Earlier this month, I joined local veterans at the grand opening of Northwest Washington’s new outpatient clinic for veterans. The opening of this clinic is a victory for local veterans and will bring health care and services closer to veterans in the 2nd District.

The skyrocketing cost of health care is one of the greatest challenges we face as a country. It is critical that we bring down health care costs for families and businesses in Northwest Washington, not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because our long-term economic growth depends on it.

As we head into summer, congressional leaders have promised late nights here at the Capitol as we work to get our economy back on track, tackle comprehensive energy reform, and pass health care reform to expand coverage and bring down the cost of health care for families and businesses.

Memorial Day is much more than a three-day weekend that marks the beginning of summer. It is a solemn day to remember those who died serving our country.

In meetings with constituents across the 2nd Congressional District, I have heard from many local business owners who are having a hard time accessing the capital they need during this recession. In these difficult times, it is critical that small businesses can get the loans they need to succeed and create jobs.