On January 20th, I joined 1.5 million people in our nation’s capital to watch an historic moment.  Many witnessed something they never thought possible in their lifetimes.  Only forty years after the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was signed into law, the first African American became the 44th President of the United States.  This story is one that could have only happened here in America.

The symbology of the day was remarkable.  As Chief Justice John Roberts administered the oath of office, Barack Obama raised his right hand toward God and placed his left hand on the same Holy Bible Abraham Lincoln used in 1861 – a president whose vision ended slavery and made Obama’s story possible.  

The skies were clear and the sun was bright as Americans from all regions of the country, from all races, ethnicities, religions and political ideologies united on the National Mall to witness this peaceful transfer of power that has long been unique to the United States.  And, even though over one million people braved hour-long lines, frigid temperatures and packed conditions to witness the event, the optimism and patriotism were so strong that not a single arrest was made.  As Americans celebrated in Washington or watched from their televisions at home, the enthusiasm and energy certainly made us all proud to be Americans.

Yet, now that the festivities have come to an end, our new president faces a long, challenging road ahead.  At this important juncture, it is critical that we all unite as Americans behind the President and give him a chance to address the many challenges he has inherited.  As we come together and work with our new president, I believe our first orders of business must be to fix the economy and to bring accountability back to our government.

For too long common sense, fiscal responsibility and accountability have been missing from government and are largely responsible for the economic mess we are in today.  That is why I was proud to help pass in the House H.R. 384, a tough accountability measure overhauling the Troubled Assets Relief Program or TARP.  In response to President Bush’s handling of the first $350 billion of the financial rescue funds, Congress enacted a series of measures to ensure taxpayer dollars are spent appropriately, which included closing loopholes, curbing executive bonuses, and ensuring that $100 billion of TARP funds will be used to directly help homeowners across the country stay in their homes.

We also passed H.Res. 40, which I cosponsored, that requires each standing committee to hold at least three hearings a year on the topic of waste, fraud, abuse and mismanagement in the agencies under their jurisdiction.  As a member of the Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, I will continue working to ensure taxpayer dollars are spent appropriately and that government decisions are made in the best interest of working families

There is much more to be done over the next few months and we must work together to turn our biggest challenges into even bigger opportunities, creating jobs and building the foundation for long-term growth and prosperity.  It will take some time and we will have to make some sacrifices, but I know we will prevail just as we always have.  I join all Americans as we look ahead united behind our new president on this historic journey not as Democrats or Republicans, not as conservatives or liberals, but as Americans.

Sincerely,

 
Mike Ross

Please remember that if you have issues related to the federal government such as Social Security, Medicare and veterans benefits, you can visit with my office in a community near you. This week, I will host community office hours at:

Fountain Lake:  Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2009, 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m., Millcreek Baptist Chuch Fellowship Hall, 5837 Millcreek Road, Fountain Lake, Ark.

Mountain Pine:  Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2009, 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m., 312 Main Street, Mountain Pine Community Center, Moutain Pine, Ark.

Mt. Ida:  Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2009, 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m., Mt. Ida City Hall Conference Room, 145 Whittington, Mt. Ida, 71957

Norman:  Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2009, 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m., Norman City Hall, 133 Golf Course Road, Norman, Ark.

On Jan. 20, 2009, Barack Obama placed his left hand on the same Bible used by Abraham Lincoln and took the presidential oath of office to become the 44th President of the United States.  Over 1.5 million people attended the ceremony on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., making it the largest inaugural ceremony in American history.

News this week from Mike's office:

Ross Congratulates UAPB Band on Inaugural Participation;
Praises Director Graham, Pine Bluff Community for Outpour of Support
Thursday January 22, 2009
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Statement on the Passing of Sgt. Carlo Robinson
Wednesday January 21, 2009
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Ross, Lincoln, Pryor Announce $1 Million for Texarkana Airport
Friday January 16, 2009
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Ross, Lincoln, Pryor Announce $200,000 for City of Camden; Funds Will Help Clean Communities, Create Green Jobs
Friday January 16, 2009
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Ross Named to House Foreign Affairs Committee; Jurisdiction Includes National Security, Foreign Relations
Friday January 16, 2009
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