In this week's newsletter, putting an end to the Schumer Shutdown, joining the President and First Lady for a historic investment in foster youth, and my meetings in D.C. and 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.

Ending the Schumer Shutdown

On Wednesday, I was waiting and ready to vote in the House of Representatives to finally end the Schumer Shutdown that threw our country into prolonged period of uncertainty, damaged our economy, and threatened critical services our families rely on.

This shutdown was costly, reckless, and completely avoidable. I was proud to join my Republican
colleagues in the House in voting to avoid a shutdown in September, and I was proud to join them again Wednesday night to put an end to it.

Read my full statement below:

Greeting Veterans on the Greater Peoria Honor Flight with Clerk of the U.S. House Kevin McCumber

I was honored to join Clerk of the U.S. House and 16th District native Kevin McCumber to greet veterans, including his father, on the Greater Peoria Honor Flight in our nation’s capital!

Thank you to all our veterans for your dedication and service to our country!

Joining the President and First Lady for a Historic Investment in Foster Youth

It was a privilege to join President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump at the White House for the signing of the Fostering the Future for American Children and Families Executive Order. This EO delivers real results for youth transitioning out of foster care by expanding opportunities for education, housing, and gainful employment.

As Chairman of the Ways and Means Work & Welfare Subcommittee, I’ve been proud to partner with the Administration to strengthen families and improve outcomes for the most vulnerable among us. I look forward to continuing to work with President Trump, the First Lady, and my colleagues to advance meaningful reforms to our foster care system and ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive.

Read more here: LaHood, Smith Join President Trump and First Lady for Historic Investment in Foster Youth

Meeting with the President of the Illinois Pork Producers Association

Pork producers are vital to our state’s economy and food supply chain.

It was great to visit with Illinois Pork Producers President, Chad Leman, in my D.C. office to talk about his operation in Woodford County, opportunities to expand trade, and how we can create more certainty for our producers.

Visiting with Grundy County Leaders

Enjoyed meeting with Grundy County Board Chair Drew Muffler and Administrator Mary Kucharz in Morris to go over their goals for the county and ways we can collaborate to strengthen local communities.

Thanks to EMA Director Joe Schroeder for showing me around their impressive County Emergency Operations Center which also serves 3 nuclear facilities! I am grateful for their leadership and dedication to the success and safety of residents in Grundy County!

Touring Ludwig Dairy in Lee County

Started my day in Lee County touring Ludwig Farms’ family-owned operation in Dixon to get a firsthand look at the hard work that goes into producing their award-winning dairy products and discuss strengthening our food supply chain.

Grateful to all our dairy farmers in the 16th District who help drive our economy and feed families across the country!

Honoring FamilyCore's 125th Anniversary

For 125 years, FamilyCore has delivered vital support and resources to the most vulnerable populations in central Illinois.

I was proud to meet with their CEO Ann Lading-Ferguson and Chief Program Officer Ron Tyler in Peoria to present them with a Congressional Record honoring this incredible milestone and the tremendous impact they’ve made on our community.

Welcoming Viridis Chemical to Peoria

It was great to attend Viridis Chemical’s open house in Peoria! This brand-new production facility will help support Illinois’ ag economy and provide good-paying jobs for our community.

I appreciate the Viridis team for investing in Peoria and I wish them much success!

Meeting with Local Officials in Dixon

While I was in Lee County, I met with Dixon Mayor Glen Hughes, City Manager Danny Langloss, and Councilman Chris Bishop to check in on their upcoming projects and talk about how my office can be of assistance to the community.

I appreciate their commitment to investing in the city and working to improve the quality of life for the people of Dixon!

Leading the Charge on Affordable Housing

It was an honor to receive Affordable Housing Tax Credit Coalition's Affordable Housing Champion Award!  

Because of the language from my Affordable Housing Tax Credit Improvement Act that was included in the Working Families Tax Cuts, we’re building more affordable housing across the country — giving more families access to a crucial part of the American Dream.

One More Thing: Curbing Crime in Chicago

Even with Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Gov. Pritzker working to protect criminals and undermining federal law enforcement, violent crime in Chicago is dropping.

President Trump proved it in D.C. and now in Chicago — empowering law enforcement works.

Read more here: Trump says Chicago crime has fallen dramatically despite 'extraordinary resistance' from local Democrats

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