This Memorial Day, we face a changed world in the aftermath of September 11th. We are sending America's sons and daughters, mothers and fathers, to Iraq and Afghanistan. At this time, more than 1 million men and women have served, 1,500 service personnel have died in the line of duty, and 12,000 have been wounded. This weekend, our thoughts and prayers are with families who have lost loved ones, and we hope for the speedy and safe return of soldiers who are currently deployed in Iraq and around the world.

We have an obligation to take care of our soldiers who have fought for democracy and defended freedom. In Arkansas alone, there are over 276,000 veterans. I am proud to have signed on as a co-sponsor to the G.I. Bill of Rights for the 21st Century, which will significantly improve the lives of our nation's brave and deserving veterans. This legislation modernizes the current G.I. Bill, which has been in place since 1944 and was enacted to honor and assist our veterans of World War II. The G.I. Bill of Rights for the 21st Century will increase the benefits our men and women in uniform receive today, including healthcare, and will provide long overdue benefits for the veterans and military retirees who have already served our great nation. 

No other group of Americans has stood stronger and braver for our democracy than our troops and veterans. We must celebrate, honor, and remember these courageous and faithful men and women. On this Memorial Day, we remember all of those who have given their lives in the name of freedom and democracy, and we honor those still fighting to protect it.

The money will fund bank stabilization and dredging for the Ouachita Black River.  This funding comes just one year after an uphill battle to fund the Ouachita Black River Navigation System.  In the President’s original FY05 Budget proposal, funding for the project was zeroed out for navigation.  Ross worked with Governor Huckabee, Senators Lincoln and Pryor, and Congressmen Berry and Alexander for many months to successfully restore funding.

“I am pleased to have helped secure this funding for our district’s energy and water needs,” Ross said.  “Water resources are the key to the longevity of the region as communities, industries, farmers, recreational users, navigation interest, and fish and wildlife all benefit from these resources.  These projects are essential to maintaining and improving our way of life, and preserving it for future generations of Arkansans.” 

The Senate must now pass their version of the bill.  Once the final conference committee bill is passed, the President must sign it into law before this project is final.

The Pine Bluff Arsenal is unique in that the Arsenal has invested millions of dollars in specialized infrastructure and environmental regulatory permit capacity, providing essential capacity to manufacture, repair, assemble, and store specialized chemical and biological defense equipment.  

“This is tremendous news for the Pine Bluff Arsenal and the hard working families in Pine Bluff, White Hall, and Southeast Arkansas,” said Ross.  “The possible CITE designation for the Pine Bluff Arsenal could make the Arsenal the sole preferred military site for production, storage, and maintenance of Chemical and Biological Defense Equipment.  Such a designation would ensure that the distinctive missions provided by the Pine Bluff Arsenal would continue for years to come, creating economic opportunity and potential for new jobs.” 

The Senate must now pass their version of the bill.  Once the final conference committee bill is passed, the President must sign it into law before this project is final.