-- Randy’s Roundup --

A Weekly Newsletter from Congressman Randy Neugebauer

August 4, 2008

Standing Up For Our Troops And Veterans

Last week, I was proud to vote in favor of H.R. 6599, the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2009.There is nothing more important than taking care of our men and women in uniform, as well as the veterans, who have answered the call of duty and sacrificed so much to ensure the continued safety and prosperity of this nation.

They deserve the best, and this legislation will help meet those needs. This bipartisan legislation, with increased funding by 14 percent over last year’s bill, will continue to provide funding for equipment, quality of life initiatives and medical care that our warriors and their families deserve.

This legislation provides funding for construction and housing to keep our military bases in optimal shape, as well as additional funds to the Department of Veterans Affairs to ensure veterans receive the benefits and medical care they have earned.

I was also pleased to support two additional veterans’ bills the House passed unanimously last week. The first bill was H.R. 2192, which requires additional oversight at the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide more help to veterans having difficulties accessing their benefits.

The second bill, H.R. 5892, will help modernize the veterans disability claims process. Many veterans contact me for help when they are having difficulties navigating the disability process. I am hopeful that the improvements in H.R. 5892 will make resolution of disability claims more timely and simplified.

Coming Soon – Energy & Economy Updates In The 19th District

Later this month, I will be traveling around the 19th District and look forward to visiting with you.

I will be hosting several meetings to discuss energy and the economy and am interested in hearing about how energy prices are affecting you and your family and what you think Congress should do to help support our economy and reduce energy costs.

While it is important for members of Congress to have time to meet with their constituents in person during the August District Work Period, House Leadership refused to bring meaningful energy legislation to the floor for an up or down vote before the House adjourned. The American people have spoken – they want solutions.

As energy prices show no sign of letting up, this is no time for partisan politics; this is time for innovation, determination and solutions. Congress cannot repeal the law of supply and demand, much less ignore it. That is why I cosponsored H.R. 6566, the American Energy Act. This legislation not only encourages increasing our domestic supply by drilling in Alaska and off our coasts, but it also calls for reasonable and economically achievable conservation policies and an expansion of renewable energy.

This is not a Republican or Democrat issue, but rather an American issue. Congress needs to take action to help lower the prices of gasoline as well as food and other items families need every day. We need to implement a comprehensive plan that will lead us toward energy independence. The resources and tools are available to do so; we just have to use them.

As I travel through West Texas and the Big Country, I hope you will be able to join me to discuss energy and other important issues that are on your mind.

On Tuesday, August 19th, I will be in Friona from 10:00 am until 11:00 at the Headquarter Restaurant, located at 1508 West Highway 60.

Then, on Wednesday, August 20th I will be in Brownfield at 8:30 for an hour at City Hall, in the Council Room at 201 West Broadway.

My next set of Energy & Economy updates will be on Tuesday, August 26th. I will be in Clyde from 9:00am to 10:00 at the Clyde Chamber of Commerce building, located at 614 North 1st Street. Later that day, I will be in Breckenridge at Ernie’s Spanish Kitchen Restaurant, located at 2915 West Walker Street from 12:30 until 1:30.

I look forward to speaking with many of you as I travel around the district to update you, but more importantly, to hear what is on your mind.

To learn more of my schedule as I travel though the district, please call my office, toll free at 888 763 1611. Thank you and I look forward to seeing you soon.

As always, when events unfold in Washington, I will be sure to update you. In the meantime, do not hesitate to visit my website www.randy.house.gov, or call my office toll free district wide at (888) 763-1611 or my Washington, DC office at 202-225-4005.