In December 2004, the United States Congress passed an amendment to the omnibus spending bill designating September 17th as Constitution and Citizenship Day.  This day recognizes the rights and responsibilities of U.S. citizens both native-born and naturalized.  Educational institutions are now dedicating September 17th to teaching the importance of our Constitution and the privileges of citizenship to students of all ages.

This day was chosen for students across America to commemorate Constitution and Citizenship Day as September 17, 1787, because United States Constitution was signed by delegates from 12 states at the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  This day celebrates our Supreme Law of the Land as the single oldest working Constitution in the world.

As our nation celebrates, we recall the hard work put forth and the sacrifices made by our founding fathers.  It is my hope that the observance of Constitution and Citizenship Day will impress upon young scholars a renewed respect and understanding for the rights and privileges given to Americans.  These factors impact our lives everyday, and it is essential for our students throughout our nation to have an understanding of the ideals, freedom and opportunities that define America.

As the world watches Iraq struggle to form a Constitution of their own, it is imperative that we do not take this sacred document for granted.  As a nation, we fought hard for the rights and liberties we hold so dearly as United States citizens.  We will forever be indebted to our founding fathers for establishing those rights and liberties that we now deem fundamental and to our veterans for defending them.

"From Hurricane Katrina and now to Hurricane Rita, Arkansas has demonstrated to the rest of the country what it means to be a good neighbor," Senator Blanche Lincoln said. "I welcome this money today because it couldn’t be more timely, but much more is needed from the federal government to allow Arkansas to adequately handle all the evacuees we are hosting. I’m proud to have worked with Congressman Snyder and the rest of the Arkansas Congressional Delegation to expedite this money, and I look forward to working with the Delegation to ensure that Arkansas has all the federal resources it needs." 

“Our entire delegation is working together to ensure Arkansas has the money it needs to support our Gulf Coast neighbors in their time of need. I’m pleased that Arkansas has received this much needed funding, and I will continue to fight for money the state will need to help individuals rebuild their lives and keep the state’s budget afloat,” Pryor said. 

 “Arkansas has opened its hearts and homes to so many Hurricane Katrina evacuees, and continues to as we hear of 4,000 more people arriving this week from Texas,” said Congressman Snyder.  “While we have asked for much more federal assistance, this $3 million is a good start." 

 “Ensuring that residents of Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama receive the necessary resources to start over is a vital step to restoring a sense of normalcy to the spontaneously uprooted lives of our southern neighbors,” said Ross.  “This National Emergency Grant for the Arkansas Employment Security Department is a promising start as those affected by Hurricane Katrina begin the process of rebuilding their lives, and I remain committed to working with the Arkansas Congressional Delegation to pursue additional funding.” 

"The people of Arkansas have come together to provide care and comfort for the victims of Hurricane Katrina.  Our Senators, myself, and the rest of Arkansas' House members are pushing for federal assistance so Arkansas can continue helping our neighbors rebuild their lives. I am pleased that the federal government has released this grant.  We will continue to push for additional aid so that Arkansas can continue to care for our neighbors in their time of need," said Boozman. 

"Arkansans have opened their homes and businesses to the victims of Hurricane Katrina and remain committed to doing whatever it takes to help these individuals rebuild their lives," said Congressman Berry. "Today's announcement affirms the federal government's commitment to this effort and should ensure all Arkansans that we stand with them in our commitment to providing employment opportunities for the recent evacuees of Mississippi, Louisiana, and Alabama." 

The NEG grant will provide for assistance for the victims of Hurricane Katrina such as temporary employment to assist disaster relief efforts, including supporting shelter operations and assisting with humanitarian efforts; needs-related payments for those not eligible for or who have exhausted either disaster and unemployment insurance; short-term vocational training that could be useful in rebuilding or resettlement efforts; job search assistance; temporary unsubsidized employment opportunities in the private sector; and dissemination of information on how to access Disaster Unemployment Assistance or Unemployment Insurance; establishment of temporary shelters; and crisis and financial counseling.  The Department of Labor will provide this funding to the state, which funds the project operation. 

The Delegation has sent three letters requesting NEG funding, one to Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff, one to President Bush, and one to Chairman Lewis and Ranking Member Obey of the House Committee on Appropriations.