Senator Pryor Helps Pass Grants for Arkansas

2007-07-28

Source: Arkansas Matters

This week the senate passed two measures by Senator Mark Pryor, the first measure was part of th Improving America's Security Act of 2007. This measure provides a multi-million dollar grant for Arkansas' Mack-Blackwell Rural Transportation center as well as a temporary waiver for the Consumer Product Safety Commission so it may continue official business despite a vacancy.

Pryor said the long-awaited legislation authorizes funding for additional checkpoints and baggage screening at airports; requires 100 percent cargo screening at ports; creates a new program to improve communications links among state, local and federal officials; and authorizes separate grant programs for rail, transit and bus security.

Pryor said he is also pleased the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) will again be allowed to conduct official business to protect children and adults from hazardous products. His measure allows the CPSC to resume its official business despite a current vacancy, such as voting on new product safety standards or levying civil penalties for violations of safety laws, for an additional six months. The Commission's business has been stalled because President Bush has not filled a vacancy since Chairman Hal Stratton resigned July 2006

The second is part of the FY2008 Homeland Security Appropriations Act which secures the trade and handling of a popular fertilizer which can also be used as a terrorist tool.

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