Today, the House passed H.R. 3548, the Unemployment Compensation Extension Act of 2009. It is now headed to the President’s desk.  I supported this bill because it will provide immediate assistance to workers, families, and businesses in the 13th Congressional District and throughout Michigan. It extends 1) unemployment benefits for 20 more weeks in Michigan, 2) the $8,000 first-time homebuyers tax credit to April 30, 2010, and 3) tax relief for military families and businesses.

Today, the House introduced our health reform bill. It has a public option, which will reduce the cost of premiums, make insurance affordable and accessible, and compete with private insurance companies. There are no co-pays, no deductibles, and no penalties for pre-existing conditions.

If you have health insurance, you can keep your plan and your doctor. You and your doctor—not your insurance company—will be in charge of your health.

This insurance plan strengthens Medicare. You will keep the benefits you currently have.

This plan will provide quality health care for Americans. It means affordability for the middle class, security for seniors, and responsibility for the future because it will not add a dime to the deficit.