[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 113 (Monday, July 13, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E673]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           CELEBRATING THE RETIREMENT OF RICHARD A. KWASNESKI

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BILL FOSTER

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 13, 2026

  Mr. FOSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Richard A. 
Kwasneski on his retirement as the Chairman of the Pace Suburban Bus 
Board of Directors after an outstanding career in public service.
  A short time after graduating from Lewis University, Richard 
Kwasneski began his distinguished career in public service with the 
Village of Lemont, Illinois. Richard first served as a village trustee 
in 1985, before taking on the larger responsibility of mayor from 1993 
to 2001.
  On August 28, 2002, Richard began a long and esteemed tenure with 
Pace when he was appointed as the representative from Southwest Cook 
County to the Board of Directors of Pace Suburban Bus. On December 7, 
2006, he was appointed Chairman of the Pace Suburban Bus Board of 
Directors, a position he held with distinction for nearly two decades. 
As the longest-serving chairman in the agency's history, Richard's 
leadership was so highly regarded that he was reappointed for five 
consecutive terms.
  Throughout his time with Pace, Richard cultivated vital partnerships 
to enhance service delivery and infrastructure investments across a 
service area of 274 communities. His forward-thinking approach led to 
the successful implementation of innovative programs such as Bus on 
Shoulder along I-55 and I-94, Flex Lane Express Service along I-90, 
Pulse Rapid Transit, and On Demand services. Furthermore, Richard was 
instrumental in securing two federal RAISE grants for the 
reconstruction of the Harvey Transportation Center and the construction 
of the Pulse Halsted Line, along with leading the push for the 
advancement of Pace's Regional ADA Paratransit Program. Finally, 
Richard oversaw the largest investment in suburban transit 
infrastructure through the Rebuild Illinois Program.
  Beyond his work with Pace, his contributions to regional economic 
development through the Joliet Arsenal Development Authority and his 
leadership on the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) 
Board Executive Committee have left a lasting impact on his community.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud to represent such an honorable community 
leader in my district. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating 
Richard on his retirement and thanking him for his many years of 
service to the people of Illinois.

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