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

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.

Madam Speaker, last week I met with businesses from around my district as part of my economic development tour.

I visited Sip & Savor, a minority-owned coffee shop in Hyde Park, where people go for great coffee and conversation.

I met with Landauer in Glenwood, ranked 63rd on the Forbes list of Best Small Businesses in America. They are keeping our troops safe by investing in technologies that protect them from the harmful effects of radiation.

I spoke with workers at Nucor Steel in Kankakee, who are helping lead the manufacturing renaissance in the United States.

These businesses take pride in the work they do, but they need a Congress that is willing to work just as hard for them. We need folks on both sides who will reduce the barriers to business growth and who will support the small businesses that create 65 percent of the new jobs in our economy.

I recently introduced H.R. 3328, the American Work Opportunity Act, which extends the work opportunity tax credit for businesses that put Americans back to work. I urge my colleagues to support this bill and to work together to pass a comprehensive jobs bill.