Peoria Standard

Darin LaHood, a member of the U.S. Congress representing Illinois' 16th district since 2015, has expressed his views on various national security and economic issues through social media posts. LaHood, born in Peoria, Illinois in 1968, is an alumnus of Loras College and John Marshall Law School.

On February 3, 2025, LaHood emphasized the strategic importance of the Panama Canal to U.S. national security. He criticized its perceived misuse by the Chinese Communist Party and praised President Biden and Senator Marco Rubio for their efforts to safeguard American interests. "The Panama Canal is critical to US national security, and for too long it has been abused by the Chinese Communist Party."

Later that day, LaHood visited Machesney Park to observe Hennig Power's expansion project. He highlighted the potential benefits of this development for local families and reaffirmed his commitment to advocating for policies that promote economic growth in Illinois' 16th district. "This morning I was in Machesney Park to tour Hennig Power's expansion project."

On February 4, 2025, LaHood commended President Biden's administration for reinstating stringent measures against Iran to prevent its nuclear ambitions. He stressed the necessity of halting financial support to Tehran as a means of ensuring global security. "I applaud @POTUS and his national security team for reimposing maximum pressure on Iran."