The Third District of Arkansas is growing at a very quick pace, therefore, building and maintaining a strong transportation infrastructure is vital to economic development of the entire state. For this reason, I have made transportation issues one of my main priorities as I serve you in Congress.

As a member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I will work to ensure that the Third District of Arkansas receives federal assistance to address our infrastructure needs. My seat on the committee provides a unique opportunity to advocate for local highway projects, the development of intermodal facilities and the growth of our airports. As the Ranking Member on the Water Resources Subcommittee, I am also to advocate for building and maintenance projects that are vital to our nation's waterways.

We are once again ready to reauthorize the program that allocates money for our nation's surface transportation infrastructure. I will continue to work to ensure that Arkansas receive as much money as possible specifically designated for projects in the Third District of Arkansas, as well as for the state's highway needs.

My seat on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee also enables me to take an active role in the debate over making our skies safe and securing our homeland. September 11th dramatically changed our world and we have reacted by increasing security in the skies, at our ports, around our energy plants and for our nation's water supply. However, we must ensure that airlines and airports of all sizes can still operate efficiently, that goods can still flow in and out of our ports in a timely manner and that Americans can still enjoy the freedom to travel. This is an ongoing issue and I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues to ensure the safety of all Americans.

Transportation issues are at the core of Arkansas' continued economic development. Our infrastructure must keep pace with the growth of the region. I will continue to work with my colleagues in Congress to find the resources to meet the demands growth has placed on Arkansas' infrastructure system.