Dear Friend:

I am honored to represent California’s 13th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives.

After twelve long years, the 110th Congress has been a welcome return to a Democratic Majority. Our Democratic leaders decide what comes to the House floor for consideration. As Chairman of the Ways and Means Health Subcommittee, I get to set our agenda, schedule hearings, and lead the debate.

But, with President Bush still in the White House, and narrow majorities in the House and Senate, we still face strong barriers to change. That’s why I’m so excited about the upcoming election. November 2009 holds the promise of real change.

I want to be part of that change. I want to work with stronger Democratic majorities in the House and Senate – and with a Democratic President – to move America in a new direction.

We have a chance for a new direction in Iraq. We have the opportunity to improve the Medicare program to better serve people rather than line the pockets of the drug and insurance industries. We can return to seeking solutions to expand health care rather than dismantle programs that are working. We can work together to actually fund better education for our children rather than just pay lip service to the need. We can focus on helping those in need due to our weakening economy rather than giving ever more to those who already have the most. I can go on and on about the opportunities before us. There are many.

I hope you’ll support my re-election so I can help move our nation forward. I hope you are excited by the future as well.