POWDERSVILLE — Congressman Jeff Duncan took to the byways of the Third District in what he termed as a “listening session” on Aug. 11 to sit down with his constituents and lend an ear.

One of his listening sessions was held at Athas Family Restaurant in Powdersville, where he took a moment in his brief opening to mention what he sees as being the hot topics when Congress returns to session in September.

These included federal funding of Planned Parenthood, the Iran nuclear deal, and an increased budget debt ceiling. As concerns the debt ceiling, Duncan stated he didn’t know how a budget could be passed under present circumstances without an increase.

The Congressman’s position on the Iran nuclear deal was clear as well.

“Congress will be holding a vote when we return in September concerning the Iran deal, not to approve it but a Resolution of Disapproval, not to approve the agreement,” Duncan said. “I will voting against the deal, for the resolution, because it will allow Iran to have a nuclear weapon in 10 years, and they could even break the deal in the near future and still have nuclear capability.”

The topic of Planned Parenthood was another Duncan was clear as concerns his position.

“Abortion is the law of the land, unless Congress passes a law to change that, but the funding for Planned Parenthood is a different situation,” he explained. “I don’t think they should be receiving federal funds of any kind when they are harvesting fetal body parts to sell for profit. It’s a question of whether Planned Parenthood should be receiving any funding in light of this practice and we should be focusing on tax dollars going to them.”

While Duncan wanted to get constituents caught up on what he sees as the issues at hand in September, it was the opportunity to speak directly with voters in his district about their concerns that he wanted to focus on with the “listening session” being the best way to interact.

“We began the listening sessions about four and a half years ago and I think they work better than a town hall type of meeting,” Duncan said. “It gives me the chance to just listen to what the voters have to say and then take down contact information and be able to follow up through our offices with them personally. For some, the issues at hand are personal or maybe it’s a policy question. Either way, I think it’s important for them to know I am listening and my office will do what it can to assist.”

Duncan stated he will be taking all of their input back to Washington when Congress reconvenes to do what is best for his district, the state and the country.

Congressman Jeff Duncan is welcomed to Powdersville during a “listening session” with constituents and is greeted warmly. Duncan was in Powdersville on Aug. 11 in preparation for heading back to Washington when Congress reconvenes in September.
https://www.theeasleyprogress.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/web1_IMG_8940.jpgCongressman Jeff Duncan is welcomed to Powdersville during a “listening session” with constituents and is greeted warmly. Duncan was in Powdersville on Aug. 11 in preparation for heading back to Washington when Congress reconvenes in September. D. C. Moody | The Easley Progress

Congressman Jeff Duncan listens to constituents’ thoughts and concerns during what he terms “listening sessions” to stay in contact with the voters and create a positive interaction.
https://www.theeasleyprogress.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/web1_IMG_8948.jpgCongressman Jeff Duncan listens to constituents’ thoughts and concerns during what he terms “listening sessions” to stay in contact with the voters and create a positive interaction. D. C. Moody | The Easley Progress

By D. C. Moody

dmoody@civitasmedia.com

Reach D. C. Moody at 864-855-0355.