Frmo 9th District Democratic Party congressional hopeful Bruce Leon:
Leon Heralds Deal to Open Government; Calls on Durbin and Duckworth to Support It
CHICAGO, IL — Bruce Leon, Democratic candidate for Congress in Illinois’ Ninth District [which includes all of Algonquin Township], praised the reported bipartisan Senate deal announced Sunday night to reopen the government, restore federal jobs, and protect food assistance for families who need it.
Leon called the agreement “a step back toward sanity” after weeks of gridlock that left millions of Americans uncertain about paychecks and groceries.
“This is what governing looks like,” Leon said. “It took too long, but at least some people in Washington finally remembered what their job is — to help folks.”
The agreement, negotiated by Senators Angus King, Jeanne Shaheen, and Maggie Hassan, funds the government through January, restores fired federal workers, and guarantees a future vote on Affordable Care Act subsidies that help middle-class families afford insurance. It also keeps food assistance funded through 2026.
“Families who rely on SNAP can finally breathe again,” Leon said. “Federal workers can get back to their jobs with some respect. It should never have come to this, but it is good to see a little common sense break through.”
Leon called on Illinois Senators Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth to help secure final passage and ensure the promises in the bill are kept.
“Senator Durbin has been part of some of this country’s most important bipartisan breakthroughs. He has shown real courage when it counted,” Leon said. “Senator Duckworth has always fought for working families and the people who get overlooked. Now is the moment for both of them to step up again to the side of compassion and political courage.”
He said this moment reflects the kind of leadership he wants to bring to Congress.
“When I am elected, I want my name among the dealmakers who put people and bipartisan problem solving ahead of brinkmanship and hyper partisanship,” Leon said. “The country needs more builders and fewer brawlers. That is how we move forward.”
