Darin LaHood

Mr. LaHOOD

Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, I had to miss votes today to travel back to Illinois for a funeral. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall No. 287, ``nay'' on rollcall No. 288, and ``yea'' on rollcall No. 289.

Mr. LaHOOD

Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, this bill allows a State to retain 5 percent of the recovered UI overpayments. This includes having commonsense procedures in place, like preventing UI benefit payments from going to incarcerated people and deceased people. We have an opportunity today to gain some restitution for American taxpayers. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 1163.

Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Smith for yielding. Mr. Speaker, today, Republicans are following through on our promise to the American people last fall in our commitment to a government that is accountable. I rise in strong support of H.R. 1163. This long-awaited bill is needed to address the unprecedented levels of fraud in pandemic unemployment programs. Every dollar going to fraud is a dollar that did not go to those who actually needed it. My home State of Illinois paid out nearly $2 billion in Federal funds for fraudulent unemployment claims, nearly half of the money paid out by the State. Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record an audit by the State of Illinois Department of Economic Security from June 2020.

Mr. LaHOOD. Those fraudsters acted with intent and malice and diverted critical relief for unemployed workers. Early on in the pandemic, multiple red flags were raised by law enforcement agencies about the threat of fraudsters using stolen identities to file false unemployment claims. The U.S. Secret Service raised the first alarm issuing an alert memo in May 2020 warning of a well-organized Nigerian crime ring exploiting the COVID-19 crisis to commit large-scale fraud against State unemployment insurance programs. Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record that memo from the U.S. Secret Service. May 14, 2020. From: United States Secret Service. Massive Fraud Against State Unemployment Insurance Programs The United States Secret Service has received reporting of a well-organized Nigerian fraud ring exploiting the COVID-19 crisis to commit large-scale fraud against state unemployment insurance programs. The primary state targeted so far is Washington, while there is also evidence of attacks in North Carolina, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Oklahoma, Wyoming and Florida. It is extremely likely every state is vulnerable to this scheme and will be targeted if they have not been already. In the state of Washington, individuals residing out-of- state are receiving multiple ACH deposits from the State of Washington Unemployment Benefit Program, all in different individuals' names with no connection to the account holder. A substantial amount of the fraudulent benefits submitted have used PII from first responders, government personnel and school employees. It is assumed the fraud ring behind this possess a substantial PII database to submit the volume of applications observed thus far. This fraud network is believed to consist of hundreds, if not thousands, of mules with potential losses in the hundreds of millions of dollars. The banks targeted have been at all levels including local banks, credit unions, and large national banks. Please communicate the information regarding this fraud to the appropriate office at your local state level and liaison with local financial institutions to identify mules and potential seizures.

Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, the public needed to know what was happening to these funds, yet not a single oversight hearing was held at the time. Democrats turned a blind eye to the fraud and rejected Republican efforts to stop it. While considering the American Rescue Act in committee, Democrats rejected Republican amendments that would have stopped the ``pay and chase'' model of benefit delivery. In September of 2022, Democrats voted against a resolution of inquiry demanding communications showing the Department of Labor had knowledge of unemployment insurance dollars flowing to international crime syndicates. Now, today, Republicans are taking action. We will not turn our backs and walk away from the greatest theft of taxpayer dollars in American history. Currently, State workforce agencies have little incentive to pursue costly investigations and prosecutions that do not pay out. This bill here today, H.R. 1163, will jump-start efforts to recover what we can by making the juice worth the squeeze for States still working through a backlog of suspicious unemployment claims and appeals. The number of individuals or entities facing UI fraud-related charges has grown since March 2020 and will continue to increase as these cases take time to develop. Based on an analysis of the U.S. Department of Justice from January 13, 2023, Federal charges were pending against up to 240 individuals for attempting to defraud pandemic UI programs. States that take the initiative will be allowed to retain a portion of the recovered funds to prevent future fraud by using the recovery reward to improve program integrity, including hiring investigators to go after criminals and modernizing State systems.

Mr. LaHOOD

Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life and legacy of Jeannette ``Jan'' Smith of Peoria, Illinois, who passed away on March 11, 2023 at the age of 88. A native of Peoria, Illinois, Jan Smith attended Bradley University where she was actively involved as a member of the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society and Gamma Phi Beta Sorority, as well as a member of the Dean's List. She graduated summa cum laude from Bradley University in 1975. Jan's commitment to her community led her to become a teacher in Peoria area schools. In 1980, she left her teaching career and founded the Family Resources Center, which provided free-loan resources that taught about the sanctity of life. Her dedication to education and for the respect of life led her to serve at the Family Resources Center for over 35 years. For her tireless service, she received a papal honor in the form of the Pro Ecclesiae et Pontifice Medal as well as the Pere Marquette Award from the Diocese of Peoria. I want to offer my condolences to the Smith family and the people of Peoria on the loss of a great woman. Jan's leadership, commitment, and dedication has made a lasting impact on the Central Illinois community that will last for generations.

Mr. LaHOOD

Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, I would like to honor and congratulate Police Chief Jamie Evans on her retirement from the Roscoe Police Department after 25 years of service to the community. Jamie Evans was hired as a Police Officer by the Village of Roscoe on August 31, 1998. Starting as a Patrol Officer and eventually working her way through the ranks of Sergeant and Lieutenant, Chief Evans played an essential role in our community--working to keep citizens safe, upholding the rule of law, and responding to emergencies. On November 6, 2008, Chief Evans was unanimously approved by the village board as the first female chief of police in Winnebago County. Under Chief Evans's leadership, the Roscoe Police Department grew and modernized, including an expansion of its community outreach efforts, and the building of the new police department facility for better accessibility to the public. In 2021, the department achieved accreditation through the Illinois Law Enforcement Accreditation Program (ILEAP) through the hard work of Chief Evans. The Roscoe Police Department is 1 of 44 agencies with an ILEAP accreditation in the State of Illinois. As a testament to her leadership, the Village of Roscoe Board will rename the police department facility as the ``Jamie Evans Public Safety Building.'' Chief Evans has always been committed to her work and her community. It is my privilege to congratulate Chief Evans on her service to the Roscoe Police Department. I want to thank her for her leadership. The Village of Roscoe is a better place because of her service.

Mr. LaHOOD

Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the 2022 recipients of the prestigious Ellis Island Medal of Honor. Presented annually, the Ellis Island Medals of Honor pay tribute to our Nation's immigrant heritage, as well as individual achievement. The Medals are awarded to U.S. citizens from diverse ethnic backgrounds who exemplify outstanding qualities in both their personal and professional lives, while continuing to preserve the richness of their particular heritage and culture. Since the Medals' founding, more than 2,500 American citizens have received the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, including seven American Presidents, numerous United States Senators and Congressmen, two Nobel Laureates, and many athletes, artists, clergy, and military leaders. This Medal is not about material success, nor is it about the politics of immigration; it is about the people who have committed themselves to this Nation, embraced the opportunities America offers, and most importantly, who have used those opportunities to not only better their own lives but make a difference in our country and in the lives of its people. Citizens of the United States hail from every nation known to man. The iconic metaphor of this Nation as a veritable melting pot of cultures continues to ring true, and it is this diversity that adds to the unique richness of American life. The Ellis Island Medals of Honor not only celebrate select individuals but also the pluralism and democracy that enabled our forbearers to celebrate their cultural identities while still embracing the American way of life. This award serves to remind us all that with hard work and perseverance anyone can still achieve the American dream. In addition, by honoring these remarkable Americans, we honor all who share their origins and we acknowledge the contributions they have made to America. I commend Ellis Island Honors Society and its Board of Directors headed by Chairman Nasser J. Kazeminy, for honoring these truly outstanding individuals for their efforts to promote a sense of common purpose in our nation. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the good works of the Ellis Island Honors Society and in congratulating all of the 2022 recipients of the Ellis Island Medal of Honor. I include in the Record the names of this year's recipients. 2022 Ellis Island Medal of Honor Recipients Pouria Abbassi, Cyrus Ansary, Esq., Dr. Brahim Ardolic, Maestro Igor Babailov, Hon. RAA, MFA, KStA, D.Littl, Dr. Robert Bard, Dean John Belcher, Nazanin Boniadi, Honorable Denis Boyle, Ambassador Nancy Brinker, Sarah Beth Brown, Kathy Buckley, Honorable Salud Carbajal, Martino Cartier, Dr. Tom Catena, Lieutenant General Brian Cavanaugh, Rear Admiral Shoshana Chatfield, Bonnie Comley, Chief Robert Contee, Wendy Bingham Cox, Howard Cox, Administrator Deanne Criswell, Eduardo Del Riego, Shahla Ettefagh, John Farahi, Ambassador David Fischer, Jennifer Fischer, Chief Joseph Gallucci, General Michael Garrett, Honorable Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Chief Rodney Harrison, David, Hryck, Dr. Joseph Jabbra, Craig Jackson, Carolyn Jackson, Honorable Jeh Johnson, Sun Yup Kim, Liz Koch, Charles Koch, Frank LaFerla, George Liu, Eduardo Martinez, Professor Michael Massimino, Margie McHugh, Flint McNaughton, Doris Meissner, Dr. Reza Mohajer, Edward Montero, Monica Morales- Mayer, Joseph Morrone, Professor Cherry Murray, Dr. Souhel Najjar, Larry O'Connor, Gholam Reza Odabaee, Ronald Offutt, Dr. Demetrios Papademetriou, Nicholas Peppas ScD, Chief Thomas Richardson, Chi Chi Rodriguez, Reza Rofougaran, Dr. Martine Rothblatt, Commissioner Patrick Ryder, Kamil Salame, Henry Samueli, Susan Samueli, Justice Patricia Satterfield, Honorable Stephen Scalise, Adnan Sen, Dr. Michael Shahnasarian, Vlad Shmunis, Dr. Greg Simonian, Dr. Greg Thomopulos, Rear Admiral Andrew Tiongson, Lieutenant General Giavani Tuck, Elizabeth Weymouth, Dean Michelle Williams, Alan Willner, Richard Wilson, George Xu. International Ellis Island Medal of Honor Recipient Dr. Segenet Kelemu.

Mr. LaHOOD

Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend from Missouri for yielding and for his leadership on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.J. Res. 27, providing for congressional disapproval of the Army Corps of Engineers' and the EPA's rule expanding the definition of waters of the United States. This rule is one of the latest examples of regulatory overreach that the Biden administration has chosen to pursue, ignoring Congress' role in making policy decisions and vastly increasing Federal authority over private lands. Expanding the WOTUS definition creates harmful uncertainty and increased administrative burdens for many parts of our economy, especially our farmers and agriculture sector. On top of having to endure the effects of high inflation, supply chain disruptions, and labor shortages, farmers in my district and across the country now have to invest more time and money on compliance costs to protect themselves against potentially crippling legal penalties. Between President Biden's attempts to repeal stepped-up basis, the SEC's onerous ESG proposal, and now this WOTUS rule issued by the Army Corps of Engineers and EPA, it is clear that family farms and small businesses are not being prioritized or heard by this administration.

Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, as the Representative of one of the largest corn- and soybean-producing districts in the country, I understand the importance our farmers have in feeding our Nation and the world. Our farm economy is the lifeblood of rural communities, and this resolution is a necessary first step in supporting our farmers and small businesses. Mr. Speaker, I urge adoption of the resolution.

Mr. LaHOOD

Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, today, I recognize former Congressman Robert H. Michel, the longest serving Republican Leader of the House of Representatives, born on this day 100 years ago. From his time in the U.S. Army on the front lines fighting for democracy in World War II to his long career in government service, Bob Michel sought to defend our freedom and the American Dream at every turn. Leader Michel defined public service and bipartisanship during his 38 years serving in the U.S. House of Representatives. He cherished his time spent in the House, and he revered the institution. He was a product of Midwestern values that made our central Illinois community a great place to live, work, and raise a family. Often known for being a patient listener, flexible goal setter, and gentle persuader, he remained committed to legislative compromise and appealing to the spirit of bipartisanship. Building relationships across the aisle and promoting civility and debate helped move legislation through the House Chamber. His common sense, middle-of-the- road policymaking left a legacy that will continue for centuries. Congressman Michel's steadfast work to improve the lives of citizens of central Illinois stands as a model for progress to further the greater good and prosperity of America and Illinois. Peorians were always proud to have him fighting for them in Congress. On what would have been his 100th birthday, the legacy he left behind should serve as a reminder for how we as public servants can continue our work to move our country and democracy forward.

Mr. LaHOOD

Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize a fellow Illinoisan, Dr. Lily P. Hussein, a physician who recently marked her 55th year of service at Chicago's John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital of Cook County, making her the longest serving physician in that hospital's 190-year history. In addition, Dr. Hussein is the nation's longest serving physician at one hospital and one of the nation's longest serving female physicians. Dr. Hussein was born in Mosul, Iraq in 1937, the oldest of six children, five of whom would go on to become physicians. Dr. Hussein is a fifth-generation physician, whose father, grandfather, great grandmother and great-great grandmother all practiced medicine. Her father, Dr. Malcolm Parhad was a pioneer in neurosurgery who trained at The Yale School of Medicine. In 1964, Dr. Hussein graduated first in her class from the University of Baghdad College of Medicine--a feat that was personally recognized by Iraq's President. Upon graduation, she immigrated to the U.S. to continue her medical career. After a year of training in Danbury, Connecticut, she arrived as a Medical Resident at the Cook County Hospital in 1965. She began as a Family Medicine Resident but soon discovered the field of Oncology and dedicated her career to fighting cancer. In 1967, she married a fellow Cook County Hospital resident, Dr. Jaafar Hussein, to whom she has been married for 55 years. Together they have five children, four of which are in the field of medicine. Dr. Hussein is most proud of the relationships she has built with her thousands of patients over the past seven decades. Notably, Dr. Hussein has stayed at Stroger Cook County Hospital because its mission of serving the poor is aligned with her belief that every human being deserves world-class medical care. To this day, Dr. Hussein cites those famous words on the Statue of Liberty as inspiration to continue her public service: ``give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.'' Mr. Speaker, I'm honored to recognize a trailblazer and someone who embodies the best of America.

Mr. LaHOOD

Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 11, Establishing the Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party. As a member of the China Task Force in the 116th and 117th Congresses and a member of the House Intelligence Committee, this committee is long overdue, and I commend Speaker McCarthy for putting this together. A clear and dedicated focus on issues surrounding the strategic competition between the United States and China has never been more important. I would make three observations. One, make no mistake about it, Mr. Speaker, China has a plan to replace us, and they are working on it every single day in technology, national security, and in economics. The longer we go without addressing those issues, the further we fall behind. Number two, look at the allies that Xi Jinping and the CCP align themselves with, Putin in Russia, who is a war criminal, and Iran. You talk about the unbreakable bond they have with Russia as it relates to the Ukraine conflict; they would want nothing more than to see the West lose in this conflict. Number three, I hope this select committee looks at how we can use our economic power in the United States in the trade space working with our like-minded allies in the Indo-Pacific region: Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Philippines, and Indonesia. We have been asleep at the wheel when it comes to the economic power we should be using in the region. Finally, China continues to exploit democratic norms and standards throughout the region, engages in economic manipulation of the global marketplace, and threatens global peace and security efforts. This select committee is more important than ever to ensure the United States does not continue to delay our focus on the true needs of our strategic competition with China. I strongly support this select committee, and I urge adoption of the resolution.

Mr. LaHOOD

Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the Family and Small Business Taxpayer Protection Act. This bill defends American taxpayers against an unchecked, supercharged IRS and prioritizes customer service and tax return processing, two of the agency's most important functions. Included in the Democrats' reckless Inflation Reduction Act this past summer, the IRS received an additional $80 billion in funding, with over half directed toward enforcement. What is worse, the Democrats' bill failed to include any safeguards to protect low- and middle-income taxpayers from being unfairly targeted for tax audits. While the IRS continues to beef up their audit division, the agency still has 3.7 million unprocessed tax returns and a total of 11.1 million returns awaiting action. This is simply unacceptable. The IRS should focus on processing these returns, along with addressing the awful level of customer service currently available to taxpayers. Law-abiding families and small businesses in Illinois need their tax returns processed and phone calls answered, not more IRS agents knocking on their doors with burdensome audits. Mr. Speaker, I urge the adoption of this bill.

Mr. LaHOOD

Mr. LaHOOD. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor Ronda Guyton for her 28 years of service in the Peoria County Sheriff's Department. Law enforcement is an essential pillar of American society responsible for guaranteeing safety and stability for our communities and families. Ronda provided an integral part of this through the care, control, and custody of the Peoria County Jail. As superintendent, Ronda ensured that those in custody of the jail were properly detained. She also ensured that detainees were treated fairly and respectfully; so that justice could be served. Ronda served in several roles while working her way up the ranks of the Peoria County Sheriff's Office. She began as a corrections officer, served as a deputy officer, and was later promoted to jail superintendent. Her most recent promotion broke down multiple barriers as she was the first woman and the first African American to hold this position. The excellence she consistently demonstrated throughout her career not only set an example but paved the way for others in the future. I am grateful for Ronda's leadership and commitment to the Peoria County Sheriffs Department where her presence will be deeply missed. I offer her my prayers and support in her ongoing battle with cancer.

Mr. LaHOOD

Mr. LaHOOD. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor Carl Cannon for his two decades of public service with the Peoria Park District and his continued efforts with ELITE Community Outreach. Carl founded ELITE Community Outreach in 2005 with the goal of keeping local kids out of the criminal justice system. Since that time, ELITE Community Outreach has mentored more than 1,600 children and expanded services including elementary, job training, and mentoring programs. Carl is known throughout central Illinois as one of Peoria's tremendous mentors and educators. Under his leadership, ELITE programs have resulted in a 63 percent reduction in disciplinary referrals and a 67 percent improvement in GPA among students in the ELITE program. The Re-entry program is responsible for providing job skills to more than 120+ previously incarcerated individuals. I am grateful for Carl's dedication to the Peoria community and his tireless efforts towards improving the lives of students and children across the city. The lessons taught by Carl will continue to spread hope, empowerment, and positivity in the Peoria community. I appreciate our friendship and, I wish Carl continued success in all his future endeavors.

Mr. LaHOOD

Mr. LaHOOD. Madam Speaker, I would like to recognize Illinois State Representative Tim Butler for his leadership and dedication to Central Illinois. Prior to his 4-terms as Illinois State Representative, Tim served as the District Chief of Staff for both Congressman Rodney Davis and former Congressman Ray LaHood. Representative Butler has long served as a distinguished voice on behalf of the people of Logan, Menard, Sangamon, and Tazewell countries and our entire state. Throughout his time in the Illinois General Assembly, Representative Butler has been a strong leader for agriculture, small business, and other vital priorities for Illinois. He has twice been named a Friend of Agriculture by Illinois Farm Bureau ACTlVATOR and twice been awarded the Guardian of Small Business Award from the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB). In addition. Representative Butler served in a leadership roles as the Illinois House Assistant Republican Leader and as the Republican Spokesperson on the Transportation Committee. During my time in the State House and Congress, I have been proud to call Tim a colleague and a friend. Representative Butler stands as a model for the values and priorities which current- and future-public servants should strive to uphold in order to better our communities. I want to thank Tim for his many years of dedicated service to the state of Illinois and wish him and his wife, Wendy, much success in all their future endeavors.

Mr. LaHOOD

Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise on the House floor to congratulate the men's national soccer team on their win this past week against Iran at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar. After missing out on the 2018 World Cup, the United States returned this year for the first time in 8 years. With draws against Wales and England to start the group stage, the U.S. needed a crucial win against Iran to advance to the knockout stage. The U.S. team delivered a 1-0 victory with a stellar goal by Christian Pulisic and a staunch defensive performance from goalie Matt Turner. I know I join with my colleagues here in the U.S. House of Representatives and fans across the country in congratulating the men's national soccer team. Throughout the World Cup, the team has shown class, respect, grit, and patriotism, inspiring a new generation of fans and youth across the country. Coach Gregg Berhalter and the entire team have made our country so proud. I look forward to cheering them on tomorrow as they face the Netherlands. Go U.S.A. Beat the Dutch.

Mr. LaHOOD

Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, I thank Dr. Wenstrup and Mr. Davis for shepherding through this legislation. I rise in strong support of H.R. 8876, the Jackie Walorski Maternal and Child Home Visiting Reauthorization Act of 2022. The MIECHV program has over 2,700 participants and has conducted over 17,000 home visits in my home State of Illinois, including in Peoria and McLean Counties and throughout my district. I understand how important it is to support families, women, and children with evidence-based services to mitigate maternal and infant mortality risk factors and improve overall health outcomes, particularly in rural and underserved communities. Evidence-based programs, including home visits by nurses, social workers, or early childhood professionals, have improved maternal and newborn health services that mothers and infants can count on to help set them up for success in the future. I also acknowledge and take a moment to recognize Congresswoman Jackie Walorski, the former ranking member of the Subcommittee on Worker and Family Support. She was a wonderful colleague and friend who is deeply missed every day in this body. Passing this legislation today is a recognition of Jackie's tireless advocacy for the renewal of MIECHV and a testament to her remarkable legacy. We honor her today by passing this legislation, and I urge my colleagues to support this bill and everybody in this body to honor Jackie.

Mr. LaHOOD

Mr. LaHOOD. Madam Speaker, due to a clerical error made by the clerk during an ongoing vote senes, my vote by proxy was not counted. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 489.

Mr. LaHOOD

Mr. LaHOOD. Madam Speaker, I would like to congratulate Keith Swartzentruber, the executive director of Snyder Village, who is retiring after 34 wonderful years of service across Central Illinois. Keith Swartzentruber joined the staff as an administrator of Snyder Village when it opened its doors in 1988 and has held the position of executive director at Snyder Village for the last 17 years. Under his leadership, Snyder Village has grown from a modest organization offering a health center and six independent living cottages to the full-life plan community that it is today. Currently, over 400 residents call Snyder Village home, and roughly 240 staff members make up the Snyder Village team. Spanning over 48 acres, Snyder Village now encompasses a skilled nursing health center, assisted living, home care services, inpatient and outpatient therapy, and a retirement community with 40 apartments and 170 cottages. As a true servant leader, Keith encourages and supports staff to embody the Snyder Village mission statement: to provide for the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of others in a loving, dignified, and Christian atmosphere. Keith exemplifies the high level of care and service which has made Snyder Village the remarkable place it is. He can often be found visiting with residents and staff members, ensuring they feel valued and cared for. His leadership and service have been recognized by his peers and the community through several awards, including the Life Services Network Leadership Recognition Award. Our community has been fortunate to benefit from the service and leadership of Keith Swartzentruber. I extend my sincere congratulations to Keith on his 34 years of service at Snyder Village. I wish him much success as he continues to lead a life of service to the Metamora community and central Illinois.

Mr. LaHOOD

Mr. LaHOOD. Madam Speaker, I would like to congratulate Keith Swartzentruber, the executive director of Snyder Village, who is retiring after 34 wonderful years of service across Central Illinois. Keith Swartzentruber joined the staff as an administrator of Snyder Village when it opened its doors in 1988 and has held the position of executive director at Snyder Village for the last 17 years. Under his leadership, Snyder Village has grown from a modest organization offering a health center and six independent living cottages to the full-life plan community that it is today. Currently, over 400 residents call Snyder Village home, and roughly 240 staff members make up the Snyder Village team. Spanning over 48 acres, Snyder Village now encompasses a skilled nursing health center, assisted living, home care services, inpatient and outpatient therapy, and a retirement community with 40 apartments and 170 cottages. As a true servant leader, Keith encourages and supports staff to embody the Snyder Village mission statement: to provide for the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of others in a loving, dignified, and Christian atmosphere. Keith exemplifies the high level of care and service which has made Snyder Village the remarkable place it is. He can often be found visiting with residents and staff members, ensuring they feel valued and cared for. His leadership and service have been recognized by his peers and the community through several awards, including the Life Services Network Leadership Recognition Award. Our community has been fortunate to benefit from the service and leadership of Keith Swartzentruber. I extend my sincere congratulations to Keith on his 34 years of service at Snyder Village. I wish him much success as he continues to lead a life of service to the Metamora community and central Illinois.

Mr. LaHOOD

Mr. LaHOOD. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Stephanie Baptist, a district staff member of mine who runs and manages the Jacksonville office for the 18th District of Illinois. Since coming to Congress, my office has prided itself on providing top-notch constituent services with four offices in our 19-county district. We all know this would not be possible without great staff in our districts, helping constituents with casework and being the front line of communication with our communities while we are here in Washington, D.C. For the 18th District of Illinois, which includes many rural areas in central and west central Illinois, this is extremely important with long distances between towns and cities. In Stephanie's case, she manages our Jacksonville office by herself. Stephanie joined the office several years back, replacing Barb Baker, a longtime community advocate and a staff member who sadly passed away. To say Stephanie had big shoes to fill after Barb would be an understatement; however, she filled them incredibly well. Stephanie served with professionalism and an unmatched dedication to the community, particularly during the extraordinary times that we have faced over the past two and a half years during the COVID-19 pandemic. Stephanie served as the point person for our office on IRS casework and SBA issues over the last several years, which was not easy given the challenges our communities faced. Throughout it all, Stephanie handled her work with grace, compassion, and resilience. Sadly, because of our redistricting in Illinois, our Congressional District will no longer have Jacksonville and our office downtown. While we could not be happier for Stephanie as she embarks on a new and exciting opportunity, she will be missed dearly by our office. I want to thank Stephanie for all the hard work on behalf of constituents in 18th Congressional District. It has been greatly appreciated. Stephanie will always be a part of Team LaHood, and most importantly, a friend.

Mr. LaHOOD

Mr. LaHOOD. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Morton High School in Morton, Illinois. At Morton, classes past and present have achieved tremendous success and a legacy of excellence carried on by the students that followed them. As the Morton High School athletics department has grown, so has the prominence of their girls' basketball team, known as the Lady Potters. In an unprecedented record of success in eight seasons from 2015 to 2022, the Lady Potters won four Illinois State championships, three in succession. In that time, they have won 244 games and only lost 23. Coach Bob Becker has been awarded Coach of the Year multiple times by the Illinois High School Association and was named to the Illinois Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame in 2020. This year, the class of 1972 also celebrates their 50th anniversary as graduates of Morton High School. Morton continues to honor the legacy of the classes before them and their tremendous achievements throughout the year. Congratulations to classes past and present of Morton High School. The school pride is worthy of celebration. Keep up the great work, Potters.

Mr. LaHOOD

Mr. LaHOOD. Madam Speaker, I thank my friend from Alabama (Mr. Carl) for yielding and for his terrific work on the Natural Resources Committee, and I thank the majority and Chairman Grijalva for their support. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of my bipartisan bill, H.R. 820, the New Philadelphia National Historic Site Act. Located in West Central Illinois, near the Missouri border, in Barry, Illinois, is New Philadelphia. Founded in 1836 by Frank McWorter, this was the first town founded, platted, and registered by an African American in the United States. Once an enslaved person himself, Mr. Frank McWorter also known as ``Free Frank,'' bought his freedom. Mr. McWorter went on in his life and in his legacy to establish New Philadelphia, but also to demonstrate the critical role many African Americans played in their own freedom efforts. Through the sale of land in New Philadelphia, among other business ventures, Free Frank used his earnings to free 15 other family members out of slavery. Additionally, many of the residents of New Philadelphia, both European Americans and African Americans, later came together to assist freedom-seekers moving north from slave-occupied States and locations. The 40-acre original townsite is now nationally and historically significant. It is an archaeological site, advancing our understanding of free, rural communities and the abolitionist movement in the antebellum area. The New Philadelphia site has already been recognized for its historical significance. It is currently on the National Register of Historic Places and is designated as a National Historic Landmark. The site is also included in the National Park Service Underground Railroad Network to Freedom program, and the Smithsonian National Museum of American History displays many of the artifacts unearthed from the area near New Philadelphia. This bipartisan bill would establish the New Philadelphia National Historical Park in the State of Illinois as a unit of the National Park System. Many local and regional organizations have worked tirelessly for many years to preserve and protect this site and they deserve so much credit. One organization in particular, the New Philadelphia Association, has done a tremendous job in improving, maintaining, and endorsing the site for the benefit of New Philadelphia descendants, those living in the surrounding community, and those visiting from afar. I am delighted to be here tonight to assist their efforts and support the continued advocacy of many of my engaged constituents on this issue. Including New Philadelphia in the National Park System would provide certainty and ensure its continued preservation far into the future. The National Park Service will be able to provide the tools, resources, and expertise necessary to elevate the site to its fullest potential. It is imperative that sites like New Philadelphia are preserved for years to come, so that future generations can better understand their important history as well as the lessons that history provides us. In closing, I thank the Natural Resources Committee for supporting this important piece of legislation, and I urge the adoption of the bill.