Invitation From Congressman Joe Walsh

Congressman Joe Walsh – R-8th Congressional District -- sends an invitation to join him at 3:30 p.m. Saturday, December 8 in the Wauconda American Legion, 515 South Main Street, Wauconda He will be discussing the fiscal cliff and other important issues facing the nation.

More information regarding the invitation is available by calling his office at 847-973-9341.

Town Hall Meeting With Congressman Joe Walsh-Tonight

Join me tonight for a town hall meeting in Schaumburg with House Small Business Committee Chairman Sam Graves.

This town hall meeting will provide a unique opportunity for owners and representatives of local small businesses and other constituents to share their thoughts and learn about matters currently before the U.S. House Small Business Committee.

WHAT: Small Business Town Hall Meeting
WHEN: Tonight, Monday, July 30th from 6:30pm to 8:00pm
WHERE: Roosevelt University, 1400 North Roosevelt Boulevard, Schaumburg

Seats are limited, so RSVPs are encouraged.  If you plan to participate, please call my Fox Lake District Office at (847) 973-9341.  For more information visit Walsh.House.gov.

Congressman Report To The 8th District Constituents

Next Monday, July 30, Small Business Chairman Sam Graves will join Rep. Joe Walsh-R-8^th District for a visit to the District.

As Chairman of the Small Business Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Tax, and Capital Access, I have worked with Chairman Graves throughout the past year and a half to help American small businesses grow and create jobs in this tough economic climate.

We will be hosting a small business town hall meeting at Roosevelt University’s Schaumburg campus from 6:30-8:00pm located at 1400 North Roosevelt Boulevard in Schaumburg. Since seats are limited, RSVP your attendance if possible to (847) 973-9341. You can find more details here.

This week I voted with my colleagues to pass Rep. Ron Paul's Federal Reserve Transparency Act. This legislation directs the Government Accountability Office to conduct an audit of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Federal Reserve banks. Since its inception, the Federal Reserve has operated in the shadows without any scrutiny or oversight of its operations and the American people have a right to know how their tax dollars are being used. You can find more on this legislation here.

I also voted in favor of the Red Tape Reduction and Small Business Job Creation Act, which passed by a vote of 245-172. This bill is a package of seven bills aimed at providing additional regulatory relief from the big government red tape that continues to burden our small businesses.  The bill imposes a freeze on economically significant regulations that harm the economy until unemployment reaches 6% or below and also permanently prevents “lame duck” administrations from issuing economically significant regulations. You can find more on this legislation here.

Finally, my staff will hold mobile office hours every Friday from 12:00 p.m.- 4:00 p.m. at the Schaumburg Township Center, One Illinois Blvd. Hoffman Estates, IL. If you cannot make it to one of my district offices, let us come to you!

Congressman Joe Walsh Examines Death Tax On Small Businesses

“This week in Washington, I chaired a hearing that examined the devastating impact of the Death Tax on small businesses. The Death Tax forces businesses to take money from creating jobs and growing the economy and give it to the federal government. It is yet another unnecessary and government-created burden on the American job market.

“Under the current tax code, when a family member dies and the business is passed on, a heavy tax – currently 35% - must be paid by family members to inherit what is legally theirs. If Congress does not act before the end of the year, this forced payment will jump to 55%. The committee heard testimony from small business owners from Illinois and elsewhere who argued that simply planning for the Death Tax was burden enough.

“As a cosponsor of HR 1259, the Death Tax Permanency Repeal Act, I will fight for passage of this bill which would repeal the Death Tax. Click here to read my full statement”.

Congressman Walsh sends this reminder: “My staff will hold mobile office hours every Friday from 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. at the Schaumburg Township Center, One Illinois Blvd. Hoffman Estates, IL. If you cannot make it to one of my district offices, let us come to you.”

Invitation And Report From Congressman Joe Walsh

Please join me from 1:00 p.m. until 2:30 p.m. tomorrow, March 31st, for a Cup of Joe with Joe in Schaumburg.

Exact location: Frato’s Pizza, 628 South Roselle Road, Schaumburg.

Time: 1:00pm -2:30 pm

This event is open to anyone and everyone, so come out and let me know what's on your mind!

Report From Congressman Walsh

This year marks the 13th anniversary of the Congressional Art Competition which showcases the artwork of talented students across the nation and acknowledges young artists.

Judging will be conducted by both the community and a panel of judges. The first place winner of the IL-8 competition will have his or her artwork displayed in the Capitol for one year. This competition is open to all eligible high school students in Illinois' 8th district.

The deadline for submissions is next Friday April 6. Click here or see below for more information, and I look forward to viewing the 2012 artwork!

Last week, I learned that the Office of Justice for Victims of Overseas Terrorism at the Department of Justice has finally reached out to the families of American victims of Palestinian terrorism to inform them that it is now working to bring the terrorists responsible to justice in American courts.

This action is in direct response to a bipartisan letter led by Rep. Berman and myself and signed by 50 other members of Congress to Attorney General Holder. While I am disappointed that it has taken the Department of Justice six years to begin this process, I am pleased that it will finally provide closure to the grief-stricken American families and bring these Palestinian terrorists to justice. 

While in Washington, I hosted an open house to meet with my constituents who were in DC this week. It was great to meet with everyone and always great to meet with people from IL-8 while I am in Washington!

Hope to see you in Schaumburg tomorrow

Invitation From Congressman Joe Walsh

Please join me from 2:30 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 3rd for a Cup of Joe with Joe in Schaumburg. This event is open to anyone and everyone, so come out and let me know what's on your mind! More information on tomorrow's event as well as other March events can be found below.

While in Washington this week, Congressman Berman and I sent a letter, co-signed by 52 members of Congress, to Attorney General Eric Holder urging him to uphold U.S. law and bring Palestinian terrorists who have killed and wounded Americans overseas to justice in American courts.

I decided to write this letter after hearing from representatives of American families that suffered from terrorist attacks overseas. These families were promised closure and justice when the Office of Justice for Victims of Overseas Terrorism was established, but their suffering continues as they wait for the Department of Justice to take action. These are American families, and the DOJ needs to stop neglecting its responsibility. Click here to see the letter sent to Attorney General Holder.

This Tuesday marked the 61st anniversary of the passage of Presidential term limits. I have continued to be outspoken on implementing Congressional term limits and co-authored legislation late last year that would limit how long a member of Congress can serve. I have pledged to serve only three terms in Congress.

Keeping the same Members year after year only feeds political corruption as politicians continue to lose touch with the people they were elected to represent. This anniversary is a great opportunity to bring up the need for term limits, and it is time to apply term limits to Congress.

 Hope to see you in Schaumburg tomorrow!

Invitation From Congressman Joe Walsh

Please join me from noon until 1:30pm tomorrow (Saturday January 21st) for a Cup of Joe with Joe in Palatine. This event is open to the public so come out and let me know

what's on your mind! More information on tomorrow's event can be found below.

Cup of Joe with Joe

Saturday, January 21- Noon-1:30pm
Emmett's Ale House
110 North Brockway St.
Palatine, IL 60067

This week, I was back in Washington for the start of the 112th Congress' second session. I voted present on the Resolution of Disapproval to demonstrate my opposition to the Budget Control Act. I cast my vote against a debt ceiling increase back in August. The whole idea of this Resolution of Disapproval is a joke and a complete waste of time. I was one of only 22 Republicans who voted against the Budget Control Act from the start, and I will continue to stand up against these short-term political gimmicks that are ruining our country.

The Software Online Piracy Act (SOPA) rattled the country this Wednesday, and I made it clear that I would absolutely refuse to vote in favor of SOPA. Implementing this policy would stifle internet growth, cause frivolous and unnecessary litigation, and shut down small websites. This act imposes on the First Amendment Right of Free Speech, and is simply just un-American.

Hope to see you in Palatine tomorrow!

Small Business Hearing Monday Morning In Woodstock

Congressman Joe Walsh, R-8th, will hold a Small Business Committee subcommittee on Economic Growth, Tax and Capital access field hearing on Monday, December 12, 10:00 to noon, in the Woodstock City Hall, 121 West Calhoun Street. Congressman Walsh says the hearing is about what Washington can and should be doing to help small business grow, get access to capital, and create jobs.

Political Scene

Report from Congressman Joe Walsh, R-8th District

"This week I will be back in the district, and hosting two town hall meetings. You sent me to Washington, and I believe it's critical that I spend as much time as possible hearing your opinions and concerns. Hearing directly from you helps me accomplish my goal of putting the power back where it belongs: in the hands of the people. Come out and let me know what's on your mind. More information on this week's town hall meetings can be found below.

"Last week in Washington, I voted in favor of the Balanced Budget Amendment that unfortunately did not have the two-thirds needed to move to the Senate. I am disappointed that Democrats killed this landmark legislation. I came to Washington to change the way this town does business. That is why the first bill I ever introduced was a Balanced Budget Amendment. Only a Balanced Budget Amendment will stop Washington’s reckless, unsustainable spending and save future generations from an ever-growing mountain of debt.

"While in Washington, I lead and sent a letter with 39 of my collegues to President Obama asking for Holder's   immediate resignation.  The American people deserve to know the truth regarding Attorney General Eric Holder’s knowledge and role in Operation Fast and Furious.Throughout this investigation, the Attorney General has back-pedaled on his testimony, tried to cover his tracks, and has been unwilling to cooperate with the Congressional investigation. This is simply unacceptable. The Attorney General is supposed to enforce the laws of this nation, not try to break them. It’s time he goes. Click here to view the letter I sent to President Obama.

"I also sent a letter to Illinois Governor Patrick Quinn, Speaker Michael Madigan, and Senator John Cullerton regarding the state’s anti-business environment. High tax rates and unnecessary regulations have crippled Illinois businesses forcing them to move elsewhere. Illinois has the third highest corporate tax rate in the country, has lost 125,700 jobs this year, and private sector job growth has declined by over seven percent.  Look at what these policies have done to Sears Holding Corp, which is now considering relocating from Illinois, where it has been headquartered for the last 100 years and currently employees 20,000 people. As Chairman of the House Small Business Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Tax, and Capital Access, I know small businesses are America’s most effective job creators, but they cannot create jobs in Illinois while the government is punishing them with higher tax rates.Click here to view the letter I sent to Governor Quinn, Speaker, Madigan, and Senator John Cullerton.

"Last week, I also voted in favor of the National Right-to-Carry Reciprocity Act (H.R. 822), which  passed in the House. This vote brings us one step closer to making Illinois a right-to-carry state and allowing Americans to exercise their Second Amendment rights across state lines. Currently, Illinois is the only state in this nation that denies its citizens the right-to -carry. I have been on the frontlines of the Second Amendment debate since I came to Congress in January, and will always be an outspoken advocate for Second Amendment rights and particularly, a repeal of Illinois laws preventing the right-to-carry.

"I hope you can join me for my town hall meetings this week. Come out and let me know what is on your mind!"

Report From 8th District Congressman Joe Walsh

Week October 31, 2011

Last week in Washington, I along with other members of the Republican Study Committee launched the 'Jobs Through Growth Act,' which sets forth an across-the-board plan for economic growth and job creation.

This act simplifies tax codes and offers regulation and energy reforms which will free up the economy and help American job creators to create jobs and put Americans back to work. This act also includes language from my bill to index the capital gains tax to inflation (H.R. 2945) which will offer tax relief to American families and small businesses.

The 'Jobs Through Growth Act' gets government out of the way and let's American businesses grow. That will create jobs, not more useless stimulus spending from the President.

As Chairman of the Small Business Committee Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Tax, and Capital Access, I held a hearing last week to examine the need for individual tax reform for small businesses.

heard testimony from four witnesses, two who were from Illinois' 8th Congressional district: William R. Smith, Chief Executive Officer at Termax Corporation in Lake Zurich, IL, testified on behalf of the Precision Metalforming Association and Stephen Capp, President and CEO of Laserage Technology Corporation in Waukegan, IL, testified on behalf of the National Federation of Independent Business.

Lower taxes and consistent tax policy is what small business owners need in order to thrive and create jobs. If we want to see this growth take place, we must take actions such as reforming tax codes and lifting burdensome regulations.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Town Hall Meeting
Saturday, November 19  -- 3:30pm-4:30pm
Warren Township Building
17801 W. Washington Street
Gurnee, IL

Town Hall Meeting
Tuesday, November 22 11:30am-1pm
Dock's
313 East Liberty St.
Wauconda, IL

Town Hall Meeting
Saturday, November 26 3:00pm-4:30pm
Woodstock VFW Post 5040
240 N. Throop Street
Woodstock, IL

Congressman Joe Walsh Asks Resignation of Attorney General Holder

This week, I sent a letter to Attorney General Eric Holder asking him to resign for the role he played in the subsequent cover-up of the failed Fast and Furious operation. This program led to the death of two federal agents and was deliberately designed to attack law-abiding American gun-owners and gun-dealers.

The American people deserve to know the truth regarding the Attorney General's knowledge and role in the operation.  I asked that the Attorney General resign immediately and take responsibility for implicating the United States as an accessory to the violent crimes committed by these Mexican cartels, using his appointed position as the chief law enforcement officer to attack the Second Amendment of the Constitution, and for the role he played in the subsequent cover-up of the failed Fast and Furious operation.

 If he fails to do so, I ask that President Obama dismiss him immediately. Click here to view the letter sent to Attorney General Eric Holder.

Also this week, I co-sponsored the Government Results Transparency Act, which will finally allow the government to publish all of its performance and spending data for each program on a public website in a format that makes it easy for anyone to search, download, and analyze.

I also co-sponsored the Unfunded Mandates Accountability Act that requires a cost-benefit analysis of economically significant rules issued by agencies that have an effect on the economy of $100 million or more and to select the “least costly, least burdensome, or most cost-effective” regulatory approach that achieves the policy goals set out by Congress

It was great to be back in Illinois this weekend and hope you all can make it out to meet me on Monday at 'Horror Stories (and other talk of Washington)' in Barrington.

Jobs Fair In Woodstock North High School--Today

Today, from 12:00 noon to 4:00 p.m., Congressman Joe Walsh’s office is hosting a district jobs fair. The location is the Woodstock North High School, 3000 Raffel Road, Woodstock.

The jobs fair is to feature a number of Illinois employers, including Northrop Grumman, Scot Forge, Takeda Pharmaceuticals, Bridgeview Bank Group, Mercy Health System, the Schaumburg Police Department, Baxter, Comcast, Walgreens, Home Depot, Claussen, and others.

The fair will also include a seminar on how to approach job interviews. There is no charge for employers or job seekers to attend the jobs fair. 

A Day In The Life Of Congressman Joe Walsh

I visited both Wauconda High School and McHenry County East High School. I was able to speak with local students about the importance of government and how to get involved in the community. It was great to sit down and listen to what students have to say, and I will be visiting more schools in the district to encourage students to become more involved.

In Washington, I voted against the continuing resolution bill to fund the federal government until November 18. This is the second short term funding bill put before Congress in three weeks. The American people elected us to cut spending, create jobs, and get our fiscal house in order. These types of temporary funding measures are not what the American people had in mind when they sent us to Washington.  It is not fair to you. We need real solutions to the real problems America is facing, and I am going to continue to fight to get our fiscal house in order.

I also sent a letter to President Obama asking him to get serious about job creation and to replace the General Electric Chairman and CEO Jeffrey Immelt as head of the Council on Job Creation. With the unemployment rate hovering at 9.1%, we need to create American jobs to get this country running again. Since the President‘s appointment of Jeffrey Immelt to the Council on Job Creation, GE has paid zero federal income taxes in 2010, moved their medical imaging headquarters to China, and is moving into the Chinese aviation industry. As chairman of the House Small Business Committee’s Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Tax, and Capital Access, I know that small business owners are the key to pulling us out of this recession, not the government. To view the full letter to the President click here.

As you may know, Illinois is the last state in the entire nation that does not allow lawful Americans to carry a firearm. I sent a letter to the Brady Campaign about Illinois restrictive gun laws and outlined the importance of gun rights and how they are currently being ignored, particularly in Illinois. We need not forget that freedom was gained and will always be maintained by a strict interpretation of our Constitution and this certainly extends to the Second Amendment.

While I respect the mission of the Brady Campaign to reduce crime and violence, I strongly disagree with them on how this should be done. It should not be done through the slow dismantling of our right to bear arms and by disarming law abiding Americans. I will always be an outspoken advocate for Second Amendment rights and particularly, a repeal of Illinois' laws preventing the right-to-carry.

With the newly formed Congressional Districts, Walsh will be seeking re-election in the 14th District. 

Congressman Walsh, R-8th, Supporting Israel's Right To Annex Judea and Samaria

Today, Congressman Joe Walsh introduced a resolution supporting Israel’s right to annex Judea and Samaria in the event that the Palestinian Authority continues to press for unilateral U.N. recognition of Palestinian statehood.  It anticipates the General Assembly vote on recognition of Palestinian statehood scheduled for September 20. 

The resolution coincides with a bill being introduced in the Israeli Knesset to terminate all obligations and agreements made between Israel and the Palestinian Authority and implement full Israeli sovereignty over the land in which Jewish communities of Judea and Samaria currently reside.

“The Palestinian Authority has repeatedly violated peace agreements and has even joined forces with the terrorist group Hamas.  But the United States has continued to give aid to the Palestinians on the one condition that they continue to negotiate with Israel for peace.  Now the Palestinians can’t even do that and have cut Israel completely out of the process by pushing for unilateral recognition of Palestinian statehood at the United Nations.  This is the last straw.  It is clear that the Palestinian Authority no longer has any interest in peace.”

“We must stand firmly by Israel because a strong and secure democracy in the Middle East is absolutely vital to American security.  The Palestinian Authority has to negotiate directly with Israel.  If it is going to continue to cut Israel out and violate its peace agreements, then the United States must support Israel’s efforts to defend its sovereignty and the security of its citizens.”

“A U.N. recognized Palestinian state would potentially put Israelis directly under the sovereignty of a group of people that have sworn the destruction of Israel and its people.  This is unacceptable, and, in the absence of a negotiated peace agreement, Israel has the right to protect its citizens living in Judea and Samaria by annexing those territories.”

Congressman Walsh has introduced two other bills in defense of Israel during the 112th Congress.  H.R. 1501 will withhold funding from the United Nations until it retracts the Goldstone Report, a 2009 report that accused Israel of war crimes.  H.R. 2457, the Palestinian Accountability Act, will withhold funding from the Palestinian Authority until it stops inciting violence against Israel and recognizes Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish State; it will also withhold US funding to the United Nations if that body or any of its entities unilaterally recognize Palestinian statehood.

Congressman Walsh Town Hall Meeting Tonight

A Reminder—

Congressman Joe Walsh is holding a Town Hall Meeting this evening at 7:00 p.m. in the Woodstock VFW  Hall, 240 Throop Street, Woodstock.

Walsh says all issues brought by the public will be discussed. 

REMINDER-Economic Discussion With Congressmen and Senator

Town Hall meeting focused on Congress' need to cut spending and reduce the deficit to improve our economy and help put Americans back to work are being held Saturday, January 22 by U.S. Rep. Don Manzullo who is joined by U.S. Senator Mark Kirk, and newly elected Congressman Joe Walsh. Manzullo and Kirk are holding a morning public discussion session in Rockford.

 

Crystal Lake Event – 2:00 – 3:30 p.m.

The second event is taking place in Crystal Lake from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. in the McHenry County College Conference Center, located at 8900 US Highway 14 in Crystal Lake. Doors will open at 1:30 p.m. on the east side entrance to the building. The closest parking lot is Lot B at this location.

Also joining the members of Congress for the economic discussion will be Dr. Andrew Biggs of the American Enterprise Institute. Each of the members and Dr. Biggs will give a short presentation and then the floor will be open to questions and comments from the public.

Overflow Crowd At Saturday Town Hall Meeting

Crystal Lake City Council Chambers were filled to overflowing Saturday afternoon for a Town Hall meeting highlighted by Congressman-elect Joe Walsh, the Republican who unseated Democratic Congresswoman Melissa Bean by a slight margin of 292 votes. Also on hand to talk with the public were Illinois Senator-elect Mark Kirk and State Representative Mike Tryon-R-64^th District. Congressman Don Manzullo-R-16^th was also to be present but stayed in Washington working on difficult issues in the House and Senate.

The audience filled the entire seating area as well as the council dais and areas usually occupied by City officials during City Council meetings.

Senator-elect Kirk explained to the audience, using visuals on a screen, that there is a need to worry about the economy with increased housing failures and deficit government spending. He related that what is occurring in European counties is one-half of the gross domestic product is spent on government and that is also occurring in the U.S.

With regard to the federal government freezing the budget as announced by the President, Kirk noted that when adding it up spending without a freeze is not much different. He also noted that more people work for the government than for the private sector.

As for Illinois, the state's credit rating is decreasing and is among the worst states in the nation. Along with that, the pension liabilities are increasing.

The Senator-elect suggested that the earmark system should be eliminated.

He also said he would back up Patrick Fitzgerald and build an education system for the global economy.

Congressman-elect-Joe Walsh was introduced by Kirk who told the audience it is a very large freshman class with 80 plus freshmen congress members.

Walsh related to the audience that he left Washington with a sense of purpose and understanding why he was sent there. "We need to cut spending and need to get government out of the way to create jobs, cut taxes, also to be the lone ranger for small business in this country. We also need to abolish some taxes and put in others. We need to change the way business is done in Washington".

Remarks from the audience—

Starting these, one gentleman related that he was part of a human relations department and is now unemployed. As a result he lost everything including his family. Said we do not need a socialist government. "The United States is the greatest country because of competition."

It was also noted that Teddy Roosevelt cautioned that if government gets too big, it needs to be broken up.

Other comments from the public included:

"The job of congress should be for the public and to build business. What is going on now is the result of what the public allowed the politicians to do."

"There is a need to get back to the constitution."

"The GOP now needs to get government out of the way and lower taxes."

"Any possibility of removing Social Security from taxing and return it to the fund as it began?"

"We are shipping jobs to China, what is being done to bring them back home?"

"Need to abolish the estate tax."

A reference was made to a Teddy Roosevelt adage that if it gets too big, break it up.

"All that is going on is what the public allowed the politicians to do."

Walsh noted he would not vote for legislation unless it is covered by constitution—every bill must meet the constitution.

One public member opined that there is a need to get back to the constitution, mentioning a number of departments that are not authorized by the constitution.

Walsh told the audience he intends to sleep in his office and be home as much as he can to meet with the people in the district. .He considers it important to know what the voters think.

He also expressed the opinion that law enforcement in this county has been handcuffed, and suggested  that law enforcement should be allowed to go after those who want to harm us.

A member of the audience asked if it was possible to remove social security from taxing and return it to the fund as it began.

A member of the public wanted to know why we are shipping so many jobs to China. Walsh says we need to make it more attractive for businesses to stay here; free trade in general benefits us all.

PTSD treatment for Veterans was also mentioned. It was related that a PTSD facility may be located in Illinois as a meeting is taking place with Walsh and Kirk regarding that topic.

Another subject touched upon was illegal immigration. Kirk suggested that officials need to govern what the people want and need to figure out what to do with illegals in this country now as it is a financial drain on the country. Immigration laws are up to the federal government, not the local or state government, as explained by Kirk.

Congressman-Elect Walsh Invites Public to Saturday Town Hall Meeting

Congressman-elect Joe Walsh, R-8, is holding a Town Hall Meeting Saturday at 3:00 p.m. in the Crystal Lake City Hall, 100 West Woodstock Street, Crystal Lake.

The telephone message received regarding the upcoming meeting noted that the election is over and it is now time to get to work. Walsh as well as State Representative Mike Tryon will be available to answer questions and hear concerns about the community and the country from interested citizens.