Rep. Peter Roskam On Trip Promoting Democracy Abroad While Constituents Seek Meetings At Home

Congressman Peter Roskam is on a House Democracy Partnership trip abroad this week while some of his constituents were hoping to meet with him.

Linda Kallas, of Downers Grove, and Sandra Alexander, of Glen Ellyn, said in an email to Patch that they have scheduled nearly 64 small groups, each with two to four constituents, that were hoping to meet with Peter Roskam this week. The House of Representatives scheduled this week to be a district work period, when representatives can address issues in their home districts.

“We were amazed at the interest in this idea and have scheduled constituents every half hour from 9:00 to 5:00, Tuesday through Friday,” Kallas said. She and Alexander learned on Sunday that their congressman would be abroad this week, but the groups still decided to go to Roskam's office.

Rep. Roskam is the chair of the House Democracy Partnership (HDP) Committee. He and the ranking member David Price, a Democrat from North Carolina, will be visiting three HDP partner countries. The HDP works with 20 foreign countries to "promote responsive, effective government and strengthen democratic institutions by assisting legislatures in emerging democracies," according to their website.

"Authoritarianism is on the rise around the world. Russia, in particular, is attempting to undermine democratic institutions and subvert democracy," Rep. Roskam said in a press release. "It’s important to send a clear message to our friends and allies around the world: the United States Congress stands with you."

According to the release, Former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright said "The bipartisan House Democracy Partnership, co-chaired by Reps. Peter Roskam and David Price, is a great example of how our Congress can work to advance democracy, human rights and the rule of law. This clearly is in the U.S. national security interest."

A staff member from Rep. Roskam's office said the congressman was "leading a diplomatic mission overseas, aimed especially at reassuring our allies who are facing increased bullying and intimidation by Russia." The delegation is traveling with the military and their security protocols do not allow for the for public disclosure of their travel plans until they have returned.

In the absence of Rep. Roskam, Kallas scheduled a meeting with a senior staffer on Friday, February 24. She intends to present a petition of over 1,200 signatures "calling for Republicans to save ACA (Affordable Care Act)."

According to Alexander, "on Friday, at 3:00 p.m. one of the small groups will bring a cardboard cutout of Peter Roskam to convey their disappointment that Peter Roskam chose to spend the week outside of the country rather than in his district meeting with his constituents."

Screenshot from Twitter

Roskam is a Republican who represents the Illinois 6th Congressional district, which includes Wheaton, Glen Ellyn, Downers Grove, Lisle, northeastern Naperville, Barrington and Palatine.

Photo from Rep. Peter Roskam's website.