When the government continues to spend money it doesn't have - as it has done for the past three years - all sorts of problems occur. The United States becomes more reliant on loans from foreign countries, such as China and Japan, to fund our spending habits. According to a recent article in the Washington Post, many economists fear that "foreigners will soon tire of financing America's appetites, and as a result, inflation, bankruptcies, and economic malaise will follow." 

For our government to continue on a downward spiral of spending money we don't have is not only an exercise of poor fiscal policy, but is flat-out irresponsible. There is no magic secret: if a pressing issue requires us to increase our spending  - such as the added expense of Homeland Security  - our government must use good fiscal judgment, and make cuts to other areas. 

When President Bush unveils his budget Monday, I can only hope his proposed plan will sufficiently address our country's escalating debt and budget deficits. However, the President is expected to propose making his tax cuts permanent, a scenario the CBO projects will cause the national debt to exceed $9 trillion in five years, $10 trillion by 2009, and a whopping $12 trillion by 2013. 

As it currently stands, the amount of each U.S. citizen's share of the national debt is $23,920-that's for every man, woman and child.  Additionally, the first $2,559 every one of us pays in taxes each year simply goes to pay down interest on the national debt-a debt that will grow by nearly a half trillion this year. It is what I call the "debt tax." 

As a member of the fiscally conservative Blue Dog Coalition in the U.S. Congress and as a small business owner, I believe our nation must get its fiscal house back in order and restore fiscal discipline.  The greater this country goes in debt, the less opportunities we will have to cut taxes for working families and fund programs important to our children and seniors.  Our families are required to live within their means and our government should also learn to live within its means. 

“I am delighted to have the opportunity to give young people the ability to be a part of the day-to-day inner workings of our federal government, whether in our Nation’s Capital or in Arkansas,” Ross said.  “Congressional interns play a valuable role in helping us serve the constituents of the Fourth Congressional District and the American people, and I pledge to continue to provide them with an experience that is both challenging and rewarding.” 

The Washington, D.C. intern program will allow four college students the chance to see and experience life in our Nation’s Capital while serving the people of Arkansas.  Interns in the D.C. office will aid the staff in legislative research, press and constituent relations, and office administrative duties.  Accepted applicants will be assisted in locating housing on Capitol Hill or at one of several local universities.  Interns will receive a $1,500.00 stipend (pre-tax) to help pay for housing and living costs.  Students will also be given the opportunity to earn college credit for their congressional work. 

Internship opportunities are also available in Ross’ district offices located in Pine Bluff, Hot Springs, El Dorado and Prescott.  District interns will help with event staffing, constituent services, local involvement, and office administrative responsibilities.

The application deadline for the Summer 2004 sessions is March 15.  Applications may be obtained on the web at <http://www.house.gov/ross> or by contacting Beau Bishop in the Washington, D.C. office at 202-225-3772.  For district internship opportunities, please contact R.J. Lightsey in Pine Bluff at 870-536-3376. 
 
 

During his brief trip, Ross and his colleagues also met with the new NYSE Chief Executive Officer John Thain, who was appointed to the new position in December.