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“World AIDS Day provides an opportunity to reflect upon the devastating effect of HIV/AIDS around the world. In Tennessee’s Ninth District, the number of people living with HIV/AIDS grew by an astonishing 21 percent from 2004 to 2008. During that same period, the number of cases among men in our area grew by 20 percent and among women by 23 percent. African-Americans are disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS; however, this virus impacts all people, regardless of socio-economic class, race, gender or location.

“Had we not acted today, starting in January of next year, thousands in our community who rely on Medicare and TRICARE could be turned away from their doctors’ offices because the government would not reimburse their physicians for routine medical care,” Congressman Cohen said. “Passing this bill ensures that doctors will no longer have to worry about having the financial resources to see patients, and Medicare beneficiaries will have peace of mind knowing that they will continue to have access to health care.

“Nationwide, small businesses create 95 percent of jobs. If we’re going to turn the page on this economic crisis, we need to do more to help budding entrepreneurs turn their dreams into a reality. The grant and loan programs offered by the U.S Small Business Administration are vital to that effort,” Congressman Cohen said. “Equally important, by providing funding to help small businesses engaged in offering health care services to invest in cutting edge health information technology systems, we’ll be helping to lower health care costs for consumers.”

By Rep. Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.) -11/16/09 06:20 PM ET