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This week, HealthPoint Family Care CEO Chris Goddard stopped by our Washington, D.C. office for a visit. In addition to the tremendous job Chris does leading HealthPoint and providing health care to underinsured and uninsured families in Northern Kentucky, he is also a valuable source of knowledge on health care policy for our office.
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Weekly Column: The Truth About the Outer Continental Shelf
Gas prices broke another record last week when the national average for a gallon of regular unleaded reached $4.08. Kentuckians throughout the Commonwealth are scrambling to rearrange their budgets in order to cope with soaring fuel and grocery costs. Meanwhile, the Democratic Majority in Washington, D.C. refuses to recognize the need to develop and increase our domestic energy supply in order to reduce our crippling dependency on foreign oil.
The Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) contains valuable energy resources that could greatly expand American oil and gasoline production. Unfortunately, much debate and confusion surrounds the OCS and its ability to impact our domestic energy supply. It is important to separate the facts from the fiction as Congress begins working toward a new energy strategy for our future.
The OCS is comprised of the submerged lands, subsoil and seabed that extend approximately 230 miles offshore from U.S. coasts. According to estimates from the U.S. Department of the Interior's Minerals Management Service, the OCS could have a total of 86 billion barrels of oil and 420 trillion cubic feet of natural gas available for extraction. That would be enough oil to satisfy U.S. demand, at current consumption levels, for more than a decade.
Since 1981, the U.S. has observed the Outer Continental Shelf moratorium, which bans exploration for offshore natural gas and oil deposits in nearly 90% of the OCS. The ban was originally enacted in response to environmentalists' fears of oil spills close to U.S. shores. The ban has not been modernized to take into account the numerous technological advances that have made it possible to conduct oil exploration in the OCS that is out of sight of the coast, protects coral reefs and habitats, and protects against oil spills.
In 1977, the U.S. and Cuba signed a treaty that evenly divided the Florida Straits to preserve each country's economic rights. The agreement also divided access to the vast underwater oil and gas fields on both sides of the line. The Cuban government has begun negotiating leases with several countries, including Venezuela, Vietnam, Canada and Spain, to extract resources from Cuba's offshore territory. The U.S. Geological Survey estimates that these countries may be able to extract up to 4.6 billion barrels of oil from Cuban waters less than ninety miles from Florida's Key West. That's enough oil to match current U.S. oil imports from Saudi Arabia for eight years. America could be pulling eighteen times that amount of oil from our waters, yet we continue to leave this vital resource untapped.
As gas prices continue to break records, more people are recognizing the importance of using American resources to decrease our dependence on foreign oil. Nearly 65% of all voters support drilling for oil in U.S. coastal waters. By failing to lift this outdated and counterproductive moratorium, Democrat leaders in Congress have proven that they are out of touch with the American people. If Congress is serious about addressing high energy costs, we must remove restrictions on the vital energy reserves that exist in our waters and set America on the path toward energy independence.
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D.C. and District Talk
Supreme Court decision overturns D.C. gun ban
 Yesterday, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the District of Columbia's ban on handguns. In a 5-4 ruling in D.C. v. Heller, the Court upheld a federal appeals court ruling that the 32-year-old ban is unconstitutional.
Since 1976, Washington, D.C. has maintained one of the most restrictive and unreasonable gun laws in the nation. The D.C. gun ban outlawed the private ownership of handguns for all residents except for law enforcement officers. This is the first Second Amendment case that the Supreme Court has ruled on since 1939.
The Supreme Court's decision yesterday affirms what we have known all along: that the Second Amendment guarantees the right of an individual to own a firearm. Many citizens choose to own a firearm for a variety of reasons, including sport, collections or to protect their home and family. Any or all of these are good reasons. Efforts to fight crime should be directed at punishing criminals, not violating the rights of law-abiding citizens. The Supreme Court ruled in favor of freedom and democracy by overturning this unlawful ban.
Earlier this year, I joined more than three hundred Representatives and Senators in signing an amicus brief. The brief encouraged the Supreme Court to uphold the appellate court's decision and overturn D.C.'s unconstitutional gun ban. You can read the amicus brief by visiting . http://www.house.gov/hensarling/rsc/doc/congress_amicus_brief_4.pdf
You can access the entire opinion of the Supreme Court by visiting .http://www.supremecourtus.gov/opinions/07slipopinion.html
Summer interns continue to arrive
New interns have joined our team for the summer. During their time with us, they will help serve Fourth District constituents while learning about the government. I'll be sharing a few of their bios in the e-newsletter each week to let you know more about them.
- Cassandra Menshouse is a sophomore at Asbury College. She is a double major in psychology and sociology. Cassandra is a graduate of Calvary Christian School. She enjoys playing soccer, reading and photography.
- Erica Summe began her internship at the Ft. Mitchell office in May. She will be a sophomore at the University of Louisville in the Fall and is majoring in Political Science and Spanish. Erica attended Conner High School, and graduated in June 2007. Her favorite things to do include traveling, reading and spending time with her friends and family.
- Elizabeth Kraft began her internship at our Fort Mitchell office in May. She is a junior at Northern Kentucky University and will graduate in the Fall of 2009. Elizabeth majors in Political Science with a minor in Sociology. She plans to attend University of Texas Law School after graduating.
- Julie Bauerle began her internship at our Fort Mitchell Office in May. She is a senior at Thomas More College and is majoring in Political Science and History. Julie graduated from Ryle High School in 2005. She also is a member of the Thomas More College Women’s Soccer Team.
Thanks to all the great students who have chosen to dedicate a portion of their summer to serving the constituents of the Fourth District.
If you or someone you know is interested in interning in the Washington, D.C. office, please call (202) 225-3465, or call (859) 426-0080 for internships in any of the district offices. Ask for the Internship Coordinator when you call.
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Constituent Corner
Instant messaging safety tips for parents
One of the many benefits of the World Wide Web is the ability to easily communicate with friends and family without worrying about a high phone bill. Instead of calling friends on the phone, your children can juggle multiple conversations with their peers online through instant messaging programs. It is important to remember that instant messaging contains many of the same risks as social networking sites. Parents should understand the risks of this tool in order to ensure their children can safely enjoy chatting with their friends on the computer.
Instant messaging provides real-time communication through an online medium that resembles a personal one-on-one chat room. These programs are usually free and available to anyone who has internet access. For this reason, parents should remind their children not to accept messages from people they do not know.
Many of these services, such as AIM, Windows Live Messenger and Yahoo! Messenger, allow users to create personal profiles that are visible to anyone with an instant messaging account. For privacy reasons, you may want to speak with your children about disabling or avoiding this feature. Providing personal information, like phone numbers, addresses, emails and interests, could invite identity theft, solicitations or unwanted communications from strangers. Experts suggest that you may want to explain to your children that an online profile is unnecessary since it would only provide information that your children's friends should already know.
Many instant messaging services offer privacy options that will enable a firewall and protect your children from stalkers or computer viruses. Some important privacy tips for instant messaging users are:
- Create a "gender neutral" screen name that does not convey any information that could provide clues to your children's identity;
- Choose an option that blocks messages from people your children do not know;
- Disable file-sharing options that can expose your computer to viruses;
- Avoid "Away Messages" that convey information about one's current location;
- Avoid the auto-login option, which would allow others to use one's screen name when using a public computer.
Instant messaging conversations can occasionally provoke arguments that may not otherwise arise in a face-to-face setting. Sometimes it can be difficult to determine the tone of phrases that are displayed on a computer screen and this confusion could trigger an argument. Parents should discuss instant messaging etiquette with their children. Remind them that they should never type a response that would not be spoken in person or that they would be embarrassed to have someone else read. Reading responses out loud before sending them can help to determine whether a phrase could be misconstrued as insulting or offensive.
A simple conversation with your children can express your concerns about instant messaging while laying down important ground rules for safe usage. By following these tips, you can make sure your children's online conversations remain friendly.
For additional instant messaging tips for parents, visit:
http://www.microsoft.com/protect/yourself/email/imsafety.mspxhttp://www.wiredsafety.org/safety/chat_safety/im/index.html
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Eight gas saving tips
Until Congress approves legislation that will increase our nation's energy supply and lower the cost of gasoline, these tips can you help save a few dollars at the pump:
- Go easy on the brakes and gas pedal
Avoid "jackrabbit" starts; try to accelerate gradually whenever possible. Also, anticipate stops to avoid sudden braking.
- Avoid long idles
Turn off the engine if you anticipate a lengthy wait. Instead of idling at a drive-up window, park the car and go in. Idling burns more gas than restarting the engine.
- Avoid carrying unneeded items in the trunk
Extra weight decreases gas mileage. Also, reduce drag by placing items inside the car or trunk instead of on roof racks.
- Avoid high speeds
You can improve your gas mileage by driving at 55 mph rather than 65 mph.
- Use your air conditioning only when necessary
Roll down the windows or open the air vents to keep your car comfortable on cooler days.
- Use overdrive
If your car is equipped with overdrive gearing (on 5-speed manual transmissions and 4-speed automatic transmissions), be sure to make use of the overdrive gear as soon as your speed is high enough. If you have a manual transmission, the lower the shift speed, the better the fuel economy. Your owner's manual will give you further information.
- Keep tires properly inflated and aligned
By obtaining periodic wheel alignments and keeping tires inflated to the maximum recommended pressure, you can improve your gas mileage.
- Get regular engine tune-ups and car maintenance checks
Tune-ups improve performance as well as gas mileage. Check your owner's manual for recommended maintenance schedules. By following the manufacturer's recommendations, you should avoid fuel economy problems due to worn spark plugs, dragging brakes, low transmission fluid or the transmission not going into high gear.
For more information on driving efficiently, click here.
Wineries spring up across Kentucky
 Just six years after becoming a state in 1792, the first vineyard in Kentucky was planted and a new industry took off in the Commonwealth. By the late 1800s, Kentucky was one of the top wine producers in the nation. However, prohibition in the 1920s brought the Commonwealth's wine production to a grinding halt. However, over the last fifteen years, forty-six new wineries have opened across the Bluegrass State.
The Kentucky Grape and Wine Council recently sponsored four regional commercial Kentucky wine competitions and awarded medals to the top wines that used Kentucky-grown grapes. In August, the Kentucky State Fair will have its first commercial wine competition. Winery events and concerts coming up in July include:
- Chrisman Mill in Nicholasville will host an eight-course Tuscan dinner on July 18th. On July 19th, the winery will offer a Summer Steak and Shrimp Cookout. For more information, visit .www.chrismanmill.com
- Smith Berry Winery in New Castle will present concerts on July 12th (the Rigbys) and July 26th (Johnny Berry and the Outliers). Dinner is also served. For information, visit .www.smithberrywinery.com
- Ruby Moon Winery in Henderson is hosting Australian singer and songwriter Martine Locke on July 12th. For information, please visit .www.rubymoonwinery.com
- StoneBrook Winery in Camp Springs (near Cincinnati) will offer buffet dinners in its 1890 farmhouse on July 12th and 26th. For information, visit .www.stonebrookwinery.com
- Equus Run Vineyards at Midway near Lexington presents the Sensations in concert on July 12th. For information, visit .www.equusrunvineyards.com
- Talon Winery and Vineyards in Lexington will feature Zydeco Bon in concert on July 11th. For information, visit .www.talonwine.com
- Elk Creek Vineyards at Owenton will host the Motown Revue and Fireworks Show on July 5th. For information, visit .www.elkcreekvineyards.com
For more information about all Kentucky wineries, please visit .www.kentuckywine.com
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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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Legislative News
Legislative Week in Review
The House of Representatives was in session from Monday through Thursday this week. The following bills passed the House:
- H.R. 6052, Saving Energy Through Public Transportation
- H.R. 6377, Energy Markets Emergency Act
- H.R. 6251, Responsible Federal Oil and Gas Lease Act
- H.Res. 1294, National Save for Retirement Week
- H.Res. 1271, Recognizing National Homeownership Month
- H.Res. 1098, Supporting the goals and ideals of the Year of the American Veteran
- H.R. 4044, National Guard and Reservists Debt Relief Act
- H.R. 6331, Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act
- H.R. 6327, Federal Aviation Administration Extension Act
- H.R. 6307, Fostering Connections to Success Act
- H.R. 6275, Alternative Minimum Tax Relief Act
- H.R. 3195, ADA Restoration Act
- H.R. 6538, Stop Child Abuse in Residential Programs for Teens Act
- H.R. 3546, to authorize the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Programs at fiscal year 2006 levels through 2012
You can find more information on each of these bills and keep up-to-date on their progress as they move through the legislative process by visiting and typing in the bill number. http://thomas.loc.gov
Anticipated Action on the House Floor Next Week
The House of Representatives will be in recess next week for the Independence Day District Work Period.
Information on next week's schedule can be found on the O
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