Galesburg Reporter

Rep. Dan Swanson (R-Cambridge) has been going door-to-door to speak with his constituents about their thoughts and opinions.

“Great day listening to Galesburg residents’ concerns and ideas for Illinois,” Swanson wrote on Facebook April 24.

Over the past few months, Swanson has been outspoken about a variety of topics, including that the federal government should focus on increasing domestic gas and oil production. He filed House Resolution 719 to urge the federal government and President Joe Biden to reverse current  policies and to take all possible steps to maximize immediat oil and gas production, including from U.S. federal lands and waters.

“This is not a partisan political issue but is actually a national security concern for our country and a real concern for all of the families and seniors on fixed incomes who are struggling every day with rising gas prices,” Swanson said. “Whether you’re a farmer planting crops, a trucker hauling our goods, or a business owner providing services, we need to act on this energy independence problem immediately and it should be a priority for the federal government.”

Swanson took office in 2017.

He has also sought to ensure that the Veterans Administration is led by an individual with military experience who knows what Illinois’ veterans go through after their military service. 

“We owe the men and women who have served our nation in the United States Armed Forces a great debt of gratitude. Ensuring that they are properly cared for in their final years is the least we can do to show our appreciation. This legislation ensures that not only does a director have to have been an honorably discharged member of the military – they also have to be qualified to ensure our veterans receive appropriate healthcare," Swanson said in a statement.

Swanson filed House Bill 5715 on March 2. It has been referred to the Rules Committee.

He’s running for re-election to the Illinois House of Representatives in the upcoming June 28 primary election.

Swanson was recently appointed to the Illinois House Transportation: Vehicles & Safety Committee by Rep. Jim Durkin (R-Western Springs), and he is eager to get started.

Swanson joins 12 other legislators, including Reps. Jeff Keicher (R-Sycamore) and Tim Butler (R-Springfield), on the committee, a release on Swanson's legislative website said.