Portrait of Congressman Mike Ross
Representing the 4th District of Arkansas
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Volume 2, Issue 19,
February 15, 2002
Weekly Newsletter
 
 
MIKE'S WEEKLY MESSAGE
 
Passing Real, Common Sense Campaign Finance Reform
 
Late Wednesday night, February 13th, the House of Representatives came together, in the face of staunch opposition from the Republican leadership, and passed long overdue, common sense legislation—campaign finance reform.  This bipartisan vote was a win for the American people, and it was a win for good government. 

For too long, special interests and big corporations have been able to unduly influence our elections through so-called “soft money.”  That’s why when I was running for Congress, I talked about the need to pass real campaign finance reform.  In fact, two years ago, I had the privilege of assisting ‘Granny D’ as she traveled through south Arkansas on her walk across America to our nation’s capital to raise awareness for campaign finance reform. 

When I came to Congress, I immediately signed on as a cosponsor of the bipartisan Shays-Meehan campaign finance reform bill—the bill that was passed this week.  And earlier this year, I was one of 218 members of the House to sign a “discharge petition,” a procedure that forced the GOP leaders to bring this bill to a vote on the House floor. 

As members of Congress, we have a responsibility to strengthen our democracy by significantly reducing the influence of soft money.  If the Enron collapse teaches us anything, it is that corporate wrongdoers can buy access and influence in Washington at the expense of regular hard-working men and women and their families.  This campaign finance reform bill not only bans soft money for national political parties, it also limits campaign ads by political parties or independent groups that masquerade as so called “issue ads.” 

As Senator John McCain stated this week, and as he said during his town hall meeting in Little Rock last year, meaningful campaign finance reform will “mak[e] every American’s voice as loud as the special interests.”  I am pleased that we are now a major step closer to that goal.
 

 
Senate Farm Bill Fails Farm Families
Statement by Congressman Ross on Passage of Flawed Senate Farm Bill
 
“Last October, in a bipartisan effort, the House passed a fair and balanced farm policy, the Farm Security Act of 2001, that would provide a basic safety net for our farm families.  I am disappointed that the bill passed this afternoon by the Senate is nowhere near what our farm families need and what was passed in the House. 

“The legislation approved by the Senate includes an amendment that would limit the amount of support each producer may receive to a level that falls far short of what our farmers need to maintain sufficient levels of production.  This amendment will put Southern farmers in a worse position than they would be with no Farm Bill at all.  It will not only impact our farm families, it will cripple the economy in rural communities by hurting the tractor dealers, feed stores, small-town banks, and other businesses that rely on agriculture.  This amendment will simply cause additional emergency spending from Congress when family farms are forced into bankruptcy.

“Our agriculture community cannot wait any longer for a farm policy that truly supports farm families.  I urge my colleagues to immediately begin working to fix this legislation that fails our farmers and put forth a final House-Senate bill that ensures that the agriculture community can continue to supply the United States with a safe, reliable source of food and fiber.”  
 

 
Ross Announces Summer 2002 Intern Program
 
(PINE BLUFF, AR) – U.S. Representative Mike Ross (AR-4) Monday announced his congressional internship program for his Washington, D.C., and Fourth Congressional District offices.  The Summer 2002 Session I program begins on May 27 and runs until July 3.  The Summer 2002 Session II program begins on July 8 and runs until August 16. 

“I am delighted to have the opportunity to allow young people to be able to learn about and 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 hope that we can continue to provide them with an experience that is both challenging and rewarding.”  

The Washington, D.C. intern program will allow 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 2002 sessions is April 15.  Applications may be obtained on the web at http://www.house.gov/ross or by contacting Rachel Kleinman in the Washington, D.C. office at 202-225-3772.  For district internship opportunities, please contact Lena Collins in Pine Bluff at 870-536-3376.
 

 
Please Contact Mike at 
1-800-223-2220 or 
mike.ross@mail.house.gov
 
 
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   El Dorado: 870-881-0681  |  Prescott: 870-887-6787 


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