We begin the recess for the conventions next week. It will be a busy time.
China. I will join Senator Stevens and a bipartisan delegation of Senators in Beijing in 10 days as we lead the first ever inter-parliamentary exchange with China. This is a historic move and one that is critically important given the rising prominence of China in the world economy and politics.
Medical Mission Work. It's not politics. It’s just what's right. Next month I will be heading back to the Sudan to continue medical work in areas that are still amidst a 21-year civil war. But things are improving and we are making a difference in people's lives. On this trip I will also address the Darfur crisis in Western Sudan. The fighting must stop. War and famine have killed 30,000 people in the past year and a million people have been displaced. Please follow this story. We can make a difference there. And we will try to do so personally.
This week. We will debate and pass the Defense Appropriations bill to support our troops and fight the War on Terror, vote on another circuit court judge (the Democrats will use the filibuster to obstruct -- unprecedented obstruction by the Democratic leadership!!! But the elections are coming!), bring to the floor a large tax cut for marriage penalty relief and children.
Family. Karyn is wonderful. We celebrated her 50th birthday with friends a few months belatedly, but we did so in a way that created great memories for us all. Harrison is having the time of his life working on the Bush-Cheney campaign. Jonathan is in Cambodia working with Jackson Cox and IRI (promoting democracy), and Bryan is learning how to fly and then will be off to Africa to volunteer.
Have a great week.
Bill Frist
As you know, Senator Frist is a medical doctor, and has for years given of his time and money to participate in medical missions. He also does 'hands on' labor on Habitat for Humanity houses.
Let's see -- Bill Clinton -- nevermind....too busy creating and penning - um...untruths.
It's the only thing he knows how to do apparently. :)