“Upon returning to our nation’s capitol this week, I was pleased to help welcome the President of Mexico, Vicente Fox, as he addressed a joint session of the United States Congress, expressing hope for a brighter future for the people of Mexico and a strong partnership with the United States to bring economic prosperity to both countries.  I am encouraged to see his commitment to working with America to address the challenges facing our two nations.  “

There is much to be done in the remainder of this year’s legislative session in Washington as we prepare to finish ironing out the federal government’s spending priorities for the coming year.  I realize that with our slowing economy some difficult decisions are going to have to be made in finalizing this year’s budget, and I am prepared to make those decisions.  

“I look forward to continuing to work on passing this year’s Farm Bill, which will provide our nation’s farm families with the economic safety net they need and deserve so that they can continue farming and feeding America for many generations to come.  And I am hopeful that we can address the needs of our seniors and working families as the two houses of Congress work to resolve differences on a real Patients’ Bill of Rights and as we work to create a meaningful prescription drug benefit under the Medicare program.”  

On June 27, 2001, Congressman Ross received a briefing in his Washington, D.C., office from officials with the ATF.  At that June meeting, Ross learned that, as he had requested, the ATF officials had completed a site inspection of the bunkers at the Highland Industrial Park and were conducting a thorough investigation based on the information they gathered.  In addition, Ross was informed that the ATF would supply to him a report on their complete investigation within 90 days.  Three weeks ahead of their 90-day deadline, the ATF has released the results to Congressman Ross.

“Since the blast occurred on April 28, I have been working closely with everyone involved to find out the cause of this terrible explosion,” said Ross.  “After I toured the site of the damage, I requested that the ATF conduct a full investigation of all remaining bunkers.  Today, I am glad to have received the report from the ATF that provides us with more answers.”  

“Operation Bunker Sweep, conducted by the ATF, learned that two explosions had actually caused the destruction of the bunkers at the Highland Industrial Park.  The initial explosion was relatively small in size and occurred at approximately 7:39 pm on the night of April 28, 2001, followed by a larger explosion occurring approximately one minute later,” Ross stated.    

“The report states that the ATF was ultimately unable to determine the initial cause of the explosion.  However, investigators found no evidence of illegal entry into or tampering with the bunker, and the criminal investigation of the explosion has been completed,” he added.  “Currently, the ATF is completing outstanding investigations of four remaining bunkers.  As of August 30, 2001, all documented violations have been resolved, and work is underway to repair those bunkers that were damaged in the explosion.  Administrative actions as a result of violations could eventually lead to the loss of a Federal explosive license to the lessee of the bunker if deficiencies are not corrected.  The report further explains that no explosive materials are being stored in the damaged bunkers.” 

“My staff and I will continue to monitor the situation at the Highland Industrial Park and will keep the citizens informed of any new developments in this matter,” Ross concluded.   

For further information regarding the report, please contact the ATF office in Little Rock at (501) 324-6181.
 

“Unfortunately, the President’s proposal is nothing more than a band-aid approach that in essence provides free marketing to a handful of for-profit prescription drug manufacturers. The plan was put together by the Administration behind close doors, with no input from seniors or other members of the public. Judge Friedman’s ruling is the right decision for our seniors. I hope the Administration will work with Congress to provide meaningful prescription drug coverage for seniors through the Medicare program rather than a bogus prescription drug discount card.”