Four years ago, the Supreme Court did the right thing by overturning Roe v. Wade and returning the question of abortion back to the American people at the state level. I was proud to see that day come. The pro-life movement fought hard for decades to get here, and every life saved since is a testament to that work.
Fifty-four years ago today, Title IX became law and banned sex discrimination in education and sports, giving generations of women and girls the chance to excel. The far-left tried to destroy that legacy by pushing biological males into women's competitions, taking roster spots and scholarships that belong to female athletes. As we look back on the importance of this law today, I’m proud to have voted for the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act which President Trump signed into law, making sure biological males don’t infiltrate sports and spaces meant for women and girls.
With severe storms and tornadoes once again sweeping across Southern Illinois last night, killing two people and injuring five others in Jefferson County, the full extent of damage is still being assessed. My prayers are with the families of those affected. If you experience damage during this brutal storm and tornado season, please report it to your county Emergency Management Agency, and don't hesitate to reach our office for help connecting with federal resources. Call us in Murphysboro at (618) 457-5787, Mascoutah at (618) 622-0766, or Effingham at (217) 240-3170.
To all the dads of Southern Illinois, happy Father’s Day! The biggest values my father instilled in me were honesty, love of country, family, and faith. So many fathers I know across Southern Illinois do the same for their kids. Thank you to all the fathers out there for helping to raise the next generation of great Americans.
Murphysboro is hosting the Annual Big Muddy Monster Festival this weekend, celebrating Southern Illinois’ favorite urban legend with a full day of community activities and the kind of storytelling that makes this region one of a kind. The festival traces back to 1973, when two Murphysboro residents reported spotting an eight-foot hairy creature near the Big Muddy River, and the story has been part of local lore ever since. Hope you can make it!
https://t.co/iVjqB8rWxh
We are reaching out to local officials and closely monitoring damage from last night's severe storms across the northeastern part of our district. According to Ameren, over 20,000 customers are without power across Southern Illinois as damage and injuries are assessed. If you need help connecting with federal resources, do not hesitate to reach out to our Effingham office at (217) 240-3170.
This weekend marks several important holidays and commemorations. Today, on June 14th, we celebrate Flag Day and the birthday of President Donald J. Trump. On this day 249 years ago, the Stars and Stripes were officially adopted by the Continental Congress. Since then, Old Glory has flown over battlefields, courthouses, community gatherings, and of course, the residence of the President!
June 12th marks Women Veterans Recognition Day, the anniversary of the signing of the Women's Armed Services Integration Act, which gave women the right to permanently serve in the Armed Forces. To every woman who has worn the uniform, we thank you!
It was a pleasure to sit down with members of the National Milk Producers Federation, including Alonzo and Megan Shoaf of Prairie Farms in Effingham County. June is National Dairy Month – a great opportunity to discuss agriculture jobs and the ongoing push to protect dairy terms from being used on imitation products.
Out at Nationals Park in D.C. tonight for the annual Congressional Baseball Game for Charity. One night a year Members of Congress trade debates for dugouts and suits for jerseys to raise money for kids and families in need. Go GOP!
https://t.co/J6yRhfOvoB
Out at Nationals Park in D.C. tonight for the annual Congressional Baseball Game for Charity. One night a year Members of Congress trade debates for dugouts and suits for jerseys to raise money for kids and families in need. Go GOP!
https://t.co/J6yRhfOvoB
Democrats spent months blocking funding for Border Patrol agents and immigration security. Tonight I voted for the Secure America Act to make sure that Border Patrol, CBP, ICE, and Homeland Security personnel receive full funding through September 2029. Enough of the uncertainty that puts Americans’ safety at risk.
Great to meet with Brad Blair and Tonya Crow of the Illinois Propane Gas Association as well as Ryan Rohr and James Ankenbrand of Wabash Valley Service Co. today for their “Propane Days” visit. Energy policy hits close to home for farmers and rural families across Southern Illinois, and I appreciate hearing about their work to fuel our rural communities.
Today marks the 82nd anniversary of D-Day, one of the most consequential days in human history. On June 6, 1944, thousands of young Americans crossed the English Channel and stormed the beaches of Normandy under withering fire. Many never came home. As a Marine and chairman of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, I think about those men every year on this day. I encourage you to do the same this weekend, as we all reap the benefits of the sacrifices those brave servicemembers made.
John and Lisa Schaefer have built something special with Baseball Card Connection in downtown Effingham, and this week they were invited to speak at a Topps and Fanatics reception at the National Museum of the American Indian here in Washington, D.C. It was great to meet with them and help facilitate a tour of the U.S. Capitol while they were in town. Congratulations to them both on this well-deserved recognition.
For America’s 250th, Murphysboro is marking the moment the right way. The General John A. Logan Museum and the city are hosting a three-day celebration this weekend, June 5-7, honoring both the nation's anniversary and the 200th birth year of one of Southern Illinois' greatest sons, General John A. Logan. Expect a grand parade, live music, living history demonstrations, and more. If you're in the area, this one is worth attending.
https://t.co/bjoJMz48yW
My staff will be hosting mobile office hours across Southern Illinois this June so you can speak with our casework experts face-to-face with comfort and convenience. Please visit with any questions you may have regarding veterans’ benefits, Social Security, Medicare, the IRS, and more.
If you’re looking for a way to honor our fallen heroes on Memorial Day, there are several ceremonies being held in our area. Mound City National Cemetery will hold its observance on Monday at 10 a.m., and Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis will do the same. In Alton, the National Cemetery's Sunset Ceremony takes place that evening at 6 p.m. All events are free and open to the public. For a full list of VA national cemetery ceremonies near you, visit https://t.co/duRwW1LL05.
Every member of Congress is keenly aware that American strength and freedom are not free; they’re paid for and secured by the selfless sacrifice of our military personnel and their families.
As Memorial Day approaches, this week, House Republicans advanced two pieces of legislation which will safeguard the constitutional rights of American veterans and deliver meaningful relief to Gold Star families.
It’s our duty to support the men and women who put their lives on the line for our freedom, and I commend Chairman Bost and Rep. Barrett for their leadership in support of America’s veterans.
Tonight the House passed my Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act. No veteran should lose their Second Amendment rights simply because they need help managing their finances, but that is exactly what’s been happening. Without a judge's ruling or any finding that a veteran is a danger to anyone, a VA bureaucrat could report them to the FBI's background check system and strip them of their right to bear arms. That is not how we treat the men and women who defended our Constitution. This bill puts a permanent end to that injustice, and as a Marine, proud gun owner, and Chairman of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, I could not be more proud to have led the charge for its passage.