Washington, D.C. – Congressman Charles Rangel connected with 107,000 constituents from his Manhattan Congressional District during his monthly District-wide Telephone-Town Hall on Tuesday, December 13, 2011.  This month, Rangel additionally engaged with nearly 10,000 members of AARP New York during a Telephone-Town Hall on Thursday evening, December 15, 2011.

“I am fired up that so many of my constituents were able to join me in my two Telephone-Town Hall this critical week in Congress,” said Rangel.   “There is currently too much uncertainty in the future of our country that is causing anxiety and fear among our communities. It is important for me to explain and answer questions on the issues that will directly impact the people that I'm serving."

During the District-wide Telephone-Town Hall, Rangel discussed and answered questions on many hotbed issues including: the extension of the payroll tax cut and unemployment benefits, job creation and the current political gridlock.   Rangel has been having monthly Tele-Town Halls as part of his ongoing promise to keep in touch with his constituents while he is representing them in Washington.

On Thursday's Telephone-Town Hall with AARP of New York, Rangel spoke with members mainly about Social Security and Medicare.  The event was moderated by AARP'S Executive Vice President, Lorraine Cortes-Vasquez, and former NY Secretary of State.  Rangel assured participants that he will continue to fight for their rights and to preserve Social Security and Medicare so that every American has access to affordable healthcare and the comfortable retirement that they paid into.

“With all that is going on with the federal government and across America, elected officials shouldn’t lose touch with those we so proudly represent,” said Rangel.  “I ask all my constituents to stay connected with me for information on future Telephone-Town Halls and engage with me on my official Facebook page and Twitter @cbrangel."