Deborah Koff Ross: “I rise today to help commemorate an event in our Nation's history that we can all join together in celebrating. With the…”

“I rise today to help commemorate an event in our Nation's history that we can all join together in celebrating. With the stroke of a pen in 1803, President Jefferson doubled America in size, making us one of the largest Nations in the world. The Louisiana Purchase comprised more than 600 million acres at less than 3 cents an acre in what today is the greater part of 13 states between the Mississippi River and the Rocky Mountains. Arkansas was one of those states--the third state formed after Louisiana and Missouri. Two hundred years later, Arkansas continues to prove itself a valuable asset to our Nation. Our state has contributed much to our great country--our agriculture and other industries feed our Nation and fuel our economy; our State's natural beauty is an endless source of enjoyment for families and visitors. Arkansas has supplied our Nation with food and fiber, entertainers, and even a president. The 828,000 square mile west of the Mississippi River is some of the most beautiful and bountiful land in our country. If only $15 million could go that far today! I invite my colleagues and our Nation to join me in celebrating one of the single most noteworthy events in our Nation's history--the Louisiana Purchase. This year as we celebrate the bicentennial, I hope that you will visit Arkansas and any of the other states that were purchased for so little, and that now prove to be priceless.”