Walsh takes questions on spending, immigration
Unafraid to shy away from criticism, Congressman-elect Joe Walsh gathered with residents at the Schaumburg Township hall in Hoffman Estates Tuesday.
Continuing his listening tour of the 8th Congressional District, Walsh discussed issues such as health care and immigration with more than 80 constituents, including Hoffman Estates Mayor William McLeod, Schaumburg Village President Al Larson and state Rep. Paul Froehlich.
Citing the seats Republicans gained in this year's election, Walsh said, “The
Republicans were given the keys to congress to do three things: stop spending now, repeal Obamacare, and cut taxes. “If we don't deliver on those things, we're going to be in trouble in two years.”
Facing questions throughout the evening on government spending, Walsh said, “I don't want to vote for anything that will add to the deficit or debt.”
One issue Walsh expects to face when he arrives in Washington is a bill that would provide a bailout to states with significant debt including Illinois, California and New York.
“There are a number of states right now that are teetering,” Walsh said, “but I think the worst thing that government can do is bail out these states.”
Telling the audience he would not accept the health care and retirement benefits offered to congressmen, Walsh said he planned on sleeping in his Washington, D.C., office to save money and spend more time in his district.
One constituent asked where he would make the largest spending cuts, to which Walsh suggested he would look at all areas of government, including the possibility of eliminating the Department of Education.
“We gotta get to the point where we have tough discussions,” he said.
On health care, Walsh voiced support for measures that would allow citizens to buy prescription drugs from Canada at discounted rates. Walsh also said he planned to fight to repeal the recent health care legislation.
Another woman asked how Walsh planned to represent his entire district, considering he won by just 291 votes. Walsh responded, saying most of the people in the district are concerned about government spending and health care.
With plans to open multiple offices in the district in January and by continuing to engage his constituents with future town hall meetings, Walsh concluded, “We'll never please the whole district.”
On immigration, Walsh said securing the border and holding businesses accountable for employing undocumented immigrants were his main concerns.
Referring to Arizona's recent attempts to enforce stricter immigration laws, Walsh said, “I am ashamed at my federal government for suing one of my states for doing its duty.”
Walsh also said he would not support or vote for the DREAM Act, which would provide rights to undocumented students. Walsh will hold his final town hall meeting Thursday, Dec. 16, at Gurnee village hall, 325 N. O'Plaine Road in Gurnee.