Dr. Boozman's Check-up
Honoring Their Sacrifice
Jun 05 2014
To commemorate the fifth anniversary of the attack on Arkansas troops stationed in Little Rock, a wreath was laid at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery today. On June 1, 2009, Army Private William Long and Private Quinton Ezeagwula were shot outside the Army Navy Career Center in Little Rock. Private Long was killed and Private Ezeagwula was wounded. They were shot by an American Muslim convert, Abdulhakim Muhammad, who told authorities his goal was to kill as many soldiers as possible. Their attacker was a terrorist that claimed Al-Qaeda connections.
The murder of Private Long was an act of domestic terrorism but the federal government failed to prosecute Muhammad as a terrorist. In an interview with Little Rock’s KATV Private Long’s father said, “They weren’t on the battlefield; but apparently, the battlefield’s here.” Private Long was deliberately targeted for serving his country, and as such he deserves all the respect and honor that entails. That is why in 2013, Senator Pryor and I introduced the “Honoring Ezeagwula and Long (HEAL) Act.” This would allow Private Long and Private Ezeagwula to be eligible for the Purple Heart. Congressman Griffin (AR-2) also introduced similar legislation in the House. Though the current administration opposes recognizing this tragedy as an act of war, we owe it to these brave Arkansans to honor their sacrifice.
I’m very concerned about the EPA’s proposal to drive up the cost of electricity costs from existing power plants. That’s why I joined over 40 of my Senate colleagues in calling on President Obama to withdraw the recently announced EPA crack down.
"Our primary concern is that the rule as proposed will result in significant electricity rate increases and additional energy costs for consumers," we wrote in the letter to President Obama. "These costs will, as always, fall most heavily on the elderly, the poor, and those on fixed incomes. In addition, these costs will damage families, businesses, and local institutions such as hospitals and schools."
"This proposed rule continues your Administration's effort to ensure that American families and businesses will pay more for electricity, an important goal emphasized during your initial campaign for President, and suffer reduced reliability as well," the letter continues. "Removing coal as a power source from the generation portfolio - which is a direct and intended consequence of your administration's rule - unnecessarily reduces reliability and market flexibility while increasing costs."
I will continue to join efforts with other lawmakers to urge the President to reconsider this plan that hurts American families, businesses and jobs. Coal is the largest energy producer in Arkansas and this policy stands to have a big impact on our lives.
Here is what others are saying what these regulations mean for Arkansas:
“…the inevitable result will be the use of more expensive fuels, such as natural gas” - Duane Highley, president and CEO of Arkansas Electric Cooperatives Corp (“As The Dust Settles, Arkansas Stakeholders Sound Off On Obama EPA Guidelines” Talk Business)
“The biggest concern that I've got is the impact of the cost to customers” - Ron Bowen, general manager of Jonesboro City Water & Light (“CWL: Carbon regs will hit hard”, Jonesboro Sun)
“The cost of providing power to our citizens is a concern. If the costs rise because of these regulations, everyone will be concerned about just basic power to their houses. It’s inevitable” - Arkansas State Representative Prissy Hickerson (“Looking to Curb Carbon” Texarkana Gazette)
“The EPA standards can penalize a state like Arkansas” - Venita McCellon-Allen, president of SWEPCO (“Emissions goal bigger for state” Arkansas Democrat Gazette)
Last week, Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker returned from a diplomatic mission to Africa that concluded with a stop in Ethiopia, where she met with President Mulatu Teshome and private sector leaders to discuss ways to increase bilateral trade and investment between the U.S. and Ethiopia.
Prior to her stop in Ethiopia, Secretary Pritzker also visited Ghana and Nigeria where she focused on ways that U.S. companies can launch or increase their business in West Africa’s energy sector.
It’s no coincidence that Secretary Pritzker’s first visit to Africa included Ethiopia, Africa’s second-fastest growing economy, and Nigeria, the continent’s largest economy. These are markets ripe for U.S. companies, including many small businesses in Arkansas, that could benefit dramatically if we increased trade with our allies in Africa.
In Arkansas, we already export $5.6 billion in merchandise each year. One of the ways that we are going to climb out of the economic doldrums that we're in and create jobs is by raising that number even higher. The potential for U.S. companies in African markets is enormous, so I am pleased to see the Secretary working with her counterparts in these countries to create opportunities for new partnerships. Trade abroad truly does equal jobs at home.
Despite the United States’ considerable involvement throughout the African continent, our current system of export promotion and finance with these nations is little more than a poorly coordinated patchwork of more than a dozen government agencies that businesses find too difficult to navigate and that fails to provide support to exporters. Bottom line: The United States does not have a harmonized export strategy for Africa while our global competitors do.
This is why I joined my colleagues Senator Richard Durbin (D-IL) and Senator Christopher Coons (D-DE) to introduce a bill to increase America’s competiveness throughout Africa by forcing better coordination between U.S. government agencies and departments, establishing comprehensive strategic goals, and marshaling private investments to improve U.S.-Africa business activities. This bill challenges us to increase exports to Africa by 200 percent and gives us the incentive and a template for how to reach that goal.
A key provision of our legislation—establish a White House-designated senior coordinator to review current export strategies with the ultimate goal of significantly increasing our imports to Africa—was included in the law that authorized defense spending for this year.
A robust trade strategy with Africa is vital for our economic prosperity. Africa is developing a healthy middle class. This newfound wealth has generated a huge demand for American products throughout Africa. We just need a comprehensive strategy to allow U.S. companies to reach these growing markets. It is my hope that the first visit to Africa by a U.S. Secretary of Commerce in over a decade is a signal of a newfound intention toward this goal.
Read more about the Durbin-Boozman-Coons bill.
Religious Freedom Under Attack in Sudan
May 30 2014
Meriam Yehya Ibrahim Ishag, a 27-year old Christian, was sentenced to death by hanging earlier this month for the “crime” of refusing to renounce her faith. Meriam has also been sentenced to 100 lashes for being married to a Christian man.
This is an outrageous violation of an individual’s most basic human right. We all deserve the right to practice the religion of our choice. This clearly isn’t the case in Sudan where citizens can be sentenced to death for their religious beliefs. It is appalling and has no place in any civilized country.
The international community needs to stand as one on Meriam’s side and pressure the Sudanese government to abide by international standards of freedom of religion or belief.
That is why I am cosponsoring a resolution introduced by my colleagues, Senators Marco Rubio (R- FL) and Chris Coons (D-DE), that condemns the death sentence against Meriam Yehya Ibrahim Ishag and calls for her immediate and unconditional release from prison, where she remains with her twenty month-old son. Our resolution encourages U.S. efforts to ensure that the government of Sudan abides by international standards of freedom of religion or belief before normalizing relations or lifting sanctions.
The U.S. is looked upon as a beacon of hope because of the rights we afford to our citizens, but our Founding Fathers had to fight for those rights. This is all the more reason we must stand strong with those fighting persecution for their religious beliefs. Turning a blind eye to the Sudanese government’s egregious violation of Meriam’s rights would be a failure to uphold our obligation to advocate for religious freedom for all.
Holding VA Accountable
May 27 2014
Our veterans have earned the best medical care available. We must continue our commitment to provide our military personnel and retired servicemembers with the quality health services they deserve.
However, recent news reports detailing failure in the VA health care system can’t be ignored. The Inspector General is investigating 29 VA facilities for poor management practices that failed our veterans’ medical needs.
I have asked Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric Shinseki for assurance that Arkansas veterans receiving care at VA facilities are not falling victim to these practices.
VA needs to correct these problems immediately and those responsible for this misconduct must be held accountable. Current law makes it next to impossible to remove employees of the Senior Executive Service who are responsible for these failures. While one official has resigned, just one month before scheduled retirement, no one has been fired. That’s why the VA Secretary must have the authority to fire these managers whose incompetence has negatively impacted the lives of our veterans and their families.
Last week the House overwhelmingly approved legislation by a vote of 390-33 that does this. I urge the Senate Leader to bring up the Senate companion, S. 2013, the Department of Veterans Affairs Management Accountability Act. I am a proud cosponsor of this legislation because I believe VA management who abuse their power and put our veterans in danger is unacceptable.
Our veterans deserve a system that proves their care is our top priority. We need to restore faith in the VA health system and that begins with accountability. Providing a mechanism to remove or demote managers who fail our veterans will allow us to better serve the men and women who sacrificed for us.
Memorial Day
Honoring the Commitment and Bravery of Those Who Paid the Ultimate Sacrifice
May 25 2014
On Memorial Day we recognize the honor, commitment and bravery of the men and women who served our nation in uniform and especially those who gave their lives in defense of our country and its ideals.
It is our responsibility to recognize those servicemembers who laid down their lives for the freedoms we cherish today. We honor the memories of the generations of Americans who proudly served our country in military service and sacrificed their lives for a better future for our nation and its citizens.
In laying the foundation of this practice, General John A. Logan Commander of the Grand Army of the Republic wrote in the first Memorial Day order “We should guard their graves with sacred vigilance. All that the consecrated wealth and taste of the Nation can add to their adornment and security is but a fitting tribute to the memory of her slain defenders. Let no wanton foot tread rudely on such hallowed grounds.”
General Logan’s orders are still honored today, nearly 150 years later. On Memorial Day we recognize the sacrifices the men and women of our Armed Forces make while standing in defense of our nation. They do so regardless of the costs, fully aware that they may even make the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
I am honored to represent a state with the rich military history that we have in Arkansas, as well as the men and women who are called to duty to protect the freedoms we cherish. We are unfortunately, very familiar with the sacrifice our troops make. To the families of those who are missing a loved one today, our thoughts and prayers are with you. We are forever grateful for their last full measure of devotion.
May God Bless America and the men and women who stand in her defense and those whose heroism has made another day in this great country possible.
IRS Backs Off
May 23 2014
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced it will revise previously proposed rules intended to curb the political speech of tax-exempt groups. This is welcomed news.
I’m pleased the agency backed off its proposal that challenges the Constitution and political speech of 501(c)(4) organizations. More than 150,000 comments on the regulation, the most on any proposed rule, rightfully led the agency to reevaluate this proposal and back off this rule.
The attack of First Amendment rights by the IRS is unacceptable. That’s why I joined my colleagues earlier this year in efforts to prevent this abuse of power. As a cosponsor of the Stop Targeting of Political Beliefs by the IRS Act of 2014, I will continue to follow the progress on this rule and prevent overreach by this agency.
In Arkansas, we’ve seen efforts to expand the role of Washington’s control of our land. Unfortunately this is not unique to our state. Today, President Obama is expected to declare a new half-million acre “national monument” along the U.S. border in the southwest.
Media reports indicate this designation sets aside nearly 800 square miles of land. Many people are rightfully expressing alarm that this is far more than needed to protect the special objects and sites in this area. Others are alarmed that the size and scope of this monument will make it very difficult for the Border Patrol to do its job.
While the “Antiquities Act” allows the President to set aside federal land to protect historic landmarks, historic and prehistoric structures, or other objects of historic or scientific interest. It also says that the President should set aside ‘‘the smallest area compatible with the proper care and management of the objects to be protected.’’ I am concerned that this is not being followed.
Unfortunately, current law does not provide a way for citizens to make their voices heard before the President acts. We must bring transparency to the process of creating national monuments so that all concerns and points-of-view will be carefully considered before the President takes unilateral action. In the coming weeks, I will work with my colleagues to address this issue and protect the rights of citizens.
National Police Week
May 12 2014
Law enforcement officers from Arkansas and across the country will join together in Washington, D.C. this week to honor the men and women who died in the line of duty.
May 15th marks Peace Officers Memorial Day. Each May during National Police week we honor the men and women who died in the line of duty by adding their name to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. We honor the 286 officers whose names have been added to the Memorial, 100 who made the ultimate sacrifice during 2013 and 186 who died in service to our communities in previous years. We honor the Arkansans whose dedication and service to community safety cost them their life. The following Arkansans have been added to the Memorial:
- Conway Police Officer William McGary who died in February 2013 after being hit by an intoxicated driver while directing traffic at the scene of an accident
- Arkansas Game and Fish Wildlife officer Joel Campora gave his life in May 2013 while attempting to rescue citizens trapped in flash floods
- Sebastian County deputy Terry Johnson died in March 2013 as a result of injuries from a car accident
- Faulkner County deputy Hans Fifer died in April 2013 of a heart attack while trying out with the agency’s SWAT team
- Scott County Sheriff Cody Carpenter gave his life in May 2013 while attempting to rescue Scott County citizens trapped in flash floods
- Fifth Judicial District Drug Task Force coordinator Larry Johnson died in March 2013 after suffering a heart attack while chasing a suspect
- Fayetteville Assistant Police Chief Elmo Ritchie died in October 1968 after suffering a heart attack while attempting to place an individual in custody
- Texarkana Police Department patrolman Richard Choate was killed in May 1922 after being shot in the abdomen six times by a robbery suspect
- Rogers Police Department constable Will Dalton was shot and killed in January 1891during an attempt to arrest two robbery suspects
We recognize, not only during National Police Week, but all year long, the devotion of the 900,000 law enforcement officers who put their lives on the line every day to make our communities safer. They truly are on the front lines, walking some of the toughest beats in America, and keeping our streets safe.
Celebrate Mothers as the World's Unsung Heroes
By Sen. John Boozman and Carolyn Miles, President & CEO of Save the Children
May 08 2014
Originally published in "The Hill" May 8, 2014
In the wake of April’s terrible storms, too many lives have been lost and communities devastated. While Arkansans and our neighbors are all too familiar with the destruction that Mother Nature can leave behind, it never gets easier.
Just ask Cathy Wilson, an amazing grandmother who protected four-year-old Aria with her own body during a tornado hit at a learning center just one year ago. As the wind began to lift Aria from the bathroom floor where they sheltered, Cathy grabbed the little girl’s leg and pulled her back to safety.
In a few days we will celebrate Mother’s Day. When our families gather, we’ll think about how heroic mothers like Cathy become when their families must flee their homes in terror and despair. For love of children, mothers risk and often sacrifice their own lives.
Yet we are increasingly troubled by statistics showing that in unprecedented emergencies at home and abroad, mothers and children face particularly horrific challenges.
This week, Save the Children released its 15th annual “State of the World’s Mothers” report. The report looks at where mothers fare the best and worst. It shines a light on the more than 60 million women and children living within conflict and catastrophe, offers effective solutions to meet critical needs, and recommends policy improvements.
It reminds us that whether in Mayflower, Arkansas, Tupelo, Mississippi, or Tacloban, Philippines, when a family faces crisis, normalcy is shattered. Children are traumatized and at great risk of physical, emotional, and psychological harm.
Worldwide, in emergencies women and children are up to 14 times more likely than men to die of injuries and deprivation. In fact, more than half all maternal and child deaths occur in areas beset by conflicts and natural disasters.
Without a doubt, the statistics are most alarming in developing nations: In the Democratic Republic of Congo, for example, it is statistically more dangerous to be a woman or child than an armed fighter.
At the same time, here at home, in the 15 years since the first “State of the World’s Mothers” was first released, the United States has fallen in rank from fourth to 31st.
But there are hopeful indicators, even in the most troubled areas of the world. Afghanistan, which was the worst place to be a mother in 2010 and 2011, actually improved this year—moving up 32 places.
As we observe Mother’s Day this year, let’s ensure that Afghanistan’s improvements become the norm. Relief workers must have access in conflict areas, so mothers and children can receive adequate food and health care. Children must be able to go to school, receive uninterrupted care, and have safe places to play. We must advocate for mothers and promote disaster preparedness. We have in Arkansas, and I’m proud that we meet all four minimum standards for having comprehensive emergency plans in place in schools and child care centers as recommended by the National Commission on Children and Disasters.
But more work remains to be done. Let’s make everyday a day to honor and protect mothers around the world.
Sen. John Boozman (R.-Ark) has served since 2011. He previously held a seat as U.S. Representative for the state’s Third District. He and his wife, Cathy live in Rogers, Arkansas, and have three daughters and one granddaughter.
Carolyn Miles is the President and CEO of Save the Children. She and her husband, Brendan, live in Fairfield, Connecticut, and have two sons and one daughter.
