Dear John,

In this week's newsletter: U.S. Military Service Academy Appointees from Illinois' 16th Congressional District, visiting with constituents, and my work in Washington. If you need help with federal agencies, please reach out to one of my offices listed at the bottom of the newsletter.

This Year's U.S. Military Service Academy Appointees

I welcomed this year's 16th District U.S. Military Service Academy appointees and their families to our Peoria office to congratulate them on their appointments. These students are shining examples of selfless leaders, and I wish them all the best in this next chapter of their lives.

Illinois is lucky to have them representing our state!

My Stop in Kirkland

I met with the Kirkland Village President Ryan Block and Police Chief Adam Davenport.

We discussed police retention challenges, strengthening economic development opportunities in the community, and the growing excitement around Kirkland’s annual July 4th celebration - one of the largest in the state!

Learning More at Rock Valley College

Rock Valley College's Advanced Technology Center in Belvidere is a leader in preparing the next generation of Illinois' workforce through manufacturing, tech, and industrial-based programs. A stronger workforce means a stronger economy. It was great to tour this facility and get more insight on how their programs setup students for future success. 

Thanks to President Dr. Howard Spearman and his team for all they do!

Watch more about this stop from WIFR:

Ways and Means Trade Hearing on Africa

Our adversaries, especially the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), don't play by the rules when it comes to international trade. We must modernize important trade programs to encourage global economic growth and remain competitive. Strengthening these programs will improve our trade infrastructure in Africa and help counteract CCP aggression.

Watch my remarks from this week's hearing below:

Visiting LaMonica Beverages

Thanks to LaMonica Beverages in Loves Park for having me for a visit last week!

For three generations, LaMonica Beverages has distributed beer, wine, and spirits in the Rockford and Belvidere area, creating jobs and economic growth. I appreciate all they have done for the surrounding communities!

Greater Peoria Honor Flight

We owe our freedoms to the veterans who fought for America and that is a debt that can never fully be repaid. I was honored to spend time with the Greater Peoria Honor Flight earlier this week, expressing thanks to the men and women who served our country.

Their service must never be forgotten.

One More Thing

Our Select Committee on the CCP investigation uncovered that Gotion’s supply chains are deeply entrenched in CCP state-sponsored slave labor and the Uyghur genocide. We have an obligation to ensure Gotion follows federal law and provides transparency. I will continue to conduct the necessary oversight to protect Illinois taxpayers from the influence of these malign activities. 

Read more about this story here: Gotion Accused of Using Slave Labor

It is a privilege to serve the constituents of Illinois' 16th Congressional District. Thank you for subscribing to my newsletter. Please do not hesitate to reach out to one of my offices if we can ever be of assistance.

Sincerely,

Darin LaHood
Member of Congress