|
As we look towards time with family this upcoming holiday season, we prepare to begin not only a new year, but a new Administration and Congress as well. I am deeply honored to be able to continue serving you in the U.S. House and I am eager to work on your behalf to fight for what is important to the First District.
As our nation faces uncertain economic times, I promise to continue focusing on our need to become more energy independent whether gas prices are falling or rising. We still receive some 70% of our energy from foreign nations during a time when we could be expanding domestic energy production, creating new jobs and progressing towards economic recovery. You can find more about my energy efforts on my website at http://brown.house.gov/Issues/energy.html.
Congress will also be working to find solutions to our transportation challenges. Congestion costs billions each year, and by exploring new transportation options such as high-speed rail and an expanded Interstate system, we may begin alleviating some of this overcrowding. You can learn more about these issues on my website (http://brown.house.gov/Issues/transportation.html) and look for more information in the months to come.
I look forward to working diligently towards these and many other goals during the 111th Congress, and again, it is a great honor and privilege to serve you.
We’ve Moved: The new Congress also brings a new location for my DC office. After eight years in the Longworth Building, I am pleased to announce that we have moved to a more conveniently located office in the Cannon House Office Building. This new space is far more accessible to my visiting constituents, especially those traveling on the Metro subway system or walking from the Smithsonian Museums along the National Mall.
My address in Washington DC is now 103 Cannon House Office Building, Washington, DC, 20515. Mail sent to the old address will be forwarded to my new office, but please make this change in your records. Telephone and fax numbers for DC will stay the same, and no changes will occur with either my Charleston or Myrtle Beach Offices. As always, constituents can reach me with comments and concerns through my website at http://brown.house.gov. I look forward to welcoming many of you to Washington in the coming years.
Auto Industry Needs Significant Change – Not a Bailout: Last week I was faced with yet another tough economic vote in deciding whether to bailout the US auto manufacturing industry. Instead of a plan that would have forced management, labor, and investors to make the short-term sacrifices necessary to get the companies on the right track without forcing the taxpayers to hold the bag, the legislation considered by the House only served to keep at the helm the same management and union officials who got the Big Three into this mess, and puts at least two of the companies on track for long-term government control.
I recognize the contribution the auto industry makes to our economy across the country, especially in the First District. However, I feared that passage of the Democratic auto industry bailout would only serve to open the window for further bailout requests from failing industries across the country, forcing taxpayers to bear the burden of their bad business decisions. Instead of a taxpayer-funded bailout, I wish the House would have had an opportunity to vote on an auto reorganization plan similar to that developed by Senator Corker or on legislation I have cosponsored that would provide a tax incentive for the purchase of automobiles currently sitting on dealer lots.
Getting Ready for Tax Season: The 2008 tax year is quickly nearing an end, and I would like to join the IRS in reminding you to avoid putting off important financial tasks until the last minute. December 31st is the deadline for many tax provisions, and you should be acting now to review your current tax situation as recent tax deductions have been recently reinstated. Visit the IRS website (http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=201142,00.html) to learn more about end of year tax planning and what you can do now to simplify your tax filing next year. As Congress begins to address tax issues next Congress, please know that I will continue my strong stand for lower taxes.
Medicare Part D Open Enrollment Reminder: The official open enrollment period for Medicare Part D began November 15th and runs until December 31st. Now you can enroll in a Part D plan, drop your Part D coverage or switch to a different part D plan. It’s important that people with Medicare take advantage of the enhanced tools available to review the coverage and costs of their health or drug plans for next year. For detailed information about the 2009 plans, call 1-800-MEDICARE, visit www.medicare.gov or call my Charleston office at 843-7474175.
DTV is Coming : As I am sure we all know at this point, America’s full power television stations will end all analog broadcasts and begin broadcasting exclusively in a digital format starting February 17, 2009. Television sets connected to cable, satellite or a pay television service will not be affected and will continue to receive broadcast programming after that date. However, viewers with TV sets that are not connected to a pay television service provider or do not have a built-in digital tuner will need to take action to continue receiving broadcast television signals after the transition occurs. The federal government is offering coupons to help defray the cost of converter boxes for those who will require this equipment. To learn how this transition may impact you and what resources are available, contact one of my offices or go to www.dtv.gov
Observing the anniversary Pearl Harbor: President Roosevelt was exacting when he proclaimed December 7th as a day that, has and will always live in infamy. Every year on the anniversary of the attack on our Naval Base in Pearl Harbor in 1941, I take time to reflect on the sacrifices that our brave men and women in uniform made for our country on that day. As we are faced with war in the present day, it is important to remember not only those that fought on December 7th, 1941 but to reflect upon the thousands of American servicemen and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice for this county no matter the time, place or adversary. I am truly thankful for their selflessness and strive to honor the work they have done and continue to do for our country.
Lowcountry Represented at the White House: Among the ornaments selected to represent the Palmetto State as part of the White House Christmas Decorations, the First District’s ornament was created by local art instructor J. Carol Gardner. To see the rest of the ornaments from South Carolina and across the country, go to http://www.whitehouse.gov/holiday/2008/ornamentsbystate/index.html.
Wishing our Troops a Blessed Holiday: In closing, I wanted to wish a Happy Holidays to our troops home and abroad. The American people are eternally grateful for your constant protection, selflessness and dedication to our great country. May you know that we are supporting you not just during this season, but year round, and wish you the happiest of Holidays. God Bless. You can send good wishes to our troops by visiting the American Red Cross’ Holiday Mail for Heroes website at http://www.redcross.org/EMAIL/SAF/.
|
