This week, our Local 1899 @steelworkers.bsky.social, working at Granite City Works from Granite City were in Washington to talk about what they need back home. As a dues-paying union member, I made it clear that I will always stand with them.

One of the best parts of this job is spending time meeting with the next generation of public servants. I stopped by yesterday to talk with junior staff, and the talent and vision in the room gave me real hope for our future.

Yesterday, I sat down with folks from Illinois Soy to dig into the issues that matter most to Illinois farmers — the Farm Bill, USMCA, and the state of American agriculture. These conversations are how we make sure the policies we're fighting for actually reflect what our farmers need.

This week, I met with the Illinois FFA state officer board, who are preparing to lead the next generation of American agriculture. Investing in their success is how we make sure Illinois stays at the forefront of American farming for generations to come.

Today, my team will be traveling across Central and Southern Illinois for Mobile Office Hours! I encourage everyone to visit, bring their questions and see how we can assist with constituent services!

Our veterans deserve world-class care and that means fixing the systems behind the scenes. Outdated technology and staff shortages are slowing down disability claims, and veterans are the ones paying the price.

As a proud, dues-paying union member, I was honored to stand with the @steelworkers.bsky.social today. USW members, like those at Granite City Works, show up every day in some of the toughest jobs in America — steel mills, manufacturing floors, chemical plants.

A four-year degree shouldn’t be the only path to a good career – that’s why I hosted my third workforce summit last week, and sat down with Brian Beyers to discuss how we’re working to connect folks with good paying jobs in the trades.

Our veterans deserve world-class technology and support, but outdated systems and staff shortages are slowing down disability claims. Yesterday, I spoke about the need for solutions that listen to employees and put veterans first — not quick fixes that ignore their voices.

Yesterday I sat down with Mini Timmaraju from @reproductivefreedomforall.org to talk about what reproductive rights mean for women and families right now.

Jim and I took the conversation on the road — literally. This week, we’re talking about my third annual workforce summit and why bringing people together across this district matters.

Today, I was proud to host my third annual Workforce Development Summit with a focus on our agricultural workforce. This year’s summit featured four panels exploring pathways into agriculture careers after high school.

Yesterday, I was honored to re-visit the site of the 1908 Springfield Race Riot with @repjamesclyburn.bsky.social. As we commemorate 250 years of America, we must remember that also means being able to confront our history and do better. That’s what makes America Great.

Attention middle and high school students! You're invited to submit your apps to the 2026 Congressional App Challenge. Check out CongressionalAppChallenge.us for more information!

My team helped Lisa and her nephew get back $394,000 that the federal government owed them in long-delayed Social Security back payments. Her story is a special one and I’m so honored our team was able to step in when she needed it most.

July is Disability Pride Month, when we celebrate the disabled community and recognize their countless contributions to our nation! Let’s keep working together to build a more inclusive world.

Yesterday, I was honored to be recognized by the Disabled American Veterans as a 2026 House Legislator of the Year. I was also extraordinarily proud to have Omar — my Senior Legislative Assistant – receive a Special Recognition Award honoring House staff.

As families prepare for summer gatherings, many are feeling the strain of higher food costs. Prices for everyday staples — from fresh produce to cookout favorites — continue to rise, making it harder for households to stretch their grocery budgets.

On July 2, 1964, the Civil Rights Act was signed into law, banning racial segregation in public places and racial discrimination. As we celebrate 62 years of this landmark legislation, we should continue to work together to advance equality and justice for all.

We should be honoring veterans’ service — not cutting their benefits. The Take Care of America's Veterans Act raises costs, reduces care, and shifts resources away from the VA. I’m standing with our veterans and against this bill.

It’s common sense. The President, Vice President, Congress, senior staff and military officials should be BANNED from placing bets on political events or policy outcomes. Our bipartisan bill does exactly that.

Applications are open for Fall 2026 internships in our D.C. and district offices! If you're an undergraduate student or recent grad with ties to Illinois, this is your chance to get real experience in how Congress works. The deadline to apply is July 29th.

ICYMI: I asked USDA Under Secretary Fordyce on two issues that matter to farmers in IL-13 — updating base acres to reflect what farmers are actually growing today and making sure crop insurance is working for the people paying into it.

ICYMI: I joined the SEEC Institute Climate Solutions Summit last week to moderate a discussion on the future of agriculture and participate in a permitting reform panel. Forums like this are how we stay connected to real solutions and the people building them.

Support to our farmers should better reflect the choices farmers are making now, not decades ago. A mandatory base acre update would save taxpayers billions of dollars. This is the definition of common-sense policy.

This year, we celebrate 100 years of Route 66. It isn't just a road — it's a symbol of what happens when we invest in connecting people and communities.

Congratulations to Charlotte Lin — this year's Congressional Art Competition winner. I was excited to welcome her and her family to the U.S. Capitol, where her art will be displayed for the next year. Congratulations, Charlotte. 🎨

13 years ago today, the Supreme Court gutted Section 5 of the VRA in Shelby County v. Holder — making it easier to put up barriers between voters and the ballot box. The right to vote is the foundation of our democracy and I’ll keep fighting to restore it.

Farmers throughout the Midwest are paying into a crop insurance system without seeing a fair return on their investment. I discussed this pressing issue with USDA Under Secretary Fordyce and received a commitment that the Administration will brief Congress on how the costs are calculated.

USW Local 7-1 workers have done everything right. BP is the one standing in the way. It’s time to end this lockout, get back to the bargaining table, and negotiate a fair deal that respects the workers who keep the Whiting refinery running.