I voted for and Congress approved $166 billion to support our men and women in uniform as they continue to carry-out our mission in Iraq and Afghanistan.  I know I speak for all Americans when I say we must give our soldiers everything we can to keep them safe, allow them to complete their mission and return home safely to their families as soon as possible. 

One of my proudest accomplishments this year was passing the Healthy Forrest Restoration Act. I worked with the President to pass this historic legislation, which provides new, innovative procedures to combat the devastating effects events such as wildfires and insect infestation have on our forests. 

We also passed a number of measures to further protect consumers.  As a Member of the Financial Services Committee, I helped lead the way to the passage of the Fair and Accurate Credit Transaction Act.  This Act gives consumers a greater stability within our nation’s credit system, while at the same time provides powerful consumer protections, including greater defenses against identity theft. 

We passed legislation that created a national “do not call” registry, similar to the one we have in Arkansas, that allows citizens to remove their phone numbers from telemarketers' call lists.   And thanks to the anti-spam bill we passed just a few weeks ago, e-mail users will see a reduction in the amount of unsolicited emails that come to their in-box. 

So while  I am proud of what we accomplished this year in Congress, I am disappointed we were unable to pass a meaningful prescription drug plan for America’s seniors. Rest assured I will not stop fighting for our seniors until they can walk into the pharmacy of their choice, pull out their Medicare card, and receive the same benefit that they get when they go to the doctor or hospital.

As we approach the holiday season and the promises of a New Year, I want the people of Arkansas’s Fourth District to know how grateful I am to represent your interests in the United States Congress. With every decision I make in Washington, I never forget that you have entrusted me to make the best decision for you. Thank you for giving me this opportunity. 

I wish you and your family a blessed holiday season. Thank you, and God Bless.

Texarkana has also received a $6,000 grant to help cover costs of 75 volunteers who will package and deliver hygiene baskets to 175 low-income households on February 14.  Individuals who would like to donate items may bring them to the College Hill Neighborhood Center, located at 1102 Ferguson Street until February 3. 

Pryor, Lincoln and Ross said that Texarkana will also host a prayer breakfast, youth rally, commemorative service and black tie event in honor of King’s birthday. 

Pryor, Lincoln and Ross said the grants are a result of previous Congressional legislation passed in 1994 making the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday a day for encouragement and participation in service activities around the United States. 

The grants provide states more flexibility in allocating funds according to risk vulnerabilities, and help them address the most urgent local needs in disaster mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery. Examples of ways states may use the funds include: 
o Improving disaster response and recovery capabilities; 
o Maintaining and improving state and local emergency operation plans; 
o Reducing vulnerability to hazards by improving State mitigation plans; and 
o Providing public assistance program training for state and local staff. 

The funds are part of FEMA's annual allocation of $180 million to continue the Emergency Management Performance Grants (EMPG) program. On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.