Leads Bipartisan Coalition in Calling for Further Study on the Impact New Requirements Would Have on Economic Development and Affordable Housing

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Blanche Lincoln and Mark Pryor and Representative Marion Berry (AR-01) today announced that the city of Marshall will receive a $765,000 grant from the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Rural Development program. The city also will receive a $1,738,000 loan from USDA. These funds will be used to construct a new waste water treatment plant. The new plant will replace a system constructed in 1960 that experiences breakdowns and high repair costs.

Congress Overrides President's Veto and Passes a Bill to Preserve Community Pharmacies

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Blanche Lincoln and Mark Pryor and Representative Marion Berry (AR-01) recently announced that Augusta High School will receive $200,440 under the Literacy & School Libraries Program from the United States Department of Education. The funding will be used to provide students with increased access to up-to-date school library materials, a well-equipped technologically advanced school library media center, and well-trained, professionally certified school library media specialists to improve literacy skills and achievement of students.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Blanche Lincoln and Mark Pryor and Representative Marion Berry (AR-01) recently announced that Arkansas State University-Mountain Home (ASUMH) will be awarded $399,722 through the Strengthening Institutions Program operated by the United States Department of Education. It is anticipated that this grant will be for a total of 5 years. The funding will be used to provide academic support for college-preparatory students, offer on-campus/online student services, and create high-demand online courses currently not available at ASUMH. The program will also provide faculty and staff with training and development to ensure curriculum is delivered effectively.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Marion Berry (AR-01), a former pharmacist, praised the Senate's passage of H.R. 6331, the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008. The Medicare bill, which passed both the House and Senate with veto-proof margins, included Berry's bill H.R. 1474, the Fair and Speedy Treatment (FAST) of Medicare Prescription Drug Claims Act of 2007. The legislation will help keep community pharmacies from going out of business by mandating that insurance companies provide prompt reimbursement under the Medicare Part D prescription drug benefit.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Blanche Lincoln and Mark Pryor and Representative Marion Berry (AR-01) recently announced that the University Center Program at Arkansas State University will receive $97,850 from the U.S. Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration. This funding will be used to provide technical assistance, applied research, information dissemination, and program management to help promote entrepreneurship, and increase long-term competitiveness and economic diversification in the region.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Marion Berry (D-AR) toured the Anheuser Busch rice mill in Jonesboro, Arkansas on Thursday to express his support for the company and reassure employees that he will do all he can to protect their jobs.

Washington, DC – U.S. Representative Vic Snyder (AR-02) provided the following statement:

Washington, DC – U.S. Senators Blanche Lincoln and Mark Pryor along with U.S. Representatives Vic Snyder (AR-02) and John Boozman (AR-03) announced today that the Secretary of Veterans Affairs has approved plans to establish new Community Based Outpatient Clinics, and Arkansas is set to receive two new clinics.

Little Rock, AR – U.S. Representative Vic Snyder (AR-02) issued the following statement today.

Little Rock – U.S. Representative Vic Snyder (AR-02) issued the following statement today.