|
We’ve finished the turkey . . . shopped ‘til we dropped . . . and prepared to make the season bright. Moving from November into December, we all have so much for which we should give thanks. In that spirit, let us all take the time to remember those who are less fortunate and those for whom this holiday season is a time for sorrow and concern. I hope you will share your blessings and help to bring joy to those who need it.
From my family to yours, may you have a safe and joyous holiday season.
Washington Update
200th Anniversary of NOAA – On Wednesday, December 5th the House of Representatives passed H. Con Res 147, legislation that I introduced honoring the 200th Anniversary of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. NOAA’s important contributions to our nation’s coastal and ocean resources are crucial to the health of our beaches and waterways, not only in South Carolina’s First Congressional District, but throughout the nation. My floor statement can be viewed at: NOAA 200th Anniv.
Myrtle Beach World War II Veterans visit D.C. – over 100 World War II Veterans from Myrtle Beach visited the World War II Memorial in Washington, DC on November 10th. Members of my Washington, DC staff met with the group following a wreath laying ceremony at the Memorial.
Medal of Honor Pension Hearing – On November 8th, I had the opportunity to testify before the Veterans Affairs’ Sub-committee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs on legislation that I introduced to increase the pension awarded to Medal of Honor recipients. The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States of America, and the pension acts as a small token of appreciation for the selfless leadership, courageous actions, and extraordinary devotion to duty shown by Medal Recipients. You can view more information about the hearing online at: http://veterans.house.gov/hearings/hearing.aspx?NewsID=140.
Digital Television Transition – As you may know, on February 17, 2009 television programming will switch from analog to digital broadcasting. Cable and satellite subscribers should not be impacted by this transition, and no one will need to purchase a new television. Viewers who watch free over-the-air programming, using rabbit ears or an on the roof antenna, may need a digital-to-analog converter box for every television, depending upon how old their TV is. Starting January 1, every U.S. household is eligible to receive up to two coupons, worth $40 each, toward the purchase of eligible digital-to-analog converter boxes, which will sell from $50-$70 each. I encourage you to visit www.dtv.gov for more information about the transition, what to know if you are looking at buying a TV now, to find out if you need a converter box, and to request coupons if necessary.
Doings in the District
Grand Strand Beach Renourishment – I was pleased to be present as officials from all along the Grand Strand recently celebrated the start of the largest renourishment project in South Carolina’s history. 25 miles of beachfront will be renewed by 3 million cubic feet of sand – the equivalent of 250,000 dump trucks. Members of the Myrtle Beach Chamber joined with representatives of the Army Corps of Engineers in praising the cooperative efforts of local, state and federal agencies as the region’s beaches are renourished for the first time in 10 years. For photos from the event, please visit http://brown.house.gov/list/hearing/sc01_brown/112907strandrenourishment.shtml
Medicare Part D Open Enrollment – All eligible participants are urged to review their prescription drug needs during Medicare Part D’s Open Enrollment period which runs through December 31st. The resources of my office are available for anyone with questions concerning Medicare Part D and the available plans. Residents of the First Congressional District can call the Charleston District Office at (843) 747-4175 or use the toll-free number, (888) 868-0737. Additional information is available at my website: www.brown.house.gov or www.medicare.gov
College of Charleston Science Center – The College of Charleston recently held a Groundbreaking Ceremony for their new Science Center to be located at the corner of Calhoun and Coming Streets. Congratulations to the College as they begin work on a new home for the Departments of Chemistry/Biochemistry and Biology.
Georgetown Library Recognized – The Georgetown County Library has received the National Medal for Museum and Library Service for exemplifying the healing role libraries can play in dealing with the complexity of the nation’s historical experience. I commend the Library for their activity in community outreach efforts including the founding of a prison library, working collaboratively to provide health information, and presenting a program on “Race and Reconciliation.”
Welcome Colonel Messer – A Change of Command Ceremony for the 1189th Transportation Terminal Brigade marked the transition from Lt. Col. Howard Tucker to Col. James Messer. We welcome Col. Messer to Charleston and extend best wishes to Col. Tucker for a job well done.
Gullah/Geechee Corridor Commission Named – It was an honor to join my friend Congressman Jim Clyburn and officials from the National Park Service at an event announcing the members of the inaugural Gullah/Geechee Corridor Commission. The Gullah/Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor, as designated by Congress, recognizes the important cultural contributions made by Africans and African-Americans who settled in coastal Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina.
Berkeley County Veterans Services Office – I was proud to observe Veterans Day and mark the opening of the Berkeley County Veterans Services Office in Goose Creek. Thanks to those who made this event such a success. The veterans of Berkeley County and their families will be well-served by the dedicated staff at this office.
We are Here for You!
Assistance With Federal Agencies – If you need help with a federal agency, the resources of my office are available to you as a resident of the First Congressional District. Should you be seeking assistance, please do not hesitate to contact either my Myrtle Beach or Charleston offices. My hard-working staff of dedicated professionals is committed to provide the best constituent service.
I Want to Hear from You!
I hope you find this E-Newsletter to be helpful and informative. I encourage you to forward it to friends and family. If someone you know is interested in receiving my Newsletter via e-mail, they need only visit my site and enter their zip code in the “E-Mail Updates” block found on the home page. Likewise, if you would like to contact me, I hope you will visit my website and send an e-mail message by clicking on the “Contact Me” block. I also encourage you to take a moment to complete my on-line “Congressional Reform Questionnaire.” Your input will help guide my efforts to reform Congress.
Due to security concerns with mail received at the Capitol, postal letters can take several weeks to reach the Washington, DC office.
Thank you for the honor and privilege of representing the citizens of the First Congressional District. I pledge to do my best in upholding the trust that you have placed in me.
|
