Arkansans In Congress Seek Follow-Through From Bush

Several members of Congress from Arkansas say they liked some of the things they heard from President Bush in his State of the Union speech. But some of them have raised questions about whether the president would follow through on his pledges. Senator Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas, a Democrat, said she was pleased that the Republican president talked about an economic-stimulus package, the war in Iraq and health care in his speech. She said now is the time to put words into action. Senator Mark Pryor of Arkansas, also a Democrat, said what he heard from Bush about an economic-stimulus package sounded good. But he said the problem with Bush has been that the president often doesn't follow through on pledges for legislation or to work with Congress. The lone Republican in the state's congressional delegation, Congressman John Boozman supported Bush's call for a reduction in "pet project" funding and for expanding benefits for soldiers, sailors, airmen and their families. Democratic Congressman Mike Ross said he hopes Bush follows through on his pledge to be part of a bipartisan effort to provide economic relief. Ross said the state of the economy ranked as the overwhelming top choice among constituents who responded to a survey in his weekly newsletter. Congressman Vic Snyder, another Democrat, said he was pleased at the priority Bush placed on stimulating a sagging economy. But he said the speech was uninspiring, one that was unlikely to push anybody in a particular direction. Democratic Congressman Marion Berry lamented what he said were seven years of failed policies from the Bush Administration. He called for members of Congress to work together to develop an economic-stimulus package, focused on helping the middle class rather than the special interests.