Expressing Gratitude for the Honor to Serve the 18th District of Illinois

Floor Speech

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Mr. SCHOCK. Mr. Speaker, 6 years ago, I entered this Chamber and
raised my right arm to take the oath of office as a Member of the
United States House of Representatives. I remember feeling so excited
about the opportunity that lay ahead. I remember vividly this Chamber
and all that it meant to me and to the country: the men and women
debating the big issues of the day, not always agreeing, but always
fighting without apology for what they believe in.

Over the past 6 years, I have come to understand that this
institution is far bigger than any one person, and that freedom itself
is even more important than this institution. Some of the world's
greatest debates have occurred right here in this Chamber, for what
happens here affects more than just the people of my district or even
my country.

Over those 6 years, I have done my best to contribute constructively
to the process and to serve the people of my district and my country.
My guiding principle has always been rooted in the belief that
Washington should only do what people cannot do for themselves.

I fought and opposed the billion-dollar surplus bill, the government
takeover of our health care, and the massive new regulations put on
small businesses. But, more importantly, I fought for the people of my
district so that their voice would be heard and respected by my
colleagues, for I heard that voice in every vote that I have cast.

But I also knew that being in the majority was key to making a
difference. So I am proud of the work I have done to contribute to a
Republican majority here in Congress--to begin to scale back the
overreaches of a bloated Federal Government and to begin to bend the
curve on out-of-control spending. That has only happened because of a
Republican majority, and I am proud to have played a role in building
it.

During this time, I saw how slow the Federal Government can be and
how frustrating Congress can get, but I also learned that one man can
make a difference. Working with my Republican colleagues and across the
aisle with my Democrat friends, we have been able to pass legislation
that helped businesses across America create millions of jobs. Some of
them have been located in my home district, but many more across this
great country. There was, is, and will be so much to do, and I am
honored to have played a small part in making a real difference.

But these accomplishments come with some frustrations as well, that
this body doesn't move quickly enough or as efficiently as it could to
confront the challenges facing our country. I regret that I won't be
here when we finally pass a smarter, simpler Tax Code so that every
hard-working taxpayer in my district and across the country will know
that Washington not only cares about them, but respects them and their
sacrifice. And I will miss joining my colleagues in saving and
strengthening Social Security and Medicare that will directly improve
the quality of life for millions of Americans for generations to come.

To my constituents back home, the good, hard-working taxpayers whom I
have been lucky enough to call friends, I will never be able to thank
you enough for the opportunity you have given me to serve. Together we
have tackled some of the big problems at home, like economic
development projects, helping businesses expand, improving our locks
and dams along our riverways, and so much more, projects that have
helped improve the quality of life in our community.

We have also tackled some small problems, but big problems to the
people who have been facing them--folks looking for help adopting
children overseas or simply trying to get answers from an unresponsive
bureaucracy here in D.C. Solving those individual cases has been
extremely fulfilling.

I am particularly grateful to have played a role in helping so many
veterans get the respect they deserve and the benefits that they
earned.

I am proud of the good work that my team has delivered to the tens of
thousands of constituents who have turned to our office in their time
in need. My staff delivered for me because they delivered for you every
day, 24/7.

I was never more excited than the day I walked into this Chamber 6
years ago. I leave here with sadness and humility. For those whom I
have let down, I will work tirelessly to make it up to you.

I know that God has a plan for my life. The Good Book tells us that
before I formed you in the womb, I knew you. I also know that every
person faces adversity in life. Abraham Lincoln held this seat in
Congress for one term, but few faced as many defeats in his personal,
business, and public life as he did. His continual perseverance in the
face of these trials, never giving up, is something all of us Americans
should be inspired by, especially when going through a valley in life.

I believe that through life's struggles, we learn from our mistakes,
and we learn more about ourselves. And I know that this is not the end
of a story but, rather, the beginning of a new chapter.

Thank you for the honor to serve. I look forward to keeping in touch
with my friends in this Chamber and my friends across the 18th
District. May God continue to bless this awesome institution and the
important role that it plays for America and the rest of the world.

With that, Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

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