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The campaign caravan of Presidential hopefuls and a nearly-endless procession of media have left our state and allowed us to resume some semblance of normalcy. The barrage of telephone reminders and roadside placards are fading into mist. But for a few weeks, South Carolina was in the cross-hairs of everyone interested in occupying the Oval Office. In true fashion, we rose to the occasion and presented an image that would bring pride to all who call this our home.
Whether it was rallies and photo-ops in Charleston or the debates in Myrtle Beach, we took full advantage of the opportunity to showcase our communities and send the message that we are truly the land of ‘Smiling Faces and Beautiful Places.’ I commend everyone who worked so hard during this time, and remind you all that each of us has the opportunity to be an Ambassador to those who choose to visit our state and support our tourism-based economy.
Washington Update
FISA - As you know, the House of Representatives returned in January to begin the second session of the 110th Congress. There are a number of important issues that Congress must address before the end of the year, but one of immediate importance is providing our intelligence community with tools necessary to prevent terrorist attacks. Passing legislation modernizing the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, which was crafted before the age of cell phones and the internet, is critical to our national security as we continue to fight the War on Terror.
ALS - Studies show that U.S. military veterans are at a higher risk of being diagnosed with ALS (also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease), however the VA does not currently extend service connected disability to all of our brave servicemen and women. I have been honored to work with my good friend General Tom Mikolajcik on this very issue and earlier this month I proudly introduced legislation that would require the VA to ensure that every Veteran who is diagnosed with ALS receives full disability benefits.
Family Research Council Action's 'True Blue' Award for Consistent Support of Family – I am grateful for the support of Focus on the Family and FRC Action and appreciate their recognition of my consistent support of pro-family issues. I have made no secret of my position as a pro-life Member of Congress and I will continue to stand on these principles. For more information on this announcement, please visit my website: http://brown.house.gov/apps/list/press/sc01_brown/01292008FRCTrueBlueAward.shtml.
Border Security and Immigration – The need to secure our borders and address issues related to immigration continue to be important issues for our nation and our community. Like many of you, I have been frustrated by the slow progress of securing our southern border, especially recent changes that will slow down progress on construction of critically important border fencing. I recently joined over 100 of my colleagues in a letter to the Speaker of the House asking her to address this situation in the coming months so we continue important progress in securing our nation’s borders from criminals, terrorists, and illegal immigrants. I continue to support legal immigration and the expansion of the H-2B visa program that is so vital to South Carolina’s economy. Without this program, many businesses in the 1st Congressional District would face severe hardships or have to shut down their operations. On January 25th of this year, I joined 95 of my colleagues in both the House and Senate in sending a letter to the President asking for an immediate extension of the returning worker program, and am hopeful that Congress or the Administration will address this important need in the future.
President’s Budget Released – The President sent Congress his budget recommendations for the 2009 fiscal year. I am working with my colleagues to ensure that government spending is done in a responsible manner, using your tax dollars wisely as we meet the challenges facing our nation. To learn more about the President’s budget request, visit www.budget.gov.
Doings in the District
Economic Stimulus Rebates – Now that the Economic Stimulus Act has been signed into law, constituents want to know what they should be doing to ensure their eligibility for these payments. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will use the information on the 2007 tax return filed by the taxpayer to determine eligibility and calculate the amount of the stimulus payments. Stimulus payments will be direct deposited for taxpayers selecting that option when filing their 2007 tax returns.
The law allows for payments for select taxpayers who have no tax liability, such as low-income workers or those who receive Social Security benefits or veterans' disability compensation, pension or survivor's benefits received from the Department of Veteran Affairs in 2007. If you are included in this group and you are not normally required to file a tax return because you do not meet the filing requirement, the IRS emphasizes you must file a 2007 return in order to receive a payment. Taxpayers must have a valid Social Security Number to qualify for the stimulus payment. Taxpayers who file their tax returns using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) are ineligible.
MUSC and VA Partner on New Cancer Treatment – The ongoing partnership between the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center and the Medical University of South Carolina has brought the latest in precision radiation therapy to the region’s cancer patients. Located at the Hollings Cancer Center, the TomoTherapy Hi-Art Treatment System has the ability to target tumors of all sizes throughout the body while minimizing damager to surrounding tissue. This announcement underscores the commitment between these two outstanding healthcare institutions to benefit their respective client base while maximizing their available capital budgets. I am proud to have been an early advocate of these collaborative efforts and look forward to their continued success. See my website for more information on this important innovation: http://brown.house.gov/apps/list/press/sc01_brown/01312008TomoTherapy.shtml.
Can-Am Days – The Grand Strand rolls out the welcome mat for our neighbors to the north as they celebrate Canadian-American Days. Set for March 8 through 16, a variety of events are planned – whatever your age range or interests. For more information, contact the Myrtle Beach Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, or visit the website at www.MyrtleBeachLovesCanada.com
I-73 Update – The U.S. Department of Transportation has signed the Record of Decision on the southern leg of I-73 – this is the final approval document required for this portion of the future highway. This clears the way for acquiring rights-of-way for this portion of the route, meaning that I-73, after all the planning and discussion, is finally going to become a reality. We wouldn’t be anywhere near accomplishing these goals if it wasn’t for the hard work of so many people, from SCDOT, US DOT and Federal Highways, and many other folks throughout the Grand Strand region who have put so much time and effort into this project. I look forward to working with them in the future as progress on I-73 continues. I am proud to have contributed an article on I-73 included in South Carolina Business magazine, a publication of the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce.
IRS Assistance – Tax-filing season is here. Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS), a free service from the U.S. Department of the Treasury, allows individuals, tax preparers and small businesses to pay federal taxes electronically, including income, employment, estimated and excise taxes. EFTPS offers a variety of payment methods, including the Internet and a telephone voice response system, as well as other electronic solutions for tax preparers. Free tax preparation and electronic filing is available for taxpayers who earn $54,000 or less. For more information on EFTPS and other electronic payment options, go to www.irs.gov.
2008 Calendars – Thanks to those who called or e-mailed to request my 2008 calendar. If you haven’t received your 2008 calendar with the helpful toll-free government phone numbers, we have a limited supply available.
Congressional Reform Survey – I was pleased with the vigorous response to my Congressional Reform Survey. I appreciate all who took the time to include comments and suggestions. Your input will help guide my efforts to reform Congress. If you have not taken the opportunity to complete this survey, you may do so on-line by visiting my website: http://brown.house.gov.
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. You can also find information on my website at http://brown.house.gov/ConstituentServices/Casework
DC Tours – With spring break fast approaching, I want you to know that you can visit my website for information about visiting Washington, DC. Visit http://brown.house.gov/dctours/ for information about White House, Capitol, and Supreme Court tours, as well as DC museums. For White House Tours, you now have the OPTION of submitting security information online through a secure webform.
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. 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.
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