhoods while DHS carried out Operation Midway Blitz, these remarkable young people brought a ray of hope and something truly worth celebrating to Little Village. They persevered through these challenges, remained focused, and put in the hard work required to become champions. They have a great underdog story, a testament to determination, discipline, raw talent, and what it can achieve. The Farragut Career Academy 16-inch softball team is an inspiring example of the pride and resilience that define Little Village. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate them. They have made us beyond proud.

Mr. GARCIA of Illinois

Mr. GARCIA of Illinois. Our voters do not want this either. We should not be distracted by political ploys when our constituents want us to stay focused and to deliver for them. I am going to finish my term with the same love and commitment that I brought to my first day of Congress here. When I arrived in this country as a 10-year-old, I never dreamed I would be here. I hope that we can all agree on this: When a colleague chooses his family, that shouldn't be a moment for division. It should be a moment for understanding and unity. One day you might be the one making that choice, and you shouldn't have to debate it on the House floor.

Mr. GARCIA of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I stand here, believe it or not, with a grateful heart. Over the last several days, many of my colleagues have reached out with kindness and understanding. I appreciate their concern for me and their desire to keep our Caucus united. I wasn't expecting to stand here to debate my retirement, but before any of us are Members of Congress, we are husbands, we are grandfathers, we are sons, we are mothers, and we are sisters. We are regular people, but life reminds us that our jobs come second to the people waiting for us at home. After nearly 40 years of public service, I decided not to seek a fifth term, and I am proud to have served with integrity and respect. I turn 70 next spring, and I decided that it was time to dedicate more of my time to the people who have sacrificed the most so that I could serve: my wife of almost 50 years, my children, my grandchildren, and the family that steadied me through victories and through heartbreak. When my daughter, Rosa, passed away in 2023 and left us four beautiful young children, it shook our entire world. Overnight, our house became a home for those kids. We did what every family does: We stepped up. We held them close, and we gave them love and stability. Despite dealing with multiple sclerosis, my wife, Evelyn, carried the heaviest load as their day-to-day caregiver. Because of my wife, I was able to keep meeting the responsibilities of my job here and in the district. I filed to run for Congress because this work is more important than ever, and I wanted to deliver for my community and to be part, hopefully, of a new House majority next year. I followed the rules of Illinois and its election law. When the ballot was open for anyone to file--as they had over the past 6 years and the four times that I stood for election--and contrary to claims that were made earlier today, I did not circulate any petitions that I was accused of circulating. I only circulated when I filed on the first day. As I looked ahead, I had to be honest about what the next term would demand and what my family needed. I saw the big picture: supporting my wife as we manage her illness, taking better care of my own health, and being present for the grandson that we just adopted 2 weeks ago. It was a tough decision, but I made that choice as any husband, father, and grandfather would make at that moment. I stood by my family values, as we ask others to do. Every one of us knows the pressures that come with serving here, but I hope that none of my colleagues ever face the circumstances that my family has faced in the last 3 years. Meanwhile, my district and my community are under assault by our own government, and I ask my colleagues to listen. Members may have seen the reports, but pictures don't convey the screams of families being separated, U.S. citizens being arrested without cause, and the indiscriminate gassing of innocent families, including a 1-year-old just a week ago. Families in my district are living with fear and trauma that no one should have to endure in our country. Last week, we returned after 54 days with the House shuttered, including a 43-day shutdown. We returned hoping for Democratic unity. Therefore, I was shocked to be called out in a resolution on the House floor. I think you would agree with me that voters don't want these arguments in Congress. The voters want us to be working to help them afford healthcare, rent, and childcare. Mr. Speaker, none of us wants to spend the next year trading divisive disapproval resolutions. The Speaker pro tempore. The time of the gentleman has expired.

Mr. GARCIA of Illinois

Mr. GARCIA of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, as we begin Hispanic Heritage Month, I want to honor the millions of Latinos and Latinas who make this country strong. We celebrate our culture and sacrifices. This year, it comes with urgency because we are under attack. Last week, the Department of Homeland Security attacked me on X, insisting they deport only criminals. If you walk the streets of my district, Mr. Speaker, you see the truth, and it looks nothing like their tweets. Last Friday, in Franklin Park, a suburb in my district, Silverio Villegas-Gonzalez left his home like any other day. He was a restaurant worker, and he enjoyed cooking. He was a devoted father. He never came home. ICE agents stopped him, and within minutes of dropping his kids off at school, he was shot and killed in broad daylight that morning. First, they said that he drove at officers. Videos show otherwise. Then, they said that he dragged an officer. We have yet to see the evidence. They said that the officer feared for his life, but neighbors' videos capture gunshots and then a car coasting. Silverio was already incapacitated before crashing into a semitrailer. Those same videos show officers, including the one supposedly seriously injured, smashing the window, dragging Silverio's lifeless body out, slamming him onto the pavement, and handcuffing him as he bled out. Silverio didn't make it. DHS' story doesn't add up. A man is dead. A family is shattered, and the agency responsible keeps hiding behind masked thugs and unmarked cars. I use that term because that is how so many agents are acting, either voluntarily or not. ICE and DHS have no credibility, and neither do their stories. They have lost it. Reports indicate that officers involved were not wearing body cameras. This is not law enforcement. This is becoming an American gestapo. Silverio's tragedy is not alone. It affects families every day now. That same day, in Little Village, ICE arrested William Gimenez, a day laborer, as he walked into a barber shop with his wife. William was a lead plaintiff in a lawsuit against Home Depot and local police for abuse. ICE retaliated. We all saw the Cicero case: children were left crying on the side of an industrial road after the parents were taken away by ICE. That is state-sanctioned cruelty against children, the President's specialty. DHS insists they target criminal immigrants, yet in Elgin, in the dead of night, ICE staged a reckless raid with helicopters and armored trucks parading detainees for cameras. Secretary Noem showed up for 5 seconds of fame and rushed to declare: Mission accomplished. The reality is two U.S. citizens were detained. They were not criminals; not even immigrants. To quote the President: They don't know what they are doing. What we see are workers punished, children traumatized, U.S. citizens abducted in their sleep, and a father, Silverio Villegas-Gonzalez, shot dead. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of cases like this. We celebrate Hispanic heritage, but we also issue a warning. Today it is Latinos and other immigrants under attack. Tomorrow it will be others. Once institutions are built to target and control, they don't surrender power, they expand it. Like the military-industrial complex, they find new enemies and new missions, new excuses to keep the money flowing and the machinery of fear alive. That is why we will not look away. This is bigger than one community and bigger than one city. It is about the kind of country we are becoming. Chicago will not be intimidated, and I will not stop demanding truth and dignity for Silverio, William, or the children in Cicero, and for every family who deserves to live free from state terror.

Mr. GARCIA of Illinois

Mr. GARCIA of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my constituent, Michael Nolan, who dedicated 48 years of his life to serve our country at the Social Security Administration. He is a great example of dedication and service to his fellow Americans. Mike Nolan wanted to be a Catholic priest, but he left the seminary system in 1975. When he heard of an agency that would help the aged and the disabled, he felt the need to apply to work for the Social Security Administration. He ensured the Social Security Act worked for people and took his calling seriously by serving and advocating for the rights of beneficiaries. We are grateful to Michael Nolan's contributions to the Social Security Administration, including the modernization of the systems, disability policy, and unhoused population advocacy. I thank him for his service to our country and wish him the best on his well-earned retirement.

Mr. GARCIA of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate the outstanding athletes of the Clarendon Hills Little League team, who recently finished an incredible season. This remarkable group made local history by advancing all the way to the 2025 Little League World Series, a testament to their dedication, discipline, and work ethic. Like so many baseball fans across the country, I was inspired by their determination and spirit. They have certainly captured our hearts. While they may have fallen short of the ultimate prize, their accomplishments are something to be celebrated. Congratulations to the Clarendon Hills Little League team. They have made our community and all of us incredibly proud. We can't wait to see what they will achieve next season. Honoring Michael Nolan

Mr. GARCIA of Illinois

Mr. GARCIA of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with great pride to celebrate Burbank American Little League, a beloved youth organization in my district which started in 1954 and currently serves 350 kids, ages 4 through 16. As a lifelong baseball fan, I love watching these young players take the field with determination and energy. Just this summer, the minor league division, the 10-year-olds, made it to the State tournament, while the senior team won the fourth consecutive Central Region Tournament, something no other team has done before, and went on to represent our State in the Little League Senior League Baseball World Series. Through every hard day of practice under the Sun, these young athletes build character and grow into independent adults. Congratulations to the Burbank American Little League for their hard work. I look forward to many more seasons of teamwork and, of course, playing ball.

Mr. GARCIA of Illinois

Mr. GARCIA of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Sergeant Efrain Mata, a proud son of 18th Street in Chicago who will be retiring from the Cook County Sheriff's Department after nearly 30 years of distinguished and transformative service. Sergeant Mata is not only respected for his honor, loyalty, and sharp instincts but also for his vision. He helped pioneer behavioral health and emergency response strategies now being implemented across Cook County, proving that compassion and safety can go hand in hand. From Chicago to broader assignments across Federal agencies, Sergeant Mata has served with honor, courage, and an unwavering commitment to justice. However, what sets him apart is that he never lost sight of where he came from. He has always made it a point to give back, supporting families and standing up for his neighbors. He is a father, a supportive husband, a mentor, and the kind of person you always want on your team. Madam Speaker, we thank Sergeant Mata for his service and wish him Godspeed.

Mr. GARCIA of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor my constituent, Brigadier General Jorge Fonseca, a decorated veteran and proud son of Little Village, on his recent promotion as director of the Joint Staff of the Illinois National Guard. Born in Guadalajara, Mexico, Jorge came to Chicago with his family and has dedicated over 30 years to public service, beginning as an enlisted combat medic and later commissioned as a Medical Service Corps officer. He served multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. His path was not easy, but his tenacity carried him through the toughest moments of his career. Today, his success inspires a new generation of Latinos and Latinas to serve. His journey is a reminder that patriotism isn't defined by birthplace, but by service, sacrifice, and a love of country. Madam Speaker, I salute General Fonseca. He has made his family, his city, and his country proud. Recognizing Sergeant Efrain Mata

Mr. GARCIA of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a giant in our community, Carlos Arango, as he approaches his 79th birthday. For over two decades, Carlos has been a pillar of Chicago's immigrant rights movement, organizing marches, building institutions, and mentoring generations of activists, often behind the scenes, always with purpose. Carlos stood on the front lines when it wasn't popular, and he stayed when others moved on. He was instrumental in the strength behind Casa Aztlan, not just a building but a beacon of self-determination, cultural pride, and community defense. Through it, he helped countless immigrants find power, purpose, and a place to belong. Throughout every political storm, Carlos has remained unapologetically proud of his roots, his people, and, yes, of Los Pumas at the University of Mexico, whose jersey he wears like armor. He is more than an organizer. He is a keeper of memory, a fighter for justice, and a dear friend. Madam Speaker, I thank Carlos for never backing down and for showing us what commitment is all about. I wish him a happy birthday, and may his struggle live on. Honoring Brigadier General Jorge Fonseca

Mr. GARCIA of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor my constituent and dear friend, Gullermina Heredia, known lovingly as ``Mina,'' who passed away on July 2. A proud Mexican American, Mina's family moved to Chicago from Texas in search of better opportunities. As a student at Northeastern Illinois University, she joined the Organization of Latin American Students, where she met her husband, Carlos. She later served as president of the organization, inspiring a new generation of Latino students in Chicago. After graduation, Mina became a social worker, uplifting countless lives with her warmth and strength. She had a unique ability to make people, especially Latinos and Latinas, feel seen and cared for. Mina had a gift for bringing people together, and her karaoke nights with Carlos, her husband, were legendary. Mina was deeply loved and will be remembered for her service and spirit. My thoughts are with her sons and grandchildren, friends, and all those who were fortunate to know her. We will miss Mina, and we will carry forward the compassion and strength that she showed all of us. Celebrating 79th Birthday of Carlos Arango

Mr. GARCIA of Illinois

Mr. GARCIA of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Brian Johnson, CEO of Equality Illinois, who will be ending his tenure at the end of this month. For nearly a decade, Brian has been a driving force behind the rapid growth and rise of Equality Illinois, turning it into a powerful multi- issue advocacy organization dedicated to advancing LGBTQ+ civil rights across the State. At a time when we are seeing the LGBTQ+ community face relentless attacks, Brian has been at the helm of Equality Illinois fighting back and ensuring our State remains a safe, inclusive place for everyone. As he enters this new chapter in his life, I wish him the best of luck and am confident that he will continue the good fight protecting and empowering the LGBTQ+ community in Illinois and across the country.

Mr. GARCIA of Illinois

Mr. GARCIA of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise to denounce this administration's move to unilaterally cancel the visas of Mexican musicians and artists. Last week, Julion Alvarez, the proclaimed King of the Box Office, was denied entry to the U.S. and blocked from performing in back-to-back, sold-out shows at Cowboys Stadium in Dallas, Texas. This is not because of routine policy but because of targeted cultural suppression. He is not alone. Grupo Firme and Espinoza Paz, both nominated artists for a Latin Grammy, and others have faced such abrupt denials. Canceling visas for Mexican artists is not to mute a song. It is to try and silence a force. Mexican music is powerful. It fills stadiums. It breaks streaming records. It empowers communities. It connects generations. It drives economies on both sides of the border. Festivals like Suenos in Chicago bring vibrancy, pride, and tourism to our cities. It is a celebration of identity. Jeopardizing it means lost jobs and sends a message that our community and our joy are not welcome. Our culture is not fragile. It is booming. It won't be erased. It is more than a visa issue. It is a campaign to criminalize culture, demoralize communities, and create a permanent underclass. These targeted bans on certain people, history, languages, books, and now the arts and entertainment are tactics to control, invalidate, and exclude us. In a country that prides itself on valuing freedom, it is a threat to freedom of expression, freedom of speech, and the right to exist. This administration wants our labor without our families or our culture. They want profit from us without our voices. It is more than a war on music. It is a war on dignity. It is a war on Mexicans, on Mexican Americans, immigrants, and all diverse communities. We will not stay quiet. We will continue to defend our culture with pride ``that we are from here and from there''; ``que somos de aquiy de alla,'' inspired by the generations before us and encouraged for the generations after us.

Mr. GARCIA of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, over the weekend, I had the honor of joining the Gage Park community in Chicago to celebrate the life and legacy of Rigo Padilla, a beloved son of Chicago and a trailblazer in the fight for immigrant justice. In 2009, Rigo faced deportation, but he didn't back down. He organized, fought, and helped bring a movement to its feet. This month marks 13 years since DACA was created. It was leaders like Rigo who helped lay the foundation for that breakthrough. Long before DACA and before his name made national headlines, Rigo was building power among undocumented youth and demanding that this country recognize our full humanity. This weekend, a street was named after Rigo. At a time when immigrants are once more under attack, when ICE raids, visa bans, and threats to basic rights are making families feel unsafe, his story couldn't be more urgent. He taught us that being undocumented didn't mean being powerless. We all deserve dignity. History doesn't change on its own. People like Rigo Padilla Perez make it move. Let this honorary street and anniversary be more than a symbol. Let it be a call to action. Supporting Mexican Musicians and Artists

Mr. GARCIA of Illinois

Mr. GARCIA of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise to oppose the Trump administration's double tax on remittances. This is part of a broader war on working-class immigrants that punishes those who contribute the most to our national economy. When immigrants send money home, they are not just helping loved ones. They are keeping entire communities afloat in countries like Mexico, Nigeria, and the Philippines. By cutting off vital support to families abroad, this tax deepens poverty. It weakens stability. It drives more people to migrate out of desperation. Instead of asking the ultrawealthy to pay what they owe, they are shifting the burden to the people who can least afford it. Undocumented immigrants alone pay $580 billion in Federal, State, and local taxes to our country, more than some of the ultrarich who claim patriotism but hide under their wealth and abuse the system. It is a double standard that undermines our economy and our values. This isn't just bad policy. It is an unjust double tax on the very people who power our economy and our communities.

Mr. GARCIA of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I rise today to speak against the Republican budget, a cynical plan that gives tax breaks to billionaires while ripping away healthcare and food from working families like those I represent. This Republican tax scam would kick nearly 14 million Americans off their healthcare, leaving them without coverage. Mr. Speaker, in my district, a mother working nights and caring for her family by day told us that she doesn't know how they will survive if Medicaid is cut. Her child relies on it for epilepsy medication. Without it, there is no safety net. It is just fear and uncertainty. This budget slashes Medicaid and SNAP, taking food from children, from seniors, from veterans, and people with disabilities. Even Republican Senators called it morally wrong. In my district alone, 278,000 people rely on these programs. Republicans want to take that away. We can't allow them to continue to loot this country dry. America was not built for billionaires to hoard wealth while kids go hungry. Tax them fairly and fully now. Opposing Double Tax on Remittances

Mr. GARCIA of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Mike Lyczak. Mike grew up in the Little Village community in Chicago. Like many of us, his politics were shaped by firsthand experience--fighting discrimination, Chicago machine politics and rule, and standing up for working people. Mike wasn't just a political strategist. He was a founding architect of multiethnic, multiracial coalitions and solidarity in Chicago. He helped build the 22nd Ward Independent Political Organization, pouring his energy into electing Rudy Lozano and Harold Washington and into building a movement that could outlast any one campaign. Mike's love for history and model-making reflected his meticulous mind. His wit brightened every room. He was a beloved husband to the late Caroline Downs and a devoted father to Benjamin Lyczak. Mike will be deeply missed, but his legacy of courage and solidarity will live on in all of us. Rest in power, Mike ``Lizard'' Lyczak. Republican Tax Scam

Mr. GARCIA of Illinois

Mr. GARCIA of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to sound the alarm on a crisis threatening our democracy. President Trump has defied a unanimous Supreme Court order blocking the return of Kilmar Abrego Garcia and, instead, vanishing him to a prison in El Salvador without a trial, without a hearing, and without a shred of justice. This isn't just cruelty, but it is lawlessness. It is a direct assault on our values and the rule of law. He was abducted from his home and sent to a foreign prison infamously known for human rights violations. When the President defies the courts, he crosses the line into tyranny. He is even arresting judges whom he sees as standing in his way. When tyranny takes root, no one is safe. Today, it is immigrants with tattoos, 2-year-olds, and even children with cancer. Tomorrow, it could be anyone who falls out of favor, even Republicans who don't clap long enough or make the pilgrimage to Mar-a-Lago to kiss the ring. We have to stand up for our rights and for the rule of law not just for Kilmar but for the future of our Republic.

Mr. GARCIA of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate a century of excellence in public education, the 100-year anniversary of Leyden High School District No. 212, proudly serving the western suburbs of Chicago. What began as a 2-year school in a portable building has grown into a thriving, two-campus district, East Leyden and West Leyden, now serving more than 3,300 students with over 200 dedicated teachers. Rooted in blue and gold and soaring under the banner of the eagle, Leyden's commitment to academic and artistic excellence has inspired pride, unity, and spirit across the district's communities. True to its mission to educate, enrich, and empower, Leyden does more than reach; it uplifts. It lives by one simple, powerful motto: Do What's Best for the Kids. I congratulate the students, teachers, alumni, and school leaders of this century of service. Here is to the next 100. Migrant Abduction

Mr. GARCIA of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, during Teacher Appreciation Week, I rise to honor Jessica Suarez Nieto, a middle school teacher at Telpochcalli School, a dual language school, recently named Bilingual Teacher of the Year by the Illinois State Board of Education. As a young immigrant child who didn't speak English when I arrived in the U.S., I knew firsthand the impact that teachers like Ms. Suarez can have on their students. Ms. Suarez is a champion of dual language education. She uses language as a bridge to connect with families, affirm cultural identities, and empower students. She helps them feel seen, heard, and confident in classrooms where they are often told to shrink or stay silent. She teaches her students more than just math. She teaches them that they matter. She gives them a voice. I thank Ms. Suarez for being an incredible teacher and for her work and deep commitment to her students. Celebrating Centennial Anniversary of Leyden High School

Mr. GARCIA of Illinois

Mr. GARCIA of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the 100th anniversary of the Stickney Police Association, the oldest organization in the Village of Stickney, located in Illinois' 4th Congressional District. For a century, the members of this association have been a positive presence in the community. They have raised funds to support youth athletics, clubs, churches, schools, and both the Fire and Police departments. Beyond their philanthropic work, the Stickney Police Association has played a vital role in building and maintaining trust within our community. They understand the importance of supporting one another and serving all members of the community with respect and care. Our community appreciates their ongoing efforts to keep us safe and supported. I thank the Stickney Police Association for their unwavering commitment to service and their dedication to our community and each other. Congratulations on their centennial celebration.

Mr. GARCIA of Illinois

Mr. GARCIA of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, as we approach the end of Arab American Heritage Month, I rise to honor my colleague and friend, State Representative Abdelnasser Rashid. As the first Muslim elected in the Illinois General Assembly and the only Palestinian American to serve, he is not just making history; he is crafting it. He didn't step forward for titles or recognition. He stepped forward because families and communities like his have waited long enough for homegrown leaders who carry their hopes because they know their hardships. His presence is a testament to perseverance, principle, and the strength to stay true to community. Abdelnasser carries the hopes of generations on his shoulders. He knows his work is bigger than any one person, and he does so with quiet courage, not seeking applause, but grounded in the belief that dignity and opportunity are rights, not privileges. Representative Rashid isn't just honoring his heritage; he is building a future. Mr. Speaker, today, we are proud to stand with him.

Mr. GARCIA of Illinois

Mr. GARCIA of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the 10- year anniversary of Beyond Legal Aid, a vital community-driven legal advocacy organization that has spent the last decade advancing justice from the ground up. They have successfully built a grassroots network of lawyers and advocates to address critical legal needs to close the equity gap in justice. Their work is grounded in a fundamental truth, that an injustice to one member of our community is an injustice to all of us. Beyond Legal Aid places impacted communities at the center of their advocacy, reshaping what legal support can and should look like. Beyond Legal Aid in Chicago has worked for 10 years to inspire and enact change across my district and has represented over 5,000 clients in immigration and housing cases. As an ardent supporter of community-driven grassroots activism, I commend Beyond Legal Aid for 10 years of fighting against systemic inequities. I sincerely appreciate their dedication and look forward to supporting Beyond Legal Aid in building toward a world where justice is not a privilege but a birthright.

Mr. GARCIA of Illinois

Mr. GARCIA of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate a cherished tradition in my district, the kickoff of the Burbank National Little League season. This year is special as it is the 70th year of its existence. As a lifelong baseball fan, there is nothing quite like watching young players take the field. Their energy and determination fill me with joy and hope for the future. Sports are more than just games. They are a powerful tool to help our children build confidence, discipline, and a strong sense of teamwork. Burbank National Little League's mission is focused on core values, good sportsmanship, honesty, loyalty, courage, and respect for authority. These are the very principles that shape not just great athletes but great civic leaders. It is all about teamwork, a true community effort. From dedicated coaches and supportive parents to local businesses and volunteers who maintain the fields and sponsor teams, everyone plays a role. Congratulations to the Burbank National Little League on 70 incredible seasons and over 80 league local and national championships. Here is to many more. Let's play ball.

Mr. GARCIA of Illinois

Mr. GARCIA of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to recognize Ioana Fernandez, a relentless activist for kids, gun safety, inclusion, and public education. Ioana immigrated to the U.S. from her native Romania as a young woman and settled in Chicago where she has developed a successful career in public relations and communications and where she is raising her family. As a community activist, she actively participates in organizing and advocating for a future in which children don't have to fear for their lives when they go to school. As a communicator, her work is inclusive and reflective of the diversity of our country. As an advocate, Ioana is committed to uplifting working families and ensuring that elected officials are accountable to the people they represent. Ioana is an organizer and a changemaker. Ioana's impact can be felt across DuPage County. Thanks to her efforts, more people are engaged, informed, and ready to stand up for what is right. Mr. Speaker, she leads with her heart and never backs down, and we thank her for all the work that she does.