Duckworth Diary: Friday, January 16th, 2015

Statement

Dear Neighbors,

The New Year is in full swing -- and the 114th Congress is back in session. Last week, I left Hoffman Estates for Washington to be sworn into office for my second term. I am excited to continue serving the people of the 8th District.

It is important to look back at the last term as we move forward into the new term, which is why my office released a report on my first term as your representative. I've focused on being accessible to all of my neighbors, cutting waste and fraud in government and investing in programs that help working families achieve the American Dream. You can read the full report here.

As one of my first acts in the new Congress, I reintroduced the SAV Act with Representatives Miller and Walz. The legislation, named in honor of the late Iraq and Afghanistan War Veteran and suicide prevention advocate Clay Hunt, unanimously passed the House of Representatives in the 113th Congress and had broad support in the Senate, but was blocked from becoming law. It passed the House for a second time this week, and now moves to the Senate for consideration.

Additionally, I signed on to the Competitive Bidding Improvement Act as an original cosponsor. This bill would reduce the number of bad actors participating in the durable medical equipment, prosthetic and orthotic devices, and supplies program within the Medicare program and promote fair competition.

My office will be holding Satellite Office Hours on January 21 at the Illinois Welcoming Center at Christ Presbyterian Church, 6900 Barrington Road. This is a question and answer forum open to the public where people can get assistance with federal issues. If you have additional questions, please reach out to my District Office at 847-413-1959.

I also became a co-sponsor to two more important pieces of proposed legislation regarding good government. The first, the Close the Floodgates Act, H.R.154, undoes last minute provisions included in the funding bill Congress voted on in December that would allow wealthy donors to increase their contributions to political parties to 10 times the current amount. The second bill, the No Budget, No Pay Act, directs Members of Congress to adopt a budget resolution and pass appropriations bills before the start of the new fiscal year. If they do not do this, Members will have their pay withheld until they pass a budget.

Best for a great rest of your month,

Congresswoman Duckworth

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