Bustos’ solid service continues

We have always appreciated former U.S. Rep. Cheri Bustos’ approach to representing the Quad Cities and the rest of her congressional district. It was less about partisanship and more about providing solid constituent service — something we wish the rest of Washington, D.C., would embrace.

Ms. Bustos, a Moline Democrat, decided not to seek a sixth term.

Her background in business, healthcare and journalism provided a unique, get-things-done approach to governing that was recognized last year by the Congressional Management Foundation. Her office was one of two given an award for constituent services. The other was the office of Rep. Don Bacon, R-Nebraska.

“That’s really what this job of being a member of Congress is all about, how you treat people at home,” whether it’s a constituents’ issue concerning Medicare, Social Security or some other government service, Ms. Bustos said.

And, like it or not, bringing federal dollars home to your district is also important. Ms. Bustos was a member of the key House Appropriations panel for defense spending.

She worked cooperatively with Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Illinois, to advance several Rock Island Arsenal initiatives. Just a few months ago, the two lawmakers were on the island to promote the installation’s work in 3-D manufacturing.

She also was instrumental in winning $829 million to expand the locks and dam system on the Mississippi River as part of President Biden’s infrastructure law.

Ms. Bustos also fought for agricultural interests including ethanol and biofuels — a major part of the rural Illinois economy. 

She said while the manufacturing and usage of electric vehicles is increasing, liquid fuel will still be needed for a long time to come. She said making cleaner-burning ethanol a part of the equation makes sense environmentally and economically.

Ms. Bustos said in a news report that she sometimes struggled to help her coastal colleagues understand the importance of ethanol to the Midwestern ag economy. 

Now, Ms. Bustos is switching gears. She is donating her artifacts and papers to Illinois College and the Dirksen Congressional Center, and establishing the Callahan-Bustos Family Endowed Scholarship Fund.

“From continuing the reputation for outstanding constituent service that’s a hallmark of west-central Illinois to her leadership role in Congress to her participation in some of the most consequential events of the past decade, Congresswoman Bustos’ papers will be a boon to scholars, journalists and everyday citizens looking to understand Congress,” Dirksen Center Executive Director Tiffany White said in a news release.

Additionally, Ms. Bustos will be taking on new positions. She has been hired as the co-chair of the global, bipartisan strategy firm Mercury’s Washington, D.C., office and head of its Illinois team; and preparing to join the prestigious Harvard Institute of Politics. 

We wish Ms. Bustos the best in her new endeavors and thank her for her commendable service to the Quad Cities. 

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