Blog: It's a District Work Week, Not a "Recess'

Statement

I always find it amusing when the talking heads on TV refer to congressional district work weeks as Congress being in "recess.' When most people think of the word recess, they imagine a fun time filled with playful games, relaxation, and leisurely activities with friends. However, in reality these "recesses' usually keep me even busier than the weeks I am in Washington. That's because the district work weeks are an invaluable time for me to meet with residents of the Third District in-person and see how our district is growing and changing first-hand. I always look forward to these busy weeks as a chance to meet with the people of Georgia's Third Congressional District -- and talk to them about their concerns and questions on events in Washington.

The most recent district work period stretched from April 16th through May 1st. While each district work period is different, this one kept me particularly busy visiting with people all over the Third Congressional District. Over these two weeks, I met with local business owners and discussed the impact new regulations passed in Washington are having on their companies; I toured factories and facilities that serve as the backbone of their communities' economies; I held two public forums where constituents discussed their ideas and opinions with me; I discussed how I could help local communities with county officials and community leaders; and I attended a particularly moving ceremony for a Vietnam War veteran at Fort Benning who, after almost 43 years, was finally presented with his Distinguished-Service Cross. And, after the devastating storms that tore through Georgia on April 27th and April 28th, I met with local officials and surveyed some of the counties affected.

To highlight a few facts about this recent district work period, I:

* Visited 9 counties in the Third District
* Met with 35 business leaders
* Visited or toured 9 companies
* Held 14 meetings with county officials and community leaders
* Toured 2 schools
* Met with 3 service organizations
* Attended 7 local Chamber events
* Held 2 town forums
* Hosted 2 teletown halls
* Hosted the annual Congressional Art Competition
* Attended 2 events at Fort Benning honoring our servicemen and women
* Met with county officials in five of the counties affected by the storms

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