"This is not about politics; it’s about Democrats and Republicans coming together to do our duty.  When it’s something this serious, you’ve got to put political parties aside and reach across party lines to do what’s best for the safety of our nation and the world.  I plan to support President Bush in his plans to overcome this potential threat.  The tragic events of September 11, 2001 taught us an important lesson.  We can’t wait – if we know there are weapons designed to do attack America, we must act.  Our world has changed, our enemy has changed, and our approach must also change.

"The President assured us he is trying to work with the United Nations.  The U.N. has passed 12 resolutions condemning Saddam Hussein – yet there has been no action on his part.   That tells me that to him these resolutions are meaningless.  I think they have to be enforced, I’d like to do that with the U.N. and a coalition of other countries, but if we must act alone to protect our children and our grandchildren, then we must do that.  President Bush made it clear that military force will be the last option, but if we pursue that option it will be swift, it will be fierce, and it will be tough." 

Photo:  AP
 
 

“This is wonderful news for Bradley, and for all of Lafayette County” Ross said.  “The city has long had hopes of building a new facility to serve not only as the heart of municipal operations, but as the heart of the community as well.  This desire became more impassioned after fire devastated the existing city hall last September, creating an immediate need for a new building.  This essential funding will help the people of Bradley enormously, and put them well on their way to enjoying a state of the art community center.” 

Plans for the new municipal complex include a Community Center with a seating capacity of 120, which will also serve as a senior center, and a new Fire Station to replace an older  station that is no longer adequate, making fire protection inefficient.  The complex will house a variety of city offices, and will serve as a meeting place and center for community activities.

“This is encouraging news for victims of violence in Sevier County,” Ross said.  “Too often, crime victims are ashamed or afraid to come forth and seek help.  Victims of violence at the hands of someone they know, someone close to them, have a more difficult struggle.  Living in a rural area can sometimes leave them with nowhere to turn.  This grant will help to ensure that the help they need is readily available and easily accessible.”

The Rural Domestic Violence and Child Victimization Enforcement Grant Program implements certain provisions of the Violence Against Women Act.  The program strengthens the safety of victims of domestic violence, dating violence, and child abuse living in rural areas by creating and enhancing partnerships between criminal justice agencies, victim service providers, and community organizers to respond to crimes of domestic violence, and to provide services to the victims of such violence.

The City of DeQueen will implement the following activities under this new project:

· Develop the Southwest Arkansas Domestic Violence Shelter, which will provide temporary housing, counseling services, job placement and permanent housing services for women and children of domestic violence; 
· Enhance the programs and services offered to women and children of violence abuse in Southwest Arkansas; and
· Hire one full time director, one daytime coordinator, one evening coordinator, and a part time assistant to the director.

(Washington, D.C.) Fourth District Rep. Mike Ross (D-Ark.) Wednesday entered the following statement into the Congressional Record after the U.S. House of Representatives passed S. 1105, Grand Teton National Park Land Exchange Act, a bill incorporating the text of a number of bills involving natural resources projects, including provisions of H.R. 3815, The Presidential Historic Site Study Act: 

“This bill simply begins the normal process for preserving an important American presidential landmark.  American Presidents are a hallmark of our society.  The way in which Americans forever remember leadership of the “greatest nation” is through their policies, their words, and through the people and places that have shaped their lives.  We place a great significance on the homes of Presidents because they are a part of our nation’s history.  They are where our leaders formed the beliefs and values that shaped their decisions and legacies.  Anyone who has visited Mt. Vernon, Monticello, or Abraham Lincoln’s birthplace at Spring Creek has felt a sense of the historic value of where they stood and what they saw.  The birthplace home of President William Jefferson Clinton holds a piece of our presidential history, and it is only fitting for it to be designated as a National Historic Site. 

“I share the unique opportunity of being the Representative of former President Clinton’s birthplace home, Hope, Arkansas.  In fact, I am a 1979 graduate of Hope High School. In that small town called Hope, President Clinton was educated and encouraged by a loving family in a home at 117 South Hervey Street.  This home stands as a marker of his heritage. 

“The Clinton Birthplace Foundation was formed several years ago, and has successfully renovated the home, turning it into a museum and visitors center. Today, the home is a tourist attraction with visitors from across the country and around the world, and the Clinton Birthplace foundation is looking to have the home placed on the National Register of Historic Places as a National Landmark.   In order for this to happen, a feasibility study must be completed.  This study is only the first step in a lengthy process.  H.R.3815 will set this process in motion by authorizing the feasibility study. 

“The eventual designation as a National Historic Site will open the doors of economic opportunity by way of added tourism to Southwest Arkansas.  Thirty-one of my fellow colleagues have cosponsored this legislation with me, including the complete Arkansas delegation.  Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, a Republican, is also supportive of this study.  Arkansans view this home as part of our state history.  This is not about politics, but instead about the rich history of Arkansas and our Nation.  This site will help to celebrate that history and educate thousands of visitors, and perhaps most importantly, it will bring jobs, opportunities, and economic development to a part of our district that greatly needs it.”