Mike Ross

Mr. ROSS

Mr. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life and courageous spirit of U.S. Army Sgt. Thomas Chad Rosenbaum of Hope, AR. Sgt. Rosenbaum, just 25 years old, was killed in the line of duty in Iraq on September 18, 2004. I am deeply saddened by this tragedy. I wish to recognize his life and achievements. Sgt. Rosenbaum attended my alma mater, Hope High School, where he participated in a number of extracurricular activities. He was a member of the Bobcat football team, the golf team, weight lifting team, Key Club, Future Business Leaders of America and took part in the FFA rodeo. After graduating from Hope High School in 1997, Sgt. Rosenbaum enlisted in the U.S. Army and was assigned to the 4th Battalion, 5th Air Defense Artillery, 1st Cavalry Division in Fort Hood, Texas. Sgt. Rosenbaum was stationed in Iraq since March where he worked as a chemical specialist and trained Iraqis in the use of firearms. His exemplary service and dedication to our country did not go unnoticed. His long list of distinguished medals includes: the Bronze Star Medal, a Purple Heart Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, two Good Conduct Medals, the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, two NCO Professional Medals, the Army Service Ribbon, the master parachutist Badge, the Air Assault Badge, the Weapon Qualification Badge, and the French Parachutist Wings. America will be forever grateful for Sgt. Rosenbaum's service to our great country. He gave his life to serve our country and will forever be remembered as a terrific father, courageous son, and a hero. My deepest condolences go out to his son, Ty; his parents, Jackie and Donna Rosenbaum; and his brother, Zane. I know Sgt. Rosenbaum was proud of his service to the U.S. Army and to our country. He will be missed by his family, fellow soldiers, and all those who knew and counted him as a friend. I will continue to keep Sgt. Rosenbaum and his family in my thoughts and prayers.

Mr. ROSS

Mr. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, reclaiming my time, I rise today and join 43 of my Democratic colleagues to voice my support for H.R. 3193, a bill that would allow citizens of the District of Columbia to own rifles, shotguns and handguns. The second amendment of the Constitution of the United States of America specifically grants all Americans the right to bear arms in order to protect themselves and their families. Under this bill, Washington, D.C. citizens would simply have the same self-defense rights as residents of the 50 States of America do. In a New York Sun editorial printed on Thursday, September 23 of this year, a D.C. resident expressed his concerns on not being able to legally protect his home from intruders. He stated, ``The fact is, if you have an intruder come to your home, there is nothing you can do to protect yourself except wait for the police.'' This Washington, D.C. resident went on to describe an incident where he stared and waited as a man was attempting to break into his home. This is absolutely inexcusable. No one, no one, should be forced to sit and wait while witnessing an intrusion upon their home, upon their family, possibly putting themselves and their family in danger. Mr. Speaker, I stay in Washington, D.C. 3 or 4 nights most weeks, and I truly believe the police do a fine job in this city. But if someone were to break into my apartment, I would have to wait for them to arrive before any action to be taken. If I were to have a gun, if I were to have gone through all the red tape, which includes taking an exam and paying money for fees and a license to have a shotgun in my home, I would have to take the time to assemble or unlock and load my gun. By that time, it could be too late to defend myself. No intruder is going to stand around and wait for me to assemble or unlock and load my gun, and they certainly are not going to wait for the police to arrive before completing the job they came to do. Mr. Speaker, this is not just a matter of personal protection, it is a matter of constitutional freedom. The second amendment is a right bestowed upon us by our Founding Fathers. It is a right I have exercised my entire life in my home State of Arkansas. Current Washington, D.C. law requires all guns to be registered with the Metropolitan Police Department. All handguns are banned unless they were registered before the gun ban was enacted, but, even so, Washington, D.C. citizens are prohibited from carrying their handguns in their homes, even those legal handgun owners. Rifles and shotguns can be legally registered and owned, but they must be stored unloaded and disassembled or locked. The District of Columbia has some of the most restrictive gun laws in the Nation, but at the same time, the District has one of the highest murder rates in the United States of America. Prior to the enactment of the gun ban, homicide had been declining in Washington, D.C. but increased after the ban was imposed back in 1976. In 2002, the D.C. homicide rate was almost double the rate when the handgun ban took effect, and was five times higher than the national average. H.R. 3193 simply allows law-abiding citizens to possess a firearm without going through the registration requirements and they would not suffer criminal penalties for such possession. This bill permits storage of armed firearms in one's home or place of business and repeals the ban on the possession of ammunition, allowing citizens to protect their home and family in times of danger within Washington, D.C., as families can do in all 50 States across America. H.R. 3193 would not affect any law directed at true criminal conduct. This bill leaves in place strict penalties for gun possession by criminals and for those who commit a violent crime with a gun. Any criminal interested in obtaining a gun for harm against another can easily do so right now. This bill simply ensures that law-abiding citizens of the District of Columbia are able to protect themselves by legally owning a firearm, just as the citizens of the 50 States of America can do. Mr. Speaker, this is a piece of commonsense legislation, and I urge my colleagues to join the 44 Democratic cosponsors of this legislation and vote in favor of the bill.

Mr. ROSS

Mr. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Indiana for yielding me this time this evening to talk about a very important issue. Thinking back, it is hard to believe that from 1997 through 2001, this country was running on a balanced budget. It is hard to believe, because in 2002, this country ran a $155 billion deficit. In 2003, it was $374 billion. In 2004, it is $422 billion. Guess what? If you subtract out the money they are borrowing from the Social Security trust fund, it is actually a $574 billion deficit for fiscal year 2004. It is hard to believe that our Nation today is spending $900,000 more than it is taking in. For years, ever since I was a small child I have heard the Republicans talk about how it is the Democrats that spend the money. This is the first time in 50 years that the Republicans have controlled the White House, the House, and the Senate; and for the second year in a row, they have given us the largest budget deficit ever in our Nation's history. The debt today is $7.3 trillion. By 2009 it will be $10 trillion, and by 2013, it will be $13 trillion. A trillion here, a trillion there, and before long we are talking about some real money. Let me tell my colleagues this. This motion to instruct conferees simply says this: we support tax cuts for working families; we simply want them to be paid for. In other words, if you are going to cut taxes, cut spending. This Nation today is spending nearly $1 billion a day simply paying interest on the national debt. It is what I call the debt tax, D-E-B-T, and that is one tax that can never go away until we get fiscal responsibility and fiscal discipline restored to our Nation's government. We could build 200 brand-new elementary schools every single day in America just with the interest we are paying on the national debt. These tax cuts may make for good politics for the wealthiest 2 percent of the people in the country. The 2003 tax cuts, 60 percent of the people that I represent received less than $2 a week. A tax cut for the wealthiest people in this country with borrowed money, and, I might add, every single dime of the tax cuts of 2003 were with borrowed money. The money came directly from the Social Security trust fund and what did not come from there came from the Bank of China. That is right. Seventy percent of our deficit in 2003 came from foreigners; 70 percent. A tax cut for the wealthiest people in this country with borrowed money, money that is coming from Japan, Hong Kong, and the Bank of China and from the Social Security trust fund is nothing more than a tax increase on our children and grandchildren; and it is wrong, and that is why I am pleased to stand here tonight and rise in support of this motion to instruct.

Mr. ROSS

Mr. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the life and legacy of Eugene Farrell from Dermott, Arkansas who passed away on July 3, 2004. As a dedicated member to the City of Dermott, Mr. Farrell's life was full of honors and achievements. Mr. Farrell was a selfless public servant, serving not only as Mayor of Dermott from 1988-1999, but also as a Quorum Court member. For his dedication and loyalty to the City of Dermott and Chicot County, I will forever be grateful. I am deeply saddened by the death of Mr. Farrell. His passing will leave a huge void on the Chicot County Quorum Court, the City of Dermott, and in the lives of many friends. My heart goes out to his wife of 59 years, June Barrett, and their four children, Sheila Brannon, Linda Fowler, Buddy Farrell, and Brian Fowler. I extend my sincerest sympathies to them and can only hope that we find some solace in the lasting legacy of Eugene Farrell as his spirit lives on in each of us.

Mr. ROSS

Mr. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life and courageous spirit of SSgt. Dustin ``Bob'' Peters of Shirley, AR. SSgt. Peters, just 25, was killed in the line of duty on Saturday, July 11, 2004 near Bayji, Iraq. After graduating from Shirley High School in 1996, SSgt. Peters entered the Air Force where he attended technical training at Fort Leonard Wood, MO, and graduated as a vehicle operator journeyman. He completed assignments at Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri and Anderson Air Force Base in Guam. SSgt. Peters arrived to Little Rock Air Force Base in 2000. After returning from Iraq in July of 2003, he volunteered to return to Iraq for a second tour of duty to serve with a young group of soldiers, most of whom had never been to combat. His sole purpose in returning to Iraq was to protect this group of soldiers. One friend of SSgt. Peters remembers fondly, ``Peters was respected and loved by fellow airmen. They admired this young staff sergeant. He knew his job very, very well.'' SSgt. Peter's exemplary service did not go unnoticed; his military decorations include the Air Force Commendation Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster and with Valor, and an Air Force Achievement Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster. SSgt. Peters gave his life to serve our country and will forever be remembered as a husband, father, son, and hero. My deepest condolences go out to his wife, Heather, their son, Dalton, his mother, Linda Bennings, and his father, Dennis Peters. I know SSgt. Peters was proud of his service to the U.S. Army and to our country. He will be missed by his family, fellow soldiers, and all those who knew him well.

Mr. ROSS

Mr. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Circuit Court Judge H. A. Taylor who died on May 21, 2004 at the age of 63 in Little Rock. Judge Taylor was originally from Jefferson County and had an impressive career which spanned over the course of three decades. Graduating from Pine Bluff High in 1958, Judge Taylor went on to earn his bachelor of science and his law degree in 1965 from the University of Arkansas. Judge Taylor was elected to office in 1975 to the 2nd Division Circuit Court Judge for the 11th Judicial District West, serving Jefferson and Lincoln counties for 29 years. Judge Taylor had a distinguished military career, serving in the Vietnam War and earning both the Bronze Star and Army Commendation Medals. I am deeply saddened by Judge Taylor's death and offer my heartfelt condolences to his wife, Marcy Taylor. His legacy will live on through the lives he touched and by those who knew him and counted him as a friend.

Mr. ROSS

Mr. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, today I learned that I have been listed as a cosponsor of H.R. 3575, something I was not aware of and I did not ask to be cosponsor of, and I ask unanimous consent to have my name removed as a cosponsor of H.R. 3575.

Mr. ROSS

Mr. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, Congressman Marion Berry and I rise today to honor the memory of Merle F. Peterson of Dumas, AR. Strong leadership, vision, concern for others, and philanthropy were enduring legacies left by Merle Peterson. He died on March 19, 2004 after having served his nation, state and Dumas with distinction. After graduating with an electrical engineering degree from Arkansas State University, he came to Dumas in April of 1939 to operate a service station his father had bought. In November of that year, he was married to Deloris Ellegood, and together they built a successful Ford automobile business. When Mr. Peterson volunteered for the Army Air Force in 1942, he rose to captain and served overseas three years with a bomber squadron in Africa and Italy. His wife kept the business operating during those years. After selling the Ford dealership in 1976, they continued their business and farming operations through Peterson Enterprises and jointly led in service and philanthropic endeavors for over 64 years. After World War II, Mr. Peterson realized that Dumas faced major economic challenges in order to prosper. With other Dumas leaders, he worked to establish an industrial foundation and organized a drive to buy land for development as an industrial park. Mr. Peterson founded Dumas State Bank, now Simmons First, and was its board chairman. His financial acumen led him to serve on the boards of the Arkansas Development Finance Authority, State Chamber of Commerce, and Economic Development Fund of Arkansas. Fully devoted to his church, First United Methodist of Dumas, he was active in the Methodist Men's Class, chaired the administrative board and many committees, and served in important roles in the Little Rock Conference. A mainstay of the Chamber of Commerce and the Lions Club, he was chosen Citizen of the Year in 1952, and 50 years later was still working with enthusiasm for projects to benefit Dumas. An early supporter of Arkansas Community Foundation, he was a founding board member of Dumas Area Community Foundation. He and his wife established scholarships at the University of Arkansas at Monticello and Dumas High School. A loyal Democrat, he served as a state senator from 1960 through 1966, was chairman of the County Committee for 10 years, and was a volunteer staff member for Governor Bill Clinton for 12 years. He was a leader in the Clinton gubernatorial and presidential campaigns, and was named to the U.S. Electoral College in 1996. He received the Arkansas Democrats' top award in 1994. Many state leadership and service accolades were bestowed on Mr. Peterson, but he always credited the people of Dumas for their support. He served for the betterment of many and leaves a huge legacy to fill.

Mr. ROSS

Mr. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of U.S. Army Private Van Ryan Marcum. Ryan passed away on June 19, 2004 during a training accident in Ft. Benning, GA. He was just 21 years old and a native of my hometown, Prescott, AR. Upon graduation from high school, Ryan enlisted in the U.S. Army and was qualified for the elite Rangers program. Those who knew Ryan well say he was extremely intelligent, resourceful and determined. He had a love of flying and this passion drove him to become an airborne ranger. Ryan enlisted for full time service in the U.S. Army where he received the Army Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Army Service Ribbon. My heartfelt condolences go out to Ryan's family. We have a lost a brave young man and his legacy will live on through those who knew him well and counted him as a friend.

Mr. ROSS

Mr. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor Prescott Elementary School Principal, Mr. Howard Austin, for his persistent dedication to education and service in his community. The core of Mr. Austin's community relations are deeply rooted in his 40 years as a public educator. Mr. Austin received his B.A from Wiley College in Texas and an M.S. from Henderson State University in Arkansas. Through his career, Mr. Austin enriched the many generations of people that he encountered in his community. He is a true role model for not only his students, but for everyone in the community. Mr. Austin was an active leader in the Elementary Principal's Association and served as a zone director for 8 years. In 2002, Mr. Austin was named Arkansas's Distinguished Principal of the Year. Mr. Austin's constant involvement in his community led him to support and organize many student-orientated groups throughout the years. Mr. Austin worked with the track team, organized and was head scoutmaster of the Boy Scouts of America Troop, and was choir director for Prescott High School and his local church. He also formed a dance band with other directors that played at various school functions. Mr. Austin's devotion to Nevada County led him to be elected to the Prescott City Council. I am honored to recognize Mr. Austin, and extend my sincere appreciation and thanks for his dedication and guidance to the people of Nevada County and to my hometown of Prescott. He is an inspiration to us all, and I am privileged to serve as his Congressman in the United States House of Representatives.

Mr. ROSS

Mr. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to the life of Billy Bob Smith from Prescott, Arkansas, who died Sunday, June 13, 2004, at the age of 83. As a husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, nephew and friend, his life was full of achievements and honors that impacted his entire community. Mr. Smith was born December 10, 1920, in Nevada County. The World War II veteran was the recipient of 5 battle stars and an Oakleaf, participating in the Battle of the Bulge as well as the Normandy Invasion. His courage and patriotism led him to serve in the 413th Antiaircraft Artillery battalion, C Battery in Central Europe, the Ardennes, the Rhineland, Normandy and Northern France. For his dedication and loyalty to our nation, we will forever be grateful. Mr. Smith was a selfless public servant and a leader, spending much of his adult life serving his fellow citizens in Nevada County. He was a member of the Prescott Church of Christ and served as a Justice of the Peace for 14 years. I am deeply saddened by the death of Mr. Smith. His loyalty and dedication to Nevada County, his family and his country will forever be remembered. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Elya, his son, Michael, and his three daughters, Bobbie, Donna, and Jan.

Mr. ROSS

Mr. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, on the 4th of July our Nation will celebrate its 228th birthday. On this day, we will remember how our Founding Fathers dedicated their lives to honor the novel ideas of liberty, equality, and democracy. Today, our brave men and women in uniform exemplify the spirit, sacrifice, and commitment of the American people to securing freedom and democracy throughout the world, and our veterans are living examples of the ideals of our Founding Fathers. Unfortunately, there are some in Congress who actually want to cut funding for our veterans. House Republicans passed a budget this year that slashes funding for veterans health care by $1 billion, and President Bush's 2006 budget is expected to include another $900 million in cuts for veterans health care. Mr. Speaker, we promised our veterans health care for life, not health care someday. I urge my colleagues in Congress to restore these cuts to our veterans programs. Our veterans are truly America's greatest generation, and this Congress should honor them.

Mr. ROSS

Mr. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of a devoted and well-respected Arkansan, Dr. Lawrence A. Davis, Sr. Known as Prexy to close family and friends, Dr. Davis passed away on Saturday, June 5, at the age of 89. His deep devotion to higher education and to the well-being of everyone around him, particularly his students, leaves a legacy that will live on for generations in the lives he touched. A native of McCroy, Arkansas, Dr. Davis graduated magna cum laude in 1937 from Arkansas AM&N in Pine Bluff. He went on to receive a master's degree in English from the University of Kansas and a doctorate in educational administration from the University of Arkansas. Dr. Davis spent most of his career at Arkansas AM&N, where he served as an English professor, registrar, dean, and assistant to the president. In 1943, at age 29, Dr. Davis became president of AM&N, making him the youngest college president in the Nation. Thirty years later, he oversaw the merger of Arkansas AM&N with the University of Arkansas education system, creating the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, and became the school's first chancellor. His son, Dr. Lawrence A. Davis, Jr., has followed in his father's footsteps and serves as the current UAPB chancellor. Under Dr. Davis' leadership, the institution experienced substantial growth in enrollment, academic programs, faculty, and expansion of the physical campus. Believing that every person has the right to receive a college education, Dr. Davis inspired and helped countless students who had limited resources to complete their degrees and go on to accomplish great things. Serving his community and improving the lives of others were life- long commitments of this compassionate and diligent leader. Dr. Davis was a member of numerous community and university committees. My thoughts and prayers are with Dr. Davis' family, friends, and colleagues, to whom I extend my deepest and sincere sympathies. May his legacy endure in the many lives that he touched and inspired.

Mr. ROSS

Mr. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, after months of record-breaking gasoline prices, the pocketbooks of America's working families are hurting. Rising gas prices mean working families have less money to spend on important items, such as clothing and groceries, a factor that hurts our overall economy as well as individual families. Family vacations are being canceled. Today, the average price of a gallon of gas in the United States is $2.10, but in Iraq the cost of one gallon of gasoline is only 5 cents. It only costs $1.10 to fill up a 22-gallon tank in Baghdad. Americans deserve to know why their gas prices are soaring out of control, and, just as importantly, Americans need a solution. It is time to pass a real, meaningful, common sense, comprehensive energy policy and bring down the high cost of gasoline for America's working families.

Mr. ROSS

Mr. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, on Monday the House of Representatives approved H.R. 3658, the Stroke Treatment and Ongoing Prevention Act (commonly called the STOP Stroke Act). The STOP Stroke Act will: Raise public awareness by authorizing funding for a national public information campaign to educate the public about stroke, including how to prevent it, recognizing the warning signs, and when to seek emergency treatment; Help states fight stroke by establishing a grant program to help states ensure that stroke patients have access to quality care; Collect and share best practices by authorizing the Paul Coverdell National Acute Stroke Registry and creates a clearinghouse to provide technical assistance to states and share best practices; and Educate medical professionals by providing opportunities to train appropriate medical personnel in newly developed approaches for preventing and treating stroke. This legislation is an important step in preventing and treating the devastating effects of stroke. Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the nation and a leading cause of long-term disability. In Arkansas, stroke accounted for 2,600 deaths in 1999--making it the second highest state with stroke deaths. In fact, Arkansas is located in the country's ``stroke belt,'' a section of the country made up of 12 Southern states that have high occurrences of stroke. In May, I had the opportunity to join the Arkansas Department of Health in launching its stroke awareness campaign in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. As part of the campaign, stroke warning signs and symptoms will be placed on grocery store sacks. Additionally, the health department will partner with at risk and hard to reach populations to teach heart healthy meal preparation, provide hypertension screenings and obesity awareness, and other prevention mechanisms. I worked closely with Linda Faulkner, Program Coordinator for the health department's Cardiovascular Health Program, and Diane Mulligan-Fairfield, Vice President of National Communications, National Stroke Association on the campaign's rollout. I commend them for their work on the project. It is estimated that stroke cost the nation $45.4 billion in 2001, including $28 billion in direct costs and $17.4 in indirect costs. A large share of the direct cost is paid by public payers such as Medicare and Medicaid. Passage of H.R. 3658 and funding the legislation will go a long way towards lowering these statistics and helping Arkansas to implement a full-scale public education campaign effectively.

Mr. ROSS

Mr. ROSS. Mr. Speaker I rise today to honor Sgt. First Class Troy ``Leon'' Miranda, who died on May 20, 2004, in Iraq. Leon was 44 years old and of Wickes, AR, part of my Congressional District. I wish to recognize his life and achievements. Those who knew Leon well say he was destined to be a soldier from an early age. He signed on with the Army Reserve in 1984. In Iraq, a staff sergeant in the National Guard, he served as a commander of his unit, specializing in combat warfare, germ warfare, and chemical warfare. Leon was deployed last October in large part due to his specialized training. The Miranda family received a Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and Arkansas Distinguished Service Medal on Leon's behalf. Leon lost his life while making the ultimate sacrifice to serve our country, and I will be forever grateful to him for his courageous spirit. Leon gave his life to serve our country and will forever be remembered as a brother, son, hero, and friend. My deepest condolences go out to his parents, Bobby and Carlos, and his brother, Phillip. I know Leon was proud of his service to the U.S. Army and to our country. He will be missed by his family, fellow soldiers, and all those who knew him well.

Mr. ROSS

Mr. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, I want to express the need for discussion on true immigration reform. With over eight million illegal immigrants in the U.S., and approximately half a million more entering the U.S. annually, it is now time for Congress to be diligent in trying to truly engage in discussion on how we can effectively manage immigration here in the U.S. I do not support illegal immigration. I also do not support amnesty for undocumented immigrants. Individuals who violate America's laws should not be rewarded for illegal behavior, and I believe amnesty perpetuates illegal immigration. The fact that there are eight million undocumented immigrants estimated to live in the U.S. illustrates alone that previous amnesty programs have not worked. I am seeing the effects of immigration with regards to healthcare and our hospitals. This burden is not a problem because of illegal immigration alone. Legal immigrants are working citizens, but many do not have benefits such as health insurance. They are forced to ignore health problems until they're magnified and eventually forced to seek care in emergency rooms. Unfortunately, these costs often must be absorbed by hospitals, taxpayers and private insurance policy holders through higher premiums. We are appropriating funds to deal with issues such as these in the short-term, but we also have to start having discussions on long-term solutions to legal and illegal immigration. Being uninsured is only part of the problem. We must not lose sight of the significant role immigration has played in the development of the United States. We must be wise as we move into unchartered waters regarding new immigration policies. We must look for ways to construct positive steps that will ultimately lead to a better life for everyone.

Mr. ROSS

Mr. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, the great communicator, an all-American patriot, relentless pursuer of freedom, these qualities describe America's 40th President, Ronald Reagan. We can all agree that President Reagan's enduring love for his country and his idealistic outlook renewed faith and hope to a generation of Americans. My fond memories of President Reagan will include, among others, that defining moment nearly 14 years ago as I watched with pride as he, as a former President, chiseled away at the Berlin Wall. I was truly moved by the immense joy and pride that he radiated and that radiated on the faces around him. You see, it had not been that many years before that in his famous speech he said, ``Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall.'' President Reagan's commitment and service to our country and the world will be forever remembered in the hearts and minds of people around the globe. I join millions of others throughout the world who continue to keep Mrs. Reagan and their family in my heart and in my prayers as we pay tribute to the 40th President of the United States of America, former President Ronald Reagan.

Mr. ROSS

Mr. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, in my home State of Arkansas, nearly 75,000 people are out of work today. Unemployment has increased by 19 percent in the last 3\1/2\ years. However, our Nation's Treasury Secretary John Snow is visiting Arkansas today to talk about how President Bush's tax policy reforms are actually creating jobs in Arkansas. All the President's tax cuts for the wealthy have given us is the largest deficit ever in our Nation's history, tax cuts that our children will be forced to pay. For Secretary Snow to come to Arkansas today and tell Arkansans the administration's economic plan is creating jobs shows a blatant disregard for what Arkansas families are really facing. Working families do not need more rhetoric; they need jobs, they need affordable health care, they need a real Medicare prescription drug plan and, yes, they need lower gasoline prices, all things this administration has failed to do.

Mr. ROSS

Mr. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to submit the following for the Record. Summary of Testimony Presented to the Committees on Agriculture, Forestry and Economic Development of the Arkansas Legislature at Camden, Arkansas, April 29, 2004 (Prepared by the Arkansas Waterways Commission, 101 E. Capitol, Suite 370, Little Rock, AR 72201) This summary provides a digest of testimony presented both verbally and in writing to the Committee on Agriculture, Forestry and Economic Development of the Arkansas Legislature. Although not a verbatim transcript, the summary is intended to faithfully represent the facts, statements and comments made during the hearing. Economic Catastrophe Catastrophic job loss and far reaching economic and environmental disruption to south Arkansas and northeast Louisiana will result from failure to fund Corps of Engineers' operations and maintenance of the Ouachita/Black River Navigation System. An approximately $8 million savings to the Army Corps of Engineers would result in a net loss in tax revenue to the federal treasury. The above summarizes unanimous consensus of more than two dozen representatives of city, county and state government, business and industry who testified in support of continued funding of the Ouachita/Black River Navigation System during a meeting of the Arkansas Legislature's House and Senate Interim Committees on Agriculture, Forestry & Economic Development, April 29, 2004 in Camden, Ark. The hearing was attended by some 150 interested participants. The 336-mile long Ouachita/Black River Navigation System that includes 117 miles in Arkansas, is facing a $8.2 million funding cut in the proposed 2005 budget that begins in October, 2004. The budget proposal of $1.9 million budget for recreation on the system will not only eliminate maintenance on the system's four locks and dams, two of which are in Arkansas, but will prohibit their operation, thus eliminating navigation on the waterway. This also puts many of the other economic, environmental and recreational activities supported by the river system in jeopardy. The waterway was targeted for a budget cut because it falls into a category of waterway considered by the federal Office of Management and Budget as ``low-use.'' OMB considers waterways as low-use if cargo shipped on the system is less than 1 billion ton-miles annually. The Ouachita/Black River Navigation system had more than 800 million ton miles of usage in 2001. Other economic factors or benefits of waterways projects are not considered in the ``low use'' definition. Representatives from private industry, river associations, municipalities in Arkansas and Louisiana as well as federal and state agencies presented concerns in terms of the industry and economic losses in light of two possible scenarios: if navigation on the system were discontinued or if the navigation pools created by the system locks and dams were not available. Environmental and recreational losses were also addressed. A representative from Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee's office and congressional staff members from the Arkansas delegation presented statements in support of continued funding of the waterway at current levels. Their concerns have been expressed to the President and appropriate committees in the U.S. Congress. Consensus emerged on several key points: The savings to the federal government by reducing funding on the Ouachita/Black River Navigation System would be far outweighed by the tax revenue lost. Reduction in the funding of the river system has much broader consequences than simply the loss of navigation. The river has become a source of economic development, jobs, power and water supply as well as recreation. Considerable investments by private businesses and governments to harness the resources of the river were made with the assurances that it would continue to be available for use. Before any decision to close or change the operation of the Ouachita/Black River Navigation System is made, a thorough study should be made to identify long term environmental, social, economic and hydraulic impacts. The modern day history of the Ouachita River begins with settlements at Monroe, La. and Camden, Ark. in 1783. More than $700 million was invested in construction of the current four locks and dams. Colonel Rick Clapp, commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Vicksburg District, said the Vicksburg District is capable of using as much as $18 million annually on the river system for operations, and maintenance. Clapp said the district is evaluating possible reduced operation alternatives if the Ouachita River receives only the $1.9 million as proposed in the 2005 budget. He anticipated that in that case, the lock gates would be shut and the locks would cease operation on October 1, 2004. The dam gates would be positioned and most of the project staff would be moved or furloughed. Minimum staff would remain for safety and security purposes. Clapp speculated that the 2 budget would be used for these minimum activities and to initiate a study that would identify long term environmental, social, economic and flood control impacts of project closure. No studies have been done on the impact of closing the Ouachita/Black River Navigation System. Clapp said that if the project were put into caretaker status, meaning the locks closed and dam gates set with minimal maintenance performed, there could be deterioration on the project that could take significant funds to put it back into operation at a later date. Loss of Navigation Closure of the locks on the river system would eliminate navigation and significantly affect the area's industry and economy. Denny McConathy, owner of Cross Oil Refining in Smackover, Ark. testified that his company, in business since 1923, uses the river to bring oil via barge from Louisiana and Texas gulf coasts to make products that go into a variety of oils, adhesives, metal working fluids, rubber compounds and other materials. Last year the company brought 79 barges of oil up the river and expects to bring up more than 100 barges this year. That oil is valued at more than $68 million. It would take more than 11,000 trucks to transport that volume- a task that would be physically and logistically impossible as well as economically prohibitive. Cross Oil has more than 500 customers and projects 2004 sales of between $125-150 million. Cross Oil employs 125 people, has an annual payroll of $6.5 million and the majority of employees live within 25 miles of the plant. In 2003, the company paid property taxes of more then $350,000 to Union and Ouachita Counties. Of that, $290,000 funded the Smackover school system and more than $16,000 was paid to the city of Smackover. Investments the company has made in its facilities were made with assurances that the Ouachita River would be available for use. Loss of the use of the river threatens the company's existence and the local economy. In 1995 the company invested more than $47 million in the refinery, packaging plant and river terminal and a $2 million expansion of the lube oil packaging plant that is underway with completion expected by July. Local companies performed all the expansion work. In addition, the company has 970 accounts payable vendors, most within 100 miles of the plant, who were paid approximately $100 million in 2003. ``Cross alone puts more money back into our government in the form of payroll taxes, employee income taxes, income taxes, etc., to more than pay for the costs of maintaining the navigation system,'' McConathy wrote in a letter to the Arkansas Waterways Commission. Keith Garrison, executive director of the Arkansas Waterways Commission, said that waterborne transportation has a significant economic impact in Arkansas. A 2002 report by the Mack Blackwell Center for Rural Transportation concluded that waterborne transportation had an $811 million annual economic impact on the state. He emphasized the efficiency of barge transportation, pointing out that one barge can carry the equivalent of 60 semi-trucks or 15 freight cars. It would take an additional 40 million trucks on our nation's highways or 10 million rail cars to carry what is not carried on our inland waterways nationwide, he said. Garrison said that cuts in funding to the Corps of Engineers budgets for navigation maintenance have been going on for more than 12 years while there have been steadily increasing repair and maintenance needs on our nation's waterways. With freight movements predicted to double to 12 billion tons by 2015, the use of the waterways will be even more important. More than 70 percent of freight currently moves by truck. Without increased use of our waterways, the U.S. would have to more than double the interstate highway miles available to meet that demand. Paul Revis, executive director of the Ouachita River Valley Association, emphasized that the river's four locks and dams are critical to the operations on the river system. Maintenance work is 20 years behind schedule because of continued budget cuts to the Corps of Engineers. International competitors like Europe, China and Brazil have recognized the value of their inland waterways and are investing more money in them while the U.S. is cutting waterways budgets, making the U.S. less competitive. He said that benefits used for authorizing a project are frequently different from those needed to keep it open, referring to the impact the river has on industry and the economy in the area beyond its intended navigation benefits. Doug McNeely of Bunge North America, said his company is part of the world's largest processor of grains and oil seeds. It operates in 19 states on the Mississippi River and its tributaries. Bunge employs 100 people at 13 facilities in Arkansas and 250 people in 14 locations in Louisiana. McNeely manages two grain elevators on the Ouachita River in Louisiana. These elevators purchase soybeans, corn, wheat, and sorghum from 400 local farmers. In a half-century of presence on the river, he said that the use of waterways to move grain has significantly increased farm income. McNeely said any decision by the federal government to abandon its investments in rivers like the Ouachita and Black will be immediately felt in the pocketbooks of local farmers and communities. His company estimates that loss of river transportation for the grain and soybeans shipped by these facilities would add transportation costs and decrease prices paid to farmers by approximately 14 cents per bushel. This could mean a loss to farmers of $1.4 million each year. Greg Richardson of the Louisiana Port of Columbia, located about 25 miles south Monroe, La. on the Ouachita River, said public ports in Louisiana contribute $33 billion to state's economy each year and create 270,000 jobs. He said that the volume of tonnage has always been a problem on the Ouachita River system and that this funding battle is fought every year. Richardson emphasized the need to actively fund the river system to make it more user-friendly. Ouachita Terminals is working to develop, construct and operate an intermodal/multimodal containerized cargo facility in West Monroe, Louisiana. With the continuance of the Ouachita's nine-foot navigation channel, Ouachita Terminals believes the facility has the potential to bring in enough cargo to end the future concerns over the ton mile criteria used for funding the river system. In addition, representatives from Davidson Terminals and Sunshine Oil Company; Tressenderlo Davison Chemical LLC; Louisiana Oil Marketing Association; West Monroe, Louisiana Port; Placid Oil & Refinery; Valero Petroleum; Tensas Basin Levee District; and Petron, Inc. presented oral or written testimony outlining their concerns about the effects that would result from the inability to use the Ouachita River for navigation. Expected Job Losses and Increased Costs Tressenderlo said it would be a loss of 50 jobs and the jobs associated with $11 million spent on barge use. Cross Oil, loss of 125 jobs, revenue to area including money paid in taxes and to outside vendors. Estimated $1.4 million loss to farmers resulting from lower prices paid from Bunge. Placid Oil, gasoline and fuel manufacturer, said closure of terminal on Black River in Archie, LA would cause prices to rise because oil would have to move by truck, increasing costs by $500 million and wear and tear on roads. Velero Energy estimates fuel prices could rise up to 8 cents per gallon for consumers around the Monroe, LA area if terminal in Monroe is closed due to loss of navigation on Ouachita River. The Tensas Basin Levee District in LA fears loss of navigation will mean bank destabilization, threatening 120 miles of flood control levees that would put many towns and citizens in danger with no identifiable source of revenue to fund bank stabilization projects and levee setbacks. Loss of Navigation Pools Closing of the Ouachita/Black River Navigation system presents not only a challenge for navigation, but also threatens industry and economic development as well as the economy of south Arkansas and northeast Louisiana. Although the system was built as a navigation project, over its more than 100-year history, the river's resources have been used to provide water to local communities as well as a benefit to industry. Any changes to how the river is operated and maintained has the potential to change the quality and quantity of pools of water formed between the locks. These pools of water have served as the life-blood of many cities and industries. In addition, without the ability to use the waters of the river, restrictions on the use of the ground water of the already-stressed Sparta Aquifer would have to be put into place to insure the area would have a viable water supply in the future. Pete Parks, vice chairman of the El Dorado Water and Wastewater Commission and Ken Rudder, vice president of the Union County Water Conservation Board said El Dorado and Union County have invested $6.8 million over the last 5 years to develop the Ouachita River as an alternative water source other than the Sparta Aquifer. The aquifer, which currently provides potable water to areas along the Ouachita River and in Louisiana, is in a critical ground water area. Water from the Sparta Aquifer is being used faster than it can be replenished. The entire project will cost more than $67 million and area businesses have invested millions of dollars more in water conservation measures in addition to donations of land and right-of-ways for facilities. In addition, Union County is working on a multi-million project with several area companies to provide treated discharge water back into the Ouachita River. The great pools of water available now allow for dilution. If the water would have to be further treated to meet EPA and ADEQ standards, additional millions of dollars would have to be spent by El Dorado and Union County. This could possibly result in the closure of two El Dorado plants. In deciding to use the Ouachita River for its water source, the Union County Water Board explored every other option to come up with a water supply. This included looking at creeks and hollows to build a dam to create a lake for water and it was not possible because the necessary water resources in that part of the state do not exist. The river was the best, most economical and viable source of water. Georgia-Pacific Corporation, which operates seven facilities along the river in Arkansas, provides more than $2 billion to the economy of Arkansas along with more than 3,200 jobs. These plants and jobs would be threatened if Georgia- Pacific could not use the Ouachita River for its operations. The Arkansas Electric Cooperatives use the Ouachita River to both run a power generating station near Camden and receive the fuel oil used at the facility. The plant uses river water for power generation. The pool levels maintained as part of the navigation system are vital for allowing the plant to generate, especially during periods of low river flow and high temperatures, when electrical demand is peak. If the pool level were no longer maintained, the plant may be forced to discontinue operation during these periods due to operational concerns and environmental restraints. This would cause not only an impact on the electrical system in the area, but could result in a loss of jobs and a blow to the local economy. Mark Bowles, environmental support manager for Entergy Services, Inc. said two Entergy power plants located in Monroe, LA rely heavily on a dependable water supply from the Ouachita River as cooling water for the power production process. The company's Sterlington plant uses its river intake system to take in approximately 1.5 million gallons of river water per day. Both plants were built along the Ouachita River in the 1950's and early 1960's with the belief that there would be an adequate and dependable supply of water to meet the area's electricity demands. The loss of pool elevation along the Ouachita River would require modifications to the intake facilities that would cost several million dollars at each plant. These costs would be passed along to ratepayers. The loss of minimum river levels would immediately cease operations at both plants and make future operations of these plants at a reasonable cost unlikely. Loss of these plants would impact Entergy's ability to provide low cost power to customers, especially during the peak electricity demand summer months. John Terry of the U.S. Geological Survey, testified that the inability to use the water supply of the Ouachita/Black River Navigation System, would further endanger the Sparta Aquifer, the region's ground water supply that is already stressed. Todd Fugitt, of the Arkansas Soil and Water Conservation Commission, testified that a budget cut in the operation and maintenance budget of the Ouachita/Black River Navigation Project would force the commission to consider water use permits and associated allocation of water from the river in south Arkansas. Budget cuts to the river system would threaten the growth and sustainable use goals of the surface water and ground water resources of all of southern Arkansas, and would impact Louisiana as well. If water from Ouachita River could not be diverted for use, the Commission would be forced to consider regulation of groundwater to bring areas like Union County within reasonable, sustainable water use scenarios. This would mean a reduction of about 64 percent of the current ground-water use in Union County. James Tilley, manager of Camden Water Utilities, said that the city of Camden's only source of potable drinking water has been the pools of water created by the Ouachita/Black River Navigation System. If the river system was closed and the pool elevations change, Tilley said it would be highly likely that there would be periods during the year that Camden would be unable to provide water to its customers. In 2003, Camden drew about 900 million gallons of water out of the Ouachita River to supply 6,000 domestic customers and four water associations in the surrounding area. Recently, Camden has spent more than $11 million in upgrades to the water system. The city has no alternative water source. In addition, representatives from TECO/Union Power Station; Union County Water Board, El Dorado Chemical/Great Lakes Chemical/Lion Oil; International Paper; and the City of Monroe, LA presented oral or written testimony expressing their concerns about the effects to their businesses or cities if the navigation pools on the Ouachita River were not available for use. Expected results of loss of pools on Ouachita/Black River Navigation System Increased depletion of the Sparta Aquifer resulting in ground water restrictions for areas of south Arkansas and resulting economic impact of those restrictions. The loss of millions of dollars already invested to develop the river as a water source for El Dorado and Union County and increased expenses to treat water being returned to river by industrial users to meet EPA and ADEQ standards. Potential closure of three electric power plants serving the area along with increased costs to area consumers for electrical power. Potential closure of seven paper products facilities located on the Ouachita River and elimination of as many as 3,200 jobs. Potential loss of water supply for the city of Camden, AR and resulting undetermined costs of studying and developing an alternative water source. Environmental and Recreational Losses The precise dollar value of changes to the environmental and recreational climate of to south Arkansas if the Ouachita/Black River Navigation System is closed are difficult to calculate. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission believes the loss of the navigation pool on the Ouachita River would have far reaching environmental and recreational impacts. The river has a high recreational value and attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year for fishing, boating, hunting and other recreational activities. These visitors pour millions of recreation dollars into the local economy. In Arkansas alone, there are 37 public access areas constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and other groups on the Ouachita and Saline Rivers. Changes in the operation of the lock and dam system would make many of the rivers' boat launching sites unusable. These changes will also affect the environmental characteristics of the river and associated wetlands and overflow areas. The Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism reports that in 2003, travelers in the five Arkansas Counties in the Lower Ouachita River Valley spent more than $118 million, generating more than $9 million in tax revenue to state and local governments. Summary Closure of the Ouachita/Black River Navigation System would have a profound, far-reaching effect on the economy and environment of south Arkansas and northeast Louisiana. Although the system was built as a navigation project, its economic benefit has gone far beyond its value as a navigation system. The river has become the very life-blood of many cities, industries and recreational pursuits. Its value to the environment and as a water resource supporting the continued growth and economic vitality of south Arkansas and northeast Louisiana is beyond measure. Operation of the navigation project should not be closed, nor should it be changed, without a comprehensive study of the consequences of such actions.

Mr. ROSS

Mr. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, this past weekend our Nation came together and honored the thousands of veterans who have dedicated and sacrificed so much to protect our national security. I had the privilege and honor to join World War II veterans here on our Nation's Mall in Washington, D.C., for the dedication of the World War II Memorial, to honor them and their many contributions to our great democracy and, yes, to remember the 400,000 who died during World War II. At a time when a new generation of veterans is being created in Iraq and Afghanistan, there are some in Congress who want to cut funding for veterans. The administration's proposed budget for 2006 would cut $900 million from the Veterans' Administration. A loss of $900 million would force the VA to disenroll 140,000 veterans and lay off about 10,750 full-time employees, among many other things. It is all about priorities. We must keep our promises to our veterans.

Mr. ROSS

Mr. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, today the new prescription drug discount cards went into effect as part of the Republicans so-called Medicare bill that passed in December. Few seniors have signed up for these so-called discount cards because they provide little, if any, significant savings. Under the new law, beneficiaries can only sign up for one card a year, but the drug companies who offer these cards can switch the drugs they cover every week. So a senior who signs up for one particular card just to save money on a specific drug may find that a week later that card no longer helps them, and many drug companies are starting to jack up their prices just so they can offer discounts without losing a dime in profits. Mr. Speaker, we can do better than this by our seniors. We should and must allow the government to use the purchasing power of 41 million seniors to lower the cost of prescription drugs, but the current Medicare law prohibits this from happening. I urge my colleagues to pass a real meaningful Medicare prescription drug plan this year.

Mr. ROSS

Mr. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, are we better off today than we were 4 years ago? Let us look at the facts. Three years ago, our country was thriving. We were running on a $236 billion budget surplus and 22 million jobs were created between 1992 and 2000. However, today 9 million Americans are out of work and 44 million Americans are without health insurance. Gas prices are at a 23- year high, and household income has decreased by almost $1,500. We have the largest budget deficit ever for the second year in a row in our Nation's history. Our government spends $900,000 more a minute than it takes in, and it borrows $1.1 billion a day. Corporate profits are up, but wages for working families are down. It is the most anemic growth since World War II. So are we better off today than we were 4 years ago? I think it is easy to see the answer is clearly ``no.''

Mr. ROSS

Mr. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Staff Sergeant Hesley Box, Jr, of Chidester, Arkansas, who died on May 6, 2004, fighting for his country. Hesley, just 24 years old, was part of the Arkansas National Guard, Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 153rd Infantry, 39th Brigade Combat Team. I wish to recognize his life and achievements. I am deeply saddened by the tragic loss Hesley Box, Jr. from Arkansas's 39th Brigade, who died while supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Hesley lost his life while making the ultimate sacrifice to serve our country, and I will be forever grateful to him for his courageous spirit. Hesley gave his life to serve our country and will forever be remembered as a hero. My deepest condolences go out to his parents, Barbie and Hesley, his brother, Tarcus, his wife, Alexis, their daughter, TaDarius, and their son, Zacheas. I know Hesley was proud of his service to the U.S. Army and to our country. He will be missed by his family, fellow soldiers, and all those who knew him and counted him as a friend. I will continue to keep Hesley and his family in my thoughts and prayers.

Mr. ROSS

Mr. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, on Wednesday, May 12, 2004, I missed a vote to table the Motion to Instruct Conferees on H.R. 2660, the Labor-HHS Appropriations Act of fiscal year 2004, offered by Representative George Miller. Had I been present, I would have voted no on the motion to table. Although the FY04 omnibus appropriations bill included the FY04 Labor-HHS Appropriations bill, technically, it is still in conference and motions to instruct are in order. By tabling this motion to instruct, it will injure the working men and women of Arkansas's Fourth Congressional District, and the nation who often depend on overtime pay to make ends meet. I support the Senate language to prohibit the use of funds to issue or enforce a regulation that would take overtime pay away from any employee who, under current regulations, is entitled to overtime pay. On April 23, the Labor Department published a final overtime eligibility rule in the Federal Register that will take effect later this year. The final rule differs from the proposed rule in that it substantially expands the Fair Labor Standards Act's (FLSA) exemptions and threatens the overtime rights of millions of workers. For instance, the final rule greatly expands the exemption for administrative employees, thus creating loopholes for employers to potentially exploit hard working Americans. Additionally, the final rule expands the learned professional exemption to workers without college degrees and jeopardizes the overtime protection of blue collar workers considered ``management.'' Working families in the Fourth Congressional District of Arkansas depend on overtime pay to feed their families, make their mortgages, and contribute to this great society. Any action by our government to reduce this simple process in unconscionable. It is for these reasons that had I been present, I would have voted no on the motion to table Representative George Miller's Motion to Instruct Conferees on H.R. 2660.