Gwinnett Daily Post

LAWRENCEVILLE — An open bill in Washington, D.C., may prevent U.S. Rep. Rob Woodall, R-Lawrenceville, from attending today’s town hall meetings in person.

House Republicans this week brought House Resolution 1, a bill that contains a “Continuing Resolution,” which would provide appropriations for the remainder of fiscal year 2011. As a result of the open rule, members of the House have introduced 583 amendments to the bill thus far — all of which must be debated and voted on.

Due to this rigorous voting schedule, the House was unable to adjourn on the schedule set by leadership and could remain in session through the weekend.

Rather than cancel his town hall meetings, Woodall has arranged to communicate with audiences through a live, two-way video chat if he is unable to return home.

“The thought of not being able to join folks in person for our first round of town halls as their new congressman breaks my heart,” Woodall said. “However, it is important for me to be here in Washington, debating and voting on legislation in ways that serve the best interests of the Seventh District — and I will not leave until the job is done.

“By hosting my Town Halls via teleconference, I can still fulfill my promise of communicating with constituents back home while still making the tough decisions up here on Capitol Hill.”

All three meetings remain at the same time:

• 9 a.m. at Walton County Government Building, 303 S. Hammond Drive in Monroe;

• 11 a.m. at Barrow County Administrative Annex, 233 E. Broad St., Winder;

• 1 p.m. at Buford City Hall, 2300 Buford Highway, Buford.