Dear John,

In this week's newsletter, supporting an independent Lebanon, a new control tower coming to the Peoria International Airport, and more of my stops around the 16th District. If you need help with federal agencies, please reach out to one of my offices listed at the bottom of the newsletter.

Supporting Upgrades to the Peoria International Airport

I was honored to be a part of the groundbreaking ceremony for the new control tower at the Peoria International Airport last Monday.


My office has been proud to support the project and help secure federal funding over multiple appropriations cycles, which will provide a much needed upgrade to the safety and efficiency for flights and passengers.

I want to express my gratitude to Peoria International Airport Director, Gene Olson, for his tireless effort to bring this new tower to the airport!

Read more: Peoria Journal Star: Bipartisan ground-breaking kicks off $30 million Peoria airport project

Working to Support an Independent Lebanon

I led a letter to call on the United States to increase diplomatic pressure and sanction the Speaker of the Lebanese Parliament Nabih Berri.

Berri has specifically obstructed the presidential electoral process. Without a president, and fully operational government, the Lebanese people are denied a national voice and lack a realistic leadership structure to negotiate efforts towards peace on the southern border.

This situation has clearly benefited Hezbollah and its terror masters in Tehran that call the shots from the shadows and continue to harm the Lebanese people.

Read the full letter below or here.

Visiting Y Not Alpacas

I’ve been on a lot of farms over the years, but this was my first time visiting an alpaca farm! Thanks to Natalie Folk for inviting me to visit her farm in Dakota and teaching me more about a very unique part of agriculture in the 16th District!

Speaking to the CPCU Society

I joined the CPCU Society Conference in Normal to speak to insurance professionals about the importance of extending the TCJA and passing my Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act.

When pro-growth and pro-family policies are enacted, all of our communities and industries benefit.

Celebrating National Principals Month

October is National Principals Month, which acknowledges the hard work principals put in to ensure students have a safe and positive learning environment.

I appreciate Principal Kimberly Martin-Boyd and Unit 5
Superintendent, Dr. Kristen Weikle, for hosting me to be “Principal for a Day” at George Evans Jr. High in Bloomington. It was great to get a firsthand look at the incredible work they do and visit with students.

Working to Expand Affordable Housing in Illinois

I stopped by Oak Field Place in Henry to discuss the importance of the affordable housing tax credit. The housing crisis is impacting all communities and ages. I’ve been proud to lead the charge in Congress on legislation that allows for more investment and construction of affordable housing throughout the country.

I appreciate the gracious residents for allowing us to visit their homes and the staff for their work to ensure a functional and friendly environment.

ISU's new Innovation and Technology Simulation Lab

ISU’s Mennonite College of Nursing’s new Innovation and Technology Simulation Lab will allow for more students to enroll in their nursing program and receive a high-quality education.

My office was proud to help secure $2 million for this expansion, which will strengthen our healthcare system and help tackle the nursing shortage impacting communities throughout Illinois.

Many thanks to ISU President Aondover Tarhule and Dean Judy Neubrander for inviting me to be a part of the dedication ceremony!

Hosting an American Workforce Tax Team Roundtable in Peoria

Last week, I hosted another Ways and Means American Workforce Tax Team Roundtable along with Critical Labor Coalition in Peoria.

We heard directly from local business owners about the issues they’re facing and discussed how pro-growth policies like the Work Opportunity Tax Credit and TCJA can grow our local economies and provide more opportunities for workers.

Meeting with Village President Steve Buss

I stopped by Lena to visit with Village President, Steve Buss, check in on their upcoming projects, and discuss our work to support the region. I am grateful for Steve’s leadership in the community!

Touring the Orbia Plant in Henry

It was great to be on-site at the Orbia Plant in Henry, Illinois to learn more about their products and their reach around the globe.

Thanks to their Plant Manager, Ryan Lowery, and the rest of the staff for taking the time to meet with me and show me around their operation!

Joining Scott Miller on WJBC

Thanks to Scott Miller for having me in studio last week to talk about what’s going on in politics and my role in helping secure funding for ISU’s new nursing simulation center.

I look forward to being back on soon!

One more thing: Leadership Matters

I joined Senator John Curran for his Youth Advisory Council in Darien, IL, which helps high school students develop leadership skills and learn more about the importance of participating in politics at every level.  It is critical for the next generation of leaders to get involved and gain a better understanding of how they can make a difference in their community and our country.  I was happy to be able to speak to them more about my role as a Congressman and explain more about how our government operates. 

I appreciate Senator Curran for inviting me to come speak to such a bright and engaged group, and thanks to the students for the fantastic questions!

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.