Dear Neighbors,
Leg and arm wounds account for the greatest number of disabled soldiers, which is why the need for Orthopaedic research has never been greater and more immediate. To work on this problem, I sent a bipartisan letter to the Subcommittee on Defense of the House Committee on Appropriations along with Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-CA) asking for $30 million for peer-reviewed Orthopaedic research in the Defense Appropriations legislation for fiscal year 2016. I was proud to have 29 of my colleagues from both of the aisle support this request.
Last Monday, my office hosted an Immigration Services best practices panel. We had many members of our community from our schools, first responders and service providers gather to discuss best practices on a wide range of issues affecting constituents. If you're interested in attending one of my events in the near future, email doinfo.tammy@mail.house.gov for more information.
Additionally, in conjunction with Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (OR-1), I sent a letter to the Subcommittee on Labor, Health, Human Services and Education requesting that investments in job training and adult education programs be included in their appropriations legislation for fiscal year 2016. Expanding access to job training and adult education programs is crucial to the ability for our workers to obtain quality, well-paying jobs.
This Friday, I visited Plum Grove Junior High School in Rolling Meadows to meet with students on Career Day. We talked about my time in the military and other leadership roles I've taken before and during my time in Congress. The students had great questions and I'm excited to see where their ambition takes them!
Lastly, I sent a letter to the Government Accountability Office (GAO) asking for a review of the Defense Department's Federal Voting Assistance Program for military personnel living overseas. Reports indicate that Veterans and their families have had a hard time casting absentee ballots in various states. The Department of Defense's Federal Voting Assistance Program was created to ensure that our Servicemembers fighting abroad to protect the rights of all Americans don't lose their opportunity to vote in federal elections at home. This letter has the support of every single member of the Oversight and Government Reform Committee.
I hope you are having a great week.
Sincerely,
Congresswoman Duckworth