"This was an alarming thing to witness, this return to the response mode our nation rose to following the attacks on September 11, 2001.  Since that day, our local responders have trained and drilled to prepare for another such attack.  I am confident that should another catastrophe take place at the hands of terrorists, our local responders will be ready.

"This week families began stockpiling food and water, filling their gas tanks, and even buying duct tape and sheets of plastic to be ready for such attacks.  While preparing for emergencies is always a responsible move, my advice to you is to try and remain calm during this heightened state of alert. 

"The mission of a terrorist is exactly that – to instill fear and terror in the hearts of their enemies so that we stop doing whatever it is the terrorist hates so much.  In the wake of September 11, 2001, we rediscovered the power of patriotism and national pride.  I think that is something to remember among this frenzy, especially as we pay tribute to our nation’s leaders on President’s Day.  If we begin to keep our children home from school, to avoid social gatherings, and to alter our free lifestyle in any way – they have won. 

My advice to you is to live your life as though the evil intentions of terrorist have not touched it – because as long as we keep our faith, they haven’t touched a thing."

Fourth District Rep. Mike Ross (AR-4) Wednesday was among members of the Financial Services Committee who received Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan’s semiannual monetary policy report in a special hearing, and made the following statement regarding the report:

“Chairman Greenspan’s insight is especially timely, given the President’s recent budget proposals and the lengthy debate to follow in Congress.  It is important for us to hear from an unbiased expert right now.   This morning, Chairman Greenspan spoke on the need to rein in deficit spending, urging Members of Congress to practice fiscal discipline, saying ‘Contrary to what some have said, [when deficits go up] it does affect long-term interest rates, it does have a negative impact on the economy.’ 

“An analysis of the President’s proposed budget projects that the total national debt will continue to increase rapidly for the next decade and beyond.  The budget spends the entire $2.2 trillion Social Security Trust Fund Surplus.  With only five years until the baby boom generation begins to retire, we must take action to make sure that the Social Security system is viable when we will need it most.  As a result of the proposed budget, the total national debt will increase from $6.171 trillion at the end of fiscal year 2001 to $7.8 trillion at the end of fiscal year 2004, reaching $9 trillion by 2009 and continuing to rise.  The national debt would be on course to exceed $10 trillion by the end of the decade – and this does not account for the impact of possible war with Iraq. 

“As a member of the conservative Blue Dog Coalition, I have stressed the need for fiscal responsibility from day one in office.  My grandparents’ generation left this country a little bit better off for my parents’ generation, and they did the same for my generation.  If we continue to ignore the long-term consequences of our budgetary actions, we will be forcing our children and grandchildren to pay a steep price for the deficit spending we make today.”

“I am delighted to have the opportunity to allow young people the ability to be a part of the day-to-day inner workings of our federal government, whether in our Nation’s capital or in Arkansas,” Ross said.  “Congressional interns play a valuable role in helping us serve the constituents of the Fourth Congressional District and the American people, and I pledge to continue to provide them with an experience that is both challenging and rewarding.” 

The Washington, D.C. intern program will allow four college students the chance to see and experience life in our Nation’s capital while serving the people of Arkansas.  Interns in the D.C. office will aid the staff in legislative research, press and constituent relations, and office administrative duties.  Accepted applicants will be assisted in locating housing on Capitol Hill or at one of several local universities and will receive a $1,500.00 stipend (pre-tax) to help pay for housing and living costs.  Students will also be given the opportunity to earn college credit for their congressional work. 

Internship opportunities are also available in Ross’ district offices located in Pine Bluff, Hot Springs, El Dorado and Prescott.  District interns will help with event staffing, constituent services, local involvement, and office administrative responsibilities.

The application deadline for the Summer 2003 sessions is March 17.  Applications may be obtained on the web at http://www.house.gov/ross or by contacting Emily Williams in the Washington, D.C. office at 202-225-3772.  For district internship opportunities, please contact R.J. Lightsey in Pine Bluff at 870-536-3376.