Congressman Shimkus Commends President Obama on Inauguration

Washington, D.C. - Congressman John Shimkus (R, Illinois-19) issued the following statement on the occasion of the inauguration of President Barack Obama:

The inauguration of a new president is always an historic event, particularly in Washington, D.C.  I am proud to attend and be an observer for the people of my district who would like to be there in person but cannot.

The inauguration of our nation's first African-American president adds to its significance.  And to have the president from our state is even more exciting.

I do hope that he will be successful in moving our nation forward and in solving our problems.

I also hope that his call for bipartisanship is heard by the leaders in Congress, who have not been operating in that manner.  It will be hard to work together if we do not have full and open debates on the important issues of our day.

Finally, I want to congratulate President Obama and promise to work to advance solutions that will help not harm job creation and the economy, will help not harm Central and Southern Illinois, and do not go against my core beliefs.