Darin LaHood

Mr. LaHOOD

Mr. LaHOOD. Madam Speaker, I rise to congratulate the Eureka College men's basketball team, which last weekend clinched their first ever Division III NCAA tournament bid. On Saturday night, the Red Devils knocked off top-seeded Webster 70- 69 on the road to secure their conference championship, assuring their spot in the Division III tournament. With just a few weeks remaining in the regular season, the Red Devils needed to win out their remaining four games to enter the conference tournament, and they did just that. The never-give-up spirit embodied by the team is a testament to the great work done by Coach Chip Wilde, and I have no doubt it will carry them through the NCAA tournament. Our community in central Illinois is immensely proud of the historic accomplishments of this year's Eureka men's basketball team, and we will be cheering them on as they take on the number-one-seeded Nebraska Wesleyan this weekend. Congratulations, and go Red Devils.

Mr. LaHOOD

Mr. LaHOOD. Madam Speaker, today I would like to congratulate Dr. Richard Pearl on his retirement as the OSF Children's Hospital Surgeon- in-Chief. Dr. Pearl has committed his life to the practice and growth of medicine. He studied at Wright State University College of Medicine, where he was first in his class. After his schooling, Dr. Pearl completed his surgical residency at the Harvard Surgical Service at the New England Deaconess Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts. In his career, Dr. Pearl has made it his priority to do all that he can for others. He served honorably in the U.S. Army, reaching the rank of Colonel, with a distinguished career spanning nearly thirty. He served his country first as an Infantry Officer and then as a helicopter pilot. He was given command of a helicopter company in the First Cavalry Division in Vietnam. Dr. Pearl has received numerous Military Honors and awards including three Bronze Stars, the Legion of Merit and The Air Medal for Valor. Dr. Pearl has also devoted a great portion of his time to sharing his knowledge and research. He has published over 85 articles in peer-reviewed journals and 22 book chapters. During his tenure, the medical community has had no better champion than Dr. Pearl. He has always been a fierce advocate for the advancement of Pediatrics. Central lllinois will forever be grateful for Dr. Pearl's years of service.

Mr. LaHOOD

Mr. LaHOOD. Madam Speaker, today I would like to congratulate Dr. Stephen Bash on his retirement from the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria. Born in Indianapolis, Indiana, Dr. Bash decided to dedicate his life to medicine at a young age. He attended Indiana University at Bloomington before receiving his MD from Indiana University Medical School at Indianapolis. After his schooling, Dr. Bash served honorably in the U.S. Navy as a Lieutenant Commander. In his career, Dr. Bash has made Pediatrics a top priority. In private practice and in public service, Dr. Bash has made a lasting impact at every stop. He has held Directorships at both the Regional Sleep Apnea Center and at the Pediatric Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory at the Children's Hospital of Illinois at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria, Illinois. Dr. Bash has also dedicated time to research. He has been a Principal Investigator for two clinical studies and has been the author of many articles. To give back to his community, Dr. Bash has served on the Board of Directors for the Marvin Hult Health Education Center and Heartland Community Health Center. During his tenure, the medical community has had no better champion than Dr. Bash. He has always been a fierce advocate for the advancement of Pediatrics. Central Illinois will forever be grateful for Dr. Bash's years of service.

Mr. LaHOOD

Mr. LaHOOD. Madam Speaker, today I would like to congratulate Dr. Jitendra Shah on his retirement from the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria. Originally from India, Dr. Shah decided to dedicate his life to medicine at a young age. He studied Preparatory Science and Pre- Medicine at Maharaja Sayajirao University in Baroda, India, where he also attended Medical College. After his schooling, Dr. Shah made his way to Philadelphia to complete his residency at Philadelphia General Hospital. In his career, Dr. Shah has made Pediatrics a top priority. While teaching and in practice, Dr. Shah has made a lasting impact at every stop. He has held Directorships at the Pediatric Cardiac Noninvasive Services, Regional Sleep Apnea Center and Pediatric Cardiac Catherization Laboratory at the Children's Hospital of Illinois at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria, Illinois. Dr. Shah has also dedicated his life to research. He has received approval for four Medical Grants through the American Heart Association. To recognize his ability, in 1986 and 1992 the Pediatric Resident Physicians at St. Francis Medical Center and University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria presented Dr. Shah with awards for his impressive teaching methods. During his tenure, the medical community has had no better champion than Dr. Shah. He has always been a fierce advocate for the advancement of Pediatrics. Central Illinois will forever be grateful for Dr. Shah's years of service.

Mr. LaHOOD

Mr. LaHOOD. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the 2018 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. We honor these outstanding individuals because the important work they do today, creates a better world for all of us tomorrow. This momentous occasion was celebrated with a patriotic ceremony on Ellis Island and a recommitment by the leaders of the organization to their mission of honoring diversity, fostering tolerance and promoting religious and racial unity across America. 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. It is the key to why America is the most innovative, progressive and forward thinking country in the world. 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 National Ethnic Coalition of Organizations and its Board of Directors headed by Nasser J. Kazeminy, for honoring these truly outstanding individuals for their tireless efforts to foster dialogue and build bridges between different ethnic groups, as well as to promote unity and a sense of common purpose in our nation. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the good works of NECO and in congratulating all of the 2018 recipients of the Ellis Island Medal of Honor. I include in the Record the names of this year's recipients. 2018 Ellis Island Medal of Honor Recipients Ziauddin Ahmed, MD, Nancy Anschutz, Phil Anschutz, Dr. Bahman Atefi, Maryam Banikarim, Michael Barnard, Marta Batmasian, Diana L. Bennett, Nicolas Berggruen, John P. Bilezikian, MD, Lieutenant General Gwen Bingham, Dr. Ed Bosarge, Vanu C. Bose, Denis A. Bovin, Kay Buck, Sanford R. Climan, William A. Colon, Armand C. Dellovade, Peter P. Dhillon, Robert Dilenschneider, General Larry R. Ellis, USA (Ret), Akram Elias, Adam S. Falkoff, Farnaz Fassihi, David S. Ferriero, Captain Liam J. Flaherty, Honorable Albert A. Frink, Honorable Edward M. Gabriel, Larry Gagosian, Professor Henry Louis Gates, Major General Cedric George, Charles M. Ghailian, Barbara Grapstein, Murat Guzel, Rosemary Hanley, Franco Harris, Dottie Herman, Dave A. Isay, John W. Jackson, Susan G. Jackson, Naveen Jain, Francisco S. Jin, Dean Kamen, Farooq Kathwari, Bibiji Inderjit Kaur Khalsa, James K. Kim, General Joseph Lengyel, Sheriff Joseph M. Lombardo, Jacob Lozada, PhD, Mun Y. Lum, Colonel Patrick Mahaney, USA, Commissioner Robert Manfred, Honorable Michael McCaul, Scott L. Menke, Rita Moreno, Chief Terence A. Monahan, Jeanne D. Mrozek, MD, Angella Nazarian, David Nazarian, Steven D. Nerayoff, Esq., Hadi Partovi, Rear Admiral Steven D. Poulin, Eduardo Rodriguez, Michael Rogers, USN, Jerrold F. Rosenbaum, MD, Albeti I. Salama, Qiongzhao E. Schicktanz, PhD, Jeff Schottenstein, Khosrow Semnani, Vicken P. Sepilian, MD, FACOG, Sir Bruno Serato, Rahmat A. Shoureshi, PhD, Mark Solazzo, Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Shari Staglin, Garen Staglin, Philip E. Stieg, PhD, MD, Richard W. Stocks, Daniele C. Struppa, PhD, Jon Stryker, Dennis W. Sullivan, Ardeshir Tavangarian, Dr. Masoud Tayebi, Anthony K. Tjan, Major General Hugh Van Roosen, Marica F. Vilcek, Jan T. Vilcek, Josef H. von Rickenbach, Vincent Wang, DO, MD, Arieh Warshel, PhD, Honorable James W. Ziglar, Anita G. Zucker. International Ellis Island Medal of Honor Recipients Stefan W. Hell, Hinduja Foundation, Albert II Prince of Monaco.

Mr. LaHOOD

Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, I want to say thanks to Mrs. Walorski, my colleague on the Ways and Means Committee, for yielding to me and for her leadership in putting together this Special Order and her tireless fight for life. Mr. Speaker, I come to the floor today in defense of life and the unborn. Over the last few weeks, we have witnessed extreme abortion views pushed in States across the country. In New York, the State legislature passed and the Governor signed into law an abortion bill so broad it effectively allows abortion on demand until birth while removing protections for infants born alive during an abortion. Barbaric legislation such as this is nothing to cheer about. In Virginia, the Governor tried to soften the blow of his infanticide endorsement by saying ``the infant would be kept comfortable'' while a decision was made on whether to abort the infant. These disturbing and extreme trends seeping into the mainstream of the Democratic platform underscore the need for its leaders in Congress to stand up, to fight for life in the face of these abhorrent actions. Now more than ever, leaders in Washington need to stand up for life. I stand committed with the millions of pro-life advocates around the country to make sure infanticide is condemned and the voiceless are given a voice.

Mr. LaHOOD

Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, as the co-chair of the Alzheimer's Working Group on the Ways and Means Committee, I rise today to raise awareness about this disease that has a profound impact on so many families across Illinois and our country. Alzheimer's is the most common form of dementia, causing issues with memory and behavior. More than 3 million individuals are diagnosed with Alzheimer's per year. Alzheimer's transcends race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic standing, touching families of all backgrounds. For 2019, more than $400 million was allocated for research, but it is more than just funding that is needed to find a cure. As a Member of Congress, I have been proud to support legislation aimed at finding a cure for this disease, such as the RAISE Family Caregivers Act and the BOLD Infrastructure for Alzheimer's Act, both of which were signed into law. While we have taken important strides to find a cure for this disease, we still have much work to do. I look forward to working with Members on both sides of the aisle to find a cure for this devastating disease.

Mr. LaHOOD

Mr. LaHOOD. Madam Speaker, on Wednesday, January 30, 2019, I missed votes in the House due to inclement weather in Illinois. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 60, NAY on Roll Call No. 61, NAY on Roll Call No. 62, YEA on Roll Call No. 63, NAY on Roll Call No. 64, and NAY on Roll Call No. 65.

Mr. LaHOOD

Mr. LaHOOD. Madam Speaker, as we recognize National Catholic Schools Week of 2019, I would like to recognize all the Catholic schools and parishes in the 18th Congressional District of Illinois and across the nation that will be participating in this year's activities. This week, over six thousand Catholic schools will host more than two million students to celebrate this year's theme: ``Learn. Serve. Lead. Succeed.'' As a graduate of St. Anne Grade School in East Moline, Illinois and Spalding Catholic High School in Peoria, Illinois, it is my privilege to celebrate with Catholic schools across my District. The education and religious values that these institutions instill serve as a strong foundation for a devoted relationship with God and inform our daily lives with lessons of faith. This week we recognize the value Catholic education provides to young people and its contributions to Church, communities, and the nation. I would like to formally recognize the Catholic Schools in Illinois' 18th Congressional District celebrating this week: St. Edward Catholic--Chillicothe; Our Saviour--Jacksonville; Blessed Sacrament--Quincy; Holy Cross Catholic--Mendota; St. Patrick Catholic-- Springfield; Carroll Catholic--Lincoln; St. Patrick Catholic-- Washington; St. Mary's--Bloomington; Holy Family Parish--Peoria; St. Philomena--Peoria; Corpus Christi--Bloomington; Epiphany Catholic-- Normal; Routt Catholic High--Jacksonville; Quincy Notre Dame High-- Quincy; Christ the King--Springfield; St. Vincent de Paul Catholic-- Peoria; Peoria Notre Dame High--Peoria; St. Mary's Grade School-- Metamora; St. Mary's Catholic--Kickapoo; Central Catholic High-- Bloomington; Little Flower Catholic--Springfield; Blessed Sacrament Catholic--Morton; St. Thomas the Apostle--Peoria Heights; St. Agnes-- Springfield; St. Paul Catholic--Macomb; Sts. Peter & Paul--Nauvoo; St. Jude Catholic--Peoria; St. Peter--Quincy; St. Joseph Catholic--Pekin; St. Francis Solanus--Quincy; St. Aloysius--Springfield; St. Dominic-- Quincy; St. Mary--Mt. Sterling; St. Mark Catholic--Peoria. While we reflect this week on the impact that our schools have had on our spiritual growth, let us also recognize the contributions that the National Catholic Educational Association continually provides for our communities. Once again, I am pleased to commemorate the 2019 National Catholic Schools Week and I look forward to many more years of continued success and celebration.

Mr. LaHOOD

Mr. LaHOOD. Madam Speaker, on Thursday, January 24, 2019, I missed votes in the House due to a family commitment in Illinois. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on Roll Call No. 50; and ``nay'' on Roll Call No. 51.

Mr. LaHOOD

Mr. LaHOOD. Madam Speaker, today, I recognize the Center for Prevention of Abuse (CFPA), in Peoria, Illinois, and their vital services offered to Illinois communities. As we recognize Human Trafficking and National Slavery Prevention Month, it is important we also commemorate organizations, like CFPA, across the nation that work relentlessly to combat the growing humanitarian crisis of human trafficking. Started in 1975 as a single rape crisis hotline, CFPA has grown to a highly respected statewide organization with a dynamic and effective leadership team. Along with human trafficking services, CFPA is the only organization in Illinois that provides domestic violence, sexual abuse and assault, and adult protective services under one roof. Last year, CFPA provided comprehensive care to seventeen victims of labor and sex trafficking. Additionally, CFPA provides a safe place to escape and receive the necessary care to those being exploited for sex and labor purposes. While Central and Southern Illinois may not be major hubs for human trafficking, CFPA has helped residents of small and rural communities across the state recognize the seriousness of this hidden crime occurring in our back yards. In 2018, CFPA conducted forty-eight hours of training for law enforcement, first responders, and medical providers. CFPA has continued to work tirelessly to raise awareness by training community members and providing the necessary resources so trafficking crimes can be effectively reported. The state of Illinois has benefitted greatly from the efforts and resources provided by CFPA. I extend my sincere appreciation to the leadership team and volunteer staff at the Center for Prevention of Abuse for their continued work raising awareness and helping victims of human trafficking.

Mr. LaHOOD

Mr. LaHOOD. Madam Speaker, this month, we celebrate Human Trafficking and National Slavery Prevention Month, and I rise today to draw attention to the importance of combating this epidemic. Human trafficking takes many forms, including sex, forced labor, and domestic servitude. Educating individuals about human trafficking is essential to thwarting this modern day form of slavery. This need for increased awareness is why I have partnered with the Center for Prevention of Abuse in Peoria, Illinois, and also the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to host two human trafficking awareness prevention roundtables in my district, bringing together State, local, and Federal officials. We held valuable dialogues with those on the front lines of this crisis about ways to end human trafficking for good. This week, I am proud to be joining my colleague, Congresswoman Val Demings from Florida, to introduce a resolution to formally recognize January as National Trafficking and Modern Day Slavery Prevention Month in Congress. As I have learned firsthand, combating human trafficking will take a multifaceted approach, but if we continue to educate and make resources available at all levels, important strides can be made and we can end this crisis.

Mr. LaHOOD

Mr. LaHOOD. Madam Speaker, on November 29, 2018, Deputy U.S. Marshal Chase White was senselessly killed in the line of duty while serving a warrant in Tucson, Arizona. Born and raised in Peoria, Illinois, Chase led a life committed to serving his community and his country. Known as a leader amongst his peers, Chase entered the Air Force following graduation from the University of Illinois and served Active Duty from 2000 to 2007. He was set to leave for deployment as a lieutenant colonel in the Air Force Reserves the same week he was tragically murdered. A loving father of four, his mother, Reverend Lynnda White of Peoria's Universalist Unitarian Church, described him as a ``hero'' to his children ``because his family was his life.'' This week, we recognized National Law Enforcement Appreciation. While we take one day to celebrate the service of those who protect our communities, it is important we never forget the brave men and women, like Chase, who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. Each day, law enforcement officers leave their families with no certainty they will return home safe, yet they are willing to face these risks to keep their communities safe. I am grateful for the courageous men and women, like Chase, who button up their uniform each day, and we thank them for protecting our families so bravely. Madam Speaker, at this time, I would ask for a moment of silence for Chase White

Mr. LaHOOD

Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Chairman Brady for yielding time, and for his tireless leadership on improving our country's Tax Code. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 88, the Retirement, Savings, and Other Tax Relief Act of 2018. Since the passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act last year at this time, our economy has boomed. And under the direction of Chairman Brady, the Ways and Means Committee hasn't stopped working on advancing and improving our Nation's tax laws. In doing so, our committee has worked to make positive reforms to the IRS, and I am proud that this legislation includes language from my bill, the Improving Assistance for Taxpayers Act, which will bolster protections for taxpayers by requiring the IRS to respond promptly to Taxpayer Assistance Directives issued by the Taxpayer Advocate Service. Specifically, the IRS would be required to respond to Taxpayer Advocate Directives within 90 days. Implementing these changes will improve accountability and, therefore, more efficiently address systematic issues within the IRS. Not only does H.R. 88 take important steps to make our tax system more accountable, but it also includes important provisions that will provide certainty to our agriculture community in central and west central Illinois. Representing the country's eighth largest congressional district in terms of corn and soybean production, I have seen firsthand the positive impact of the Biodiesel Tax Credit on our agriculture community. Biodiesel producers have been hurt in the past by lapses in this credit, which has hindered their ability to plan for the future. H.R. 88 provides a long-term extension and a path forward for the Biodiesel Tax Credit, which will provide positive assurances for our producers in the Midwest. As Americans continue to reap the benefits of pro-growth tax reform, it is important we continue to fine-tune our Tax Code to work better for the citizens of this country. H.R. 88 takes important steps toward doing just that, and I have been proud to work alongside Chairman Brady and the other members of the Ways and Means Committee to ensure we put taxpayers first, and that is what this bill does. I urge my colleagues to stand with me and support this legislation.

Mr. LaHOOD

Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to honor the life of an American hero and son of Illinois. Last Thursday, Corporal Daniel Baker of Tremont, Illinois, was aboard a KC-130 refueling aircraft that collided with an F/A-18 Hornet during a training mission over the ocean south of Japan. Following a search and rescue mission, Corporal Baker was declared deceased this past Tuesday morning. He was 21 years old. Born and raised in Tremont, Illinois, Daniel Baker was known by friends and family to be a man of deep faith who was kind, compassionate, and sincere. In 2015, Daniel graduated from Tremont High School and felt a deep calling to serve his country in the military. Corporal Baker served 2 years in the United States Marine Corps. He received the National Defense Service Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal. Corporal Baker was taken from this world way too early, but he embodied every quality we seek to impart upon young men and women in this country, and he will be deeply missed by his friends, family, and the Tremont community. May we continue to keep Daniel and his family in our thoughts and prayers. We will never forget his selfless sacrifice to our country. At this time, Mr. Speaker, I would request that the House of Representatives honor his service with a moment of silence.

Mr. LaHOOD

Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to honor the life of Quincy University soccer coach Jack Mackenzie of Quincy, Illinois. Hired in 1969, Jack built Quincy University into a college soccer dynasty, guiding his program at all levels of college soccer, from the NAIA division through the NCAA's division II status, and even excelling at the NCAA's division I level. For 43 years, Jack was at the helm of the Quincy soccer program. He was a pioneer and a legend, leading the team to nine national championships between 1970 and 1982, and amassing 516 victories, putting him 10th on the all-time wins list across all NCAA division levels. Upon retirement in 2012, Jack remained involved in the Quincy University community and could still be found in the stands at every home game the Hawks played. As the Quincy University community continues to mourn the loss of Coach Jack Mackenzie, may we never forget the positive impact he had on so many lives, the sport of soccer, and his tireless spirit in pursuit of excellence.

Mr. LaHOOD

Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, on April 27, 2017, U.S. Army Sergeant Joshua Rodgers gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country during a raid on an ISIS headquarters in eastern Afghanistan. Despite being just 22 years old, Sergeant Rodgers, a member of the U.S. Army Rangers Special Operations unit, had quickly become a decorated hero, earning numerous awards and medals, including the Bronze Star with Valor and Purple Heart. Today, the House will consider my legislation renaming a post office in the name of Sergeant Rodgers. With this legislation, we worked closely with the U.S. Postal Service; local State Representative Dan Brady; and Joshua's mother, Vonda Coulter Rodgers. This is a way to pay tribute to Sergeant Rodgers by renaming the post office in his hometown of Bloomington-Normal, Illinois. This legislation has the backing and bipartisan support of the entire Illinois delegation. We hope that the renaming of this post office will forever remind the Bloomington-Normal community of their hometown hero and Joshua's commitment to serving our country. While we can never fully repay Sergeant Rodgers and 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 America, the greatest country in the world.

Mr. LaHOOD

Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize John Eck, Sr., of Springfield, Illinois, on being named the 2018 First Citizen by the State Journal-Register newspaper. Each year, the State Journal-Register recognizes a community leader as the First Citizen who is committed to helping our Springfield community prosper, and they chose a phenomenal leader for 2018. Upon retirement 13 years ago, Mr. Eck's commitment to philanthropic endeavors has surged throughout Springfield and central Illinois. Most notably, Mr. Eck was instrumental in helping to raise money to save the financially struggling St. Patrick Catholic School, which was set to close on its 100th anniversary. In addition, John has served on numerous local boards, including the St. John's Hospital Foundation, the Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Illinois, the United Way, and the American Business Club. Throughout John's career, he has never been afraid to step up and do what is right to support the greater Springfield community, and it doesn't appear he plans on stopping now. Mr. Speaker, I thank John for his relentless commitment to helping others, and I congratulate him on a well-deserved award.

Mr. LaHOOD

Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Chairman Buchanan for all his hard work on this legislation. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise in support of H.R. 6756, the American Innovation Act. Over the last 9 months since we passed once-in-a-lifetime tax reform, small businesses have been empowered by those positive changes to expand operations, hire new workers, reward employees with bonuses or increased pay, and keep jobs here at home. In central and west central Illinois, in my district, we have seen firsthand how the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act has alleviated businesses of the burdensome Tax Code we were under before, giving companies all across different sectors and sizes the ability to innovate and grow into businesses. They are companies such as Rivian Automotive in Bloomington-Normal, Illinois, who is creating state-of-the-art full electric-powered pickups and SUVs. They announced in May they will be manufacturing their trucks in Bloomington-Normal, bringing jobs and economic opportunity to our community. AutonomouStuff in Morton, Illinois, has evolved into a worldwide leader in the development of innovative software and engineering technologies that enable robotics and autonomy. Precision Planting in Tremont, Illinois, is testing agriculture practices so that farmers all across the heartland can find innovative ways to increase production and sustain equipment, making central Illinois the Silicon Valley of the Midwest. With the largest medical community in downstate Illinois, the innovative breakthroughs at our local healthcare systems, such as OSF HealthCare's Jump Trading Simulation Center in Peoria, or the Memorial Center for Learning and Innovation in Springfield, serve as catalysts for reforming how healthcare is delivered by making healthcare safer, more accessible, and affordable. The American Innovation Act, which we are presenting today after a lot of thoughtful work by the committee, builds upon the economic successes small businesses have seen over the last 9 months, unleashing entrepreneurs' innovative spirit, so they can continue to grow, prosper, and succeed. Since the recession, creation of new businesses has taken a significant downturn, and it is time we reform our Tax Code so entrepreneurs have the ability to achieve their goals. Mr. Speaker, I commend Chairman Buchanan and Chairman Brady for their hard work and urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. LaHOOD

Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, today, I would like to recognize the Brandt Consolidated Inc. on celebrating 65 years of excellence serving global agriculture and other related industries. From their humble beginnings in Pleasant Plains, Brandt has grown to serve agriculture in all 50 states and in 45 countries with facilities located across the United States, Brazil and Spain. While expanding globally, Brandt has remained deeply rooted in the rich soil of central Illinois. By helping farmers increase their production and profits season after season, they have become a major economic driver in West Central Illinois and across the globe. Their vast and diverse portfolio of agronomic goods, turf and ornamental brands and home gardening products has helped revolutionize the world's ability to supply food, fuel and fiber. I am proud to say that Brandt continues to call the 18th Congressional District home. Once again I would like to congratulate them on serving global agriculture for 65 years. We look forward to your next 65 years and more of continued success.

Mr. LaHOOD

Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, today, I would like to honor a remarkable organization, the Sangamon County Farm Bureau. The Sangamon County Farm Bureau in Central Illinois is an integral organization that promotes agricultural prosperity. After many years of success and service, the Sangamon County Farm Bureau is celebrating their 100th anniversary. Sangamon County Farm Bureau was chartered on December 20, 1918 to unite farmers in the area and advocate for central Illinois agriculture collectively. Today, the group has almost 10,000 members supporting the agrarian community and economy throughout the county. Not only does Sangamon County Farm Bureau provide a voice for farmers and promote the development of agriculture, but they also educate and empower future leaders in agriculture. Sangamon County Farm Bureau's Young Leaders program develops leadership skills for youth with agriculture interests. Additionally, Sangamon County Farm Bureau coordinates the USDA's Agriculture in the Classroom Program to teach students the important role agriculture plays in the state of Illinois. Illinois has become a major economic force within the agricultural sector because of farm bureaus like Sangamon County that come together and enhance opportunities for local farmers, their families, and the community as a whole. I extend my sincere congratulations to Sangamon County Farm Bureau for their outstanding accomplishments and contributions to Illinois. I hope the organization continues to grow and prosper for the next one hundred years.

Mr. LaHOOD

Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, today I'd like to take the opportunity to recognize the work of the Dunlap High School Girls Track Team and their phenomenal Coach, Pat Garst, for their second straight Class 2A state title. The young women who make up Dunlap High School's track team serve as an inspiration of what hard work, dedication, and perseverance can bring. Dunlap won the State Championship with a resounding 102 points and qualified in 16 out of the 18 events held, making it to the finals in 14 of those events. They came into the season wanting to prove themselves as true champions, not just a one-and-done team. This spectacular performance throughout the season not only earned them the state title, but also the Peoria Journal Star's 2018 Best of Preps team of the year award. Of course, none of this would have been possible without Coach Pat Garst. Coach Garst has dedicated countless hours to improving the lives of student athletes. It is no surprise that his devotion to the betterment of these young athletes has earned himself his second straight Illinois Girls Track and Field Coach of the year award. Coach Garst is now in consideration for the National Track and Field Coach of the year award. We are proud to have Coach Grant as one of the final contenders for this distinct honor. The achievements of Coach Garst and the Dunlap Girls Track Team reminds us all of that through time, hard work, and dedication we can achieve all our goals, whatever they might be. I would like to once again congratulate Coach Garst and the Dunlap Girls' team, and thank them for being an inspiration to many across the community.

Mr. LaHOOD

Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my colleague, French Hill, for organizing tonight's Special Order on trade. I want to associate my thoughts tonight with the comments made by Congressman Davidson and also with Congressman French Hill. Mr. Speaker, I would just start off and say that it is imperative that we, as Members of Congress, come together to stress to the President and his administration the importance of free trade. When I look back over the last year and a half of his administration, I applaud the President and his leadership in working with us to roll back regulation, have reasonable regulation in place, and also once-in- a-lifetime tax reform that he was able to get passed, along with this Congress, two accomplishments that have jump-started our stagnant economy, and we are seeing the results. However, I think we do ourselves a real disservice to the work that we have already done on this economy by engaging in a trade war. I think we go backwards in terms of the economic progress that we are making to get in a long-term trade war. Mr. Davidson referenced it a little, but it is frustrating and disappointing to see several staff members with the President who are unelected and unconfirmed who are trade protectionists. They have the ear of the President when it comes to implementing trade policy, and that is, again, frustrating. These protectionists are failing to take the time and recognize the long-term costs of the recent tariff actions and our current position as it comes to renegotiating NAFTA and other trade agreements on our economy. I have said this many times before when I think back to the election. Our President wasn't elected by people on the East Coast or the West Coast. It was people in the Midwest, people from rural America, people from the South who helped elect him. And, unfortunately, these are the folks who are left the worst off by these trade policies that are being put in place currently by the administration. As we move forward in this Congress, we need to carefully examine how much authority the legislative branch has ceded over time to the executive branch. I credit my colleague, Warren Davidson, for introducing a piece of legislation that I am a cosponsor of that would help take back a little of that authority under our Constitution, to have more input from Congress on that. We need to talk more about that, managing our trade policies to determine how best to restore our constitutional authority. Our other colleague, Congressman Gallagher of Wisconsin, has also introduced a piece of legislation that also does the same thing. We have no choice or alternative with the current world that we live in. We live in a globalized world with supply chains set and marketplaces and customers continuing to grow, but we need to be engaged. Given that 95 percent of the world's customers live outside of the United States, we tend to forget that we represent about 4.5 percent of the world's population. There is no doubt that we produce the best goods; we produce the best products; we have the best workers. But you have got to have markets. You have got to have customers around the world for those products to go to support free and fair trade. I think about Illinois. Illinois is the sixth largest State in the country. Ag is the number one industry in the State of Illinois. It is the number one in my district. When I think about Illinois, for example, global trade supports over 1,700,000 jobs in Illinois. Ensuring that our manufacturers and farmers have access to markets around the world to sell their goods is vital to their ability to remain competitive and our economic success. The district that I represent, Illinois' 18th Congressional District, spans central and west central Illinois. We are proud to be home to some of the world's most respected manufacturers, including companies like John Deere, Caterpillar, and CNH. We are also home to some of the world's most fertile farmland. We have the eighth largest district in the country in terms of corn and soybean production in the country. About 40 percent of the corn and soybeans grown in my district go somewhere else around the world. They get put on barges on the Illinois and Mississippi River, go down that river through New Orleans, through the Gulf, through the new Panama Canal, and go anywhere around the world. But when you put up tariffs and barriers, you restrict those farmers from getting their goods all across the world. Unfortunately, these days, manufacturing and agriculture communities like mine across the country face uncertainty and dark days ahead. That is because of our current trade policy. While I applaud the President's intent to go after bad actors in the global marketplace, his approach and the resulting retaliation has put our American workers and products in jeopardy, with no end in sight. The administration's reckless and frequent use of tariffs, some premised on national security, which I think is a fallacy, threaten to spark an all-out trade war in this country and around the world. We have already seen retaliation on American-made products from some of our closest allies like Canada, Mexico, and the EU. In addition, China, which consumes a third of the world's soybeans, has also followed suit. In Illinois, total State exports threatened by new tariffs have reached over $3.8 million. Instead of tariffs, which are simply taxes passed on to consumers, our approach to address unfair trading practices should be targeted to minimize collateral damage and should include specific and clear end goals, which we have not seen. Bottom line, we must pursue targeted trade enforcement policies that minimize harm to American farmers, our rural communities, and our manufacturers. We know that our agriculture industry is typically first and hardest hit by any trade retaliation. To make things worse, our farmers are already at a disadvantage compared to other foreign competitors given the lack of free trade agreements that the U.S. has compared to other countries, especially in the Asian markets. It was referenced earlier that TPP which, of course, is the Trans-Pacific Partnership, is going on without us. I look back at this administration. There was a lot of talk when they came in about bilateral trade agreements. We are 19 months into this administration, and we don't have one--not one--bilateral trade agreement. There was a lot of talk about putting those in place. Part of the reason we have not had that is they have run from us because of our position and what we have asked for in those bilateral trade agreements. The loss of marketplace due to tariffs will be extremely hard to regain and may not be possible to regain at all. The administration's go at it alone approach is clearly not as effective as with working with our allies to negotiate a solution to global oversupply and technology theft perpetrated by countries like China, and there is no doubt they have done that. The forced technology transfers and the stealing of our technology should be addressed. But there are better ways to do that in a strategic and a precise way, partnering with our allies to do that, but we can't do that going at it alone, and we can't do it premised on national security. Lastly, let me just say that we have heard a lot about surpluses. We have heard a lot about trade deficits. It seems like the administration is fixated on trade deficits. I will tell you, in agriculture we have a trade surplus with every country in the world. Think about the collateral damage that is going to be done to those farmers and those ag products by engaging in a trade war. We do need to address the trade deficit, but it is a complicated, nuanced issue that we ought to address. There are lots of things we can do to change that instead of the path we are heading down right now. At the end of the day, our farmers want trade, not aid. In a free market system, it shouldn't be based on subsidies or aid. So we need to, again, continue to work with this administration on our proper oversight, taking back some of our constitutional authority to make sure that we are getting the message across that we need to have free and open trade that is going to benefit our farmers, our manufacturers, and working people all across this country.

Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Hill. The gentleman laid out four different objectives which I think are very pertinent. The gentleman mentioned state-owned enterprises. I think about that in China, and I think about how in many ways they have cheated the system and done things, but this is a problem that has been going on for a long time. One of the requirements with any trade agreement is you have to have enforcement. I don't think we have had proper enforcement like we need when it comes to a number of these initiatives we have had over a series of 20, 25 years. But enforcement is important. That means law enforcement. It means getting the Department of Justice involved holding bad actors accountable. But I think you have more ability to do that and more leverage if you partner with the E.U., you partner with Japan, you partner with our other allies to do that. We simply haven't done that. I think, again, going at it alone is not the right approach to take. Are there things we ought to be working on to change? Of course. There are rules we should change. We should engage on a number of these issues. We should hold a number of the bad actors accountable. But disengaging, putting up tariffs, and putting up barriers are the frustrating parts to me because I have not seen what is the ultimate goal with this strategy. What is the endgame? How do we land this plane eventually? That is what is frustrating to me. What I try to explain to my farmers and my manufacturers in the district is: How does this all end? I have worked with the White House on a number of issues and been a strong ally with them, but there is clearly a division in the White House. You have the protectionist wing and you have the free-trader wing. There are many good people who have talked about the importance of free trade--Secretary Perdue, Ambassador Branstad to China, Secretary Mnuchin, Larry Kudlow--people who support the free enterprise system, support trade. Gary Cohn was in that group. On the other side, you have the more protectionist wing. Again, from them, we have not seen how this all ends, giving us some confidence this is going to work out. That is the frustrating part, again, for our constituency and my farmers and manufacturers moving forward. We have talked a lot about China and what they have engaged in and what they have done, whether, again, it is forced technology transfers. In a lot of ways, what they do with American companies that come over there or foreign companies is a form of extortion: Give us your technology, make us a part of it, and then we will let you come into the country. Well, we ought to be stronger in going after them. There are mechanisms and ways, and there are success stories in doing that. But we pulled out of TPP, and that is something the President ran on. But what has happened since we pulled out of TPP? All those other countries have gravitated towards China, Southeast Asia. They have gravitated towards them without us. So we are left out, being on our own. I don't think that is good, long term, when we need marketplaces and we need customers to engage with. Being isolated is not the right approach to take on this. We need to, again, engage the White House and particularly try to understand the path we are on and the end game here moving forward.

Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, on the national security issue and premising much of this on national security, I didn't serve in the military, but national security is not something that should be used lightly. So when I saw that being used by this administration, I went to the experts and talked to people in our military. I think we saw early on that General Mattis was interviewed. He didn't think very highly that this was a national security risk. Talk to any of our top brass in the military and I don't think you will find anybody that supports this. I don't think you have seen anybody in the administration from the military that has come out to support this as a national security threat, because it is not, in my view. I think it is a faulty premise to go forth on this. I think, eventually, when it gets to the WTO, I don't think it is going to stand up. I think that, again, gets back to our credibility in going about this. We have got to be very careful when we put our prestige of the United States out there and rely on national security when you can't even find our own defense apparatus and our security folks out there who think this is a proper basis to do this. So that concerns me, moving forward, and I think, again, puts us in a tough position, again, being more isolated and not having other like- minded allies to help us.