Darin LaHood

Mr. LaHOOD

Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, today, I would like to proudly announce the service academy nominees for Illinois' 18th Congressional District. Twenty-three remarkable individuals have been selected for admittance into the U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, or U.S. Air Force Academy. These young men and women have gone through a rigorous and competitive application process, making them the most impressive and outstanding group of individuals. This group gives me confidence in America's future. I would like to thank the members of our selection panel including veterans and community leaders who volunteered their time, talents, and attention to this process. I would also like to thank the parents for raising these exceptional young adults. Finally, I would like to thank the nominees themselves for their dedication to serving this great nation. The Illinois 18th congressional district service academy nominees are: Andrew Kim--Washington, IL, U.S. Air Force Academy & U.S. Military Academy. Aminah Jones--Springfield, IL, U.S. Air Force Academy & U.S. Naval Academy. Justin McCabe--Morton, IL, U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Naval Academy & U.S. Military Academy. Francesca Verville--Edwards, IL, U.S. Air Force Academy. Matthew Borrowman--Washington, IL, U.S. Air Force Academy. Jordan Sanchez--Elkhart, IL, U.S. Air Force Academy. Bryant Williams--Springfield, IL, U.S. Air Force Academy. Christopher Voegle--Bloomington, IL. U.S. Air Force Academy. Justin Sharp--Bloomington, IL, U.S. Air Force Academy. Kyle Campbell--Riverton, IL, U.S. Military Academy. Paul Oelkers--Edelstein, IL, U.S. Military Academy. Shane Hickman--Normal, IL, U.S. Military Academy. Tessa Leman--Eureka, IL, U.S. Military Academy. Kaden Schmittner--Bloomington, IL, U.S. Military Academy. Micah Weiss--Sherman, IL, U.S. Military Academy. Steven O'Rear--Lincoln, IL, U.S. Naval Academy. Molly Day--Normal, IL, U.S. Naval Academy. Christopher Leanos--Metamora, IL, U.S. Naval Academy. Dominic Signa--Germantown Hills, IL, U.S. Naval Academy. Matthew Tungett--Rochester, IL, U.S. Naval Academy. William Hudson--Washington, IL, U.S. Naval Academy. Duncan Bradshaw--New Salem, IL, U.S. Naval Academy. Stephen Brown--Bloomington, IL, U.S. Naval Academy.

Mr. LaHOOD

Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to be on the floor tonight with my colleagues on the Republican and Democrat side as we pay tribute and honor to the great State of Illinois on the anniversary of our bicentennial. General Leave

Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on the topic of this Special Order.

Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, I rise tonight with my colleagues in recognition of our home, the great State of Illinois. It has been the highest honor of my life to serve our State as a Member of Congress, and I am sure it is for the other speakers that we will have here tonight. 2018 represents something special for us and for every Illinoisan. It is our 200th anniversary of statehood. It was December 3, 1818, that Illinois was admitted into the United States. Today I wish to recognize and honor all that Illinois has offered our great Nation. Illinois' path to statehood began in the 17th century, with Europeans first settling the territory that had been home to many Native American Indian Tribes. The territory would exchange hands several times over the following century, eventually ending up as part of the Northwest Territory after the Revolutionary War. Only a few short years later, Congress would finally agree on its borders and name Illinois the 21st State in the Union. At that time, I am sure few expected that the largely unsettled area of land would go on to house the third largest city in our country with over 2.7 million residents, or produce agriculture goods that would feed people all over the globe. That these things came to pass is a testament to the hard work and determination of the people of Illinois. That is why the theme for this year's bicentennial celebration is ``Born, Built, and Grown''--again, ``Born, Built, and Grown''--a chance to highlight not just the many goods and services our State offers, but also the many great Americans born and raised in Illinois, who have gone on to shape the world we live in. I am proud to represent Illinois' 18th Congressional District, a district made up of 19 counties in central and west central Illinois, including parts of Peoria; Bloomington-Normal; Springfield, our State capital; Jacksonville; Quincy; Macomb; and all places in between. My district borders Missouri and Iowa along the Mississippi River, on the western part. It is a district with no shortage of great accomplishments and history. In fact, who knows where our entire Nation would be without the leadership of one Abraham Lincoln, a lawyer from Springfield, who represented nine of the counties in my current district. During his one term in the United States House of Representatives, he served from 1847 to 1849. People forget that he was Congressman Abraham Lincoln before he was President Abraham Lincoln. Lincoln would spend most of his life in Springfield, Illinois, as a lawyer; and also in Menard County, working in the post office there. He would also take river boats down the Sangamon River of the Illinois River, down to New Orleans. Returning to Springfield to practice law in between his sole term in the House and running for President in 1860, during his administration, America would weather a bloody Civil War but come out having rooted out the evil of slavery. While he would die in office, Lincoln's leadership is why he continues to be named our greatest President. He earned the nickname ``Honest Abe.'' Illinois would continue to play a role in the abolishment of slavery when it became the first State to ratify the 13th Amendment in 1865. While he would die in office, Lincoln's leadership is why he continues to be our greatest President today. Over a century later, another man with ties to Illinois would be sworn in as President: President Ronald Reagan from Illinois. He is the only President who was born and raised in Illinois. President Reagan would go on being the Governor of California--from the Governor of California to the Presidency in 1981. Born in Tampico, Illinois, Ronald Reagan spent his formative years growing up in Illinois. His father was a traveling salesman. They lived in Monmouth, in Galesburg, in Dixon, in Chicago for a short time, and also in Tampico. Of course, Ronald Reagan got a scholarship to play football at Eureka College in Woodford County, in my district. He was a student there, played football, and graduated from there. His time as President and Governor was defined by optimism and a faith in the American spirit and a way of life, a faith that was instilled during his formative years at Eureka and growing up in Illinois. Like Lincoln, his leadership during tough times remains a point of pride for not only Illinois, but for the entire Nation. Outside of politics, our congressional district is home to other famous Illinoisans who all called central Illinois home, including: the venerable Archbishop Fulton Sheen of the Catholic faith, future Major League Baseball Hall of Famer Jim Thome of Bartonville, two-time NBA champion Shaun Livingston from Peoria, former Major League Baseball manager and World Series champion Joe Girardi, and even the late comedian Richard Pryor. Just imagine where America's sports and entertainment industries would be without their talents. Despite Chicago being our Nation's third largest city and serving as a hub for many great industries, the largest sector of our economy remains agriculture. Last year, Illinois was the sixth largest producer of agriculture in the Nation, producing over $8 billion worth of agriculture exports. Our district was no slouch, coming in as the eighth largest congressional district in the country in terms of agriculture production, proving once more that our State has some of the most fertile farmland in the entire world. Illinois farmers continue to grow soybeans, corn, and much more that keep America's economy growing and plates all over the globe full. My district also has the distinction that 96 percent of the pumpkins produced in the world come from central Illinois, within a 100-mile radius of Peoria, and we are proud of that. So the next time you have a pumpkin latte or a pumpkin beer or pumpkin pie, it originated somewhere in central Illinois. Our State's ties to agriculture don't just end there, but they also include several companies that are worldwide leaders in farming equipment and Earth-moving products. Whether it is John Deere or Caterpillar, just to name a few, they are known across the globe as producers of the finest construction, farming, and Earth-moving machines out there. The Archer Daniels Midland Company, or ADM, is another Illinois agriculture institution with strong ties to Illinois' 18th District. Formerly headquartered in Decatur, the global agricultural giant is now headquartered in Chicago, operating more than 270 plants and 420 crop procurement facilities worldwide. This is where cereal grains and oilseeds are produced. So not only is Illinois leading the way in growing crops, but also in turning them into products that show up in grocery stores across our country and across the globe. Finally, we cannot conclude without noting the presence of Forbes' 33rd ranked business in the country: State Farm Insurance in Bloomington-Normal. The insurance giant has been providing insurance coverage and financial services for 95 years and is headquartered in my district in Bloomington, Illinois. Our ``local good neighbor,'' State Farm, brings not only peace of mind to millions of Americans as they buy or rent a home or an automobile, but they also assist in planning for the future. I couldn't be prouder to be here tonight with my colleagues. Those are some of the ways that Illinois' 18th District has contributed to the State's story and how it will keep Illinois at the forefront of our Nation and global economy. Now I would like to recognize a number of my colleagues that are here tonight. I yield to the gentleman from southern Illinois (Mr. Bost), my colleague.

Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Bost for his comments here tonight. I appreciate it very much. Mr. Speaker, next I want to yield to and recognize the Congresswoman from Matteson, Illinois, Robin Kelly, who we are so glad found her way from New York to Bradley University as a student in Peoria, Illinois, and has served our State well in the State legislature and throughout government there. We are happy to have her here tonight.

Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, I thank Congresswoman Kelly very much for those inspiring words about Illinois. I appreciate it very much. Mr. Speaker, next I yield to Congressman Randy Hultgren from Plano. Congressman Hultgren served in our Illinois State senate. He is a proud Illinoisan, he serves our Nation very well. I yield to him now for a few comments.

Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, I thank Congressman Hultgren for those important words and comments about our great State. Mr. Speaker, I yield to and recognize Congresswoman Cheri Bustos, who represents the 17th District of Illinois. We share Peoria, Illinois, together in our district. Mrs. Bustos was born and raised in Springfield, currently lives in the Quad Cities in East Moline. I yield to the gentlewoman tonight for some comments.

Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, I thank Congresswoman Bustos for her valuable comments and advocacy for the State of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield to a colleague from Taylorville, Illinois (Mr. Rodney Davis), somebody who serves a district just to the south of me. We share Springfield together. He represents some of the best institutions of higher learning in our State, and I am proud to share many of the Lincoln sites with my friend.

Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, I thank Congressman Davis for those wonderful words regarding Illinois. I think we can agree there is enough Lincoln history and heritage to go around to all of us. So I thank the gentleman for his advocacy. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Deerfield, Illinois (Mr. Schneider), who represents many of the northwest suburbs and part of Cook County.

Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, I thank Congressman Schneider for his very complimentary words of his district and the State of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I next yield to the gentleman from the Illinois delegation, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, one of our newest members whose hometown is Schaumburg, Illinois, but his roots go downstate to Peoria, Illinois. We are proud to have him as a Peorian. His parents live in my district as constituents. He has hit the ground running here in Congress and is proud of his Illinois roots both downstate and now representing the suburbs of Chicago.

Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, I thank Congressman Krishnamoorthi for those heartfelt words about Illinois. I appreciate those very, very much. Mr. Speaker, next I yield to one of the deans of our delegation from the city of Chicago, a strong advocate for our State and the city, Congressman Danny Davis.

Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, I thank Congressman Davis for those wonderful words about the State of Illinois, its history, and the city of Chicago and all his advocacy. Mr. Speaker, in closing, as you can see, each of our districts has played a role in not only shaping Illinois' history, but that of the entire Nation and the whole world. Whether it is the business hub of Chicago, the farmers downstate, or the many Main Street businesses in every city, Illinois' influence can be seen every day no matter where you are. That is why our bicentennial theme of ``Born, Built, and Grown'' is so appropriate. As 2018 begins and we continue to get closer to our State's birthday on December 3, 2018, bicentennial events all across Illinois will help us recognize the important people and products that our State has to offer. For example, a bicentennial beer has already been judged and selected, hailing from the Hand of Fate Brewing Company in Petersburg, Illinois, within my congressional district. I encourage everyone to check out the full list of events at illinois200.com. I am sure I will be running into many of my colleagues at several of them throughout the year as they happen across the State. While Illinois' first 200 years have included both struggle and success, our State should be a point of pride for all of us. I think we heard that tonight. While we have accomplished so much, as my colleagues and I have talked about here tonight, there remains much to be done. Illinois remains on the path of prosperity, and the hard work and determination that the people of Illinois are known for will surely get us there. Mr. Speaker, I will just close by wishing Illinois a happy early birthday. We look forward to celebrating over the next year. I am proud to be born and raised in the State of Illinois and that my wife and I are raising our three boys in Illinois. We hope they stay and prosper in Illinois, and we look forward to this next year of celebration for 200 years of Illinois being in this great Nation. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. LaHOOD

Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, the American economy stands today at a crucial moment. With globalization and advancement in technology, the world economy continues to become more intertwined than ever, as countries trade goods and services at rates never seen before. It is easy to look at this change and turn inward in an attempt to shore up America's position in the world economy, but that will only set us up for more struggles down the line. Here in America, we make and produce the best goods in the world, but tariffs and regulations put American goods at a disadvantage in too many countries. That is why it is so crucial we continue to support free and fair trade, working to better our trade agreements, like the North American Free Trade Agreement, or NAFTA, to help American businesses and families. In my district, Illinois' 18th Congressional district, agriculture remains the largest portion of our economy. In fact, we are the eighth largest agriculture district in the country. Some of the most fertile farmland in the entire world is located in the 18th District. As great as the products we grow may be, our farmers and agriculture industry must have markets to sell their goods. That is why free trade agreements like NAFTA come in, removing barriers that allow our corn and soybeans to be sold all over the world at competitive prices. Since the implementation of NAFTA, American agriculture exports have more than quadrupled from $8.9 million to $38 billion annually, bringing more money back to our rural and agriculture communities. It is so important that this amount of money comes back to our district and it is the reason why our agriculture sector now supports over 21 million jobs here at home. Other sectors of our economy are just as affected by trade, especially in manufacturing. With 95 percent of the world's consumers living outside of the United States, protectionist tariffs and policies in other countries put American goods at a disadvantage. Since NAFTA's implementation, we have seen these barriers come down and more markets opening up to our exports. That is why our trade agreement partners receive half of all exports of American manufactured goods. The benefits of this are passed on to hardworking families, with jobs linked to trade paying 15 to 20 percent more and accounting for more than 38 million jobs across our country. While NAFTA and free trade have allowed for this kind of prosperity and growth, we must also be mindful of the problems that can arise. For example, recent Canadian policies creating quotas for American poultry and dairy have threatened those industries here at home. That is why it is time to take a fresh look at our trade agreements, not with an eye to withdrawing from the global economy, but with the goal of making our trade fairer and better. As President Trump and his team continue to renegotiate the terms of the NAFTA deal, it is my hope that they can keep in mind the businesses, farming operations, and families of districts like Illinois' 18th. Free trade is a win-win for our Nation, and it is vital that we work hard to make these agreements fairer to keep America at the forefront of the world economy.

Mr. LaHOOD

Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, today, I would like to recognize the Lincoln Depot, in Lincoln, Illinois, on the opening of their newly renovated Depot building this morning. In the 1850's, Abraham Lincoln helped citizens and railroads establish a needed rail line through Logan County. Soon after, this town was christened, by its founders, in Lincoln's name, beautifully described by the Looking for Lincoln marker just outside the Depot. Constructed in 1911, the Lincoln Depot enhanced this critical railway stop, essential for commerce and the pioneers of the last century and a half who were looking to explore and develop to the west. With an estimated 450,000 people now traveling through Lincoln and central Illinois annually, the depot will continue to be a vital part of the Midwest travel experience. Today, the depot is again restored as a beautiful landmark in downtown Lincoln that is crucial to the economy of this community, the students of both Lincoln College and Lincoln Christian University, and the residents of Logan County. Lincoln, and Central Illinois, rely on these very rail lines to connect them to communities and commercial markets throughout the Midwest and across America. The new Lincoln Depot modernizes the previous facility, ensuring improved safety and an enhanced travel experience, including improved on-time performance for Amtrak. I extend my sincere congratulations to the Lincoln community on the newly renovated Lincoln Station Depot. This renovation will ensure the legacy of the depot and the railway, envisioned by Abraham Lincoln as a catalyst for the future growth of central Illinois, will carry on for generations to come.

Mr. LaHOOD

Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the Jacksonville, Illinois Citizens Police Academy (CPA) Alumni Association, as they celebrate their 6th annual Policeman's Ball to honor the brave members of the police force in our community. Since 1999, the CPA has recruited and trained citizens to join their alumni association, which provides assistance to the Jacksonville Police Department and the community at large. Throughout the year, members of the alumni association assist the Jacksonville Police Department with traffic control, parking for events, and park patrol. Every year, the CPA Alumni Association host the Policeman's Ball to honor all Central Illinois' policemen and women. The Policeman's Ball is a celebration of the dedication and service our brave policemen and women give to our community. This year, the CPA is recognizing Jean Jumper, the Executive Director of the West Central Mass Transit District, with the Civilian Community Service of the Year Award. Under Jean's leadership, West Central Mass Transit found a way to keep buses running when the Illinois state government was unable to provide funding. I am grateful for her service to West Central Illinois and her community. I extend my sincere congratulations to the Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association on their years of service and applaud the efforts to recognize the sacrifice of Central Illinois officers with the 6th annual Policeman's Ball.

Mr. LaHOOD

Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, today, I would like to honor Central Catholic High School in Bloomington, Illinois for receiving the U.S. Department of Education National Blue Ribbon. Since 1982, the U.S. Department of Education has awarded the Blue Ribbon to schools across the country based on their overall academic excellence. This year, 342 schools across the nation were awarded the National Blue Ribbon, including Central Catholic High School. Central Catholic High School prides itself on their academic excellence and a proactive student body. As an institution rooted in Catholic values, Central Catholic is committed to reinforcing the principals of Christian service, responsibility to the community, and respect for life. Additionally, Central Catholic High School was named one of the most academically challenging schools in Illinois by the Washington Post in 2017. Led by Principal Sean Foster, the faculty has developed an effective curriculum to meet the academic needs of all students which prepares them to pursue higher education and professional careers. It is an honor to represent the students, faculty, and administrators at Central Catholic High School. Their dedication to education, and their students, makes them a deserving recipient of the National Blue Ribbon, and more importantly, an example for schools all across the nation.

Mr. LaHOOD

Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Kentucky for yielding the time for this important legislation. On January 29, 2017, U.S. Navy Chief Special Warfare Operator William ``Ryan'' Owens was killed during a raid in Yemen. At the age of 36, he gave the ultimate sacrifice in order to protect our great Nation. Today, he is survived by his wife, Carryn, and their three young children. Ryan Owens grew up in Edelstein, Illinois, in my congressional district, a town that is in a very rural area with barely one stop sign. Friends and family say that, even at a very early age, Ryan knew he wanted to serve his country as a Navy SEAL. After graduating from Illinois Valley Central High School in Chillicothe, Illinois, in 1998, he took the first steps towards his goal by enlisting in the Navy. Ryan served his first tour of duty at the Office of Naval Intelligence in Suitland, Maryland, eventually completing his SEAL training in California in 2002. Over the next 15 years, he completed four tours as a U.S. Navy SEAL, working all over the globe to fight against terrorism and protect the interests of the United States. Ryan was 2 years into his fifth tour as a Navy SEAL when he was tragically killed during an intelligence-gathering operation against an al-Qaida cell in Yemen. Throughout his 15 years as a Navy SEAL, Ryan Owens gave much to our country, protecting our freedoms, and helping rid the world of evil. It is for these reasons that I introduced H.R. 3109, which will rename the post office in Chillicothe, Illinois, as the Sr. Chief Ryan Owens Post Office Building. My office and I worked closely with the U.S. Postal Service, the U.S. Navy Congressional Liaison's Office, the Central Illinois Gold Star Families, and, most importantly, Ryan's family. All of us were determined to make sure we got this right, choosing a location with strong ties to the community in which Ryan grew up. In the end, it was his wife, Carryn, who decided on Chillicothe, the town where Ryan attended and graduated high school, as the best place for this building to be renamed in his honor. I was proud to introduce our bill with overwhelming bipartisan support here in the House with every member of the Illinois delegation signing on as a cosponsor in support. It is my hope that the House acts to pass this bill today and that the Senate will quickly follow suit. While we can never repay Chief Owens or his family for the sacrifices he made, renaming the post office in his honor is a small way to thank him for his service and dedication to protecting our great Nation and the values that we hold so dear. We continue, today, to pray for Carryn and his children. We are indebted to his service and his sacrifice to our great country.

Mr. LaHOOD

Mr. LaHOOD. Madam Speaker, I want to thank my colleague from Illinois for his commitment and dedication to this terrific bill that we have before the House tonight. Madam Speaker, the people of Illinois are unfortunately all too familiar with high taxes and the burden they put on families and our local businesses. At the Federal level, things have become just as bad with a Tax Code that is over 74,000 pages long and riddled with loopholes. Over 30 years have passed since the last time Congress passed comprehensive tax reform, and you can see the effects of our outdated Tax Code everywhere. We have stagnant hiring, stagnant wages, and a stagnant economy that is holding back our middle class instead of helping them get ahead. H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, is our chance to change all of this. By simplifying our Tax Code and bringing real relief to everyday families, we can, once again, jump-start the American economy and get it back to working for the middle class. The choice before us is a simple one: Do we support this bill and support the middle class, or do we embrace the status quo? That is why I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to come together and vote for this bill. Let's send a signal that we don't stand for the status quo. We stand for growth and economic opportunity for the American people. Let us bring relief to the middle class. Support this bill.

Mr. LaHOOD

Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, I would like to honor Central Intermediate School in Washington, Illinois for receiving the U.S. Department of Education National Blue Ribbon. Since 1982, the U.S. Department of Education has awarded the Blue Ribbon to schools across the country based on their overall academic excellence. This year, 342 schools across the nation were awarded the National Blue Ribbon, including Central Intermediate School. Central Intermediate School prides itself on helping students recognize their full potential. What started as a one-room, rural school building in the 1830s has turned into one of the premier schools not only in Central Illinois, but in the United States. Central Intermediate School has a long history of academic excellence, earning numerous awards over the past decade. Led by Principal Brian Hoelscher, the faculty has developed an effective curriculum to meet the academic needs of all students and encourage community involvement. It is an honor to represent the students, faculty, and administrators at Central Intermediate School. Their dedication to education, and their students, makes them a deserving recipient of the National Blue Ribbon, and more importantly, an example for schools all across the nation.

Mr. LaHOOD

Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, earlier this year, Army Sergeant Josh Rodgers was killed in action during a raid targeting an ISIS prison in Afghanistan, making the ultimate sacrifice while working to free those imprisoned by evil. A native of Bloomington, Illinois, in my congressional district, Sergeant Rodgers' heroism and bravery have not been forgotten. A graduate of Normal Community High School in 2013, where he competed on the track and football teams, his teachers, teammates, and coaches remember him fondly. They say he was a natural leader and a hard worker who believed it was his duty to serve his country in the military. That is why I am proud to stand here today to announce the introduction of a bill, with the support of the entire Illinois delegation, Republicans and Democrats, that would rename the post office in Bloomington, Illinois, the Sergeant Josh Rodgers U.S. Post Office. Mr. Speaker, there is no way to truly thank Sergeant Rodgers or his family, but it is my hope that this building will serve to honor him and remind all of us of the price of our freedom.

Mr. LaHOOD

Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, today, I would like to recognize Brig. Gen. William ``Robbie'' Robertson on his promotion in rank and to Chief of Staff of the Illinois Air National Guard. In 1983, Brig. Gen. Robertson became an officer in the 182nd Airlift Wing of the Illinois Air National Guard. Over his years of service, Brig. Gen. Robertson defended our nation in Operations Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Southern Watch, Joint Forge, Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. As a command pilot, he has flown over 4,800 hours in various aircraft. Brig. Gen. Robertson's leadership was critical to the conversion of the unit from the OA-37 Dragonfly to F-16 Fighting Falcon and to the C-130 Hercules, which equipped our Armed forces with tools they need to combat our nation's enemies. In 2004, Brig. Gen. Robertson took over command of the 182nd Airlift Wing. Under his command, the 182nd Airlift Wing maintained the highest mission capability rates for ten of the past eleven years for all C-130 units. As commander, he is responsible for maintaining the combat readiness of eight C-130 aircraft and over 1,200 Illinois Air National Guardsmen. The 182nd Airlift Wing received the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award five times during his tenure. Brig. Gen. Robertson has committed his life to serving our nation. I am grateful for his leadership and sacrifice in the Illinois Air National Guard. This country is blessed to have servicemen like William Robertson and I extend my sincere congratulations to him on his promotion to Brigadier General.

Mr. LaHOOD

Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, today, I would like to honor Lisa Stone of Springfield, Illinois for receiving the 2017 State Journal Register First Citizen Award. Since 1963, the State Journal Register has been awarding the First Citizen award to a resident who goes above and beyond their commitment to making Springfield a better place. For over four decades, Lisa has volunteered countless hours and raised money for numerous organization in the Springfield community. Lisa's many contributions to the community include: fundraising for the Sojourn House, a domestic violence shelter; fundraising for the Jewish Federation; and helping Russian refugees resettle in America. Additionally, Lisa served as an original board member of Habitat for Humanity of Sangamon County. Lisa's commitment to the Springfield community is unmatched. Her years of volunteering and fundraising have made a true difference in Springfield. I applaud her for her efforts to make our community a better place. I extend my sincere congratulations to Lisa Stone on receiving the State Journal Register First Citizen award, and I wish her much success as she continues to lead a life of service to the community.

Mr. LaHOOD

Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, 1 week ago, I had the privilege of presenting a Purple Heart to Mr. Anthony Smith of Warsaw, Illinois, in my congressional district. During the Vietnam war, Anthony served in the Army's 1st Cavalry Division. In 1968, on a particular bad day for our troops, Anthony was able to single-handedly take out several enemy machine gun units, protecting his fellow soldiers from harm and death. Anthony's bravery on that day was rewarded with a Bronze Star with Valor, and with a Purple Heart, although he was not given a physical Purple Heart medal at the time. Almost 50 years later, our office worked to help correct this, and it was one of the highest honors of my time in office to present Anthony Smith with this well-deserved medal in front of a crowd of his friends and family in Warsaw last Tuesday, October 17. I want to thank Anthony Smith for his bravery and service to our country, his dedication and commitment to our military, and to the entire Warsaw community for coming out to support this true American hero. We are indebted to his service, and we honor him today.

Mr. LaHOOD

Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, today, I recognize the Quincy Air Evac Lifeteam for their commitment to our community as they celebrate their 20th anniversary. For twenty years, the Quincy Air Evac Lifeteam provided lifesaving access to crucial medical services for those who need it most. By providing air ambulance support, the Quincy Air Evac Lifeteam provided safe and rapid emergency transportation to the most vulnerable in the Quincy community. The Quincy Air Evac Lifeteam is essential to the safety of citizens in the rural communities of Illinois' 18th Congressional District. The Quincy Air Evac Lifeteam sets the gold standard for care among Air Evac Lifeteams around the country. In 2017, the National Paramedic of the year for Air Evac Lifeteam was awarded to a member of Quincy's team. I am grateful to the Quincy Air Evac Lifeteam for their service to our community and the lives they have saved. I extend my sincere congratulations to the Quincy Air Evac Lifeteam on twenty years of service and I wish for their continued safety as they continue to protect the Quincy community.

Mr. LaHOOD

Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of H. Con. Res. 71, the fiscal year 2018 budget resolution. This bill makes necessary and responsible funding determinations by reducing the size and scope of government, cutting Federal spending by $5.4 trillion over 10 years, and balancing the Federal budget in fiscal year 2027. Given our Nation's more than $20 trillion in debt, it is past time to get serious about our Federal spending so that important programs are able to be sustained long term. In addition, this bill sets the stage for much-needed tax reform. Small businesses and farmers are the bedrock of the American economy. For decades, we have allowed our Tax Code to balloon with loopholes and tax breaks for special interests, hurting our local economies and middle class workers. That is why it is so crucial that we pass this commonsense budget as the first step in reforming our Nation's outdated Tax Code. Our current system continues to fail small business owners, farmers, and middle class families with its overwhelmingly complex system. That is why over 90 percent of Americans have to pay for help with filing their taxes every year. Not only does this cost people their hard-earned money, but this also costs us our valuable time. Every year we spend a combined 8.9 billion hours filing our taxes. That is time we could be using to focus on our work and families. For businesses, that is time they could use for expanding and growing our economy. The solution here is not to defend the status quo, as some on the other side of the aisle continue to do, but to simplify our Tax Code and lower the rates for businesses and the middle class. Another crucial part of reforming our Tax Code must be the elimination of the death tax, which harms farmers like those in the 18th Congressional District of Illinois. Family-owned businesses and farms that use their hard-earned dollars to invest back in their businesses are often forced to sell off parts or all in order to pay the death tax. There is nothing fair about penalizing our job creators and the drivers of our economy for investing in and growing their business. In fact, it is estimated that repealing the death tax would grow our economy by 0.9 percent over 10 years. These small business investments are often necessary for small businesses and farmers who depend upon expensive machinery to earn their living. Our current Tax Code, however, encourages businessowners to put off their investments as they are only able to deduct the cost of equipment over many years. By allowing full expensing, businesses and farmers can fully invest in the tools they need to become more productive, all the while earning more savings. According to the Tax Foundation, full expensing would save businesses money, leading to nearly a 5 percent increase in income for low- and middle-income workers.