In fact, although the nation’s unemployment rate improved slightly last month, Arkansas’s new unemployment rate exceeds the national rate of 6 percent.

The news of more lay-offs is devastating for the people of Arkansas. Most of Arkansas’s new lay-offs are in the manufacturing sector - a sector that nationally, lost another 24,000 jobs. This is a staggering statistic, given that manufacturing jobs have historically provided a solid foundation for our economy.

And with the slight improvement in our national unemployment rate, 8.8 million Americans still do not have jobs today. This is 48 percent higher than it was under Democratic leadership three years ago. 

Earlier this year, Congressman Marion Berry and I came up with a plan that would have allocated one billion dollars for transportation and infrastructure needs to every Congressional District in America. For every one billion dollars spent on roads, our plan would have generated 42,000 new jobs in every Congressional District in America.

Unfortunately, the Republican leadership ignored our plan and instead, passed an irresponsible tax cut that gave money to the wealthiest few, and has given us the largest deficit in our nation’s history.

I am hopeful the national trend of creating more jobs will continue, and that Arkansas’s dismal loss of manufacturing jobs will improve.  But, our economy is not going to make long-term improvements if we continue to run budget deficits. It is just not economically possible, or fiscally responsible.

These selfless individuals and their families made and continue to make great sacrifices, including spending time away from their homes and jobs, to serve our country. 

Regardless of how one feels about the rationale for the war in Iraq, we should all support our soldiers. They deserve our honor, our gratitude, and our prayers today on Veterans Day, and every day. 

In Congress, we are currently working on a number of measures to improve the lives of our men and women on active duty, our veterans, and their families. Last week, Congress voted to raise the military death gratuity payment given to families of fallen soldiers from $6,000 to $12,000, but it's still not enough. No amount of money will ever properly honor a soldier who dies in combat. This tax-free payment, which has been subject to federal tax in the past, will help families offset the cost of funerals and other immediate expenses when the tragic death of a loved one occurs in the line of duty. 

I am also a co-sponsor of a measure to end the unfair  practice of concurrent receipt. Under current law, veterans who retire after a full military career are entitled to a military pension. If they were disabled while in service, they also receive compensation for that disability. But as veterans are well aware, their retirement pension is reduced a dollar for every dollar of disability pay they receive. I call it the disabled veterans tax. 

This is wrong, and I am working hard to put an end to this law. This law cheats America's 560,000 disabled military retirees. They earned their retirement, and should be paid a full pension, whether they were injured in the line of duty, or not. They sacrificed their well-being for the nation, and deserve to receive their full-disability and retirement pay. The arguments against fixing this offense against America's veterans centers on the cost. It won't be cheap, but we didn't ask what it would cost to put them in the situation that caused the disability. If we can honestly say we have enough money to fight the war, we must provide fair compensation to our soldiers, who as a result of the war, are injured. 

On this Veterans Day, it's America's turn to stand up for our veterans. We should honor our veterans and our government should keep the promises that it makes to them. Veterans should not have to wait up to six months for a doctors appointment at a veterans medical center, clinic, or hospital. 

I am working hard to make these changes. Not only must we keep our faith with the men and women who have served and who are currently serving our country, but we must set an example for future generations, so they will be encouraged, not discouraged, to serve. 

I truly appreciate our veterans and those in uniform, for all you have done and will continue to do for our country. I stand behind you. You have been there for our country wherever and whenever duty called, and I am incredibly grateful for your service to our great country.
 

The legislation is expected to go before the Senate next week for final passage, and then to the President to be signed into law.

Projects in Arkansas's Fourth District contained in the Bill include:

 $859 million For 3 Products Built in East Camden
The vote also authorized over $859 million for products manufactured partly in East Camden, including $652 million for 138 PAC-3 (Patriot Advanced Capabilities) missiles,  $32 million for procurement of 2.75-inch Hydra missiles, and $10 million in additional funding to the President’s budget request for Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) research.

§ $5 Million for Munitions Made at Pine Bluff Arsenal
Additionally, H.R. 1588 included $5 million for the procurement of M930A1’s, which are 120mm mortar illumination ammunitions. These munitions are manufactured at the Pine Bluff Arsenal.

§ $24 Million for Pine Bluff Arsenal’s White Phosphorous Facility
The delegation secured $24 million for facility upgrades and new equipment at the Pine Bluff Arsenal’s White Phosphorous Facility. The Pine Bluff Arsenal possesses the only white phosphorous facility for all U.S. Armed Forces. 

§ $3.1 Million for Warren National Guard Armory
The Delegation secured $3.1 million to construct a new National Guard Armory within the Warren Industrial Park. The current facility, which is the home for the 3rd Battalion 153rd infantry, was built in 1958 and lacks amenities such as adequate classroom areas and office space, cooking facilities, air conditioning and a fuel facility.