A biography for Tammy Duckworthhasn’t been written yet.
“The American Dream I believe in is one that provides anyone willing to work hard enough with the opportunity to succeed.”
“I commanded an Army unit, and I placed the highest priority on a commander's authority to lead, manage, and discipline the men and women under his or her command within the Uniform Code of Military Justice.”
“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.”
“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.”
“Men view life to be as precious as women do, and to say that men have a more violent nature is insulting to men.”
“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.”
“Illinois' economy will benefit from the modernization of the power sector.”
“I always wanted to be an ambassador.”
“I admire Governor Blagojevich's unbending commitment to giving every person in Illinois access to health care.”
“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.”
“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.”
“When you're a member of Congress, you can become an expert in a couple of subjects. For example, I've worked on federal procurement reform, the Armed Services Committee, manufacturing, and women's health care.”
“I don't know why I survived Iraq and I don't know why I made it home, but I do know that this is my second chance at life and I can do whatever I want now.”
“My arm bones looked like chicken bones.”
“I consider myself lucky to have been born into a family that valued service to both one's country and one's community.”
“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.”
“When I first ran, being a woman in politics was seen as both a negative and also a positive. You could attract more women voters, but on the other hand, a lot of men wouldn't vote for you.”
“I have personally seen what a devastating medical condition can cost.”
“Veterans are my life's work. From the day my buddies saved my life in Iraq, I've woken up every single day dedicated to taking care of veterans and doing my best for veterans.”