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{{Short description|American politician (born 1957)}}
{{Infobox_Congressman
{{use mdy dates|date=December 2023}}
| name =Jerry Weller
{{Infobox officeholder
| image name =Jerry Weller.jpg
| name= Jerry Weller
| date of birth=[[July 7]] [[1957]]
| image name = Jerry Weller, official 109th Congress photo.jpg
| place of birth =[[Streator, Illinois]]
| birth_date= {{birth date and age|1957|07|07}}
| state = [[Illinois]]
| district = [[Illinois's 11th congressional district|11th]]
| birth_place = [[Streator, Illinois]], U.S.
| term = [[1995]]-present
| state1 = [[Illinois]]
| district1 = [[Illinois's 11th congressional district|11th]]
| preceded = [[George E. Sangmeister]]
| term_start1 = January 3, 1995
| succeeded = Incumbent
| term_end1 = January 3, 2009
| party =[[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]]
| preceded1 = [[George Sangmeister]]
| spouse =
| succeeded1 = [[Debbie Halvorson]]
| office2 = {{ubl|Member of the|[[Illinois House of Representatives]]|from the 75th district|{{small|85th district (1987, 1989-1993)}} }}
| term_start2 = January 3, 1989
| term_end2 = January 3, 1995
| predecessor2 = [[Ray A. Christensen]]
| successor2 = [[Stephen Spangler]]
| term_start3 = January 3, 1987
| term_end3 = April 2, 1987<ref name="$116,000 Question"/>
| predecessor3 = Ray A. Christensen
| successor3 = Ray A. Christensen
<!--personal-->
| party =[[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]]
| spouse = {{marriage|[[Zury Ríos]]|2004||reason=div}}
| residence= [[Morris, Illinois]]
| alma_mater= [[University of Illinois]]
| occupation= Political assistant
}}
}}


'''Gerald C. "Jerry" Weller''' (b. [[July 7]] [[1957]], [[Streator, Illinois]]) is an [[United States|American]] politician who has been a [[United States Republican Party|Republican]] member of the [[United States House of Representatives|U.S. House of Representatives]] since [[1995]], representing [[Illinois]]' 11th Congressional District. ([http://nationalatlas.gov/printable/images/preview/congdist/il11_109.gif map]) In the [[United States House elections, 2006|November 2006 general election]], Congressman Weller defeated [[United States Democratic Party|Democratic]] opponent [[John Pavich]].
'''Gerald Cameron Weller''' (born July 7, 1957) is an American politician who was a [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] member of the [[United States House of Representatives|U.S. House of Representatives]], representing {{ushr|Illinois|11|}}. As of 2015, Weller is the managing principal of New World Group Public Affairs, a lobbying group with offices in Washington, DC, Florida and Guatemala. He was also a Global Development Officer for an [[IPTV]] company called VIPTV.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.jerryweller.info/ |title= Jerry Weller |website= jerryweller.info |access-date= May 8, 2015 |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150518084611/http://www.jerryweller.info/ |archive-date= May 18, 2015 }}</ref>


== Early life, education, and family==
==Early life, education, and early political career==
Weller was born in [[Streator, Illinois]] to LaVern and Marilyn Weller,<ref>[[Project Vote Smart]]. [http://www.vote-smart.org/extended_bio.php?can_id=CNIP0580 Weller extended biography]. Accessed [[October 23]], [[2006]].</ref> and raised on his family's hog farm in [[Dwight, Illinois]]. Weller is a [[1979]] graduate of the [[University of Illinois]] where he received his degree in agriculture. Weller has been married twice.
Weller was born in [[Streator, Illinois]], to LaVern and Marilyn Weller,<ref>[[Project Vote Smart]]. [http://www.vote-smart.org/extended_bio.php?can_id=CNIP0580 Weller extended biography] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071225053217/http://www.vote-smart.org/extended_bio.php?can_id=CNIP0580 |date=2007-12-25 }}. Accessed October 23, 2006.</ref> and raised on his family's hog farm in [[Dwight, Illinois]]. Weller is a 1979 graduate of the [[University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign|University of Illinois]] where he received his degree in agriculture. Weller has been married twice.


Weller was a staff member for U.S. Congressman [[Tom Corcoran (politician)|Tom Corcoran]] from 1980 to 1981, assistant to the director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture, and an aide to [[Secretary of Agriculture]] [[John R. Block]] from 1981 to 1985.
== Early career ==
Weller was a staff member for [[Illinois House of Representatives|state representative]] [[Tom Corcoran]] from [[1980]] to [[1981]], assistant to the director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture, and an aide to [[Secretary of Agriculture]] [[John R. Block]] from [[1981]] to [[1985]].


In the 1986 general election, Weller challenged incumbent [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic]] Representative [[Ray A. Christensen]] in the 85th district. In the official result, Weller won by a four-vote margin, 14,217 to 14,213. Christensen challenged the result while Weller was sworn in as the State Representative. The Illinois House of Representatives set up a House Committee on Election Contests which heard the two candidates' challenges.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Gaudet|first=Chris|title=Statehouse Playhouse: Weller v. Christensen|journal=Illinois Issues|volume=13|issue=3|page=40|publisher=[[Sangamon State University]]|access-date=December 16, 2020|url=https://www.lib.niu.edu/1987/ii870340.html}}</ref> In a party line vote, the House voted to unseat Weller and seat Christensen.<ref name="$116,000 Question">{{cite journal|last=Gaudet|first=Chris|title=Weller or Christensen? The $116,000 answer|journal=Illinois Issues|volume=13|issue=9|page=50|publisher=[[Sangamon State University]]|access-date=December 16, 2020|url=https://www.lib.niu.edu/1987/ii870850a.html}}</ref>
== Political history ==
In 1988, Weller was elected to the [[Illinois House of Representatives]] where he served until 1994.


In the 1988 election, Weller was elected to the [[Illinois House of Representatives]] defeating Democratic candidate and Grundy County Clerk Lana Phillips after Christensen opted to retire.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Johnson|first=Brett D.|title=Legislative primaries: Incumbency prevails|journal=Illinois Issues|volume=14|issue=5|page=21|publisher=[[Sangamon State University]]|access-date=December 16, 2020|url=https://www.lib.niu.edu/1988/ii880520.html}}</ref><ref name="ii-1989">{{cite journal|url=http://www.lib.niu.edu/1989/ii890119.html|title=Lawmakers' class of '88: one bona fide surprise|first=Michael D.|last=Klemens|journal=Illinois Issues|pages=19–21|date=January 1989|location=[[Springfield, Illinois]]|publisher=[[Sangamon State University]]|issn=0738-9663|access-date=July 3, 2017}}</ref> Weller was succeeded by Grundy County Board member [[Stephen Spangler]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Wheeler III|first=Charles N.|title='Home field' for GOP: Computer-drawn map has Republicans targeting numerous Illinois House districts in attempt to get closer to gaining control of state's lower chamber|volume=20|issue=10|work=Illinois Issues|publisher=[[Sangamon State University]]|page=42|url=https://www.lib.niu.edu/1994/ii941024.html}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Wheeler III|first=Charles N.|title=Michael Madigan will be the longest-serving speaker|volume=21|issue=12|work=Illinois Issues|publisher=[[Sangamon State University]]|page=42|url=https://www.lib.niu.edu/1996/ii961242.html}}</ref>
== U.S. House of Representatives ==
=== Election in 1994 ===
Weller was elected to the [[United States House of Representatives|U.S. House of Representatives]] in 1994 following the retirement of [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democrat]] [[George Sangmeister]]. Weller defeated [[New Lenox, Illinois|New Lenox]] attorney [[Robert T. Herbolsheimer]] in the Republican primary, and [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democrat]] [[Frank Giglio]] in the [[United States House election, 1994|general election]].


==U.S. House of Representatives==
=== Committees and posts ===
Weller serves as [[Whip (politics)|Deputy Majority Whip]] and is a member of the [[House Ways and Means Committee|Ways and Means Committee]]. He also sits on the [[House International Relations Committee|House International Relations Committee]] where he serves as Vice Chairman of the Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere,<ref>[[Committee on International Relations]]. [http://www.internationalrelations.house.gov/members.asp?committee=westhem Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere], U.S. House of Representatives. Accessed [[October 23]], [[2006]].</ref> which oversees all legislation and policy regarding the nations of the [[Americas]], as well as the Terrorism and Nonproliferation Subcommittee.<ref>[[Committee on International Relations]]. [http://www.internationalrelations.house.gov/members.asp?committee=terrorism Members of the Terrorism and Nonproliferation Subcommittee], U.S. House of Representatives. Accessed [[October 23]], [[2006]].</ref>


===Tenure===
=== Political actions and positions ===
Weller was elected to the [[United States House of Representatives|U.S. House of Representatives]] in 1994 following the retirement of [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democrat]] [[George Sangmeister]]. Weller won a crowded Republican primary, and defeated fellow State Representative [[Frank Giglio]] in the [[United States House election, 1994|general election]].<ref>{{cite journal|last=Scobell|first=Beverly|title=Election Names: Congressional candidates on ballot in March primary|journal=Illinois Issues|volume=20|issue=2|page=40|access-date=December 16, 2020|url=https://www.lib.niu.edu/1994/ii940240.html}}</ref>
Weller has gained national recognition for his efforts to eliminate the marriage penalty. He has supported the use of tax incentives to help redevelop [[brownfield land|brownfield]] formal industrial land, developing a proposal with Democrats, such as Chicago Mayor [[Richard M. Daley]], to do so.<ref name="AP">Associated Press. [http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/external/pre-election/bios/1278.html?SITE=OKTULELN&SECTION=POLITICS&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT Jerry Weller Biography]. Accessed [[October 23]], [[2006]].</ref>


In 1995, Weller received an Environmental Protector Award from the Chicago Audubon Society for his political service.<ref>{{cite web |website= Chicago Audubon Society |url= http://www.chicagoaudubon.org/pages/nominees.shtml |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20050226091541/http://www.chicagoaudubon.org/pages/nominees.shtml |archive-date= February 26, 2005 |title= Previous CAS Award Recipients (1977–2003) |access-date= October 23, 2006 }}</ref> After a release of [[tritium]] from [[Exelon]]'s [[Braidwood Nuclear Generating Station|Braidwood]] and [[Dresden Nuclear Power Plant]] Weller sent a letter to Exelon Corp expressing his concern and recommended that the [[Nuclear Regulatory Commission]] investigate the power plants in question.<ref>{{cite web |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20060301052145/http://weller.house.gov/News/DocumentPrint.aspx?DocumentID=39632 |archive-date= March 1, 2006 |url= http://weller.house.gov/News/DocumentPrint.aspx?DocumentID=39632 |title= Weller Letter to Exelon Corp. on Braidwood, Dresden Nuclear Leaks |website= weller.house.gov |date= February 16, 2006}}</ref>
Weller also championed the creation of the [[Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery]], the [[Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie]] and other redevelopment efforts at the former [[Joliet Army Ammunition Plant|Joliet arsenal]].<ref name="AP"/> Redevelopment of the site included the Deer Run Industrial Park, which contains the [[List of industrial parks by size|CenterPoint Intermodal Center]], a new [[intermodal freight transport]] center.<ref>[http://jada.org/1ProjectsParks.htm Joliet Arsenal Development Authority]</ref> He also supports the creation of a third [[Chicago airports#Proposed airports|Chicago area airport]] in the [[Peotone, Illinois]] area to complement the intermodal center.<ref name="House_Bio">[http://weller.house.gov/Biography/ Weller's U.S. House biography]. Accessed [[October 23]], [[2006]].</ref> In 1995, Weller received an Environmental Protector Award from the Chicago Audubon Society for his political service.<ref>Chicago Audubon Society. [http://www.chicagoaudubon.org/pages/nominees.shtml Previous CAS Award Recipients (1977-2003)]. Accessed [[October 23]], [[2006]].</ref> Weller is also a member of the [[Republican Main Street Partnership]].


In 2002, a Federal Election Commission audit found a fund used by Weller for his re-election in 2000 received almost $11,000 that appeared to have violated federal campaign rules on the size and source of donations. Weller's fund returned all of the questioned contributions but did not admit deliberately violating any laws.<ref name="Bio" /><ref>{{cite news |title= Weller's campaign fund questioned |newspaper= The Pantagraph |location= Bloomington-Normal, Illinois |date= September 18, 2002 }}</ref>
== Marriage to Zury Ríos Montt ==
[[Image:Rios-montt-weller.gif|thumb|250px|right|Jerry Weller wedding photo]]


On October 10, 2002, Weller voted with the 296-133 majority in favor of authorizing the [[2003 invasion of Iraq|invasion of Iraq]].<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.govtrack.us/congress/votes/107-2002/h455 |title= H.J.Res. 114 (107th): Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002 |website= govtrack.us |date= October 10, 2002 }}</ref>
In July 2004, Weller announced that he was engaged to three-term [[Guatemala]]n [[Congress of Guatemala|Congresswoman]] [[Zury Ríos Montt]], daughter of General [[Efraín Ríos Montt]].<ref name="CR-8-25-06">Frank Smyth, [http://www.chicagoreader.com/features/stories/jerryweller/ "Illinois Republican Jerry Weller is one of the most powerful men in Congress when it comes to Latin America. His wife is the most powerful woman in Guatemala’s controversial FRG party."], ''Chicago Reader'', August 25, 2006</ref> On [[November 20]], [[2004]], the two married at her father's home in [[Antigua Guatemala]], his second marriage and her fourth. (Zury Ríos has also used the [[Iberian naming customs|combined parental surname]] Ríos Sosa, but in Guatemala she is nowadays best known by her father's name, Ríos Montt; her personal website uses the hybrid married form "Ríos-Montt de Weller". [http://www.zuryrios.com])


Weller served as [[Whip (politics)|Deputy Minority Whip]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://republicans.waysandmeans.house.gov/News/PRArticle.aspx?NewsID%3D10 |title=Committee's first meeting results in bi-partisan adoption of oversight letter |access-date=January 26, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070131202057/http://republicans.waysandmeans.house.gov/news/PRArticle.aspx?NewsID=10 |archive-date=January 31, 2007 }}{{failed verification|date=May 2015|reason=Webarchive.org link says nothing about Weller or who was the deputy whip.}}</ref> On September 21, 2007, Weller announced that he would not seek another term, citing the need to spend more time with his family.<ref name="Colindres, 2007">{{cite news |first= Adrianna |last= Colindres |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20071224225250/http://www.sj-r.com/News/stories/16761.asp |url= http://www.sj-r.com/News/stories/16761.asp |title= Rep. Weller will not seek another term in Congress |newspaper= [[The State Journal-Register]] |date= September 22, 2007 |access-date=September 24, 2007 |archive-date= December 24, 2007 }}</ref>
In 2004, Weller's Democratic opponent, Tari Renner, asked that Weller make a public statement denouncing General Ríos Montt's past actions, and those of his wife. Renner also asked that Weller step down from his seat on the House International Relations Committee because of his pending marriage to a foreign legislator. The Committee oversee all of the Americas, including Guatemala.<ref>[http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=News&id=1883833 "Congressman Weller's engagement questioned by candidate], ''Chicago ABC 7'', July 15, 2004]</ref>


Weller supported free trade when serving in Congress and traveled throughout Latin America and the Caribbean to build better relationships with public sector and business leaders. He was the number one supporter for the Panama trade agreement with the United States.<ref>{{cite web |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070810064157/http://www.thepanamanews.com/pn/v_13/issue_13/opinion_12.html |archive-date= August 10, 2007 |url= http://www.thepanamanews.com/pn/v_13/issue_13/opinion_12.html |title= Remarks at the signing of the US-Panama Trade Promotion Agreement |first= Susan |last= Schwab }}</ref>
In August 2006, a daughter, Marizú Catherine, was born in a hospital in [[Guatemala City]]. <ref>[http://www.elperiodico.com.gt/look/article.tpl?IdLanguage=13&IdPublication=1&NrIssue=763&NrSection=1&NrArticle=26827 "El orgulloso abuelo de Marizú Catherine Weller"], ''el Periodico'', August 18, 2006</ref>


Weller made efforts to eliminate the [[marriage penalty]] tax. He supported the use of tax incentives to help redevelop [[brownfield land|brownfield]] formal industrial land, developing a proposal with Democrats, such as Chicago Mayor [[Richard M. Daley]], to do so.<ref name="Bio">{{cite web |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090103054731/http://weller.house.gov/Biography/ |url= http://weller.house.gov/Biography/ |title= Jerry Weller Biography |website= weller.house.gov |archive-date= January 3, 2009 }}</ref>
Weller promised prior to his marriage to Ríos Montt that he would not vote on any legislation involving Guatemala. His advocacy and vote for [[CAFTA]] caused controversy.<ref>[http://www.morrisdailyherald.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=58&ArticleID=17006&TM=58342.56 "Weller marriage still raising ethics questions: Congressman has acted on trade issues, legislation impacting Guatemala"], ''Morris Daily Herald'', January 30, 2006</ref> Weller has long supported free-trade agreements. As a [[Guatemalan Republican Front|FRG]] party leader, his wife is also a supporter of CAFTA.


Weller championed the creation of the [[Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery]], the [[Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie]] and other redevelopment efforts at the former [[Joliet Army Ammunition Plant|Joliet arsenal]].<ref name="Bio" /> Redevelopment of the site included the Deer Run Industrial Park, which contains the [[CenterPoint Properties|CenterPoint Intermodal Center]], a new [[intermodal freight transport]] center.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://jada.org/1ProjectsParks.htm |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070518125843/http://www.jada.org/1ProjectsParks.htm |title= Joliet Arsenal Development Authority |archive-date= May 18, 2007 }}</ref>
== Properties in Nicaragua ==
On October 25, 2006, the ''Chicago Reader'' reported that Weller had disclosed three parcels of land he owned in Nicaragua on his financial disclosure forms: one purchased in 2002, one purchased in April 2004, and one purchased in December 2005. The newspaper also reported that it had obtained notarized bills of sale for three more lots owned by Weller that had never been listed on his forms: a lot sold in February 2005, a lot purchased in March 2005, and lot purchased in April 2005. The failure to properly disclosure property ownership is a violation of the Ethics in Government Act and the False Statements Accountability Act of 1996.


Weller supported plans for the [[Illiana Expressway]].<ref>{{cite news|first=Stanley|last=Ziemba|title=Highway Plan Gets a Boost |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2006/12/14/highway-plan-gets-a-boost/ |work=[[Chicago Tribune]] |date=December 14, 2006 |access-date=2007-01-26}}</ref>
Weller's lawyer said that he couldn’t comment because of the attorney-client privilege.<ref name="CR-10-06">Frank Smyth, [http://www.chicagoreader.com/features/stories/wellerbeach/ "Is Jerry Weller's beach an ethics breach?"], ''Chicago Reader'', October 25, 2006</ref> Weller's campaign manager said Weller "does not own three more parcels in Nicaragua. He does not own six parcels in Nicaragua. He has filed his disclosure for everything that he owns."<ref>Jo Ann Hustis, [http://www.morrisdailyherald.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=58&ArticleID=19907&TM=51768.24 "Pavich accuses, Weller camp denies three Nicaraguan land parcels: Claims based on newspaper report Congressman owns undisclosed property"], ''Morris Daily Herald'', November 1, 2006</ref>


Weller voted again to raise the minimum wage in the 110th Congress.<ref>{{cite news |first=Richard|last=Simon |title=Minimum pay bill advances |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2007/01/11/minimum-pay-bill-advances/ |work=Chicago Tribune Online |date=2007-01-11 |access-date=2007-01-26}}</ref>
==Contributors==
According to [[Federal Election Commission]] records, Jerry Weller has received numerous contributions from [[Political action committee|PAC’s]] and individuals. The contributors include several energy companies, financial services companies, labor unions, and medical associations, amongst others.


Weller sponsored a bill to expand concurrent receipt for wounded military veterans, but it did not pass.<ref>{{cite news|first=Rick|last=Maze|title=Bill would expand concurrent receipt|url=http://www.marinetimes.com/news/2007/01/tns.concurrent1.10.07/|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120912213257/http://www.marinetimes.com/news/2007/01/tns.concurrent1.10.07/|url-status=dead|archive-date=2012-09-12|work=[[Marine Corps Times]] Online|date=2007-01-13|access-date=2007-01-26}}</ref>
Two dividuals linked to [[Duke Cunningham]], a former congressman who pleaded guilty to federal charges of conspiracy to commit bribery, mail fraud, wire fraud, and tax evasion, contributed to Weller: [[Mitchell Wade]], the former president of defense intelligence firm MZM Inc, who pleaded guilty to several charges in February 2006, and [[Brent Wilkes]], an unindicted co-conspirator. Wade, Wilkes, their family members and their companies’ PACs donated $20,000 to Weller. Chris Kennedy, a spokesman for Weller, said in November 2005 that the donations probably originated from Weller’s support of the research-and-development tax credit, and that the issue of giving back the money had not been discussed.<ref>Josephine Hearn, [http://www.hillnews.com/thehill/export/TheHill/News/Frontpage/113005/fallout.html "Co-conspirators’ largesse extended to many"], ''The Hill'', November 30, 2005</ref> <ref name="FEC">[[Federal Election Commission]]. [http://query.nictusa.com/cgi-bin/can_give/H4IL11096 Committees Who Gave To This Candidate WELLER, GERALD C JERRY]</ref>


Weller sponsored a bill to make the residential energy efficient property credit permanent, which never left committee.<ref>{{Cite web |title=GovInfo |url=https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/BILLS-110hr778ih |access-date=2022-10-09 |website=www.govinfo.gov |language=en}}</ref>
Weller accepted a contribution directly from [[Jack Abramoff]], a former lobbyist who has been convicted on multiple charges pertaining to public corruption. Weller also received donations from clients represented by Abramoff, mainly Indian tribes.<ref>[[ Federal Election Commission]]. [http://query.nictusa.com/cgi-bin/can_ind/H4IL11096/1/A/ Individuals Who Gave To: WELLER, GERALD C JERRY - Whose Last Name Begins With The Letter 'A']</ref><ref>Capital Eye blog. [http://www.capitaleye.org/abramoff_recips_detail.asp?type=R&Name=Jerry+Weller+(R-Ill) Abramoff recipients].</ref>


Weller promised prior to his marriage to [[Guatemala]]n [[Congress of Guatemala|Congresswoman]] [[Zury Mayté Ríos Sosa de Weller]], that he would not vote on any legislation involving solely the U.S. and Guatemala. His advocacy and vote for [[CAFTA]] caused controversy however, despite it being a multi-nation agreement.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.morrisdailyherald.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=58&ArticleID=17006&TM=58342.56 |title= Weller marriage still raising ethics questions: Congressman has acted on trade issues, legislation impacting Guatemala |newspaper= Morris Daily Herald |date= January 30, 2006 }}{{dead link|date=May 2013}}</ref> Weller has long supported free-trade agreements. As a [[Guatemalan Republican Front|FRG]] party leader, his wife was also a supporter of CAFTA.
Weller accepted a donation from [[Americans for a Republican Majority]], also called ARMPAC, which was formed by [[Tom DeLay]].<ref>[[Center for Responsive Politics]]. [https://www.opensecrets.org/1994os/osdata/wellejer.pdf Weller 1993-1994] (PDF)</ref>


Weller accepted money from two convicted associates of former congressman [[Duke Cunningham]]. Weller's spokesman said that the donations probably originated from his support of the research and development tax credit<ref>{{cite news |first= Josephine |last= Hearn |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20060623214941/http://www.hillnews.com/thehill/export/TheHill/News/Frontpage/113005/fallout.html |archive-date= June 23, 2006 |url= http://www.hillnews.com/thehill/export/TheHill/News/Frontpage/113005/fallout.html |title= Co-conspirators' largesse extended to many |newspaper= The Hill |date= November 30, 2005 }}</ref> and the money was donated to a charity in Oregon.<ref>Ben Roberts. ''Blunt will keep tainted donations as others vow to give them away''. [[St Louis Post Dispatch]]. December 9, 2005</ref> Weller and 11 other congressmen were subpoenaed to testify in the trial of [[Brent R. Wilkes]], the contractor accused of bribing Cunningham.<ref>[https://www.chicagotribune.com/2007/09/19/weller-hastert-challenge-cunningham-subpoenas/ Weller, Hastert challenge Cunningham subpoenas] by Jim Tankersley ''Chicago Tribune'' September 19, 2007</ref> The subpoenas were withdrawn by defense attorneys on October 3, 2007 when it became apparent the trial judge would quash them anyway. Weller and the other 11 did not testify in the trial.<ref>{{cite news |first= Allison |last= Hoffman |url= http://www.modbee.com/news/local/article3093751.html |title= 12 House members won't be subpoenaed |agency= Associated Press |newspaper= Modesto Bee |date= October 3, 2007 }}</ref>
Weller has accepted donations from tobacco companies, including: [[Altria Group]] (formerly known as Philip Morris), [[R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company]], [[Brown & Williamson]], and the Tobacco Institute.<ref name="FEC"/> Weller has also received donations from the [[gambling]] industry, including: the [[American Gaming Association]], [[Harrah's Entertainment]], [[MGM Mirage]], [[Station Casinos]], [[Mandalay Resort Group]], and Duchossois Industries (former owner of [[Arlington Park]]).<ref name="FEC"/>


Weller was the only member of the House of Representatives to abstain in the vote for the [[proposed bailout of U.S. financial system (2008)]].<ref>{{cite web |url= http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2008/roll674.xml |title= Final Vote Results for Roll Call 674 |website= United States House of Representatives |date= September 29, 2008 |access-date= September 30, 2008 }}</ref>
Weller collected financial support from various corporations, such as [[Wal-Mart]], which opened a 3.4 million square foot distribution facility in the [[Elwood, Illinois]] intermodal hub at the former Joliet arsenal<ref>Weller press release. [http://weller.house.gov/News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=33836 Weller Welcomes Wal-Mart Mega-Facility to Joliet Arsenal]. [[August 30]], [[2005]].</ref> and [[News Corporation]], the parent company of [[Fox News Channel]]. Weller has accepted funds from the [[Eagle Forum]], an organization opposed to the [[Equal Rights Amendment]]. Weller has received donations from the [[National Rifle Association]], [[Airline Pilots Association]], [[Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association]] as well as some [[labor union]]s such as the [[Directors Guild of America]], [[International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers]], [[National Air Traffic Controllers Association]], [[United Transportation Union]] and the [[Transport Workers Union of America]]. He also received contributions from several agricultural interests, including the [[Dairy Farmers of America]], [[ConAgra Foods]] and the [[Chicago Mercantile Exchange]].<ref name="FEC"/>


===Energy companies===
===Committees===
Weller was on the following committees at various times:
Weller has accepted over $176 thousand dollars from major oil and gas companies, representing approximately 2.16% of total campaign contributions.<ref>[[Center for Responsive Politics]]. [http://www.opensecrets.org/politicians/allindus.asp?CID=N00004745 Jerry Weller: Career Profile (Since 1989)]</ref> Jerry Weller received donations from [[Exelon]] Corporation, the parent company of [[Commonwealth Edison]], an [[electric utility]] serving Weller’s district as well as the [[National Rural Electric Cooperative Association]] a group representing [[electrical cooperative]]s in his district. Exelon owns three [[nuclear power plant]]s in Weller's district and is being sued by [[Will County, Illinois|Will County]] residents and the [[State's Attorney]] due to leaks of radioactive [[tritium]] at the [[Braidwood Nuclear Generating Station]] and the [[Dresden Nuclear Power Plant]].<ref>ENS Newswire. [http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/mar2006/2006-03-21-02.asp March 2006].</ref> The radioactive leaks have contaminated well water above the Environmental Protection Agency's federal drinking water standard. Weller sent a letter to Exelon Corp expressing his concern and recommended that the [[Nuclear Regulatory Commission]] investigate the power plants in question.<ref>[http://weller.house.gov/News/DocumentPrint.aspx?DocumentID=39632 Weller press release].</ref> Weller received multiple donations from [[Arthur Andersen]] and [[Enron Corporation]], including after the scandal became public knowledge. Weller accepted a donation less than a month prior to Enron’s bankruptcy filing.<ref name="FEC"/> Weller also accepted donations from [[El Paso Corp.]], owner of [[ANR Pipeline]] company, which opened a new natural gas market center in [[Joliet, Illinois]]. The new center connects several new pipelines adding larger supply capabilities and creating additional competition in the midwest, where only the [[Nicor]] Chicago hub had previously existed.<ref>DOE EIA. [http://www.eia.doe.gov/pub/oil_gas/natural_gas/feature_articles/2003/market_hubs/mkthubsweb.html 2003 Market Hub Update].</ref>
* Committee on Ways & Means (-2008)<ref name="Committees, 2009">{{cite web |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090103054625/http://weller.house.gov/Committees/ |url= http://weller.house.gov/Committees/ |archive-date= January 3, 2009 |title= Committees |website= weller.house.gov }}</ref>
** Subcommittee on Income Security and Family Support (Ranking Member) (-2008)<ref name="Committees, 2009" />
** Subcommittee on Trade<ref>{{cite web |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090101090237/http://waysandmeans.house.gov/members.asp?comm=5 |url= http://waysandmeans.house.gov/members.asp?comm=5 |title= Subcommittee on Trade Membership |website= waysandmeans.house.gov |archive-date= January 1, 2009}}</ref>
* Committee On International Relations (-2006)<ref>{{cite web |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20061227182020/http://weller.house.gov/Committees/ |url= http://weller.house.gov/Committees/ |archive-date= December 27, 2006 |title= Committees |website= weller.house.gov }}</ref>

==Personal life==
In July 2004, Weller announced that he was engaged to three-term [[Guatemala]]n [[Congress of Guatemala|Congresswoman]] [[Zury Ríos|Zury Mayté Ríos Sosa]], daughter of former Guatemalan dictator [[Efraín Ríos Montt]].<ref name="CR-8-25-06">{{cite news |first= Frank |last= Smyth |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20060830230047/http://www.chicagoreader.com/features/stories/jerryweller/ |archive-date= August 30, 2006 |url= http://www.chicagoreader.com/features/stories/jerryweller/ |title= Illinois Republican Jerry Weller is one of the most powerful men in Congress when it comes to Latin America. His wife is the most powerful woman in Guatemala's controversial FRG party |newspaper= Chicago Reader |date= August 25, 2006 }}</ref> On November 20, 2004, the two married at her father's home in [[Antigua Guatemala]]; this was his second marriage and her fourth. (Zury Ríos has also used the combined parental surname, Ríos Sosa, following the [[naming customs of Hispanic America]]; during this marriage, her personal website used the hybrid married form "Ríos-Montt de Weller".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.zuryrios.com/|title=Zury Ríos Sosa - Sitio web oficial|work=zuryrios.com|access-date=7 September 2015|archive-date=January 4, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140104222644/http://zuryrios.com/|url-status=dead}}</ref>)

In August 2006, a daughter, Marizú Catherine, was born in a hospital in [[Guatemala City]].<ref>[http://www.elperiodico.com.gt/look/article.tpl?IdLanguage=13&IdPublication=1&NrIssue=763&NrSection=1&NrArticle=26827 "El orgulloso abuelo de Marizú Catherine Weller"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071214001306/http://www.elperiodico.com.gt/look/article.tpl?IdLanguage=13&IdPublication=1&NrIssue=763&NrSection=1&NrArticle=26827 |date=2007-12-14 }}, ''el Periodico'', August 18, 2006</ref><ref>{{cite web |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090103132114/http://weller.house.gov/News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=49114 |url= http://weller.house.gov/News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=49114 |title= Weller Family Welcomes New Member |website= weller.house.gov |archive-date=January 3, 2009 |date= August 17, 2006 }}</ref>

Weller and Ríos have since divorced.

===Properties in Nicaragua===
On October 25, 2006, the ''[[Chicago Reader]]'' reported that Weller had disclosed three parcels of land he owned in [[Nicaragua]] on his financial disclosure forms: one purchased in 2002, one purchased in April 2004, and one purchased in December 2005. The newspaper also reported that it had obtained notarized bills of sale for three more lots owned by Weller that had never been listed on his forms: a lot sold in February 2005, a lot purchased in March 2005, and lot purchased in April 2005. The failure to properly disclosure property ownership was alleged to be a violation of the Ethics in Government Act and the False Statements Accountability Act of 1996.

Weller's lawyer said that he couldn't comment because of the attorney-client privilege.<ref name="CR-10-06">Frank Smyth, [https://web.archive.org/web/20061104214230/http://www.chicagoreader.com/features/stories/wellerbeach/ "Is Jerry Weller's beach an ethics breach?"], ''Chicago Reader'', October 25, 2006</ref> Weller's campaign manager said Weller "does not own three more parcels in Nicaragua. He does not own six parcels in Nicaragua. He has filed his disclosure for everything that he owns."<ref>Jo Ann Hustis, [http://www.morrisdailyherald.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=58&ArticleID=19907&TM=51768.24 "Pavich accuses, Weller camp denies three Nicaraguan land parcels: Claims based on newspaper report Congressman owns undisclosed property"]{{dead link|date=April 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}, ''Morris Daily Herald'', November 1, 2006</ref>

On September 7, 2007, the ''[[Chicago Tribune]]'' disclosed the results of their own investigation into his land deals, including discrepancies on declared prices and numbers of transactions, centered in the Playa Coco resort area. For example, Weller listed only one Nicaraguan property purchase on his 2005 disclosure form, but property records in Nicaragua showed that he bought or sold at least eight pieces of land.<ref>Andrew Zajac, Oscar Avila and Jim Tankersley, [http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-wellersep07,1,83079.story "Inside Rep. Weller's Nicaragua land deal"], ''Chicago Tribune'', September 7, 2007</ref> No inquiry was ever launched by the [[110th United States Congress|Democratically-controlled House]],<ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.daily-journal.com/news/local/jerry-weller-reports-assets-income/article_7f0ee7ac-4d46-5881-a534-5b0e88822e56.html |title= Jerry Weller reports assets, income |newspaper= The Daily Journal |location= Kankakee, Illinois |first= Edward |last= Felker |date= June 17, 2008 }}</ref> but Weller announced that he would not seek reelection on September 21, 2007.<ref name="Colindres, 2007" />

==See also==
* [[United States House of Representatives elections in Illinois, 2008]]


==References==
==References==
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==External links==
==External links==
* {{CongLinks | congbio=w000273 | votesmart=21696 | fec=H4IL11096 | congress= }}<!--
*[http://weller.house.gov/ Weller's official website]
Links formerly displayed via the CongLinks template:
*[http://projects.washingtonpost.com/congress/members/w000273/ Voting record maintained by the Washington Post]
* [http://www.opensecrets.org/politicians/summary.php?cid=N00004745 Financial information (federal office)] at [[Center for Responsive Politics|OpenSecrets.org]]
* [http://www.ontheissues.org/IL/Jerry_Weller.htm Issue positions and quotes] at [[On the Issues]]
* -->
* {{C-SPAN|36586}}


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{{incumbent succession box|
{{US House succession box|
title=[[U.S. Congressional Delegations from Illinois#House of Representatives|U.S. Representative of Illinois's 11th Congressional District]]|
state=Illinois|district=11|
before=[[George E. Sangmeister]]|
before=[[George E. Sangmeister]]|
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after= [[Debbie Halvorson]] |
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years= January 3, 1995 – January 3, 2009|
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{{S-end}}
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{{USCongRep/IL/108}}
{{USCongRep/IL/109}}
{{USCongRep/IL/110}}
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{{Authority control}}


[[Category:1957 births|Weller, Jerry]]
{{DEFAULTSORT:Weller, Jerry}}
[[Category:Living people|Weller, Jerry]]
[[Category:1957 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Members of the Illinois House of Representatives|Weller, Jerry]]
[[Category:21st-century evangelicals]]
[[Category:Members of the United States House of Representatives from Illinois|Weller, Jerry]]
[[Category:People from Illinois|Weller, Jerry]]
[[Category:21st-century Illinois politicians]]
[[Category:American evangelicals]]
[[Category:Members of Congress who became lobbyists]]
[[Category:People from Dwight, Illinois]]
[[Category:People from Morris, Illinois]]
[[Category:People from Streator, Illinois]]
[[Category:Republican Party members of the Illinois House of Representatives]]
[[Category:Republican Party members of the United States House of Representatives from Illinois]]
[[Category:University of Illinois College of Agriculture, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences alumni]]
[[Category:21st-century members of the United States House of Representatives]]
[[Category:20th-century members of the Illinois General Assembly]]

Latest revision as of 22:29, 6 January 2025

Jerry Weller
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from Illinois's 11th district
In office
January 3, 1995 – January 3, 2009
Preceded byGeorge Sangmeister
Succeeded byDebbie Halvorson
In office
January 3, 1989 – January 3, 1995
Preceded byRay A. Christensen
Succeeded byStephen Spangler
In office
January 3, 1987 – April 2, 1987[1]
Preceded byRay A. Christensen
Succeeded byRay A. Christensen
Personal details
Born (1957-07-07) July 7, 1957 (age 67)
Streator, Illinois, U.S.
Political partyRepublican
Spouse
​
​
(m. 2004, divorced)​
ResidenceMorris, Illinois
Alma materUniversity of Illinois
OccupationPolitical assistant

Gerald Cameron Weller (born July 7, 1957) is an American politician who was a Republican member of the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Illinois's 11th congressional district. As of 2015, Weller is the managing principal of New World Group Public Affairs, a lobbying group with offices in Washington, DC, Florida and Guatemala. He was also a Global Development Officer for an IPTV company called VIPTV.[2]

Early life, education, and early political career

[edit]

Weller was born in Streator, Illinois, to LaVern and Marilyn Weller,[3] and raised on his family's hog farm in Dwight, Illinois. Weller is a 1979 graduate of the University of Illinois where he received his degree in agriculture. Weller has been married twice.

Weller was a staff member for U.S. Congressman Tom Corcoran from 1980 to 1981, assistant to the director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture, and an aide to Secretary of Agriculture John R. Block from 1981 to 1985.

In the 1986 general election, Weller challenged incumbent Democratic Representative Ray A. Christensen in the 85th district. In the official result, Weller won by a four-vote margin, 14,217 to 14,213. Christensen challenged the result while Weller was sworn in as the State Representative. The Illinois House of Representatives set up a House Committee on Election Contests which heard the two candidates' challenges.[4] In a party line vote, the House voted to unseat Weller and seat Christensen.[1]

In the 1988 election, Weller was elected to the Illinois House of Representatives defeating Democratic candidate and Grundy County Clerk Lana Phillips after Christensen opted to retire.[5][6] Weller was succeeded by Grundy County Board member Stephen Spangler.[7][8]

U.S. House of Representatives

[edit]

Tenure

[edit]

Weller was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1994 following the retirement of Democrat George Sangmeister. Weller won a crowded Republican primary, and defeated fellow State Representative Frank Giglio in the general election.[9]

In 1995, Weller received an Environmental Protector Award from the Chicago Audubon Society for his political service.[10] After a release of tritium from Exelon's Braidwood and Dresden Nuclear Power Plant Weller sent a letter to Exelon Corp expressing his concern and recommended that the Nuclear Regulatory Commission investigate the power plants in question.[11]

In 2002, a Federal Election Commission audit found a fund used by Weller for his re-election in 2000 received almost $11,000 that appeared to have violated federal campaign rules on the size and source of donations. Weller's fund returned all of the questioned contributions but did not admit deliberately violating any laws.[12][13]

On October 10, 2002, Weller voted with the 296-133 majority in favor of authorizing the invasion of Iraq.[14]

Weller served as Deputy Minority Whip.[15] On September 21, 2007, Weller announced that he would not seek another term, citing the need to spend more time with his family.[16]

Weller supported free trade when serving in Congress and traveled throughout Latin America and the Caribbean to build better relationships with public sector and business leaders. He was the number one supporter for the Panama trade agreement with the United States.[17]

Weller made efforts to eliminate the marriage penalty tax. He supported the use of tax incentives to help redevelop brownfield formal industrial land, developing a proposal with Democrats, such as Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley, to do so.[12]

Weller championed the creation of the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie and other redevelopment efforts at the former Joliet arsenal.[12] Redevelopment of the site included the Deer Run Industrial Park, which contains the CenterPoint Intermodal Center, a new intermodal freight transport center.[18]

Weller supported plans for the Illiana Expressway.[19]

Weller voted again to raise the minimum wage in the 110th Congress.[20]

Weller sponsored a bill to expand concurrent receipt for wounded military veterans, but it did not pass.[21]

Weller sponsored a bill to make the residential energy efficient property credit permanent, which never left committee.[22]

Weller promised prior to his marriage to Guatemalan Congresswoman Zury Mayté Ríos Sosa de Weller, that he would not vote on any legislation involving solely the U.S. and Guatemala. His advocacy and vote for CAFTA caused controversy however, despite it being a multi-nation agreement.[23] Weller has long supported free-trade agreements. As a FRG party leader, his wife was also a supporter of CAFTA.

Weller accepted money from two convicted associates of former congressman Duke Cunningham. Weller's spokesman said that the donations probably originated from his support of the research and development tax credit[24] and the money was donated to a charity in Oregon.[25] Weller and 11 other congressmen were subpoenaed to testify in the trial of Brent R. Wilkes, the contractor accused of bribing Cunningham.[26] The subpoenas were withdrawn by defense attorneys on October 3, 2007 when it became apparent the trial judge would quash them anyway. Weller and the other 11 did not testify in the trial.[27]

Weller was the only member of the House of Representatives to abstain in the vote for the proposed bailout of U.S. financial system (2008).[28]

Committees

[edit]

Weller was on the following committees at various times:

  • Committee on Ways & Means (-2008)[29]
    • Subcommittee on Income Security and Family Support (Ranking Member) (-2008)[29]
    • Subcommittee on Trade[30]
  • Committee On International Relations (-2006)[31]

Personal life

[edit]

In July 2004, Weller announced that he was engaged to three-term Guatemalan Congresswoman Zury Mayté Ríos Sosa, daughter of former Guatemalan dictator Efraín Ríos Montt.[32] On November 20, 2004, the two married at her father's home in Antigua Guatemala; this was his second marriage and her fourth. (Zury Ríos has also used the combined parental surname, Ríos Sosa, following the naming customs of Hispanic America; during this marriage, her personal website used the hybrid married form "Ríos-Montt de Weller".[33])

In August 2006, a daughter, Marizú Catherine, was born in a hospital in Guatemala City.[34][35]

Weller and Ríos have since divorced.

Properties in Nicaragua

[edit]

On October 25, 2006, the Chicago Reader reported that Weller had disclosed three parcels of land he owned in Nicaragua on his financial disclosure forms: one purchased in 2002, one purchased in April 2004, and one purchased in December 2005. The newspaper also reported that it had obtained notarized bills of sale for three more lots owned by Weller that had never been listed on his forms: a lot sold in February 2005, a lot purchased in March 2005, and lot purchased in April 2005. The failure to properly disclosure property ownership was alleged to be a violation of the Ethics in Government Act and the False Statements Accountability Act of 1996.

Weller's lawyer said that he couldn't comment because of the attorney-client privilege.[36] Weller's campaign manager said Weller "does not own three more parcels in Nicaragua. He does not own six parcels in Nicaragua. He has filed his disclosure for everything that he owns."[37]

On September 7, 2007, the Chicago Tribune disclosed the results of their own investigation into his land deals, including discrepancies on declared prices and numbers of transactions, centered in the Playa Coco resort area. For example, Weller listed only one Nicaraguan property purchase on his 2005 disclosure form, but property records in Nicaragua showed that he bought or sold at least eight pieces of land.[38] No inquiry was ever launched by the Democratically-controlled House,[39] but Weller announced that he would not seek reelection on September 21, 2007.[16]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b Gaudet, Chris. "Weller or Christensen? The $116,000 answer". Illinois Issues. 13 (9). Sangamon State University: 50. Retrieved December 16, 2020.
  2. ^ "Jerry Weller". jerryweller.info. Archived from the original on May 18, 2015. Retrieved May 8, 2015.
  3. ^ Project Vote Smart. Weller extended biography Archived 2007-12-25 at the Wayback Machine. Accessed October 23, 2006.
  4. ^ Gaudet, Chris. "Statehouse Playhouse: Weller v. Christensen". Illinois Issues. 13 (3). Sangamon State University: 40. Retrieved December 16, 2020.
  5. ^ Johnson, Brett D. "Legislative primaries: Incumbency prevails". Illinois Issues. 14 (5). Sangamon State University: 21. Retrieved December 16, 2020.
  6. ^ Klemens, Michael D. (January 1989). "Lawmakers' class of '88: one bona fide surprise". Illinois Issues. Springfield, Illinois: Sangamon State University: 19–21. ISSN 0738-9663. Retrieved July 3, 2017.
  7. ^ Wheeler III, Charles N. "'Home field' for GOP: Computer-drawn map has Republicans targeting numerous Illinois House districts in attempt to get closer to gaining control of state's lower chamber". Illinois Issues. Sangamon State University. p. 42.
  8. ^ Wheeler III, Charles N. "Michael Madigan will be the longest-serving speaker". Illinois Issues. Sangamon State University. p. 42.
  9. ^ Scobell, Beverly. "Election Names: Congressional candidates on ballot in March primary". Illinois Issues. 20 (2): 40. Retrieved December 16, 2020.
  10. ^ "Previous CAS Award Recipients (1977–2003)". Chicago Audubon Society. Archived from the original on February 26, 2005. Retrieved October 23, 2006.
  11. ^ "Weller Letter to Exelon Corp. on Braidwood, Dresden Nuclear Leaks". weller.house.gov. February 16, 2006. Archived from the original on March 1, 2006.
  12. ^ a b c "Jerry Weller Biography". weller.house.gov. Archived from the original on January 3, 2009.
  13. ^ "Weller's campaign fund questioned". The Pantagraph. Bloomington-Normal, Illinois. September 18, 2002.
  14. ^ "H.J.Res. 114 (107th): Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002". govtrack.us. October 10, 2002.
  15. ^ "Committee's first meeting results in bi-partisan adoption of oversight letter". Archived from the original on January 31, 2007. Retrieved January 26, 2007.[failed verification]
  16. ^ a b Colindres, Adrianna (September 22, 2007). "Rep. Weller will not seek another term in Congress". The State Journal-Register. Archived from the original on December 24, 2007. Retrieved September 24, 2007.
  17. ^ Schwab, Susan. "Remarks at the signing of the US-Panama Trade Promotion Agreement". Archived from the original on August 10, 2007.
  18. ^ "Joliet Arsenal Development Authority". Archived from the original on May 18, 2007.
  19. ^ Ziemba, Stanley (December 14, 2006). "Highway Plan Gets a Boost". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved January 26, 2007.
  20. ^ Simon, Richard (January 11, 2007). "Minimum pay bill advances". Chicago Tribune Online. Retrieved January 26, 2007.
  21. ^ Maze, Rick (January 13, 2007). "Bill would expand concurrent receipt". Marine Corps Times Online. Archived from the original on September 12, 2012. Retrieved January 26, 2007.
  22. ^ "GovInfo". www.govinfo.gov. Retrieved October 9, 2022.
  23. ^ "Weller marriage still raising ethics questions: Congressman has acted on trade issues, legislation impacting Guatemala". Morris Daily Herald. January 30, 2006.[dead link‍]
  24. ^ Hearn, Josephine (November 30, 2005). "Co-conspirators' largesse extended to many". The Hill. Archived from the original on June 23, 2006.
  25. ^ Ben Roberts. Blunt will keep tainted donations as others vow to give them away. St Louis Post Dispatch. December 9, 2005
  26. ^ Weller, Hastert challenge Cunningham subpoenas by Jim Tankersley Chicago Tribune September 19, 2007
  27. ^ Hoffman, Allison (October 3, 2007). "12 House members won't be subpoenaed". Modesto Bee. Associated Press.
  28. ^ "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 674". United States House of Representatives. September 29, 2008. Retrieved September 30, 2008.
  29. ^ a b "Committees". weller.house.gov. Archived from the original on January 3, 2009.
  30. ^ "Subcommittee on Trade Membership". waysandmeans.house.gov. Archived from the original on January 1, 2009.
  31. ^ "Committees". weller.house.gov. Archived from the original on December 27, 2006.
  32. ^ Smyth, Frank (August 25, 2006). "Illinois Republican Jerry Weller is one of the most powerful men in Congress when it comes to Latin America. His wife is the most powerful woman in Guatemala's controversial FRG party". Chicago Reader. Archived from the original on August 30, 2006.
  33. ^ "Zury Ríos Sosa - Sitio web oficial". zuryrios.com. Archived from the original on January 4, 2014. Retrieved September 7, 2015.
  34. ^ "El orgulloso abuelo de Marizú Catherine Weller" Archived 2007-12-14 at the Wayback Machine, el Periodico, August 18, 2006
  35. ^ "Weller Family Welcomes New Member". weller.house.gov. August 17, 2006. Archived from the original on January 3, 2009.
  36. ^ Frank Smyth, "Is Jerry Weller's beach an ethics breach?", Chicago Reader, October 25, 2006
  37. ^ Jo Ann Hustis, "Pavich accuses, Weller camp denies three Nicaraguan land parcels: Claims based on newspaper report Congressman owns undisclosed property"[permanent dead link‍], Morris Daily Herald, November 1, 2006
  38. ^ Andrew Zajac, Oscar Avila and Jim Tankersley, "Inside Rep. Weller's Nicaragua land deal", Chicago Tribune, September 7, 2007
  39. ^ Felker, Edward (June 17, 2008). "Jerry Weller reports assets, income". The Daily Journal. Kankakee, Illinois.
[edit]
U.S. House of Representatives
Preceded by Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from Illinois's 11th congressional district
January 3, 1995 – January 3, 2009 		Succeeded by
U.S. order of precedence (ceremonial)
Preceded byas Former US Representative Order of precedence of the United States as Former US Representative Succeeded byas Former US Representative
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=Jerry_Weller&oldid=1267832834"