The Duckworth Diary - October 4, 2013

Dear Neighbors,

This week in Washington, I worked with my colleagues to fix this crisis we are in. The federal government shut down because a small group of extreme members blocked all attempts at passing a spending bill before the start of the new fiscal year on Tuesday, October 1.

Both of my offices in Schaumburg and Washington are still open to serve your needs. If you are having trouble reaching a Federal agency, please contact my office and my staff will assist you.

On Tuesday, I met with members of the American Psychological Association from Hoffman Estates. We discussed the importance of suicide awareness and prevention, among our military, Veterans and citizens alike.

On Wednesday, I stood with my colleagues and fellow Veterans to call for action on the government shutdown. We stood on the steps of the Capitol to demand a vote on a budget to reopen the federal government that does not help some of our neighbors while hurting others.

On Friday I met with other Members of Congress as part of the United Solutions Caucus.  We are a bipartisan group of Freshmen members who are dedicated to finding bipartisan solutions.

Some members of the House of Representatives are trying to appropriate government funds in a piecemeal manner, and that is not productive.  We can’t run a government piece by piece. All, not just some, of my constituents deserve access to government services.  

For example, we should not be passing legislation that only opens the National Parks in Washington but cuts funding for the military technicians who keep our National Guard armories ready to respond to natural disasters.   While these are difficult times, I remain hopeful that Congress can reach a common understanding and end this government shutdown soon.

The Veterans of Foreign Wars, an organization with a membership of patriots, issued a very thoughtful letter on the need to for a complete budget to reopen government and on why a piecemeal approach is not workable.  You can read it by clicking here.

I also want to give my gratitude and thanks to the men and women who protect the Capitol every day. My thoughts and prayers are with those affected by the incident on Capitol Hill earlier this week.

Sincerely,

Congresswoman Tammy Duckworth