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The Senate is taking up the issue of border security this week. Unfortunately, late today, “temporary worker” provisions were inserted into what initially looked like a good bill. As readers of the Roundup may recall, I voted for and the House passed strong border security legislation last December that focuses on enforcement. I believe efforts – such as what we are seeing right now in the Senate - that combine border security with a guest worker program are misguided. The most pressing need right now is for the United States to know who is coming across all of our borders. Once we accomplish that goal (or at least make serious strides towards meeting it), then we can begin to fix our broken immigration system.
Medicare Deadline – MAY 15
The new Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit has been in effect since January 1. Over the past three months, more than 26 million seniors have enrolled in the plan and are saving money on their prescription drug costs. Additional good news shows that the federal government will spend 20 percent less on the benefit than previously estimated as a result of the strong competition fostered by the program.
There is still time for seniors to enroll. Seniors must sign up by May 15, 2006 to receive the lowest premiums under the Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit. Seniors can sign up online, over the phone, by fax, or directly with health plans. Seniors or family members with questions about the Medicare prescription drug benefit can call 1-800-MEDICARE or visit http://www.medicare.gov.
Georgia Farm Bill Hearing
I will be participating in a Farm Bill field hearing held by the House Agriculture Committee on Tuesday, March 28 in Valdosta, Georgia. I have already participated in similar hearings in California and Nebraska earlier in March. However, I am especially interested in this particular hearing as two of Georgia’s big agricultural commodities – cotton and peanuts – are also vitally important to West Texas agriculture.
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