On Saturday (Aug. 16), I attended a Town Hall meeting held at the Los Alamitos Joint Training Base. I had attended a few of these types of meetings in the past. The room was filled with folks who were interested in finding out what is going on in Congress, and some of the issues that continue to be debated there.

For over an hour, Rep. Ed Royce answered many pertinent questions from his constituents. Most questions were related to border issues, energy, government spending, immigration, Iraq, the Georgia/Russia dispute, national security, etc.

I asked Mr. Royce how the government can create a more streamlined process for legal immigration, as a partial solution to curtail illegal immigration. Although I didn't get a detailed answer, he did mention that in the regular immigration process, problems of fraud can occur which delays the process. Certainly, in a post 9/11 world, we need to carefully screen people who want to live in, or visit the USA.

The meeting was a good Q. and A. session. I recommend these types of meetings for individuals who are interested in the workings of the legislative process. One can learn how the actions, or inactions of Congress can impact all types of domestic and foreign policies. Kudos to Rep. Royce for organizing these types of forums.