I was very disappointed and surprised by the news that [6th District Rep.] Newt [Gingrich] has stepped down as Speaker of the House. I hold Newt in the highest regard. He has led the House of Representatives and this country to levels never imagined a few years ago. When I think of the direction this country was headed, and where it is now headed, it is easy to understand the impact that Newt has had on our nation.

Friday's announcement is a lesson in diplomacy and politics. Newt is an example of the difference between a politician and a statesman. A politician looks after the next election and a statesman looks after the next generation. Newt knew that important issues such as Medicare and social security would be at the forefront in the coming years. Any divisiveness in the Republican party could harm our chances of remaining the majority party and effectively contributing to reforms in these areas. Newt's decision clearly classifies him as a statesman, who put the long-term needs of our country in front of any political motives. His legacy will be felt long after his time in office is complete.

His decision to step down from the speakership only increases my esteem for him. I wish him the best of luck in whatever he decides to move onto next.

Over the last week I had the opportunity to take part in several important events dealing with veterans and military issues.

The Military Retiree Open House at Fort Benning, Ga., was a two-day event, which culminated with a keynote speech by U.S. Senator Paul Coverdell and a panel discussion of which I was a participant. Our panel focused on the diminishing benefits that military retirees over 65 are experiencing.

I also congratulated Martin Army Community Hospital (MACH) on its third Accreditation with Commendation by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, an honor bestowed upon only the finest hospitals in the nation. It is the only hospital in the U.S. Army Medical Command to receive this acknowledgment for three consecutive tri-annual surveys. This recognizes exemplary performance and commitment to providing quality care. Fort Benning is fortunate to have as incredible a facility as MACH serving its community.

I later met with top level staff for an extended discussion on MACH's continuing challenges in serving military retirees over 65 and ways to alleviate these problems.

Both of these meetings confirmed that military health care needs to be a priority issue for Congress to address. Working toward the goal of providing every military retiree, veteran, and dependent access to quality health care, Congress has already taken the following measures:

First, the Republican-led Congress implemented a Medicare subvention pilot program that will demonstrate the advantages of allowing Medicare benefits to be received in military health care facilities. I am hopeful that the demonstration will ultimately lead to a nationwide subvention plan. The House sought to expand subvention to Veterans Administration facilities this year, but the provision was stripped from the final appropriations package.

Congress is looking for ways to reform TRICARE so that it provides the quality health care benefits that retirees have earned and deserve to receive. The Fiscal Year 1999 Defense Authorization Act provides for a demonstration program allowing TRICARE coverage to be purchased as a supplement to Medicare. In light of widespread reports by beneficiaries that TRICARE standards for timely access to care are not being met, the bill also requires the Secretary of Defense to establish a system to measure the performance of military treatment facilities and TRICARE contractors in meeting these standards.

Also, Congress has approved legislation enhancing health care benefits for Gulf War veterans. The bill extends the VA's special authority to provide medical care to Gulf War veterans through 2001; establishes authority for the VA to provide priority health care to treat illnesses that may be attributable to a veteran's service during any period of war during or after the Persian Gulf War; and provides for continued study of the link between Gulf War service and subsequent illnesses.

I participated in several other very productive meetings and events throughout the district. I met with elected officials in Warm Springs, Ga., and representatives of USDA Rural Development to continue exploring options for a waste water treatment facility for the community. I will continue to assist in any way possible as the city, county, state, and federal levels work together to resolve this issue.

I met with Columbus and Talbotton County officials to discuss the Talbot County water line. The meeting was very positive, and as a result, the project is moving forward.

In Columbus, I toured the proposed Empowerment Zone. Columbus has applied to receive a $100 million/10 year grant to revitalize urban and rural communities. I found it very beneficial to see the area and learn how the money would be used for different programs. Fifteen cities across the United States will receive Empowerment Zone grants this year, and notification is expected later this year. I will follow Columbus' application through the process.

Congress will be out of session until the last week of January. Until then I will continue to work throughout the district and meet with the constituents of Georgia's Third.