As part of ongoing efforts to better communicate with his constituents, Rep. Nick Lampson hosted Congress at Your Corner at Almeda Mall on Saturday, July 7.

The congressman, who represents the 22nd District once served by Tom DeLay, spoke on issues ranging from the war in Iraq to immigration.

Many South Belt residents will be glad to know that Lampson vowed to fight to maintain a Texas Air National Guard presence at Ellington Field, citing that recent construction of a joint military reserve base at the site gives him hope that the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure's recommendations will be reconsidered.

The controversial BRAC plan essentially removes the 147th Fighter Wing from the base, a decision to which Lampson takes exception. "There needs to be a presence (of aircraft) that can be scrambled to patrol the ship channel and other areas of concern," the congressman said.

Lampson also noted the importance of the Guard maintaining control of the area along the coastline. "We need to protect the training airspace above the Gulf of Mexico," he said, adding that if the 147th is removed, the airspace in question will fall into private hands, likely to never return.

 THANK YOU FOR VOTING TO KEEP THE GUARD!