Would it be possible to extend it by a few weeks, Jan?
Via Politico:
Several activists have been fasting on the National Mall for more than a week to bring attention to the push for comprehensive immigration reform – and a Democratic lawmaker is about to join their cause.
Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.) said in an interview Tuesday that she’ll fast for one day to mark solidarity with the activists, who are trying to highlight the effect of U.S. immigration laws on families in their “Fast for Families” initiative. The fast began on Nov. 12 and the fasters have each lost 10 pounds so far, organizers said.
“I’m so inspired by the fasters and … how they’re willing to put their bodies on the lines, their health on the line to raise attention to an issue that is really tearing at the fabric of our country,” Schakowsky said. She said she plans to abstain from food on Thursday as she works at the Capitol, consuming only water.
Top lawmakers and administration officials – such as House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif), Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack – have trekked to the Mall to talk with the fasters. Their latest guest is Rev. Jesse Jackson, who met with them on Tuesday evening.