Dear Fellow Georgian,

As we begin the second half of the 109^th Congress, I want to remind you that I am in Washington as your representative.  I hope you’ll contact me on the issues important to your family and our community. As a physician, one of the most important skills I learned was listening to patients. I bring that same philosophy to my service in Congress, and I’m eager to hear your thoughts and concerns.

Looking back, 2005 was a year of many accomplishments.  In the War on Terror, we captured more than 100 leaders of Al Qaeda in Iraq, trained Iraqi troops, and turned over strategic posts to the Iraqi military. I am incredibly proud of our brave men and women in uniform and the work they’re doing overseas.

We also began the vital debate on securing our borders and enforcing our immigration laws. Since the terrorist attacks of September 11^th, we know illegal immigration and border security are no longer just economic or legal issues – they are a matter of national security. Immigration reform will continue as one of my top priorities in the 109^th Congress.

Along with national defense and homeland security, Congress achieved significant accomplishments for our nation’s economy.  The U.S. witnessed historically low unemployment rates last year, and our GDP grew 4.3%.  Consumer confidence is rising, and homeownership is at an all-time high.  I remain committed to lower taxes and more fiscally responsible government spending. By eliminating the waste, fraud and abuse in our federal programs, we can tighten our fiscal belt and let taxpayers keep more of their hard-earned money. 

As we begin the 2006 legislative session, I will continue advocating for these pressing issues.  I will also urge my colleagues to take a close look at our ailing healthcare system, and work to achieve meaningful reforms that ensure all Americans have access to high-quality, affordable care.

I know 2006 will be a successful year for our agenda of reducing spending, protecting American families, growing our economy, and wining the War on Terror.

Phil

_________________________________

Charting a course for healthcare reform

By: U.S. Congressman Phil Gingrey, M.D.

In his State of the Union address earlier this year, President Bush spoke clearly about his vision of a healthcare system that empowers patients and gives Americans better access to quality, affordable care.  Now, Congress must heed his call and make healthcare reform a legacy of the 109^th Congress.

As a physician, I am deeply troubled by the cost of healthcare and its toll on our families, businesses and economy. A recent NBC News poll shows 76% of Americans believe healthcare reform is a top priority for our nation, and from talking with people in the 11^th District, I know it’s a top priority in Georgia as well.

As a practicing physician for nearly 30 years before coming to Congress, I can attest that America has the best doctors, hospitals, and research facilities in the world. But our healthcare system is broken, and the President’s market-based solutions are needed to help move us in the right direction.

Different Americans have different healthcare needs, and I’m relieved the President didn’t resort to a one-size-fits-all system of care. We need a reform that allows Americans to be better healthcare consumers. When we shop for a new car or home, we compare prices to get the best deal and the best product.  Healthcare should be no different.  Our system should also be flexible, so that healthcare doesn’t stop people from changing jobs or moving states. Initiatives like Health Savings Accounts and Association Health Plans achieve this by making healthcare portable and secure. 

Along with flexibility, our healthcare system must be technologically advanced.  I can go to Antarctica and get cash out of an ATM without a glitch, but should I fall ill during my travels, the hospital there couldn’t access my medical records or know what medications I take. To fix this crucial shortcoming, I have introduced legislation to increase tax breaks for physicians who invest in new technology.  Like other tax relief for small businesses, physicians are more likely to adopt new technology if our tax code helps offset the substantial initial costs. H.R.4641, the ADOPT HIT Act, will help our doctors save money, time and most importantly, lives. 

Reforming healthcare will make coverage more affordable and accessible for both workers and employers – especially our small businesses.  But affordable healthcare is only half of the equation. After all, the most affordable healthcare in the world is irrelevant if a patient can’t get in to see a doctor or visit the emergency room. 

As an obstetrician-gynecologist for nearly 30 years, I’ve seen the results of our troubled medical tort system first hand. In many communities, hospitals have closed, women have to travel across state lines for prenatal care, and emergency rooms lack the on-call specialists they need to save lives.  That shouldn’t be happening in America, home to the greatest physicians in the world. 

Last year, I introduced and the House passed H.R. 5, legislation to stop the frivolous lawsuits that are driving doctors out of business and threatening access to care for all Americans.  The House has passed similar legislation four times, and each year, our efforts die in the Senate. I hope the President’s appeal will finally move the Senate to take action on this crucial issue. 

I was encouraged by President Bush’s vision for healthcare reform. Now, it is up to Congress to pass good legislation that makes this vision a reality.  Healthcare is a unique issue that touches the lives of all Americans – from newborns to seniors and everyone in between.  We must reform our system so all Americans have access to high-quality and affordable care. The President has charted a course, and Congress will work diligently to steer the ship.  

Phil has expressed serious concern over the Bush Administration’s decision to allow Dubai Ports World of the United Arab Emirates to provide operational management for some of America’s largest seaports.

 “Our primary goal must always be to protect the American people,” Phil said.  “These major ports are the first line of defense for our homeland security, and we cannot rush into an agreement without fully examining the potential consequences.  I support Speaker Hastert’s request to the President that a more thorough review of this proposal be conducted.  It is hugely important that we get this right.  Americans are depending on us to keep them safe, and port security is a vital component.”

Phil was on the House floor this month expressing his apprehension over Iran’s nuclear ambitions. On February 16, he gave the following speech to his colleagues in Congress:

“Mr. Speaker, in our current struggle against terrorism, no country is more uncertain and dangerous than Iran. With an uncompromising foreign policy and repressed trade, it often feels like the only commodity that Iran exports involves disdain for Western culture.

"It is disheartening to see a nation of good people commandeered by an individual with nuclear aspirations. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and Iran must not be allowed to carry out threats against Israel, the United States, or any other peaceful country. Nuclear weapons and the ideology of Wahabism are a dangerous combination that must be prevented.  

"Mr. Speaker, I believe it is time for the United Nations Security Council to take action against nuclear proliferation in Iran and I ask the leaders of Iran to reconsider the path they have chosen.”

Phil recently introduced legislation requiring tougher penalties for downloading child pornography off the internet. Georgia Senator Johnny Isakson has introduced companion legislation in the U.S. Senate.

H.R. 4703, Masha’s Law, would increase the civil statutory damages for victims of child exploitation from $50,000 to $150,000.  Currently, an individual who illegally downloads music faces penalties three times harsher than a person who download images of child pornography! We need this dramatic increase to deter peddlers of child pornography and compensate the victims of this terrible abuse. 

Masha’s Law is named for 13-year old Masha Allen, who in 1998 was adopted from a Russian orphanage by Matthew Mancuso.  Mancuso sexually abused then 5-year old Masha, and posted pornographic images of her on the internet. Law enforcement officials tracked the images back to Mancuso, who was convicted on 11 counts of child sexual abuse. Masha now lives with her new adoptive father in Douglasville, Ga.  However, hundreds of her images are still on the internet, and her photographs are some of the most widely downloaded pictures in the world.

“What kind of world do we live in when the penalties for downloading music are harsher than the penalties for downloading pornographic images of little boys and girls?” Phil asked. “A compassionate society must look after the most vulnerable among us – our children. Masha’s Law will help protect those who have no way of protecting themselves from this horrific and sickening crime.”

The initial enrollment period has begun for Medicare Part D, the new, voluntary prescription drug benefit available to all seniors.  Enrollment continues through May 15, 2006, and coverage begins in the month following enrollment.

There are three easy ways you or a senior in your life can learn about and sign up for Medicare Part D:

** Visit www.Medicare.gov where you can also access information about Part D and use an on-line comparison tool to examine the different plans available.

** Stop by Congressman Gingrey’s office between the hours of 9 am and 5 pm. His staff is trained to assist you in the enrollment process.
  

If you or a senior in your life would like to enroll in Medicare Part D, the following information will help you choose the plan best suited for your needs:

Ø      A list of the prescription drugs the senior currently takes, including the names and doses.

Ø      Information about any prescription drug coverage the senior currently has, be it employer or union sponsored or a Medigap policy.

Ø      The name and address of the local pharmacy the senior uses to fill prescriptions.

Ø      The out-of-pocket amount the senior spends on prescription drugs each year.

Ø      The senior’s Medicare enrollment information.