May 2008 Newsletter
Press Release
May 2008 Newsletter
Honoring Those Who Made the Supreme Sacrifice
The month of May is flying by and the Lowcountry has been abuzz with activity. Every weekend has brought both our residents and visitors numerous opportunities to enjoy life along the Carolina coast, and the good fortune of favorable weather has helped ensure the success of these events. While we celebrate the joys of living and working in a truly wonderful part of the country, let us also observe the sacrifices of those who served to ensure our freedom and liberty.
Memorial Day, Monday, May 26th, is a time for all Americans to honor the men and women who gave their lives in military service to our country. Part of this day of commemoration is the observance of a moment of silence at 3:00 p.m. (EDT). Another tradition is the lowering of flags from dawn until noon on this day. The significance of Memorial Day must be preserved. As we take the time to be with family, friends and loved ones, let us all be mindful of our fellow Americans that made the supreme sacrifice for our nation. At the same time, we should continue to include in our thoughts and prayers, the women and men who are presently serving at home and throughout the world.
Washington Update
Our Nation's Energy Challenge - There is no greater issue facing our county than energy. The average price of gas in America is $3.81, up nearly $1.50 since January 2007 when the Democrats took control of Congress, and without action that number has no where to go but up. We must take action to increase domestic production, while also investing in safe and efficient alternative energies. I was proud to join with my Republican colleagues as we introduced a plan that offers meaningful, long-term solutions that will reduce our dependence on foreign sources of energy, create American jobs and promote economic growth. You can learn more about the plan we introduce here: http://brown.house.gov/apps/list/press/sc01_brown/05212008gopenergyplan.shtml. Also, I recently added a comprehensive energy section to my webpage (http://brown.house.gov/Issues/energy.html), where you can learn more about my thoughts on energy as well as learn more about energy policy and the reasons behind the high prices we are currently experiencing.
Modernizing the GI Bill - Our men and women in uniform are doing a great service overseas, and they deserve to be treated thusly when they return. I was proud to co-sponsor 2 pieces of legislation that would provide increased educational benefits for members of our armed services - ensuring that every service member who qualifies can achieve a better life for themselves and their families (http://brown.house.gov/apps/list/press/sc01_brown/05152008supplemental.shtml). I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues on the Veterans Affairs Committee and in the House of Representatives to ensure our veterans receive the benefits they deserve. To learn more about my work for veterans, please visit the veterans' section of my website, http://brown.house.gov/Issues/veterans.html.
Pope Benedict's Visit to Washington - While on his visit to the United States, I had the distinct honor to attend the Mass given by his Holiness Pope Benedict XVI (http://brown.house.gov/list/press/sc01_brown/041708PopeVisit.shtml). I was moved to see so many people joining together in celebration of the Pope's message of optimism and renewal. While America is a country of many diverse beliefs, Pope Benedict's message to our nation today was one in which can all find meaning
Fighting for Clean South Carolina Beaches - In April, my colleagues in the House of Representatives joined me in supporting legislation improving our efforts to ensure clean beaches. The Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health (BEACH) program assists states with beach water quality monitoring and public notification if water quality standards for pathogens are not being met. Part of the legislation improving the BEACH program was language I authored directing the EPA to ensure that beaches frequented by tourists obtain the necessary funds to meet the additional monitoring requirements that come with all of these users (http://brown.house.gov/list/press/sc01_brown/041708BeachAct.shtml). From the Grand Strand to Kiawah Island, South Carolina's beaches are among our state's greatest assets and ensuring that our beaches are healthy for the millions of folks that live here or visit us continues to be one of my top priorities in Congress.
Doings in the District
Information About Economic Stimulus Rebates - Eligible taxpayers should begin receiving their Economic Stimulus Rebates. Stimulus payments are not taxable, but individuals should keep all information received from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) regarding their payment. If you have any questions concerning your eligibility or the status of your payment, contact any of my district offices or access the link on the home page of my website, http://brown.house.gov. To calculate your stimulus payment, go to http://www.irs.gov/app/espc/. More detailed information and answers to frequently asked questions can be found at http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=177937,00.html.
VA Secretary Visits Charleston - Recently I joined with Congressman Steve Buyer (IN), ranking member of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, in welcoming VA Secretary Dr. James B. Peake to the First District as he toured VA facilities in the Charleston area (http://brown.house.gov/list/press/sc01_brown/04282008PeakeVisit.shtml; photos: http://brown.house.gov/list/hearing/sc01_brown/042808vasecy.shtml). This was a great opportunity for the Secretary to gain valuable insight as he was presented information on the ongoing collaborative projects between the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center and the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC). The 'Charleston Model' is a concept in which Congressman Buyer and I take great pride, and it can become a blueprint for numerous locations throughout the VA healthcare system. We have the opportunity to make the most of our VA budget while remaining steadfast to the primary mission of providing the highest quality care to the veterans of this country who have the greatest need. The Johnson VAMC has been ranked as one of the nation's best VA medical centers. Some 243 physicians - about 95 percent of all local VA physicians - hold faculty appointments at MUSC.
Hurricane Preparedness - The 2008 Hurricane Season begins June 1st. Each of the 1st Congressional District's 5 counties is at risk of being impacted by a hurricane or tropical storm. Now is the time to develop your family's disaster plan, review your insurance coverage and assess your personal property liability. To assist you in preparing for the annual hurricane season, I have developed a page on my website (http://brown.house.gov/Issues/hurricane.html) to provide up-to-date information about storms and shelters, tips on how to prepare your home, and other useful information. I hope you find this information useful.
Troops Return Home - It's great to note the return of local units from tours of duty overseas. The community of Loris united to form Support Your American Hero and welcomed home members of the South Carolina National Guard's1/263rd Battalion. The Charleston area also rolled out the red carpet to the members of the Guard's 218th Infantry Brigade. As a former Guardsman, I am honored and privileged to extend my heartfelt thanks and best wishes to all of these noble citizen soldiers, and ask that we all continue to remember their comrades who continue to serve.
Amistad at Harbor Fest 2008 - The Freedom Schooner, Amistad, visited Charleston as part of Harbor Fest 2008, and I was pleased to welcome the tall ship to our port. The replica of the famed 19th century two-masted schooner was joined by the Schooner Virginia, the Corwith Cramer and the Spirit of South Carolina as they participated in the maritime celebration. In addition to teaching future generations about maritime history, the Amistad is also dedicated to educating the public about the historic of slavery, discrimination and civil rights, truly a worthy and important mission as we commemorate the 200th anniversary of the abolition of slavery in this country."
Mayfest on Main - The City of North Myrtle Beach and the North Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce is to be commended for this year's celebration of Spring, Mayfest on Main. As North Myrtle Beach marks the 40th anniversary of its incorporation, it is great to see the community engaged in such a well organized event.
Isle of Palms Municipal Building - The City of Isle of Palms broke ground last week on their new Municipal Building. As this seaside community strives to balance the demands of growth with the desire to preserve their small-town quality of life, this new building will provide a modern up-to-date location in which to conduct the city's business.
Hanahan Fire Department - The City of Hanahan recently dedicated Fire Station Number 3 at Tanner Plantation. This much-needed facility will serve the citizens of Hanahan to protect property and lives as the area continues to grow.
We are Here for You!
Assistance with Federal Agencies - If you need help with a federal agency, the resources of my office are available to you as a resident of the First Congressional District. Should you be seeking assistance, please do not hesitate to contact either my Myrtle Beach or Charleston offices. My hard-working staff of dedicated professionals is committed to provide the best constituent service. You can also find information on my website at http://brown.house.gov/ConstituentServices/Casework.
DC Tours - Spring is here and Summer is around the corner. If you're considering a visit to our nation's capitol, check out my website for things you'll need to know before visiting Washington, DC. Go to http://brown.house.gov/dctours/ for information about White House, Capitol, and Supreme Court tours, as well as DC museums. For White House Tours, you now have the OPTION of submitting security information online through a secure webform.
I Want to Hear from You!
I hope you find this E-Newsletter to be helpful and informative. I encourage you to forward it to friends and family. If someone you know is interested in receiving my Newsletter via e-mail, they need only visit my site and enter their zip code in the "E-Mail Updates" block found on the home page. Likewise, if you would like to contact me, I hope you will visit my website and send an e-mail message by clicking on the "Contact Me" block. Due to security concerns with mail received at the Capitol, postal letters can take several weeks to reach the Washington, DC office.
Thank you for the honor and privilege of representing the citizens of the First Congressional District. I pledge to do my best in upholding the trust that you have placed in me.
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