Murtha, a Democrat from the 12th district, said he has received thousands of letters about health care reform -- just as many as he does about the war and Social Security.

Thursday, at the kickoff for a United Way fundraiser, Murtha said his top concerns are rural hospitals and how to cut costs for care.

Murtha said rural hospitals are struggling financially and he wants to make sure the hospitals received proper reimbursement for patients on Medicare.

"The cost of health care is the thing we are most concerned about," he said. "How do we solve the problem and get the cost under control?"

Local lawmakers who have held town hall meetings in Centre and Cambria counties have sometimes field tough questions from concerned constituents. In lieu of town hall meetings, Murtha has held a couple of telephone conferences on the issue.

Murtha said health care reform will miss one of its strongest supporters, late Massachusetts Sen. Edward Kennedy, who died on Tuesday. Still, Murtha said he believes the bill will be passed before January.

Previous Stories: August 20, 2009: Sen. Bob Casey Holds Health Care Forum And Many People Are Still Left With Questions August 20, 2009: Sen. Casey In Johnstown For Health Care Forum August 13, 2009: Insurance Company Tells Businesses Health Care Reform Will Increase Costs August 12, 2009: Residents Rally Against Obama's Proposed Health Care Changes August 12, 2009: Specter Addresses Health Care At Centre County Forum