Calling Rep. Jan Schakowsky

I've been trying to get a reply from my Congresswoman's office for a week now. After four phone calls (three to her Chicago office [773-506-7100 ], one to her D.C. office) I've yet to receive a single of four promised return calls.

I just spoke with Kevin in Rep. Jan Schakowsky's D.C. office [202-225-2111], who promised to call me back, but only to confirm that she voted 'nay' on H.Res 1003. He said he would not be able to explain her vote. I know how she voted, I want to know why she voted 'nay' on a bill that would provide for earmark reform.

More info on H.Res 1003

UPDATE: Cathy Herwitt [ph] returned my call and apologized for the delay in getting back to me. Her explaination for Schakowsky's 'nay' vote was compelling, as I suspected it might be - as opposing as we are in our views, I thought this was one issue we would agree on. Here are the reasons her office cited for her 'nay' vote.

1. Bill is inadequate: It is only effective until the end of the year; it does not apply to federal projects; it doesn't apply to tariffs or duties; and it only applies to earmarks adding during the House process, not those added after or during conference committee.
2. The way the bill was brought to the floor allowed for no amendments.

Cathy was convincing in her assurances that the Congresswoman wanted earmark reform. Let's hope a bill comes to the floor that meets her requirements and we can get moving with transparancy.