From the monthly archives:

October 2009

During the past week, the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs approved two bills, including measures to improve and expand veterans’ benefits, and to improve job training opportunities for veterans. South Carolina’s Congressman Henry E. Brown and ranking Republican on the VA Subcommittee on Health, is an original co-sponsor of the Draft Benefits Bill.

This legislation would amend a law granting relief to those called to military service so that cell phone and other service contracts can be cancelled without penalties, provide enforcement of rights afforded under the Act, and allow parents of certain deceased veterans to be buried in national cemeteries, along with other provisions.

“The Draft Benefits Bill, created by grouping several essential pieces of veterans’ legislation together, will further ensure that our nation’s heroes and their families are adequately provided for while they are on active duty and once they return home,” said Brown. “This legislation brings us one step closer to showing these men and women how much their incredible bravery and sacrifice truly means to us.”

The Committee also approved H.R. 1168, as amended, the Veterans’ Retraining Act of 2009, authorizing monthly employment training assistance for veterans, as well as a housing allowance while the veteran is in the training program.

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GITMO detainees may be relocated to Charleston

by William Christopher 10/30/09 4:45 PM

Congressman Gresham Barrett says he has learned that the Obama Administration plans to transfer up to 10 suspected terrorists from Guantanamo Bay to the Naval Brig in Charleston.
Barrett says that news is deeply disturbing and jeopardizes the safety and security of South Carolinians and other Americans. He’s calling on Governor Mark Sanford to try to [...]

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Greenwood burglary ring busted

by Susan Trautsch 10/30/09 9:56 AM

Police in the Upstate broke up a burglary ring Wednesday night that is responsible for several home invasions over the past month.  More than 20 guns were taken from homeowners in Greenwood County, along with a table-full of necklaces, bracelets, cameras, computers and two flat-screen TVs. 
In a three-week period, at least 10 homes were burglarized.  Greenwood County [...]

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SC forestry interests plan for largest, oldest industry

by Ashley Byrd 10/29/09 7:40 PM

While South Carolina welcomed Boeing, one of the world’s leading high-tech manufacturers, the state was dealing with the future of its oldest and still the largest homegrown industry: forestry.
Gene Kodama the head of the South Carolina Forestry Commission spent all day with leaders from what he calls the wood supply chain, ranging from landowners, the [...]

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US House unveils health care plan

by William Christopher 10/29/09 7:17 PM

Democratic Leadership in the US House on Thursday unveiled its health care plan–the Affordable Health Care for America Act(HR 3962). Sixth District Congressman and House Majority Whip James Clyburn is playing a significant role in working for passage of the bill and says he believes it will pass the House.
The plan includes a high-risk pool [...]

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