A word from Congressman Zach Wamp...

August 10 – Supporting a COLA for Seniors
Millions of older Americans have been hard hit by the economic downturn and depend on Social Security now more than ever to make ends meet. Shrinking nest eggs and retirement savings mean that more seniors on fixed incomes have to make tough financial choices. Many were understandably disappointed to discover that they did not receive an annual cost-of-living-adjustment (COLA) for 2010. As excessive spending sends money flying out the door in Washington, it is a shame that our nation’s seniors are forced to cut back even more.

May 31 – Remembering Those Who Died in Our Nation’s Service
The men and women throughout history who have given their lives in pursuit of keeping our country free and safe are the greatest patriots of all. Their sacrifices for our country guarantee the freedoms that we often take for granted. When an American is lost at war, we feel the pain and heartache as a nation. On Memorial Day, we pay tribute to the memory of those who have fallen in service to our country. Their commitment to our country is everlasting, the least we can do on Memorial Day is honor them for giving their lives in the cause of freedom.

May 12 – Tackle Obesity to Lower Health Care Costs
Childhood obesity is a national problem approaching epidemic proportions. This unprecedented rise in obesity directly correlates to the decrease in physical activity. Helping children adopt a healthier lifestyle now will give them a better chance to live a long and productive life. And given the attention to public health and health care services, healthier children will save $190 billion per year spent on treating obesity-related diseases. Left unaddressed, seven in 10 Americans will die from chronic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, obesity and hypertension.

May 6 – Praying for Our Nation
By participating in the National Day of Prayer this week, I will join so many others across the country in affirming the right of Americans to pray according to their faith. A recent federal court ruling that the National Day of Prayer is unconstitutional represents a minority movement to exclude faith and religion from the public square. This is a time in our country when prayer is most needed. If we walk away from prayer, our country is heading in the wrong direction.

January 18 – Honoring Dr. King’s Legacy
Our national character is born out of injustice being made right. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s strong hope for change was focused on a nonviolent movement to counteract racial discrimination. And our last presidential election shows that all Americans, regardless of their situation or color, can have the opportunity to become the leader of the free world with education, preparation and hard work. Many sites in Tennessee symbolize the struggle to end racial injustice during the civil rights movement.