E-Newsletters

We all surely have a teacher from our childhood who inspired us to become what we are today. Whether it was because they were able to explain things easily or stayed after school to help us understand a subject, chances are that a teacher had a big influence in your life.

One of the best parts about my job is I am able to help people who are having problems dealing with the federal government. As many of you have discovered, it can be frustrating dealing with a federal agency. Sometimes it seems as if you are the only one who is interested in getting your problem resolved.

As many people know, the Boston Marathon is an opportunity for that city – and the entire nation – to welcome the world's elite athletes to our shores. It's a time-honored tradition that represents the best of America. Indeed, this year's Boston Marathon – which occurred on a local holiday known as Patriots' Day, commemorating the anniversary of the American Revolution's first battles – witnessed nearly 27,000 runners from 96 countries.

Welcome to my weekly newsletter. I'd like to note a small change this week. In addition to my weekly column, I am including a list of this month's Mobile Office Hours, where you can meet with a member of my staff in your community. I have always believed you learn more by listening than talking. My priority in Congress is constituent service and the Mobile Office is an additional opportunity for me to stay in contact with the people of the Sixth District.

A budget is a statement of one's priorities. Families have to live within their own budgets; Washington should have to do the same. This week, the president will finally unveil his budget proposal two months late. In President Obama's five years in office, this will be the fourth budget that he has submitted to Congress after the deadline, which is the first Monday in February.

One of the biggest complaints I hear from small businesses is about the regulations coming from Washington. Many of those regulations are implemented without getting input from the small businesses that are affected. A small business owner trying to beat the competition, make payroll and keep the business open may not have time to read proposed rules in Washington.

On Saturday, President Obama's massive health reform law turned three years old. This law isn't about reforming our health care system, it's about a government takeover of the health care industry. So it shouldn't be a surprise that three years later, the law's disastrous consequences continue to be uncovered. Just last week, we learned that ‘some Americans could see their insurance bills double next year,' according to the Associated Press.

America is a nation of immigrants, and we are enriched and strengthened as a nation by our diversity. We are also a nation of laws, and illegal immigration cannot be rewarded with either amnesty or our tax dollars. As your voice in Washington, I support legislative initiatives protecting against unlawful entry into our country, preserving American jobs, and strengthening our national security.