Dear Friends,
I want to wish everyone a joyous holiday season! Here’s the latest from Washington, D.C., and the Fourth District.
TAX CUTS, UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE & JOBS: I’m working to prevent a thousand-dollar tax hike on middle class Americans, extend unemployment insurance benefits, and prevent a major pay cut to doctors who treat patients on Medicare.
After a year of gridlock, brinkmanship, and manufactured crises, and one of the worst Congresses in history, it’s time to put our nation first and do what an overwhelming majority of Americans want – prevent a tax hike on the middle class and get Americans back to work.
Families shouldn’t need to worry this holiday season that their taxes will skyrocket because of another made-up crisis. I'm hoping Republicans will join us in this effort.
RELIEF FOR CHRONICALLY ILL SENIORS: This month, I introduced my bipartisan “Part D Beneficiary Appeals Fairness Act”, which would give seniors on Medicare Part D who rely on ‘specialty tier’ drugs an appeals process when dealing with the high costs of these prescriptions. To read about it in On Common Ground newspaper, click HERE.
NO TO INDEFINITE DETENTION OF AMERICANS: Last week, I opposed provisions of the National Defense Authorization Act that would authorize indefinite detention of Americans and tie the hands of domestic law enforcement in terrorism cases. Constituents sent me here to provide for the common defense, yes. But they also sent me here to safeguard their liberty. For more, click HERE.
THE IRAQ WAR IS OVER: After 8 years of war, our forces are coming home with honor. To read my full statement, click HERE.
THE RIGHT TO VOTE: Attorney General Eric Holder, the nation’s top law enforcement officer, has promised extra scrutiny for the new voting laws in order to maintain civil rights protections. To read my piece on this issue in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, click HERE.
FOR VETERANS: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is making $100 million in grants available to community agencies that will work to prevent veteran homelessness. Groups have until Feb. 15 to apply. For more, click HERE. Veterans now have on-demand access and can download official data about their military training and experience, which can be used to help them find jobs. For more, click HERE.
HELPING MARTA: I’m pleased to announce that the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) is making a $4 million grant available to MARTA for 10 new buses to replace older models.
TIGERS TACKLE CHAMPIONSHIP: Congratulations to Head Coach Franklin Stephens and the entire Tucker Tigers football family for wining their second state championship. Go Tigers!
HOLIDAY SAFETY TIPS: With all the hustle and bustle of the holidays, it’s easy to let little things slip through the cracks. Use these tips from the Federal Citizen Information Center to help you avoid some of the most common holiday accidents. For more, click HERE.
In this season, more than ever, please keep our military personnel who are coming home, overseas and our first-responders here at home and their families in your hearts and prayers. They give their all for us and we must never forget their sacrifice.
Happy Holidays and a Wonderful New Year to you and yours!
Thanks,
