Congressman
Henry E. Brown, Jr.

June 2008 Newsletter

Now that Congress has resumed deliberations following the Memorial Day Break, I wanted to take this opportunity to update you on legislative action for the week and the anticipated topics for the coming week.  I hope you will all join me and take a moment on June 6^th to remember the sacrifices made by our brave men and women in uniform as we honor the 64^th anniversary of D-Day.  The Normandy Landing of June 6, 1944 was the largest single-day invasion of all time, with 195,700 Allied naval and merchant navy personnel involved, including 73,000 U.S. soldiers. 

Demanding Action on Energy – On a day when oil prices saw their biggest one-day increase ever, there is no greater issue facing coastal South Carolina than our nation’s current energy crisis. The average price of gas in America is $3.98, up nearly $1.70 since January 2007 when the Democrats took control of Congress, and without action that number has no where to go but up.   Speaking on the floor of the House, I demanded a vote on the many pieces of legislation that have been introduced that would open up domestic sources of energy and help all of the residents of South Carolina’s First District including recreational and commercial fishermen, shrimpers, tour boat operators and recreational boaters in coastal South Carolina that are facing all time record high prices for diesel fuel. (Visit http://brown.house.gov/apps/list/press/sc01_brown/06052008energyaction.shtml to watch video of my statement on the House floor.) You can learn more about the plan we introduced here: http://brown.house.gov/apps/list/press/sc01_brown/05212008gopenergyplan.shtml.  Review the comprehensive energy section of my website (http://brown.house.gov/Issues/energy.html), where you can learn more about my thoughts on energy as well as learn more about energy policy and the reasons behind the high prices we are currently experiencing.

“Friend of the Coast” Award – I was honored to receive the “Friend of the Coast” Award from The American Shore and Beach Preservation Association (ASBPA).  I am proud to serve on the Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Water Resources and the Environment, which is responsible for authorizing federal participation in coastal storm damage reduction and environmental infrastructure projects.  Last year, I was able to participate in the process of passing the long-overdue Water Resources Development Act into law.  I was also proud to lead the efforts to secure House passage of the BEACH Act reauthorization, which authorizes federal grants to help states utilize the latest technology to test beach waters for contaminants.  (http://brown.house.gov/apps/list/press/sc01_brown/06052008friendofthecoast.shtml)

Modernizing the GI Bill –I am a proud co-sponsor of 2 pieces of legislation that would provide increased educational benefits for members of our armed services – ensuring that every service member who qualifies can achieve a better life for themselves and their families.  To learn more about my work for veterans, please visit the veterans’ section of my website, http://brown.house.gov/Issues/veterans.html. 

Hearing Set on ALS Legislation - On June 12, the Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs will hold a hearing considering a piece of legislation I was proud to introduce, H.R. 5454, to give veterans with ALS (also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease) full service connected disability.  Several studies have shown scientific evidence that there is a link between military service and this terrible disease, but currently only Gulf War Veterans are awarded disability benefits for ALS.  Despite this evidence, the Secretary of the VA has failed to make this correction, which is why I introduced this important and necessary bill. 

Marriage Protection Amendment - I was proud to be one of 29 original co-sponsors of the Marriage Protection Amendment (H.J. Res 89), introduced on May 22, 2008.  I strongly believe that a marriage is a sacred covenant entered into by a man and a woman and I look forward to this legislation being addressed by Congress. 

Democrat Budget = Largest Tax Increase in History –The Democrat ‘Tax and Spend’ Budget blueprint for the coming fiscal year, which was passed through close votes in both the House and Senate this week, includes the largest tax hike in American history, zero entitlement reform and nothing to help ease the pain at the pump.  Americans are facing a 71% increase in gasoline prices in the start of 2007, yet Democrats want to take even more of our paychecks through a tax increase that will hit the wallet of every taxpayer – seniors, small business owners, and families.  I joined with all of my Republican colleagues in opposition to this budget which will raise the average American’s taxes by $1,833.  This budget ignores the need to address future challenges in our entitlement programs such as Social Security and Medicare, nor does it include any effort to address our nation’s energy challenge.  On issues from energy to taxes and reforming entitlements, Republicans stand ready to lead while Democrats continue to ignore the needs of the American public.

Setting the Stage for High Speed Rail to the Grand Strand and the Lowcountry – Next week, the House will consider legislation to modernize our nation’s passenger rail system.  As a senior member of the House Transportation Committee, I successfully worked to include language that sets the stage for bringing high-speed rail to the Grand Strand and the Lowcountry.  The current Southeast High Speed Rail Corridor is drawn to go over 100 miles from the 1^st District, passing by the fast growing areas and preventing tourists and residents from using this future form of transportation to visit the area and travel up and down the Eastern Seaboard.  Any future high-speed rail development in the U.S. will be focused on trains that are able to go more than 100 miles an hour, similar to what is available to travelers in Asia and Europe.  As the current Southeast route was drawn by the U.S. Department of Transportation back in the late 1990s, the bill directs the DOT to reexamine it’s decision, taking into account things like the 14 million tourists that visit the Grand Strand every year and Charleston’s status as the most congested small city in the country. 

Not only does this bill require US DOT to ensure that future high-speed rail service meets the needs of the 1^st District, it includes several funding authorizations that will help this new transportation corridor become a reality.  I look forward to House passage of the bill next week and working with my colleagues in the Senate to send a passenger rail bill to the President this year.  For more information about the bill, visit http://republicans.transportation.house.gov/News/PRArticle.aspx?NewsID=339.  

Hurricane Preparedness – The 2008 Hurricane Season began June 1^st.  Each of the 1st Congressional District's 5 counties is at risk of being impacted by a hurricane or tropical storm. Now is the time to develop your family’s disaster plan, review your insurance coverage and assess your personal property liability.  To assist you in preparing for the annual hurricane season, I have developed a page on my website (http://brown.house.gov/Issues/hurricane.html) to provide up-to-date information about storms and shelters, tips on how to prepare your home, and other useful information. I hope you find this information useful. 

Spoleto Festival USA – Spoleto Festival USA, which began on May 23^rd, completes another successful year with the finale on June 8^th.  For more than two weeks, Spoleto Festival USA fills Charleston’s venues with more than 120 performances by acclaimed headliners and rising stars in disciplines ranging from opera, theater, music theater, dance, and chamber, symphonic, choral, and jazz music, as well as the visual arts.  I encourage residents and visitors to make Spoleto a part of your Springtime tradition.  For more information visit their site at: http://spoletousa.org

Sun Fun Festival – The Grand Strand’s summer festival season begins with the 57th annual Sun Fun Festival June 5-9.  The festival, sponsored by the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, offer days full of free, family-friendly events, headline concerts and much, much more. The Sun Fun Festival will offer tethered hot air balloon and boat rides, celebrity meet and greets, sporting events, food and arts/crafts vendors, favorite kids’ characters in costume, to name a few activities.  There’s nothing like a trip to Myrtle Beach during Sun Fun.  It’s another great opportunity to enjoy life along the South Carolina coast.  For details, check them out on the web at: http://www.sunfunfestival.com/

School’s Out – The school year is coming to a close and that could result in a difference for your commute.  While School Zones may no longer be active, be careful for children out and about enjoying their vacations.  Drive carefully and drive defensively.  Our children are our greatest treasure.

Home Safety Month – Most Americans they feel safest in their homes -- our homes are our havens. They are also where accidents occur, resulting in nearly 21 million medical visits on average each year. The Home Safety Council dedicates the month of June - Home Safety Month – to educating and empowering families to make their homes safer. There are simple things you can do to help save lives and prevent injuries. With just a few minutes and your own hands, you and your loved ones can avoid serious and costly injuries. If you install the right products and do some simple planning, you can make your home a safer place. Learn more about home safety at http://homesafetycouncil.org

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 – Spring is here and Summer is around the corner.  If you’re considering a visit to our nation’s capitol, check out my website for things you’ll need to know before visiting Washington, DC.  Go to 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 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.