Tammy Duckworth joins Fast4Families movement

U.S. Rep. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill. is the latest to take part in a what’s grown into a national campaign to fast for immigration reform. Duckworth today is fasting today for 24 hours, only drinking water in an attempt to bring attention to the need for immigration reform. Last month, U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky D-Ill. did the same.

The Congresswomen’s one-day fasts are a nod to a large-scale demonstration by immigration activists from Fast4Families, which last month went on a 22-day fast. Their aim, they say, was to bring attention to a “broken immigration program.” It’s all in a push to have U.S. Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, call immigration reform for a vote, which insiders say is growing more unlikely by the day.

The U.S. Senate already passed a bipartisan reform package earlier this year.

“I am truly inspired by the efforts of those who are sacrificing for immigration reform,” said Duckworth. “These activists understand both the importance and urgency of this issue for our economy, for our families and for our country. They are willing to risk their own well-being for this crucial issue and I am proud to stand with them.”