The Duckworth Diary: November 8, 2013

Statement

Dear Neighbors,

Earlier this week, I testified before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in support of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). The CRPD is an international framework that protects the rights of people with disabilities based on US Constitutional values and the Americans with Disabilities Act. To watch my opening statement, please click here.

I spent Wednesday morning at "Bring a Vet to Work Day" at Sears Holdings in Hoffman Estates. Sears understands the importance and benefits of hiring servicemen and women. I am proud that Sears currently employs 30,000 of our nation's Veterans.

I also visited Marklund's Children Home in Bloomingdale, a nonprofit organization that serves infants, children, teens and adults with serious developmental disabilities and special healthcare needs. We discussed the CRPD's impact on their organization and the REST program, an 8 hour training program that equips volunteers to provide respite to caregivers.

This evening, I will be attending the Salute to Women Veterans at Elgin ArtSpace Lofts in advance of Veterans Day. I am looking forward seeing representatives from Hines VA and the Dupage County Vet Center, as well as all the Veteran artists and their work.

This Veterans Day and throughout the year, we must remember the sacrifice America's warfighters and their families make every day. There is no more important job than keeping our nation safe and secure, and they deserve the very best that our country has to offer.

I hope you had a great week!

Sincerely,

Congresswoman Duckworth

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