Saxby Chambliss, U.S. Senator for Georgia

Americans need greater access to health insurance, and we must ensure that families are able to choose the best plan suited for them.  I do not believe a Washington-run, big government health care system is the answer.  I am an original cosponsor of S. 1099, "The Patients' Choice Act of 2009," legislation to provide individuals and families with tax incentives to allow them to afford to purchase their own health insurance.  This tax break would put people on the same playing field as corporations, and employees would no longer have to pay more for the same coverage provided through work and could take their coverage with them if they decided to change jobs.  Private insurance companies would have to cater to individuals' needs, and individuals will have to power to choose the plan best suited for them. 

Additionally, "The Patients' Choice Act of 2009" would cover pre-existing conditions, would provide incentives for living healthy lifestyles, and would not make cuts to the Medicare program.  This legislation would also allow individuals to purchase health insurance outside the state in which they reside. 

"The Patients' Choice Act of 2009" addresses tort reform and medical malpractice lawsuits by creating three separate venues to pursue compensation for injured patients at the state level.  Under this system, we can limit lawsuit abuse without sacrificing legal justice. 

As the Senate debates health care reform, I will continue to work to see that Americans are provided with quality, affordable health care.  This is a critical issue that faces every single American family and we must get it right.

Georgia's families have been hit hard by the current economic climate and while Congress strives to do what it can to stabilize the economy, I want to make sure Georgians are aware of the different avenues of support that are available.

As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, I am committed to ensuring and improving the quality of life for the best equipped and best trained fighting force in the world. During frequent base tours and visits with military officials, troops and their families, I hear first-hand the concerns of American military men and women. Working to ensure the needs and concerns of military personnel and their families is a top priority.

There is no question our economy is struggling, and American families are feeling the impact of increasing fuel and grocery costs as well as the current housing crisis. As Congress considers economic policies, I believe we must make certain that we promote American manufacturing and work to benefit the small business community in this country, as that is where the majority of the jobs in this country are created.

For the United States to have national security and economic independence we need to reduce our dependence upon foreign sources of energy. I have voted to increase diversification of energy sources and to develop domestic sources of energy, including drilling for oil, mining coal, and developing hydroelectric, wind, and alternative energy sources.