Video/photos: Bustos Thanks Illinois National Guard Deployed to U.S. Capitol

Statement

Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) joined members of the Illinois National Guard who have been deployed to protect the U.S. Capitol. This is the third time she has met with National Guardsmen and women who are stationed in Washington, D.C., following the insurrection at the Capitol last month. The Congresswoman hosted today's visit on the Capitol steps, and was joined by Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL).

VIEW: Photos of Congresswoman Bustos' visit

After the January 6th attack, an initial 300 National Guard members were called to protect the National Capital Region to prevent future attacks and secure the safety of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris' inauguration ceremonies. In the weeks following, that number has grown to nearly 1,000 National Guardsmen and Women. Yesterday, the Congresswoman took to the Floor of the House to honor the service of these brave men and women.

WATCH: Congresswoman Bustos delivers speech on the Floor of the U.S. House to honor Illinois National Guard deployed to protect National Capitol Region

REMARKS

I rise to thank the citizen Soldiers and Airmen of our National Guard for upholding their oath to the Constitution. 

Just one week after the attack on our Capitol… the inauguration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris' was peaceful.

That is thanks to the 26,700 National Guardsmen and women who answered our nation's call to serve this moment of need. 

Their motto is "Always Ready, Always There". And during the past month, their actions have fully embodied that motto.

Like Lieutenant Colonel John Bryk, who juggles his commitment to our nation with his commitment to the students he serves in the Orland Park School District in my home state of Illinois.

He is one of nearly 1,000 Illinoisan Guardsmen and women who have been deployed to Washington. There are 500 here, right now.

I with some of them this morning, I'll meet with more of them tomorrow.

Illinois' sons and daughters who have chosen to serve and protect this government body and this sacred building. 

We are stronger for their sacrifice and I thank them for their service.

BACKGROUND

On January 6, 2021, when the Capitol was under attack, members of the National Guard responded to secure the building and ensure Congress was able to complete its duty of certifying the Electoral College results. National Guard members deployed from Illinois include military police, engineers and infantry citizen soldiers from all corners of the state, including Savannah, Freeport, Peoria, the Quad-Cities and Rockford.

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