October 30, 2012

"A Cause Greater Than Myself"
By: U.S. Rep. Bobby Schilling

Published in the Rock Island Argus and Dispatch

Some folks go to Washington and look out only for themselves -- accepting the perks, giving themselves pay raises, using inside information for personal profit, and more.

That isn't what our founding fathers intended. The opportunity to serve Illinois' 17th Congressional District is both an incredible honor and a huge responsibility; it's a cause greater than myself, and I take it seriously.

America's national debt recently surpassed $16 trillion for the first time in our country's history. Each citizen's share of that debt -- including my newest granddaughter -- is more than $51,400. When my wife, Christie, and I sit down with our children and grandchildren for dinner, there's more than $719,600 of America's national debt gathered around the kitchen table.

Read more: Bobby Schilling Op-Ed: 'A Cause Greater Than Myself'

October 12, 2012

"The Bobby I Know"
By: Christie Schilling

I know there’s a lot being said out there. People are talking about policies and taxes and who’s going to build jobs where, but I want to take a minute and give you a little window into our life. I want to tell you about the Bobby Schilling I know—the man I married.

Bobby and I often marvel at the blessings God has so lovingly worked in our lives. If you would have told me 26 years ago on our wedding day that we would have 10 children, own a pizza place, build a beautiful home in the country, and that Bobby would be a U.S. Congressman, I would have had trouble believing it.

Read more: Christie Schilling Op-Ed: "The Bobby I Know"

September 30, 2012

"Leadership is Leading By Example"
By: U.S. Rep. Bobby Schilling

Published in the Rock Island Argus and Dispatch

Doing the right thing takes guts.

Folks, we're $16 trillion in debt. We can't ignore the problem anymore. In the House, we've worked to change the conversation in Washington from "how much can we spend?" to "how much can we save?" We've come to the table, put forth common-sense ideas and now it's time for career politicians to set party aside and work together to get this done.

America received a wake-up call last year when our credit rating was downgraded. That had never happened before, and now our interest payments grow larger while our children and grandchildren are saddled with more debt.

Read more: Argus/Dispatch Debt and the Economy Op-Ed

September 23, 2012

"Americans Need Jobs Now"
By: U.S. Rep. Bobby Schilling

Published in the Rock Island Argus and Dispatch.

As a small business owner, I have felt the impact of higher taxes, higher energy costs, and burdensome regulations. There is less certainty in the marketplace, which discourages businesses from investing, expanding, and creating jobs.

Americans need jobs now. It's up to our elected officials to lead by example, put partisanship aside, and come together to work on ways to get our budget under control and our economy back on track. Jobs aren't a Republican or a Democrat issue—they're a red, white, and blue issue.

Read more: Argus/Dispatch Jobs Op-Ed