Dear Mrs. Schaefer:
Thank you for taking the time to contact me regarding health reform. I appreciate your interest in this very important issue.
Congress has made great strides towards reforming America 's health care system. On November 7, 2009 the House passed the "Affordable Health Care for America Act," and on December 24, 2009 the Senate passed the "Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act." Both of these bills would expand coverage to the majority of Americans, curb the rising cost of health care, cut the deficit and improve the quality and efficiency of our health care system.
Debate on the Senate health reform bill has been passionate and at some points daunting; passage was the result of long negotiations and the culmination of more than a decade of work. This bill takes major steps in the process of cutting health care costs, while maintaining quality and expanding coverage. This bill will cover 94 percent of Americans under 65 and provide coverage for more than 31 million of the uninsured, cut the deficit by $132 billion in the first ten years and roughly $1.3 trillion over the second ten years.
I am pleased with the direction we are moving with this bill. Many of the important insurance reforms will begin as soon as the President signs the final health reform bill; insurers will be prohibited from putting a cap on lifetime benefits and will no longer be able to rescind coverage when you become sick, children will be allowed to stay on their parents plan until age 26, and small businesses will receive tax credits to make covering their employees more affordable. These are just a few of the provisions that will begin to immediately help improve our health system.
For Wisconsin , the bill will provide additional federal funds for BadgerCare, alleviating some of the burden on our state budget and preserving access to care that many in Wisconsin depend on. Additionally, the bill will provide free preventive services for over 870,000 seniors in Wisconsin and will extend the solvency of Medicare for an additional decade.
I was pleased that a number of my bills were included in the bill passed by the Senate. These include the Nursing Home Transparency and Improvement Act, the Patient Safety and Abuse Prevention Act, the Physician Payments Sunshine Act, Medicare Payment Improvement Act of 2009, as well as provisions from the Retooling the Health Care Workforce for an Aging America Act. My hope is that these are included in the final health reform bill passed by Congress.
Work remains to be done before we pass a final health reform bill. Now that both the House and Senate have passed their respective bills, we will be tasked with merging the two versions of health reform. There are a number of differences between the two bills, but I am confident we will soon send a bill to the President to sign. I look forward to improving upon the bill with my colleagues in Congress until final passage.
Again, thank you for your comments. I will be sure to keep your thoughts and concerns in mind as legislation progresses through Congress.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Friday, January 8, 2010
Senator Feingold-Reproductive Health Care
Dear Mr. Schaefer,
Thank you for contacting me regarding reproductive health care. I appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts with me.
As you know, Senator Ben Nelson (D-NE) offered an amendment to the Senate health reform legislation that would prohibit the public option and any insurance plan sold through Health insurance exchanges to individuals purchasing with a federal subsidy from covering abortions except in the cases of danger of death of the woman, rape, or incest. The Senate rejected the amendment by a vote of 54-45. I opposed the amendment.
On December 24, 2009, the Senate passed H.R. 3950 "The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act" by a vote of 60 to 39, with my support. The legislation prohibits mandatory abortion coverage as part of a minimum benefits package, and prohibits federal funds being used for abortions unless the pregnancy is due to rape, incest, or the life of the mother is in danger. You can find the text of the bill at http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=111_cong_bills&docid=f:h3590pp.txt.pdf.
I support a woman's right to choose. I feel very strongly that Congress should seek to regulate abortions only within the constitutional parameters set forth by the U.S. Supreme Court. I have also always believed that decisions in this area are best handled by the individuals involved, in consultation with their doctors and guided by their own beliefs and unique circumstances, rather than by government mandates.
I will continue to work in the U.S. Senate to develop and expand programs that will help reduce the number of unintended pregnancies and provide a full range of choice to all women.
Again, thank you for contacting me. As health care reform moves forward, I will continue working to improve access to health care and make health care more affordable for the people of Wisconsin. You can learn more about my work on health care reform at my website at http://feingold.senate.gov/healthreform.html. I look forward to hearing from you in the future.
Thank you for contacting me regarding reproductive health care. I appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts with me.
As you know, Senator Ben Nelson (D-NE) offered an amendment to the Senate health reform legislation that would prohibit the public option and any insurance plan sold through Health insurance exchanges to individuals purchasing with a federal subsidy from covering abortions except in the cases of danger of death of the woman, rape, or incest. The Senate rejected the amendment by a vote of 54-45. I opposed the amendment.
On December 24, 2009, the Senate passed H.R. 3950 "The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act" by a vote of 60 to 39, with my support. The legislation prohibits mandatory abortion coverage as part of a minimum benefits package, and prohibits federal funds being used for abortions unless the pregnancy is due to rape, incest, or the life of the mother is in danger. You can find the text of the bill at http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=111_cong_bills&docid=f:h3590pp.txt.pdf.
I support a woman's right to choose. I feel very strongly that Congress should seek to regulate abortions only within the constitutional parameters set forth by the U.S. Supreme Court. I have also always believed that decisions in this area are best handled by the individuals involved, in consultation with their doctors and guided by their own beliefs and unique circumstances, rather than by government mandates.
I will continue to work in the U.S. Senate to develop and expand programs that will help reduce the number of unintended pregnancies and provide a full range of choice to all women.
Again, thank you for contacting me. As health care reform moves forward, I will continue working to improve access to health care and make health care more affordable for the people of Wisconsin. You can learn more about my work on health care reform at my website at http://feingold.senate.gov/healthreform.html. I look forward to hearing from you in the future.
Friday, December 11, 2009
Senator Feingold letter-Childhood Hunger
Dear Mr. Schaefer,
Thank you for contacting me regarding childhood hunger in the U.S. I appreciate hearing from you, and I share your concern.
Combating hunger is an essential part of the struggle to end poverty in the U.S. Despite living in one of the most industrialized countries in the world, too many Americans still lack basic necessities, such as food and shelter. In Wisconsin, over 14 percent of children live in poverty. I have long supported nutrition programs, including Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as Food Stamps).
You specifically mentioned your support for S. 2749, the Access to Nutritious Meals for Young Children Act. As you know, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) introduced S. 2749, which would increase reimbursement rates for free, reduced price, and paid meals and snacks served under the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) at nonresidential child care centers and family or group day care homes. I will keep your support in mind should the Senate consider this or similar legislation.
You may be interested to know that, on July 21, 2009, I joined Senator Kohl in introducing S. 1480, the Student Breakfast and Education Improvement Act. This legislation would authorize the Department of Agriculture to award competitive grants to state or local educational agencies to establish or enhance school breakfast programs in schools where at least 65% of the students are eligible for free or reduced-price school lunches.
As you may know, Congress passed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, also known as the economic stimulus package, in early February and the President signed it into law on February 18, 2009 (Public Law 111-5). I am pleased that the bill included a 13.6% increase in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, formerly known as Food Stamps. Many economists cite increasing SNAP benefits as one of the most effective means of stimulating the economy, generating about $1.70 in economic activity for every $1 the government spends. The bill also provides $500 million for the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program and $150 million for the Temporary Emergency Assistance for Needy Families program.
Thank you for contacting me regarding childhood hunger in the U.S. I appreciate hearing from you, and I share your concern.
Combating hunger is an essential part of the struggle to end poverty in the U.S. Despite living in one of the most industrialized countries in the world, too many Americans still lack basic necessities, such as food and shelter. In Wisconsin, over 14 percent of children live in poverty. I have long supported nutrition programs, including Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as Food Stamps).
You specifically mentioned your support for S. 2749, the Access to Nutritious Meals for Young Children Act. As you know, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) introduced S. 2749, which would increase reimbursement rates for free, reduced price, and paid meals and snacks served under the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) at nonresidential child care centers and family or group day care homes. I will keep your support in mind should the Senate consider this or similar legislation.
You may be interested to know that, on July 21, 2009, I joined Senator Kohl in introducing S. 1480, the Student Breakfast and Education Improvement Act. This legislation would authorize the Department of Agriculture to award competitive grants to state or local educational agencies to establish or enhance school breakfast programs in schools where at least 65% of the students are eligible for free or reduced-price school lunches.
As you may know, Congress passed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, also known as the economic stimulus package, in early February and the President signed it into law on February 18, 2009 (Public Law 111-5). I am pleased that the bill included a 13.6% increase in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, formerly known as Food Stamps. Many economists cite increasing SNAP benefits as one of the most effective means of stimulating the economy, generating about $1.70 in economic activity for every $1 the government spends. The bill also provides $500 million for the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program and $150 million for the Temporary Emergency Assistance for Needy Families program.
Letter from Senator Feingold- "The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act,"
Dear Mr. Schaefer,
Thank you for contacting me with your concerns regarding health care. I appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts with me.
On November 21, 2009, the Senate voted to allow debate to begin on the Senate health care bill, "The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act," by a vote of 60 to 39. I voted in favor of allowing debate on the health care bill to begin because this allows the Senate to address the number one issue raised at my annual listening sessions - health care.
The bill before the Senate is not perfect, but it contains some good reforms while expanding coverage to more than 30 million Americans who currently go without insurance. I am pleased that the bill will decrease the deficit by $130 billion over the next ten years, and by another $650 billion in the ten years following that. And, while it is not as strong as I would have preferred, I support the inclusion of a public health insurance option, as well as provisions rewarding physicians for the quality of care provided rather than the quantity of care, and ending the denial of coverage due to preexisting conditions. I look forward to the opportunity to strengthen the bill during Senate consideration. I will evaluate the bill after the amending process is complete, and decide at that point whether I can support this legislation, or whether it is health reform in name only. You can find the text of the bill at http://democrats.senate.gov/reform/patient-protection-affordable-care-act.pdf.
As the Senate debates the health care reform bill in the month of December, I want to continue hearing what Wisconsinites think of the bill, the amendments, and the whole process. On my website, you will find a form that allows you to leave your thoughts, concerns or questions about specific issues that come up during the debate. The form is available at http://feingold.senate.gov/healthcarereform/.
Again, thank you for contacting me. I am committed to improving access to health care and making health care more affordable for the people of Wisconsin. You can learn more about my work on health care reform, including updates about my work relating to the Senate bill, at my website at http://feingold.senate.gov/healthreform.html. I look forward to hearing from you in the future
Thank you for contacting me with your concerns regarding health care. I appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts with me.
On November 21, 2009, the Senate voted to allow debate to begin on the Senate health care bill, "The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act," by a vote of 60 to 39. I voted in favor of allowing debate on the health care bill to begin because this allows the Senate to address the number one issue raised at my annual listening sessions - health care.
The bill before the Senate is not perfect, but it contains some good reforms while expanding coverage to more than 30 million Americans who currently go without insurance. I am pleased that the bill will decrease the deficit by $130 billion over the next ten years, and by another $650 billion in the ten years following that. And, while it is not as strong as I would have preferred, I support the inclusion of a public health insurance option, as well as provisions rewarding physicians for the quality of care provided rather than the quantity of care, and ending the denial of coverage due to preexisting conditions. I look forward to the opportunity to strengthen the bill during Senate consideration. I will evaluate the bill after the amending process is complete, and decide at that point whether I can support this legislation, or whether it is health reform in name only. You can find the text of the bill at http://democrats.senate.gov/reform/patient-protection-affordable-care-act.pdf.
As the Senate debates the health care reform bill in the month of December, I want to continue hearing what Wisconsinites think of the bill, the amendments, and the whole process. On my website, you will find a form that allows you to leave your thoughts, concerns or questions about specific issues that come up during the debate. The form is available at http://feingold.senate.gov/healthcarereform/.
Again, thank you for contacting me. I am committed to improving access to health care and making health care more affordable for the people of Wisconsin. You can learn more about my work on health care reform, including updates about my work relating to the Senate bill, at my website at http://feingold.senate.gov/healthreform.html. I look forward to hearing from you in the future
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
My Letter to Senator Russ Feingold on Health Insurance Reform
Mr Feingold,
I appreciate your working for us in the spirit of Battling Bob. Even if I were not from Wisconsin you would be the senator I respect most. I feel that the American people have been duped again. This health care ruse was never about us, it was always about making more money for the insurance companies. The secret deal made by Reid and company prove it. When are you Democrats going to get some intestinal fortitude and do the right things for the American people. I urge you not to vote for any health insurance reform that does not include a government run option. My trust in the government is hanging on by a thread and that thread is call Feingold. I served 20 years in the US military and have health benefits. As I served so others were protected I still fight for those who do not have health care. Do you?
I appreciate your working for us in the spirit of Battling Bob. Even if I were not from Wisconsin you would be the senator I respect most. I feel that the American people have been duped again. This health care ruse was never about us, it was always about making more money for the insurance companies. The secret deal made by Reid and company prove it. When are you Democrats going to get some intestinal fortitude and do the right things for the American people. I urge you not to vote for any health insurance reform that does not include a government run option. My trust in the government is hanging on by a thread and that thread is call Feingold. I served 20 years in the US military and have health benefits. As I served so others were protected I still fight for those who do not have health care. Do you?
Monday, December 7, 2009
Feingold Letter on Veteran's Health
I received the following letter from Sen Feingold on December 7th- a day to remember all Veteran and civilians especially those who were taken from us and were injured and fought for us at Pearl Harbor on December 7th, 1941.
Dear Mr. Schaefer,
Thank you for contacting me regarding mental health care for our service members and veterans. I appreciate hearing from you.
The American people are indebted to our military personnel and veterans for their selfless service to our country. Our nation's veterans and military personnel deserve access to good health care and other benefits.
An increasing number of Wisconsinites are informing me about issues of great concern to our military personnel and their families regarding the mission of our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. It is imperative that the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs work together to identify troops showing symptoms of mental illness, including post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injuries (TBI), and carefully evaluate and provide appropriate treatment for these service members during their transition back to civilian life.
You may be interested to know that in 2007 and 2008, I led a Wisconsin congressional delegation effort requesting additional Vet Centers for Wisconsin. I'm pleased that the VA responded by providing two new centers in different parts of the state. The second new Vet Center will be in La Crosse County and is expected to open in 2010. As you know, Vet Centers provide counseling to veterans in non-clinical settings that are more welcoming for some veterans. They are critical to helping service members deal with post traumatic stress disorder and other mental health issues.
You may also be interested to know that the Senate approved an amendment of mine to the Defense Authorization Act of 2010, S. 1390. The amendment was based on my Wounded Warrior Transition Assistance Act of 2009 and will help ensure wounded members of the Guard and Reserves, who are returning from overseas, are not discharged before their injuries, including mental illnesses, are evaluated. President Obama signed this bill into law on October 28, 2009.
I will continue to work to ensure that our service members are provided the best possible care. For more information on what the Department of Veterans Affairs is doing to help service members with PTSD, please visit: http://www.ptsd.va.gov/.
Thank you again for contacting me. For more information about my work on behalf of Wisconsin, you can subscribe to my monthly e-newsletter by visiting http://feingold.senate.gov/newsletter.cfm. I look forward to hearing from you in the future.
Dear Mr. Schaefer,
Thank you for contacting me regarding mental health care for our service members and veterans. I appreciate hearing from you.
The American people are indebted to our military personnel and veterans for their selfless service to our country. Our nation's veterans and military personnel deserve access to good health care and other benefits.
An increasing number of Wisconsinites are informing me about issues of great concern to our military personnel and their families regarding the mission of our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. It is imperative that the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs work together to identify troops showing symptoms of mental illness, including post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injuries (TBI), and carefully evaluate and provide appropriate treatment for these service members during their transition back to civilian life.
You may be interested to know that in 2007 and 2008, I led a Wisconsin congressional delegation effort requesting additional Vet Centers for Wisconsin. I'm pleased that the VA responded by providing two new centers in different parts of the state. The second new Vet Center will be in La Crosse County and is expected to open in 2010. As you know, Vet Centers provide counseling to veterans in non-clinical settings that are more welcoming for some veterans. They are critical to helping service members deal with post traumatic stress disorder and other mental health issues.
You may also be interested to know that the Senate approved an amendment of mine to the Defense Authorization Act of 2010, S. 1390. The amendment was based on my Wounded Warrior Transition Assistance Act of 2009 and will help ensure wounded members of the Guard and Reserves, who are returning from overseas, are not discharged before their injuries, including mental illnesses, are evaluated. President Obama signed this bill into law on October 28, 2009.
I will continue to work to ensure that our service members are provided the best possible care. For more information on what the Department of Veterans Affairs is doing to help service members with PTSD, please visit: http://www.ptsd.va.gov/.
Thank you again for contacting me. For more information about my work on behalf of Wisconsin, you can subscribe to my monthly e-newsletter by visiting http://feingold.senate.gov/newsletter.cfm. I look forward to hearing from you in the future.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Bull Party
Has any US president ever switched parties while serving as president. I mean officially switched parties not by appearances by the decision he made. I know Teddy Roosevelt formed the Progressive or Bull Moose party when he lost the Republican nomination to Taft. Maybe there is a need for another Bull party. Any nominations?
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