To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide an extension of the work opportunity tax credit for veterans.

Mr. Speaker, as we prepare for the district work period, I urge my colleagues to dial down the partisan rhetoric that shut down our government and take the time to listen to the folks you came to Washington to represent.

Americans have been saying they want us to do all we can to protect the economy and support American jobs, not threaten them.

This week, I introduced H.R. 3327, the Veterans Work Opportunity Act, and H.R. 3328, the American Work Opportunity Act, which aim to get more veterans and unemployed Americans back to work by offering tax credits to businesses who will hire them.

Next week, I will be meeting with small business owners, manufacturers, and constituents around my district as part of my Second Congressional District Economic Development Tour. Here we will discuss what Congress can do to support our communities and grow American jobs.

The family businesses I represent in Kankakee and the manufacturers I represent in Chicago both say the same thing: ``Business as usual in Washington doesn't help business back home.'' I couldn't agree more.

I urge my colleagues to cosponsor H.R. 3327 and H.R. 3328 and work civilly to get our economy back on track.