Ways and Means Committee visits Illinois

As Chairman of the House Ways and Means Work and Welfare Subcommittee, I hosted a field hearing in Chicago at the Pacific Garden Mission to discuss the dignity of work and lifting folks out of poverty. Government programs should be designed to provide every opportunity for individuals to grow their capacity and be connected to meaningful work. Our hearing was an opportunity to learn from experts and community members about how we can better families and workers. 

Read more: The Center Square: Congress focuses on work requirements for federal benefits with Illinois hearing

I joined Greta Van Sustren on The Record to discuss the field hearing and the Ways and Means Committee's work to bolster our workforce. 

Watch: Newsmax: Rep. LaHood to Newsmax: A Job Is Best Social Welfare Program

Advocating for pro-growth tax policies

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act jumpstarted our economy, allowing small businesses to invest more, raise wages, and expand their workforce. At our Ways and Means full committee hearing last week, I highlighted the positive impact TCJA had on Illinois families.

Watch: Rep. LaHood | Ways and Means Hearing on TCJA

Strengthening America's national security

Last week, the House voted to extend Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. We face the greatest terrorist threat since 9/11. The most important tool our Intelligence Community has to keep Americans safe from those threats is Section 702 of FISA, but it must be reformed to protect American civil liberties from abuses. Over the past year, Intelligence Committee Republicans have worked to address the unacceptable Section 702 abuses, like the inappropriate FBI query I believe was committed against me, and the Title I FISA abuses outside of Section 702, like those in the Crossfire Hurricane investigation. The RISAA incorporates over 50 FISA reforms and marks the largest reform of the FBI in a generation. 

At a time when Iran, Russia, and the CCP are working every day to undermine our freedom and our interests around the globe, and with a wide open southern border, allowing Section 702 of FISA to expire or be gutted would put our country at grave risk. The RISAA takes the necessary steps to overhaul the FBI, prevent the abuses committed against President Trump's campaign from happening again, protect American civil liberties, and bring much needed transparency to the FISA Court, while also allowing our intelligence services to continue to hunt down terrorists and bad actors.

I joined CBS Chicago to discuss the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and the importance of stamping out Iran's malign influence around the globe. 

Watch: CBS Chicago: Iran could attack American or Israeli targets this week

Visiting with IL16 Constituents

On Saturday, I met with my IL16 Veterans Advisory Board in Dixon to hear from members across our district about issues facing the veterans community. I am grateful to those in Illinois who have defended our freedom. I appreciated the feedback on how Congress can continue to support our vets.

Thanks to Bloomington Mayor Mboka Mwilambwe for meeting with us during his visit to Washington!

We had a good discussion about the Fox Creek Bridge Replacement Project and economic development. I’ll continue to work with the City of Bloomington to support their efforts in DC.

As always, thanks for subscribing to my newsletter!

Sincerely,

Darin LaHood
Member of Congress