Background: The 1997 American Thoracic Society (ATS) statement “A Framework for Health Care Policy in the United States” outlined core principles for the Society's activities in the public health arena. In the succeeding 10 years, profound changes have taken place in the United States health care environment. In addition, the 2005 publication of the Society's Vision highlighted some differences between the original Statement and our current priorities. Therefore, the Health Policy Committee embarked on a re-analysis and re-statement of the Society's attitudes and strategies with respect to health and public policy. This Statement reflects the findings of the Committee.Purpose: To outline the key aspects of an internal ATS strategy for the promotion of respiratory and sleep/wake health and the care of the critically ill in the United States.Methods: Committee discussion and consensus-building occurred both before and after individual members performed literature searches and drafted sections of the documen...