U.S. Rep. Larry Kissell said he was in Laurinburg to talk not only about what he has accomplished during his first few months in Congress, but also to listen to what Scotland residents would like to see done during his term.

Kissell, a Biscoe Democrat, spoke to more than 80 people at a Tuesday meeting of the Laurinburg Rotary Club.

"It is a privilege and honor to represent you in Washington," Kissell said. "We will be opening office hours in Scotland County starting this month."

Kissell said he wanted voters to feel free to express their opinions to him.

"We do our best job when we are listening to you," he said. "Thank you for the opportunity to be here today."

Kissell also talked about his opposition to the Cap and Trade legislation.

"The Cap and Trade legislation put American jobs at risk and could lead to increased energy costs," he said. "I could not vote for a bill which may cost hard-working folks in the 8th District jobs and increase energy costs for our families."

He also stressed his support for the military.

"Without our troops we could not be in the position we are today," he said. "We have troops serving in Afghanistan from Fort Bragg, the North Carolina Army National Guard 30th Division, and we will honor them this summer."

Kissell said that was one of the reasons he pushed the amendment that was named after him.

"The Kissell Amendment says that military uniforms are to be made and assembled in the United States to include textiles worn and used by Transportation Security Administration officers who monitor airports and other transportation systems," he said. "The fabric for TSA's uniforms is made in the United States, and we owe it to the people of America to create as many jobs as we can."

He also voted to expand the authorized activities of the Enhancing Education through Technology programs and the Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities programs to include the promotion of safe use of the Internet by students.

"The use of the Internet is becoming more and more vital to our schools and we in Washington are trying to get the Internet in all rural areas of the state," he said.

Kissell took several questions from the floor pertaining to health care and the stimulus package.

"From what I know the health care plan is on a fast track," Kissell said. "If you like your doctors and if you like your providers you will be able to keep them with the new health care system."

"I voted for the stimulus plan to get people working again," he said. "I hope that we don't have another stimulus package because I hope that the economy will turn for the better."

"It is our honor and privilege for you to be representing us in Washington," said Lisa Blalock, Rotary Club president.

It was Blalock's first official meeting as club president.