HONORING JUDGE STEPHEN KOURI ON HIS RETIREMENT

On 2026-09-02, Representative Darin LaHood (R-IL-16) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING JUDGE STEPHEN KOURI ON HIS RETIREMENT" in the House.

HONORING JUDGE STEPHEN KOURI ON HIS RETIREMENT

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 139 (Wednesday, September 2, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 139 (Wednesday, September 2, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E846] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING JUDGE STEPHEN KOURI ON HIS RETIREMENT ______ HON. DARIN LaHOOD of illinois in the house of representatives Wednesday, September 2, 2026 Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Honorable Stephen Kouri on his retirement after nearly 24 years of distinguished service as a judge on Illinois' Tenth Judicial Circuit. Judge Kouri has dedicated more than three decades to serving Peoria and Central Illinois. A graduate of Spalding Institute and the University of Illinois College of Law, he practiced law for 20 years before being elected to the Tenth Judicial Circuit in 2002. During his time on the bench, Judge Kouri served communities throughout Peoria, Marshall, Putnam, Stark, and Tazewell Counties and was the Circuit's longest-serving judge at the time of his retirement. Throughout his career, he earned a reputation for his fairness, sound judgment, professionalism, and strong work ethic. Judge Kouri's commitment to public service extends well beyond the courtroom. He served on the Peoria City Council from 1993 to 1997 and has held numerous leadership roles with civic, charitable, and Catholic organizations throughout the Peoria area. He also played an instrumental role in bringing the IHSA boys basketball state finals to Peoria and helped establish ``Access the Experience,'' which provided young people with disabilities the opportunity to participate in state finals activities. I congratulate Judge Kouri on his retirement, thank him for his many years of service to Central Illinois, and wish him and his family all the best in this next chapter. ____________________