Quincy Journal - Schock Says Senate Stands in the Way of Progress

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Rep. Aaron Schock (R -- 18) made a stop in Quincy on Thursday to talk with city leaders and meet the press.

Schock and Mayor Kyle Moore held a joint press conference at City Hall.

Moore said they discussed a variety of issues related to Quincy including the Mid-America Port District.

"We recently got turned down for a Tiger grant. Congressman Schock has supported that project and we want to encourage him to continue to support it because it will mean $94 million annually to our area if it comes to fruition."

He said they also discussed the Water Resources Development Act and the expansion of Lock and Dam 21 that would take place as a result. Mayor Moore noted that the bill was passed in 2007 but hasn't been funded yet.

Schock said that there is now another bill moving forward -- the Inland Waterway Trust Fund Reauthorization Act - to fund construction of Locks and Dams in the Midwest.

"It would increase the fees for barge operators and is supported by most major industry groups including the Corn Growers, Soybean Producers and the Farm Bureau along with the barge operators. It would fund improvements for our Locks and Dams."

Schock said he understands constituents' concerns when it comes to the impression that the House isn't accomplishing much.

However, he said he "points the finger at the Senate." Schock said that the Senate has only held 21 votes total this year.

"The House has passed over 400 bills, 350 of them were bi-partisan, and clearly, Civics 101 would tell you that a bill has to pass the House and the Senate before it gets the President's signature. I think it's important for the voting public to understand that the House has been working its will…and it's high time we have a United States Senate that is equally committed to solving problems."

Schock said that Republicans need six seats to pick up the Senate.

"The four that are strongest for us right now are Montana, South Dakota, Arkansas and West Virginia. Beyond that, Colorado, Alaska is looking better for us, Louisiana is trending our way...clearly, we need to hold the Roberts seat in Kansas and the Saxby Chambliss seat in Georgia.

He said that he believes Republicans have a better than 50% chance to take the US Senate.

"…but a month is a long time and a lot can happen in the month. Events around the world are making people feel less safe and that has an effect on how much people want a check and balance on the President and his policies."

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