In this week's newsletter, checking in with farmers across the 16th District, big news for Belvidere, and  the ongoing Schumer Shutdown. If you need help with federal agencies, please reach out to one of my offices listed at the bottom of the newsletter.

Harvest is in Full Swing Across IL-16

I appreciate Cheryl Walsh and her brother Alan Cowser inviting me to their farm in Peoria County to discuss the need to pass a strong farm bill and other policy priorities to support Illinois’ ag community.

I enjoyed hopping up in the combine to get a first hand look at all the hard work and dedication that goes into a successful harvest!

The Schumer Shutdown Continues

Senate Democrats have now let the Schumer Shutdown go on for 21 days. They have voted against paying our troops and funding services American families rely on ELEVEN times in an attempt to extort an additional $1.5 trillion for partisan projects.

This is reckless and irresponsible governance.

Watch more below:

Visiting the Meils Farm In Marshall County

The 16th District is one of the largest ag districts in the nation and home to some of the world’s richest farmland.

It was great to be in Marshall County with Bobby Meils and his sons, Hunter and Connor, to check on how their harvest is coming along and discuss how Congress is working to expand market access for our farmers.

Stellantis to Invest in Belvidere Assembly Plant

Stellantis’ announcement of a more than $600 million investment to reopen and expand production at the Belvidere Assembly Plant is excellent news for Belvidere and our state.

This tremendous investment will bring 3,300 new high-paying jobs to northern Illinois, providing more opportunities for Illinoisans, boosting our state’s economy, and strengthening the future of American manufacturing.

I thank President Trump and his administration for their support and focus on revitalizing American manufacturing. I look forward to working with the Administration, Stellantis, and Belvidere officials throughout this process.

Read more here: Stellantis to Invest $13 Billion to Grow in the United States

Checking in with our Producers

Illinois is the 4th largest pork producing state in the nation thanks to hardworking farmers like Bob Johnson and his son Cole.

I enjoyed visiting their farm in DeKalb County to discuss how the Working Families Tax Cuts supports our producers with investments in foreign animal disease prevention and helps grow rural Illinois through provisions like the ACRE Act.

One More Thing: Martin Family Farms Recognized on the World Stage

Congratulations to Martin Family Farms of Mount Pulaski for being named Farmer of the Year for Positive Agriculture and Sustainability in North America at the PepsiCo Inaugural Global Farmers Awards!

This is an incredible accomplishment and deserved recognition for the Martin Family for their 30 years of sustainable practice and environmental stewardship!

Proud to have them represent Central Illinois and our ag community on the world stage!

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