The inauguration of Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States took place on January 20, 2009. It was truly a historic occasion and a continuation of our democratic tradition that began 220 years ago with the first inauguration of George Washington. Please go to the Presidential Inauguration Committee Web site for coverage of the event, including a webcast of President Obama’s inaugural address.

I look forward to working with the new administration and my colleagues in Congress as we shape the laws and policies that will move our country forward. As always, I want to hear from you and will continue to keep you updated on activities affecting our nation and our district.

What's New - 12th District

COSTELLO CALLS FOR IMPEACHMENT OF GOVERNOR BLAGOJEVICH
I have sent a letter to all Illinois state senators and representatives in the 12th Congressional District urging them to take immediate action to impeach Governor Rod Blagojevich. Here is a copy of the letter.

COSTELLO CALLS FOR BLAGOJEVICH TO RESIGN
During an interview this morning with Zimmer Radio, Congressman Jerry Costello (D-IL) called for Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich to resign.-- Read more ->

126th REFUELING WING TO GET “ACTIVE-ASSOCIATE” STATUS; SCOTT WILL ADD UP TO 150 JOBS
Congressman Jerry Costello (D-IL) today applauded the announcement by the Air Force that the 126th Air Refueling Wing will become an “Active-Associate” unit as part of its Total Force Initiative.-- Read more ->

WORKSHOPS FOR U.S. STEEL WORKERS
Madison County Employment and Training Department is scheduling workshops for laid off steel workers over the next several weeks.-- Read more ->

What's New - Press

Here are press releases of more general interest throughout our district. Visit my Press page for a list of all my press releases.

COSTELLO VOTES FOR ECONOMIC STIMULUS BILL
Congressman Jerry Costello (D-IL) today voted for H.R. 1, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, an $825 billion dollar plan to create jobs and stimulate the economy.-- Read more ->

COSTELLO OPPOSES RELEASE OF ADDITIONAL TARP FUNDS
Congressman Jerry Costello (D-IL) today voted against releasing the remaining $350 billion from the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP). Costello also opposed the original financial bailout legislation that created TARP.-- Read more ->

COSTELLO PLEASED “BUY AMERICA” PROVISION FOR U.S. STEEL IS INCLUDED IN STIMULUS LEGISLATION
Congressman Jerry Costello (D-IL) today applauded the House Appropriations Committee’s approval of a “Buy America” provision for the use of U.S. steel as part of the economic stimulus legislation.-- Read more ->

ILLINOIS DELEGATION MEMBERS DISCUSS FUTUREGEN WITH DOE SECRETARY NOMINEE
...members of the Illinois Congressional Delegation today discussed the importance of moving FutureGen forward as soon as possible with President-elect Barack Obama’s nominee for Secretary of Energy, Dr. Steven Chu.-- Read more ->

What's New - DC

COSTELLO TO PRESIDE OVER HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ON INAUGURATION DAY
Congressman Jerry Costello (D-IL), dean of the Illinois House delegation, has been selected by Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi to preside over the House of Representatives on Tuesday, January 20th, prior to the inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama and Vice President-elect Joe Biden.-- Read more ->

AVIATION SUBCOMMITTEE
COSTELLO ELECTED CHAIRMAN OF AVIATION SUBCOMMITTEE
U.S. Congressman Jerry Costello (D-IL) has again been elected by his colleagues to serve as the Chairman of the Aviation Subcommittee, part of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.-- Read more ->
Visit my Aviation Subcommittee page for more information on the subcommittee.

COSTELLO AND SHIMKUS TO RE-INTRODUCE THE VETERANS’ HEALTH CARE QUALITY IMPROVEMENT ACT
U.S. Congressmen Jerry Costello (D-IL) and John Shimkus (R-IL) announced today that they will introduce the Veterans’ Health Care Quality Improvement Act in the House of Representatives for consideration during the 111th Congress.-- Read more ->

COSTELLO STATEMENT ON ISRAEL’S MILITARY ACTION IN GAZA
U.S. Congressman Jerry Costello (D-IL) issued the following statement regarding Israel’s recent military action in Gaza: -- Read more ->

News You Can Use

DTV CONVERSION
On February 17, 2009, over the air television broadcasts will be transmitted only in digital formats.
Visit my DTV Conversion page to see what this may mean to you and what your options are.