Darin LaHood

Mr. LaHOOD

Mr. LaHOOD. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the life and legacy of Cyril L. Leuelling of Morton, Illinois, who passed away on May 19, 2021, at the age of 98. Cyril Leuelling, born on June 26, 1922, in Dawson, Illinois, and graduated from Ball Township High School in 1941. In 1942, he was called to serve his nation and was drafted for World War II. After his training, Cyril was deployed to England to serve with the 359th Regiment, 90th Infantry Division. Cyril achieved the rank of Technical Sergeant and was responsible for the lives of 40 soldiers. In addition to serving in D-Day and the Battle of the Bulge, Cyril and his men contributed to the operation which led to the liberation of the Flossenburg concentration camp in Germany. On September 28, 1944, in Metz, France, he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for saving a fellow soldier's life and then awarded the Purple Heart for wounds he sustained in combat. He returned home to central Illinois after 19 months at war. Cyril was featured in a World War II Exhibit at the Museum of World Treasures in Wichita, KS. He attended and was interviewed for the Veteran's History Project at the dedication of the World War II Memorial in Washington,D.C. Cyril is also in the June 2002 issue of National Geographic ``The Untold Stories of D-Day''. He was a long-time member of the American Legion. Cyril lived a life of full accomplishments, but most importantly, he will be remembered for his love and commitment to his wonderful family. On April 21, 1947, Cyril married Abigail ``Abbie'' Prater in Riverton, IL. They were blessed with four children, Nancy, Janet, Ronald, and Diane, 10 grandchildren, and 16 greatgrandchildren. After retiring from his distinguished 38-year-career at Caterpillar Inc., Cyril and Abbie spent most of their time traveling and visiting family all over the country. He was preceded in death by his wife of 68 years on April 18, 2015. Cyril's fondest memories in life were ones spent with his family and his love and pride for them was boundless. I want to offer my condolences to the Leuelling family and the people of Morton on the loss of a great man. Cyril left a lasting impact on those who had the pleasure of knowing him. May his memory be eternal.

Mr. LaHOOD

Mr. LaHOOD. Madam Speaker, I would like to honor and congratulate Brian Wagner on his retirement as National Association of Postal Supervisors President. Brian has dedicated forty-three years to the betterment of the Postal Service. His incredible career began in Peoria, IL, in 1978. Twelve years later, Brian worked his way up to the role of Delivery & Retail Analyst and joined the National Association of Postal Supervisors (NAPS). After entering the USPS Management Trainee Program, Brian attained the role of Customer Relations Coordinator for the Peoria area. He retired from this role in 2015, marking the end of his exceptional tenure serving the Peoria area in the Postal Service. Like his work for the Postal Service, Brian's involvement with NAPS highlights a robust effort to represent and assist his fellow postal workers. During his time at NAPS, Brian was President of Heart of IL Branch 255, Illinois State Area Vice President, and NAPS Secretary/ Treasurer. He also served on the Executive Board as Central Region Vice President. Brian was elected NAPS National President in 2016 and reelected in 2018, a testament to his lifelong commitment to and advocacy for the Postal Service and its employees. I want to express the utmost gratitude to Brian. I am certain that my fellow Peorians feel the same pride and respect towards him that I do. His career serves as an example of how to honorably serve the public. He has undoubtedly improved the lives of Peorians and Americans more broadly. Most importantly, Brian accomplished all this while being a loving husband, father, and grandfather. Congratulations Brian, and I wish you happiness and relaxation in retirement.

Mr. LaHOOD

Mr. LaHOOD. Madam Speaker, I would like to recognize Junior Kool of Eureka, Illinois, and Vermeer Midwest for celebrating the 50th anniversary as an outstanding company in the central Illinois area. Vermeer Midwest first opened its doors in 1971. Founder Junior Kool, raised with hardworking American values, successfully expanded his business across four states with ten distinct locations. Providing excellent service and ample charitable donations of money, time, and people, Junior's legacy will have a lasting impact on the area. Vermeer Midwest is known throughout Central Illinois not only for their quality underground and environmental equipment but also for the lasting relationships they develop with their customers. Junior and his wife Beverly are fondly recognized for their pure commitment to customer service and seeing their consumers through to success. Never are they hesitant to complete the job or get their boots dirty, and as their motto says, ``It's simply how business is done.'' The Greater Peoria area has benefited from Vermeer Midwest's goodwill and generosity since they first opened. I extend my sincere congratulations to Vermeer Midwest, Junior Kool, and all of the hard- working staff for a successful fifty years. I wish their family and company a successful future.

Mr. LaHOOD

Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, I thank Dr. Burgess for yielding and Dr. Wenstrup for leading this effort. If the previous question is defeated, we will amend the rule to immediately consider S. 1867, the COVID-19 Origin Act of 2021. This legislation, which passed the Senate by unanimous consent, is simple. If passed, the bill would require the Biden administration's Director of National Intelligence to declassify intelligence information related to any potential links between the Wuhan Institute of Virology, also known as the Wuhan lab, and the origins of COVID-19 in order to better prepare for and avoid future pandemics. Let's remember the devastating effect that this pandemic has had in this country with over 600,000 deaths and 4 million deaths worldwide. In May, Republicans on the House Intelligence Committee released an interim report outlining the growing evidence of a possible lab leak of the COVID-19 virus. Here are the facts. Number one, we know, based on numerous reports, that the researchers at the Wuhan lab fell sick with COVID-related symptoms in the fall of 2019. Number two, we also know that there was active engagement by the Chinese military at the Wuhan lab. And, number three, we know that the Chinese Government has continued to hinder efforts for data collection and transparency in this investigation. Essentially, Mr. Speaker, they have been nontransparent and noncooperative. The bottom line is, the American people deserve a full accounting of the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has resulted in shutting down our economy, massive deaths across the world, and millions out of work. Mr. Speaker, how can we prevent a future pandemic if we don't know the genesis of this one? This vote today will help answer those questions and get to the origins of the pandemic. I am proud to join my friend, Congressman Wenstrup, in this effort for transparency, and I urge my colleagues to defeat the previous question.

Mr. LaHOOD

Mr. LaHOOD. Madam Speaker, I would like to honor and recognize Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople on the historic 30th Anniversary of his election on October 22, 1991, and his elevation on November 2, 1991, as the 270th Archbishop of Constantinople, New Rome, and Ecumenical Patriarch. Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew was born in the village of Zeytinli on the island of Imbros to Christos and Merope Archontonis. Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew belongs to the historically indigenous Rum people, descendants of the Eastern Roman Empire/Byzantine Empire Greek community in Turkey. Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew is recognized in the United States and abroad as a leader in the quest for world peace, greater religious understanding, and respect for the Earth's environment. Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew is the spiritual leader of nearly 300,000,000 Orthodox Christians around the world and millions of Orthodox Christians in the United States, with a significant population here in Illinois and the City of Chicago. On his first official visit to the United States in 1997, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew received the Congressional Gold Medal, presented by the United States on behalf of Congress in recognition of his outstanding and enduring contributions to religious understanding and peace. His Holiness was recognized by the United States in a manner reserved for a very small number of world leaders. I am grateful for all the good that His All Holiness does for Americans and those around the world. Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew serves as a reminder to us all that the positive efforts of just one person can be beneficial to countless lives of others.

Mr. LaHOOD

Mr. LaHOOD. Madam Speaker, I was delayed arriving to the House floor and missed the first vote in the day's vote series. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 138.

Mr. LaHOOD

Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, last year, I was proud to serve on the House China Task Force with a number of my Republican colleagues. Over six months through engagement and consultation with national security and trade officials, foreign policy experts, the business community, and government officials, we compiled and unveiled a comprehensive report with more than 400 policy recommendations for how to address the existential challenges posed by China. Addressing the challenges posed by China will be one of the greatest issues Congress and our country face in the decades to come. As we confront these issues, bipartisan work is needed. The China Task Force report provides a roadmap with specific policy ideas and goals regarding how the U.S. can better combat the threat of the Chinese Communist Party. Two-thirds of the legislative recommendations are bipartisan; and, overall, more than one-quarter of the recommendations have already become law or have been implemented by the prior Trump administration. As members of the Ways and Means Committee, we authored important provisions of the report that will help return American intellectual property and critical supply chains to the United States. We also included legislation to reform and strengthen the World Trade Organization to level the playing field for American trade. Mr. Speaker, to preserve and grow national economic security, we need to act. I ask everyone to read the report and work with us to get this done in a bipartisan way.

Mr. LaHOOD

Mr. LaHOOD. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the life and legacy of Frederick Walton Allen of Peoria, Illinois, who passed away on January 24, 2021, at the age of 97. Fred Allen, born on June 10, 1923, in Ripon, Wisconsin, had a long and distinguished career as a plaintiff's attorney. A self-made businessman, Fred built his law firm in Peoria around respect and integrity, virtues admired by both his clients and community. These priorities helped him become the first downstate Illinois lawyer to win a $1 million award for a client and become a member of the Inner Circle of Advocates, an elite national group limited to plaintiff's attorneys who had won seven-figure awards. Fred lived a full life and his accomplishments were not limited to his legal career. As a young man, his studies were halted early due to the start of WWII. Mr. Allen enlisted on December 7, 1942, exactly one year after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and became a pilot in the U.S. Army Air Forces. After his military service, he signed a contract as a pitcher with a minor league affiliate for the Cleveland Indians. In 1949 when Fred graduated from Law School at Northwestern University, he immediately took the ``rocket train'' to Peoria where he applied for his first job at a firm. He continually served others through countless years of membership at the Elks Club, the American Legion, the Country Club of Peoria, and the First United Methodist Church of Peoria. He loved central Illinois and made many quiet contributions to better the lives of those in his community. Fred will also be remembered for his love and commitment to his wonderful family. He was preceded in death by his wife Tilley, who said Fred's love and devotion to her throughout their 66 years of marriage were beyond measure. He was blessed with three daughters, Diane, Rita, and Laura, 7 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren. Fred's fondest memories in life were ones spent with his family and his love and pride for them were boundless. I want to offer my condolences to the Allen family and the people of Peoria on the loss of a great man. Fred left a lasting impact on those who had the pleasure of knowing him. May his memory be eternal.

Mr. LaHOOD

Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to the Democrats so-called COVID relief bill. Congress' focus should be specifically dialed in on crushing this virus, creating jobs, and getting our economy back open. Unfortunately, this package falls well short. As we battled the COVID pandemic over the last year, the economic stress placed on communities that I represent in central and west- central Illinois has been immense. Congress acted five times in a bipartisan way over the last year, creating over $3.7 trillion to help keep businesses and workers afloat and support the healthcare community, all of which we supported. As of today, more than $1 trillion of those budgetary resources is still available, including money for State and local governments, small businesses, and schools. Congress can do more to support the economic recovery from COVID, but our efforts must be targeted. We cannot spend our way out of this crisis. In Illinois, we have seen the negative impact of the tax-and-spend agenda that put our State on the path to economic disaster. The proposed stimulus plan by the Biden administration will impose new, burdensome costs, regulations, and rules on small businesses, making the recovery even more difficult. It is disheartening that, following calls for unity in his inauguration, President Biden's first major legislative agenda item was partisan and specifically designed not to allow Republican input. Instead of rewarding fiscally irresponsible States with huge bailouts, Congress should work to incentivize growth, focus on job creation and vaccine distribution. To generate a strong economy, we need to get government out of the way, open our communities, and enable Americans to thrive.

Mr. LaHOOD

Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, as the father of three school-age boys, the health and well-being of children and school kids across America is one of my top priorities. As we continue to navigate the COVID pandemic, I have heard repeatedly from parents across the 18th District of Illinois about getting our kids back in the classroom and back on the athletic field. Throughout this pandemic, we have heard from experts and now President Joe Biden about the importance of trusting the science. When it comes to schools, the science is clear: Students and teachers can go back to in-person learning safely. The CDC is also clear on this. Risk of transmission of COVID-19 in the classroom is extremely low. Getting back in the classroom won't just help our kids achieve their academic goals, it will also help with their mental and physical health, areas that many students have struggled with during this pandemic. Hospitals across the country have seen increases in child suicide attempts and mental health admissions. Nothing is zero risk, but the consequences of keeping our children out of the classroom far outweigh the risk. Our kids are suffering mentally and academically. The science is clear. Let's put our children first and get students back in the classroom as soon as possible.

Mr. LaHOOD

Mr. LaHOOD. Madam Speaker, I would like to honor and congratulate Police Chief Loren Marion III on his retirement from the Peoria Police Department after 26 years. Loren Marion was hired as a Police Officer by the City of Peoria on October 3, 1994. During his career, he worked in Patrol, on the Community Area Target Team, the Street Crimes Unit, the Vice and Narcotics Unit, and the Target Offender Unit. Chief Marion also held the collateral duty of Task Force Officer with the Drug Enforcement Administration. On November 14, 2018, he was selected as Police Chief of the Peoria Police Department. Before working for the City, Chief Marion also served on active duty with the Army Military Police. During his time with the Peoria Police Department, Chief Marion has been recognized with numerous awards and accolades for his service and exemplary professional performance. In 2008, Loren was named ``Officer of the Year'' and awarded the American Legion Meritorious Service Award. Chief Marion was known for his dedication to his fellow officers and he established an Officer Wellness program that provides peer to peer support as well as a Police Chaplain that assists officers who have been exposed to trauma. In May of 2019, under Chief Marion's leadership, the Peoria Police Department became fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies due to the improvement of community and police relations, policies and procedures, management, operations, and support services. Chief Marion has always been committed to his work and his community. It is my privilege to congratulate Chief Marion on his service to the Peoria Police Department. We have all been blessed to have Chief Marion serving and protecting us. The City of Peoria is a better place because of his service.

Mr. LaHOOD

Mr. LaHOOD. Madam Speaker, I would like to honor and remember the life of Richard Pepper, who passed away peacefully on January 28, 2021, at the age of 90. Born in Barrington, Illinois in 1930, Richard, at an early age, displayed natural gravitation towards construction and philanthropy. Richard began his career working as an estimator for Pepper Construction in 1957. Soon after marrying his beloved wife, Roxy, Richard assumed leadership of the company after the sudden passing of his father, Stanley Pepper. Despite his young age, Richard showed the maturity and inclination to grow and foster the company and the ideals that his father had implemented. Under Richard's leadership, Pepper Construction strived to ensure their building decisions impacted the future to create a better quality of life for all. Richard grew Pepper Construction into the nationally recognized construction firm known by so many across the Midwest. Richard held several leadership positions in the construction industry, including serving as president of the Associated General Contractors of America in 1983. He received the Jack Kinnaman Leadership Award from the American Institute of Constructors in 2015, which honors corporation leaders who have taken a visible leadership role in the American Institute of Constructors. Richard's leadership at Pepper Construction has fostered a corporate culture that promotes community and industry involvement. During his time, Richard was well-known for his outspoken support of community improvement, advocating for bold initiatives, and striving to transform tomorrow. We mourn the passing of Richard, a friend, and mentor to many. He left a lasting impact on those who had the pleasure of knowing him. May his memory be eternal.

Mr. LaHOOD

Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Orion Samuelson on his retirement and to thank him for his 60 years of work at WGN Radio and Nexstar Media. Orion's Hall of Fame career leaves behind a legacy known throughout the country, especially in our agriculture community in central and west central Illinois. Born on a dairy farm in La Crosse, Wisconsin, Orion got his start in radio in Appleton and Green Bay. In 1960, he came to Chicago and joined WGN Radio as their farm director. In the six decades since, Orion has become the best known voice in agriculture radio. From presenting his signature farm reports to anchoring ``The Noon Show'' and hosting his ``U.S. Farm Report,'' which still airs today, Orion is a legend in broadcasting and agriculture. In 1963, Orion was the first to read the on-air bulletin that President Kennedy had been assassinated in Dallas. His booming and distinctive voice is known well throughout Illinois and in our agriculture community. We will miss hearing his voice on air, seeing him at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield, and hearing his reports that helped guide our farmers to success over the years. I want to thank Orion for his years of work and service, and I hope he enjoys a well-earned retirement.

Mr. LaHOOD

Mr. LaHOOD. Madam Speaker, I would like to honor and remember the life of Ronald Francis Dwyer, who passed away on December 24, 2020, at the age of 77 after an eight-year battle with cancer. Born in Edwards, Illinois in 1943, Ron displayed natural gravitation towards community and teaching. Ron worked in education for 46 years as a teacher/counselor, coach, and principal for Spalding High School, Limestone High School, East Peoria High School, Notre Dame High School, Armstrong Oakview Grade School in East Peoria, Paul Bolin Grade School in East Peoria and Central Junior High School in East Peoria. After he retired from 23 years in public schools and 23 years in private schools, Ron began serving for three years as a bailiff for the Peoria County Court House. Ron spent 21 years as a sports official in basketball, baseball, and football. Ron is a member of the Peoria Sports Officials Hall of Fame. Ron was a man of deep faith and a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Kickapoo, Illinois, where he belonged to Bishop Rosati Council of the Knights of Columbus. Ron's devout service awarded him the PRO Ecclesia ET Pontific Medallion from the Diocese of Peoria in 2000, the Peoria Notre Dame Foundation award in 2004, and the Alumni of the Year Award in 2017. The religious values and foundation of faith instilled through Ron's teachings will continue to strengthen our community for years to come. From teacher, coach, administrator, sports official, husband, father, and grandfather, Ron lived his life serving others with honesty, humility, and integrity. We mourn the passing of Ronald Dwyer, a friend and hero to many across the state of Illinois. He left a lasting impact on those who had the pleasure of knowing and learning from him.

Mr. LaHOOD

Mr. LaHOOD. Thank you, Congressman Davis, for yielding. It is a pleasure to be here tonight with my colleagues to honor John Shimkus. I obviously echo the remarks of everyone who spoke before me. We have heard about John's service, obviously his service at West Point and his service to the Army, 28 years serving us in the military, retiring as a lieutenant colonel. But as the newest member of the Republican delegation, coming in 5 years ago, I just want to comment on what John Shimkus has meant to me as a new Member coming in on a special election in September of 2015. John is the head of our delegation, was there for me, as he has been for so many of us here in the Congress. John's friendship, his mentorship, his example that he has set for us has been invaluable. He really has set the gold standard for being a legislator, and my colleagues have talked about that. He showed the importance of good constituent service, being a cheerleader for your district, and making the Federal Government work for the people that you represent. John has been in Congress for all the right reasons and, as has been articulated by my colleagues, shown how much he cares for his family, his faith, and the constituents he represents in southern Illinois. John, you are going to leave an indelible mark here in the Congress on the work you did on the House Energy and Commerce Committee and in the people's House here. Illinois and this country owe you a sincere thanks for your selfless service, not only to Congress, but to the Army. We will miss you in the Illinois delegation, but we know that Karen and your three sons will be happy to have you home. Madam Speaker, I also want to mention, putting Congressman Davis aside, John has hired very good staff in his time in Congress, and I mean that. If you look at the people that have worked for John Shimkus that have come through his organization, they are people that have gone on to do great things back in Illinois and here in Washington, D.C., and that is another testament to John Shimkus and his team. Madam Speaker, I have to give a shout out to Craig Roberts, his long- time staffer. He and John have done a remarkable job leading this delegation and doing so much for their district and the people of Illinois. So, John, I want to congratulate you on a well-earned retirement and thank you for everything you have done for me and our country, and Congress is a better place because of your service.

Mr. LaHOOD

Mr. LaHOOD. Madam Speaker, I would like to honor and congratulate Clint Drury, Executive Director, West Central Illinois Building and Construction Trades Council on being awarded the 2020 George Meany Award. This prestigious award recognizes Clint for his significant contribution to the youth of their communities by volunteering in the programs of the Boy Scouts of America, The George Meany Award was named after the AFL-CIO's first president, who gave strong support to Scouting over the years, In recognition of their contributions to America's future, the AFL-CIO Executive Council then established the George Meany Award, Clint's community involvement this year ranges from the Children's Hospital of Illinois Annual Telethon, Heart of Illinois United Way, Illinois Prevailing Wage Council, Better Build, Labor Day Parade, and too many more examples to count Clint has dedicated his time and energy to his community, leading by example to strive and improve the lives of those around him. Clint is a 22-year member of the Laborers' Local 231 in Pekin, Illinois. As the spokesman for the construction professionals of central Illinois, Clint's role could be best described as business development Business development successes are what is best for the folks he represents, but more importantly, what makes our community a better place to work and raise a family. Clint and his wife, Sarah, are advocates of children with hearing loss, fundraising, and creating policy changes for healthcare plans to include hearing aids and speech therapy, Clint's competitive spirit positions him to secure projects for local, union contractors, in turn putting more union workers on the job with higher wages, benefits, and safe working conditions, The men and women of Central Illinois in the construction industry have benefited because of Clint's relentless efforts to put them to work and keep them working. I am grateful for Clint's time and commitment to his community and the promotion of American youth. His work has had a profound impact on our community, Congratulations Clint, the honor is well deserved!

Mr. LaHOOD

Mr. LaHOOD. on Monday, July 27, 2020, I missed votes due to flight delays. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 167.

Mr. LaHOOD

Mr. LaHOOD. Madam Speaker, on Thursday, June 25, 2020, I missed votes due to flight changes and delays. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 116, and NAY on Roll Call No. 117.

Mr. LaHOOD

Mr. LaHOOD. Madam Speaker, on Wednesday, May 27, 2020, I missed votes due to my oldest son's high school graduation. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 110; NAY on Roll Call No. 111; and NAY on Roll Call No. 112.

Mr. LaHOOD

Mr. LaHOOD. Madam Speaker, on Thursday, May 28, 2020, I missed votes due to my oldest son's high school graduation. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 113; YEA on Roll Call No. 114; and NAY on Roll Call No. 115.

Mr. LaHOOD

Mr. LaHOOD. Madam Speaker, I would like to recognize Southern Illinois University (SIU) School of Medicine for celebrating their 50th anniversary. SIU School of Medicine was established in 1970 after the Illinois General Assembly passed a bill calling for a second state medical school to be established in downstate Illinois and achieved full accreditation in 1972. Today, SIU School of Medicine admits 72 of the best medical students from around the world each year. The medical education curriculum offered at SIU School of Medicine has brought the school national attention. The school's continuing medical education program provides an extensive schedule of accredited conferences and symposia for physicians and other health-care professionals in central and southern Illinois. I applaud the efforts of SIU School of Medicine, its faculty, and students. They continue to provide quality medical education committed to improving local healthcare. I extend my sincere congratulations to SIU School of Medicine for a successful 50 years, and I wish them continued success going forward providing quality healthcare services to the residents of Central Illinois.

Mr. LaHOOD

Mr. LaHOOD. Madam Speaker, I would like to recognize Carol Merna, CEO for the Center of Prevention of Abuse (CFPA) in Peoria, IL, for being recognized as Central Illinois' Woman of the Year. As the CEO of the Center for Prevention of Abuse, Carol has led Illinois' efforts for education and prevention of human trafficking, domestic violence, and abuse. During her time with the CFPA, Carol and the CFPA team have provided survivors more than 9,000 nights in safe shelters while also reaching over 35,000 Illinois students with prevention education. Carol's work with the CFPA has helped changed the fundamental attitudes of society and institutions so that violence and abuse are never promoted, tolerated, or condoned. With over three decades of community and philanthropic experience, Carol's boundless devotion to the promotion of the well-being of thousands of central Illinoisans has enhanced and bettered the lives of those men and women. Carol's commitment to the Peoria community and central Illinois is unmatched. Her dedication to human services is not limited to just the CFPA. She serves on the Board for the Bleeding and Clotting Disorders Institute and the Dirksen Congressional Center. She also served the public in the 18th congressional district for two decades. Additionally, Merna is a member of the Peoria Rotary Club, Illinois Human Services Partnership, and serves on numerous committees, like the Peoria Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Committee. Building community and investing in Central Illinois, large or small, has long been a passion for Carol. Our community has greatly benefited from the hard work and leadership of Carol Merna. I extend my sincere congratulations to her on being recognized as Central Illinois' Woman of the Year. I wish her much success as she continues to lead a life of service to the Peoria community and central Illinois.

Mr. LaHOOD

Mr. LaHOOD. Madam Speaker, I missed votes on February 11, February 12, and February 13 because I attended funeral services for my district staffer, Barb Baker. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 57; NAY on Roll Call No. 58; YEA on Roll Call No. 59; NAY on Roll Call No. 60; YEA on Roll Call No. 61; YEA on Roll Call No. 62; YEA on Roll Call No. 63; YEA on Roll Call No. 64; YEA on Roll Call No. 65; YEA on Roll Call No. 66; YEA on Roll Call No. 67; YEA on Roll Call No. 68; NAY on Roll Call No. 69; and NAY on Roll Call No. 70.

Mr. LaHOOD

Mr. LaHOOD. Madam Speaker, I would like to honor a remarkable organization, the Cass-Morgan County Farm Bureau. The Cass-Morgan County Farm Bureau in central Illinois is a vital organization in the area that promotes agricultural prosperity. After many years of success and service, the Cass-Morgan County Farm Bureau is celebrating their 50th anniversary. The Cass-Morgan County Farm Bureau was chartered on March 2, 1970, to unite farmers in the area and advocate for central Illinois agriculture collectively. Today, the members of the organization work hard to support the community and economy throughout the county. The Cass-Morgan County Farm Bureau provides a voice for farmers, promotes the development of agriculture, and educates and empowers future leaders in the industry. Additionally, Cass-Morgan County Farm Bureau coordinates with other associations and agencies to promote the well-being and interests of its members. Illinois has become a major economic force within the agricultural sector because of farm bureaus like Cass-Morgan County that come together and enhance opportunities for farmers, their families, and the community. I extend my sincere congratulations to the Cass-Morgan County Farm Bureau for their outstanding accomplishments and contributions to Illinois.

Mr. LaHOOD

Mr. LaHOOD. Madam Speaker, today, I would like to recognize the Pleasant Plains High School girls' basketball team on winning the 2020 Class 2A state title. Last Saturday, at Redbird Arena in Normal, Illinois, the Pleasant Plains Cardinals defeated the two-time defending champion Chicago Marshall Commandos in a performance dominated by Pleasant Plain's defensive efforts. The Cardinals held Chicago Marshall to 32 percent shooting and forced 12 turnovers in the game, winning by a final score of 43-37. The Cardinals victory was not without drama, as the Cardinal's allowed a 13-point fourth-quarter lead dwindle to just 1- point, but on the strength of strong senior leadership, the Cardinals were able to seal the game and bring a state championship home to Pleasant Plains. For the first time in program history, Pleasant Plains girls' basketball won the IHSA state championship. Pleasant Plains' newfound success on the hardwood is a testament to the leadership of Coach TJ Fraase and the determination of the young women he coaches. The Pleasant Plains girls' basketball team has made all of central Illinois proud with their accomplishments this season, finishing with a 28-3 record. Each girl's commitment to their team and their community is truly inspiring. Congratulations to Coach Fraase and the Pleasant Plain's Cardinals for their remarkable state championship win.