Happy Thanksgiving!

On Thanksgiving, Americans come together to celebrate our shared community and the blessings of the past year. As we begin the holiday season, we join our family and friends around the table to share in our thanks.

I am thankful for my three sons, McKay, Lucas, and Teddy, my loving wife Kristen, and our home in central Illinois. I am grateful for the opportunity to continue serving our region in Congress and the constituents in the16th Congressional District. Our district is made up of folks who work hard, play by the rules, and have a strong faith in God, and I am honored to be your voice in Washington, DC.

As we gather this year, our prayers remain with those impacted by ongoing conflicts around the world, especially those families who lost loved ones in the Hamas terrorist attacks and those who are still being held hostage. We live in uncertain times, and with rising tensions, I am especially grateful for the brave men and women serving America overseas so that we can enjoy the comforts of living in the greatest country in the world. Their sacrifice should not be forgotten as we gather this holiday season.

In the central and northwestern Illinois region, our communities are home to some of the richest farmland on the planet. The 16th District leads the way in producing many of the specialty crops that we find on tables across the country, including pumpkins, dairy, green beans, and sweet corn. I appreciate the work our agriculture community does in continuing to feed America.

Like many of you, our family is blessed with healthy lives and a wonderful community, but it is important that during this season of thanks to not forget those who are less fortunate and do what we can to give back to those in need. 

Whether you are participating in the local Turkey Trot, gathering with family or friends for football, making the last-minute run to the grocery store, or are putting the finishing touches on your turkey dinner, I hope you take a moment to stop and reflect on what you are thankful for today. We are all blessed and very lucky to live in a country that allows each of us the freedom to chart our own path and to live out the American dream. For that, we should all be thankful.

I hope you all have a great Thanksgiving with family and loved ones!

Sincerely,