Dahlonega-Lumpkin County Chamber of Commerce

On Thursday, the Senate passed the health care reconciliation bill without my support. The American people have spoken out against this health care bill and it's disappointing that the president and Democrats have chosen to ignore their concerns and force passage. Cuts to Medicare, tax increases and special deals do not represent meaningful reform.

I’m particularly concerned about the Medicaid provision included in the health care bill, which is going to place a huge burden on Georgians. By expanding the threshold to qualify for Medicaid, this will cost the taxpayers of our state $1 billion per year. This is in addition to our share of the $569 billion in additional taxes from this health care bill.

On Wednesday, I spoke on the Senate floor to voice my concerns about the health care bill. To watch my floor speech, click here.

On Friday, I discussed my concerns about the health care bill on Rockin 106.3 FM in Bainbridge. To listen to the interview, click here.

This week, the Senate also negotiated a two-week extension of several provisions, including unemployment insurance benefits and COBRA insurance assistance. This two-week extension would have been paid for. Unfortunately, leaders in the U.S. House of Representatives did not allow this measure to advance. When the Senate comes back from Easter recess, we will debate a 30-day extension of these provisions that is not paid for.

Georgia currently has an unemployment rate of 10.5 percent, so I understand how critical these programs are to those facing difficult times. However, I strongly believe Congress should work to find a way to practice fiscal pragmatism when funding our government programs. We should make every effort to avoid legislation that creates more deficit spending during a time when our government needs greater fiscal restraint.

To watch my speeches on the Senate floor regarding these extensions, click here and here.

Opposing Elimination of the Maritime Safety and Security Teams

Last week, Sen. Isakson and I signed a letter to Senate appropriators asking them to prevent a cut in the Coast Guard's fiscal year 2011 budget by redirecting proposed funding that is now designated for terrorist trials in civilian courts.

Proposed cuts for the Coast Guard in the president's budget include eliminating the Maritime Safety and Security Teams in St. Marys, Ga. Isakson and I believe the Coast Guard unit should remain at St. Marys.

Isakson and I are also opposed to trying enemy combatants in the United States criminal justice system and have co-sponsored bipartisan legislation that would cut off funding for the trials of the 9/11 conspirators in civilian court.

The full text of the letter to Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Daniel Inouye, D-Hawaii, and Senate Appropriations Committee Ranking Member Thad Cochran, R-Miss., can be found by clicking here.

Coming Up…

The Senate stands in recess for the Easter holiday and will reconvene on Monday, April 12th to begin debate on H.R. 4851, the Temporary Extensions 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,

Saxby Chambliss