Darin LaHood, U.S. Congressman representing Illinois’ 16th district, addressed national security, agriculture policy, and biotechnology leadership in a series of posts on March 19 and 20, 2026.
On March 19, LaHood highlighted the significance of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), stating at 19:22 UTC: “FISA 702 is an indispensable tool that has supported countless successful military operations, protected our men and women overseas, and provided vital information for our daily national security. At today’s @HouseIntel Worldwide Threats Assessment hearing, I was glad to learn”.
Later that day at 21:56 UTC, LaHood referenced his work with agricultural stakeholders during National Agriculture Week: “Representing one of the largest ag district’s in the nation, I’m always grateful for the opportunity to hear from members of @ilcorn and @ILFarmBureau — especially during National Agriculture Week! It was great to get their input on legislation that will support our biofuels”.
On March 20 at 00:12 UTC, he discussed concerns about American competitiveness in biotechnology against China: “We cannot allow the CCP to corner the market on our medicines and overtake American leadership in biotechnology. I appreciate BIO CEO John Crowley and Biogen Chief Acess Officer Chris Leibman for meeting with me after our @ChinaSelect hearing to provide a further update on the”.
LaHood has served as Illinois’ representative since winning a special election in 2015 following Aaron Schock’s resignation. He defeated Elizabeth Haderlein in the general election held in 2022 by a significant margin—66.3% to Haderlein’s 33.6%. Born in Peoria in 1968 and still residing there at age 54, LaHood holds degrees from Loras College (BA) and John Marshall Law School (JD).
