The State of the Union

Last week, President Biden delivered his State of the Union address before Congress. Since taking office three years ago, President Biden has put our country on a path of decline. The President's open border policies are an unmitigated disaster and have created humanitarian and national security crises that are now reaching communities throughout Illinois. Working families in Illinois are also bearing the burden of radical energy policies, government overreach, and inflationary spending, while prices at the pump and in the grocery store have reached unbearable levels.

I agree with President Biden that we must work together to address the threats from China, Iran, and other adversaries, as well as pass the critical bipartisan provisions I authored to boost low-income housing and provide relief to Illinois families. However, tonight we unfortunately heard much of the same failed rhetoric and policies that have been emblematic of Joe Biden's presidency.

Read more: LaHood Statement on President Biden's State of the Union Address

Advocating for pro-growth, pro-family tax policy

I penned an op-ed recently in the Chicago Sun-Times urging the Senate to pass the bipartisan Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act. This bipartisan bill that passed the House will provide relief for Illinoisans at a time when our communities need it most. With the cost of goods and services still high and inflation driving down wages, our bipartisan tax bill will help working families and encourage made-in-Illinois investments that will create jobs and lead to higher wages.

Read my op-ed in the Chicago Sun-Times: The U.S. House passed a bipartisan tax relief bill to help families. Now, it’s the Senate’s turn.

Advancing American competitiveness in biotechnology 

At our Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party hearing on the Bioeconomy and American National Security, I discussed the importance of diversifying and strengthening our supply chains to bolster our national security. 

Visiting with IL16 constituents

It was great to visit with Illinois Farm Bureau President and Ogle County farmer Brian Duncan last week. We had a good discussion about Farm Bill priorities and market access challenges for our agricultural producers. I am grateful for Brian’s leadership and advocacy on behalf of Illinois farmers.

I am proud to stand with Illinois firefighters and grateful for the work they do to keep our communities safe. Thank you to the Associated Firefighters of Illinois for visiting today during their trip to DC!

I enjoyed visiting with Brian and Rocky from the Illinois Fraternal Order of Police last week. I am grateful for their leadership and advocacy on behalf of our law enforcement in Illinois. In Congress, I will always Back the Blue.

It was a pleasure to join the Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce during their fly-in to DC last week. We spoke about the importance of passing the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act, which will bolster small businesses and our workforce in Illinois.

Thank you to the National Bleeding Disorders Foundation, including Becky Burns and Matt McLain from BCDI in Peoria, for visiting last week in DC. During National Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month, I appreciated the chance to discuss challenges facing hemophilia patients and improving treatments.

On Saturday, it was great to join the Peoria community to celebrate George Manias’ 93rd Birthday! For over 75 years, George’s Shoeshine has been a staple in downtown Peoria. I appreciate all George has done for our community!

As always, thanks for subscribing to my newsletter! 

Sincerely,

Darin LaHood
Member of Congress