Dear Friend,

There are no words that I or any of us can say that will take away the pain and grief, still real now as it was then, of those who lost family members and friends on 9/11.  We remember all those who perished on that day eight years ago, including those we lost from Central New Jersey. While Friday is a day of remembrance, it is also a day of resolve, as we owe everyone touched by the September 11 attacks what we promised them: to do all we can to protect the security of our nation and bring to justice the perpetrators of the attacks.

This week, Americans will honor September 11 as part of the first-ever federally recognized National Day of Service and Remembrance. Under the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act, bipartisan legislation which President Obama signed into law earlier this year, individuals across the country now will have the opportunity to take part in neighborhood volunteer service activities. This initiative, supported by the Families of 9/11, brings together volunteers for services projects, ranging from food drives and home repairs to neighborhood cleanups and assembling care packages for troops. If you are interested in participating in a service activity in our area, please visit www.911dayofservice.org.

Health Insurance Security

Last night, President Obama clearly stated why the status quo is unacceptable and why we must fix our broken health insurance system. Americans are living sicker, dying younger, and paying more than we should or than residents of other major countries do. The President restated the three primary ways reform would benefit Americans with and without insurance, as I wrote about last month.

My guest for the speech was Adira Riben, a Monmouth Junction resident, who recently lost her job and her insurance and who is concerned about finding new health insurance because she suffers from two chronic health conditions. I hear from many residents who are happy with the health coverage they have. Before she lost her job, I imagine Ms. Riben was happy with her health coverage too. Nobody should be at risk of losing their health coverage because they lose their job. And nobody should be discriminated against because of pre-existing conditions. When this can happen to anyone, we need to reform the system to provide security for all Americans.

Constitution Day

Every year on September 17, we celebrate the day in 1787 when 39 delegates from 12 state delegations signed the U.S. Constitution. As a scientist, I have worked with imaginative and complex technologies that have benefitted societies in extraordinary ways.  Yet, none of these great technologies can compare to the significance and brilliance of the Constitution. Although the Constitution was written over 200 years ago, it remains as relevant today as ever.  The Constitution is a remarkably durable document that has withstood the test of time and continues to serve as the foundation of our country.

As we commemorate the signing of the document that guides and underpins our representative democracy, I offer you a copy of the Constitution. To receive a free, pocket-sized copy, please contact me by clicking here.

Reminder: Town Hall Meetings Saturday in Somerset, Tinton Falls

This Saturday, September 12, I will host town hall meetings in Somerset and Tinton Falls. The Somerset meeting will begin at 9 a.m. at the performing arts center of Franklin High School, which is located at 500 Elizabeth Avenue in Somerset.  The Tinton Falls meeting will begin at 2:30 p.m. at the Performing Arts Center of Monmouth Regional High School, which is located at 1 Norman J. Field Way.  Doors will open 30 minutes before each meeting, and admittance will be based on a first come, first seated basis. If you cannot make it, feel free to email me or call me at 1-87-RUSH-HOLT.

Sincerely,

RUSH HOLT
Member of Congress

P.S. Just a reminder: I always want to hear from you, but please don’t reply to this e-mail.  Instead, please email me through my website at www.holt.house.gov, or call me at 1-87-RUSH-HOLT (1-877-874-4658) to let me know what's on your mind.  Please also note that you may unsubscribe from this list by clicking on the "unsubscribe" link at the bottom of this email.