Roskam: Alternative Fuels Needed for Airlines

Congressman Peter Roskam discusses his solutions to our energy needs, and the disappointing lack of bipartisan efforts to bring relief to American families. Congressman Roskam offered an amendment to HR 6063, the NASA Authorization Act, that would have struck from the bill plans for a Deep Space Climate Observatory and instead would have created a research and development initiative for an alternative fuel for commercial aviation. The amendment directed the initiative to consider the need to reduce our reliance on foreign sources of energy, provide stability to the airline industry, and reduce emissions. This effort would have brought energy relief to US consumers and businesses by harnessing American innovation and directing it toward energy solutions for the aviation industry.

Peter Roskam makes Olbermann's "Worst" list

GOPer Peter Roskam aka RoSCUM, who is running for Congress in the 6th Dist. of IL was named to Keith Olbermann's "Worst Person in the World" list for claiming his opponent Tammy Duckworth, who lost her legs serving in Iraq, wanted to cut and run. This CHICKENHAWK has no shame, he is a miserable SOB.

Roskam Exposes Earmark Slush Fund

Congressman Peter J. Roskam's (R-IL) floor speech against the earmark slush fund. Roskam believes in the principle that earmarks should be exposed to the full sunshine of public scrutiny, and that includes a debate and vote on the floor of the People's House. Video text: Mr. Chairman, thank you. I want to take you back because I know you have an independent recollection of what it was like to come here in your first term. Many of us in this chamber came here just in January, took the oath of office and now what we find is that every week is a new week, all new process we are learning. Those of us who are not appropriators, we come into our conference and we hear this is the appropriations week. We sit down with our staff and staff gets us up to speed and we hear about the earmarks, heard about them a lot in the campaign, Mr. Chairman, and start to get the staff briefing on what are the tools that we have in earmarks. If you talked to people in the Illinois' Sixth Congressional District tonight and ask them about earmarks, you would get their attention. They would focus in. It was a symbol of an abuse of the process. So when you sit down as a freshman and your staff says, "Congressman, this is what you can do - you can offer amendments, argue with these things, and challenge them on the floor." As iron sharpens iron so one makes another better, and so that process, that winnowing process, is what this is all about. And that's what every member has the right to do. Except now. Because now what ends up happening is our staff tells us, "no, there's this new process, Congressman, what you get to do is you get to write a letter, you get to write a letter to the chairman of the committee" And the chairman of the committee is going to open up the letter and make a decision of the merits of you, an independent elected member of congress, that is who you get to talk to. You don't get to argue on the house floor. You don't get to light up 435 people. You don't get to talk to millions of people. You get to write one letter. That's where you get to go. If you think about that, that's absurd. There are all kinds of great things in this bill, no doubt about it. My prior colleague from the State of Illinois articulated many good things in this bill and it's my hope that we can come together and drive towards those things, but to act as if the earmark process is insignificant is really patronizing. It is patting people on the head...and saying off with you, be lively. You get to write your letter to the chairman and the chairman will make a declaration on whether it's a good idea or a bad idea. Well, one of our colleagues on the internet recently said this, he said to his constituents, he said, "I will remain no one's congressman but yours." Doesn't that sound great? That's great stuff. That's rich. That is rich in the Chamber of Commerce meetings. That's rich in front of the Rotary groups. That's rich in front of the coffee groups and you go door to door and say I'm going to be your congressman. But you know what? You end up seeding that responsibility, you end up seeding that opportunity to one person, and that's only if you're lucky enough that he reads your mail. I say no to that, Mr. Chairman. I yield back and I move the committee do now rise.

Peter Roskam Stands Up Against Big Oil

Congressman Peter J. Roskam (R-IL) partnered in introducing legislation to prevent British Petroleum from dumping an additional 1,584 pounds of ammonia and 4,925 pounds of total suspended solids daily into Lake Michigan.

Peter Roskam on Walter Reed Scandal

Congressman Peter Roskam's (R-IL) video newsletter on Walter Reed Medical Center. Roskam toured the facility in March 2007.

Today Show - Roskam Dog Tag Return Story

Congressman Peter J. Roskam and his parents return 37 American dog tags after they were found being sold as souvenirs on the streets in Ho Chi Minh Cityin Vietnam. http://www.roskamdogtag.com/

Roskam Exposes Broken Promises

Congressman Peter J. Roskam's (R-IL) floor speech exposing the broken promises of the leadership in the 110th Congress. Roskam cites specific examples of broken campaign promises including; a more productive legislative agenda, a promised 24 hour notice to examine bills, 24 hour advance for bills to be made available to the public, reporting rules by 10pm the night before floor action - all which have lead to a Congressional approval rating of 11 percent.

Roskam Investigates Alarming Security Gaps at O'Hare - CBS 2

After Congressman Roskam learned of two classified TSA reports claiming security screeners at O'Hare failed to detect 60 percent of bomb materials and explosives hidden in carry-on bags he immediately sought an inspection of O'Hare's security measures with Federal Safety Director, Kathleen Petrowsky. Roskam needed to know what measures were being taken by TSA to rectify the finding of these investigations. It was also imperative for Roskam to hear what TSA learned from the undercover tests it conducted and how they are using this information to lower the screening failure percentage.

Peter Roskam "Fought for us"

US Chamber of Commerce ad for Peter Roskam. IL-6

Roskam makes a return appearance to "Worst" list

Following up on his earlier appearance on Olbermann's "Worst Person" list, Peter Roskam moves up from the #3 position earlier in the week to the #1 position thanks to his "cut and run" claim against Duckworth.

Roskam Penny Provisions Pass House, Saves $1 Billion

Congressman Peter J. Roskam (R-IL) today was pleased to see the passage of H.R. 5512, the Coin Modernization and Taxpayer Savings Act of 2008, a Democratic bill that contained many provisions authored by Roskam in H.R. 4036, the Cents and Sensibility Act of 2007. Roskam's specific provisions, which passed in the United States House of Representatives today, will directly save the American taxpayer $1 billion dollars over the next decade. Roskam released the following statement: "If the American people want a simple example of how the government wastes their hard earned tax dollars they don't need to look any further than the loose change in their pocket. As the costs to produce the penny surpassed what the penny is worth, Congress and the U.S. Mint have done nothing -- until today. "At 1.7 cents per penny, Congress' inaction has cost the American taxpayer millions of dollars. By merely changing the metallic composition of the penny, my provisions will directly save taxpayers more than $1 billion over the next decade. "Congress today took a step in the right direction by reining in one of the billions of dollars in wasteful government spending programs. Albeit a small step, it marks a common sense solution that will save the hard-earned dollars of Illinois families." Summary of H.R. 5512: H.R. 5512 would require the Secretary of Treasury to prescribe the weight and composition of certain U.S. coins, including the dollar, half dollar, quarter, dime, nickel, and penny. Under current law, the weight and composition of these coins is prescribed statutorily. H.R. 5512 would require the Secretary to take certain factors into consideration when determining the weight and composition of the aforementioned coins. Specifically, the Secretary would be required to consult with merchants who would be affected by the change. The Secretary would be required to consider the effect on vending machines and commercial coin processing equipment in order to ensure that any new coins would not interfere or interrupt existing coin acceptance equipment. Finally, H.R. 5512 would require the secretary to produce a one cent coin comprised primarily of steel within 270 days of the enactment of this legislation. The bill would require that the steel 1-cent coin be treated to give the coin the same copper appearance as one cent coins produced currently.

Roskam Honors Teachers

Roskam Honors Teachers on the United States House floor on May 5, 2008.

Public Affairs with Jeff Berkowitz - Col. Jill Morgenthaler

Colonel Jill Morgenthaler, Illinois 6th CD Dem. candidate, on Iraq and Iran; the Economy, mortgages, gas prices and oil companies; Education and charter schools; Immigration; Gays, Guns, God and Abortion. Colonel Jill Morgenthaler, Illinois 6th CD Democratic candidate (Des Plaines), debates and discusses the issues with show host and executive legal recruiter Jeff Berkowitz. Col. Morgenthaler spent five years in the active military (1976-81) and twenty-five years in the Army Reserves. She was activated for service in Bosnia (1996) and Iraq (2004). Jill Morgenthaler was appointed by Gov. Blagojevich to head up Illinois' Homeland Security office during 2005-07. Colonel Morgenthaler worked for fourteen years in public affairs and community outreach at Argonne National laboratory; in other jobs involving marketing in the private sector and also for the U. S. Department of Commerce. Colonel Morgenthaler received her undergraduate degree from Penn State University, a Master's Degree in International Policy from the Monterey Institute for International Studies and a Master's in Strategic Studies from the Army War College. The Illinois 6th CD has about 80% of its population in Northeast DuPage County and about 20% in Northwest Cook County, including the O'Hare Airport suburbs. The late Republican Cong. Henry Hyde (R-Addison) held the seat for thirty-two years before creating an open seat by not seeking re-election in 2006. Former Republican State Senator Peter Roskam (Wheaton) won the seat by only two points in a tough race in November, 2006 with Democrat Major Tammy Duckworth. Colonel Morgenthaler lives in Des Plaines with her husband Kerry and their two kids. When she moved into her Des Plaines home in 1990, the home was in the 6th CD. In 2002, Morgenthaler was re-districted out of the 6th CD. Topics discussed during this episode of "Public Affairs," include whether "It's the War, stupid," or It's the Economy, stupid? Why Col. Morgenthaler would knock Bush, Cheney and Roskam. Are the U. S. oil companies making above normal rates of return? is Morgenthaler supporting Hillary or Barack? Should we have a federal gasoline tax holiday this summer? Should we place a windfall profits tax on domestic oil companies? Do taxes on oil companies come from shareholders, employers and customers, or could they come from somewhere else? Did Cong. Roskam support the Mortgage Finance bill? Should he have? Should taxpayers help those homeowners who bought more house than they could afford? Who misrepresented their financial condition when buying a home? Are homes being sold in 6th CD suburbs like Bensenville, Mt. Prospect, Des Plaines, Wheaton, Arlington Heights and Hoffman Estates or are we facing a "depression," in housing? Is the housing crisis a part of a routine business cycle or should we blame the President, the Federal Reserve and/or the Congress for the downturn in the economy, high gas prices and declining housing prices? What is the difference between Cong. Roskam and 6th CD challenger Col. Morgenthaler on Iraq? Do we need more diplomacy to deal with winning or resolving the Iraq War? Is President Bush using Iran to "try and distract us from our economic problems?" Is Iran "right now a real threat," to the U. S.? Can we make a reasonable estimate of how many years it will take for Iran to possess a nuclear capability? Does Col. Morgenthaler think it was a good idea for Israel to have taken out the nuclear facility that Syria was developing with the help of North Korea? Did the Surge in Iraq work? Does Col. Morgenthaler believe in a timeline for American combat troops to be withdrawn from Iraq? Should No Child Left Behind be mended? Ended? Charter schools expanded? School Vouchers be offered as an option to parents? Should we ban earmarks? Does Roskam want to ban earmarks? 'Gays, Guns, God and abortion," as Howard Dean said. Should we have any governmental restrictions on abortion? Should same sex marriage be permitted? Should the feds bring back the ban on assault weapons? Stronger border control? Northern border? Southern boarder? A fence? Better employer controls as to whom to hire? Path to Citizenship for illegal immigrants in the country? Would that be rewarding illegal behavior? Does Col. Morgenthaler commit to discuss the issues on Public Affairs with Cong. Roskam? Would Cong. Roskam make a similar commitment? Where is Cong. Peter Roskam? RT/ 29: 00

Roskam Fights for Working Family's Hard-Earned Dollars

Congressman Peter Roskam fought today on the House Floor to protect the precious taxpayer dollars of Illinois 6th Congressional District constituents by opposing H.R. 3121, the Flood Insurance Reform and Modernization Act of 2007. This bill, approved on the House Floor today, was meant to initially address needed reforms to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). However, the bill was unnecessarily and unwisely expanded by adding wind coverage to the indebted NFIP. Roskam stated it is unfair for Illinois taxpayers to essentially pay for wind coverage for those living in coastal areas -- especially when there is a large private insurance market for wind coverage.

McCain and Roskam - On Veterans

At a campaign stop yesterday, John McCain extolled the virtues of our brave men and women in uniform. The only problem? He was campaigning against Tammy Duckworth, who lost both her legs fighting in Iraq.

Congressman Peter Roskam Pays Tribute to Henry Hyde

Members from across the nation remembered the life and legacy of Congressman Henry Hyde. Hyde unequivocally embodied the title of statesman. His leadership when speaking on the House floor drew attention from each member in the chamber. The clarity of his thoughts, the wisdom of his foresight and the principled values he espoused were as unparalleled as his respect for the integrity of the House of Representatives.

Matthews highlights "Obama Voters For Roskam" website

From the October 29, 2008 edition of MSNBC's Hardball with Chris Matthews.

Emerald Ash Borer Legislation - Peter Roskam

Peter Roskam went to the House floor to urge members of Congress to cosponsor legislation he helped introduce that would provide resources to local governments in order to assist them in combating the spread of the Emerald Ash Borer. While exhorting his colleagues, Congressman Roskam also described the threat posed by the Emerald Ash Borer to his district and others. The Emerald Ash Borer has killed more than 20 million trees throughout the Great Lakes region, and is now threatening the Chicagoland area, which has 20% of its tree-stock in ash trees.

Peter Roskam Leads Way for IL GOP -- FNC

Fox News Channel's Special Report with Brit Hume reports on the Illinois Republican Party and Congressman Peter Roskam. Steve Brown reports that "the experience of his '06 open race to replace Henry Hyde...forced him to jump start a local party accustomed to easy wins." And the state's GOP are "now trying to take a lesson from [Roskam]," calling him "the example" for Illinois Republicans.

Roskam Investigates Alarming Security Gaps at O'Hare - CLTV

After Congressman Roskam learned of two classified TSA reports claiming security screeners at O'Hare failed to detect 60 percent of bomb materials and explosives hidden in carry-on bags he immediately sought an inspection of O'Hare's security measures with Federal Safety Director, Kathleen Petrowsky. Roskam needed to know what measures were being taken by TSA to rectify the finding of these investigations. It was also imperative for Roskam to hear what TSA learned from the undercover tests it conducted and how they are using this information to lower the screening failure percentage. O'Hare International Airport, located in the district Congressman Roskam represents, is our nation's second busiest airport servicing more than 75 million passengers a year. "However difficult, we must have measures that give America the greatest opportunity to prevent future attacks," said Roskam. "The current screening success rate is simply unacceptable." Roskam's inspection of O'Hare coincided with an FBI alert concerning a renewed threat of shoe bombs. Just last month, European security officials discovered a pair of shoes being used to transport bomb components. These small components could then be reassembled once past security checkpoints. This is not the first time shoes have been used as a terrorist weapon. Three months after the attacks of 9/11, Richard Reid was caught trying to blow up an American Airlines jet with a shoe bomb. "As terrorists change tactics so must our security officials," said Roskam. "The attacks of 9/11 have sent a clear message to the American people that we must not ever become complacent in our obligation to secure our nation and its transportation system."

Emmy Nominated Roskam Dog Tag Return Story

This Emmy nominated video tells the story of Congressman Peter J. Roskam and his parents as they return 37 American dog tags found being sold as souvenirs on the streets in Ho Chi Minh Cityin Vietnam. This clip was produced and aired by WGN-TV Chicago. http://www.roskamdogtag.com/

Maik Roskam

Maik #4 voor het eerst op de crossmotor 2008 husky 50 cc

State of the Union Response 2008 - Peter Roskam

Rep. Roskam responds to the State of the Union, 2008.

Congressman Roskam on NBC's City Desk

Congressman Peter Roskam on NBC's City Desk, June 1, 2008.

Roskam China Legislation Passes the House

Congressman Peter J. Roskam's (R-IL) introduced and passed legislation calling on the government of the People's Republic of China to remove barriers to U.S. financial services firms seeking access to China's financial service market.