Rep. Peter DeFazio, D-Ore., will visit Coos and Curry counties next week to hold five town hall meetings.

DeFazio plans to discuss current issues before Congress, including his new forest-thinning legislation, his fight to protect the county payments program and to get disaster assistance for salmon fishermen.

He also will discuss the war in Iraq and homeland security.

DeFazio will host meetings throughout the South Coast on Tuesday and Wednesday, in:

- Coos Bay, noon to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 22, Coos Bay Public Library, 525 Anderson Ave.;

- Bandon, 2 to 3 p.m., Tuesday, Bandon Public Library, 1204 11th St;

- Brookings, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 23, Chetco Community Public Library, 405 Alder St.;

- Freeman Marine, 12:15 to 1:15 p.m., Wednesday, 28336 Hunter Creek Road, Gold Beach;

- Gold Beach, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., Wednesday, Gold Beach City Hall, 29592 Ellensburg Road; and

- Port Orford, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., Wednesday, Port Orford City Hall, 555 W. 20th St.