Politics

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...

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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...

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...

The New Budget will Help Working Families of Arkansas.

Posted on March 29, 2007
Today, the House will pass H. Con. Res. 99, the Budget Resolution for FY 2008. This budget is fiscally responsible and has the right priorities for Arkansas and America. The new budget will restore fiscal responsibility and accountability to Washington, balance the budget, strengthen our national defense, invest in the next generation, grow the economy, preserve our planet and invest in America?s prosperity...

Berry: Veterans Deserve Better

Posted on March 06, 2007
President Bush announced that there will be a comprehensive review of the nation's military and veteran's hospitals on Friday. This announcement comes after a wake of reports that claim the wounded soldiers had been subjected to unsanitary conditions and substandard medical care at Walter Reed Army Medical Center...

Berry Statement on Tornado Devastation in Southwest Arkansas

Posted on February 27, 2007
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families affected by the tornados that devastated southeastern Arkansas over the weekend. Although this natural disaster may have destroyed many homes and businesses, the people of Arkansas are generous and caring - and I have no doubt we will pull together to rebuild this community to make it stronger than before...

Berry Wins 2006 Gold Mouse Award for Outstanding Website

Posted on February 26, 2007
Today the Congressional Management Foundation, a non-profit, non-partisan management consulting and research organization in Washington, D.C., announced that my website was being recognized for being one of the best in Congress. The site, http://www.house...

Berry Receives Appointment to House Budget Committee

Posted on January 18, 2007
Today the Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi appointed me to serve on the House Budget Committee for the 110th Congress. Although I serve on the exclusive House Appropriations Committee, the Speaker traditionally chooses three appropriators to sit on the House Budget Committee and help with the entire budget process...

Important Farm Bill Town Hall Meeting

Posted on January 17, 2007
As you know, Congress has begun to craft the 2007 Farm Bill. I would like for Congress to get as much input as possible from farmers in Arkansas before the bill is drafted. On January 25th, my colleague Mike Ross (AR-04) and I are co-hosting a Town Hall with the Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee...

President's Speech on Iraq Misses the Point

Posted on January 11, 2007
Last night President Bush proposed to increase troop levels in Iraq by 21,500. Here are my thoughts on his proposal:After listening to President Bush?s latest proposal to escalate troop levels in Iraq, I am even more concerned with his failure to recognize the severity of this conflict...

The President is Alone in Calling for an Escalation of Troops in Iraq

Posted on January 10, 2007
The President is expected to address the nation tonight announcing his plan to escalate the war. This plan is opposed by top military leaders and the majority of the American people.Read on to see what our military experts have to say about a surge in troops:General Colin Powell: Surge Will Not Work...

Berry to Keynote Annual Coon Supper

Posted on January 09, 2007
I will be the keynote speaker at Friday night?s annual Gillett Coon Supper. Members of the press are encouraged to attend this event. Newly sworn-in Governor Mike Beebe will be in attendance.WHAT: Gillett Coon SupperWHERE: Gillett High School, 507 Champion Avenue, Gillett, ArkansasWHEN: Friday January 12, 20077:30 PM, CSTThe Annual Gillett Coon Supper is hosted by the Gillett Farmer's and Businessmen's Club in Gillett...

Berry Picked By Democratic Leadership to Serve on Senior Whip Team

Posted on January 04, 2007
Today House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and Majority Whip James Clyburn (D-SC) appointed me to the Senior Whip team for the 110th Congress. This appointment comes just weeks after Democratic leaders asked me to serve as Vice-Chair of the Democratic Steering and Policy Committee...

At Long Last - Rumsfeld Steps Down

Posted on December 15, 2006
After six years of failed leadership, U.S. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld stepped down today, handing his position over to Robert Gates. Gates was confirmed on December 6, 2006, and is scheduled to be sworn in on December 18, 2006. Before being confirmed as the new U...

Jonesboro Lands Hair Care and Skin Care Manufacturing Plant

Posted on December 13, 2006
An Illinois-based company, Alberto-Culver Co., just announced it will open a new $60 million, 500,000 sq. ft. plant in the Jonesboro Industrial Park. The facility will make hair care and skin care products such as Alberto VO5, TRESemme, and St. Ives Formula, employing up to 400 people...

University of Arkansas Community College of Batesville (UACCB) to get $2 Million Grant

Posted on December 13, 2006
Today the University of Arkansas Community College of Batesville (UACCB) has been awarded a $1,992,274 competitive grant from the U.S. Department of Labor. The funding is part of the Community-Based Job Training Grants program designed to help community colleges equip workers with the skills needed by growing local industries...

Berry Appointed to Vice-Chair of Democratic Steering and Policy Committee

Posted on December 06, 2006
Today Speaker-elect Nancy Pelosi appointed me to serve as Vice-Chairman of the Democratic Steering and Policy Committee. As a Vice-Chair of the committee, I will help the Leadership and full Democratic Caucus establish a policy agenda and guide legislative priorities through Congress...

Congress Reflects on an Important History Lesson

Posted on December 05, 2006
The U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill today to preserve the historic Japanese Internment camps where the U.S. government wrongly held approximately 110,000 Japanese and Japanese Americans during World War II. This terrible civil rights violation happened shortly after Japan attacked Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941...

Arkansas Congressional Delegation Announces $1.2 Million in Delta Regional Authority Funds

Posted on December 04, 2006
The Arkansas Congressional Delegation today announced five Arkansas Delta projects that will receive funding awards from the Delta Regional Authority (DRA). This is the fifth consecutive year the federal commission has issued grant awards.The DRA, a federal agency established by Congress in 2000, is designed to channel resources, aid and guidance for economic development to the Mississippi Delta region...