Dahlonega-Lumpkin County Chamber of Commerce

This week, the Senate passed H.R. 4213, the Tax Extenders bill, which will extend several tax provisions, farm disaster assistance and unemployment insurance benefits.

I support extending these programs, particularly at a time when our economy is struggling. However, I voted against this bill because it costs nearly $140 billion, of which only $40 billion is paid for. That same $40 billion had originally been set aside by the Obama administration to offset some costs of the health care legislation Democrats hope to pass later this month.

Just two weeks ago, the Senate passed a 30-day extension for these benefits. I strongly believe those 30 days should have been used to find ways to pay for this bill. There is a strong need for extending unemployment benefits, but not to the detriment of future generations.

Health Care Update

This week, the Senate parliamentarian ruled that President Obama must sign a health care bill before the reconciliation process can take place.

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi has said the House of Representatives intends to pass the health care bill the Senate passed on Christmas Eve. Should it pass the House, President Obama will sign the bill. The Senate will then act on a companion reconciliation health care package.

I will keep you updated as this process moves forward.

Please continue to contact my office to voice your concerns by calling 1-800-234-4208 or by e-mailing here.

I firmly believe the best way to reform our health care system would be to incrementally improve many of its aspects, along with our health insurance system. This is what the American people have been demanding and I think it’s what they deserve.

Legislation to Rein in Government Spending

In light of out-of-control federal spending, this week I co-sponsored legislation that would freeze federal spending at fiscal year 2008 levels for all “non-security” appropriations. Those appropriations exempt from the freeze would include the Departments of Defense, Homeland Security, State, Veterans Administration and national security functions of the Department of Energy.

If passed, the legislation, the Honest Expenditure Limitation Program (HELP) Act of 2010, would save almost $900 billion over the next 10 years, compared with staying the present course.

Congress should not continue on the path of saddling our children and grandchildren with insurmountable debt - it's just wrong. This legislation represents a step in the right direction toward getting government spending to a level that is sustainable.

Legislation to Block Automatic Pay Increases for Congress

This week, I co-sponsored legislation to block the automatic cost-of-living increase for members of Congress in fiscal year 2011. Congress continues to spend taxpayer dollars at an alarming rate, and I just don’t think that deserves a pay raise.

I voted in favor of a similar measure last year, and have voted against pay increases every time they have come up for a vote.

Armed Services Hearings

Over the past two weeks, the Senate Armed Services Committee, of which I am a member, held several hearings. Topics of discussion included budgetary concerns, the delay in F-35 production and benefits for the National Guard and Reserve.

I have several concerns about the F-35 production delay because that will ultimately mean the aircraft will be more expensive. Additionally, I am concerned because F-22 production was halted due to the expected on-schedule production of F-35s.

You can read about my concerns in The Macon Telegraph by clicking here.

If you’re interested in hearing what I had to say during these hearings, please click here to watch my line of questioning posted on my YouTube page.

Coming Up…

Next week, the Senate will resume consideration of the House message to accompany H.R. 2847, the jobs bill.

Should you need assistance with a federal agency, you may contact my office toll free at 800-234-4208, or send an email by clicking the icon at the top of this page that says “e-mail me.” You can also send a letter to one of my office addresses listed at the very bottom of this newsletter.

Please let me know if I can be of assistance.

Very truly yours,
Senator Saxby Chambliss