Dear Friend,

This evening we will gather together with family, friends and loved ones to say goodbye to 2009 and hello to 2010. So I want to take this opportunity to wish you all a very Happy New Year.

2009 will soon be behind us. But before we say goodbye I think we should reflect on just what a momentous year we had. We saw the historic inauguration of our 44th President, Barack Obama. We saw a Congress willing to finally tackle the challenges this nation faces, from the economy, to the climate, to the rights of each and every American, with a President committed to this cause. And just last week, we had the passage of a health care reform bill in the United States Senate; a historic feat that matches the one accomplished in the House of Representatives in November with the passage of HR 3962.

The year behind was full of action, challenge and accomplishment. 2010 will be a year full of achievement and promise. I look forward to delivering a comprehensive Health Care Reform bill to President Obama’s desk and to continuing the work of strengthening and revitalizing our economy.

So as we usher in a new year and a new decade, Debbie and I wish every one of you a very special 2010. I hope it is a year full of happiness, success and fulfillment.