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December 5, 2008

December 5, 2008
Dear Friend,
Thank you for reading another edition of my weekly e-newsletter, the Carson Courier.  For additional information on these and other topics, please visit my website at https://www.carson.house.gov.

In this week's Carson Courier:
Fighting Terrorism At Home and Abroad
Bringing Our Nation Out of Recession
Supporting Toys for Tots

FIGHTING TERRORISM AT HOME AND ABROAD
Over the last week, Americans received a stark reminder of the ever-present threat and devastating effects of terrorism.  The brutal and senseless attacks on Mumbai, India have reinforced our understanding that while violence may subside, our efforts to bring extremists to justice must remain strong.  To further emphasize this point, the Commission on the Prevention of Weapons of Mass Destruction Proliferation and Terrorism released a report this week expressing their findings that a chemical or biological attack on the United States may occur within the next 13 months if immediate action is not taken.

As a former Homeland Security official, I have seen first-hand how the diligent pursuit of terrorist organizations has successfully prevented attacks and saved countless American lives.  Earlier this year, I proudly supported legislation which will maintain our nation's first line of defense in the War on Terror by allocating crucial funding to intelligence agencies and the Department of Homeland Security.  This legislation will protect Americans at home and abroad by maximizing our ability to find and subdue terrorists before they can act against the United States.

Also this week, President-elect Barack Obama gave us the first glimpse of his nominees for several top diplomatic and national security positions.  The individuals selected by President-elect Obama to serve on his national security team bring a broad wealth of knowledge and experience that will be vitally important in strengthening America's security and renewing our nation's image abroad.  Yet, please rest assured that while I have full confidence in the abilities of President Obama's newest cabinet nominees, I will remain unyielding in my pursuit of policies that improve the safety and security of the American public.

BRINGING OUR NATION OUT OF RECESSION
On Monday, the National Bureau of Economic Research announced that the United States has been in a recession since December 2007.  Meanwhile, the Department of Labor has reported that more jobs were lost in November than in any single month over the last 34 years, bringing this year's total job losses to 1.9 million.  At 6.7%, we now face the highest rate of unemployment since 1993.

These alarming announcements shed light on the financial hardships being endured by so many working American families.  Across Indiana, thousands of Hoosiers are facing an uncertain employment future while also struggling to pay their mortgages, send their children to college and secure their retirement savings.

These reports are a clear sign that Congress must come together in a bi-partisan manner to enact a comprehensive economic stimulus package.  Whether it is adopted in the final weeks of the Bush Administration or delayed until the opening days of the Obama Administration, I will continue to push for the implementation of a fiscally responsible package that cuts taxes, assists the unemployed and creates jobs through the improvement of America's transportation and energy infrastructure.

COMBATING DIABETES THROUGH EDUCATION
Across the United States, over 23.6 million men, women and children are currently living with diabetes.  While this disease can have debilitating physical implications without proper treatment, it can just as easily be controlled or even eliminated with proper testing, medication, diet and exercise.

I am excited to announce that this Saturday, December 6, I will be joining the Institute of Health Protection, Roche Diagnostics, and Messiah Missionary Baptist Church to host "Diabetes in Our Community: Lighting the Way to Healthy Living".  This health fair will provide valuable resources to those at risk of or currently living with diabetes, including free and confidential health screenings and free physician consultations. 

Program Information:
Date:                Saturday, December 6, 2008
Time:                10:00AM – 2:00PM (doors open at 9:30AM)
Location:           Messiah Missionary Baptist Church
                        5640 E. 38th Street
                        Indianapolis, IN 46218

To register to attend the Health Fair, call 888-864-3824 or email KamilaW@IHPonline.net.  I strongly encourage you to attend and join us in combating the harmful effects associated with diabetes.

Thank you for reading the Carson Courier.  Please do not hesitate to contact me with your thoughts and concerns or if I can ever be of assistance to you.  I value your views and your input helps me to better represent the people of Indiana's Seventh District in Congress.