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Constituent Corner

· Victory in Iraq

The President has recently released a National Security Council Document called National Strategy for Victory in Iraq. This document shows the strategy that the President set forth in 2003 and provides and update on our progress as well as the challenges remaining.

Politically in Iraq, we must support their budding government. Currently we have a policy of isolating and engaging the enemy elements to teach them that they can participate in the Iraqi government and that they have a stake in its well-being. This will help to build stable and effective national institutions with the interest of all Iraqis in mind.

Security in Iraq is recognizing that we do not want to be seen as an occupier. Coalition forces, along with Iraqi forces are clearing areas of enemy control by remaining on the offensive. Once an area is cleared of these elements, the Iraqi forces hold the area under the control of the Iraqi government. Iraqis now see other Iraqis, not Americans, as their police force. Next, the Iraqi security forces work to build the capacity of local institutions and faith in their communities.

Economically, we are restoring Iraq’s infrastructure to meet their strengthening economy. Economic reforms are being made to rid Iraq of old methods under dictatorships and sanctions to provide for their self-sustaining economy. Next the Iraqis must build their capacity to maintain their infrastructure and improve the welfare of all Iraqis.

Our strategy is working. The Iraqis are no longer under Saddam’s tyranny. They have elected their own government in a free national election and created and passed their own constitution by a national vote of the Iraqi people. They have their own sound currency. They also are increasing the training and equipping of their forces and increasing the abilities of these forces to take on terrorists and secure their nation.

I know that we can all come together to support our troops and the sovereign nation of Iraq.

If you would like to see a copy of the National Strategy for Victory in Iraq, please visit www.whitehouse.gov/infocus/iraq/iraq_strategy_nov2005.html.

· Identity Theft

As I am sure you may know, identity theft is the fastest growing crime of this century. Although we can’t completely control whether or not we become a victim, there are some steps that we can take to minimize the risk.

The University of Illinois Extension has introduced a program, Protect Your Identity, which is working to educate consumers so that they can protect themselves. This program informs everyone of precautions to take, such as checking your credit report and limiting the personal information that you share with others.

In addition to this program, they provide some good information online at www.ace.uiuc.edu/cfe/living/identity.html.

· Finances

With the holidays soon approaching, there is likely to be an increase in purchasing for your family and friends. It is important to keep your finances in mind, not only short-term, but also long-term.

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and the Federal Citizen Information Center have a helpful publication called Taking Control of Your Finances. This free publication contains practical guidance for anyone to make the most of their money. It has information for adults and great information for young adults to begin managing money early.

For more information on this publication, please visit www.pueblo.gsa.gov/rc/n30money.htm.

· Energy Tips

It seems that the cold weather has finally arrived and the United States Department of Energy wants to remind everyone of some simple energy saving tips for the home and the car.

Home

o Turn off everything that is not in use – lights, computers, etc.

o Change regular light bulbs to energy efficient ones.

o Close fireplace dampers.

o Plug air leaks with caulking, sealing, or weather stripping.

o Install programmable thermostats.

o Do-it-yourself energy audit tool (www.energysavers.gov)

o Look for Energy Star products.

o Properly insulate attics, ceiling, floors, crawlspaces and exterior.

o Insulate heating ducts to prevent heat loss.

o Install storm windows.

o Properly maintain your heating system.

Car

o Avoid aggressive driving.

o Observe the speed limit.

o Remove excess weight.

o Properly inflate your tires.

o Change your air filter.

o Get a tune up.

For more information on saving energy, please visit www.energysavers.gov, or call (877)337-3463. Also, if you feel that someone is price gouging, you may call the gas gouging hotline at (800)244-3301. Also, you can find information on my website at www.house.gov/shimkus/theme_november2005.shtml.

· Leaders in Learning Awards

The cable industry has recently unveiled Cable’s Leaders in Learning Awards through their non-profit educational foundation, Cable in the Classroom.

This awards program is honoring individuals who have implemented innovative learning programs for K-12 students. The awards are open to teachers, community leaders, administrators, and state and local policymakers. The nominees will be judged by a panel of national education experts and the winners will receive a grant and be brought to Washington, DC to be recognized during a special awards ceremony and gala on June 13, 2006.

There are several categories, and information on these as well as the application itself can be found online at www.leadersinlearningawards.org.

· USDA Loans Awarded

I am happy to announce that more communities in our district are receiving funding from United States Department of Agriculture.

FAYCO Enterprises, Inc., which has done tremendous work with developmentally disabled individuals will receive a loan of $65,960 for a six-bed residential facility in Greenville and to expand its mission.

Also, Hamilton County Water District will receive a $450,000 loan through the USDA Office of Rural Development. These funds will be used to construct a four-mile long water system.

For more information on these grants, please visit www.usda.gov.

· Workers Eligible for Assistance

I am pleased to report that many individuals have been ruled eligible to apply for adjustment assistance by the United States Department of Labor.

The economy has been rebounding, but there are still people who have been affected by job losses who need the help these benefits bring. Under recent rulings, all employees of Champion Laboratories, Inc. who became totally or partially separated from employment on or after August 27, 2004, through September 15, 2007 are eligible.

Also, employees of Quality Oak who become subject to similar employment separations are eligible from October 6, 2004 through two years from that date. The Department of Labor has also agreed to reconsider the eligibility of workers from Joy Mining Machinery.

For more information on this adjustment assistance, please visit www.dol.gov.

Anticipated Action on the House Floor Next Week

· Congress will be in session from Tuesday through Friday of next week. Some of the legislation which will be considered includes:

o H.R. 4340 – United States-Bahrain Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act (Rep. Roy Blunt – House Ways and Means)

o H.R. 4297 – Tax Relief Extension Reconciliation Act of 2005 (Rep. William Thomas – House Ways and Means)

· Keep an eye on the Office of the Clerk’s web site for upcoming legislation: http://clerk.house.gov/legisAct/index.html. This site provides up-to-date information on House legislative schedules.

Did You Know?

· White House Christmas Decorations

The White House has been decorated with the theme All Things Bright and Beautiful. The theme is to highlight the beauty that can be found in nature. The White House is expected to have about 45,000 guests touring for the Holidays, and 9,500 attending receptions.

For more information on the White House Christmas Decorations, please visit www.whitehouse.gov.

Thank you for the interest in my newsletter! Remember to tell your friends about it as well--they can sign up on my web page at http://www.house.gov/shimkus.

Sincerely,

Congressman John Shimkus

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