March, 2006 Newsletter

March, 2006 Newsletter

Spring has Sprung!

Charleston, SC, Mar 17 -

While we can expect one last hint of cooler weather, for all practical purposes, Spring has sprung!

I have the privilege of coming back to Charleston aboard Air Force Two with Vice President Cheney today. I welcome any opportunity to showcase the First District, and we should all be pleased that he is taking the time to recognize our troops for their dedication and long hours.

Before I left for Washington this week, I spent some time with a group of high school seniors and got to hear their perspective on a wide variety of issues. I want to thank Mr. Jeff Taylor and everyone at Hanahan High School for the invitation.

This coming week we are hosting seven Medicare Part D Workshops throughout the First Congressional District. This is an excellent time for anyone who has questions about this program to meet with experts on the subject. If you plan to attend, be sure to bring your Medicare Card, and a list of the medications you are presently taking, along with their cost. You should have received a post card with the specific times and locations for these workshops. If not, you can get this information from my web site: www.brown.house.gov

As you know, there was a proposal to sell federal land within the Francis Marion Forest to fund rural schools. I am opposed to any such sale and will vote against any legislation that advocates this plan. I appreciate all the calls and letters on this issue.

You should also know that I am not in favor of the recently-announced sale of certain U.S. port operations to an entity owned by the United Arab Emirates. I have expressed my opposition to this transaction, and will support legislation that prevents such a transfer.

Tax-filing season is here. Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS) is a free service from the Department of the Treasury that allows individuals, tax preparers and small business to pay federal taxes electronically. For more information on EFTPS and other electronic payment options, go to www.irs.gov and click on the EFTPS log.

On behalf of the thousands of veterans served by the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, I would like to extend my best wishes to Mr. William Mountcastle on his retirement at the end of this month. During his tenure in Charleston, he has been an outstanding advocate for our veterans.

Earlier this month, Chairman Steve Buyer (R-Ind) held an oversight hearing on collaboration opportunities among the VA, state-affiliated institutions and DoD. The model we have advocated locally, has received national recognition. Referred to as the ‘Charleston Plan,' it is being cited for use in rebuilding facilities destroyed by last year's hurricanes.

Again, let us all take a moment to remember those who are protecting us at home and abroad. Operation Swarmer, now in progress, is an example of coalition troops working with Iraqi forces to route out terrorist insurgents.

I want to hear from you. If I may be of assistance concerning any federal matter, please let me know. Refer to my web site for the best way to contact me. The address is www.brown.house.gov

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