Duckworth Diary - December 5, 2014
Statement
Dear Neighbors,
I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving Holiday with your family and friends.
Earlier this month, I sent a bipartisan letter to the Director of the Office of Management and Budget expressing concerns about the proposed catfish program final rule currently pending before the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA). The proposed catfish inspection program is a duplicative and wasteful government program that would unnecessarily cost taxpayers $170 million annually and would be extremely detrimental to Illinois seafood processors, farmers and exporters.
Monday we acknowledged World AIDS Day. As a nation, we must recommit ourselves to testing, treating and eliminating HIV. As a global epidemic, AIDS requires a global response and we must work together to both fight AIDS and educate ourselves about this disease.
This week, the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act, which I cosponsored, passed the House of Representatives. If passed by the Senate and signed into law, this bill would allow Americans living with a disability and their families to establish tax-exempt financial accounts so they can finance qualified expenses including education, housing, transportation, employment support, medical care and other personal necessities.
I also announced a Community Block Development Grant for the city of Des Plaines from the Department of Housing and Urban Development. This grant helps expand economic and housing opportunities for the residents of Des Plaines.
The FY15 National Defense Authorization Act passed the House of Representatives this week, and many of the provisions I advocated for, including legislative provisions which will stand up for women in the military, cut waste at the Pentagon and support military families and Veterans were included.
This Saturday, Elgin will kick off the holiday season with its annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and holiday activities. Attendees can enjoy ice skating, music, hot chocolate and treats, as well visit the 16th Annual Window Wonderland, sponsored by the Downtown Neighborhood Association.
I hope you are having a great week.
Sincerely,
Congresswoman Duckworth
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