Aaron Schock RSS Articles

Moore and Schock Introduce Reauthorization of Crucial Legislation to Aid Domestic Violence Victims

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Congresswoman Gwen Moore (D-WI) and Congressman Aaron Schock (R-IL) today introduced the reauthorization of H.R. 4116, the Family Violence and Prevention Services Act (FVPSA), along with Representatives Gregorio Sablan (I-Northern Mariana Islands), and Judy Biggert (R-IL). FVPSA is the only federal legislation that provides the funding to keep the lights on and the doors open at local domestic violence shelters across the country.

FVPSA was last reauthorized in 2003, and it is woefully underfunded and in need of critical updates. As financial pressures due to a down economy cause family stress to climb, domestic violence shelters across the country have been called upon to open their doors to more and more victims who are attempting to flee life-threatening violence. The shelters funded by FVPSA provide emergency shelter, crisis counseling, and support for victims and their children --- and they do it on a shoestring budget.

“Victims of domestic violence should never be forced to go back to their abusers because they don’t have access to an emergency shelter – or because they are worried about their financial stability if they leave,” Congresswoman Moore said. “Calls for help have skyrocketed over the past year as the economy has suffered, and we have a duty to help these victims and their kids find safety and rebuild their lives. This legislation provides the critical resources that make shelters and lifesaving services available to victims.”

“It is absolutely critical that domestic violence centers throughout the country have the necessary funding to operate,” said Congressman Schock. “Not only does this legislation ensure they will have the resources to function, it expands essential services for victims, teens and children by specializing their programs and utilizing new technologies. All too often, children who have been exposed to the horrors of domestic violence perpetuate the cycle of abuse. This legislation enables shelters to tailor their programs to prevent abuse before it starts.”

"We applaud Representative Schock for supporting critical legislation to reauthorize FVPSA,” said Vicki Smith, executive director of the Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence. “Domestic violence programs in Illinois are struggling to meet the increasing demand for services as the economic crisis sends more victims to their doors just as funding sources are decreasing. Advocates in Illinois are excited to see Representative Schock take a leadership role in ensuring a safety net for survivors of abuse.”

In addition to increasing the authorization level for local shelters and programs to $250 million (from $175 million), this legislation creates new grants for organizations to target traditionally underserved communities – including communities of color - with support. The bill improves the National Domestic Violence Hotline so that tools like instant messaging and text messaging will be available to reach a larger portion of the population, particularly youth victims of dating violence.

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Schock Supports Legislation Benefitting Firefighters

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Congressman Aaron Schock (R-IL) voted for H.R. 3791, the Fire Grants Reauthorization Act, when it passed the House today by a vote of 395 to 31.

This legislation reauthorizes the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) and Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) programs within the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

“These fire grant programs provide critical resources to our first responders at a time when they need it most,” said Schock. “It is absolutely vital our firefighters have the equipment they need to keep us safe.”

The AFG Program competitively awards funds to local fire departments for training and to purchase emergency response equipment. SAFER also competitively awards grants to departments for the hiring, recruitment, and retention of firefighters.

AFG Program
• Authorized at $1 billion per year from FY2010 to FY2014.
• Sets aside a minimum of 25 percent of appropriated funding each for career, volunteer and combination fire departments.
• Lowers the non-Federal matching requirement for larger departments from 15 percent to 10 percent; keeps small department match at 5 percent. Gives the FEMA Director authority to waive match requirement under exceptional circumstances.
• Increases maximum allowable grant size depending on the size of population served by a department.

SAFER Program:
• Authorized at $1.2 billion per year from FY2010 to FY2014. Reduces length of grant period to three years; sets local match requirement to 20 percent.
• Eliminates the cap on the maximum allowable grant size per firefighter (previously $100,000).

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Illinois Lawmakers Introduce Legislation to Prohibit Transfer of Gitmo Detainees to Thomson Correctional Center

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Congressman Aaron Schock (R-IL), along with several other members of the Illinois Congressional Delegation, introduced legislation today to prohibit any federal funds from being used to transfer detainees being held at Guantanamo Bay to Thomson Correctional Center in Illinois. Click here to read the bill.

“The 250 remaining terrorists being held at Gitmo represent the worst of the worst,” said Schock. “We should not put our national security at risk by bringing these terrorists into our state.”

"I am more concerned about bringing these terrorists onto American soil than about prison safety,” said Congressman John Shimkus. “Will radical Islamic elements migrate to the area surrounding the terrorist prison? What affect and problems will that bring to the community hosting the terrorist prison? These are not common criminals, but are enemies of our nation. They should be held in military prisons and tried as enemy combatants."

“Moving the Guantanamo Bay prison to northern Illinois profoundly threatens our safety and security and only dissuades job creators from coming to the area,” said Congressman Peter Roskam. “The Obama Administration's utter inability to create jobs here does not somehow make sending some of the world's worst terrorists to our backyard a good idea.”

"Importing al-Qaida terrorists to Illinois puts our people in peril,” Congressman Tim Johnson stated. “Importing these terrorists means you’re also importing their sympathizers and their evil crusade whose only reason for being is to destroy America.

“This Administration has already signaled its intention to prosecute many of these people in civilian courts,” Johnson continued. “With the Thomson Correctional Center in the Northern District of Illinois, any civilian prosecution of these terrorists would occur there. Should a mistrial or other technicality derail that prosecution that also means these terrorists would be released in our state. This is a very real possibility and one I am not willing to risk.”

"This proposal imposes an unnecessary new risk,” said Congressman Mark Kirk. “We should slow down and answer basic questions. The facility is only 22 miles from a nuclear reactor. What precautions are taken? Military commissions will be in Illinois - how will we protect the families of judges and jurors? Since this facility replicates Gitmo's military administration, how will Great Lakes Gitmo help American public relations? The people of Illinois deserve to know a lot more about this proposal that could impact our safety."

“These detainees have ties to terrorists around the world and are among America’s most dangerous enemies,” said Congresswoman Judy Biggert. “Turning our state into the home of Gitmo, USA poses a completely unnecessary risk to the safety of Illinois residents. Instead of brushing aside legitimate security concerns raised by area residents, the Administration should to start rethinking its political promises, focus on national security and keep these detainees away from our shores, and far from America’s heartland.”

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The 2010 Census: Vital to Our Future

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT

In March 2010, more than 130 million addresses across the nation will receive a census questionnaire. One of the shortest census forms in history, the 2010 Census questionnaire asks 10 questions and takes about 10 minutes to complete. Completing your census questionnaire is easy, important and safe, and your participation is essential to ensuring a brighter tomorrow for our community.

Schock Condemns Administrations Plans to Try 9/11 Mastermind on US Soil

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Congressman Aaron Schock (R-IL) issued the following statement after President Obama and his administration announced their plans to try Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the self-confessed mastermind of the September 11th terrorist attacks on the United States, in New York City for trial in a civilian court:

“I strongly oppose the Administration’s decision to bring Khalid Sheikh Mohammed to New York City, just a short distance away from where his heinous plan was carried out, to stand trial in a civilian court,” said Schock. “The attacks on New York City and Washington, DC were acts of war, and should be treated as such. He should be tried in a war tribunal, not treated as a common criminal.”

“This decision, in the wake of the unacceptable sentence Ali Saleh Kahlah al-Marri received in Peoria for his attempts to aid those interested in committing mass murder, shows the Administration is reverting to a dangerous pre-9/11 mentality. What we need is a clear plan to ensure those at war with the United States are prosecuted in the most secure and appropriate fashion.”

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Schock Introduces Duty Suspension to Save Jobs in El Paso

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT

As unemployment numbers throughout the country continue to rise, Congressman Aaron Schock (R-IL) recently introduced legislation to save 123 jobs at the DuPont Plant in El Paso, Illinois.

Schock introduced H.R. 3915, a bill to extend the suspension on phenyl carbamate, a key ingredient in the production of herbicides.

“At a time where our unemployment rate is at 10.2 percent, it makes no sense for our own government to penalize domestic manufacturers who create jobs,” said Schock. “In order for the El Paso plant to compete on a level playing field with foreign counterparts, we must remove this unnecessary tariff.”

“We are grateful to Congressman Schock for introducing this legislation which supports our dedicated employees who work at the DuPont El Paso site,” said Steve J. Patron, Plant Manager at the El Paso DuPont Plant. “The importation of this chemical helps workers in El Paso and farmers throughout Illinois. Tariff reductions achieved through the duty suspension process represent key bottom-line solutions to help the manufacturing sector manage through uncertain economic times, and we are most appreciative of all the work on this issue by Congressman Schock.”

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Schock Legislation to Modernize Small Business Development Centers Passes the House

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT

On Saturday, the House passed H.R. 1845, the Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) Modernization Act, by a vote of 412 to 20. This legislation, introduced by Congressman Aaron Schock (R-IL) will provide SBDC’s with the resources they need to deal with increased demand and usage during these difficult economic times.

“Small Business Development Centers provide emerging entrepreneurs with the tools needed to successfully take their small business concepts into reality and provide existing small business owners with important financial and budgeting consulting to assist in long-term growth and management,” said Schock. “By improving Small Business Development Centers, we provide a cost effective way to help grow the economy while enhancing American competiveness.”

“Small businesses are the engine that drives our economy. The passage of this legislation will enable SBDC counselors to guide even more small business owners to sustained growth and job creation,” said Ken Klotz, Director of the SBDC at Bradley University.

The Small Business Development Centers Modification Act will make several operational changes to the SBDC program to eliminate waste, fraud and duplicative programs and reward with additional funding those SBDC’s that focus on areas significant to an economic recovery including:

• Access to Credit and Capital for small businesses
• Helping small businesses secure federal contracts
• Instruction for entrepreneurs who start businesses in energy efficiency and green technology
• Development of a Small Business Helpline accessible via the internet in each State

H.R. 1845 also increases the yearly authorization of SBDC’s from $135 to $150 million in FY2010 and $160 million in FY2011

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Schock Statement on Speaker Peloi's Health Care Bill

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Congressman Aaron Schock (R-IL) issued the following statement after voting against Speaker Peloi's health care bill.

"This past Monday night I decided I could better serve the citizens of the 18th district of Illinois by hosting a town hall meeting to listen to their thoughts and concerns with the Speaker’s health care proposal, rather than rush back to Washington to vote on a resolution honoring man’s best friend.

"As I participated in a town hall in Washington, Illinois with more than 1,000 people in attendance, I heard a reoccurring theme of concern, outrage, disbelief, frustration and fear for what Speaker Pelosi's health care proposal could mean.

"The final question of the night came from a young man named Joshua. In a room surrounded by those three or four times his age, young Joshua had the courage to ask me the difficult question if I supported what President Obama wants to do with Healthcare.

"I told Joshua that I’ve spent my first 9 months in office trying to figure out exactly what President was actually trying to do with health care. It is this precise confusion of goals, conflicting messages and lack of communication from the Majority which has all Americans still trying to figure out exactly what the President and the Speaker are trying to do.

"Unfortunately, we’ve finally learned what they want to do. Tonight, under the cover of darkness, the majority finally passed a health care plan that will raise taxes, raise health care costs, add to our national debt, and hurt America’s seniors, families and small businesses. Over half those covered in the bill are done so by expanding entitlements instead of helping them afford insurance. This only exacerbates insurance premiums for ordinary Americans and dramatically increase our nation's debt.

"The bill tonight was about expanding the size of government and leading us down the road to a no choice government run healthcare system. Instead of working across party lines to pass bipartisan reform, Speaker Pelosi has decided to let the votes against this massive entitlement expansion be the only true thing bipartisan about it."

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Schock Statement on Latest Unemployment Numbers

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Congressman Aaron Schock (R-IL), released the following statement today after the Department of Labor announced the national unemployment rate reached 10.2 percent during the month of October:

“Families in Illinois and across the country are hurting as people continue to lose their job. In February, President Obama stood in Peoria and promised that by passing the stimulus package immediately unemployment would not rise above 8 percent. However, last month, there were 190,000 job losses and unemployment reached 10.2 percent – a level of unemployment not seen since April 1983.

“Instead of focusing on legislation that will create jobs, the majority in Congress are choosing to spend their time passing a health care plan that will raise taxes, raise health care costs, add to our national debt, and hurt America’s seniors, families and small businesses. It is time those in power abandon their endless pursuit of government-run health care and begin working on bipartisan solutions that will put the American people back to work.”

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Text of Medical Rights and Reform Act

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT

The text of the Medical Rights and Reform Act is now available. Please click here to read the bill.