Blog: June 14, 2013

Statement

Dear Neighbors,

Today, the House passed the 2014 National Defense Authorization Act. This annual bill sets the budget and priorities for the Department of Defense. As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I introduced several important amendments that successfully passed the House today, including job credentialing for Veterans, military sexual assault prevention, and cuts to wasteful defense spending.

Monday was the 50th Anniversary of the Equal Pay Act. It was a valuable opportunity for us to recommit ourselves to equality in the workplace. I am a cosponsor of the Paycheck Fairness Act, which would prevent women who stand up for their right to equal pay from being retaliated against. Congress needs to act swiftly to pass this legislation and give every American the opportunity to earn equal pay for equal work.

I met this week with actress Martha Plimpton & the Center for Reproductive Rights to discuss women's access to reproductive healthcare. I also met with Illinois-based Baxter Healthcare, which develops products to treat hemophilia, kidney disease immune disorders and other medical conditions, to talk about medical research.

Heading back to the district tomorrow to talk with constituents about immigration reform. As always, if you have thoughts to share on the issue, please let me know.

Best,

Congresswoman Duckworth

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