In June I was able to block a legislative provision that would have superseded FOIA and suppressed the release of photos documenting prisoner abuse under the Bush Administration. Unfortunately, that same measure has just been inserted into the conference report for the DHS funding bill. Despite my best efforts, it seems likely that this measure may be headed for a vote before the House and Senate.

As the debate over health care reform continues, I want to take this chance to clear up some of the confusion about the terms that are being thrown around. With three bills in the House, and two more in the Senate, plus many additional ideas and proposals under discussion, there are bound to be terms that need explanation. Today I want to talk to you about the public option, triggers, and pilot programs.

As August winds to a close, parents and children are getting ready to go back to school. In between buying supplies, trying on new clothes, and sorting out schedules, there is another important step to prepare - getting every child vaccinated. Making sure that school age boys and girls are up to date on their vaccinations isn't fun, but it's absolutely necessary for the public health and the health of the child.

The discussion over health care reform is hugely important and has understandably dominated the conversation this month, and I am excited to have held my first telephone town hall about health care on Thursday. But I am also equally excited about another initiative that I think will be crucial to upstate New York – high speed rail.

Health insurance reform continues to be the issue I’m hearing about most from my constituents. This Wednesday, at 2:00 p.m., I’ll be taking advantage of an opportunity to talk with a man who has seen firsthand how health insurance companies operate.

Only a few days ago I posted about the opportunity for communication now that Congress is out of session and I can spend time talking with regular people about health care and the challenge of reforming our system.

But recently, we’ve seen how a vocal minority, which in some cases may be trained and supported by health insurance industry lobbyists, are pursuing a strategy not merely to have their voices heard but to block others from speaking at all. These unconstructive disruptions have made it counterproductive to hold one of America’s oldest democratic traditions – the town hall meeting.

The month of August offers a great opportunity for me to spend time with you – my constituents – hearing directly about what issues are important to you. One issue that I know matters to all of us, and not just here in New York, is health care and the great effort we are making to increase access to quality health care for all Americans.