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Point of View ::
So what’s it like up there in Washington, Congressman? How often do you vote? What are you going to do when you go back to DC? What is really going on in Congress?
These are questions I hear often as I travel around the Fourth District. We live in a busy world, and almost everyone feels busy. Between the demands of work on the job or at home, managing finances, running errands, and, most importantly, tending to our families, there are few opportunities to find out what’s going on in our Nation’s Capitol.
This week, on Tuesday, January 4, the 109th Congress convened in Washington. Members from all over the country returned to Washington, neatly dressed and excited to see old friends and greet new Members. Across the Hill goals are being set, plans are being made, agendas are being formed, and relationships are being fostered. Members of the media buzz through the columned halls solidifying quotes and inquiring about legislative ideas. Staff people are busy making preparations for another year.
With the loud smack of a gavel on Tuesday, the House set to the customary duties of its first week: to choose its Speaker and officers and to determine the chamber’s internal rules for the next two years. It is also a well-established first day routine to administer the oath of office to Members. Each member of Congress, whether just elected in November, or a veteran Member of the House takes the oath of office, pledging together to “defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same.”
During these days, House leadership often also considers Member committee assignments. This process usually extends throughout January and often for several more weeks. Once on a particular committee, Members typically remain there throughout their career on Capitol Hill.
With the first week of Congress having drawn to a close, a majority of the parliamentary and ceremonial proceedings are behind us. Now we set course to do the important work we are elected to do on behalf of the people we represent.
For the first couple of months, the House will be in Session for only a few days most weeks. As bills are introduced, committees will meet more frequently and the number of days we are in Session each week will grow. Our busiest months come in May, June, and July as many bills are heading out of committee and to the floor. Each year in August, the House typically takes a month recess to allow Members to meet with constituents in their district. Throughout the fall months, the House reconvenes to consider remaining legislation for the year. I encourage you as the year progresses to visit my website,
www.house.gov/forbes for links to updated session calendars, a list of upcoming bills, and the current floor proceedings.
As I move into the new year, my first and foremost priority continues to be to protect and defend the United States. With the changing world, this priority will take on new dimensions. Today, we have an obligation to protect our nation not only abroad, but at home in the form of tightened immigration laws and increased security at our borders, near our ports, and in our skies. These added dimensions also demand that we are vigilant in protecting the size of our Armed Forces, in bolstering Fort Lee and the DSCR Richmond during the next round of
BRAC, in protecting our shipbuilding and ship repair industries, and in enhancing our military preparedness with the powerful tools of joint training and modeling & simulation.
Throughout 2005, I hope you and your family will take the opportunity to visit me in Washington to take a first-hand look at how our government works at a federal level. Our Nation’s Capitol has much to offer and I, or a member of my staff, would be happy to be your guide while you are up here. We would be delighted to take you on a personal tour of the Capitol building, offer you and your family or guests passes to sit in the House gallery and watch the floor proceedings, or direct you to points of interest around Washington, DC.
Most of all, I want you to know how much I appreciate all the letters, calls, and e-mails I have received over the past year. I will continue to work to keep you informed about what is going on in Congress and I hope you will continue to share what is on your mind and to allow my office to be of service to you. Thank you for the privilege of representing you in Congress. I look forward to hearing from you and working together for the future of our nation!
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