There are two principles that I believe are essential if a government is to be accountable to its people – a strong national defense and a commitment to fiscal responsibility. House Democrats put forth our proposed budget this week that will represent Arkansans and Americans alike and ensure that these two principles are strictly adhered to.

As a member and a Co-Chair of the fiscally conservative Democratic Blue Dog Coalition, this budget reflects the values I represent, and it reflects the values of the people I represent. Along with my fellow Blue Dogs, I have led the charge to hold the President accountable for how our tax dollars are being spent. In this budget we included: an adherence to pay-as-you-go budget discipline; a commitment to provide necessary funding for our national defense; we hold the line on mandatory spending levels to put our country back on the path to fiscal responsibility; and we put an end to irresponsible deficit spending in order to reach a balanced budget by 2012.

It is past time that we put our country back on track towards fiscal responsibility to protect not only our children, but future generations of Americans. We can no longer sit by and watch President Bush’s attempts to mortgage away our country’s future, and it’s time that we put an end to the reckless budgeting practice we have experienced over the last six years. This budget is fiscally responsible and a step in the right direction.

CEDAP provides smaller communities and rural areas with technology, equipment, training and technical assistance to strengthen first responders’ abilities to prevent, protect against, respond to and recover from terrorist attacks, major disasters and other emergencies. CEDAP offers equipment in the following categories: personal protective equipment; thermal imaging, night vision, and video surveillance tools; chemical and biological detection tools; information technology and risk management tools; and interoperable communications equipment.

"Our first responders protect the families and residents of our communities in times of emergency and it is essential that they have the necessary resources to do their jobs effectively when called upon," Ross said. “I am proud to announce these important funds for these four communities of the Fourth District so that their local first responders can continue their critical role of keeping us all safe.”

"Our first responders play an integral role in keeping our rural communities safe," Lincoln said. "With these federal dollars, our first responders will be able to purchase the necessary equipment to provide the best possible service to the citizens of the Fourth District," said Senator Lincoln.

"Our police and fire departments need the very best equipment, training and technology in order to swiftly and effectively prepare and respond to a major disaster," said Pryor. "This investment is invaluable, and I will continue to support first responder funding that makes a critical difference throughout Arkansas communities.”

The following is a list of CEDAP grant recipients in Arkansas’ Fourth District:

City of Camden $7,416

Hampton Fire Department $17,167

McGehee Police Department $33,100

Waldron City Fire Department $8,337

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Ross applauded Chairman Spratt for including key Blue Dog-advocated priorities in the Democratic Budget Resolution including: an adherence to pay-as-you-go (PAYGO) budget discipline; a commitment to the extension of statutory PAYGO requirements; a commitment to provide adequate funding for our national defense; holding the line on mandatory spending levels to put our country back on the path to fiscal responsibility; and putting an end to irresponsible deficit spending in order to reach balance by 2012.

“It is time that we put our country back on track towards fiscal responsibility and accountability to protect not only our children, but future generations of Americans,” said Rep. Mike Ross, Blue Dog Co-Chair for Communications.  “This budget reflects the values of the fiscally conservative Blue Dog coalition and I believe it reflects the values of the American people.  We did not need to offer a Blue Dog budget because Chairman Spratt heard our concerns and included our priorities in this budget.  We can no longer sit by and watch President Bush’s attempts to mortgage away our country’s future, and it’s time that we put an end to the reckless budgeting practice we have experienced over the last six years. This budget is fiscally responsible and a step in the right direction.”

The conservative Blue Dog Coalition was formed in 1995 with the goal of representing the center of the House of Representatives and appealing to the mainstream values of the American public.  The Blue Dogs are dedicated to a core set of beliefs that transcend partisan politics, including a deep commitment to the financial stability and national security of the United States. Currently there are 44 members of the Blue Dog Coalition.

Ross has been a member of the fiscally conservative Democratic Blue Dog Coalition since he was first elected to represent Arkansas’s Fourth Congressional District in Congress in 2000.  He currently serves as Co-Chair for Communications and is one of four elected leaders of the Coalition.

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