"Less than a month ago my fellow House Democrats and I met here at our nation’s Capitol to begin discussing ways we could heal our economy.  I think we’ve come up with a plan that is fast acting, fair, and most importantly, fiscally responsible. 

"This week, House Democrats unveiled a plan that would create approximately 1 million jobs, pumping $136 billion into the struggling economy by putting money in the hands of consumers, encouraging businesses to create jobs, and investing in a secure and healthy future – without digging ourselves deeper in debt. 

"The plan puts money in the hands of consumers who drive the economy by giving a $300 

tax rebate to every working American and extending unemployment benefits.  It provides an immediate tax relief for small businesses to generate investment and jobs.  It gives money to states for transportation, homeland security and health care, and it extends unemployment benefits for workers whose insurance has run out and who have still been unable to find jobs. 

"As a small business owner, I understand the challenges of staying afloat in these troubled times.  It is long past time to jump-start this economy and help put America back to work.  We need a plan that will create new jobs and revitalize our economy.  We need tax cuts that are targeted to the people who will spend it, and an investment that creates jobs and improves the lives of all Americans.  We don’t need a plan that benefits Wall Street; we need a plan that will help Main Street, small businesses, and working families."

“I was pleased to take this oath and continue providing a voice for Arkansas’ children, working families, and seniors at our nation’s Capitol,” Ross said, “and it is for my constituents that I pledge to continue this work.  I took this oath for our seniors, our greatest generation, whose health and welfare it is our duty to ensure.  I took it for our farm families who provide our nation with a safe and reliable source for food and fiber.  I took it for our children who need our help to ensure they receive the best education possible.  I took this oath for our working families who are struggling in our current economy.  I am committed to serving these and all of the people in our district.”

Ross was joined on the House floor by his son, Alex, as he took the oath of office.  His wife, Holly, and daughter, Sydney Beth, were also in Washington, DC for the ceremony.

The Congressman just completed his first term in office during which he served on the House Agriculture, Small Business, and Financial Services Committees.  During his first term, he helped to bring national attention to the need for prescription drug coverage for seniors under Medicare.  He also made progress in protecting the local timber and catfish industries from harmful imports, and fought to increase the minimum wage.  As a member of the Financial Services Committee, he was involved in the hearings on Enron and World Com, and helped to craft legislation to crackdown on corporate greed and protect working families. 

Ross is a fifth generation Arkansan and a graduate of Hope High School and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.  He and his wife, Holly, own a pharmacy and home medical equipment business in Prescott.  Their two children, Sydney and Alex, attend the Prescott Public Schools.

“I am pleased to see the funding we fought for in Congress be delivered so quickly,” Ross said.  “The 2003 Appropriations included a total $930 million in projects to be completed among the defense contractors at East Camden, so while this is the first time this money is being put to use in our local economy, there is much more to be delivered. 

“I am excited about the PAC-3 contract in particular, because it means more work for our local Lockheed-Martin workers and suppliers.  While parts for this missile are manufactured around the country, the actual assembly takes place right in our district, which means that an estimated $51 million will be steered our way, creating an opportunity for more jobs in our area during this tough time in our economy.”

The 2003 Defense and Military Construction Appropriations also called for $43 million in funding for work at the Pine Bluff Arsenal.  Below is a complete list of the FY 03 defense funding:

Pine Bluff Arsenal:
· Non-Stockpile Ammunition Demolition Shop - $18.9 million
· White Phosphorous Munitions Production Facility - $6.5 million
· Clara Barton Center for Domestic Preparedness - $3 million
· M-12 Decontamination System Upgrade - $3 million
· 81MM Mortars, Infrared M816 - $2 million
· M49 Mixed Installation Filters - $1 million
· Filter Surveillance Program - $1.5 million
· Bio-Detection Kit Storage Equipment - $1 million
· M40 Protective Mask – $1.5 million
· Marine Mask - $1.3 million
· M45 Protective Mask - $1 million
· M100 Sorbent Decontamination Kit - $1 million
· M291 Decontamination Kit - $1 million
· M48 Protective Mask - $0.5 million

Camden Defense Industry:
· Patriot PAC-3 - $492 million
· MLRS Launcher - $137 million
· High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) - $131 million
· Rolling Airframe Missile - $65 million
· Hydra-70 Rocket - $52 million
· Guided MLRS - $37.2 million
· MLRS Reduced Range Practice Rockets - $15.9 million