Dear Friend:
The New Year has started with a lot of challenges. In Atlanta, we experienced one of the worst ice and snow storms in a long time. Hopefully, everyone was able to stay safe on the roads. Even though Governor Deal's inauguration was pared down to a small ceremony, I was able to attend. I believe after the election it is important to reach out to other elected officials to find common ground in addressing the challenges facing all Georgians.
Around the country, we watched with horror as one of my colleagues, Congresswoman Gabriel Giffords, her staff and constituents, were shot in Tuscon. This was a tragic event that struck at the heart of what it means to be an American and participate in our democracy. I am friends with "Gabby" and am praying for her recovery as well as the surviving family members of the many victims.
I have taken a review of our district security procedures to ensure that constituents who interact with me and my staff are safe. We should not have to operate in a police state in order to feel secure. Americans take pride in our freedoms and we should not be intimidated in expressing our rights. If there are any concerns that you have about security in our district, please contact me or my staff.
Please take a minute to read up on the latest news from Congress and the 13th Congressional District.
Recent House Votes
This week the House passed a couple of measures seeking to repeal the new health care law. These votes were purely symbolic given that they will not pass the Senate or be approved by the President. They were largely held as a campaign promise by the new Republican majority who have yet to put forth their own health reform bill to replace the one they want to eliminate.
I do believe that improvements should be made to the law and will work with the Republican House majority to do just that. However, I cannot vote to repeal the law which stops insurance companies from dropping people from coverage due to pre-existing conditions. I cannot eliminate a law that cuts prescription drug prices for seniors, allows young people to stay on their parents' health insurance and provides health insurance tax credits for small businesses.
Media Mentions
Last Saturday, the Congressman was interviewed about the new session of Congress in the new South Cobb/Smyrna edition of Patch.com. Congressman Scott discussed health care reform, the new Republican majority and a need to focus on the economy. You can read the interview at this link.
On Tuesday, the Congressman was quoted in the Atlanta Journal Constitution about the health care repeal vote:
"My approach would be to put forward the benefit of things in this bill and why it doesn't make sense to repeal it," said Democratic Rep. David Scott of Atlanta.
Especially after the shooting of Arizona Democratic Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, "I think we need to take a more reasonable approach," Scott added. "I don't think the nation wants us in red-hot rhetoric re-fighting this healthcare bill."
You can read the full article here.
On Wednesday evening, Congressman Scott was interviewed about the health care repeal vote on WSB-TV.
On Thursday, Congressman Scott was quoted in the Marietta Daily Journal about the vote on repealing health care reform.
"I will be glad to work on a bi-partisan basis to improve the health care law when the Republicans are ready to offer serious health reform proposals," Scott said. "In the meantime, I cannot vote to bring back denials based on preexisting conditions, increased prescription prices for seniors and to repeal tax cuts for small businesses."
Reform of Government Regulations
This week, President Obama directed federal agencies to revisit and review federal regulations to ensure that rules are not inhibiting job growth and small business development. There are many important regulations that curtail pollution, protect against tainted food and ensure workplace safety. However, the rules should follow common sense and be easy to understand. To learn more about the review, visit this link.
Student Art Competition
Congressman Scott announced his sponsorship of the 9th Annual High School Congressional Art Competition, An Artistic Discovery, for Georgia’s Thirteenth Congressional District. All entries must be delivered to Congressman Scott's Jonesboro District Office by Friday, February 18, 2011. For more information, including guidelines and prizes, please call Audra Bleecker at 770-210-5073 or click here.
Thank you for taking time to read my newsletter. If I can be of assistance, please contact me through one of the addresses located at the end of this message. We can also connect via Facebook, YouTube, Twitter or LinkedIn.
Sincerely,
David Scott
Member of Congress
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