Dear Friends,

I spent much of this month hosting Listening Sessions across the district to gather feedback on today’s most pressing issues. I have greatly enjoyed hearing your opinions on immigration reform, the War on Terror, our economy and the traditional values so important to Northwest Georgia.

The opinions I heard at these meetings made several things perfectly clear.  First, there is broad agreement that we need to secure our border – now. I was proud to support legislation to build 700 miles of border fence and reinforce it with infrared cameras, sensors and other state-of-the-art technology. But there is sill more to be done, and these Listening Sessions fortified my belief that securing our border must continue as a top priority of Congress.

I also heard a lot about the war in Iraq and our global War on Terror.  Since the horrific attacks of September 11, 2001, our nation has made a tremendous commitment to protecting our homeland and hunting down those who want to harm America. I was very proud to vote for military commissions to bring terrorists to justice, and to modernize our laws so U.S. intelligence agencies can better conduct electronic surveillance on terrorists when an attack is eminent. 

These Listening Sessions were also a good opportunity to talk about our strong and growing economy.  I remain committed to keeping taxes low and encouraging a competitive environment for our businesses.

I greatly enjoyed these town meetings, but you don’t have to wait for a community event to share your thoughts with me. I serve the 11^th District of Georgia as your Representative, so please let me know your opinions as important issues arise. You can contact me my mail, phone or email by visiting my website: http://gingrey.house.gov/Contact/.

Thank you to everyone who attended a Listening Session and shared your thoughts with me.  I look forward to taking your priorities to Washington so we can pass good legislation to strengthen our nation.

Sincerely,

Phil 

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Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage: Open Enrollment begins Nov. 15

Phil reminds seniors in the 11^th District that the 2007 open enrollment period for Medicare Part D begins November 15, 2006. Seniors who have not enrolled will have the opportunity to choose a prescription drug plan, and seniors who wish to change plans may do so. Seniors who are satisfied with their current plans do not need to re-enroll.

“As a physician, I know that affordable prescription drugs are essential to the health of our seniors,” said Phil.  “In its first year, Medicare Part D has been a huge success, saving seniors an average of $1,100 a month. In fact, I have heard from 11th District seniors who are saving hundreds of dollars every single time they visit the pharmacy.”

“There is more great news for Georgia seniors,” Phil continued.  “Overall, monthly premiums under Part D will not rise this year, and seniors will have a broad choice of plans, two of which have premiums less than $20 a month. I encourage all seniors to examine their options and find a plan that will help them save money and stay healthy.”

Seniors with questions about Medicare Part D can visit www.Medicare.gov.  The Plan Finder feature allows seniors to compare Medicare Part D plans by monthly cost, pharmacy location and medications covered.  This will help seniors choose plans that best fit their individual needs.

Seniors with questions about Medicare Part D enrollment can contact Congressman Gingrey’s office.  His staff is trained to assist seniors with the enrollment process.

Marietta

219 Roswell Steet

(770) 429-1776

Rome

600 East First Avenue

(706) 290-1776

Carrollton

207 Newnan Street

(770) 836-8130

Americans for Better Immigration (ABI) in conjunction with Numbers USA released Immigration Report Cards this month, and Phil was one of only six House and Senate members to receive the highest A+ rating.  ABI rankings are based on voting and co-sponsorship records, and judge how firmly committed a Member of Congress is to stopping illegal immigration and passing tough immigration laws.  Phil is ranked #4 in all of Congress, the highest of anyone in the Georgia delegation.

“I am truly honored by this recognition,” said Phil.  “Since coming to Congress, I have been committed to securing our border and passing strong immigration laws that will actually be enforced.  Everywhere I travel in the 11^th District, people ask me what we are doing to combat illegal immigration. After visiting our southern border in August, I know that with the right tools and manpower, securing our border can be a reality.  While I’m proud of the House’s accomplishments thus far, I know there is still much work to be done.  I pledge to stay actively involved with this issue until we have found a acceptable solution.”

To view the Americans for Better Immigration rankings, please visit: http://grades.betterimmigration.com/view_all.php3?Flag=GRADERECENT.

Earlier this week, Phil thanked President Bush for signing the Military Commissions Act into law. This legislation, which Phil voted to pass in the House, will allow our military to try terrorists for their crimes and gather intelligence information to prevent future attacks.

“There is no job more important than protecting our nation and her citizens,” said Phil. “The War on Terror is unlike any other in our history, and we need new tools to fight it. Military commissions are a critical component of America’s ability to defend herself, and I was sickened by the Democrats’ opposition to this vital resource.”

 “I am also relieved the CIA can continue questioning key terrorists, because this has been one of the most successful intelligence efforts in U.S. history,” he continued.  “Using information gathered through this program, we have disrupted plots to blow up U.S. skyscrapers, prevented airline hijackings, and stopped plans to attack U.S. Marine bases. If aggressive interrogation techniques that fall short of torture are necessary to protect Americans from harm, we must continue using them. We can not allow another September 11^th to occur because we are more concerned with terrorist “rights” than with protecting our own people.”

The Bush Administration announced this month that the U.S. deficit has been cut in half –  three years ahead of schedule.  Phil hailed the news, crediting Republican economic policies that have kept our economy strong.

“Soaring federal revenues have slashed our deficit, and we have Republican economic policies to thank,” said Phil.  “We have shown that reducing taxes and stimulating economic growth will cut our deficit and strengthen our economy.  I am very proud of our record on reducing the marriage penalty and small business taxes, while increasing the child tax credit and ensuring American families can keep more of their money.  It is these policies that have led to 19 consecutive quarters of economic growth, millions of new jobs, and historically low unemployment.  Clearly, we need to continue policies that grow our economy and benefit the American people. We can’t forfeit these accomplishments to an ineffective tax-and-spend mentality.”

Congressman Gingrey reminds all 11^th District students interested in an appointment to the U.S. Military Academies that the deadline for nomination applications is 5:00 PM on Tuesday, October 31, 2006.  Students can download an application from Congressman Gingrey’s website: http://gingrey.house.gov/ConstituentServices/ServiceAcademyNominations.htm.

There are five U.S. Military Academies: the United States Air Force Academy, the Naval Academy, the Military Academy, the Coast Guard Academy and the Merchant Marine Academy.  Nominations are required for all but the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, to which appointments are made on the basis of an annual nationwide competition.

To learn more about the nomination process, please visit Congressman Gingrey’s website or contact Linda Liles at (706) 290-1776.

Georgia National Guard headquarters coming to Marietta

This week, the Georgia National Guard announced it will establish its headquarters in Marietta, at the site previously occupied by NAS-Atlanta.

“This development is a tremendous asset to both the Cobb community and our nation,” said Phil.  “The location offers an ideal site to rapidly respond to natural disasters in the Southeast United States.  It is also essential to maintain a strong military presence at the Marietta complex, especially as other installations in greater Atlanta are closing.  The occupants of this site have a long history of serving our nation with distinction, and I know the whole community is honored to have our brave guardsmen headquartered in Marietta.”

Leaders of the National Guard expect approximately 1,500 soldiers to be based on the property in Marietta, as the Georgia Guard is forecasting growth with plans to form several new units in the coming years.

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Gingrey introduces legislation to stop “Chain Migration”

As part of his commitment to fixing our broken immigration system, Phil has introduced H.R. 6283, the Nuclear Family Priority Act.  This legislation closes the “chain migration” loophole, whereby the extended families of legal immigrants are obtaining visas to come to America.  Phil supports “family reunification,” which gives the spouses and minor children of immigrants visa priority, but believes foreign worker and naturalization laws were not intended to provide distant relatives with a free pass through the approval process.

“Chain migration goes against the American tradition of fairness,” said Gingrey.  “When immigrants are demanding visas for their second-cousins and brothers-in-law, they are creating a back-log that hurts those patiently waiting in line to become an American.  As a father, I absolutely understand the importance of having your spouse and young children by your side. But we must draw the line somewhere, and chain migration is punishing other immigrants who are waiting in line to come to our nation.”

In the 1990s, the bipartisan U.S. Commission on Immigration Reform found that chain migration harmed our immigration system, and recommended that nuclear family members become the sole family members qualified for priority immigration. H.R. 6283 would codify this recommendation.

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Take a tour of Congressman Gingrey’s website

As part of his commitment to communicating with 11^th District residents, Phil maintains a website with the latest news, videos and photos from his work in Washington and Georgia.

Gingrey’s website features:

-         Phil’s take on the latest news and announcements

-         Information on legislation pending before Congress

-         Legislation Phil has introduced and co-sponsored

-         A photo gallery featuring events and people across the district

-         A video center where you can watch Phil’s speeches before Congress

-         A blog offering informal commentary on the news of the day

-         Resources for Georgians planning a visit to Washington

-         A children’s page with information about the federal government and Congress

-         Detailed information on getting help from federal agencies and applying for federal grants

You can visit Phil’s website at: http://gingrey.house.gov/.