VIDALIA, La. &045; One of the biggest issues facing Congress when lawmakers return to Washington this fall will be Medicare, U.S. Rep. Rodney Alexander told Vidalia residents Tuesday.

Alexander spoke to residents at an evening town hall meeting about issues such as veterans affairs, agriculture and homeland security.

The House and Senate have passed different versions of Medicare legislation which would lower prescription drugs for seniors. The bills now go to conference committee, Alexander said.

&uot;I was one of very few Democrats that voted for the Medicare bill,&uot; Alexander said of the bill that was pushed by Republicans. &uot;I feel like people of the fifth district need quality, affordable, medical care and prescription drugs.&uot;

Medicare, a 40-year-old program, needs updating, he said.

&uot;Politics has bogged it all down,&uot; he said of the pending legislation. &uot;Everybody has an opinion about what we want to do.&uot;

Alexander believes Congress will pass some form of Medicare prescription drug reform this fall.

&uot;I don’t think we can afford to allow Congress to go home for Christmas without passing it,&uot; he said. &uot;We can do better than that.&uot;

Alexander also said local fire and police departments can expect to see some help for homeland security.

&uot;We need to make sure they are not only well-equipped but well-trained, well-organized and well-staffed,&uot; he said. &uot;Funds are available, and we’ll make sure we get our share of them.&uot;

Alexander also said he believes Louisiana will be a site for production of ethanol as a new fuel.