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Last year, Congress passed long-needed reforms to our health insurance system. We stopped abusive behaviors by insurance companies and we put Americans back in charge of their health care.

I was very saddened to hear that volunteer firefighters from Calvert County were severely injured in the line of duty.

Today, members of our Fifth District community joined together in an effort to raise awareness of lifesaving first aid and CPR skills that saved Congresswoman Giffords life and helped the lives of so many others after the tragic shooting in Tucson.

We had a productive meeting today with Governor Martin OMalley, the Cabinet, and Maryland officials on the challenges facing Maryland and how we can best work together to advance the States priorities.

Over the past year, the rate of foreclosures in Maryland have started to decline, but many families especially in Prince Georges County continue to suffer.

Last week, former Republican Congressman Joe Scarborough said this about the hard work of getting America out of debt: 'The belief of some on the right that America can balance the budget by cutting education, infrastructure, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and home heating assistance to the poor is tantamount to budgetary witchcraft.'

Im honored to be here today, and I want you to know how much I admire the work you do and the risks you take to protect our communities and our families. No matter how advanced your equipment is, the role you play in our communities is a timeless one.

I know what a challenging time this is for our governments, on the federal, state, and local levels. On each level, were facing budget shortfalls and the prospect of deep debtdebt that threatens our opportunities today, and our children and grandchildrens opportunities tomorrow.