Letter to the Editor: Lipinski Thanks Voters

I want to thank the voters of the Third District for their overwhelming support and thank all of my supporters for their hard work during this campaign. I am humbled by today’s victory and I look forward to representing all of the people of the new Third District. 

Throughout this campaign, I heard from Independents, Republicans and Democrats who are frustrated with partisan bickering that accomplishes nothing. Many told me that they appreciate my independent leadership and my willingness to listen to them, and do what is right for the district and the country.

I am hopeful that now that this election is over, we can start working together for solutions to the many issues that we face, beginning with getting people back to work and reducing our mounting debt.

This work needs to start right away, not wait until next year. We still have big issues to deal with before the end of the year, starting with the fiscal cliff. We should be passing a responsible deficit reduction plan like the one I helped introduce earlier this year, which was based on the recommendations of the bipartisan Simpson-Bowles Deficit Reduction Commission. 

I will also be pushing to get the Senate to pass my bipartisan bill – the American Manufacturing Competitiveness Act – that will prioritize the promotion of American manufacturing.

Next Congress, my Five Point Jobs Plan will still be a priority, including fighting to punish China for illegal currency manipulation designed to cause the outsourcing of American jobs. I plan on re-introducing my Buy American Improvement Act and working to ensure that “buy American” laws are followed, as I did when I got the Pentagon to rightfully award a contract to a Third District manufacturer. I want to focus on reauthorizing the bipartisan America COMPETES Act, which I helped write, so that we invest in innovation and education to promote the creation of new American jobs.

When I am sworn in at the beginning of next year, I will be Illinois’ most senior member on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. I’ll push Congress to pass a robust road and transit-funding bill that puts people to work and takes care of local priorities. As always, I will work with local leaders and residents to take care of issues that are important to communities throughout the Third District, and I’ll continue to provide top-notch constituent service and organize various programs and events, including fairs for area seniors, veterans, and job seekers.  No matter where you live in the district or what your concern is, know that my door is always open to you.

Above all, I will continue to be an independent leader, fighting for the people of the Third Congressional District.

Congressman Dan Lipinski (D)

Third District, U.S. House of Representatives