; Whereas Chicago introduced the world to groundbreaking, life-altering innovations while it was host to the World’s Columbian Exposition in 1893, where the world witnessed— (1) the first all-steel-framed skyscraper, the Rand McNally Building on Adams Street; and (2) the first Ferris Wheel; Whereas Illinois inventors have been trailblazers in every area of scientific and mechanical achievement, having contributed such inventions as the cell phone, the mechanical dishwasher, the zipper, meatpacking, the first blood bank in the United States, the wireless remote controller, the vacuum cleaner, and the farm silo; Whereas Chicago was home to revolutionary and timely events, including— (1) the first televised Presidential debate; (2) the first successful open-heart surgery; and (3) the first self-sustaining controlled nuclear reaction in the world; Whereas the economic contributions of Illinois are a testament of the hardworking men and women who call the State home, as the gross domestic product of the State of Illinois in 2016 amounted to $796,000,000,000 and was the fifth highest in the United States in that year; Whereas the communities of Illinois nurture unwavering heroism, as the State is home to more than 20,000 active duty military personnel, more than 24,000 members of reserve forces, and, from 2012 to 2016, more than 643,000 veterans, who selflessly risked their lives for the protection of the United States; Whereas Illinois prides itself on institutions of academic excellence and is home to more than 300 colleges and universities that have made significant intellectual, scientific, and philosophical contributions to the State as well as the United States; Whereas Illinois has been home to numerous renowned artists in the areas of music, writing, acting, and visual art, including— (1) Miles Davis, born in Alton and raised in East St. Louis; (2) Ernest Hemingway, born in Oak Park; (3) Jane Addams, born in Cedarville; (4) Nat King Cole, raised in Chicago; (5) Carl Sandburg, born in Galesburg