Washington, D.C . – This summer, House Republicans are continuing an unprecedented engagement with the American people to involve them in the creation of a new governing agenda for the nation. With an innovative web forum at AmericaSpeakingOut.com, through cutting-edge mobile applications, and at nation-wide town hall meetings, House Republicans are giving Americans a megaphone to make their priorities heard. Local highlights from some of these town halls can be found below. For photos from these and other ASO town halls and events click here.

Gingrey talks website, health care, immigration at town hall Rome News-Tribune

U.S. Rep. Phil Gingrey, R-Marietta, hosted a town hall meeting Wednesday in Cedartown, promoting a new political website and taking questions from the audience.

Gingrey invited attendees to go online and participate in the America Speaking Out project, which he said is seeking to collect questions and suggestions. The website, at www.americaspeakingout.com, is a House Republican initiative.

“We are trying to get as many ideas as we can, not just from within my party, but from Democrats and independents too,” Gingrey said.

He said members of Congress should turn their attention to the issues that matter most to constituents, “so we can get this country back on the right track.”

Gingrey also took questions from the audience. One topic was the effects of recent health care reform legislation. Gingrey referred to it as “Obamacare,” saying, “It’s his legislation, so we can call it that.”

Small business owner Larry Ewers told Gingrey he is very worried about the impact of the Obama administration’s changes to health care.

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Citizens sound off at Jenkins town hall meeting Topeka Capital-Journal

Vince “The Trashman” Bateman isn’t bashful about sharing his views on politics and government, sounding off through letters to the editor, as well as by attending the occasional town hall meeting.

On Wednesday morning, Bateman, 41, was among about 30 people who showed up for an hourlong “America Speaking Out” gathering sponsored by Rep. Lynn Jenkins, R-Kan., at the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library.

Bateman, of Topeka, who drives a trash truck for a living and works the overnight to early-morning shift, came to the meeting with a paycheck stub in hand so he could show Jenkins just how big a cut Uncle Sam is taking out of his wages.

A member of the tea party movement, Bateman said Washington’s spending has gotten out of control.

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McHenry airs tax, health care frustrations at Cleveland County town hall meeting Shelby Star

U.S. Rep. Patrick McHenry can’t sit still. He’s always moving.

The Cherryville congressman paced across Cleveland Community College’s Keeter Auditorium stage Tuesday night with the public on his mind. McHenry, a Republican, fielded questions during a well-attended town hall meeting.

“I’m listening to you all the time, and that’s what tonight is all about,” said McHenry.

Discussions ranged from the federal deficit to health care. McHenry touched on debt from a national to local level and massive, multi-billion-dollar stimulus plans.

Before hearing comments from the crowd, McHenry said government is making an “uncertain era” in America even worse by placing additional uncertainty into the mix.

And that’s seen, McHenry said, through the health care bill and certain taxes.

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Bartlett takes questions at town hall meeting The Herald-Mail

Facing questions about illegal immigration, Social Security and the 14th Amendment, U.S. Rep. Roscoe G. Bartlett held a town hall meeting in Williamsport on Monday.

About 30 people, including some Bartlett staffers, were in the audience at the Community Building at Byron Memorial Park.

Bartlett, R-Md., is scheduled to hold two more town hall meetings this week — today in Cumberland and Wednesday in Frederick.

The calm, respectful tone was a sharp contrast to a local health care town hall meeting a year earlier, when more than 400 people crowded into a Hagerstown Community College auditorium, some shouting at U.S. Sen. Benjamin L. Cardin.

On Monday, people quietly asked Bartlett — who is seeking a 10th two-year term this year — about a range of issues.

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Thompson looks for ways to promote idea sharing St. Mary’s Daily Press

U.S. Representative Glenn Thompson (R-Howard) held a town hall meeting at the St. Marys Public Library, 127 Center St., from 12:30 to 2 p.m. on Wednesday. A small gathering of area residents attended the event.

Before the meeting, Thompson also took the opportunity to visit with volunteers at the Christian Food Bank and he commented during the town hall meeting on how impressed he was with their operation of the organization…

Additionally, in an effort to further connect with individuals throughout the district, Thompson also discussed the America Speaking Out initiative.

“It actually was created and approved by both republicans and democrats in Washington. It is a republican website, but it had to be approved by both parties through committee. This is a great forum that allows the American people to weigh in [on important issues],” Thompson explained.

The Web site can be accessed at http://www.americaspeakingout.com

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Photos of these and other events can be found on ASO’s Flickr page

Tags: Member Activity, Press Release

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