Farm Bailouts and Trade Strategy

Of course, President Trump has been playing musical chairs with farmers, trade and China for over two years, and the only one with any trade deals in America seems to be Ivanka Trump.

I Will Never Forget

On this World AIDS Day, as I do every day, I remember so many friends, loved ones and people around the world that have died after being infected with HIV […]

Rep. Shimkus is Retiring

Ask most farmers, they're over President Trump's Trade and Tariff War. Ask businesses, both small and large, the growing uncertainty in the Trump economy is making life more difficult. Ask working families, they've not received much if any of the benefits of the Trump-Republican massive tax cuts that have created historic Trillion Dollar Deficits. It would be difficult for anyone to defend let alone to fight to prolong these failing economic policies for our rural communities.

Challenging Extremism at Home

There is so much mistaken in “Jesus Made Adam and Eve, Not Adam and Steve.” It appears this statement was intentionally crafted to be political, divisive and discriminatory.

Being Grateful, Giving Thanks

On this Thanksgiving Day, I find myself feeling amazingly grateful for all of the wonderful people I've met over the last few years. Your strength, stories and experiences remain with me every day. Our country has been through many periods of prosperity and challenges. We have much to be grateful for and much to give thanks for in these more divisive times. We've faced far greater challenges. We will make it through these as well.

Sensitive President, Party Flails in Europe

Considering the unfortunate state of our international relations with our longterm allies, the frayed nature of the alliances that have helped prevent a third World War continue to be stretched under the Republican Trump Administration. On one hand, you have the President demanding our NATO allies to step up to the plate with more money and forces. On the other hand you have both the President and Sen. Graham complaining about these same allies discussing setting up such an army while they increase funding to the alliance. It’s not easy to see through the hyperbole and double standards. Subservience to a party over the people is a road paved in good intentions without checking in on the results. When our national security is at stake, it’s crucial we get it right.

A Campaign About People and Policies

This campaign was about people and policies for an economy that works for everyone, education that prepares our children for the jobs of today and tomorrow, and a healthcare system […]

U.S. Constitution Under Attack

I would never stand for any President repealing the 2nd Amendment, so why would any Republican or Democratic voter stand for President Trump doing the same to the 14th Amendment? We can protect our borders and honor our American Constitution and values without dividing the country along cultural and racial lines. It’s called working together to solve our problems. We work best as a country and a community when we work together. Our best days are ahead of us.

Solidarity After Anti-Semitic Attack

The fear of being attacked and killed for who you are and for your faith is something no one should have to experience. It is the experience of many Americans. We can do better. We do that by working together, standing up to hatred and bigotry in all of its forms, and not turning away when those in our own families and communities use divisive and hostile rhetoric that we know is against our American values.

The Saudis, Arms and American Values

As your representative, I will fight to end the abdication of the Legislative Branch. We need stronger and more independent oversight of the Executive Branch that challenges and holds the President and his administration accountable, regardless of party.

Social Security Fairness Act

I would support the Social Security Fairness Act of 2017, which has broad bipartisan support. It’s one of the areas where my opponent and I are in agreement. Unfortunately for our teachers and spouses, this bill has been sitting in the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Social Security since March of 2017. It is not even listed on the Subcommittee’s website as a bill introduced in the 115th Congress, so the GOP is not serious about solving this problem.

Early Childhood Education

If we don’t create equity in the early education system in the 15th District, many of our communities will never catch up in the modern global economy. We all know that funding education through property taxes is a failing policy for businesses and families alike. Rural school districts suffer while booming communities are able to fund robust education programs. Our children deserve better. Early Education is the foundation on which a child’s future is built. With a renewed American investment in our children, we will better compete in a global economy, halt the brain drain, and bring better paying jobs back to the 15th District. This is what having a broad, generational vision can bring to America. It is long overdue.

9/11: Loss, Mourning, Solidarity

September 11th. A time of loss and mourning for our country.  It was also one of the last times our country came together in solidarity.  Shared pain and suffering has a way of bringing people together. How could we do anything but coalesce as a nation and a world after such an attack?

A Testament to Public Service

As many of us have witnessed over the last few days since his passing, he has many loud critics on both sides of the aisle. That’s what happens when you stand up to your own party and stand up for what you believe in, regardless of the political fallout.

Gaither Speaks Out on Ballot Referendum

The Republicans need this ballot referendum because they have no positive agenda or results on which to run this November. My position on the Second Amendment has remained consistent. I will never support legislation that bans firearms.

Representation Not Abdication

Rep. Shimkus continues to abdicate his constitutional responsibilities to protect and defend our country from external and internal threats. He, along with the rest of Congress, are also abdicating their constitutional responsibilities of regulating trade with foreign Nations. This is threatening our downstate and southern Illinois economy.