Washington, Feb 15 -

Since my last Newsletter, the Second Session of the 109^th Congress has convened, and we have heard the State of the Union Address from President Bush.

The President has submitted the Fiscal Year 2007 Budget for review. In Washington, we want to continue our economic expansion, restrain discretionary spending, and cut the deficit. Congress will be reviewing this proposed budget in great detail. I welcome your input as you read the news concerning these budget proposals.

The Deficit Reduction Act, signed into law this month, will reduce the deficit by more than $39 billion. In addition to this savings, this legislation will reform important government programs to eliminate waste, fraud and abuse.

Ben Bernanke, the new Chairman of the Federal Reserve, was confirmed to succeed Alan Greenspan with strong bipartisan support. Mr. Bernanke, a native South Carolinian, is a well-respected economist with outstanding credentials and considerable experience, including chair of the Council of Economic Advisors.

A Commerce Department report, released this week, show that retail sales increased 2.2 percent in January. That is the best showing since December 1999. The Bureau of Labor Statistics recently announced that the economy gained 193,000 jobs in January and the nation’s unemployment rate dropped to 4.7 percent – the lowest since July 2001. The United States gained more than 2.1 million jobs in the past year and 4.7 million in the past twenty-nine months.

The USA PATRIOT Act has been extended through March 10. In passing this extension, we are maintaining a critical and effective tool for our law enforcement agencies to fight the War on Terror. The most recent taped message from Osama bin Laden is a reminder that the threat to Americans continues.

We must never forget our brave men and women who are fighting to protect our freedoms around the world. Their mission is not easy. According to General Peter Pace, Chairman of the Joints Chiefs of Staff, “Our enemy intends to destroy our way of life. They seek to expel American influence . . . and establish a fundamentalist religious empire on which to base eventual global domination. They cannot beat us militarily, so they target our unity and our will.” We should all remember General Pace’s words. Our unity is as powerful as our weaponry.

As we remember those who presently serve in uniform, we also acknowledge the contributions of our nation’s veterans. We will be mindful of our commitment to the veterans’ priorities during this week’s budget hearings conducted by the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee.

Let me remind you again, if you live within the First Congressional District, you should have received our 2006 calendar. If you didn’t receive yours, contact any of my offices, and we will get one out to you.

I want to hear from you. If I may be of assistance concerning any federal matter, please let me know. Refer to my web site for the best way to contact me. The address is www.brown.house.gov