Representative Darin LaHood

As your Member of Congress, your safety is a top priority of mine, and I want to ensure that you are properly updated and informed on the latest information about the Coronavirus, known as COVID-19. Please be assured that the Congress and Administration, including the White House and all relevant agencies, are coordinating to assess the situation and respond. The United States is taking every necessary step to keep our country safe against the spread of this virus.

I am proud to announce that eight young, dynamic leaders from across the 18th District have accepted appointments to the nation’s prestigious military academies. After speaking with these young men and women individually, I have no doubt that they will represent their country, state, and hometown with honor, courage, and pride. I am inspired by these leaders who are willing to put service before self at such a young age, and I wish them well as they prepare for this challenge.

COVID-19 is impacting every American. As stay-at-home orders ease, businesses and workers are prepared to take unprecedented measures to get their livelihoods back on track. Getting folks back to work is essential to reinvigorating our economy, and so is ensuring the safety of workers and customers to prevent additional outbreaks. That's why U.S. Congresswoman Stephanie Murphy and I introduced to make certain businesses can take extra precautions to keep our communities safe and get folks back to work.

COVID-19 and forced shutdowns are creating difficult budgetary decisions for cities across the United States. This is threatening the jobs of first responders and firefighters like those in Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois and Peoria Firefighters Local 50. That's why I called on FEMA to provide greater flexibility to SAFER grantees, so experienced firemen and women can keep their jobs

I had the pleasure of joining Paul Simon Public Policy Institute at Southern Illinois University Carbondale this week for their Understanding Our New World series. We had a great discussion about state and federal politics, COVID-19 response, reopening our economy, IL's fiscal challenges, fair maps, and more.