I want to thank all of you who helped me last week meet our fund-raising goal. Thanks to people like you, we have a fantastic quarter. We will be ready for the 2006 campaign.

After a brief, but energizing recess, I have returned to Washington to go back to work, but I enjoyed getting to spend the last ten days in Louisiana.

I attended the Farm Bureau Convention last week and got to see many old friends. We also did a series of press conferences opposing CAFTA and fighting for Louisiana's farmers. CAFTA will be coming to a vote soon and I will continue to fight against it.

I also had the opportunity to tour the Michoud Plant in New Orleans and see where the gas tanks that will be used in tomorrow's NASA launch were made. It is quite a facility.

Also over the weekend, I met with members of all the commercial fishing industries. We had the chance to discuss protecting them from unfair foriegn imports so their industries can survive. I stand by the crawfish, shrimp, and oyster industry of our state.

Today I the opportunity to speak on the House floor about protecting Social Security. The present plan will force drastic cuts in retirement benefits for our seniors. I will continue to fight to keep Social Security benefits.

In August, Congress will be in recess for the entire month. Peachy and I will be all over the district. However, if you have an event or function where I am welcome, email me at info@melanconforcongress.com and I will try and make it.

We have numerous small fund-raisers in August in the following areas. If you need any more info, please e-mail me at this address.

August 2 Port Sulphur
August 3 New Iberia
August 17 Baton Rouge
August 24 Morgan City
August 25 Chalmette

As always, please feel free to pass this email along.

Thanks for all your support.
Charlie