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Recently, Sarah Boden and Quint Pottinger visited me in Washington, D.C. as Kentucky representatives of the Future Farmers of America (FFA). The FFA is one of the nation's leading youth development organizations. I'm always pleased to speak with FFA members and see for myself their impressive commitment to civic engagement.
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Congressman Davis Votes No on Revised Emergency Economic Stabilization Act
Today, I voted against H.R. 1424, the second version of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008. The new 442-page version of the legislation passed the Senate on Wednesday by a vote of 74-25 and was approved in the House today by a vote of 263 to 171.
Instead of evaluating alternative and more responsible solutions to our economic crisis, I was disappointed that the House and Senate have passed revised legislation that is substantially the same as the legislation I opposed earlier this week. This bill may give the markets a short-term fix, but it is not a long-term solution. With every bailout, the price tag for taxpayers gets higher and the stability in our markets diminishes.
After weighing the revised proposal and its potential ramifications carefully, I remain unconvinced that a $700 billion taxpayer-funded government purchase program is the right way to help the economy.
This legislation does a major disservice to American citizens and to the American free market system. I am very disappointed that the other viable options proposed by economists and my colleagues were not given more thoughtful consideration.
Because we sent out Congressman Davis' weekly column as an E-News Alert earlier this week, we have not included it again in the E-Newsletter. If you did not receive the E-News Alert, you can read the Congressman's column at .http://www.geoffdavis.house.gov/read.aspx?ID=624
We apologize to all who have experienced trouble with Congressman Davis' website this week. Due to overwhelming demand, many Congressional websites have been running slower than usual and have had other technical difficulties. If you are unable to send an email to the Congressman using our "Contact Geoff" link, please feel free to contact our Washington, D.C. office at (202) 225-3465.
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D.C. and District Talk
Kentuckians face deadline to register to vote in General Election
 Kentuckians who want to participate in the upcoming general election on November 4th have a few more days to sign-up before the registration books close. The deadline to register is Monday, October 6th. County Clerks' offices throughout Kentucky will accept voter registration cards until the close of business that day. A postmark of October 6th is required for all mail-in voter registration applications. Registration cards can be obtained over the internet at . www.vote.ky.gov/register
If citizens are unsure whether they have already registered to vote or uncertain about where they will vote, they can view that information online through the Voter Information Center (VIC).. The VIC will tell voters where they are registered to vote, the location of their polling site and their political affiliation. It also provides links to information about elected representatives and driving directions from the voter's home to his or her polling location. VIC can be accessed at . To obtain a list of county clerks and other voter registration sites in your area, contact the Kentucky State Board of Elections at (502) 573-7100 or via the web at .www.elect.ky.govwww.vote.ky.gov/vic
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Two counties added to the Appalachian Regional Commission
I am happy to announce that Nicholas and Robertson counties will be added to the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC). The counties were included in the Appalachian Regional Development Act Amendments of 2008, which earlier passed the House and passed the Senate last Friday. The President is expected to sign this legislation into law next week.
As a result of this bill, Nicholas and Robertson Counties will now be eligible for ARC grants and services that aim to create opportunities for self-sustaining economic development and improved quality of life for those who live in Appalachia. These grants provide funds for a variety of projects that create thousands of new jobs, improve local water and sewer systems, increase school readiness, expand access to health care, assist local communities with strategic planning, and provide technical, managerial, and marketing assistance to emerging new businesses.
I have been working to get Nicholas and Robertson Counties into the Appalachian Regional Commission since I took office in 2005 and I am extremely pleased that they will now have access to the benefits offered by this organization. The ARC has played an important role in the economic development of rural counties in Appalachia. I am excited about the positive impact it will have in these communities.
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Legislative Week in Review
The following bills have been in the House during the past week.
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H.R. 160 - Revolutionary War and War of 1812 Battlefield Protection Act
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H.R. 2933 - Civil War Battlefield Preservation Act of 2008
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H.R. 6984 - The Federal Aviation Administration Extension Act of 2008
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S. 1760 - The Healthy Start Reauthorization Act of 2007
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H.R. 2583 - Physician Workforce and Graduate Medical Education Enhancement Act of 2007
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H.R. 6983- Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008
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H.R. 2638 - The Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act, 2009
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H.R. 5352 - Elder Abuse Victims Act of 2008
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S. 3197 - National Guard and Reservists Debt Relief Act of 2008
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H.R. 6867 - The Unemployment Compensation Extension Act of 2008
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H.R. 7060 - Renewable Energy and Job Creation Tax Act of 2008
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S. 1046– Senior Professional Performance Act of 2008
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H.R. 6045- Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Act of 2008
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H.R. 4120- Effective Child Pornography Prosecution Act of 2007
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S. 1382- ALS Registry Act
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S. 2932- The Poison Center Support, Enhancement, and Awareness Act of 2008
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H.R. 1283 - Arthritis Prevention, Control, and Cure Act of 2007
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H.R. 6063 - National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2008
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H.R. 6838 - CAMPUS Safety Act of 2008
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H.R.928– Inspector General Reform Act of 2008
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H.R. 7081 - United States-India Nuclear Cooperation Approval and Nonproliferation Enhancement Act
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S. 3325 - The Prioritizing Resources and Organization for Intellectual Property (PRO-IP) Act of 2008
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H.R. 6600 - Medicare Identity Theft Prevention Act of 2008
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H.R. 7175 - Small Business Lending Improvements Act of 2008
- Senate Amendments to H.R. 1424 - Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008
Constituent Corner
Free consumer information catalog for Fall 2008
The Fall 2008 Consumer Information Catalog is now available. The catalogue is filled with more than 200 free and low-cost publications with proven advice and tips for you and your family. There are three easy ways to order a copy:
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Supreme Court fellowships available
 Each year, the U.S. Supreme Court offers four mid-career professionals the chance to enhance their knowledge and skill sets through a one-year fellowship program. The Supreme Court Fellows Commission is seeking applicants for the 2009-2010 Program. Since its founding in 1973, the program has allowed more than one hundred individuals to experience working in the highest court in the land. Fellows will have the opportunity to meet with various legal and judicial branch officials, attend special luncheons, and participate in events with justices, members of congress, and executive branch officials including the Attorney General, the Solicitor General, and the Director of the FBI. The Fellows will also have access to a wide range of educational programs and seminars. The Supreme Court Fellowship is a wonderful way to enhance your professional knowledge and experiences.
More information and the application can be found at or 1-202-479-3415.www.fellow.supremecourts.gov
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Perryville Battlefield to host re-enactment on October 11th and 12th
Perryville Battlefield State Historic Site will host the re-enactment of the largest battle of the Civil War in Kentucky on October 11th and 12th. The two-day event will include demonstrations of infantry, cavalry and artillery, along with authentic campsites, battleground tours and expert speakers. The highlight each day will be a 2:00 p.m. battle.
The re-enactment commemorates the most destructive Civil War battle in the Commonwealth, which left more than 7,600 killed, wounded or missing. The battle was the South's last serious attempt to gain possession of Kentucky. This battlefield is one of the most unaltered Civil War sites in the nation; vistas visible today are virtually those that soldiers saw on that fateful day in 1862.
Admission is $10.00 per carload, $15.00 per van and $20.00 for a bus. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to walk. The event may be crowded, so visitors should allow extra time to get to the park and battlefields. You may also want to bring a chair or blankets to sit on. For more information about the re-enactment weekend and schedule, visit . Perryville Battlefield is 45 miles southwest of Lexington.http://www.perryvillereenactment.org/
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Follow footsteps of Lincoln family along Kentucky Lincoln Heritage Trail on October 12th
On October 12th, you can explore Abraham Lincoln's roots, talk with State and national park staff and visit the Lincoln Museum in Hodgenville for an in-depth exploration of the Lincoln family's early years in Kentucky's Washington and LaRue Counties.
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10:00 a.m. - Begin in Springfield at the Lincoln Homestead State Park. The tour will feature the home of Abraham Lincoln's mother, Nancy Hanks, as well as replicas of the 1782 cabin and blacksmith shop where Lincoln's father, Thomas, was raised and learned his trade. The tour includes the home of Lincoln's paternal uncle, Mordecai. This house is the only existing structure owned and occupied by a member of the Lincoln family in Kentucky that still stands on its original site.
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Noon - 1:30 p.m. - Tour moves to the Mordecai Lincoln Restaurant in Springfield. Ron D. Bryant, Kentucky author and historian, has been invited to offer his perspective on Abraham Lincoln's Kentucky years. Cost for this luncheon is $9.99 plus tax. Reservations are required as space is limited.
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2:30 p.m. - Tour resumes in Hodgenville at the Lincoln Museum, which includes twelve dioramas that display pivotal times in Abraham Lincoln's life.
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4:00 p.m. - Visit the Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historic Site near Hodgenville for a special tour that will conclude in the Visitor Center with the monthly drawing for the Kentucky Lincoln Heritage Trail prize.
For more information about this tour or to register for the tour or lunch, call (270) 358-3137 or email Sandy_Brue@nps.gov.
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Kentucky's signature Lincoln exhibition opens to public on October 21st
Beyond the Log Cabin: Kentucky's Abraham Lincoln, the Commonwealth's signature Lincoln bicentennial exhibition, will be open to the public on Tuesday, October 21st. It will be held at the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History in Frankfort. The exhibition, which will travel to two additional Kentucky venues in 2009-2010, illuminates Lincoln's connections with Kentucky, offers insight from his Kentucky friends and acquaintances on his life and actions, and shows the inspiration that his legacy continues to contribute to American ideals.
Through engaging imagery, artifacts and interactive activities, Beyond the Log Cabin presents the untold story of Lincoln's lifelong engagement with Kentucky and Kentuckians. Taking a broad view of Kentuckians' perceptions of Lincoln, from his assassination to the current bicentennial commemoration, the exhibition explores the complex relationship between Lincoln and his native State. The exhibition also features unique artifacts gathered from repositories and collections across the nation.
Beyond the Log Cabin will be on display at the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History through June 6, 2009, and will then travel to the Speed Art Museum in Louisville for exhibition June 28, 2009 through September 6, 2009. It will open at the Highlands Museum & Discovery Center in Ashland on October 2, 2009, where it will remain on display until February 19, 2010.
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Constituent Hours
Every month, members of my staff are available throughout the Fourth Congressional District to assist local residents with problems related to the federal government.
Please click here to see the current list of scheduled times and locations in your area. Appointments are not necessary. As always, constituents are welcome to contact our offices in Washington, D.C., Ashland, La Grange, Ft. Mitchell, Maysville and Williamstown at any time with questions or concerns.
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This Day in History -
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