Pickering's Mississippi E-Memo #32

Pickering's Mississippi E-Memo
Congressman Chip Pickering
Mississippi - Third District
Monday - 06/20/2005 - #32

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE: The House will vote on several measures this week: Department of Defense Appropriations Act (HR 2863), Intelligence Authorization Act (HR 2475), Flag Protection Amendment (HJRes 10), and the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act and the Department of Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. Last week the House of Representatives passed two major pieces of legislation.

The Science, State, Justice, Commerce, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill (HR 2862) funds to $57.45 billion the Department of Justice (including the FBI, DEA and ATF), the Department of Commerce, NASA, the Federal Communications Commission, the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Small Business Administration, the State Department and our embassies world-wide. It also includes a provision to potentially fund a grant for the Southwest Mississippi Narcotics Enforcement Unit to assist methamphetamine enforcement and clean up. The measure also instructs The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to address any lack of radio coverage in Mississippi to increase warning times in the event of severe storms or tornadoes.

The United Nations Reform Act of 2005 (HR 2745) requires oversight, accountability and reforms in UN policies. The bill seeks ethical and organizational reforms that are already required of American elected officials, public entities and private corporations. The bill also focuses on the need for streamlining and prioritizing programs, and conducting oversight and accountability of the U.N. budget, peacekeeping and human rights activities.

HELP OUR TROOPS CALL HOME: In support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, the Armed Services Exchanges can sell prepaid phone cards to the general public for use by military members and their families. The "Help Our Troops Call Home" program is available to the public online: www.aafes.com or www.navy-nex.com or www.usmc-mccs.org at the "Help Our Troops Call Home" link. Prepaid calling cards may be sent to an individual or the exchange will arrange for delivery to "any service member" via the American Red Cross, Air Force Aid Society, Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, the Fisher House Foundation, or the United Service Organizations (USO).

FAIR AND ACCURATE CREDIT: Congress enacted the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act (FACTA) which gives everyone access to a free credit report every 12 months from each of the three major nationwide credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian and Trans Union. One way to protect yourself from identity theft is to regularly check your credit reports to verify a thief has not opened up a credit account in your name or used a credit card you may have lost. To get your free credit report, visit www.annualcreditreport.com or call the toll-free number (877) 322-8228 or mail your request to Annual Credit Report Request Service, P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348-5281.

NOMINATE A GREAT MISSISSIPPI TEACHER: Do you know a local exceptional teacher who is improving student achievement, using innovative strategies and making a difference in the lives of their students? If so, consider nominating them for the U.S. Department of Education's 2005 "American Stars of Teaching" Award. Teachers across all grade levels and disciplines will be honored next fall. One teacher or team from each state will be recognized for the outstanding classroom performance. For more information, and to nominate a teacher, go to www.ed.gov/teacherinitiative online.

CHIP PICKERING NEWS:
Think Tank: FCC Model No Longer Relevant (Telecomweb: 6/20)
Farmers to hear Pickering (Jackson Clarion Ledger: 6/19)
House passes UN reform Bill (West Point Daily Times Leader: 6/18)
House Passes Funding, UN Reform Bills (Release: 6/17)
Pickering Announces $1.3 million for MSU (Release: 6/16)
Lawmakers on target with reimbursement plan, says AMR VP (Madison County Herald: 6/16)
NAB Holds Board Elections (FMQB 6/16)
Fifth-grader's drawing of moth on display in nation's capital (Biloxi Sun Herald: 6/16)
NAB Board Runs Through Radio Agenda (Billboard Radio Monitor: 6/15)
Sen. Ensign Drafting Comprehensive Telecom Bill (National Journal's Insider Update: 6/14)
Pickering to address Farm Bureau members (Mississippi Farm Bureau: 6/14)
Congressman visits intern (Laurel Leader Call: 6/14)
Pickering meets with Meridian Intern (Meridian Star: 6/13)
Task force examining possibilities for Cooley Building (Starkville Daily News: 6/12)
Mississippi gives marathon three-hour presentation to EADS (AP: 6/9)
Escatawpa student off to nation's capital (Pascagoula Mississippi Press: 6/9)
More funds for Delta highways? (Delta Farm Press: 6/8)
Adkins honored as Distinguished Citizen (Rankin Ledger: 6/6)
Drug task force funds dwindling (Laurel Leader Call: 6/6)
Rankin student artists place (Rankin Ledger: 6/2)
Competition Will Break Barriers (Roll Call: 6/1)

http://www.house.gov/pickering/EMemo32.htm