Congressman
John Shimkus

In Touch With the 19th District

House Votes are More Bipartisan Than Media Claims

By Congressman John Shimkus
May 2005

When the national media reports on Congressional votes, you probably hear that a piece of legislation passed the Republican-controlled House then you hear a sound bite from a Democratic opponent of the legislation. That makes what we do in Washington sound rather partisan.

Well, that's not really the whole truth.

On just about every vote on final passage of major legislation, there are both Republicans and Democrats that both for and against passage.

Some of the major bills that have already passed the House this year are bankruptcy overhaul, permanently repealing the estate tax, class action lawsuit reform, overhauling immigration laws, providing for the continuity of Congress, and the energy bill. While I supported each of these bills, so did over 40 Democrats.

The House is currently composed of 231 Republicans, 202 Democrats, and one Independent who caucuses with the Democrats.

The bankruptcy bill garnered 73 Democrats; the repeal of the estate tax 42; 50 Democrats voted for class action reform; 42 for immigration changes; 122 for the continuity of Congress; and 41 Democrats (one more than last year) voted for the recently passed energy bill.

What does this mean and why should you care?

I do not want my constituents to believe that Congress is in turmoil or that we don't get along. I have gone out of my way since arriving in Congress to get to know all of my colleagues.

Our Illinois delegation gathers monthly for a bipartisan discussion of what is in the best interest of our state. Prior to my surgery, I was a frequent basketball player in the House gym. We didn't care who was a Republican or a Democrat…we just fought for the rebound.

While there are those in Congress who like to throw partisan daggers across the aisle, that's not what the majority of members do.

You may contact Congressman Shimkus at one of his offices in Springfield, Collinsville, Centralia, Harrisburg, Olney, or Washington.

In Touch With the 19th District is a column featuring news from Washington, DC, or discussing other important topics.

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