The greatest country in the world, 250 years running.

Happy Independence Day to everyone across Southern Illinois. Today we celebrate 250 years of the greatest country on Earth, and I hope you and your family enjoy the time together as we reflect on our rich history.

The Roar of Freedom was loud and clear this morning on the National Mall!

This morning I was at the Great American State Fair on the National Mall in Washington, DC, celebrating 250 years of American greatness. I volunteered to greet visitors at the Illinois pavilion, which was sponsored by the Peoria Riverfront Museum. They stepped up and made sure the Land of Lincoln was well-represented after state officials refused to participate. It might have been over 100 degrees, but it was a great time to honor the red, white, and blue! 🇺🇸 🇺🇸 🇺🇸

One year ago this Saturday, President Trump signed the Working Families Tax Cuts Act into law. Over 29 million U.S. workers have claimed No Tax on Overtime, with an average deduction of more than $3,100. Over 7.5 million tipped workers claimed No Tax on Tips, with an average deduction of more than $7,000. One year later, the results speak for themselves.

BREAKING NEWS: The U.S. Supreme Court upheld states’ right to ban biological men from competing in women’s sports. Title IX exists because women deserve their own teams, their own records, and their own scholarships. This is a decisive victory for fairness and levels the playing field once and for all. foxnews.com/sports/supreme-c…

Families in Southern Illinois depend on affordable, reliable energy and the freedom to choose the vehicle that works for them. For too long, certain administrations have used the Clean Air Act to ban gas vehicles, force fuel switching at power plants, and impose crushing overregulation. I am proud to cosponsor the End EPA Abuse Act to stop using the bureaucracy as a weapon against consumers.

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! kfvs12.com/2026/06/15/murphy…

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.

Republicans win! Final score was 11-2. Great night at the ballpark for a good cause.

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! foxnews.com/video/6398101943…

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.