Congress Returns, Remembers 9/11
Statement
Congress Returns, Remembers 9/11
Dear Friend,
Congress was back in session this week and - as has been the case for many weeks - the issue of healthcare was at the top of the agenda, particularly with the president addressing a joint session of Congress on Wednesday night.
President's Address to Congress
His address to Congress came at a time when passions on all sides of the healthcare debate continue to run high and it's clear that the weeks ahead will be critical to the final outcome of the healthcare reform debate.
First and foremost, I think all of us can agree that our healthcare system needs reform, but we must reach consensus and do so in a bipartisan way. Instead of pushing for a government-run healthcare plan, or seeking tax hikes on employers, let's focus on areas of bipartisan agreement.
There's consensus that nobody should be denied coverage due to a pre-existing condition. There's consensus that we must focus on portability, and emphasize preventive medicine and wellness.
But we must also address real issues of cost, an issue on which I've heard from many of you. After all, with a $700 billion bank bailout, an $800 billion stimulus package and a $3.6 trillion budget -- adding another trillion dollars of healthcare spending presents an ominous fiscal challenge for our children and grandchildren.
Certainly these discussions will continue in the coming weeks and this is a national debate that demands serious discussion and bipartisan compromise. This isn't a Democrat or Republican problem and West Virginians deserve more than simply a Democratic or Republican solution.
Remembering 9/11
Today also brought the sobering reminder of the tragic events that occurred on this day eight years ago, when nearly three thousand of our fellow Americans were killed in a brutal terrorist attack on our nation. We have not forgotten, and we never will.
As always, please don't hesitate to contact my office with your thoughts and concerns. It is truly an honor to represent you in Congress.
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