Weekly Review
Congress averted a government shutdown today with my support alongside Senators Boozman and Cotton
I know I am going to sound like a broken record. I talk a lot about the dysfunction of the budget and appropriations process. Congress narrowly averted a shutdown as the House passed a short-term funding extension. I joined Senators Boozman and Cotton in keeping the government running. As you know, legislating by continuing resolution (CR) is far from responsible, but the consequences and costs associated with shutting down the government are far greater. This CR was devoid of poison pills and a product of previously Republican negotiated priorities. My vote was purposed in keeping good-faith negotiations going as Congress works across party lines to deliver full-year, responsible appropriations. Again, I will not support any appropriations that include radical provisions focused on advancing a liberal wish list. It’s irresponsible and no way to govern. We also need to be duly focused on implementing comprehensive blueprints that bring sanity to our nation’s fiscal trajectory.
Springfield Chamber of Commerce
I spoke to the Springfield Chamber of Commerce who visited Bentonville this week
The Springfield Chamber of Commerce was in Bentonville this week to learn more about what has helped our region thrive. I shared how the Third District’s development strategy is locally-driven and brings many stakeholders together. I also shared my “mayor after next” mentality that I utilized during my time as Mayor of Rogers. Each plan or decision I made came with the next mayor in mind. Make the investment, build it right—and in years to come—the future leadership will be in a good position. Those types of decisions are important. One example I specifically made was my work to develop the Pinnacle Hills Promenade. Targeted investments support long-term economic success and opportunity.
Har-Ber High School
I had a great time visiting with Har-Ber High School students and teachers
Go Wildcats! This week, I visited Har-Ber High School students and teachers. Superintendent Jared Cleveland—who was named the 2023 Arkansas Superintendent of the Year—and Principal Paul Griep greeted me before we headed into the classrooms to see Third District students engaged in learning. My first stop was economics and civics class! I talked to students about the importance of their education. I was happy to act as a "substitute" because their teacher, Coach Jester, got some big news. His family welcomed a grandchild, and he was traveling to meet this new blessing! I then dropped into a student leadership training group. These students were from across Springdale and were specifically chosen for the program. Being selected to participate in this class is a recognition of their hard work. They are acting as examples to their younger peers! Connor Jenkins, a Har-Ber High School Television student, also showed me around their studio. He explained the various news productions they create for the school and sports teams. The Har-Ber TV production team and students have received multiple accolades for their films and work! Coach McGee's AP U.S. government class was my last visit. One student asked what I would change about the government process. I talked about budget and appropriations process reform. A timely topic as Congress is expected to grapple with another continuing resolution this week.
Capitol Tour
I had a great time taking the Autry family on a Capitol tour
It was great showing the Autry family around the Capitol! I talked about how Arkansas will soon have two new statues in Statuary Hall. Sculptors Benjamin Victor and Kevin Kresse are bringing Daisy Bates and Johnny Cash to life. We look forward to them being displayed in D.C. in the future.
IRS Commissioner
I met with Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Commissioner Charles Rettig
Oversight over the IRS is in my purview as Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Financial Services and General Government (FSGG) Subcommittee. I visited with IRS Commissioner Charles Rettig to discuss agency work and share my concerns related to how the Democrats so-called "Inflation Reduction Act" doubled the size of the IRS. I—like you—don’t like taxes, but they are an unavoidable part of our economy. That being said, I don’t support supercharging the IRS to a level where they are ramping up audits on hardworking, middle-class Americans. He also shared information on how the IRS recently helped take down international child pornography rings, Russian oligarchs, and drug rings. Commissioner Rettig’s term ends in November, and I will be working closely with whoever succeeds him to ensure transparency and accountability.
General Dynamics
Great talking with Firat Gezen about defense work in Camden
Arkansas is proud of the footprint and role we play in supporting our national defense. Components supporting our warfighters and international security efforts are manufactured in Camden. I met with General Dynamics Ordinance and Tactical Systems President Firat Gezen. Manufacturing in this facility builds Hydra rocket, Hellfire, and Javelin warheads and is supported by over 300 Arkansas employees. These efforts are important to supporting the fight in Ukraine. The Natural State is always ready to support defense partnerships and critical national security missions.
Army Corps of Engineers
I appreciated sitting down with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers team in D.C.
Strong water infrastructure is a critical component of the nation. From our ports and supply chain to U.S. Army Corps of Engineers work, the impact of local waterways on the Natural State is felt far and wide. I sat down with fellow Arkansans Colonel Damon Knarr, Chief of Operations Chris Roark, Deputy for Program Management Craig Pierce, and Executive Officer Jason Gramlich to discuss several projects in Arkansas on Beaver Lake and the MKARNS. We also talked about flood management. As an appropriator, I will continue advocating for smart investments that support the Corps’ critical work in our community.
Wishing you a great weekend ahead, I look forward to seeing you around Arkansas next week. You can keep an eye on my website or check out my Twitter and Instagram pages to stay up-to-date with the latest news from my office. |