Staggering, isn’t it?  And who is affected by these dramatic statistics?  It is the average, middle class worker who is trying to put food on the table and clothes on their families’ backs.  This is the worker that is stripped from their job to be replaced by an employee overseas who works for far less in yearly income, thus saving companies hundreds of thousands of dollars.

No state in this great nation remains untouched by these statistics.  Every corner of the Fourth Congressional District has suffered from job loss, most recently at a treating plant in De Queen that will eliminate fifty-three jobs.  Fifty-three mothers, fathers, sons and daughters are now desperately searching for ways to make ends meet.

These displaced workers deserve the attention of the Congress, and I dedicate much of my time as a United States Congressman speaking up for those who are out of work and losing hope.  Unfortunately, we cannot help everyone, but remaining silent will never bring about change. 

For example, this week Congress is considering a bill that will provide funds to defense contractors for East Camden and the Pine Bluff Arsenal which employ hundreds of people at each location.  This legislation provides security to hard working Americans in cities who have already seen great job loss in the past, and we must continue to provide funds to those who need it most in order for communities to thrive.

As your United States Representative, I will work toward job security in the state and the nation while exploring ways to assist displaced workers with funds and programs that would provide incentives to retain jobs here, eliminating the temptation to relocate overseas.  We must work together to provide Americans with the stability they deserve in order to boost both morale and the economy, and I am very optimistic the future will bring added assistance and security to all working families.

“Arkansas’ military installations and universities are critical to our nation’s defense and have advanced our military’s capabilities to new levels,” Pryor said. “As a member of the Armed Services Committee, I worked hard, along with the entire delegation, to secure this funding which I believe will strengthen the mission of military installations throughout the state, provide cutting edge technologies and equipment for our troops and assist our armed services in meeting new challenges.” 

"I am pleased that Arkansas will continue to play a vital role in the defense of our nation," Lincoln said.  "These funds will allow us to meet the growing demands of fighting terrorism and protecting our troops as the perform their duties in the Middle East and elsewhere around the world.  The spirit of cooperation that the entire delagation has shown in securing these funds has been phenominal." 

“America is at war," said Snyder. "Our fine troops will benefit from these items.” 

"Of the defense spending Arkansas earned, I am particularly proud that ASU has been given their deserved recognition as a center for scientific excellence," Berry said. "The two ASU programs are a prime example of what can occur when an entire delegation works to support an organization with an exemplary reputation. Every recognition Rural America earns is a benefit to the entire community and this project is no different. I congratulate ASU and thank the rest of the Arkansas Congressional Delegation for their efforts." 

"As our nation continues to fight the War on Terror, it is important that we ensure we have the proper resources to win.  Arkansas' troops, military installations and research institutions have a lot to offer our nation in this fight.  I am pleased that as a delegation, we were able to secure funding for these essential programs. They truly will be beneficial in the global War on Terror and in addressing the threats of the future," said Boozman. 

"The funds secured for the Fourth Congressional District provide job security and economic opportunities to hard working Arkansans in cities who have already seen great job loss in the past," said Ross. "I am pleased the Arkansas delegation was able to provide the state with necessary funding for the enhancement of military operations at a time when defense technology is critical to the security of our nation." 

The following Arkansas projects were included in the FY 2005 Department of Defense Appropriations Bill: 

Arkansas National Guard –$13.1 million 

Meteorological Measuring Set – Profiler (MMS-P): $2.6 million was secured to support the procurement of a next generation artillery meteorological system – the profiler – for the Arkansas Guard. The funding will be split with the South Dakota National Guard. 

M-22 Automatic Chemical Agent Alarm: $10.5 million was secured to procure M-22 Automatic Chemical Agent Alarms (ADCSA).   The equipment is necessary for the Guard to carry out Homeland Security missions. The funding will be divided among several Guard units. 

University of Arkansas - $5 million 

Ferroelectric and electronic-photonic nanodevices: $2 million was secured to continue the University of Arkansas’ research and development work in the field of ferroelectric and electronic-photonic nanodevices. Nanotechnology is a newly emerging field of science where scientists and engineers are beginning to manipulate matter at the molecular and atomic level in order to develop materials and systems with revolutionary properties. U of A will use this funding to support the Army’s efforts to develop electronics capability that provide them with supremacy on the digital battlefield. 

The Logistics Institute: $1 million was secured to continue the support of the Air Force’s Crew Systems and Personnel Protection Program. The Institute is developing new technologies to enhance logistics and improve design, deployability, performance and support of current and future weapons systems. 

Three-Dimensional Packaging: $2 million was secured for the Three-Dimensional packaging program, a consortium research effort between the University of Arkansas, the International Technology Center, North Carolina State University, and Florida A&M University.  This is a second-year program working on 3-D microcircuit packages to help the military lower the size and weight and improve thermal and electrical performance of radio communications equipment. 

Visions Technology, Rogers, AR - $2 million 

Machinery Control Surveillance System: $2 million was secured for the procurement of a machinery control surveillance system for use aboard gas turbine ships.  Vision Technology will help build the surveillance system, creating local jobs and supporting the Navy’s mission. 

Space Photonics, Fayetteville, AR - $3 million 

Space Communication Technology: $3 million was secured to help the Air Force further develop space communications capability.  Space Photonics in Fayetteville has demonstrated an edge for developing technologies that are a priority for the Air Force. 

Highland Park, Camden, AR – $17.5 million 

Standard Missile: $5 million was secured for essential upgrades of Standard Missiles. The funding will help incorporate the latest technology by Aerojet to prevent weapon systems from reacting to unplanned stimuli such as shipboard fire or attack. 

Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS): $12.75 million in addition to the President’s request was secured for Lockheed Martin to maintain engineering talent and manufacturing expertise, and to increase the acquisition and production rate of the system in a timely and efficient manner. 

Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, AR – $12 million 

Smart Technologies: $10.5 million was secured to invest in smart technologies, called Standoff Sensor for Radionuclide ID, to detect nuclear, chemical and biological weapons. Chemical and biological weapons are most likely to be used by terrorists and that early detection helps protect our troops.  The funding will be shared among the University of Hawaii and Florida A&M University. 

Standoff Hazardous Agent Detection and Evaluation System Research (SHADES): $1.5 million in conjunction with industry to continue research for early detection of weapons before chemical or biological threats can hurt troops or citizens. 

Pine Bluff Arsenal, Pine Bluff, AR –$11.62 million 

$1.87 million was secured for Pine Bluff Arsenal to modernize and automate their data processing equipment, including Pine Bluff. The equipment will track the Army’s manufacturing and distribution of supplies made in Pine Bluff such as chemical and biological protection equipment. 

The following additional funding was also secured in the bill: 

$3 million for 81mm, all types of nomenclature ammunition 
$1 million for biological and chemical protection masks; 
$3.75 million for Illumination Mortars; 
$1 million for M110 155mm Smoke Projectile 
$1 million for M49 fixed installation filters for contamination avoidance equipment 

EADS, Russellville, AR -- $5.3 million 

Future Medical Shelter System: $5.3 million to develop the EADS prototype for medical shelters, including deployable operating rooms that will have decreased size and weight and increased capability. These new shelters will result in a lighter, more mobile and deployable medical force. The funding encourages the Army to continue to focus on the EADS prototype that will hopefully be developed in Russellville. 

Vanadium Technology Partnership, Hot Springs, AR -- $3 million 

Vanadium Technology Partnership:  $3 million to for Vanadium Corporation to apply high-performance steels in U.S. Army applications. 

Lone Star Army Depot, TX – $1 million 

Base Transformation: $1 million was secured to support the transformation of Lone Star into a flexible installation that can support rapid deployment of cargo munitions to the field. 

Red River Depot, Texas -- $4.2 million 

Army Ground Systems Integrated Lean Enterprise (AGILE): $4.2 million to support the Army’s Logistics Modernization Program goals through enhanced automation. 

Avoca Fire Department; Avoca, AR - $51, 444 for operations and firefighter safety 
Cornerville Volunteer Fire Department; Star City, AR - $63,000 for a firefighting vehicle 
Rye Fire Department, Inc; Rison, AR - $72,000 for a firefighting vehicle