Congressman Lipinski E-Newsletter Update March 16, 2018
Congressman Dan Lipinski (IL-3) released the following statement on Wednesday after the House passed the STOP School Violence Act of 2018:
“Exactly one month after the horrific school shooting in Florida that left 17 people dead, the House today approved a bill that attempts to curb school violence by providing more training for school officials and local law enforcement to recognize and respond to early warning signs of violence, as well as funding to develop anonymous reporting systems for threats and to establish security measures. Unfortunately, this legislation did not include any gun-related provisions.
“While I support the bill and the fact that the House is finally beginning to address the issue of violence in our schools, Congress needs to do more. I applaud the recent actions taken by Florida to restrict young people from purchasing certain guns, ban bump stocks, and institute modest gun purchase waiting periods, and I would like to see similar action at the federal level.
“I respect the Second Amendment, but I believe in reasonable limits on gun buying and ownership that will keep our communities safe and help prevent further bloodshed.
“Across the nation today, our young people stood up and boldly made the statement that it’s time for their leaders to act. This is our future. Let’s not let those voices fall on deaf ears.”
Lipinski Introduces Bill to Help Bring Peace and Quiet to Residents Near Railroad Tracks
Congressman Dan Lipinski (IL-3) has introduced the Expanding Resources to Establish Quiet Zones Act to provide local communities with additional resources to install the safety equipment necessary to create quiet zones, areas where trains do not sound their horns at crossings. These enhanced measures not only improve safety at grade crossings, but also relieve area residents of the irritation of hearing train horns at all hours.
“As someone who grew up less than one hundred yards from railroad tracks, I’m very familiar with the hassles rail traffic can bring in the form of blocked crossings, noisy idling trains, and horns that wake people in the middle of the night,” Rep. Lipinski stated. “I promise to continue working to bring more peace and quiet to individuals and families who reside near railroad tracks, while also improving safety. This bill would help do that.”
Lipinski’s bill increases the authorized levels of funding for programs that can fund quiet zones by a total of $95 million over the next two fiscal years. It also adds the definition of quiet zones to existing law in order to make it clear that these important improvements are eligible to receive federal funding.
“For years, trains came through the center of our town blaring their horns at all hours of the day and night,” said Oak Lawn Mayor Sandra Bury. “Congressman Lipinski recognized that this was a true quality-of-life issue for Oak Lawn’s residents. Now, Oak Lawn enjoys the quiet zone benefits every day and this would not have happened without Congressman Lipinski. We are truly indebted to him and are thankful for this leadership. A quiet zone may seem like a small thing, but I can tell you that in Oak Lawn it has been truly transformative.”
“Congressman Lipinski’s determination and ability to bring groups together is a true asset,” stated Chicago Ridge Mayor Charles Tokar. “I want to thank him for his ongoing efforts to bring some relief to area residents in the form of establishing much-needed quiet zones. It is my hope that this legislation will lead to good news for our community and other municipalities across the nation.”
“As a community with busy railroad tracks running through it, we are grateful to have someone like Rep. Lipinski looking out for us,” said Lockport Mayor Steven Streit. “The tracks run very close to our Old Canal Days event, which takes place every June. With lots of families walking across or near the tracks, Lipinski recognized potential safety concerns and was pivotal in our negotiations to get the trains to slow down while the event is going on. On behalf of the residents of Lockport, I want to thank the Congressman for all his hard work, and I look forward to one day seeing our community and the surrounding area benefiting from his quiet zones bill.”
Lipinski Named American Trade Hero
The Coalition for a Prosperous America (CPA) has chosen Congressman Lipinski to receive the American Trade Hero award for his efforts in support of trade and manufacturing policies that benefit America’s manufacturers and workers. The award is presented by the CPA to leaders who take action to correct failed trade policies and support domestic producers fighting for survival. Thanks to a bill Lipinski wrote that got signed into law, the Administration will be required this May to publish a plan to boost American manufacturing. It will be the first time since Alexander Hamilton that America has had a manufacturing strategy.
“Congressman Lipinski has supported important bills that would improve our manufacturing sector, including the COMPETES Act and the National Manufacturing Strategy Act,” said the CPA. “His work as co-chairman of the Buy American Caucus has been crucial in the effort to ensure that taxpayer money is spent on domestic goods and services. Globalists and multinational corporations have often pushed hard to offshore our manufacturing and agriculture. Many in Congress complied. Rep. Lipinski did not. CPA is proud to honor the Congressman as an American Trade Hero in recognition of his good judgment and tireless work for those who make and grow things in America.”
“I am honored to receive this award,” stated Rep. Lipinski. “We need to grow more good-paying jobs locally. I will continue to help area job growth by getting additional policies passed that promote manufacturing, improve educational opportunities, facilitate technology transfer from universities and national labs, advance better trade agreements, and strengthen Buy American laws. I will also continue direct action when necessary, such as when I was able to help a local manufacturer in Bedford Park win a federal contract by promoting their appeal of a contract unfairly granted to a foreign company.”
Lipinski Invites High School Students to Submit Artwork
for 2018 Congressional Art Competition
Congressman Dan Lipinski (IL-3) is now accepting submissions from all high school students in the Third Congressional District of Illinois for the 2018 Congressional Art Competition.
The winning entry will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year, and the winner will receive two round-trip tickets to travel to Washington, D.C., in June for the exhibition opening. Runners-up will have their artwork displayed prominently in Congressman Lipinski’s offices for one year.
All entries must be received at one of the Congressman’s district offices, located in Chicago, Oak Lawn, Orland Park, and Lockport, by Friday, April 13, 2018. If you have any questions, please contact the Congressman’s Chicago office at (773) 948-6223, or go online to lipinski.house.gov.
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