I spent twenty years in the Army; of course it's going to color the things I talk about. If anyone spends twenty years doing anything, that's going to play a part in who you are as a human being.
— Tammy Duckworth
I get up every single day trying to repay a debt that I can never repay. Never. And I will work hard. Because I don't know why I was saved. I don't know.
It's really hard to use a laptop when you only have half a lap.
Like many moms in this country, I work to provide my child the best life she can have. It's tough. It's hard to take care of a sick baby all night, wake up tired, and have to go to work when all I want to do is spend time holding her.
Like so many women, especially military women, I waited to have children.
Whether defending our nation as a Black Hawk pilot abroad or serving our veterans and those in need at home, my life has been enriched by the opportunities I've had to serve my country and fellow citizens, both in and out of uniform.
The ADA is essential in helping me overcome the obstacles I face as a Wounded Warrior and empowers me to assist other veterans. It allows me to be physically active, have my pilot's license, and serve in Congress.
I know firsthand that immigrants make enormous contributions to our nation, but I also know that we need to secure our borders and make sure that those who came here illegally wait their turn, pay a fine and any unpaid taxes, and pass a criminal background check before becoming citizens.
I am just one of the overwhelming majority of Americans who is responsible and hard-working and at one point in their life benefited greatly from government programs such as student loans, Medicare, and Social Security.
At my core, I know that the American Dream is about the opportunity to work hard to make your future.
What seems like comfort and security one day can all be taken away the very next.
When I hear from people who are struggling to put food on the table, I understand because I've been there.
We should have completed the fight in Afghanistan instead of starting a new war in Iraq.
As a nation, we need to do everything we can to make sure those who have served have the tools they need to succeed in civilian life.
Illinois' economy will benefit from the modernization of the power sector.
Energy is one of the most precious battlefield resources, but it is risky and expensive to deliver in combat zones.
The contributions of African Americans, Native Americans, and immigrants throughout our nation's history are undeniable, but the tendency to overlook their gallant efforts is pervasive and persistent.
The wheelchair and the prosthesis give me a soapbox to stand on. If it helps me get my message across, I'm glad; then we need to talk about what we need to do for this country.
I'm glad that people know my military service. But, like this nation, we are more than our military. And the rest of our story is the same as the rest of my story.
I can't avoid the interest in the fact that I'm an injured female soldier.
Each and every time I went in for IVF treatments, I knew there was a bipartisan group of Congresswomen praying for me, and I was honored that the same group was there at my baby shower.
Those who put their lives on the line overseas are undoubtedly American heroes, but it's time for us to remember that those who serve in civilian life also embody the American spirit and are worthy of our praise as well.
I consider myself lucky to have been born into a family that valued service to both one's country and one's community.
The power of the ADA is that it ended up changing my life long before I ever imagined it would.
The women putting their lives at risk for our country deserve better than to be treated as second-class citizens.
It was the combination of hard work and a hand up that allowed me to become one of the first women to fly in combat missions and achieve my American Dream.
Life isn't fair, and it isn't government's job to make life fair. But if you're not willing to give up on yourself, then we shouldn't give up on you, either.
Nobody wants to be on food stamps, but when my family lost everything, we were grateful for it. I was grateful the program was there so I could concentrate on my schoolwork and not on my empty belly. We were grateful that we had the support we needed to roll up our sleeves and rebuild our lives.
As I recovered at Walter Reed, I worried about the soldiers who pulled me out of my helicopter that Friday afternoon. Would they make it back okay? And what about all the other soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen who were also putting their lives on the line every day?
I went to Iraq in 2004 because I believe in doing my duty, not because I agreed with the war.
We owe it to all our veterans to make sure they have a chance to achieve the American Dream, just like the rest of us.
We have an obligation to our men and women in uniform - and to future generations - to do something about the issue of climate change.
We must recognize and keep in the public consciousness the significant contributions and sacrifices Americans of every community have made that have helped forge the greatest country our world has ever known.
I believe accurately remembering - and honoring - our whole past is the first step in governing in a way that effectively represents the whole America.
I grew up a daughter of a United States Marine, a daughter of a man so proud to be an American.
Our troops do an incredible job every single day, but our policymakers have not lived up to the sacrifices that our troops make every day.
I actually lost both my legs. I can walk because I got really good health care.
I didn't want to get pregnant while commanding an assault helicopter company and, before I knew it, I was deployed and missed out on many of my childbearing years.
I know from personal experience that engaging with your community and helping others helps foster a sense of shared sacrifice and - at a time when our politics seem more focused on tearing us apart than bringing us together - that shared sacrifice will help us rekindle the national unity that has made us the strongest nation in the world.
The ADA allows persons with disabilities the opportunity to participate in the world around them.
The ADA is the living testament to our Nation's commitment that we will always stand up for our neighbors' right to live fulfilling lives.
Student loans, Social Security, and Medicare make a difference in the lives of working families every day, and the conversation that should be taking place is how we can save these programs, not weaken them.
Food Stamps helped keep me from going hungry, and Pell grants helped me go to college.
The American Dream I believe in is one that provides anyone willing to work hard enough with the opportunity to succeed.
When I was young, my dad, a veteran who attended college on the GI Bill, lost his job at age 55 when the company he worked for was sold. My entire family pitched in - my mom took in sewing, and I got a minimum wage job after school.
I was so proud when I was commissioned into the Army.
Our military men and women are our greatest national treasure. They should be safeguarded as such upon their return.
Veterans Day is a time to celebrate the men and women who have worn this nation's uniform and to honor their service.
As an assistant operations officer for a helicopter task force in Iraq, I saw my fellow Guardsmen and soldiers risk life and limb to maintain diesel fuel supply lines.
We must be an inclusive nation that respects and supports all of its citizens: a nation that doesn't give up on anyone who hasn't given up on themselves.
