Federal transit formula dollars drive the engines of prosperity for metro areas all around the country.

I rise today to honor Juan Dies and Victor Pichardo, Mexican folk musicians who were recently recognized by the National Endowment for the Arts with the 2026 National Heritage Fellowship awards. Juan and Victor cofounded Sones de Mexico in…

I rise today to honor 30 years of contributions from the DuPage Railroad Safety Council. Since 1996, they have provided important services and education on rail safety across Illinois. Forged by tragedy, they established themselves as a…

I thank Representatives Dexter and Tonko for shining a spotlight on the impact on children from the enforcement efforts of ICE and Customs and Border Protection agents. Here is what is happening in communities across the country: A…

April is Arab American Heritage Month, and I rise today to celebrate Little Palestine, a vibrant community in the southwest region of Cook County, in my district. In the early 20th century, families from the small Palestinian town of…

I rise today to honor Gregorio Gomez Aguayo, a talented writer, poet, producer, and organizer. Gregorio has been nominated for the award of poet laureate of the State of Illinois twice and has been selected as part of Chicago's Newcity Lit…

I rise today to celebrate South Side native Mayda Del Valle, who has been named Chicago's next poet laureate. Mayda is a poet, educator, and interdisciplinary artist who will now serve as ambassador for our city's literary and creative…

the price of groceries keeps going up. Starting this week, 4 million people per month will be pushed off their food stamps. In Illinois alone, 360,000 people will lose those benefits. All due to cuts from the big, ugly bill. Americans are…

today we honor the spirit of a son of Chicago whose game carried the heartbeat of a city, Derrick Rose. From the blacktops of Englewood to the bright lights of the United Center, Rose showed not only talent, but will and determination. He…

I rise today to honor Food Market La Chiquita on their 40th anniversary. In 1986, Alfredo Linares, an immigrant from Mexico, took a chance. He got a loan and bought a corner store in my neighborhood of Little Village. Four decades later…

I rise today to honor Carl Rosen, one of the legendary architects of working-class power in Chicago. As president of the United Electrical Workers, Carl has always understood that power is never given. It is organized, disciplined, and…

as the year comes to an end, I join Leyden Township in Cook County, Illinois, in celebration of the 175th anniversary of its establishment. In addition to the unincorporated areas, the Leyden Township borders include part of Rosemont…

I rise to celebrate the 20th anniversary of New Life Centers, an organization that I am proud to represent in my district. Led by Pastor Matt DeMateo, New Life Centers started as a small group working on community violence intervention…

I rise today to proudly honor the Chicago city champs, the members of the Farragut Career Academy 16-inch softball team from my district. At a time when ICE raids swept through our neighborhoods while DHS carried out Operation Midway…

Our voters do not want this either. We should not be distracted by political ploys when our constituents want us to stay focused and to deliver for them. I am going to finish my term with the same love and commitment that I brought to my…

I stand here, believe it or not, with a grateful heart. Over the last several days, many of my colleagues have reached out with kindness and understanding. I appreciate their concern for me and their desire to keep our Caucus united. I…

as we begin Hispanic Heritage Month, I want to honor the millions of Latinos and Latinas who make this country strong. We celebrate our culture and sacrifices. This year, it comes with urgency because we are under attack. Last week, the…

I rise today to honor my constituent, Brigadier General Jorge Fonseca, a decorated veteran and proud son of Little Village, on his recent promotion as director of the Joint Staff of the Illinois National Guard. Born in Guadalajara, Mexico…

I rise today to honor Brian Johnson, CEO of Equality Illinois, who will be ending his tenure at the end of this month. For nearly a decade, Brian has been a driving force behind the rapid growth and rise of Equality Illinois, turning it…

I rise to denounce this administration's move to unilaterally cancel the visas of Mexican musicians and artists. Last week, Julion Alvarez, the proclaimed King of the Box Office, was denied entry to the U.S. and blocked from performing in…

I rise to oppose the Trump administration's double tax on remittances. This is part of a broader war on working-class immigrants that punishes those who contribute the most to our national economy. When immigrants send money home, they are…

These broad surveillance powers are of concerns to many of the communities represented in this room, certainly mine.

How does HSI continue to justify its immigration enforcement activities given those concerns?

It is critical that Federal investments directly benefit working people and don't displace existing jobs.