Two Ill. Lawmakers Share Voters' Frustration With Congress
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WBBM) -- A recent Gallup poll shows Congress has its lowest approval rating ever and two Illinois congressmen aren't surprised.
U.S. Rep. Aaron Schock (R-Peoria) says the U.S. government hasn't been getting much done lately.
"People elect their elected officials to go to Washington, D.C., to solve problems, not just to bicker," says Schock. "So the [fewer] problems that we solve, and the more inaction that occurs, [it's] very frustrating for people. I share their frustration, and I understand why Congress has such a low approval rating."
Schock says many people are likely frustrated because the nation's unemployment rate remains stagnant. He says Congress hasn't been a popular body since he's been in office.
LISTEN: WBBM Newsradio's Alex Degman reports
Podcast
Congress enjoyed its highest approval rating -- above 80 percent -- 10 years ago, immediately following the terrorist attacks of 2011. Gallup began polling congressional approval ratings in the 1970s.
U.S. Rep. John Shimkus (R-Collinsville) says he's also not surprised.
"It's a true indication of how the public feels that they're being represented," he says. "Look, we're in 2½ wars, we've got a $14.5 trillion debt, we have over 9 percent unemployment, I'd be shocked if they thought we were doing a good job."
The historically low approval rating comes despite a 2010 election which ushered in 87 freshman Republican congressmen, likely the result of dissatisfaction with the Democrat-controlled House and Senate. Shimkus says lawmakers must find ways to cut spending, reduce the deficit and make the United States more business-friendly.
