Congress recessed late last week and I am back at home in the 17th Congressional District.  Like many Americans, I will have the privilege of celebrating Thanksgiving with my family.  My thoughts and prayers are with those serving in uniform far from home.

As we celebrate this holiday, I am thankful for the honor of serving in Congress.  We all share the hardship and uncertainty of an economy that has taken the worst turn since the Great Depression and the news is filled with the gloom of  recession and bailout.

Even though this is a difficult time, I am optimistic and have hope that the new leadership of President-Elect Obama and a Democratic Majority in both the House and Senate will stop digging and begin to climb out of this hole.   As we speak, The Obama Economic Team is working diligently to embark on a path to economic recovery that fosters both growth and stability.

I know that with your continued help and support we will successfully face the challenges ahead.  The leaders of the Nation are determined and I am excited and honored to be a part.

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Congress has reconvened for a brief moment, with the focus being the current crisis in the American auto industry. Before I explain my stance, I'd like to congratulate some of my colleagues. Today, we will be swearing in Congresswoman-elect Marcia Fudge (OH-11), who will occupy the seat vacated by my dear friend, the late Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones. I look forward to working with Marcia in the 111th Congress to move Ohio forward.
In addition, I would like to congratulate the newly elected leadership for the Democratic Majority:

Speaker of the House: Nancy Pelosi of California
Majority Leader: Steny Hoyer of Maryland
Majority Whip: James E. Clyburn of South Carolina
Democratic Caucus Chairman: John B. Larson of Connecticut
Democratic Caucus Vice Chairman: Xavier Becerra of California
Assistant to the Speaker and Chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee: Chris Van Hollen of Maryland

Last week, I authored a letter to Speaker Pelosi and Majority Leader Hoyer expressing the urgency to help American automakers. We need to ensure stability and stimulate growth in our domestic auto industry. With 5 million American jobs at stake, we can't afford to look the other way. In my district, the local GM plant in Lordstown is looking at laying off 1,060 employees. Government intervention will provide an opportunity for these automakers to develop advanced fuel efficient cars and renew American interest in buying domestic.

I will keep you posted as this session continues…

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