Tim Johnson RSS Articles

Congressman Johnson Sets Town Hall Meetings in Clifton, Paxton

Tue, 15 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

U.S. Rep. Timothy V. Johnson has scheduled town hall meetings in Ford and Iroquois counties for May 23 and May 24.

Rep. Johnson will be at the Clifton Community Building, 330 E. Fourth St., Clifton at 5 p.m. Wednesday, May 23.

A town hall meeting has been set for the Paxton Civic Center, 601 S. Fall St., for 4 p.m. Thursday, May 24.

The public is welcome and encouraged to attend. Rep. Johnson will discuss ongoing federal issues. Staff will also be on hand to assist with individual constituent concerns.

“There is no better way than face-to-face interaction to learn what people are thinking,” Rep. Johnson said. “These meetings help me articulate the opinions of voters back home to the rest of Congress. I look forward to spending time in both these counties when we aren’t in session.”

Congressman Johnson Opposes "Scam" of Reconciliation

Thu, 10 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

U.S. Rep. Timothy V. Johnson today opposed the reconciliation bill that was crafted to postpone automatic across-the-board cuts that had been mandated under sequestration.

The reconciliation bill, H.R. 5652, the Sequester Replacement Reconciliation Act of 2012, passed 218-199. It now goes to the Senate.

“This bill typifies all the reasons Americans are upset with Congress,” Rep. Johnson said. “There was a way forward but special interests intervened and once again we’ve just kicked the ball down the field to avoid making the hard decisions necessary to address our ballooning debt and deficits.”

The Sequester Replacement Reconciliation Act was crafted in response to the failure of the Budget Control Act passed last August. Under the Budget Control Act, the debt ceiling was raised equal to the savings found by the Joint Committee on Deficit Reduction, also known as the “Super-Committee”. Since the Super Committee failed to reach agreement, the Budget Control Act would have automatically sequestered $1.2 trillion in future spending, with nearly half the cuts coming from defense.

"We don’t even play by the rules we set for ourselves,” Johnson said in remarks on the House floor. “From ethics to insider trading to ignoring spending caps, Congress does as it pleases. In August, both side of the aisle were praising the Budget Control Act. I voted against it as another inside-the-beltway scam. Everything about the Budget Control Act was a scam: the ultra-partisan Super Committee, the accounting gimmicks, and the sequester. Only in Washington can you count the slowing of spending growth as a “savings.” In the real word, people save when they spend less than they did yesterday.

I urge my colleagues to think outside of normal. Congress must recognize that even defense must share in reining in our debt. House Leadership wishes to spare defense spending from any cuts. They want to deflect the pain the Budget Control Act was intended to inflict. In reality, over $1 trillion is spent every year on our military-industrial complex, on our endless wars overseas, on the development of multi-billion dollar weapons systems that will not make folks in Douglas County one iota safer.”

Congressman Johnson Seeks Special Counsel for MF Global

Thu, 10 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

U.S. Rep. Timothy V. Johnson along with 26 House colleagues appealed to Attorney General Eric Holder on Wednesday to appoint an independent counsel to investigate Jon Corzine’s role in the collapse of MF Global Holdings Ltd.

“This situation is precisely why the provisions for the appointment of independent counsel exist,” Rep. Johnson said. “The conflicts of interest are staring us in the face. This firm lost $1.6 billion in investments that belonged to farmers and ranchers across the country, including many in my district. How does that happen without someone being held responsible?”

Rep. Johnson’s letter cites preferential treatment of former MF Global CEO Jon Corzine by federal regulators with whom Corzine had professional relationships with in the past. Before MF Global’s collapse, executives including Corzine successfully lobbied for delays in the imposition of certain regulatory reforms that would have enhanced customer protections.

Four congressional committees have held hearings on the bankruptcy. Rep. Johnson was one of the lead interrogators of Corzine and expressed his deep suspicion surrounding the “Goldman Sachs fraternity” when Corzine appeared before the House Agriculture Committee last December. The Agriculture Committee is involved because it has oversight authority over the Commodities Futures Trading Commission, which regulates commodity trades, and is chaired by Gary Gensler, a former colleague of Corzine’s at Goldman Sachs. Gensler recused himself from the investigation.

The ongoing probe took another twist last month when it was revealed that Corzine was listed as a “first-quarter volunteer fundraiser” by President Obama’s campaign, having raised over $500,000 for the President’s reelection.

“…the Independent Counsel Provisions in the U.S. Code…provide for the Attorney General to appoint an Independent Counsel in cases where ‘an investigation or prosecution of a person by the Department of Justice may result in a personal, financial or political conflict of interest,’” the letter states.

Rep. Johnson continued, “Mr. Corzine’s situation shows what is wrong with Washington. With enough money and friends in the right places, people in the position of power can trample on the little guy with impunity. I will not stand for that.”

Town Hall Meetings Planned by Congressman Tim Johnson

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 04:00:00 GMT

U.S. Congressman Timothy V. Johnson will hold town hall meetings next week in Cumberland and Douglas counties.

Rep. Johnson will hold a town hall meeting at 5 p.m. Monday, April 30, at the Toledo Village Hall, 160 Courthouse Square.

A second town hall meeting will be held at noon Tuesday, May 1, at the Arcola City Hall, 114 N. Locust.
Rep. Johnson will be on hand to discuss federal affairs and issues of concern to voters. Staff will also be available to address individual constituent concerns.

“I have announced my retirement at the end of the term but I haven’t stopped working,” Rep. Johnson said. “I plan to continue to be available to people as much as I always have, to listen, learn and carry their concerns to Washington, D.C.”

Congressional Art Competition Entries on Display April 17

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Approximately 80 entries into U.S. Rep. Timothy V. Johnson’s annual art competition will go on display Tuesday at the Springer Cultural Center, 301 Randolph St., Champaign.

The 80 entries are from nine high schools throughout the 15th Congressional District.

“We have always enjoyed good participation from throughout the District and this year is no exception,” Rep. Johnson said. “It’s always gratifying to find ways to encourage this talent and showcase the results.”

The 2012 Congressional Art Competition marks the 31st year that the Congressional Institute has sponsored this exposition. Members of Congress are encouraged to hold the competitions in the interest of advancing art education. The winner of each event will have his or her piece hung in the U.S. Capitol Building for the following year. Second-place winners may have their work displayed in their Congressman’s office in Washington.

Additionally, winners throughout the country are invited to Washington, D.C. for a celebration in June where they will attend a reception in their honor. Southwest Airlines provides airfare for each winner and a guest as part of the award. Congressman Johnson has been a long-time supporter of this event and is proud to be hosting the 15th District’s 2012 Congressional Art Competition at the Springer Cultural Center, named for William Springer, the last U.S. Congressman from Champaign-Urbana.

Participating high schools this year are Centennial High School, Gibson City- Melvin-Sibley High School, Mount Carmel High School, Oblong High School, Sullivan High School, University Laboratory High School, Bement High School, Casey-Westfield High School and St. Thomas More High School.

A reception will take place from 6:30pm to 8:00pm Tuesday, April 17 at the Springer Cultural Center. The winner will be announced at the event. T

Congressman Johnson Town Meetings Set for Piatt, Macon

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 04:00:00 GMT

U.S. Rep. Timothy V. Johnson will hold town hall meetings this week in Monticello and Decatur.

The Monticello town hall will be at 5 p.m. Thursday (April 12, 2012) at Monticello City Hall, 210 N. Hamilton St.

The Decatur town hall will be at noon Friday (April 13, 2012) at the Richland College Shilling Community Education Center Auditorium, One College Park, Decatur.
The town hall meetings are free and open to the public. Citizens are urged to attend to give their opinions on federal affairs and ask questions. Staff will also be on hand to assist with individual constituent concerns.

“I like to use these breaks in the session schedule to keep in touch with as many people back home as possible,” Rep. Johnson said. “Face-to-face town hall meetings are excellent ways of getting a sense of what citizens are thinking. I value their input.”

Congressman Johnson Announcement Planned for Today

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 04:00:00 GMT

U.S. Rep. Timothy V. Johnson will be making an announcement at 3 p.m. today (Thursday, April 5) at the Urbana City Council chambers, 400 S. Vine St., Urbana. A statement will follow for those unable to attend.

Congressman Johnson Announces Retirement

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 04:00:00 GMT

U.S. Rep. Timothy V. Johnson announced his retirement today at a news conference in the Urbana City Council Chambers of the Urbana City Building, where he began his career in public service more than 40 years ago.

His statement follows:

“I am here to announce my retirement from the United States Congress effective at the end of my current term.   I will file papers asking the 14 County Chairs to fill my position on the November ballot.

Serving in Congress while fulfilling other obligations has always been a challenge, as it is for every Member of Congress. The past year I have taken on new challenges. In January of last year, I took on additional legislative responsibilities when I became chairman of the House Agricultural Subcommittee on Rural Development, Biotechnology, Research and Foreign Agriculture. In June of last year, a new and grossly gerrymandered Congressional map was drawn that created a district where two thirds of the voters had never been represented by me. These two new obligations strained my schedule beyond what I had ever dealt with in my years of public service. However, when I filed for reelection, I was fully confident I could meet those obligations, as well as my obligations to family.

My family obligations, however, are what compels this announcement. Exclusively. I’m almost 66 years old. My time is limited. I have been serving in office for 44 consecutive years. I’m also the father of 9 children, have 11 grandchildren and now two great-grandchildren. I have been a part-time father in all those years. That’s not good enough.

One of my grandsons is two years old; I have seen him for a total of about 10 minutes. I have another grandson who asked me not long ago if I was ever going to come to one of his ballgames. I didn’t have an answer.

Aside from the missed birthdays, births and weddings, there are some specific, critical family issues that require my ongoing attention. Taken together, I cannot adequately serve the 15th District, campaign in the new 13th District, be in Washington D.C. and fulfill my obligations to my family. It would be a disservice to all to attempt that. I am confident that in making this decision and preparing to return to private life, I am doing the right thing for the people most important to me, my family.

My intention is to return in some way to the practice of law. I will continue to be involved politically where appropriate, and continue to speak out as I see fit on the issues of the day. I also hope to be involved in teaching as well. I will not be a paid lobbyist at any time in the future.

I am confident that the Republican Party will find the right person to fill this seat. There are many people in the 13th district who would make extraordinary Congressmen or Congresswomen. The results of the primary demonstrate that people want a Republican of integrity and independence in this office. The County Chairmen and Chairwomen in the district, I’m sure, will make a choice that will well serve the people of the new 13th district. I’ve talked to two potential candidates inside my congressional office about my decision, Mark Shelden and Phil Bloomer. They have allowed me to tell you that they will not be candidates for the office. Additionally, no member of my family will be a candidate.

Serving in public office has been a great honor as well as a tremendous responsibility. I will always treasure the thousands of friends and colleagues I have found along this journey. Most importantly, I hope that I have kept the trust of the hundreds of thousands of people I have represented over the years.

I want to thank the many people who have supported me over the years with their votes and their volunteer time. I also want to thank the news media, which has been fair and balanced in their coverage of my service throughout my career

Most importantly, and finally, I want to thank the nearly one million people who have given me the privilege of serving them over the last 44 years as a precinct committeeman, member of the Urbana Human Relations Commission, member of the Urbana City Council, member of the Illinois General Assembly, and finally, U.S. Congressman.”

Congressman Johnson Awarded “Spirit of Enterprise” Award by Chamber of Commerce

Fri, 30 Mar 2012 04:00:00 GMT

U.S. Rep. Timothy V. Johnson was named the recipient of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s “Spirit of Enterprise” award for his work in trying to bolster the nation’s business environment.

Recipients were rated based on their votes on key issues in the House of Representatives and Senate. For more information on the award please read the official press release from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce on Congressman Johnson.

United States Chamber of Commerce Press Release: U.S. Chamber Honors Congressman Johnson with Spirit of Enterprise Award

Congressman Johnson Speaks Out on SCOTUS Healthcare Deliberations

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 04:00:00 GMT

U.S. Rep. Timothy V. Johnson issued the following statement today in the aftermath of arguments before the U.S. Supreme Court on the constitutionality of Obamacare.

“Shortly after President Obama’s election in 2009, a movement started in Washington to control costs of health coverage through the establishment of a national healthcare system and a national mandate for individual coverage. In 2010, after a tumultuous debate with the American people clearly in opposition, then Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced that Congress “…had to pass it to see what was in it.”

Soon after, President Obama and Speaker Pelosi forced the 2,700-page Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) through the U.S. House of Representatives despite strong opposition to the bill from the American public. With little understanding of the threat of new and far-reaching regulations and strong indications that PPACA would raise healthcare costs for average Americans, PPACA was signed into law by the President.

The people of the 15th District were very vocal throughout the healthcare debate. Innumerable constituents expressed grave concerns to me about the bill’s cost and impact on their family’s access to care. Based on the feedback I received from an overwhelming number of constituents, I voted against PPACA.

Since then, the constitutionality of the President’s healthcare plan has been called into question and has finally been taken up by the Supreme Court. The primary question addressed is whether or not Congress exceeded its authority granted under the Commerce Clause, which gives the federal government the power to pass laws governing economic activity among the states, by mandating Americans purchase health insurance or else pay a tax. Traditionally, Congress has authority to regulate an economic action; however, the PPACA has moved in to uncharted territory in that Congress now regulates an economic inaction, specifically the choice to not purchase healthcare. The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled against the individual mandate stating among other things that there is no precedent in American law for the Federal Government to regulate inactivity.
For this main reason I voted against the bill. Congress does not have the authority to compel a citizen to economic action. This raises grave concerns about unrestrained federal power; if Congress can force people to purchase health insurance, what can the government not force them to do?

Many attending the hearings this week state that the justices appear to be closely divided. Regardless of these reports, the American people on the other hand have already spoken. We must repeal and replace this law with market oriented reforms to lower the cost of healthcare. Once costs are controlled, more Illinois families will have access to better, private care instead of government rationed, government controlled medical systems which only increases cost and rigidity of healthcare for Illinois families.”