Darin LaHood

Happy National Agriculture Day! America’s farmers and producers are the backbone of our nation — and #IL16 is home to some of the best! Thank you for your tireless work to feed and fuel our country!

Congratulations to @SenMullin on being confirmed as Secretary of Homeland Security!! I’m confident he’ll lead DHS effectively and I look forward to working with him to strengthen our national security, keep our borders secure, and protect the American people!

.@IVCCEagles goes above and beyond to invest in students and set them up for success. Thanks to President Tracy Morris and this bright group of students for sharing their ideas on policies that will expand access to higher education and academic opportunities. Go Eagles!

Honored to join Mayor Dan Brady and Chief Jamal Simington at the Bloomington Police Department today to announce the $556,900 of federal funding my office secured to upgrade technology at their Real Time Information and Crime Center This investment will improve response times, enhance public safety in Central Illinois, and provide our officers with essential real-time data to effectively handle any situation. I was proud to advocate for this project during the appropriations process and vote for the legislation that made this funding possible.

On Friday, I joined @DiscoverPeoria_ CEO JD Dalfonso, members of his board, Peoria Park District President Robert Johnson, local tourism leaders, and Peoria Heights Mayor Matt Wigginton for a roundtable discussion on how we can set up Greater Peoria for long-term success. We went over ways to strengthen tourism, support local businesses, and how we can highlight the aspects that make our region a great place to live, work, and visit. I appreciate everyone’s partnership and their commitment to the continued growth of our community!

No better way to cap off National Agriculture Week than meeting with my Ag Advisory Board! Grateful to @ILFarmBureau President Philip Nelson and this knowledgeable group of farmers and producers from across #IL16 for taking the time to meet with me in Lee County this morning. We had a productive discussion about priorities for a strong Farm Bill, ways to ensure we have an efficient transportation network to ship products, and how we can strengthen Illinois’ ag industry for generations to come. I appreciate Sauk Valley Community College’s Ag Program Director Kevin Larsen for hosting us!

It was an honor to attend the Naturalization Ceremony at the Peoria Public Library today to congratulate the 91 new American citizens who took the Oath of Allegiance to the United States. The room was filled with patriotic and proud individuals who went through the proper process to pursue the American Dream. Many thanks to Judge Hanna for presiding over this ceremony! 🇺🇸🇺🇸

We cannot allow the CCP to corner the market on our medicines and overtake American leadership in biotechnology. I appreciate BIO CEO John Crowley and Biogen Chief Acess Officer Chris Leibman for meeting with me after our @ChinaSelect hearing to provide a further update on the U.S. biotech industry and ways to counter the CCP’s unfair practices.

Representing one of the largest ag district’s in the nation, I’m always grateful for the opportunity to hear from members of @ilcorn and @ILFarmBureau — especially during National Agriculture Week! It was great to get their input on legislation that will support our biofuels industry, strengthen supply chains, and expand trade for Illinois farmers and producers.

FISA 702 is an indispensable tool that has supported countless successful military operations, protected our men and women overseas, and provided vital information for our daily national security. At today’s @HouseIntel Worldwide Threats Assessment hearing, I was glad to learn that President Trump and the directors of our intelligence agencies support the extension of FISA after the reforms we made last year to make it more accountable and transparent.

I enjoyed meeting with postmasters from Winnebago County and Stephenson County yesterday to discuss ways Congress can support postal workers, strengthen the workforce, and improve efficiency. The USPS plays a vital role in keeping communities connected and supporting local businesses across #IL16.

China’s rapid advancements in biotechnology are increasingly concerning. America’s leadership in developing cutting-edge, life-saving pharmaceuticals must continue. I appreciate Strand Therapeutics CEO and Metamora native Dr. Jacob Becraft for testifying at today’s @ChinaSelect hearing about how we can better utilize our clinical infrastructure to strengthen US leadership in pharmaceutical innovation and ensure patients have access to next generation treatments.

Susie Wiles is as tough as they come and her steady leadership has been a driving force behind the Administration’s success over the last year. Kristen and I are keeping her in our prayers and wishing her a swift and full recovery.

Election Day in #IL16 is Tuesday, March 17th — just two days away! If you haven’t already voted, make sure you know your polling location and get out to make your voice heard! 🇺🇸🗳️ Find your polling place here: ova.elections.il.gov/PollingPlaceLo…

Congratulations to the Peoria Manual men’s basketball team on winning the 2A State Championship!! They are the pride of Peoria!! Way to go boys!!

Under the Working Families Tax Cuts, Republicans enhanced the standard deduction, strengthened the Child Tax Credit, and established Trump Accounts to better support growing families. This is real tax relief that helps hardworking parents cover everyday expenses and build a stronger financial future for the next generation.

.@HouseGOP passed legislation to fund DHS twice — and I was proud to support it both times. Even with terrorism threats rising, Senate Democrats are using our national security as a political bargaining chip. Stop the political games. Fund DHS. Protect the American people.

It was great to meet with the Belvidere Area Chamber’s Executive Director Amy Nord and Pam Fettes of Growth Dimensions to discuss recent economic developments and how my affordable housing provisions included in the Working Families Tax Cuts Act expands housing opportunities in the area. I’m committed to advancing pro-family, pro-growth policies that allow communities across #IL16 to thrive.