Over the last couple of months, I have received hundreds of letters from frustrated constituents expressing their outrage over obscenity on our airwaves.

They tell me that every time they turn on their television, or flip on the radio, they have to cover their children's eyes and ears to protect them from profanity and obscenity. It's a disturbing feeling when you're afraid leave your living room to check on dinner for fear that your children might be exposed to gross obscenity on television aired during family hours.

My youngest child is still in high school. As a dad, I'd like to be there all the time - to turn off the television, to talk to him about why people say the things they do, and to provide the guidance he needs. We all have busy lives, however, and we know it's not possible to be there every minute. As parents, and as citizens, we shouldn't be forced into a constant battle to protect our children from obscenity. We should have confidence that basic standards of common decency will be upheld.

Over the last couple of months, I have joined with a group of like-minded lawmakers in Washington to take action to combat profanity and obscenity on our airwaves. Following a particularly vulgar incident from a famous rock star, I wrote a letter to Federal Communication Commission Chairman Michael Powell stating my outrage. This letter is posted this under the "Spotlight On" section of my website. I have also cosponsored the following legislation:

- H.R. 3687 - This bill spells out seven of the most offensive vulgarities and expressly bans them from the airwaves in all their forms and meanings. America's families should be able to rely on the fact -- especially at times when their children are most likely to be tuning in -- that broadcast television and radio programming will be free of indecency, obscenity, and profanity. This legislation will bring them that comfort.

- H.R. 3717 - This legislation places a 10-fold increase on the penalty that the FCC can access for obscenity violations. No longer will some broadcasters see the current maximum fine as “just a cost of doing business.”  This bill will raise the fine for a single incident from $27,500 to $275,000 and a continuing violation from $300,000 to $3 million.

These bills are a step in the right direction, but there is still much to be done. This week, I'd like to hear your thoughts on how we can combat obscenity in our society. Please take a moment to email me through my website. 

::  PATRIOT Act Report Card: A+ on Protecting Our Civil Liberties  ::

Earlier this week, the Justice Department’s Inspector General (IG) released its bi-annual report to Congress on any claims of civil rights or liberties violations allegedly committed by Department of Justice (DOJ) employees. 

The report demonstrates that the IG and Department of Justice continue to aggressively investigate any allegation of civil liberties violations. The report also stated, “None of the 162 matters involved complaints alleging misconduct by DOJ employees related to their use of a substantive provision in the PATRIOT Act.” 

I’m pleased that this section of the PATRIOT Act, which focuses on protecting civil liberties, is working as Congress intended - protecting not only our homeland, but our cherished rights as citizens. As a member of the House Judiciary Committee I look forward to continuing to closely review the implementation of the PATRIOT Act and others matters central to the war on terrorism. 

In response to the terrorist attacks of September 11th, Congress passed the PATRIOT Act to prevent future terrorist attacks within the United States. The Act provides law enforcement officials with essential tools needed to track down terrorists. The PATRIOT Act allows investigators and prosecutors to use laws originally designed to prosecute embezzlers and drug traffickers to bring international terrorists to justice - enabling Federal law enforcement to better share information, track terrorists, disrupt their cells, and seize their assets. Both the House and Senate passed this legislation overwhelmingly- 357-66 and 96-1, respectively.  

For more information on the PATRIOT Act, visit the Justice Department's PATRIOT Act website at www.lifeandliberty.gov. 

:: Q&A - The W-2 Blues ::

This week, as W-2s begin hitting our mailboxes, tax questions begin piling up. Here are answers to just a few of the commonly-asked questions. Please visit the "Spotlight On" section of my website for more phone numbers and tips.

Q: As a member of the military, what do I need to know about the Combat Zone Exclusion?

A: Your Form W-2 will show if some of your pay was subject to the Combat Zone Exclusion. Many members of the military, including those currently in a Combat Zone, have extended deadlines and other special tax benefits — check my military resources website for more information, including new tax benefits available due to recent law changes.

Q: How do I figure out my Child/Dependent Care Credit?

A: Taxpayers can claim a tax credit of up to 35% of monies they pay someone to care for their dependent who is under age 13 or for a spouse or dependent who is not able to care for themselves. To qualify, taxpayers must pay these expenses so that they can work or look for work. There are various tests (including but not limited to income, relationship and filing status) to claim the credit. The dollar limit is a yearly limit and remains the same no matter how long, during the year, the taxpayer has a qualifying person in their household. The maximum credit ranges from $1,050 to $2,100 depending on the tests.

Q: What are the changes to the Alternative Minimum Tax?

A: The new AMT exemptions are $40,250 for a single person or head of household and $58,000 for a married couple or surviving spouse.

Q: I'm a teacher. What expense deduction do I get?

A: The Education Expenses Deduction is available to educators in public and private elementary and secondary schools. Taxpayers can subtract up to $250 of qualified expenses when figuring their adjusted gross income (AGI). Teachers eligible for this deduction must keep their receipts for out-of-pocket purchases of books and classroom supplies.

Q: Where can I find out the status of my refund?

A: You may call the refund hotline at 1-800-829-1954, Monday - Friday, 7am - 10pm.

Q: What are the income tax rates for 2003?

A: 10% 15% 25% 28% 33% 35%