Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Congressman Jerry Costello, my colleague on the Science, Space and Technology Committee, who is retiring at the end of this Congress after 24 years of service to Illinois' 12th Congressional district. Congressman Costello began serving his community long before he was an elected official. As a college student, Mr. Costello helped make communities safer by working as a law enforcement officer. Though hard work, dedication and leadership, Mr. Costello earned the respect and trust of his peers, leaders throughout the State of Illinois and most importantly, his community. A few years after graduating from Maryville University, Mr. Costello was elected as Chairman of the St. Clair County Commission Board. Fittingly, when his community was searching for an exceptional leader to replace 22-term Congressman Melvin Price, they turned to Mr. Costello. Over the next 24 years, he would lead his community through some of its most challenging times. When the Scott Air Force Base, one of his district's largest employers, was facing closure, they turned to Congressman Costello. He not only stood up for them, he delivered. In addition to convincing the Department of Defense (DOD) to keep the base open, he worked with them to bring hundreds of additional jobs to the region. Congressman Costello has worked in a bipartisan manner to make flying safer and strengthen our nation's infrastructure.…”