How local Congress members voted on cap and trade bill
Here is how our suburban Congress members voted on the cap and trade bill:
Rep. Mark Kirk, R-Highland Park: YES
Rep. Melissa Bean, D-Barrington: YES
Rep. Jan Schakowsky, D-Evanston: YES
Rep. Peter Roskam, R-Wheaton: NO
Rep. Bill Foster, D-Batavia Democrat: NO
Rep. Judy Biggert, R-Hinsdale Republican: NO
Rep. Don Manzullo, R-Rockford: NO
"At a time when unemployment is over 10 percent in northern Illinois and many employers are struggling to survive, this misguided cap and tax bill will put millions more Americans out of work and surge utility costs for all Americans. And amazingly, it will not ensure a cleaner environment for future generations because the biggest polluters in the world - China and India - have indicated their desire to keep the pedal to the floor and continue polluting at will."
- Rep. Don Manzullo
"As a scientist I believe that climate change is real and that action is necessary. It is also crucial that we restructure our energy systems to increase efficiency and reduce our dependence on imported sources. However, I have always believed we have a responsibility to act in a way that comes with the lowest possible cost to the economy. A more thoughtful and measured bull could have mitigated significantly more greenhouse gas per dollar of expenditure. It is my hope that the Senate will make significant improvements to this legislation."
- Rep. Bill Foster
"This bill is a disaster for Illinois. It is especially punative against nuclear, coal, and natural gas, which are the three sources of electricity Illinois relies on most."
- Rep. Judy Biggert
"Constituents and businesses in my district are hurting from an incredibly troubled economy. The last thing our economy needs is another tax from (House) Speaker (Nancy) Pelosi to weigh on our economy and impede our return to prosperity. Nancy Pelosi's energy tax will hamstring local businesses, keeping them from competing equally with companies in India and China."
- Rep. Peter Roskam
"For over a century the United States has embraced on energy policy based almost entirely on fossil fuels that have had several dangerous consequences for today... Now we have an opportunity to change directions."
- Rep. Jan Schakowsky