March marked the three year anniversary of the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq.  Three years ago, we began a mission that has resulted in the toppling of a tyrannical dictator, the creation of a democratic government, the freedom of a nation, and increased security at home and abroad.

In the past three years, we’ve seen impressive progress on three important fronts: security, government, and economic development. Certainly, there have been hardships and set backs, but American troops together with our allies and the Iraqi people are proving that freedom triumphs tyranny, and liberty rises over oppression.

It is important to reflect on how much we’ve accomplished in Iraq. On the political front, we have seen encouraging signs of a flourishing democracy. The Iraqi people participated in free and fair elections, supported a constitution that respects the rights of all ethnic groups, and elected a representative government that respects the rule of law.

On the security front, Iraqi troops are being trained to secure their own land. Three years after the initial invasion, 240,000 Iraqi Security Forces have been trained and equipped – nearly double the number of American troops currently serving in Iraq. Earlier this month, the 6^th Iraqi Armed Division assumed responsibility for western Baghdad and eastern Abu Ghraib. As President Bush commented last week, “As Iraqis stand up, America and our coalition will stand down.” By helping build a secure Iraq, our soldiers can come home knowing their mission was successfully accomplished.

Earlier this month, I traveled to Iraq to visit the brave Georgia troops serving in the War on Terror.  One evening, while I was having dinner with members of the 48^th Brigade Combat Unit of the Army National Guard, I met a young sergeant who shared with me some inspiring words.  I asked him about his time in Iraq and the morale of our troops. He told me the difference between the Iraqi people and the American people was that Americans have hope and opportunity. He saw it as his mission to bring this hope and opportunity to the Iraqis.  I was deeply inspired by this sergeant’s commitment to wining the hearts and minds of the Iraqi people.

As I learned on my trip, our troops are involved in a tremendous amount of humanitarian work to help the Iraqis build a better Iraq.  As a physician, I was very impressed with the community health center we visited, which is providing free and life-saving care to Iraqi citizens.  Our Georgia troops are building schools for Iraqi children who currently get their education in mud huts. And our soldiers are constructing wells for villages that now have fresh water for the first time.

I am so proud of our men and women in uniform and the historic work they are doing in Iraq. In the past three years, they have helped a nation defeat a murderous and repressive regime and embrace the gifts of democracy and freedom. Every day, the Iraqi people live with less fear of assassination, torture, murder, and poverty. Every day, the Iraqi troops and government are using the rule of law to secure freedom and increase security for their people. 

Our mission is not yet complete, and our resolve for a free Iraq is as strong as every.  We must support our troops with the equipment, weapons, and encouragement they need to continue taking the fight to our enemies.  We can not underestimate the vital importance of this war.  Iraq is at the forefront of the global war on terror, and our resolve in this fight sends a resounding message to terrorists across the globe that freedom will always prevail.

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11^th District Congressional Art Competition winner announced

The initial enrollment period for Medicare Part D – the new, voluntary prescription drug benefit available to all seniors – ends May 15, 2006. That’s only 6 weeks away.

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

** Call 1-800-MEDICARE, where trained professionals can provide personalized help to seniors 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
** 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 to 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.

Northwest Georgia has felt the impact of our nation’s growing problem of  methamphetamine abuse.  This month, Phil voted to pass legislation giving our law enforcement officials stronger tools to fight this epidemic. 

“Methamphetamine abuse poses a grave danger to our children and our communities,” said Phil. “The 11th District has felt the full consequences of this growing epidemic. In fact, one of the largest methamphetamine busts in America took place in Smyrna, Georgia. We cannot ignore what is happening in the basements and tool sheds of suburban America, because it threatens the health and safety of all citizens.  We are giving our law enforcement officials the tools they need to fight and win the war on meth in our communities.”

The Methamphetamine Epidemic Elimination Act, which President Bush signed into law, strengthens criminal penalties, enhances the regulation of meth by-products, and regulates the sale of the legal ingredients of meth.

Earlier this month, the Department of Labor announced that nearly five million new jobs have been created since May 2003 – including 243,000 jobs last month alone.  This marks 30 consecutive months of uninterrupted job growth in America.  

“Our economy is strong and continues to grow – thanks to policies that put taxpayers first,” said Phil.  “A growing economy creates jobs, and more Americans are working today than ever before.  We need to continue the successful economic policies that have a proven track record of keeping our economy strong.”

In December, Phil voted to pass H.R. 4437, legislation to secure our borders by adding 750 miles to the border fence and granted border authorities increased power to expedite the removal of illegal immigrants.  As the Senate debated companion legislation this month, Phil outlined his guiding principles for reform:

“I was proud to support legislation that puts enforcement first and says "no" to blanket amnesty,” said Phil.  “As a physician, I know you have to stop a patient's bleeding before you can heal his wounds.  Likewise, we must stop the bleeding of our borders before we can address other issues of reform.  Thousands of illegal immigrants are crossing into America each month. Reforming our system requires a commitment to security and lawfulness, and our Senate colleagues must pledge their resolve to these core principles.”

Gingrey supports the rights of military recruiters on campus