Congressman
Henry E. Brown, Jr.

June, 2007 Newsletter

Earlier this month, we as a community and a nation were stunned by the deaths of nine City of Charleston firefighters trapped while fighting a major commercial fire.  This tragedy, the single worst loss of firefighters since 9/11, was a somber reminder of the dangers our first responders face on a daily basis as they serve to protect us and our property. 
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of these courageous men:  Capt. William “Billy” Hutchinson, Capt. Mike Benke, Capt. Louis Mulkey, Engineer Mark Kelsey, Engineer Bradford “Brad” Baity, Asst Engineer Michael French, Fire Fighter James “Earl” Drayton, Fire Fighter Brandon Thompson and Fire Fighter Melvin Champaign. 

With more than 130 years of service among them, they gave their life doing a job they loved.  At their memorial service, City of Charleston Fire Chief Rusty Thomas concluded his moving tribute with a simple phrase that so eloquently describes our selfless first responders, “All Gave Some, Some Gave All.”

Service and sacrifice.  Just as the members of our armed forces are prepared to pay for the defense of our freedom and liberty, our police, fire and rescue services place their lives on the line for us.  The actions of these courageous individuals set a standard that should inspire us all.  As we pray for our troops and their families, let us also remember those who serve to protect us here at home.

Washington Update

Honoring our Firefighters – I was pleased to be joined by the entire House of Representatives in passing a resolution honoring Charleston’s fallen firefighters.  These men made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our community in what was the single worst loss of firefighters since the tragedy of September 11, 2001. 

Immigration Update – I was pleased to see that the immigration proposal again stalled in the Senate, as I believe we can and must do better for the people of South Carolina and America.  There can be no true reform until we secure our borders, which is why I was proud to support the Hunter amendment, last Congress, to build a barrier along our southern border.  Coastal South Carolina is dependent on a labor force to sustain our tourism industry, but we must require these workers to be documented and legally residing within our communities.  This is why I support expanding the temporary guest worker visa program, but have not and will not support an immigration bill that grants amnesty to illegal aliens.

Clean Beaches Week – As we South Carolinians take time to celebrate the 4th of July this week, many of us will enjoy our pristine beaches.  I am proud to co-sponsor important legislation recognizing this holiday week as Clean Beaches week and was pleased to see this bill pass the House of Representatives unanimously.  Our beaches are our economic lifeblood as tourism is the number one contributor to our state’s economy, not to mention our quality of life.  As you enjoy our beaches, please remember to leave only your footprints behind. 

Rail Road Safety – In 2006 alone, there were more than 2,908 automobile collisions at railroad crossings, resulting in 366 deaths and over one thousand injuries. Currently, the Federal Railroad Association estimates that nearly two thirds of our nation’s rail crossings do not have train activated warning devices in place. In the counties that make up the First District alone there are 183 crossings without active safety devices. For these reasons I authored an amendment, which was accepted as part of a compromise agreement to the Federal Railroad Safety Act, that would establish a federal policy to support the development life-saving technology designed to prevent collisions at the over 140,000 railroad crossings in this country.

Veterans Legislation – I proudly voted for the 2008 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act In addition to nearly $10 billion for construction projects on military bases, this legislation will provide $37.1 billion for veterans’ health care, a 13.6 percent increase over last year, and $4.1 billion for VA construction projects.  These additional funds will allow the Department of Veterans Affairs to improve medical facilities and increase access to vital resources.  During the debate on this bill, I was pleased to speak on an important issue facing our veterans, and that is their increased risk of ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s disease.  We must begin to take the steps that are necessary not only to discover why our veterans are at greater risk of ALS and to find treatments for the disease, but also to help ensure that they have timely access to needed VA benefits.   Our heroes who have served in the military and who are serving today deserve no less.

FY08 Defense Authorization Act – I was proud to support this legislation which authorizes defense programs, including the ongoing military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. 

This legislation calls for troop increases of 13,000 for the Army and 9,000 for the Marine Corps, along with a 3.5% pay raise for all members of the armed forces in 2008.  It authorizes an additional 10 C-17s to meet the airlift needs of our armed forces.  With the Charleston Air Force Base home to so many of these aircraft, I am encouraged by the recognition of the need to increase their strength.

Funding for state-of-the art Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles was included.  With Protected Vehicles, Inc., and Force Protection as business partners in our community, I am confident that we will have the opportunity to continue to supply these critically needed vehicles to our armed forces.

A monthly stipend to partially compensate the surviving spouses of military retirees has been included to address the unfair SBP-DIC offset.  It also prevents fee increases and pharmacy cost share increases for our military retirees under the TRICARE program.

Resolution on the 200th Anniversary of NOAA –I have introduced a resolution recognizing the 200 years of research and service to the people of the United States and stewardship of the marine environment by the National Oceanic and Atmosphere Administration (NOAA) and its predecessor agencies.

Doings in the District

Transportation Secretary Visits Myrtle Beach – Transportation Secretary Mary Peters got a first-hand look at “Grand Strand Gridlock” in a visit designed to draw crucial support for I-73, earlier this month.      Peters visited the intersection of U.S. 501 and Carolina Forest Boulevard, and observed a solid line of traffic as far as she could see.  "It is time to build I-73," she said. "We are doing what we can to ensure 501 does not become the biggest parking lot in South Carolina."  Peters’ visit will greatly assist the delegation in highlighting the need for funding of the I-73 project.

Charleston City Hall Re-Dedication – The City of Charleston celebrated the re-dedication of City Hall after a 2 ½ year renovation.  Built in 1801 as a bank, this architectural jewel serves the people of the Holy City despite no less than six motions to demolish the structure over the past two centuries.  Visitors and residents should plan a visit to the “Four Corners of Law” and admire this outstanding preservation and restoration project.

Welcome, Colonel Jordan – The Charleston District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is now under the command of Lt. Col. Trey Jordan, succeeding Lt. Col. Edward Fleming, who has been assigned to the Corps of Engineers Headquarters in Washington.  Col. Jordan, with 19 years’ experience as an Army officer, has served at Ft. Drum NY, Fort Bragg NC and in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom. The Charleston District, which includes field offices in Conway, Columbia and the Cooper River Re-diversion Project at St. Stephens, employs nearly 150 people. 

Mayfest on Main – This popular festival, hosted by the City of North Myrtle Beach and the North Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce, paid tribute to the Paralyzed Veterans of America as part of their festivities, this year.  The Paralyzed Veterans and their Southeastern Chapter received special recognition during the four-day event.  Congratulations to all involved in organizing this fun-filled family-oriented venue.

Hanahan Uniformed Services Memorial –The City of Hanahan dedicated a memorial recognizing all residents who died in the line of service.  This memorial includes military service as well as first responders such as police, fire and EMS.  I commend the citizens of Hanahan for their work in bringing this memorial to fruition. 

Georgetown Festivals – The Georgetown Harborwalk Festival celebrated its 20th anniversary with crowds filling the waterfront streets.  The organizers of this event, which does so much to showcase Georgetown, are to be commended for their efforts.  East Bay Park and Front Street will also be the site for Georgetown’s July 4th Celebration.  Area residents are invited to come out and celebrate Independence Day in Georgetown.

Lyons Visitor Center – The Charleston Air Force Base dedicated its main gate visit center as the Samuel F. Lyons Visitor Control Center to honor one of Charleston’s great patriots, Sam Lyons.  A proud veteran of the U.S. navy, he was a champion for the continued military presence in the Charleston area for many years and spoke passionately about the need to maintain our defense facilities.  The base’s first “Ambassador in Blue,” Sam Lyons passed away last year.  This dedication is a fitting honor for a man known as the “Godfather of the Charleston Air Force Base.”

More than a Journalist – Bill Collins has been associated with community publications since the 1970s.  After starting the Summerville Journal, he acquired the Summerville Scene and helped start the Goose Creek Gazette.  After these publications were acquired by Evening Post Publishing, Bill was asked to stay on as Publisher for these weeklies as well as the Berkeley Independent.  Aside from his editorial duties, Bill is a proud husband, father and grandfather who also makes time for numerous civic activities.  As he retires and considers future ventures, I want to thank Bill for his friendship, professionalism, and commitment to the community he cherishes.  The locales serviced by these publications are richer for his involvement.

Sun Fun Festival – The Grand Strand Summer Season kicked off with the annual Sun Fun Festival.  Over four days, residents and guests were treated to family-friendly events including live music, a barbeque competition, a car show, a kids’ area and more.  The Sun Fun Summer of Celebration runs through September.

Medal of Honor Museum – The Congressional Medal of Honor Museum, located on the U.S.S. Yorktown at Patriot’s Point has re-opened after extensive renovations.  A black-tie gala, commemorating the re-opening, hosted 42 of the 110 living recipients of our nation’s highest military honor.  If you haven’t visited Patriot’s Point in a while, this is an excellent time to do so.  To assist those with mobility issues, an elevator has recently been installed on the Yorktown.  Make plans to visit the “Fighting Lady” and take a walk through one of the greatest periods of American Naval history.

Congratulations, Colonel Joerger – The 437th Airlift Wing at the Charleston Air Force Base has a new commander.  Colonel Glen G. Joerger has retired after 24 years of service to our nation.  As we bid farewell to Colonel Joerger, we welcome Colonel John Millander who is assuming command of the 437th.  This is an excellent opportunity to thank everyone at the Charleston Air Force Base for their dedication in delivering 75 percent of the cargo needed for our mission in Iraq and Afghanistan.  You are a vital link in the operations that preserve our liberty and freedom.
 
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