The Duckworth Diary: October 31, 2014

Statement

This week I visited O'Hare Airport and met with representatives from the CDC and the Customs and Border Protection to learn about their screening procedures for the Ebola virus. After observing this comprehensive process it is clear that our public safety officials are doing everything they can to keep us safe.

I then went to Bensenville to meet with employees from BLS Enterprises. In recent years, this company expanded internationally with the help of the Export-Import Bank. Because of the Bank's assistance, the company has been able to take advantage of opportunities to export to Malaysia, Australia and other countries.

I spent time in my District office this week and met with the Villa Park Fire Department and Villa Park Village Manager Rich Keehner regarding grant opportunities. Villa Park received a FEMA grant that allows the department to replace a 25 year old fire truck. The grant was provided through the DHS's Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program, which exists to enhance fire departments' response capabilities and to more effectively protect the health and safety of the public and emergency response personnel.

I also held a meeting with the WINGS Program, based in the 8th District. WINGS, Women in Need Growing Stronger, was started in 1985 as a grassroots organization by members of a local church with the desire to help women affected by domestic violence in the northwest suburbs of Chicago.

On Thursday I toured the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) Elgin air traffic control facility. Controllers at this facility are responsible for managing the region's air traffic as it leaves and approaches all of the area's airports. The Elgin and Aurora facilities work in tandem. After a fire broke out in the air traffic control center in Aurora causing the cancellation and delay of hundreds of flights in and out of Chicago's O'Hare International and Midway International airports, I along with my colleagues in the Illinois Congressional Delegation wrote to the Inspector General of the Department of Transportation asking for an investigation into emergency protocol at FAA facilities.

Did you miss the OpEd on breaking the cycle of debt for troops and their families in Military Times that was published last week?

I hope you have a safe and exciting Halloween weekend.

Sincerely,

Congresswoman Duckworth

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