I thought it might be interesting to have a page dedicated to the form letters that we all seem to get from our elected representatives. We take the time to sit down and write to the people that represent us to tell them what we think. After all, the idea is that they hear from their constituents and then do what the constituents say. wink wink
But all we ever seem to get back is form letters with more rhetoric that pardons their intention to vote along party lines and continue to screw us. So go ahead and post your replies from members of Congress into the comments below and we can all collectively laugh at the representation that we are receiving.
USWeapon
gmanfortruth
Jon Smith
Life of Illusion
Black Flag®
d13thecolonel
commonman55
Just A Citizen
I figured I would start this out. A letter from Congressman David Price of North Carolina in response to my letter asking him to vote against the Economic Stimulus Bill:
Dear Mr. (USWeapon, names changes to protect the innocent, lol):
Thank you for contacting me regarding economic recovery legislation.
I understand your concerns about increased federal spending and national debt. It is crucial for the future of our country that we work our way back to the fiscal progress we made in the 1990s, when we balanced the budget and paid off $400 billion of the national debt. Our fiscal situation has deteriorated dangerously in the last eight years, however, and now we are faced with a choice between increasing our debt temporarily in order to turn the economy around or going even more deeply into debt by failing to act, watching revenues plummet and safety net expenditures soar.
It is not a happy choice, but I have little doubt that our situation requires a major effort to stimulate our fragile and faltering economy. The recession is expected to be one of the longest and most severe downturns in decades and the most serious economic situation our nation has faced since the Great Depression. North Carolina has been hit hard. Our state is experiencing 8.7 percent unemployment, the highest in a generation, and economists anticipate that the jobless rate willcontinue to increase. It will require a monumental effort to stop the downward spiral and move the national economy in the right direction.
I am proud of my record of pushing for greater fiscal responsibility, balanced budgets, and pay-as-you-go. However, as we face this crisis, economists from both the left and right agree that significant countercyclical spending will be necessary to reverse course and reawaken the economy, and I agree with that consensus. A severely underperforming economy can increase government debt as much or more than a recovery package. Inaction simply is not a credible fiscal or economic option.
H.R. 1, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, is a critical first step toward economic recovery. It is designed to create and save 3.5 million jobs, give 95 percent of working Americans an immediate tax cut, help those who have been hurt by the downturn, and transform our economy for the long haul. The package includes targeted investments to improve energy efficiency, modernize our crumbling infrastructure, promote scientific research, and expand broadband access. It also contains funding that would prevent cutbacks in education, boost unemployment and food stamp benefits, and help states in fiscal crisis meet their budget shortfalls.
In addition, H.R. 1 includes tax cuts designed to help middle income working families make ends meet in these challenging times and help businesses stay afloat. The bill will reduce income taxes for Americans making $75,000 annually ($150,000 for joint filers), expand the child and earned income tax credits, and provide tax cuts and incentives for both large and small businesses for capital expenditures and new hiring. The legislation includes no earmarks, and it provides unprecedented accountability through built-in oversight and public transparency requirements. Every American will be able to track how federal funds are being spent by visiting http://www.recovery.gov.
I supported H.R. 1 when the final version passed the House on February 13, 2009, by a vote of 246 to 183. The bill is not perfect; indeed, there are some aspects I might boost and others I might reduce in an ideal scenario. In this perilous time, however, I am convinced that bold action is necessary to create and save jobs in North Carolina and across the nation, and that is what this recovery package will do.
As the House considers other legislation related to the economic recovery during the 111th Congress, I hope you will stay in touch regarding your perspective. Thank you again for contacting me.
Sincerely,
DAVID PRICE
Member of Congress
1. . I understand your concerns about increased federal spending and national debt. It is crucial for the future of our country that we work our way back to the fiscal progress we made in the 1990s, when we balanced the budget and paid off $400 billion of the national debt. Our fiscal situation has deteriorated dangerously in the last eight years, however, and now we are faced with a choice between increasing our debt temporarily in order to turn the economy around or going even more deeply into debt by failing to act, watching revenues plummet and safety net expenditures soar.
This statement is funny. If you look at it, it says that the progress we made in the 90s paid off the $400 billion dollars debt. Did anyone stop to think that the 90s are the reason that we are where we are. If the problem is so big then I find it hard to believe that it just happened in 8 years. And to increase our debt temporarily, COME ON when was the last time this guy made the min. payment on a credit cared and got it paid off sooner. I would like to see a pay stub from his job and see what he is paying out.
WHEN
When would it all end I ask
Knowing it’s a difficult task
When would we see
Everyone ever happy
You ask me to leave
For I am very naïve
But I say hell nay!!
I am here to stay
Let me make my point please
For I am no darn bloody sleaze
When we look at some TV shows
We see how some American glows
They all want their 15 secs. to show off
No matter if they are ridiculed or scoffed
Yes Judge Judy put the bums in their place
She should be asked to carry the big Mace
She got the answers to America’s ills
And I’m not talking about white pills
Then Springer showing everything they can
I would be very ashamed to be an American
A bunch of losers and ignoramuses
Some behaving like real stupid asses
If that is a sample of America
I’m so glad to live in Canada
It boils down they have too much freedom
Which is making them more bloody dumb
Too much food stamps and welfare
Turn the lazy bums into workfare
That would right America to its place
Of a powerful nation first in the race
Instead of losers and trailer trash
Just waiting to use heroin or hash
Get it clear I love the land of beautiful USA
Where I spend vacations and many a holiday
Don’t start to get so angry
To reach out and lynch me
To see your ills and weaknesses
When you exhibit such madness
You giving the world another view
Read on please! then I’ll say adieu
My reason when others come to America
With nothing not even a turban or burka
How come they make a life and do good
Whilst you born Americans holding wood
America was built by the sweat of immigrants
Who never used bad and evil words like cants
The Chinese, Italians, Irish and Indians
Not forgetting the neighboring Mexicans
Some came with their dhoti and some seed
They worked very hard and they all succeed
Forgetting their gods some then got greedy
Which happens to some evil men eventually
But that is no excuse for any American
When the President is now a black man
How they rejoiced with gaiety and shouts
Did they think they’d get bigger handouts
To lose heart and accept it like a slap
Now refusing to pull up their bootstrap
Or are they going to blame it still on oppression
Depression or the ever-present recessive inflation
( FOR THE EYES OF ARIANNA HUFFINGTON)
USW –
Do you have any idea how much letters a day we get on the Hill? If we were to answer each and every one of them individually, there would be around 100 legislative correspondents. Would you like your taxmoney spent on that?
If this is the well thought out response from an intern at Capitol Hill, no wonder the country is in the mess it is in. Not only didn’t you write well, you missed the point.
I believe the point of this exercise (correct me if I am wrong) is to point out that the letter didn’t list anything other than more campaigning and following the party line. Blame, Blame, Blame.
March 11, 2009 at 5:10 pm e
Intern,
I do understand your position. And it isn’t that I think that they should be hand writing a letter to each of us. But they do represent us so they should be listening to us. What I would like to see is the form letter have some real information instead of the campaign rhetoric. One staffer could count the letters coming in and provide me with an answer that said 73% of the voters in my district supported my position on this and that is why I voted the way I did. Instead we get party rhetoric and a kiss off…. at least that is how it feels. They are supposed to represent me, not their party.
March 12, 2009 at 6:34 am e
Very well said USWeapon…. That’s what these men and women forget. They represent us……not themselves. Maybe it’s time to re-think the whole government process and knock some of these men and women off of their high horse. Start by doing away with their guaranteed pay increase, their guaranteed retirement and health care… and then maybe they will see who they WORK FOR.
March 12, 2009 at 3:45 pm e
We do listen, we just don’t always agree. If we get letters that are angry the congressman voted NO on the stimulus bill, we send them a letter that it did pass, but not with the congressman’s vote to then explain WHY the congressman did not vote for it. Just because you don’t agree with the content, doesn’t mean we don’t listen.
For that matter – Rep. Ellison (D-MN) is on the floor NOW saying that the WashPost conducted research which showed that the American public wants DC to have voting member in the House. If it is the will of the people, does that make the constitution void? Do you see where I’m going with this?
April 23, 2009 at 12:01 pm e
What you don’t understand, is I voted for your boss to say NO. If I don’t like something or others don’t like something. If you have to justify your voting the answer should be “BECAUSE THE PEOPLE SAY SO” that’s why you are there is because WE PUT you there. Not because you felt like you deserve it.
As far as the constitution goes, if YOU GUYS did not amend it every time to fit what you wanted to get then there would not be a problem. And I say you guys in reference to all elected officials not just you and the Congressman. If you strip away the entire extra stuff that WE as a nation have put on top of the constitution then you will see that the answers to most of OUR dilemmas are right there and it dos not needed to be changed.
The reason it is so hard to get things done is because we make it hard for ourselves. If we could just learn that sometimes we might hurt someone pride but that we still care for there wellbeing things might get better.
If you have kids, when was the last time you told them NO? And when they ask you why you said because I care for you that’s why I’m doing it. You did not change your rules you just expected them to understand that you care. That’s what the founding fathers where getting at with the constitution. Now don’t get me wrong. Somethings over time had to change, but when it comes to the point that you have to ask yourself if something is constitutionally right but you can’t understand what right is by the constitution anymore then theres a problem.
May 5, 2009 at 6:20 pm e
Well said!!
Grant –
You’re absolutely right about amending the constitution. If we stripped it from those pesky amendments like abolishing slavery, granting voting rights to African Americans and women, we would all have less problems…
Actually, you didn’t vote for my boss to say NO; you voted for my boss (if you’re in his district) to make the decisions and vote his conscience. We are a republic, which means we elect the people to make the decisions. If you disagree with their decisions, vote them out, it’s really that simple.
And no, not all 435 members of Congress and 100 Senators represent you. Only one Representative and two Senators represent you in Congress. Originally, there was one Representative per 30,000 citizens, now it’s over 600,000. I can imagine your frustation about your Representative not representing you – I am in the same situation, but I work for one who does. You might not believe me, but the people in our office are good people who care about our country, who care about policy and (buckle up, here) who care about our constituents.
Intern:
You honestly scare me. If the quality of your knowledge is indicative of the quality of those working on Capital Hill, no wonder this country is as messed up as it is.
You state that “You’re absolutely right about amending the constitution. If we stripped it from those pesky amendments like abolishing slavery, granting voting rights to African Americans and women, we would all have less problems.”
First off, slavery was not abolished by constitutional amendment. It was abolished by this little thing called the Emancipation Proclamation. Now, I am not going to get into the idea that the Federal Government can just destroy ‘property’ rights by signing a piece of paper, (sounds like where someone got the idea of throwing out bondholders from GM
) but just point out your error.
Secondly, voting rights were granted to African Americans long before the Civil War. There are records indicationg that land owning African Americans in the North were voting shortly after the establishment of the Federal Government. It was the Civil Rights Act of 1965 that finally opened the ballot box fully to African Americans. Again, you may want to brush up on your history skills.
You did get one right. It was the 19th amendment that gave women the right to vote. Hey, if you can play outfield, maybe you can intern with the Washington Nationals next. Your average on this is better than their team batting average!!
From my Senator, Ben Cardin (D) MD, on the Spendulus Plan:
Thank you for contacting me regarding the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 ( H.R. 1 ) . Over the past few months, I have heard from thousands of Marylanders who are struggling in this economic climate, but are also worried about significant new federal spending . I share your concerns about our economy; it is my top priority in the United States Senate.
Our economy is hurting and President Obama asked Congress to support the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act . I agree with President Obama that there is no miracle that will solve our problems overnight, but if we do not act quickly, this recession could continue for years . America could lose its competitive edge that has served as the foundation for our strength and standing in the world . I am committed to working in a bipartisan manner to find ef fective legislative solutions that benefit working individuals and families. These solutions must be timely, temporary, and guarantee greater transparency and accountability so that consumers, homeowners, investors and taxpayers are adequately protected. Additionally, we must improve the current regulatory system so that we can help stabilize the financial markets and increase the availability of credit to families and small businesses.
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act would provide needed tax relief for individuals and families. The bill include s a $25 0 one-time payment distrib uted to Social S ecurity ben eficiaries, disabled veterans, SSI beneficiaries, and retired rail-road workers; an alternative minimum tax patch for 2009; a temporary suspension of federal income tax on the first $2,400 of unemployment benefits; and an expansion of the homeowner tax credit to $8 ,000 .
I also sponsored a provision in the bill that would provide relief to our nation’s small businesses. It is essential that surety bonding capacity be available for small business contractors once funds are made available to rebuild our nations’ infrastructure. My provision increase s the current statutory limits under the Surety Bond Guarantee Program from $2 million to $5 million . This will allow small businesses to compete for a greater share of federal contracts and ensure that the government better spreads it s ‘ work among minority owned, women-owned, veteran-owned, and disadvantaged small businesses.
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 would provide important investments in health information technology. These investments will quickly grow jobs in the health care sector and eventually improve the quality of health care for every American. The bill would also expand health insurance coverage through COBRA and Medicaid programs to individuals who lose their jobs and are uninsured. It also include s a temporary increase in the Medicaid federal matching funds, several unemployment benefits , and supplemental grant extensions for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) to assist states struggling to meet the growing needs of newly unemployed workers.
On a local level, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act would provide at least $2.5 billion for Maryland . A portion of t his money would put Marylanders immediately to work rebuilding our crumbling roads, bridges , and transit systems – creating a stronger and more efficient infrastructure for the 21st century economy. Funds will be distributed throughout Maryland for infrastructure , science, education, training, energy, and will help protect our most vulnerable citizens by providing immediate relief for the poor, the young , and the elderly.
Representative David Obey introduced H.R. 1, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 on January 26 , 2009. The House passed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Conference Report by a vote of 246-183 on February 13, 2009, and it was forwarded to the Senate . I voted for H.R. 1 , and the Senate passed it by a vote of 60-38 that evening. On February 17, President Obama signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 and it became Public L aw : 111-5 .
I appreciate your contacting me about this most serious and difficult issue. I ask that you continue to keep me informed of your views on efforts to improve the economy. With your help, we can work together in pursuit of bipartisan solutions to improve the lives of working families and our country as a whole.
Please visit my website at http://cardin.senate.gov to sign up for my e-newsletter.
When ever I write to my senator I get a pre-written form letter that is generated automatically based on being required to choose amoung catagories like Defense, foreign affairs, Budget, etc. I even called he office to let her know I don’t believe she even get our written concerns because ever thing is automatically generated with responses that don’t answer the questions. I don’t waist my time I just make a call and let her Aids have it by phone for as long as I can letting them know I am Pissed and will fight against their re-election for what they are doing here is the response I got to my complaint about the stimulus bill from Amy Klobuchar:
Thank you for contacting me about the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. I appreciate hearing your thoughts on this matter. Wherever I go, Minnesotans tell me how deeply concerned they are about the state of our economy and about when and how we get out of this economic crisis.
This legislation is the first important step towards getting our country’s economy back on track. Last month, the American economy lost another 598,000 jobs which is roughly equivalent to all the jobs in the state of Maine and the national unemployment rate jumped to 7.6 percent. Industries across the board from manufacturing and construction to retail and financial services are shedding jobs. In Minnesota, the unemployment rate is at 7.6 percent, the highest it’s been in over 20 years.
As President Obama recently said, The time for talk is over. The time for action is now. If we didn’t act, I believe a bad situation was sure to become dramatically worse. And I believe its about time Main Street, instead of Wall Street, benefited from a recovery plan. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is a major first step in our efforts to give our economy the jolt it needs in the near term while also building the foundation for longer-term prosperity.
At the core of this legislation is jobs. It is forecast to save or create 3.5 million jobs, including an estimated 66,000 jobs in Minnesota. It will put Americans to work by rebuilding our roads, bridges and schools, by investing in homegrown renewable energy, and by expanding our high-speed Internet infrastructure.
In addition to creating jobs, this plan provides tax relief to middle-class families, including a tax cut for more than 2 million working families in Minnesota. It also gives critical support to states and communities so they can ensure a safety net for families hurt by the economic downturn.
The Recovery Act invests $150 billion in our infrastructure, including nearly $600 million in Minnesota, so we can rebuild bridges and highways that have been neglected for far too long. The Federal Highway Administration estimates that every $1 billion of highway spending creates nearly 35,000 new jobs.
As we put the recovery package together, I worked to make sure we didn’t just look at the physical infrastructure of this country, but also the technological infrastructure. That why the recovery package includes $7 billion to expand our high-speed Internet infrastructure, which will create jobs and help ensure that our communities, especially our rural communities, have the tools they need to compete in the global economy. This is especially important in our state, where we are ranked only 44th out of 50 states when it comes to Internet speed.
The Recovery Act will also create jobs across the spectrum by investing more than $37 billion in the new energy economy. This investment will not only help jumpstart our economy, but double our capacity to produce homegrown renewable energy which will help reduce our dependence on foreign oil. This plan also makes a historic investment in our schools, providing nearly $106 billion for education initiatives. This important funding will modernize our schools, help prevent teacher layoffs and devastating cuts to education, expand critical early childhood education programs and make college more affordable. Our investment in education will not only save and create jobs, but create a better learning environment for our children.
Some of the most important aspects of this legislation are its investments in health care. I led the charge in the Senate to make sure Minnesota and other states which had seen recent increases in unemployment got their fair share of Medicaid funding. Overall, this bill will help more than 20 million Americans keep their health care.
While I don’t believe the bill is perfect, I knew we couldn’t afford endless debates and delays while the economy worsened with each passing day. We all know the economy will not turn around overnight. But we also know that the time for action is now.
Stoney said
March 18, 2009 at 12:26 pm e
I believe the powers in control of the US, that being the radical President, The Leftest House of Representatives and Senate are attempting to destroy our Democracy by moving our Government into a National Socialist Democratic type of Government. They level of debt they are creating for America will be impossible for we Conservatives to help America recover from. They will Cap our use of energy and tax every individual in America who uses gas, heating oil, electricity, buys food. Obama won’t put coal companies into Bankruptcy because the energy producers will pass these higher cost on to us and we will have no choice but to pay them. All Americans will regret allowing Socialized Health Care when they see the care instore for them even if they pay extra for a health plan. Check out England and the horror stories.
I DO NOT THINK WE CAN WAIT FOR THE 2010 ELECTIONS. Now is the time we must stand up and fight those in Washington. Its time to start the Revolution. We need to have a 10 MILLION AMERICAN TAX MARCH ON WASHINGTON and demand they stop destroying the America love.
I was actually kind of impressed by this one from Senator Patty Murray – she responded immediately and it almost appears personal!
Dear Ms. Steenberg:
Thank you for contacting me regarding economic stimulus proposals. I appreciate hearing from you about this very important issue.
As a U.S. Senator, creating a strong economy and getting Americans back to work is my top priority, and I appreciate your input on what should be done to achieve these goals. I am currently working with my House and Senate colleagues as well as President Obama to move numerous measures designed to strengthen the economy. As we move forward, I strongly believe Congress and President Obama must work together in a bipartisan fashion to implement policies that will help stabilize the economy, create jobs, provide resources for workforce education and training programs, rebuild our nation’s infrastructure, and help Americans facing hard economic times.
Be assured I will continue to work with my colleagues to address the many issues facing our economy and workforce. Thank you for sharing your ideas and concerns. Please feel free to contact me again, and I will keep your comments in mind.
I hope all is well in Arlington.
Another thing – Patty Murray (Dem, by the wy – of course, I live in Washington state) didn’t have the need to be so freaking long winded!!! What is up with that??? I believe it’s a political strategy to make my eyes roll to the back of my head so I quit listening/quit reading.
THEY ONLY THINK OF THE CITIZENS THEY ARE SUPPOSE TO REPRESENTATE AS FOOLS, I CALLED A COUPLE, THE OPERATOR JUST TREATED ME AS A FOOL. MY ONLY RECOURSE IS THESE BLOGS, SOMETIMES IT ISN’T POSTED, THE THEY KNOW, THEY REALIZE HE IS NOT A LEGAL PRESIDENT, HE IS ILLEGAL ARAB-AMERICAN AND HAS NO AUTHORITY OVER ANYONE. DO YOU SEE THE LOOK OF ARROGANCE WHEN HE LOOKS AT SOME OTHERS, HE HATES US, HE IS A MUSLIM AND IS TRYING TO OVERTHROW THIS AMERICAN COUNTRY THAT IS A ‘MEAN’ COUNTRY ACCORDING TO HIS WIFE. I WISH I HAD ALL THE MONEY THESE 2 HAVE RECEIVED FROM GRANTS, DIFFERENT IDEOLOGIES AND RADICALS, SUCH AS AYERS, FARRAKHAN, ETC. I HOPE AND PRAY THIS PERSON IS REMOVED FROM OFFICE, I HOPE AND PRAY HIS POLICIES FAIL, AS MR LIMBAUGH VOICED, I AGREE WITH HIM. I DO THINK HE IS A PUPPET ON A STRING BEING PULLED BY SOROS AND ALL THE RADICALS WHO WANT US TO BECOME A SOCIALIST COUNTRY. I SERVED IN MARINE CORPS. WW2, I TOOK MY OATH OF ENLISTMENT ON CONSTITUTION AND DO NOT WANT IT SHREDED BY ANYONE FOR ANY REASON, AMERICA HAS BEEN A GREAT COUNTRY, LOTS OF PROBLEMS, JUST BECAUSE WE ARE ALL HUMAN BEINGS AND CAN’T FIGURE OUT HOW TO PROCEED SOMETIMES. DID YOU KNOW THE KIDS ON KENYA ARE WEARING OBAMA T-SHIRTS, AND THEY HAVE BUILT A MONUMENT TO HIM, WHY?////////////////////////
I have written my congress representative. Have not received a reply. Very frustrating. Reyes.
April 25, 2009 at 11:11 am e
Terry -
After the whole Antrax-scare on the Hill, every piece of mail coming in goes through a vigorous screening process to make sure that it is safe. It can take up to weeks for it to arrive in an office. Just the other day I was opening a piece of mail that was dated March 30th. The best way to have your mail go as quickly as possible to your Representative’s office is to either fax it or send an email through his/her website.
I hope you get an answer from your Representative soon.
Has anyone received a form letter from a democratic representative regarding The FairTax plan? I got one from my congressman, and felt that it was a generic DNC platform response. I don;t believe he or his staff is clever enough to answer my points. Lets compare them. It would be fun to see if 2nd rate representatives just have a file of DNC talking points that they send to everybody.
John McCain is my state senator. I once supported his senate efforts, albeit blindly in many cases.
I have contacted him through his website perhaps a half-dozen times since the infamous McCain-Kennedy Comrehensive Immigration Reform Bill. I have my reasons and I will not belabour them here except to say that since that event I have not been supportive of his policies.
I have always been cordial and respectfully blunt.
In my last communication, however, the contact website returned an error upon my submittal.
It simply stated: “issues not in sync”.
Curious of why such a message would be returned, I tried another email as my source but the same contact information and got the same response, however, after testing both email sources but DIFFERENT contact information, the result was an acceptance of the commentary on behalf of the senator’s contact website.
I’ll leave it to you to draw your own conclusions.
My other state senator, also republican, never responds to my communications.
As for my democratic party representative in congress, I experience much the same in regard to generic responses to specific questions I have asked.
this came in response to an inquiry I made of the “esteemed” Senator as to his position on DHS report on Rightwing Extremists and how it applied to those of us in his home state of Montana…(being the gun toting fools we are you know )
Dear *****
Thank you for getting in touch regarding our nation’s immigration policies. I appreciate hearing from you on this important issue.
As you know, immigration involves both our national and economic security. It is vitally important that we tackle the problem of illegal immigration. As a part of that effort, we must beef up enforcement efforts on the nation’s borders.
Montana’s vast border with Canada presents a unique challenge for border security. The threat from potential terrorists and drug runners is even more of a concern along Montana’s Hi-Line precisely because all eyes are on the southern border.
In June of last year, the Senate considered S. 1348, the Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act of 2007. I supported a number of amendments to this legislation which strengthened our nation’s immigration enforcement policies, including one which would increase the immigration-related penalties associated with criminal activities. I also voted for an amendment to require the enforcement of existing border security and immigration laws before considering legislation to legalize any individuals currently living in the United States.
We need legislation that provides adequate border security, and that does not give amnesty to illegal immigrants. I did not vote for S. 1348 because it did not meet these standards. In the Senate, any piece of legislation can be stopped through endless debate unless at least 60 Senators vote to cut-off debate. Ultimately, 60 Senators were unwilling to end debate on S. 1348 because it did not adequately address the complexities of our immigration problem.
I am also strongly opposed to giving Social Security benefits to illegal immigrants. Current law bars illegal immigrants from receiving Social Security benefits.
On July 19th of last year, I voted for Senate Amendment 2355, which preserves the integrity of the Social Security system by ensuring that individuals do not receive Social Security credit for work done illegally.
We need to work to continue to prevent illegal immigration by protecting our borders. And we must crack down on businesses who hire illegal immigrants using phony Social Security numbers. Social Security benefits should only go to American citizens and those legally authorized to receive Social Security. Please rest assured that I take the immigration debate very seriously. Nothing is more important than our nation’s security.
Thanks again for getting in touch, and please don’t hesitate to contact me in the future with any additional questions or concerns.
With best personal regards, I am
Senator Max Baucus
Guess he didn’t want to address my “concerns” about him fitting the profile based on the fact that he has publically supportted gun owners rights (one of the few things I can agree with him on), took an oath to defend the Consititution as a US Senator, etc……
Count your “Blessings” if you have received an answer from your representative. I have written my representative and Senator numerous times and have never received any acknowledgement of receipt or answer to a question, like, “Why did you vote for this (name of bill or resolution)?”. Our elected representatiove are interested in only one thing and that is their careers as politicians. They will do anything to ensure they stay in office. To compare, they are like street prostitutes. They will sell their votes as long as it benefits their career as a politician.
Adding yet another letter I received today. I know it has been a while since I contacted him regarding this but he at least replied and I wanted to add it to the mix. So here is my reply on the stimulus bill from NC Representative Heath Shuler (One of the very few Democrats in the House who voted “NO” on the bill):
Dear USWeapon: (Again name changed!)
Thank you for taking the time to contact me with your thoughts regarding H.R. 1, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Your views are important to me, and I appreciate hearing from you.
I opposed H.R. 1, more commonly known as the economic stimulus package. I agree that significant efforts had to be taken to stimulate our economy. However, I disagree with the course of action laid out in this bill. The stimulus package should have maintained its original focus on programs that offer an immediate economic impact, such as investments in our nation’s highways, bridges and transit. Repairing our nation’s decaying infrastructure is crucial to the future development of our economy and the safety of our communities. These projects also create jobs and have a direct stimulating effect on the economy with a return rate of six to one. By the time the stimulus package was enacted, however, only 4.5% of this legislation was directed towards these vital projects. With our national debt approaching $11 trillion, we should not be borrowing hundreds of billions of dollars without careful and deliberate consideration of how this money is to be spent.
Additionally, members of Congress had barely 12 hours to read this 1,079-page bill. I am disappointed that a bill of this size and importance was brought up for a vote without giving members of Congress adequate time for review. I understand the urgency of certain legislation, but rushing a bill through the legislative process will inevitably have consequences. For instance, a more carefully crafted stimulus bill easily could have prevented excessive bonuses for executives of companies that received federal bailout (TARP) funds. To avoid this type of haphazard legislating, I introduced H.R. 484 in the 110th Congress. The purpose of this bill was to require all legislation to be posted on the Internet for 48 hours for members of Congress, their staff, and the general public to see before it is considered on the House floor.
Now that the stimulus bill has passed into law, I am committed to working with state and local officials to ensure its effectiveness in our area. The White House has estimated that the stimulus package will result in 7,200 new or saved jobs in our District.
Among the funding that directly benefits Western North Carolina, $4.4 million will go toward High Performance Green Building Modernization, and $21 million will be designated for energy efficiency and conservation block grants for rural communities that were not previously eligible for formula grants. Individuals receiving Social Security benefits can also expect a one time payout of $250 in their May checks.
Additional provisions in the stimulus make it easier and less expensive for small businesses to get loans, give lenders new incentives to make small business loans, provide tax breaks, and help unfreeze the credit markets. For additional information on the impact of the stimulus in local communities, please check http://www.ncrecovery.gov. If my staff or I can be of any further assistance regarding provisions within the stimulus package, please do not hesitate to contact my office.
Again, thank you for sharing your views about this important matter. I encourage you to check my website at http://www.house.gov/shuler for continued updates on my work, and please do not hesitate to contact me again about those issues that are important to you. It is an honor to serve you in the U.S. Congress.
Sincerely,
Heath Shuler
Member of Congress
Dear J,
Thank you for taking time to express your opposition to the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act (H.R. 1913). As you may know, this act would create a new class of federal hate crimes – those based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
I am deeply concerned about the means this legislation employs in pursuit of its goal. By trying to divine whether certain criminal acts are more hateful than others, this bill takes the unprecedented and unwise step of involving the government in policing not just actions, but also thoughts. This is the domain of tyrannies, not free societies.
Indeed, the right to hold any opinion under the sun – no matter how outlandish or offensive it might be to you or me – is fundamental to our system of government, and just as important as our right to peaceably assemble and our right to free speech. If people follow their thought, association, or speech with violent acts, we should swiftly pursue the perpetrators and punish their actions to the full extent of the law. Unfortunately, this legislation directs resources that could be spent pursuing and prosecuting criminal acts toward trying to determine what criminals are thinking.
Thanks again for taking the time to contact me about the issues that are important to you. Please don’t hesitate to do so again in the future.
Sincerely,
Tom
Dear Jamie,
Thank you for taking the time to express your disapproval of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano and the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) recent “Rightwing Extremism” report.
Like you, I am troubled by language in the report that implicates returning veterans, as well as individuals dedicated to issues like abortion and immigration, as potential domestic terrorist threats. The report demonstrates an unconscionable lack of respect for the sacrifices returning soldiers have made for our country. Furthermore, for the DHS to single out individuals and groups based on their political views is a dangerous and unacceptable precedent.
I assure you that I will do everything in my power to make sure that Secretary Napolitano and DHS are held accountable. I believe the American people are owed an apology, a full explanation of how this report came to be written and published, and an assurance that such mistakes won’t be made again. I will be closely monitoring the result of a request made by Representative Pete Hoekstra (MI-2), the ranking minority member on the House Intelligence Committee, for an investigation of the report.
Thank you once again for writing. Please don’t hesitate to contact me in the future about this or any other issue of concern.
Sincerely,
Tom
These above are from my rep. Tom McClintock,
I think he is doing a good job fighting an uphill battle. He is also a cosponsor of the parent’s rights bill.
He is advocating against the hate crimes act.
He refused to put in any earmarks.
I don’t even bother writing to Boxer and Feinstein because it is like shouting at the television. I get the you just don’t understand all the complexities of these issues pan response. Instead I am trying to spread the word about Chuck Devore to oppose Boxer.
I have noticed that many of the politicians here are transplants not CA native. So maybe the mass CA exodus will be a silver lining. I am so sorry for the fly-over states that we have inflicted these people upon you. But please keep them home in the first place. (JK)
I wrote James E.Risch (R) Idaho about the Fair Tax. My comments are in [brackets] in the below letter.
Dear ___ ,
Thank you for contacting my office regarding our tax system. I appreciate hearing from you and welcome the opportunity to respond.
Taxes are always a very important issue, even more so during times of economic crisis like now [important for your re-election or what?]. Our current tax system is too complicated and our taxes too high [why is he attempting to educate me on this? If I wrote about the fair tax, don't you think I understand taxes?]. The best way to strengthen families, grow businesses and boost our national economy is to let taxpayers keep more of their money [He fails to address the unfair and abusive nature of the income tax and corporate taxes altogether, though I spoke about this when I wrote]. We must get our spending under control and reduce the economic burden of being one of the most heavily taxed generations in history [yes, but what do you believe and what are you doing about it, you never once let the word Fair tax fall from your keyboard].
I will be sure to take your thoughts into consideration as legislation regarding our tax system comes to the floor. [Yeah, right, I'm not THAT naieve]
Again, thank you for contacting me. Please do not hesitate to contact me in the future on this or other issues. [Oh, you can bet I will]
Very Truly Yours,
James E. Risch
United States Senator
[All in all a meaningless bunch of appeasment rhetoric.]
Here’s an excerpt from a letter James E. Risch (R) of Idaho sent me when I wrote him about the “GIVE” program.
“While there are many noble programs created with GIVE, we are spending at an alarming rate and the GIVE Act will cost Americans $6 billion. Increased government spending will not help our nations economy while we are in the middle of a recession. I opposed the Generation Invigorating Volunteerism and education act becasue it costs too much at a time when our economy cannot afford it.”
Noble programs? Is he crazy? Government Programs = Noble? Since when? Of course the cost is untenable, especially when you consider that the “contributions” to this “charitable” and “noble” program are all taken by force from individuals. Also the program was planned and expanded to be mandatory service. I think he missed the point.
I was satisfied with Gov. Butch Otter’s, (R-ID, reply to me regarding the Federal Stimulus money that was being forced on states.
He wrote:
“During these troubled economic times, my Cabinet members and I have taken a hard look at Idaho’s state government and it’s proper role–which state programs and services truly are necessary to fulfilling our constitutional and statutory responsibilities to the people we serve.
“It is my conclusion that we must not use one-time federal stimulus funding to grow state government, raise public awareness or satisfy immediate demands for financial obligations that will continue once the stimulus money is gone. . . ”
He stated his beliefs and his planned course of action. I happen to agree in this case, but even if I disagree , I believe it is the right of the constituents to know what their elected leaders are thinking and how they plan to act on issues. If not, how can we know whether to vote for them or not.
Since I wrote this comment, I have seen Gov. Otter accept with open arms all the stimulus Idaho can get without a single protest. Liar.
This was one that I received From my Senator. I found it comforting to know that he was listening:
Dear Mrs #####:
Thank you for contacting me regarding the American Recovery and Investment Act. I appreciate hearing from you and would like to respond to your concerns.
As you know, our economy is facing a number of serious challenges, and I agree with President Obama that action must be taken. However, I also believe that elected representatives have a responsibility to ensure that taxpayer dollars are used wisely as we work to address our economic challenges. Since the beginning of this debate, I have reached out to members of both parties and worked hard to promote a responsible mixture of infrastructure spending and targeted tax relief that would strengthen our economy and encourage job creation. Additionally, I believe that the stimulus package must address the root of our economic woes in Florida—the housing market. Unfortunately, my efforts to improve this package in the Senate achieved only limited success with the addition of a loan modification program to reduce the number of foreclosures and a tax credit aimed at reducing the excessive inventory of houses on the market.
Despite these additions, the bill that came before the Senate contained far too much wasteful spending, far too little investment in critical infrastructure, and tax cuts that were neither timely nor targeted in a way that would spur economic growth. I would have preferred more investments in highways, bridges, roads, and military construction. Additionally, I supported a 50% cut in FICA taxes paid by every American who receives a paycheck and a cut in corporate tax rates to encourage business investment. These tax cuts could have been easily implemented and would have immediately stimulated our economy. However, the Democratic majority was unwilling to accept these common-sense proposals, and on February 10, 2009, I voted against H.R.1 the American Recovery and Investment Act.
After the Senate passed H.R. 1, the legislation was considered by a Conference Committee composed of Members of both the House of Representatives and the Senate. During the Committee’s negotiations, the beneficial housing measures I worked to add to the bill were removed. I had hoped that these provisions would be retained and that actual improvements would be made to the legislation by the Conference Committee. Unfortunately, improvements were not made, needed provisions addressing housing were removed, and the bill produced by the Conference Committee was, in my estimation, even less acceptable than the original bill that the Senate passed on February 10, 2009. Although I would have preferred to support our new President on this bill, I voted against the conference report on Friday, February 13, 2009. I simply could not in good conscience support a flawed bill that spends this much money in such a wasteful and untargeted manner.
Florida faces very serious economic problems, and a lot of Florida families are hurting. Unemployment is nearly double digit, and every corner of the state is suffering from the foreclosure crisis. For this reason I worked with my colleagues in a bipartisan fashion to improve this bill. As a former County Mayor, I understand the budget strain and hardships that local governments are facing, but this legislation simply does not give us what we need – a focused bill with targeted tax cuts and infrastructure spending that would be timely and actually create jobs to unleash the private sector.
We in Florida need what the President promised: targeted, timely, and temporary spending. However, the agreement reached by Congress and the spending it authorizes cannot be sustained. Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner has already forecast two trillion dollars in additional spending to help stabilize and recapitalize our financial institutions. Therefore, it is incumbent upon Congress to get it right and put special interests and pork barrel spending aside. Rest assured, I will continue to work with my colleagues to find ways to use the resources of the federal government in a reasonable and responsible manner to encourage job creation, mitigate future losses, and put our housing and financial markets on the pathway to recovery.
Again, thank you for sharing your views with me. If you have additional questions or comments, please do not hesitate to contact me. In addition, for more information about issues and activities important to Florida, please sign up for my weekly newsletter at http://martinez.senate.gov.
Sincerely,
Mel Martinez
United States Senator
Here’s one from our D-MI Senators about the climate change/cap and trade bill. Note the “growing scientific consensus” she refers to … even though the “growing consensus” is that it’s all a hoax.
Dear****
Thank you . . .
. . . for contacting me about climate change. I understand your concerns.
While I respect your views, I also recognize the growing scientific consensus about climate change. If left unchecked, the effects of climate change include lower water levels in the Great Lakes, threats to fish and wildlife, diminished ability to grow food crops, and an overall threat to our quality of life. That’s why we need a balanced, common-sense approach to this problem.
As Congress considers climate change legislation, I am working with my colleagues, especially from the Midwest, to ensure that the finished product works for Michigan. If the final legislation does not work for our state, I will not support it.
That is why I have been leading efforts in the Senate to create a Clean Energy Development Authority to provide financing for cutting-edge new technologies and create jobs. This financing is absolutely critical so that we do not trade a dependence on foreign oil for a dependence on foreign technology.
It’s not enough that we simply use green technologies, we have to make them in the United States. A wind turbine is made of over 8,000 individual parts, and all of those parts can be made in Michigan. That’s why I’m working to make green manufacturing a central part of our energy strategy. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act included $2 billion for advanced battery research and manufacturing. It also included a new tax credit to promote the manufacture of renewable energy products.
I believe that by making the right policy choices and the right investments, we can reduce greenhouse gas emissions in a way that revitalizes Michigan’s economy and creates new jobs.
New energy solutions create new jobs and new industries. We are in the midst of an energy revolution that is creating new opportunities for innovation, investment, and invention. At the same time, we are leaving a cleaner environment for our children, and we are breaking our dangerous addiction to foreign oil.
Because of our strong industrial and agricultural sectors, supported by some of the best research universities in the country, Michigan is in a unique position to lead the nation as we transition to a green energy economy. I will continue to fight for a climate change policy that focuses on creating good-paying jobs and strengthening our economy.
Thank you again for contacting me. Please continue to keep me informed about issues of concern to you and your family.
Sincerely,
Debbie Stabenow
United States Senator
DS: SM
Dear ***
Thank you for contacting me about health care reform. I appreciate your comments.
Recently, House Democrats released their 1,018-page health care reform bill. House committees considered the bill just days after it was released to Congress and to the public. It has become evident that the majority party does not want to work in a bipartisan effort since they have rejected many health care ideas and alternatives through the committee process.
The bill creates a complex government-regulated health insurance exchange with the option of a public health plan. Under the exchange, the government would determine coverage standards for public and private insurance plans. The government would also require employers to offer health coverage, require the coverage to meet minimum standards or be taxed at 8 percent. In addition, individuals would be required to have insurance and would be subject to a tax if they do not purchase insurance. These are just a few of the examples of the direction in which health care reform is headed in the House.
As Congress continues to work toward reform, it is important for us to ensure that the individuals’ right to choose their physician, hospital and insurance remains intact. Additionally, we need to build a strong free market health insurance sector that embraces health care choice. We cannot afford to place federal bureaucrats between doctors and patients when deciding the course of health care treatments.
Congress needs to improve access to affordable care through various innovative options such as: Health Savings Accounts that provide an affordable and consumer-driven health care coverage option; allowing individuals who purchase health insurance to deduct their premiums just like businesses are able to do; and allow small businesses to join together to purchase health insurance through Association Health Plans.
I believe that if a bill is enacted into law that creates a public option, every Member of Congress and federal employee should be covered by the government public option plan.
Again, thank you for sharing your comments and suggestions with me. For more information on health care reform efforts, please visit my Web site at http://hoekstra.house.gov/healthcare.
Sincerely,
Pete Hoekstra
Member of Congress
This is from Senator Carl Levin (D-MI), Tue, Jul 21, 2009 at 5:29 PM
Dear ***
Thank you for contacting me regarding global climate change. I appreciate hearing your views on this important topic.
There is an overwhelming consensus among scientists that global warming is occurring and that human activity is causing it. Scientists tell us we need to act with urgency to reduce the levels of global greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere to prevent catastrophic impacts from occurring.
During this century, scientists predict average temperatures could increase between 2 and 11 degrees Fahrenheit above current levels, depending on the amount of heat-trapping greenhouse gases that continue to be emitted globally. Even small changes in average temperature could lead to extreme climatic events, such as heat waves, droughts and flooding. Other projected future impacts are alarming: portions of countries and entire islands could be lost to rising sea levels, crop yields could significantly decline and water shortages could occur. Worse yet are the impacts that are unknown and for which it is difficult to prepare.
I believe the best way to address global warming is through an effective and enforceable international agreement that binds all nations to reductions in greenhouse gases, including so-called developing nations that are major emitters, such as China and India. It is imperative we find a way to bring these rapidly developing countries and other large emitters into a binding agreement to control greenhouse gas emissions. If we do not get these countries on board, what we do in the U.S. will only have a marginal impact on controlling global greenhouse gas emissions and could lead to U.S.-based companies moving overseas.
While addressing global climate change presents a daunting challenge, it also could present a unique opportunity. A number of studies suggest that investment in clean energy could generate significant new employment opportunities. A June 2009 report released by the Pew Charitable Trusts found that between 1998 and 2007, jobs in clean energy grew at a national rate of 9.1 percent while traditional jobs grew by only 3.7 percent. In Michigan, clean energy jobs grew by 10.7 percent over the same period. By investing in research and development and advanced technologies, we can generate good paying jobs in the manufacturing and technology sectors.
The U.S. Congress has been considering various ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Many have recommended a plan where the United States would place limits on, or “cap,” its emissions of greenhouse gases. It would do so by issuing a finite amount of permits, or emission allowances, that allow regulated entities to emit carbon and other greenhouse gases. These emission allowances would be ratcheted down gradually over a number of years. This plan also could include the ability to trade and sell permits, which would potentially reduce the overall cost of the program.
On June 26, 2009, the House of Representatives passed the American Clean Energy and Security Act (ACES, H.R.2454) by a vote of 219 to 212. This legislation would establish a greenhouse gas cap-and-trade system and also includes energy-related provisions such as renewable electricity standards and energy efficiency requirements.
Title III of ACES would set up a cap-and-trade system designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from covered entities that would include most petroleum and gas producers and importers, electricity generators, large industrial sources, and natural gas local distribution companies. Taken together, it is estimated that these covered entities account for roughly 85 percent of total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. The cap-and-trade portion of this legislation is designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with covered sources by 17 percent below 2005 levels by 2020, and 83 percent below 2005 levels by 2050. The World Resources Institute estimates that, with the other provisions of H.R.2454, the potential net greenhouse gas emissions reduction of the bill could range from 28 to 33 percent below 2005 levels by 2020 and 75 to 81 percent below 2005 levels by 2050.
The American Clean Energy and Security Act contains several cost-containment mechanisms that attempt to mitigate price increases to consumers and businesses throughout the United States. To moderate energy price increases for electricity, home heating oil and natural gas, allowances would be distributed free of charge to electric distribution companies, local natural gas distribution companies and states. The bill would require these allowances to be used to protect consumers from energy price increases.
To help ensure manufacturers would not face unfair international competition from the cap and trade requirements, allowances would be distributed free of charge to energy-intensive, trade exposed sectors, such as the steel, paper and chemical industries. The bill also would allow sources covered by the cap to purchase credits from uncapped sources that achieve a measurable reduction, avoidance or sequestration of greenhouse gas emissions; these credits are commonly referred to as “offsets.” According to a Congressional Budget Office (CBO) analysis, the inclusion of domestic and international offsets in the bill is expected to reduce the overall costs of the bill by half. ACES also would establish an Allowance Auction Reserve that would release additional allowances into the market in the event of a swift price increase, which would dampen the allowance price and provide a measure of safety from runaway costs to consumers and industry.
Taking into account all of the above cost-containment mechanisms, CBO estimates that the average annual net cost of the cap-and-trade program established by ACES would be $175 per household, when distributed evenly across all income ranges. However, under ACES, proceeds from the cap-and-trade program would be used to help low-income consumers such that these families would see an average annual net benefit of about $40 by 2020.
As the Senate works to address climate change, several factors must be taken into account. Any climate legislation that is enacted must not only significantly reduce global greenhouse gas emissions, but also ensure the protection of consumers and workers, which requires taking into account regional differences that exist throughout the United States. As one of the most significant endeavors undertaken by Congress in decades, I will carefully review any cap-and-trade program or alternative approach to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
When legislation regarding climate change comes before the Senate, I will be sure to keep your views in mind. Thank you again for writing.
Sincerely,
Carl Levin
this may be off the point but it needs to be said.
we are, as a movement, in a real battle. for all who doubt the prospects of GOOOH and tim C’s leadership, i respect that and there is a need.
but for the others, who are getting a feel for the battle ground, for the opponent (notice it doesn’t say ‘worthy opponent’), for the logistics and the need for recruiters with skills to persuade and for passion to preach (there, i said it) ~
~ staying on subject requires that you enjoy this. this is going to be one whale of a fight. oh, how wonderful to have something WORTHY to fight for. i love this America. and i’m frightened of boredom.
and i’m truly encouraged by the quality of the rhetoric i’m reading in these collections of remarks. what a year this is that lies ahead of us. this is a ‘can’t lose’ confrontation. the opponent we have engaged is so out of touch, it’s almost impossible for us to go wrong. if we do nothing than scare them, we have already improved the atmosphere.
getting wordy. gotta stop. thank you.
jim degraff. GNA.
The last time that I wrote to Senator Martinez was right before he decided to retire. I wrote to him regarding cap and trade and global warming. I wrote to him about this because I received his news letter in my e-mail and that particular one said that he was voting for that mess. I made it very clear to him that he had lost a voter because I could not and would not vote for someone who put their faith into what amounts to junk science….I never did get a response…LOL!
This was the response from both Virginia Senators after I reprimanded them for voting in favor of the health care bill:
Dear Mr. Smith,
Thank you for contacting me about reforming our nation’s health care system. I appreciate hearing from you on such an important issue. Throughout the debate, I have traveled around Virginia to hear from people all over the Commonwealth on the issue of health care. Since June, my office has been contacted hundreds of thousands of times by constituents on both sides of the debate. Hearing from constituents is a vital part of my job as a United States Senator and I hope you will continue to share your opinions with me.
President Obama recently held a bipartisan summit in an effort to find some common ground on health care reform. Following the summit, the President reached out to Republicans and publically embraced four additional Republican priorities: combating waste, fraud, and abuse by engaging medical professionals to conduct random undercover investigations of health care providers who receive taxpayer money; additional funding for demonstration projects of alternatives for resolving medical malpractice disputes; increasing Medicaid reimbursements for doctors; and ensuring Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) are in the insurance exchange. The Senate bill, which is now under consideration in the House of Representatives, contains multiple Republican amendments and provisions as well.
Recently there has been much discussion about the use of the budget reconciliation process to address health care reform, which allows for a simple majority vote. If the House of Representatives were to pass the Senate version of the health care bill, reconciliation could be used to eliminate contentious provisions, such as many of the “special deals” that have frustrated both you and me in this process.
On December 24th, the Senate voted 60-39 in favor of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (H.R. 3590), with my support. I favor the Senate version for its approach to cost containment and use of private sector innovation and competition to improve the quality and value of care. While not perfect, I believe the Senate bill will lower insurance premium costs for the majority of families and businesses. It will reduce the deficit by more than three-quarters of a trillion dollars over the next 20 years, and it will add at least nine years to the life of the Medicare Trust Fund. These figures are projected by the independent, nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, the official cost referee for legislation that moves through Congress.
A handful of controversial provisions have consistently made headlines throughout this debate. However, what many do not realize is there are other, much larger, sections of the bill that have been agreed upon by both sides that make important improvements to our health care system. The Senate bill includes insurance market reforms that prohibit insurance companies from discriminating based on pre-existing conditions, eliminates the practice of rescission and guarantees issuance and renewal of insurance coverage. The bill also invests in our nation’s health care workforce by strengthening loan repayment programs and providing incentives for providers to serve underserved areas. Prevention and wellness is also a focus in the bill, with initiatives to provide individuals with the information they need to make healthy decisions, improve education on disease prevention and public health, and invest in a national prevention and public health strategy. These methods worked well in the private sector, and have successfully changed unhealthy behaviors to reduce cost.
Throughout the debate I worked with my colleagues to make improvements to the bill. I joined twelve of my freshmen colleagues to successfully add significant cost containment measures to the Senate proposal. Our package broadened efforts to encourage innovation and lower costs for consumers across the health care system. It focused on reforming the way we pay for health services in our country, so that we reward quality rather than quantity. Our package was the only group of amendments to receive bipartisan support, as well as support from the business community, consumer groups, and members of the health care community. Attached is a more detailed summary of the package.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services recently released a report that showed health care spending in the United States rose 1.1% of GDP, or approximately $130 billion, in 2009. This represents the single largest one-year increase in history. This report should have been front page news, as it once again demonstrates that our current health care system is financially unsustainable. While many are concerned about our federal deficit, most do not realize that a primary cause of our deficit is the increasing per-person costs of Medicare and Medicaid; by 2017, Medicare will be insolvent. Additionally, American business is weakened by the current costs of health care. Per capita health care costs in the United States are double that of virtually every other developed nation in the world, leaving American business at a disadvantage and unable to compete in a global economy. American families also suffer from the rising costs of health care: within the next decade, premiums will consume 40 percent of an average American family’s income. To do nothing about the current state of our health care system would mean exploding our national debt, hobbling American business and crippling family budgets.
I encourage you to visit my website, http://www.warner.senate.gov/healthcare, for additional information. Thanks again for contacting me. As we move forward, I will continue to seek out the advice and opinions of all Virginians in order to help shape an improved health care system that will be in all of our best interests.
Sincerely,
MARK R. WARNER
United States Senator
and
Mr. Jon Smith
Post Office Box 91
Mechanicsville, VA 23111-0091
Dear Mr. Smith:
Thank you for contacting my office regarding health care reform.
I appreciate your taking the time to share your views with me, and I understand the deep concerns that Virginians have on both sides of this important debate. In the event that further health care reform legislation comes before the full Senate, I will continue to be guided by the principles I set forth at the beginning of this debate. I support meaningful, fiscally-responsible, and effective health care reform that contains costs, expands access to health care, protects Medicare, and reforms the market for health insurance. I am particularly concerned that we protect Americans with pre-existing medical conditions and foster increased competition among carriers. Significant deviations from these core principles would lead me to withhold my support.
As the health care reform debate continues, please be assured that your views will be very helpful to me and my staff. I hope that you will continue to share your thoughts with us in the years ahead.
Thank you again for your interest in this important matter.
Sincerely,
Jim Webb
United States Senator