In rural areas of America, there is a growing increase in poverty, homelessness and hunger. You cannot separate these factors from domestic violence ?- a mother with three kids and no financial security is going to stiffen her lip and take the abuse, because not only does she have nowhere else to go, she has three children depending on her for survival.
It certainly makes no sense to enact more laws if we cannot, or do not, enforce the ones we have.
Whether it's making sure that families have access to quality health care and child care, or making sure that our children receive the best educational opportunities we can give them, we must remain committed to these needs because our children are our future.
Stopping crime before it occurs is the most effective crime fighting tool of all.
My heart has been heavy and I have deliberated within my own conscience, knowing that my decision should not come out of my initial emotion of anger toward the President for such reckless behavior, but should be based on the facts.
We still have tremendous work ahead of us to ensure that women have equal opportunities in the workplace and in our society.
I believe that the fight against crime starts in the home. Parents must take responsibility for their children and show them love and guidance from an early age so they learn to respect the rights of others.
"America's Cold War veterans deserve every honor we can bestow upon them for their hard work and dedication to keeping our nation safe,". "The Cold War Service Medal would allow military service members, veterans, and their families to receive the recognition and honor they rightfully deserve. I will continue to work with my colleagues to ensure our veterans receive the support and care they and their families need. It's the least we can do as a grateful nation."
Unless we make education a priority, an entire generation of Americans could miss out on the American dream.
Right and wrong becomes more difficult for each of us as we grow older, because the older we get the more we know personally about our own human frailties.
Now, I do come from a part of the country where the people say that the only thing in the middle of the road is a yellow line or roadkill.
In Arkansas alone, approximately three quarters of a million people are at risk of going hungry, and one in four children does not get enough to eat, so my goal is to bring awareness to this tragic issue.
Many Americans are unaware that we still have a large population of working families, elderly, and children who rely on emergency food pantries, shelters, and other resources to meet their nutritional needs.
Improving our national intelligence capabilities should remain a top priority and a continual process.
At a time when U.S. jobs are heading overseas at a record pace, and amidst increased sanctions on our manufacturers and producers from other countries, it's imperative that we do all we can to provide our businesses a climate to operate successfully.
If we invest in the American people, the American people always bring this Nation a good return.
Spending and tax cut decisions must be both fiscally responsible and fair to our working families. I believe that fiscal responsibility is the way to create prosperity for America and secure the retirement of America's seniors.
A common misconception is that the costs of health care are cheaper in rural America, when in fact the reality is that they are more expensive and more difficult to access.
It's not my job to dream your dreams. It's my job to make your dreams become a reality.
I am not normally a betting person, but I say that putting your money on the American people is about as close to a sure bet as you are going to get.
