Politics

Each year on Memorial Day, we are

Posted on June 01, 2010
Each year on Memorial Day, we are reminded to take time to reflect on our soldiers and their sacrifice. We take this day not only to honor those who have served, or are serving, but also to grieve for those we have lost.From our founding, America has been a nation hard won...

Delta Regional Authority Nomination

Posted on April 24, 2010
I am proud to see that President Obama has nominated Mr. Masingill as Co-Chair of the Delta Regional Authority. The residents of the 252 counties and parishes that make up the region are of great importance to me, and I cannot think of a better individual to serve their needs than Chris Masingill...

Health Care Bill I Introduced

Posted on March 13, 2010
This past Wednesday I introduced my own version of the Healthcare bill to the House of Representatives. It has been referred to several house committees for consideration. The reason that I have introduced this bill is that I don?t think any of us have a right to disagree or to not be supportive of someone else?s effort unless we at least provide an alternative...

Not seeking Re-Election

Posted on January 26, 2010
Since 1997, the people of the First Congressional District of Arkansas have entrusted me to serve them in Washington. It has been an honor I have never taken for granted and for their support I will be eternally grateful. After much prayer and consideration, I have decided it is time for me to return home to Arkansas...

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Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2010

Posted on January 18, 2010
Today, I am proud to join with all Americans as we celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. He called on Americans to fulfill our nation's promise of Democracy while inspiring our nation's most profound movements by uniting people from all walks of life...

Earthquake in Haiti

Posted on January 14, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the people of Haiti as they struggle to recover from Tuesday?s earthquake. We especially pray for families who are still waiting to hear from loved ones and for the continued successful rescue efforts of survivors. The rebuilding may be tireless and long, but the United States will do all we can to help the people of Haiti move forward from this tragedy to rebuild their communities and their lives...

George Kell Post Office

Posted on December 03, 2009
Today a bill was passed to name the post office in Swifton after George Kell, who was known as a famous athlete and community leader. I am pleased to see the House passage of this bill honoring George Kell, native son of Arkansas?s First Congressional District...

Veterans Day 2009

Posted on November 11, 2009
Each November, our country comes together to honor veterans who served our nation and remember those who paid the ultimate price in preserving our country's freedom. Throughout the history of our nation, brave men and women have answered the call of duty to defend democracy and protect the world from tyranny...

H.R. 3962 Passes the House

Posted on November 09, 2009
I appreciate the thousands of Arkansans who have called, written, e-mailed, and met with me over the last several months to share their concerns about health care in this country. There is broad agreement that the cost of health care is currently unsustainable for individuals, families, small businesses, and taxpayers...

American Legion Day Established

Posted on September 15, 2009
Today, with the passage of House Resolution 679, we pay tribute to one of our nation's largest and most successful veterans advocacy organizations, the American Legion. Since the Congressional charter was issued on September 16th, 1919, the American Legion has worked tirelessly to serve American veterans and communities across the nation...

Senator Kennedy: Lifelong Public Servant

Posted on August 26, 2009
Yesterday, our nation suffered the loss of a great public servant, and I felt the great personal loss of a dear friend. Senator Edward Kennedy loved this country and its people, and fought tirelessly to pass numerous laws that improve the lives of ordinary Americans...

D-Day: A Time to Remember our Veterans

Posted on June 05, 2009
Sixty-five years ago today in the early morning darkness, a legendary coalition of Allied forces were on a mission to liberate France from Nazi Germany in World War II. Young men from a diverse group of backgrounds joined together as one to fight for a common cause...

Cuba Travel Restrictions Eased by President

Posted on April 13, 2009
I applaud the President's decision to ease travel restrictions to Cuba. The last 50 years of U.S. policy toward Cuba have proven that unilateral sanctions are not effective. By lifting the travel restrictions, we are beginning to lay the groundwork for long-term diplomacy and increased trade...

March 22-28th is Cover the Uninsured Week

Posted on March 26, 2009
March 22-28th is Cover the Uninsured Week. This nationwide effort aims to find ways to increase the dialogue about reforming our nation?s health care system. The goal is to provide affordable health insurance to the 45 million Americans who are currently uninsured...

BERRY STATEMENT IN HONOR OF DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.

Posted on January 15, 2009
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. inspired a profound movement that united Americans from all walks of life. He was a leader in the effort to make our society more just. Today, we remember and honor his struggles and accomplishments during the civil rights movement...

Passage of FAST ACT/Prompt Pay

Posted on July 14, 2008
Over the past couple of weeks BOTH the and House and Senate passed of H.R. 6331, the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008. The Medicare bill, which passed Congress with a veto-proof margin, included my prompt pay bill, H.R. 1474, the Fair and Speedy Treatment (FAST) of Medicare Prescription Drug Claims Act of 2007...

My NATO trip to Europe and Afghanistan

Posted on June 06, 2008
During the Memorial Day recess, I traveled to Germany, Turkey, and Afghanistan as part of an official North Atlantic Treaty Organization Parliamentary Assembly (NATO-PA) diplomatic mission representing the United States. I traveled with fellow Arkansas representatives Mike Ross and John Boozman, as well several other members of Congress to get a first-hand look at the progress our nation's military and NATO forces are making in the ongoing war against terrorism and in rebuilding efforts in Afghanistan...

Members of Arkansas Delegation Urge President to Approve Disaster Declaration for State

Posted on March 26, 2008
Late last night I joined with fellow members of the Arkansas Delegation to write a letter to President Bush urging him and FEMA Administrator David Paulison to swiftly consider and approve the state?s request for a federal disaster declaration.The congressional delegation?s request follows extensive damage as a result of flooding and severe thunderstorms beginning March 18...

Members of Arkansas Delegation Urge President to Approve Disaster Declaration for State

Posted on March 26, 2008
Late last night I joined with fellow members of the Arkansas Delegation to write a letter to President Bush urging him and FEMA Administrator David Paulison to swiftly consider and approve the state???s request for a federal disaster declaration.The congressional delegation???s request follows extensive damage as a result of flooding and severe thunderstorms beginning March 18...

America Supports You Caucus

Posted on March 05, 2008
Today, I joined over two dozen bipartisan Members in the House to form the America Supports You Caucus. This caucus will highlight the America Supports You program, a Department of Defense initiative that connects individuals, organizations, and companies to hundreds of homefront groups that offer a variety of support to the military community...

Berry Responds to Bush's Final State of the Union Address

Posted on January 30, 2008
The President's Final State of the Union should be a time of reflection and a speech about what we can do to improve our nation. Instead, the President's speech fell far short. Below is my response to his speech.As President Bush addressed the nation tonight, I couldn't help but reflect on how much has changed in the past 7 years...

Berry: Our Nation Must Pledge to Leave No Veteran Behind

Posted on November 10, 2007
On this Veterans Day, let us remember their commitment and service to our country. Below is an Op Ed I wrote that ran in the Jonesboro Sun that expresses how thankful we are for their dedication to preserve our freedom. Article: Throughout the history of our nation, brave men and women have answered the call of duty to defend our democracy and preserve our freedom...

SCHIP and Tour of The Learning Center in Jonesboro

Posted on October 19, 2007
Today, I toured The Learning Center in Jonesboro and met with the administrators and families to discuss the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). After the meeting, I spoke with the families, community leaders, and reporters to further highlight the importance of the legislation for the local community...

Berry Calls on President Bush to Take Immediate Action to Fix Continued Problems with VA

Posted on October 02, 2007
Today I released this letter to President Bush in response to a recent report by the Government Accountability Office (GAO), which found that the VA is not making significant progress with medical care and disability payments for wounded soldiers. In the letter, I urge the President to take immediate action to fix the series of ongoing problems that have plagued the VA for years...

Legislative Accomplishments of the 110th Congress

Posted on August 31, 2007
As you read this email, I'm currently traveling the district getting feedback from so many of you on the progress Congress has made so far. We have been working hard to change direction from the previous Congress and restore priorities that will improve the lives of hard-working Americans...

Nicholson Resignation is an Opportunity for Change

Posted on July 20, 2007
The recent resignation of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs Jim Nicholson provides an opportunity to appoint a new leader that will improve healthcare and other vital services for our nation's veterans.The next secretary will have their hands full trying to fix a myriad of problems ranging from the backlog of claims to staffing shortages and budget shortfalls...

Important Farm Bill Meeting

Posted on June 27, 2007
From rising fuel and fertilizer prices to severe weather, Arkansas farmers are faced with tremendous obstacles. Because of these and other issues affecting producers, I will be hosting three meetings to discuss the upcoming 2007 Farm Bill during the first week in July...

Lifting Embargo Would Benefit Arkansas

Posted on June 14, 2007
Recently, I traveled to Cuba with House Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee Chairwoman Rosa DeLauro and a bipartisan Congressional Delegation to continue the dialogue of increasing trade with Cuba. While I was there, I met with some of the country's top officials and had a very promising discussion about current and future trade policies with Cuba...

Rising Gas Prices: Big Oil Companies Taxing Americans

Posted on May 10, 2007
With Memorial Day travel and the start of the summer driving season only a few weeks away, gas prices have been surging ahead, hitting a new record national average this week. Drivers are paying a heavy price for the Bush Administration?s failure to enact a comprehensive energy strategy...

Prepare Your Family in the Event of a Natural Disaster

Posted on April 05, 2007
An earthquake along the New Madrid Fault could affect as many as 24 Arkansas counties. That?s why I?m encouraging everyone to be prepared in case an earthquake or any other natural disaster strikes the region. Identifying potential earthquake hazards and advance planning can help homeowners reduce the dangers of serious injury or loss of life and minimize property damage...

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