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Apr 20, 2009
Press Release
Sworn in as 433rd Member of CongressWASHINGTON, DC Today, Tuesday, April 21st U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (D-IL) will be sworn in as the 433rd Member of the United States House of Representatives at approximately 6:45 pm (EST). Quigley released the following remarks as prepared for delivery:"Thank you, Madam Speaker, fellow Members of the House, friends watching back home especially those at Loyola University.If anyone needs a reminder of what change means, consider that in 3 months I went from talking to voters on a cold "L" platform in Chicago, to standing in the well of this chamber taking the oath of office from the first woman speaker of the house.Every young boys dream to be the 433rd Member of Congress.But we have urgent business before us and as the 433rd ...I'm not sure when I'll get another chance to address so many of my colleagues at one time. So, I will say a few words on behalf of my district.First, to my family and friends and staff in the gallery-- I wish to thank everyone up there for helping me get down here.Above all, I want to thank my wife Barb and our daughters Alyson and Meghan. Let the record reflect they got their puppy months ago.And my parents. I am thrilled that you are here today. And I pledge that the lessons that you taught me will guide me every time I vote on this floor.I want to acknowledge my predecessor and thank him for his years of service.Madam Speaker, you may find that Congressman Emanuel and I have different styles, perhaps a slightly different vocabulary. But though we are different in manner, Rahm and I share the same commitmentto fight for working families, to fight for health care, to protect the environment, and of course, to help our new president make good on the promise of fundamental change.To my new colleaguesI know that there are 433 distinct paths that have led each of us to this place. My own as a teacher, a lawyer, a public official, husband and father will guide my priorities and hopefully will create areas of common ground with each and every one of you. I will partner with every memberregardless of partyto fight for reform. I will stand alongside any member who believes, as President Obama does, in transparency and accountability.And I will work with anyone who believes, as I do, that reforming politics and restoring Americans faith in their institutions is essential to rebuilding our economy.Finally, a word to the people of the 5th district of Illinois. From the bungalows in Albany Park to the high rises in Lincoln Park thank you for trusting me with this office. Trust is a tough thing to come by these days especially in Illinois and I will not let you down.Because of the challenges you face, I view today not as an end, but a beginning.It is a humbling experience to take a new job when so many Americans are struggling to find work. I realize that I have just taken an oath to join this house when so many Americans are losing their own homes.I am aware that while I speak about fighting for reformthere are brave young men and women stationed all across the globe who stand ready to fight and risk everythingto defend America. Its for themfor every American confronting a challenge today that I pledge to work with my colleagues for change and to rebuild opportunities for every American. It is from them that I will draw the strength to do that job.Thank you very much."
Apr 18, 2009
Press Release
CHICAGO, IL --Today, Saturday, April 18th, U.S. Representative-elect Mike Quigley (D-IL) celebrated Earth Day at the Sierra Club's annual Montrose Beach Clean-up.The Great Lakes contain over 20% of the world's fresh surface water and they are the main source of fresh drinking water for tens of millions of people. Not only do the Great Lakes provide a mode of transportation for the critical components of American industry like iron ore, grain, and stone, but they are also one of the area's major tourist attractions, pumping millions of dollars into surrounding cities, including Chicago."Our City depends on the health of the Great Lakes - unlike oil, there are no alternatives to water," said Quigley. "As Cook County Commissioner, I fought to make Chicago a leader in environmental innovation and in Congress, I will proudly continue that fight."In his race for Congress, Quigley pledged to fight to pass the Great Lakes Regional Collaboration Implementation Act - a strategy to restore water quality and biological diversity to the lakes."The Sierra Club has supported Mike Quigley's political career from his first election win to this most recent victory. We've worked as close allies for 10 years now on many environmental matters affecting Cook County," said Christine Williamson Chicago Group Chair, Sierra Club. "Mike Quigley was a wonderful advocate for the environment as a Cook County Commissioner. He hammered home the need to do more than simply own public Forest Preserve District lands. He brought the concept of managing land as habitat for the benefit of wildlife back to Cook County. He also was a strong advocate for improved recycling and green fleet additions to Cook County government. We are confident that Congressman Quigley will bring his strong environmental ethic to bear on many national issues including global warming; support for clean, efficient energy sources; public lands management and wilderness preservation; Great Lakes protection; and endangered species protection."Congressman-elect Quigley is a proven environmental leader. As Cook County Commissioner, Quigley was recognized by the Chicago Reader as "arguably the greenest elected official in Chicago." As Cook County Commissioner, he co-sponsored legislation that committed Cook County to join the Chicago Climate Exchange, he spearheaded the movement to require all new facilities to meet the LEED standards developed by the U.S. Green Buildings Council, and he advocated for the protection of the Cook County Forest Preserve District.