Darin LaHood

Mr. LaHOOD

Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, today, I would like to recognize Command Sergeant Major Eric B. Hill on his retirement from a career of honorable service in the United States Army. In 1983, Command Sergeant Major Hill enlisted in the Army and was initially assigned to the 388th Chemical Company. As he continued his service, Command Sergeant Major Hill excelled in a multitude of duty assignments and was repeatedly promoted as a non-commissioned officer. From his days as a young Sergeant serving in the 388th Chemical Company to the highest rank of Command Sergeant Major in the 419th Movement Control Battalion, he has exemplified the true meaning of leadership and commitment. Command Sergeant Major Hill honorably served our nation through several combat deployments including Operation Iraqi Freedom from 2003 to 2008 and Operation Enduring Freedom from 2010 to 2011. Throughout his duty assignments, Command Sergeant Major Hill was highly decorated in recognition of his exceptional service. He is a recipient of several service awards including the Purple Heart, Bronze Star Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster, Combat Action Badge, Meritorious Service Medal, and the Army Commendation Medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters. I would like to acknowledge Command Sergeant Major Hill for his 31 years of service and sacrifice to our country. I am grateful for his dedication, bravery, and selfless service. It is an honor to recognize servicemen like Eric Hill and I thank him for his sacrifice for our country.

Mr. LaHOOD

Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, today, I would like to recognize Olympia Middle School as a 2018 winner of the Schools to Watch initiative. This recognition is a testament to the hard work both the faculty and students have put into another successful year. The Schools to Watch program was developed in 1999 by the National Forum to Accelerate Middle-Grades Reform as a way to highlight schools across the country that meet a high standard for educational excellence. The initiative chooses schools based on a holistic evaluation of academic excellence, developmental responsiveness, and social equity, all within a strong organizational support structure. I was not surprised to hear that Olympia Middle School was selected for this honor because I know the level of hard work and dedication the staff, administration, and students all exhibit. Congratulations to Olympia Middle School. I am proud to represent this shining example of educational excellence.

Mr. LaHOOD

Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, on Tuesday, June 19, 2018, I experienced delays traveling from Peoria, IL to Washington, D.C. Unfortunately, due to a delayed and then canceled flight, I did not make it to D.C. in time for the 6:30 p.m. vote series. Had I been present, I would have voted yea on Roll Call No. 269; yea on Roll Call No. 270; and nay on Roll Call No. 271.

Mr. LaHOOD

Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to honor and remember the life of Charlie Allen, a dedicated community leader and philanthropist, who left a profound impact on the Marshall County Airport and the Lacon, Illinois community. Born in Peoria, Illinois in 1933, Charlie displayed natural leadership qualities at a young age. Charlie graduated from Michigan State University in 1955 and immediately enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he first fell in love with aviation. Following Charlie's service to our country, he returned to Lacon to run the family business, the Allen Lumber Company. In 2005, Charlie retired from the Allen Lumber Company, but that did not stop him from making an impact around the community. Charlie's love for the Lacon community is evident in his commitment to the local Rotary Club, where he never missed a meeting in over 50 years. Charlie served on numerous boards, including the First National Bank of Lacon and the Lacon Chamber of Commerce. But, everyone knew Charlie's favorite board to serve on was the Marshall County Airport, which he was the president of from 1966 until his passing. It was Charlie's effort that brought together the first Fly-in Breakfast, now held annually on Father's Day, and has become one of the biggest attractions in the area. We mourn the passing of Charlie, a friend and co-pilot to many. He left a lasting impact on those who had the pleasure of working and flying with him. His memory will be forever entwined in the fabric of the Lacon community and the Marshall County Airport.

Mr. LaHOOD

Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, as a former member of the Committee on Natural Resources, I want to thank the gentleman for his support, his assistance, and his friendship in helping to bring H.R. 801 to the floor here today. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 801 is the Route 66 National Historic Trail Designation Act, and we are happy to have it here today on this floor. I also want to thank my friend and Democratic colleague, Congresswoman Grace Napolitano of California, for introducing this legislation along with me. Through our combined efforts, we have successfully built strong bipartisan support for this particular bill. I am proud to represent Illinois' 18th Congressional District in Congress, especially given its rich American history. H.R. 801 focuses on a small piece of that, Route 66, also commonly known or referred to as the Main Street of America or the Mother Road. As many know, Route 66 spans eight States and runs from Illinois to California. Also of note, Route 66 will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2026. In my district, Route 66 passes through places like Lexington, Illinois; Towanda; Bloomington-Normal; Atlanta; Lincoln; Elkhart; Springfield; and stretches into the northern part of our State near Chicago. Route 66's impact on small, rural communities in Illinois and across the country cannot be understated. For example, both Atlanta, Illinois, and Springfield, Illinois, have benefited from the recent renewed emphasis on Route 66. In Atlanta, we have seen an increase in tourism to the area. As a result, we have had an increase in sales tax revenue. In Springfield, which is our State capital, we have seen revitalization in several parts of town. These are just two examples, but I can say with confidence that the highway's significance has become a key driver of attracting both domestic and international tourism as well as local economic activity for the areas and States that many of us in Congress represent. On any given day, you will find people flying into Chicago, into O'Hare Airport, and renting motorcycles or cars or getting on buses and driving along this iconic roadway through America. It should also be known that the Federal Government already recognizes the importance of Route 66. The highway currently benefits from the National Park Service's Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program, but this program is scheduled to sunset in 2019. My legislation, H.R. 801, is simple and straightforward and improves upon current efforts. If signed into law, it will designate Route 66 as a national historic trail, ensuring that the National Park Service will have the authority to assist and support States and local communities in preserving, promoting, and economically developing Route 66 for generations to come. Importantly, in 1995, a Route 66 special resource study was conducted by the National Park Service, as authorized by Congress. The study determined that Route 66 meets the criteria in the National Trails System Act for designation as a national historic trail. Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record 10 letters of support from Route 66 associations and organizations across the country which back the legislation. October 11, 2016. Re Route 66: The Road Ahead Partnership To Whom It May Concern: I am pleased to write this letter of endorsement on behalf of the Route 66 Alliance in support of Route 66 being designated as a National Historic Trail. The Route 66 Alliance, based in Tulsa, Oklahoma, is committed to the preservation and marketing of the entire 2,448 miles of historic Route 66. Its key role in the development of the United States is beyond question. And efforts in Tulsa have begun in earnest to highlight this iconic road, and the important role that Tulsa played in its development. Recently, the Mayor of Tulsa established a Route 66 Commission to oversee the enhancement, development, visitor experience, and revitalization of the authentic Route 66, twenty-four miles of which pass through Tulsa County. This Commission, which I chair, is comprised of City Councilors, County Commissioners, business owners, Main Street Program directors, and other passionate supports of the Mother Road, all committed to maintaining and enhancing this culturally significant treasure. Since 1999, when the National Park Service established the Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program, tremendous progress has been made in revitalizing significant historic properties all along the road. This in turn has lead to increased tourism, both national and international, as well as enhanced economic vitality in these communities. Despite its reauthorization by Congress in 2009, the Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program is scheduled to sunset in 2019. Establishing Route 66 as a National Historic Trail will ensure a federal focus that will continue the work of the Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program for generations to come. Thank you for your consideration. Kind regards, Ken Busby, Executive Director & CEO.

Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, with that, I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. LaHOOD

Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, today, I would like to recognize the Morton High School Band on winning the 2017 Sudler Shield, an International Award Recognizing High School, Youth, and International Marching Bands for World Class Excellence. For over 30 years, the John Philip Sousa Foundation has awarded Sudler Shield International Marching Band Award to schools with world class marching bands. The Sudler Shield is one of the most prestigious awards bestowed upon high school bands and recognizes exemplary teaching. This eternal designation is a testament to the hard work and dedication conductor Jeff Neavor and his students have put into their band. Morton High School serves nearly one thousand students and employs over seventy teachers and administrators in Central Illinois, who do a phenomenal job of educating young men and young women. The Morton community exemplifies the values of hard work and determination rooted in Central Illinois and this honor shows us what is possible when these values are put into action. I extend my sincere congratulations to conductor Jeff Neavor and Morton High School Band on this prestigious honor.

Mr. LaHOOD

Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, earlier this month, President Trump and his foreign policy team made the right choice to withdraw from the nuclear agreement with the dishonest Iranian regime. This Iran deal was flawed from its inception, freeing up billions of U.S. dollars and relaxing sanctions in exchange for weak restrictions and little enforcement. Iran has taken advantage of this deal. In 2016, German intelligence found that Iran was secretly pursuing nuclear technology and equipment from German companies, violating the agreement less than a year after it was finalized. That same year, Reuters reported that secret exemptions had been created for Iran after the talks were over, allowing them to evade some restrictions and get relief from our sanctions even faster. Months after, another loophole in the agreement was exploited when Iran planned to buy 950 tons of uranium to make nuclear fuel since the agreement never placed a limit on how much uranium they could have. All of this more than demonstrates the ineffectiveness of this deal and the potentially catastrophic effects of trusting Iran, which has a long and detailed history of blatantly being dishonest. This is a bad deal for this country.

Mr. LaHOOD

Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman, the amendment I have introduced would streamline a burdensome regulatory requirement currently in place for two USDA programs. The first is the Agriculture Risk Coverage, or ARC, and the Price Loss Coverage, or PLC. My amendment changes the signup process from an annual signup process to a one-and-done process for the duration of the 5-year farm bill. Our farmers work tirelessly to provide food for our families, our country, and to grow products that are shipped all over the world. From raising livestock to growing crops such as soybeans and corn, they contribute to the lifeblood of my State of Illinois and also our national economy. To fully support the agriculture community, we must maintain an efficient and effective program and programs that allow our farmers to be globally competitive. Given the tremendous impact of the agriculture industry on the U.S. economy, we must work to ensure that our farmers are able to operate without burdensome and time-consuming regulatory requirements. My district in central and west-central Illinois is the eighth largest district in terms of corn and soybean production in the country, and I hear from my farmers across my district and from my own agriculture advisory committee that the amount of time spent filling out paperwork for these programs, even when there is no change to their farming operation, takes up too much of their valuable time which could be used on their farms. Under the current rules, to file an annual contract, farmers need to collect signatures from landlords or other individuals with an interest in the land. Many landlords reside out of the State or out of the country, making this paperwork burdensome and very difficult in many cases. Under our amendment, farmers will be able to and be eligible for a one-time signup for ARC and PLC for the duration of the 5-year farm bill so long as there are no changes to the current farming operation. If a farmer does make changes to their farming operation, they must reflect those changes in a new signup, as is the current process. This simple fix will help our farmers spend more time farming and less time filling out paperwork. I want to thank Chairman Conaway and his staff for working with me on this amendment, and I appreciate all of his support for this commonsense reform that is so important to our farmers. Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to vote in support of the amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. LaHOOD

Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to honor and remember the life of Theodore ``Ted'' Van Der Meid. A dedicated public servant here in the House of Representatives, Ted will be greatly missed by his former colleagues and friends. Born in Rochester, New York in 1957, Ted displayed natural leadership qualities at a young age. During his high school years, Ted traveled to Western Europe as part of the People to People Student Ambassador Program, which exposed him to cultures and governments veiled by Russian influence during the Cold War. These experiences taught him the importance of coalition building and the interconnectedness of humanity; lessons he carried with himself into his professional life on Capitol Hill. Ted committed his life to service and was known throughout the halls of Congress for his compassion, leadership, and his pragmatic approach to politics. Ted was a trusted advisor to numerous members of Congress, including former House Republican Leader Bob Michel, of Illinois, Representative Nancy Johnson, of Connecticut, and, ultimately, the 51st Speaker of the House. Ted's most enduring physical legacy in the U.S. Capitol is the Capitol Visitors Center, which enhances the visitor experience for three to five million visitors a year. From his position in the Speaker's office, Ted played an instrumental role in the completion of the building, which was created in the wake of the Capitol shooting in 1998 and the terrorist attacks in 2001. The Capitol Visitors Center safeguards millions of visitors every year and will remain a lasting memory of Ted's abilities. His ability to build consensus, combined with the care and compassion he had for those around him, made its completion possible. We mourn the passing of Ted Van Der Meid, a friend and colleague to many. He left a lasting impact on those who had the pleasure of working with him and his memory will be forever entwined in the fabric of the Capitol.

Mr. LaHOOD

Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Chairman Royce for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Con. Res. 111, recognizing and supporting the efforts of the United Bid Committee to bring the 2026 FIFA World Cup soccer competition to the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This bipartisan resolution, introduced by the co-chairs of the Congressional Soccer Caucus--myself, Congresswoman Castor, Congressman Bacon, Congressman Kihuen--conveys our strong support for this united North American bid to host the 2026 World Cup as well as voicing our overall support for soccer at the global level. When the U.S. last hosted the 1994 FIFA World Cup competition, it served as a catalyst for the increased popularity and development of soccer across America and the introduction of Major League Soccer, which is thriving today. Since the games in 1994, soccer has become one of the fastest growing sports in the United States, promoting a competitive and a healthy and active lifestyle, teamwork, and sportsmanship to over 24 million Americans of all ages in every State. This includes the 20 percent of American children under the age of 12 who currently play soccer. As the father to three young soccer players and the Representative of a district which includes eight college soccer programs, I recognize the value that soccer has for families and communities. Additionally, in my home State of Illinois, we are proud to be the home of the U.S. Soccer Federation and the Chicago Fire, one of Major League Soccer's original soccer clubs. By uniting players and fans from different nations under one banner of friendship and fair competition, it is our hope that hosting the 2026 competition would promote and further the positive impact of soccer here and abroad. As the consideration of the 2026 location by FIFA continues, support from Congress will help demonstrate that our government is equally enthusiastic for North America's three largest nations to host one of the world's preeminent sporting events, which is soccer. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my colleagues who have supported this effort, including Chairman Royce, who has been a strong advocate for this resolution, and also my colleagues on the U.S. Congressional Soccer Caucus. Mr. Speaker, I urge passage of H. Con. Res. 111.

Mr. LaHOOD

Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Chairwoman Jenkins for yielding the time. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 5444, the Taxpayer First Act. As I travel around my district, one of the common concerns that I hear and complaints that I hear is that the IRS is not user friendly, that it is not attentive and isn't efficient, effective, and accountable. We do a lot with this bill here today to change that. This is a good piece of legislation. I would like to thank Chairwoman Jenkins as well as Ranking Member Lewis for their hard work and leadership throughout the drafting of this legislation. Over the past several months, the House Ways and Means Committee and the Oversight Subcommittee, in particular, on which I serve, have focused on finding bipartisan legislative solutions which will make much-needed changes at the IRS. Ensuring an efficient, accountable, and transparent IRS is key to restoring the trust between taxpayers and the agency. It is also necessary for effective implementation of our reformed Tax Code. We have a responsibility to provide taxpayers with the tools and resources they need to make filing their taxes simpler, which was also a major goal of tax reform. We must ensure that the IRS puts customer service first so that taxpayers can have confidence that their information is protected and that we upgrade the IRS technology for the 21st century. Unfortunately, it has been over 20 years since major reforms were made to the IRS, but through the passage of this legislation and others on the floor this week, we have an opportunity to finally bring about these changes. I am also pleased that the Taxpayer First Act includes H.R. 5342, the Improving Assistance for Taxpayers Act, which I authored and introduced as part of this process. Currently, the Office of the Taxpayer Advocate, located within the IRS, represents taxpayer interests and helps address both individual and systemic issues at the agency. When it comes to addressing systemic issues, the Taxpayer Advocate can issue what is called a Taxpayer Advocate Directive. Unfortunately, these orders are not always responded to in a detailed and timely manner or even addressed at all. My bill aims to improve this process. Specifically, the IRS would be required to respond to Taxpayer Advocate Directives within 90 days. We also establish an appeals process when the advocate deems necessary. If detailed and timely responses are not provided, the Taxpayer Advocate must report such instances to the Congress. These changes will improve accountability and ensure substantive and timely answers for taxpayers dealing with an issue at the IRS. Mr. Speaker, after two decades and with a new Tax Code to be implemented, the time is now to improve the Internal Revenue Service through these bipartisan and commonsense reforms. We need to continue our work in putting taxpayers first, and I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 5444.

Mr. LaHOOD

Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to honor and remember the life of Darrell Foster Alleman. Darrell was born on July 12, 1929, in LaSalle, Illinois and was raised on his family farm in Eden, Illinois. Darrell rented his first farm at 18 years old, following his high school graduation, and worked the land for 70 years until he retired. In 1951 he married Jeanne Lorraine Anderson. Together they had 4 children, Debra Lynn, Kimrey Darrell, Janeen Roxanne, and Scott William. Active in his community, Darrell served as Putnam County Republican Party Chairman. He held the position for 29 years where he met Presidents Ford, Reagan and H.W. Bush. Beyond his political activity, Darrell was a leading member of the Granville Rotary Club where he received the club's prestigious Paul Harris award and maintained perfect attendance up until his passing. Darrell was an avid baseball fan and worked to share the sport with his family, friends and community as a whole. He built what he called the ``Alleman Field of Dreams'' on his farm where local baseball teams could play and practice. It has since become a community icon where every year for the past 4 years a charity baseball game is held and Field of Dreams the movie is shown and enjoyed by all. We mourn the passing of this hard working and dedicated family man, farmer and community activist. Please join me in honoring and celebrating this life well lived.

Mr. LaHOOD

Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, over the weekend, President Trump and our British and French allies made it known that the heinous actions of dictator Bashar al-Assad will not be tolerated. Over the past 3 years, Assad, aided by Iran and Russia, has continued to carry out chemical warfare against his own people. Not only is this in direct violation of Syria's previous agreement to destroy their chemical weapons stockpile, but it also violates every tenet of basic human decency and violates our Geneva Conventions standards. Through pictures and images, the world quickly saw the aftermath of Assad's most recent attack on his own people: scores of people dead or dying while foaming at the mouth, including women and innocent children. By aiding Assad's murder of his own people and then working to prevent a response by the United Nations, Russia and Iran deserve equal blame and scrutiny when it comes to these attacks. Mr. Speaker, I urge the administration to follow through with the sanctions on Russian companies that was announced by Ambassador Nikki Haley and to continue sending a clear message that these horrific criminal actions by the dictator, Assad, will not be tolerated.

Mr. LaHOOD

Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, today, I would like to recognize Peoria, Illinois' Richwoods High School girls basketball team on winning the 2018 Class 3A state title. Returning to the state title game for the second straight year, the Lady Knights capped off the 35-1 season with a 55-46 win over LaGrange Park Nazareth. In a back and forth game, the fourth quarter proved pivotal with Richwoods going on a 17-0 run to start the quarter. Over the course of the game, the Richwoods' Knights had an amazing team effort on both offense and defense, with Senior Kourtney Crane led the Knights with 19 points. Richwoods' win is the 1,001st in school history and they will add a fourth Class 3A state title to their trophy case, becoming only the third high school in Illinois history to achieve this milestone. Richwoods' continued success on the hardwood is a testament to the leadership of Coach Todd Hursey and the determination of the young women he coaches. The Richwoods girls basketball team serves as a reminder to the people of our community that when we believe in ourselves and dedicate our time and effort to the goals that we set, we can achieve even the most daring outcomes. These young women exemplify the strong work ethic rooted in Central Illinois and we could not be prouder. Again, congratulations to Coach Todd Hursey and the Richwoods girls basketball team their remarkable state championship win.

Mr. LaHOOD

Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, last week I was invited to the White House to meet with President Trump and his advisers to discuss trade and the renegotiation of NAFTA. My district is the eighth largest agriculture district in the country. For districts like mine, free trade is crucial to ensuring that there are new markets for our farmers and manufacturing to sell their products and goods. That is why I urged the President to maintain and strengthen our existing trade agreements, including NAFTA, not withdraw or create new barriers to free trade. The American economy is currently booming, thanks to once-in-a- lifetime tax reform, with disposable income seeing its highest jump since 2015. We should be working to build upon this success, not instituting protectionist tariffs that could start a trade war. In the end, the cost of tariffs are passed on to consumers and act like a new form of taxation, which could undo much of the gains we have seen since tax reform. I urge the President and his team to reconsider the blanket tariffs discussed last week, and instead focus on fighting specific unfair trade practices that put American businesses at a disadvantage.

Mr. LaHOOD

Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, I thank Congressman Mitchell for yielding. I thank him and Congresswoman Mimi Walters for putting together and organizing this Special Order in order to highlight the effects of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act on families in Illinois and across the country. Thirty-one years is way too long. That is what it took before we passed comprehensive tax reform at the end of last year. And in my 2\1/ 2\ years here, I couldn't be more proud to support the bill. And when I went in to looking at the legislation in the bill, I really looked at two things as we looked at comprehensive tax reform. One is, how do we help middle class and lower middle class people across this country and in my district? And secondly, how do we get the economy roaring again? We, for almost 9 years, had a very sluggish economy and stagnant wages. How do we get the economy healthy, robust, vibrant again? We succeeded on both those counts with this bill, and I am very proud to support it. This historic tax reform law is making a real difference for our families and our workers. But you don't have to take my word for it. Take it from the hardworking people I have spoken with across Illinois' 18th District. The workers I have spoken with are already seeing the results of the new withholding tables, which is no surprise. In fact, the median family of four in my district will save $2,593-- again, let me repeat that, $2,593 every year from this new law. This figure is certainly not crumbs, as some people would describe it. When half of Americans say they are living paycheck to paycheck, this is real money for them. The benefits have already gone beyond lowering the rates, with more bonuses and pay raises being announced every single day. One example from my district is the Five Senses Spa in Peoria, Illinois. This is a small business. And for over a decade, the owner, Paola Hinton, has provided clients with relief from the stresses of their life at her spa. With the passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Five Senses Spa is now providing tax relief to their employees. After calculating the savings from her business that she saw through the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Paola handed out $500 bonuses to all of her employees as a ``thank you'' for their hard work. This is real money that the employees can put towards expenses, new purchases, or even saving up for things like education or a home or a new car. But tax reform also has positive effects beyond larger paychecks. Last month, I spoke with a constituent named Chris, who is a small- business owner, and also the fire marshal for Springfield and Sangamon Counties. Chris attended a roundtable discussion I hosted in Springfield and talked about how the new depreciation rules, as a part of the tax reform law, have already incentivized building owners to upgrade their sprinkler and safety equipment, which has benefitted his small business. Safer buildings and up-to-date fire prevention are a win-win for everyone. I was glad to hear that even our local fire marshal was seeing the real effects of commonsense tax reform and reforming our Tax Code. Stories like these are coming from every district across this great country, and the benefits of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act show no sign of slowing down, and that is good news for all Americans. It should be clear by now that letting workers keep more of their hard-earned paychecks is a recipe for a healthy economy, and I am excited to see how this bill continues to improve the lives and security of all American families.

Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, sure.

Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, I think we acknowledge that small businesses are the lifeblood of our economy. They create the most jobs in our economy. So when we looked at comprehensive tax reform, we obviously talked to those small businesses, those independent folks, and said: What can we do to help you in terms of lowering the rates, depreciation, expensing? We took that into account, and now you are seeing the results of that. So when you talk to small businesses on the real effect, what does that mean? What do they do with those savings? Well, they are hiring more people, they are investing in higher wages, they are investing back into their companies, which has a downstream effect throughout this country, and those are real results; and, again, that is a positive nature, which will continue into the future, and we are awful proud of those provisions.

Mr. LaHOOD

Mr. LaHOOD. Madam Speaker, every year, over 14,000 people are trafficked into the United States. Human trafficking is modern-day slavery and is going on in our communities all across the country. That is why, last week, in my district, I hosted a roundtable with local law enforcement, healthcare officials, victim advocates, and elected officials as part of a Human Trafficking Awareness Month seminar to discuss how we can combat this problem. What we found is a lack of awareness and communication on this issue. The area that I represent contains major highways that are beltways for traffickers, which only makes it easier for this crime to continue. What we determined is that we need further training for law enforcement and healthcare providers so that this kind of abuse can be more easily identified and reported. We should also reexamine sentencing, as criminals currently face harsher sentences for drug trafficking than for human trafficking. The bills we voted on yesterday are positive steps in this fight against human trafficking and, hopefully, just the first of many to come. We must do all we can to raise awareness and end this humanitarian problem.

Mr. LaHOOD

Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, today, I recognize all of the Catholic schools and parishes in the 18th District of Illinois and across the nation that will be participating in National Catholic Schools Week. This week, over seven thousand Catholic schools will host more than two million students to celebrate this year's theme: ``Learn. Serve. Lead. Succeed.'' The National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA) has proven extraordinary leadership and development with 99 percent of all students graduating high school and 85.7 percent go on to higher education. The NCEA's legacy of success is a testament to the quality education and guidance through faith that each student receives during their time at Catholic schools. 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 be an original co-sponsor of legislation that recognizes and supports National Catholic Schools Week. The education and religious values that these institutions instill serve as a strong foundation for a fulfilling relationship with God and inform our daily lives with lessons of faith. I am thankful every day for the experiences and lessons that I have gained through my Catholic upbringing, and I am grateful that my three sons also attend Catholic schools that will prepare them to learn, serve, lead, and succeed like so many other children across the nation. 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 National Catholic Schools Week and I look forward to many more years of continued success and celebration.

Mr. LaHOOD

Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, today, I would like to recognize Mason District Hospital of Havana, Illinois, as it celebrates its 60th anniversary. Their tireless work provides critical resources to our community in Central Illinois. Mason District Hospital was founded in 1957 with a mission to provide the highest quality healthcare to its surrounding communities. Since then, the Hospital has grown alongside our community to provide high quality care in the face of an ever changing healthcare landscape. As a rural critical access hospital, Mason District Hospital is immensely important to the hard-working people of Mason County and the surrounding area. Its demonstrable success in fulfilling the needs of its patients for so many years is admirable and worthy of recognition. Mason District Hospital has served thousands of Americans in their most desperate and vulnerable times. Their great reputation is known throughout Illinois and it is an honor to represent them in Congress. Congratulations to Mason District Hospital for sixty successful years, and here's to many more. Thank them for all that they do.

Mr. LaHOOD

Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, today, I recognize the thousands of faithful and devoted students descending on Washington, D.C. to attend the March for Life Rally. The March for Life began in Washington, D.C., as a small demonstration and rapidly grew to be the largest pro-life event in the world. I am proud to represent Peoria Notre Dame High School and Bloomington Central Catholic High School, both participating in today's march. I applaud the institutions across the country that send their students to this event heightening their devotion to the cause. These students show true dedication to their beliefs by taking the time out of their busy lives to travel across the country to show their support for the pro-life movement. I feel it is critical in this day in age for young, faithful people to get involved and fight for the sanctity of human life. The dedication and energy these student have shown are vital to the continued advocacy of pro-life issues. This event, and the students and organizers who make it possible, deserve to be recognized today as pillars of society and strong examples of civic leadership

Mr. LaHOOD

Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the 2017 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 NECO and its Board of Directors headed by my good friend, 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. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the good works of NECO and in congratulating all of the 2017 recipients of the Ellis Island Medal of Honor. 2017 Ellis Island Medal of Honor Recipients Ken Aagaard, David B. Agus, MD, The Honorable Dr. Buzz Aldrin, Hormoz Ameri, Loreen Arbus, Dr. Abbas Ardehali, Nadim C. Ashi, Lieutenant General Ronald L. Bailey, Sook Ja Bang, Herb Baum, Ruth Bedevian, Kurken Yetvart Berksanlar, Mollie Ann Bracigliano, Susan Burchard, Thomas L. Cantone, Robert E. Carlucci, LTC Daniel L. Cederman, Heather Won Choi, Winn Claybaugh, Konstantine Costalas, Peter Cuneo, Robert Currie, BS, MA, PhD (Hon.), FSA Scot, Captain Michael H. Day, Ronald A. DePinho, MD, Joseph D'Urso, Suzanne El Sayegh, MD, FACP,