Protest Against Adjournment Continues
On July 30, 2008, the House voted 213-212 to permit Congress to adjourn for the month of August without first considering legislation to allow more domestic energy exploration. A subsequent motion to adjourn two days later went further, shutting off the microphones and cameras instead of allowing “special order” speeches to be broadcast highlighting the energy issue.
More than 40 Members of the House opposed to the adjournment, including Congressman Todd Platts, stayed on the House floor on August 1st and spoke to visitors in the House gallery about the energy issue. In the days and weeks since, dozens of Members of Congress have been taking turns speaking about energy issues on the House floor to visitors from all across the Nation. Congressman Platts has returned to Washington, D.C. on multiple occasions to join that discussion.
Web Page Highlights (www.house.gov/platts)
“All-of-the-Above” Energy Policy Needed
A recent op-ed by Congressman Todd Platts regarding gas prices and the energy issue is posted on the web site. The op-ed argues for an “all-of-the-above” energy policy that includes greater conservation initiatives, the long-term development of alternative energy supplies, and accessing our nation’s own oil and natural gas resources.
(http://www.house.gov/list/hearing/pa19_platts/energy.shtml)
Efforts Continue to Provide Tax Relief for Volunteer Service
In April 2007, Rep. Platts introduced legislation (H.R. 2020) to increase the rate of tax deductions available to volunteers who use their personal vehicles for charitable work. A similar bill, S. 3421, was introduced recently in the Senate.
(http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/pa19_platts/volunteer.shtml)
Upcoming Town Hall Meetings
Congressman Todd Platts will be available to take questions and listen to constituent concerns at a series of town hall meetings on August 28th and September 2nd. Dates, times, and locations are as follows:
Thursday, August 28, 9:30 am – 11:00 am: Stewartstown Borough Office, 6 North Main Street, Stewartstown.
Thursday, August 28, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm: Shippensburg University Memorial Auditorium, 1871 Old Main Drive, Shippensburg.
Thursday, August 28, 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm: S.A.V.E.S. Station #1, 238 Main Street, McSherrystown.
Tuesday, September 2, 9:30 am – 11:00 am: Fairview Township Municipal Building, 599 Lewisberry Road, New Cumberland.
Tuesday, September 2, 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm: Camp Hill Borough Hall, 2145 Walnut Street, Camp Hill.
Please do not attempt to reply to this message, as it is an unattended mailbox. If you wish to contact me about an issue addressed in this newsletter, or would like more information on what is happening in Congress, please visit my Web site at www.house.gov/platts for more information.
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