Mike Ross RSS Articles

Legislative Update: The Child and Elderly Missing Alert Program

Mon, 14 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Throughout the United States, an average of 2,000 children under the age of 18 are reported missing each day and 800,000 children are reported missing each year. Likewise, with our nation’s growing elderly population, and the prevalence of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, the number of our seniors who are reported missing each year continues to rise. According to health care reports, approximately 6 in 10 dementia victims and 3 out 5 people with Alzheimer’s disease will wander from their current location often in an effort to return “home,” which in some cases is no longer their place of residence.

The need to locate missing children, seniors, and disabled individuals in the first hours of their disappearance is vital. According to a study by the Attorney General of Washington State and the U.S. Department of Justice, among cases involving children abducted and murdered, 74 percent were slain in the first 3 hours. Additionally, half of elderly adults who wander from their residence suffer serious injury or death if not found within 24 hours. And unfortunately, many law enforcement agencies just don’t have the resources and manpower to conduct searches that can cost as much as $400,000 for a twelve hour search.

That’s why I have helped introduce H.R. 4305, the Child and Elderly Missing Alert Program Act of 2012 (CEMAP). This legislation will assist federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies in the rapid recovery of missing children, elderly persons, and disabled individuals.

The Child and Elderly Missing Alert Program accomplishes this by allowing the United States Attorney General to make a competitive grant/cooperative agreement with an eligible non-profit organization to assist Federal, State, and local law enforcement agencies in the rapid recovery of missing individuals through the use of rapid alert telephone and cellular calls. These targeted telephone and cellular alerts to residents and businesses in the area where the person was last seen also provide satellite mapping technology to assist law enforcement.

CEMAP will complement and bridge the gaps between other programs that aide in the recovery of missing individuals like the Amber and Silver Alert programs. The Amber and Silver Alert programs are beneficial programs, but they do not address all missing person cases. In some cases, there is a crucial lapse of time between when a child, elderly adult or disabled individual is first reported missing and when an Amber or Silver Alert can be issued. For instance, in missing children cases, if no abduction is suspected, the Amber Alert System cannot be activated.

In addition to aiding in the recovery of missing children, seniors, and the disabled, CEMAP will also support agencies issuing Blue Alerts which are used to help locate a suspect who has caused serious harm or death to a police officer and is at large as well as assist law enforcement agencies in combating the growing challenge of human trafficking.

As the Congressman for Arkansas’s Fourth Congressional District, I have always fought for the safety and well-being of our children, seniors, and the disabled. The Child and Elderly Missing Alert Program Act is commonsense legislation that will allow the law enforcement community to quickly broadcast potentially life-saving information. The utilization of this technology will give each missing individual a better chance of being recovered, and I’m proud to help introduce this legislation in Congress.

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A fifth generation Arkansan, Congressman Mike Ross of Prescott represents the Fourth Congressional District of Arkansas in the U.S. House of Representatives. Ross serves on the House Energy & Commerce Committee and serves as the ranking member of the U.S. delegation to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly. Ross is also Co-Chair of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus, Co-Chair of the Second Amendment Task Force and Co-Chair of the Blue Dog Coalition, a group of fiscally conservative Democratic House members that advocates the principles of fiscal responsibility and government accountability.

Statement by U.S. Congressman Mike Ross (AR-4)

Mon, 14 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

“I’ve received a lot of encouragement and given serious consideration to seeking the office of Governor of Arkansas in 2014, a race that will begin early next year. However, after a lot of prayer and reflection, I have decided that I will not be a candidate for Governor in 2014.

I announced in July 2011 that I would not be seeking a seventh term to the U.S. House of Representatives. As a result, instead of campaigning and raising money, I have been able to spend more time, including weekends, with my family for the past year. We have enjoyed getting back to a more normal way of life after 22 continuous years of elective service. This led me to the realization that there is life after politics.

Therefore, following my current term in the U.S. Congress, which ends January 3, 2013, I will be joining Little Rock based Southwest Power Pool as its Senior Vice President for Government Affairs and Public Relations.

While many people have never heard of Southwest Power Pool, they perform an important mission in managing the electric grid and keeping electric rates affordable in nine states. Public service has always been an important part of my life, and although I will no longer be holding elective office, this is another way for me to continue to serve the public as Southwest Power Pool works to meet the electricity needs of its nine-state region today and for the future. This is an especially good fit for me, as I begin a new chapter in my life, because Southwest Power Pool is a non-profit organization that serves an important public service, and it allows me to remain here at home in Arkansas with my family.

I have held elective office for the past 22 years, including 10 years in the Arkansas State Senate and 12 years in the U.S. House of Representatives. During that time, we have helped thousands of people and fought for common sense policies, but I didn’t do it alone. It was done with the help of a dedicated staff that worked tirelessly on behalf of the people of Arkansas. I will always be grateful to them for their service to our state and nation.

My service to the people of my home state has been the highest professional honor of my life, and I will never forget those who have placed their trust and confidence in me. Let me assure the people of Arkansas’s Fourth Congressional District that I will remain on the job, and continue to provide them with a strong and effective voice in our nation’s capitol for the remainder of the term that I was elected to serve, just as I have tried faithfully to do from the beginning.”

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Mike Ross, first elected to the United States House of Representatives in 2000, is currently serving his sixth term from Arkansas’s Fourth Congressional District. He announced in July 2011 that he would not seek re-election. He serves on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, Co-Chair of the fiscally conservative Democratic Blue Dog Coalition and Co-Chair of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus, the largest bi-partisan caucus in the U.S. Congress. He also served from 1991-2000 in the Arkansas State Senate.

Southwest Power Pool (SPP) is a non-profit Regional Transmission Organization, one of nine in North America mandated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to ensure reliable supplies of power, adequate transmission infrastructure, and competitive wholesale prices of electricity. Additionally, as a North American Electric Reliability Corporation Regional Entity, SPP is one of eight that oversees compliance enforcement and reliability standards development in the electric industry. SPP has members in nine states.

Ross Statement on Postal Service’s Decision to Keep Rural Post Offices Open

Wed, 09 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

U.S. Congressman Mike Ross of Prescott, who has strongly opposed the closing of post offices as a cost-cutting measure, released the following statement after today’s announcement by the U.S. Postal Service that it will keep rural post offices open, but with modified retail window hours to match customer use, in some cases. Access to PO Boxes would remain unchanged, and the town’s ZIP Code and community identity would be retained. The new strategy would be implemented over a two-year, multi-phased approach and would not be completed until September 2014.

“While I disagree with the planned reduction in retail hours, I am pleased with the U.S. Postal Service's decision to abandon its plan to close post offices in Arkansas, after multiple requests by me and other Members of Congress to halt the process. The financial problems plaguing the U.S. Postal Services are due to failed management, inadequate planning and poor business practices – problems that closing rural post offices across Arkansas won’t fix,” said Ross. “I have sent multiple letters to the Postmaster General, had numerous conversations with Postal Service representatives, had senior staff from my congressional office attend public hearings on each of the proposed closures in our congressional district, and led a congressional effort to halt the closing of these postal facilities. I’m glad postal officials have finally listened to us. The Postal Service must find other cost-cutting alternatives that do not disproportionately hurt people on fixed incomes or those that live in rural areas.”

Ross has sent multiple letters to the U.S. Postal Service and Postmaster General requesting a full review of the Postal Service’s closing process. Ross lead an effort to get more than 75 Members of Congress to sign a letter to the Postal Regulatory Commission to stop closing post offices and work with Congress to help find a long-term solution that protects customers and ensures the longevity of the postal system. The letter argued “widespread post office closures is the wrong way to deal with the Postal Service’s fiscal problems and could harm the Postal Service’s competitiveness in the long run.”

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Ross’s Office to Host Service Academy Information Session

Tue, 08 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

U.S. Congressman Mike Ross’s Office will be hosting an information session in the Pine Bluff area on May 12, 2012, for students, parents and educators who wish to learn more about attending a U.S. Service Academy. The session is open to the public and admission experts will be on hand to explain the process and answer questions.

The session will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 12, 2012 at:

Donald W. Reynolds Community Services Center
211 West 3rd Avenue
Pine Bluff, AR

U.S. Service Academies include: U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO; the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, NY; the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, NY; and, the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD.

“As some of the most selective institutions of higher education in the world, these academies offer young people a unique opportunity to obtain a first-class education and serve our country when they graduate as commissioned officers in the United States Armed Forces,” said Ross. “My office is hosting this informational session so our young people and their family can learn more about the process and hopefully apply to one of these prestigious institutions. Each year, I have the privilege of nominating several outstanding young men and women from Arkansas’s Fourth Congressional District and I want to encourage as many students as possible to apply.”

To be considered for an appointment to an academy, an applicant must have a nomination from an authorized nominating source, such as a Member of Congress. Ross nominates several students every year and nomination selections are made on the basis of academic factors, leadership potential, physical fitness, extracurricular activities and an interview. A nomination does not guarantee admittance. Interested students can learn more and download a nomination application on Ross’s congressional website at http://ross.house.gov/students/ or call his office at 1-800-223-2220.

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A fifth generation Arkansan, Congressman Mike Ross of Prescott represents the Fourth Congressional District of Arkansas in the U.S. House of Representatives. Ross serves on the House Energy & Commerce Committee and serves as the ranking member of the U.S. Delegation to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, an association of lawmakers from each of the NATO-member countries. Ross is also Co-Chair of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus, Co-Chair of the Second Amendment Task Force and Co-Chair of the Blue Dog Coalition, a group of fiscally conservative Democratic House members that advocates the principles of fiscal responsibility and government accountability.

Ross to Hold Next Telephone Town Hall on May 15

Tue, 08 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

U.S. Congressman Mike Ross of Prescott will be holding his second telephone town hall of the year on May 15, 2012. Ross said he hosts these district-wide calls because they provide a unique way for his constituents to ask him questions, get updates on activities in Washington and hear his position on the issues all from the comfort of their own home.

The call will be held on Tuesday, May 15, 2012, at 7:00 p.m. CT and should last approximately 60 minutes. Any resident throughout Arkansas’s Fourth Congressional District can connect into the telephone town hall by dialing the following toll free number and using the included PIN code: Phone: 1- 877-229-8493, PIN: 14573. Anyone may listen to the call and specific instructions will be given to callers if they would like to ask Congressman Ross a question.

“The feedback from these calls has been very positive and constituents from all over the district have asked me to continue holding these important events,” said Ross. “They are an easy and convenient way for all residents of Arkansas’s Fourth Congressional District to participate in the political process and to share the concerns that affect them and their families. As this new Congress gets well underway, my job is to listen to those I represent and that has always been my pledge to my constituents.”

Working like a large conference call, constituents will have the opportunity to ask Ross questions and voice their concerns on an array of issues. As on previous calls, Ross will ask a series of survey questions throughout the call to gauge the feelings of the callers toward several issues. Callers will be able to respond by pressing the numbers ‘1’ or ‘2’ on their phone and the survey results will be announced live throughout the call.

“The live surveys provide a way for each caller to share his or her attitude toward a particular issue,” said Ross. “This is an interactive way of allowing all of the callers to participate in the call and share their thoughts as we discuss the important issues facing our nation today.”

Some residents in Arkansas’s Fourth Congressional District may receive an automated telephone call from Ross’s office that will give them the option to be automatically connected into the telephone town hall. In addition, Fourth District residents may dial into the call themselves using the following toll free number and the included PIN code: Phone: 1- 877-229-8493, PIN: 14573.

To see a complete schedule of Ross’s telephone town hall meetings being held this year, you may visit his website at ross.house.gov/events. Constituents can also sign up for e-mail news alerts to be notified of each telephone town hall event at ross.house.gov by clicking on the e-news signup icon.

“I look forward to hearing from people throughout Arkansas’s Fourth Congressional District on these calls,” said Ross. “These calls will help people stay informed, have a direct line to their congressman and share their own ideas on the great challenges that face our nation. This technology allows me to bring the discussion right to working families, parents of small children and senior citizens, even when my duties require me to be in our nation’s capital for votes.”

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A fifth generation Arkansan, Congressman Mike Ross of Prescott represents the Fourth Congressional District of Arkansas in the U.S. House of Representatives. Ross serves on the House Energy & Commerce Committee and serves as the ranking member of the U.S. Delegation to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, an association of lawmakers from each of the NATO-member countries. Ross is also Co-Chair of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus, Co-Chair of the Second Amendment Task Force and Co-Chair of the Blue Dog Coalition, a group of fiscally conservative Democratic House members that advocates the principles of fiscal responsibility and government accountability.

Ross Requests Readiness Subcommittee Field Hearing in Fort Smith

Tue, 08 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Today, U.S. Congressman Mike Ross of Prescott requested that the Readiness Subcommittee of the House Armed Services Committee hold a field hearing in Fort Smith, Arkansas to address the proposed mission changes at the 188th Fighter Wing, Arkansas Air National Guard (ANG), Fort Smith, Arkansas.

In February, the Air Force announced its budget proposal for Fiscal Year (FY) 2013, which begins October 1st of this year. Included in this budget proposal was a plan to eliminate the A-10 mission of the 188th Fighter Wing of the Air National Guard in Fort Smith, Arkansas. According to the Air Force, this proposal is based on new Air Force strategy guidelines and an effort to curb discretionary spending.

The 188th Fighter Wing of the Air National Guard in Fort Smith is home to the Flying Razorbacks and employs nearly 1,000 members in both full-time and part-time capacities. The 188th Fighter Wing has always proven itself to be of great value to the Air Force. Its readiness and capabilities have been demonstrated at home and overseas through multiple deployments including monitoring our nation’s skies after the attacks of September 11, 2001.

In a letter sent to Representative Randy Forbes, Chairman, and Representative Madeleine Bordallo, Ranking Member, of the Readiness Subcommittee, Ross questions whether the Air Force and Department of Defense considered unit savings, joint military training capabilities and existing military infrastructure in developing their FY 2013 budget proposal that eliminates the A-10 Mission of the 188th Fighter Wing, and calls for a field hearing in Fort Smith to discuss these issues.

The full text of the letter is below:

May 8, 2012

Dear Chairman Forbes and Ranking Member Bordallo:

I write regarding the proposed mission changes at the 188th Fighter Wing, Arkansas Air National Guard (ANG), Fort Smith, Arkansas and request that the Readiness Subcommittee hold a field hearing in Fort Smith to address this issue.

I strongly believe that removing fighter aircraft from Fort Smith, Arkansas, is not fiscally sound and will significantly affect joint training. While I understand that the proposed force structure changes are the result of a constrained budgetary environment, I am concerned the Air Force may not have developed a robust basing plan and cost analysis to help guide mission assignments.

The A-10s at Fort Smith combine the lowest-cost fighter aircraft and command with one of the lowest-cost bases. With the closest and one of the largest training airspace in the force, 188th pilots train more while flying shorter missions. This equates to significantly fewer required flight hours than other Air Force squadrons. While active duty fighter readiness has recently suffered due to reduced flight hour funding, Fort Smith has repeatedly returned flight hours, resulting in millions of dollars in taxpayer savings. In addition, Fort Smith has among the lowest base operating costs in the military. This includes the lowest housing costs and energy costs per square foot in the ANG.

Due to the adjacent Fort Chaffee Maneuver Training Center, Arkansas ANG pilots, together with Navy SEALS, Air Force Special Operators, and Army Green Berets routinely plan, execute and debrief robust combat scenarios in the nearby training areas. This degree of face-to-face interaction exponentially increases the skills used in future combat.

The size, availability, and base proximity provide for one of the best training areas in the ANG. Additionally, strong community support and sparsely populated training areas minimize environmental and encroachment limitations. This airspace provides the ideal location for the A-10 mission and future fighter aircraft missions. The 188th Fighter Wing has some of the newest and most modern facilities in the ANG. This state-of-the-art airbase saves taxpayer dollars and has existing capacity for additional partnerships with little or no modification.

For these reasons, I question if the Air Force considered unit savings, joint military training capabilities and existing military infrastructure in developing their FY 2013 budget proposal.
I, along with other members of the Arkansas delegation, have repeatedly asked to see the cost analysis used by the Air Force and the Department of Defense to develop the FY 2013 budget proposal but have yet to receive this information.

I believe that a field hearing to discuss these issues would be beneficial to Fort Smith, the state of Arkansas and to our national security. Thank you for your consideration and please do not hesitate to contact me if I can provide further information.

Sincerely,

Mike Ross
Member of Congress

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A fifth generation Arkansan, Congressman Mike Ross of Prescott represents the Fourth Congressional District of Arkansas in the U.S. House of Representatives. Ross serves on the House Energy & Commerce Committee and serves as the ranking member of the U.S. Delegation to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, an association of lawmakers from each of the NATO-member countries. Ross is also Co-Chair of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus, Co-Chair of the Second Amendment Task Force and Co-Chair of the Blue Dog Coalition, a group of fiscally conservative Democratic House members that advocates the principles of fiscal responsibility and government accountability.

Ross, Arkansas Delegation Announces Over $6 Million for Seventeen Arkansas Colleges, Universities

Tue, 08 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

U.S. Senators Mark Pryor and John Boozman, along with Congressmen Rick Crawford (AR-1), Tim Griffin (AR-2), Steve Womack (AR-3) and Mike Ross (AR-4) today announced that seventeen Arkansas colleges and universities will received a combined $6,459,878 in Upward Bound Program Grants to help Arkansas students develop the skills and motivation necessary to succeed in postsecondary education.

The Upward Bound Program provides services such as academic tutoring, preparation courses for college entrance exams and applications, and alternative education programs to help students reach success in high school and in higher education pursuits. The program targets high school first-generation college students and low-income individuals.

“These funds will expand educational and professional opportunities for Arkansas students, allowing them to reach their full academic potential,” Pryor said. “Upward Bound’s innovative curriculum is a win-win for students and Arkansas’s workforce.”

“Upward Bound has had a positive impact for countless students seeking to expand their educational capabilities,” Boozman said. “This is a great opportunity to continue the progress and help Arkansans attain the quality education they need for the careers of tomorrow.”

“Upward Bound offers students in Arkansas the chance to receive an education and ultimately become contributors to society. These funds will improve students’ lives and will help create a more dynamic workforce for Arkansas,” said Crawford.

“As a member of the Congressional TRIO Caucus, I support the Upward Bound program because I firmly believe a key part of strengthening our economy and creating jobs here in Arkansas is to make college more attainable. Helping students attain their educational potential is good for all of us,” said Griffin.

“Educating our next generation is of the utmost importance,” said Womack. “The services provided by these grants will give our students the opportunity to succeed at the academic and professional levels.”

“As the son of two retired public school educators, I am a firm believer that education is critical to our nation’s future and long-term economic prosperity,” said Ross. “In order to prepare our young people to compete in this new global economy, we must ensure they have access to a world class education, and the Upward Bound Program helps prepare students for our 21st century global economy by providing them with the resources they need to succeed.”

The following schools have been selected to receive Upward Bound Program Grants:

Arkansas Baptist College: $250,000
Arkansas State University, Beebe: $587,500
Arkansas State University, Jonesboro: $377,843
Arkansas Tech University: $250,000
Harding University: $287,881
Lyon College: $390,480
Northwest Arkansas Community College: $250,000
Ouachita Baptist University: $395,199
Philander Smith College: $480,150
Rich Mountain Community College: $339,381.00
South Arkansas Community College, El Dorado: $262,500
South Arkansas University, Magnolia: $787,492
University of Arkansas, Fayetteville: $615,671
University of Arkansas, Fort Smith: $260,400
University of Arkansas, Monticello: $336,000
University of Arkansas, Pine Bluff: $339,381
University of Central Arkansas: $250,000

Legislative Update: Today’s Graduates Face New Challenges, Global Competition

Mon, 07 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Across the state of Arkansas this month, classes are ending and thousands of young people are embarking on the next great phase in their lives. Graduation season is alive in Arkansas. For many students, it’s a day long overdue. For many parents, it’s a day arrived much too soon. But, for everyone, graduation is an experience worth relishing and one most certainly worth remembering.

The 21st century, global economy we find ourselves in today is one of the most competitive Americans has ever seen. Our economy is expanding at historic rates and the global economy is now more closely interconnected and interdependent than at any other time in world history. When I was young, we were preparing to compete against other workers from nearby Mississippi, Texas and Louisiana. Now, today’s youth will be competing against workers in China, India and Japan.

For America to continue its global dominance, our young people will have to be smarter, more adaptive and more willing to learn than their counterparts overseas. We, the people of Arkansas, are the state’s greatest asset and incentive to companies looking to expand or relocate their operations. The more skilled and the more relevant our workforce is to the rapidly changing economy, the more likely Arkansas is to attract businesses, boost commerce and create new jobs. Regardless of the tough economic times in which we find ourselves, we must never abandon our children’s education or their futures.

As our students graduate high school and look to the future, they all deserve the opportunity to attend college as affordably as possible. Currently, there is a debate in Congress that jeopardizes this. Without action by Congress before the July 1, 2012 deadline, student loan interest rates will double, increasing from 3.4 percent to 6.8 percent. This increase would raise the overall cost of education for American students and families when many of them are still struggling as our economy continues to recover.

In 2007, I voted for HR 2669, the College Cost Reduction and Access Act, which originally cut student loan interest rates in half, and I support maintaining these low interest rates for struggling students trying to realize the American dream of earning a college education. But it must be done responsibly and without partisan games. It is too important an issue to politicize.

It’s time for all Members of Congress, on both sides of the aisle, to put down their partisan talking points and work together to pass serious legislation that will continue to help America’s college students. Our continued economic recovery is directly tied to the education of our children.

As the son of two retired public school educators, I recognize just how important a good education is to a young person. I have personally seen a committed teacher and supportive school change a student’s life forever. I firmly believe, and always have, that if we are ever going to truly prepare our young people to compete in this new global economy, then we must ensure they have access to a world class education and I will continue to support fiscally responsible legislation that gives American students the edge and the resources they need to succeed.

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A fifth generation Arkansan, Congressman Mike Ross of Prescott represents the Fourth Congressional District of Arkansas in the U.S. House of Representatives. Ross serves on the House Energy & Commerce Committee and serves as the ranking member of the U.S. Delegation to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, an association of lawmakers from each of the NATO-member countries. Ross is also Co-Chair of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus, Co-Chair of the Second Amendment Task Force and Co-Chair of the Blue Dog Coalition, a group of fiscally conservative Democratic House members that advocates the principles of fiscal responsibility and government accountability.

Ross Statement on Passing of Master Sergeant Childs

Mon, 07 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON – U.S. Congressman Mike Ross, D-Prescott, today issued the following statement in response to the passing of Master Sergeant Gregory L. Childs, who died on May 4, 2012, in Kabul Province, Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. According to initial reports, Master Sergeant Childs died from a non-combat related illness.

Master Sergeant Childs, of Warren, Arkansas, was assigned to the Defense Logistics Agency, Administrative Support Center, Fort Belvoir, Virginia. Master Sergeant Childs’ daughter resides in Arlington, Texas and his mother resides in Warren, Arkansas.

Statement from U.S. Congressman Mike Ross of Prescott:

“Our state and nation lost a true patriot in the passing of Master Sergeant Childs. His passing comes much too soon and he will be deeply missed. All Americans owe Master Sergeant Childs their eternal gratitude for his service to our nation. There is no way we can ever thank Master Sergeant Childs or his family enough for his service, but we can honor his legacy and life and pledge together to support all of our men and women in uniform who heroically serve this great country of ours. My deepest thoughts and prayers are with his family during this extraordinarily difficult time.”

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A fifth generation Arkansan, Congressman Mike Ross of Prescott represents the Fourth Congressional District of Arkansas in the U.S. House of Representatives. Ross serves on the House Energy & Commerce Committee and serves as the ranking member of the U.S. Delegation to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, an association of lawmakers from each of the NATO-member countries. Ross is also Co-Chair of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus, Co-Chair of the Second Amendment Task Force and Co-Chair of the Blue Dog Coalition, a group of fiscally conservative Democratic House members that advocates the principles of fiscal responsibility and government accountability.

Ross Announces Winners of Congressional Art Competition

Fri, 04 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT

U.S. Congressman Mike Ross of Prescott announced the winners of the Congressional Art Competition from Arkansas’s Fourth Congressional District. The winners, which Ross honored with trophies at a reception in Hot Springs on Friday, May 4, are:

•   1st place – Melanie Herring, Woodlawn High School, Title: My Palette for this Painting
•   2nd place – Rebekah Cooley, Paris High School, Title: New York Lights
•   3rd place – Violet Herrmann, Fountain Lake High School, Title: Rush Hour

Click HERE to view photos of the winners.

As the first place winner, Herring will receive roundtrip air fare for two, compliments of Southwest Airlines, to attend the opening of the national exhibition in Washington, D.C., on June 20, and will have her work, “My Palette for this Painting,” displayed alongside other winners from around the country for one year in the tunnel leading to the U.S. Capitol building. The tunnel is the primary way Members of Congress, staff and visitors travel between the U.S. Capitol building and the three main House Office Buildings. The second and third place works will be displayed in Ross’s Hot Springs office.

“I am continually impressed by the skill and talent our young people possess and all of the entries we received this year were outstanding,” said Ross. “While all three of our winners had incredible pieces of work, our judges had the difficult decision of selecting only one winner and that honor went to Melanie, whose work will hang in the tunnel that leads to the Capitol building for one year. To walk through the tunnel and see the incredible talent from across the nation is quite a sight to see. I am proud to recognize Melanie and to help display the talent from Arkansas’s Fourth Congressional District to the hundreds of thousands of visitors from across the world that visit the U.S. Capitol each year.”

Each spring, a nation-wide high school arts competition is sponsored by the Members of the U.S. House of Representatives. The Artistic Discovery Contest is an opportunity to recognize and encourage the artistic talent in the nation, as well as in each congressional district, and is open to all high school students. The pieces of art are judged by selected art teachers from Arkansas’s Fourth Congressional District.

The Congressional Art Competition began in 1982 to provide an opportunity for members of Congress to encourage and recognize the artistic talents of their young constituents. Since then, over 650,000 high school students have been involved with the nationwide competition.

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A fifth generation Arkansan, Congressman Mike Ross of Prescott represents the Fourth Congressional District of Arkansas in the U.S. House of Representatives. Ross serves on the House Energy & Commerce Committee and serves as the ranking member of the U.S. Delegation to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, an association of lawmakers from each of the NATO-member countries. Ross is also Co-Chair of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus, Co-Chair of the Second Amendment Task Force and Co-Chair of the Blue Dog Coalition, a group of fiscally conservative Democratic House members that advocates the principles of fiscal responsibility and government accountability.