WASHINGTON, D.C.  -  Most folks across East Alabama are uncertain about the direction our country is headed.

A sure sign of that uncertainty is reinforced by the unfortunate news that Alabama's unemployment rate has increased to 10.4 percent.

Almost all of us have heard of someone losing their job, had their hours cut, or heard of a plant closing.

Too many hardworking families in East Alabama continue to lose good paying jobs, which is why I supported the Unemployment Compensation Extension Act this week.

This bill would extend unemployment insurance for another 13 weeks in hard hit states like Alabama. This assistance can't replace a job, but it can help those who are struggling.

Everywhere I go in East Alabama, I hear  these concerns. Many talk about the policies being debated in Congress that could have a direct impact on their lives and livelihoods.

Families in East Alabama and across the nation are feeling the pinch of the tough economy and are cutting back.

In part, that's why many people can't understand why Congress is spending so much taxpayer money. When taxpayers are tightening their belts, Congress seems to be going on a spending spree at the taxpayer's expense.

So far this year, the 111th Congress has passed a $787 billion Stimulus bill, a $3.2 trillion budget which is the biggest in our country's history, and the Cap and Trade bill which will cost us good paying Alabama manufacturing jobs.  So far, it's too much spending with too few results.

Add to that the government getting chest deep in the financial markets and the bailout of General Motors and Chrysler, and that concern about our country's direction grows.

Those people concerned about the government's expansion that has already happened won't feel much better about a bill passed last week without my support, H.R. 3221, The Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act.  While well intentioned in some features, this bill again boils down to a government takeover of yet another industry, this time it being the student loan industry.

But judging by the mail and calls to my offices, the biggest legislative concern seems to be the debate over health care reform.

Most everyone saw or heard about the town hall protests this August. Folks are rightly, in my opinion, concerned about the prospect that the Federal government might drastically alter their health care options.

I do not support the current proposal in the House – H.R. 3200 – that would greatly expand government's role via a "public option." Don't get me wrong, the health care industry needs some reform. It's too expensive, businesses can't afford to cover their employees and it's far too expensive. But it doesn't need to be taken over by the government.

Over time, our economy will right itself and get back track, and with it hopefully more jobs will be created and saved rather than lost. Through this all, Congress needs to hit the brakes on the massive spending increases, and work more towards pro-growth policies to keep spending and taxes low.

As always, check out my YouTube page at www.YouTube.com/MikeRogersAL03, please contact me at www.house.gov/mike-rogers or follow me at www.twitter.com/RepMikeRogersAL.