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· Lobbying Ethics and Reform

I am sure that you have heard of the scandal involving Jack Abramoff, which has brought lobbying ethics and practices to the forefront in the news. Obviously, there have been people taking advantage of the current lobbying rules, and in some instances breaking them.

I would like you to know that I have voluntarily kept a comprehensive list of every gift I receive, whether it be a fruit basket, a nail file, a book, or a coffee mug, etc. from anyone that I am not related to each year that I have been in Congress. I file the list with the House Clerk each year along with my personal financial disclosures every May 15th.

I believe that Speaker Hastert said it best, "A Member of Congress should be able to accept a ball cap or a t-shirt from the proud students at a local middle school, but he or she doesn't need to be taken to lunch or dinner by a lobbyist."

I would recommend paying great attention to the lobbying reforms. While the current rules may have seemed simple and to the point to many of us, apparently some (meaning lobbyists, congressional staff, and some members of Congress) had difficulty in either following the rules, or felt that the rules didn't apply to them. I am in support of reforming our lobbyist rules and in setting clear guidelines as well as penalties for those who abuse our system.

Speaker Hastert recently stated, "As Speaker of this House, I want to make one thing clear, it is not acceptable for anyone to break the rules of the House or the law. And if they have, they should be held to account." In early February, we will take up the issue of former Members of Congress who have become lobbyists and retaining the use of areas that only current Members should have access to. We will continue on to more reforms, with a comprehensive plan in March. The reform process has already begun and will continue until we have it right.

I have already signed on as a cosponsor of H.R. 4524, the Congressional Pension Forfeiture Act of 2005, and H.R. 4535, the Congressional Integrity and Pension Forfeiture Act of 2005. These bills state the duty of members of Congress is to uphold the Constitution and the trust of the public. With these bills, if a member of Congress breaks this trust, taxpayers will no longer pay for their retirement benefits. I believe that this is an important first step in holding Congressmen accountable for their actions and in regaining the trust of the American people.

You should also know that, currently, the congressional pay raise for Congressmen is an automatic pay raise. I don't believe that anyone should be automatically rewarded without showing that they are deserving. That is why I have signed on as a cosponsor of H.R. 4047, the "Rescind the Congressional Pay Raise Act of 2005." This legislation would take away the automatic pay raise, requiring Congressmen to draw up legislation only in years that they feel they deserve a pay raise. This creates more accountability in our job.

Constituent Corner

· Conservation Projects

This week, United States Department of Agriculture Deputy Secretary Chuck Conner announced nearly $38 million in funding for projects in four conservation emphasis areas.

This money is available to state and local governments, nongovernmental organizations, federally recognized Indian tribes, and individuals. The four emphasis areas are Conservation Innovation Grants, Wetlands Reserve Enhancement Program, Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative (GLCI), and Cooperative Conservation Partnership Initiative (CCPI).

For more information, please visit www.nrcs.usda.gov and to request proposals, visit www.grants.gov.

· Credit Card Scams

If you ever order anything online, you may have noticed that most companies require more than just your credit card number. Most of the time, they will ask for the three-digit code on the back of the card.

Recently, the New York Banking Department brought a new scam to public attention. Individuals who have already obtained your credit card number will call pretending to be the fraud and security department of your credit card company. These scammers will sound official and claim that some purchase of a high amount was flagged on your statement as unordinary.

After one denies making the purchase, they will then ask to make sure that the card is still in your possession by asking for the three-digit security code. Once a person gives this number, they are home free to spend money using your credit.

Please know to whom you are speaking before you give away any of this information. If you receive this sort of call, you may want to get their name and information and call your credit card’s 1-800 number.

For more information, please feel free to visit the State of New York Banking Department website at www.banking.state.ny.us.

· Cell Phone Records

I have recently sent a letter to Kevin Martin, chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, seeking an investigation into reports of companies selling personal cell phone call records.

Last week, the State Journal-Register of Springfield, and the Chicago Sun-Times both reported on companies that sell other people’s cell phone records without the knowledge of that person. A blogger even bought the cell phone records of General Wesley Clark.

If this practice is not illegal, it should be. I am asking the FCC to either use the power that they have to stop this, or I will introduce legislation that would make this practice illegal.

There is no legitimate reason for anyone’s cell phone records to be obtained, except in legal investigation.

Please feel free to follow this at www.fcc.gov.

· Blood Centers

Just this week, I was honored to be recognized by the Central Illinois Community Blood Center at its Volunteer Recognition Luncheon. The award was for my leadership role in passing House Resolution 220, which recognizes the work of America’s Blood Centers.

H. Res. 220 passed the U.S. House of Representatives on October 25, 2005, and I was a cosponsor.

The resolution stated in part:

“Whereas each year more than 4,500,000 Americans need a blood transfusion…

“Whereas one out of three people need donated blood in their lifetime…

“Whereas community blood centers strive year-round to maintain a sufficient blood supply…

“Whereas America’s Blood Centers was founded in 1962 and is North America’s largest network of community-based, federally-licensed, not-for-profit blood centers…

“…the House of Representatives recognizes the role of America’s Blood Centers and its members in – (A) providing life saving blood to patients… (B) ensuring the safety of that blood supply; and (C) promoting essential blood donor initiatives…”

Our local hospitals rely on the Central Illinois Community Blood Center, and I simply showed my support for them and their fellow blood centers by supporting this resolution. The hospital staff and volunteers and the blood center staff and volunteers are the real leaders who do the day-to-day work that should be recognized.

For more information on this legislation, please visit http://thomas.loc.gov.

· Fire Grant Awarded

I am happy to announce another community in our district receiving funding from the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This money comes from the Assistance to Firefighter Grant Program administered by the DHS Office for Domestic Preparedness in Cooperation with the United States Fire Administration.

Carrier Mills will receive $64,838 for operations and safety. These grants may be used for training, equipment, wellness and fitness, and modifications to fire stations and facilities.

For more information on this grant, please visit www.firegrantsupport.com.

Anticipated Action on the House Floor Next Week

· The House of Representatives will remain in recess until January 31, 2006

· Keep an eye on the Office of the Clerk’s web site for upcoming legislation: http://clerk.house.gov/legisAct/index.html. This site provides up-to-date information on House legislative schedules.

Did You Know?

· Financial Resources

Illinois State Treasurer Judy Baar Topinka has recently presented a document for Illinois’ women called “Financial Resource Guide for Illinois Women”. This guide was researched and designed by 60 women who served on an Advisory Board for Women’s Issues. It includes many different financial resources for women in Illinois. If you or anyone you know would like a copy of this guide, please visit www.state.il.us/treas/Programs/WomenPrograms/FinancialGuideforWomen.htm.

Thank you for the interest in my newsletter! Remember to tell your friends about it as well--they can sign up on my web page at http://www.house.gov/shimkus.

Sincerely,

Congressman John Shimkus

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