Huntsville, Ala. - U.S. Rep. Bud Cramer (D-Ala.) hosted a potluck dinner and town meeting tonight at St. Bartley Primitive Baptist Church in Huntsville. Constituents were invited to attend the dinner with Rep. Cramer where he provided an update on issues in Congress and addressed questions and comments.

Cramer gave an update on the War on Terrorism and discussed the legislative agenda of Congress, including the creation of the new Department of Homeland Security.

"I'm proud to say that we are making significant progress with the War on Terrorism," said Cramer. "We are only two weeks away from the one-year anniversary of September 11^th, and our country's resolve to root out terrorism remains strong. President Bush and Congress have shown a strong commitment to national defense efforts, including a missile defense program. The people of North Alabama play a major role in developing a defense for our nation against these ballistic threats."

Cramer continued, "I was proud to support the President in setting up the Department of Homeland Security when the House voted in late July to create this new department. Federal agencies dedicated to protecting our homeland will move to the department including FEMA, the Customs Service, and the Secret Service. By allowing these agencies to work together more closely, we will be better prepared to secure our nation and respond to emergencies."

Congressman Cramer represents North Alabama on the House Appropriations Committee and the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. Cramer also addressed other priorities that are important to the people of North Alabama including affordable prescription drugs for seniors, taking care of our nation's veterans, and pursuing the economic development of the Tennessee Valley.