[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 131 (Friday, July 24, 2020)]
[House]
[Page H3842]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              NATION'S DEFENSE WORKERS DESERVE OUR SUPPORT

  (Mrs. BUSTOS asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute.)
  Mrs. BUSTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the National 
Defense Authorization Act.
  The heart of our Nation's defense capabilities runs right through the 
congressional district that I serve, from the Rock Island Arsenal to 
aerospace manufacturing in Rockford, to the Peoria Air National Guard 
Base.
  Because of COVID-19, the last several months have relied on the 
service of our National Guard in new ways.
  The Peoria Air National Guard set up health clinics and testing 
centers in Bloomington, Illinois. They built a field hospital when 
Chicago needed it most. They have protected and served us throughout 
this pandemic. They deserve our support, and the National Defense 
Authorization Act will do just that.
  I was proud to help secure provisions that protect the benefits of 
our National Guard members that they have earned, expand student loan 
benefits to make sure that they have a bright future ahead, and to give 
our men in uniform a much-earned pay raise.
  The district I represent is steeped in rich tradition of service to 
our Nation. The bipartisan defense package that we passed this week 
honors and upholds that tradition.

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