Weekly Review
I-49 Groundbreaking
This critical expansion of I-49 represents a transformative investment in our transportation infrastructure in the Third District.
Yesterday’s Arkansas Department of Transportation groundbreaking was a momentous occasion. This critical expansion of Interstate 49 represents a transformative investment in our transportation infrastructure here in Arkansas. The time is now right to bring long-discussed plans into reality.
It’s more than 14 miles of added pavement. It’s the connectivity of Arkansas; the improved movement of freight, people, goods, and visitors; and another element to the multimodal transportation grid we boast.
Many committed partners made this day possible, beginning with the people of Arkansas who passed Issue 1. I commend state officials for creating a plan voters supported, delivering a dependable and lasting funding stream for state highway projects. I also recognize local leaders – past and present – who have always been so supportive of the vision to bring I-49 across the Arkansas River.
We've had a strong coalition of leaders who have always been so supportive of the vision to bring I-49 across the Arkansas River.
Understanding how important the completion of this vital section of I-49 is to our growing region and highlighting the state’s ability to commit financially to the project, I was pleased to work with Senator Boozman to personally secure $18 million through the House Committee on Appropriations FY22 Community Project Funding process to help support it.
It is truly remarkable to think that in less than a decade’s time both the Bella Vista Bypass in Northwest Arkansas and this strategic section of I-49 crossing the Arkansas River could be open for use. It wasn’t long ago that timing for the completion of either section remained an open question. But our state’s elected leadership at the federal, state, and local levels worked together for many years to reach this moment. Future leaders who will build upon the foundation of economic growth and prosperity resulting from our collective efforts will recall with fondness this very day when Arkansans stepped forward in confidence to publicly signify the beginning step of a critical highway project that will forever transform western Arkansas. I’ll never stop fighting to ensure needed resources are making their way back to the Natural State.
Inflation
Inflation rose to a new 40-year high in September.
This week, the Consumer Price Index surpassed predictions in September. Another month of “higher than expected” inflation. We’ve heard that before. It’s terrible news.
High prices haven’t been transitory or temporary—they’re a mainstay of the White House’s badly mismanaged economy. Americans are feeling the impact of Democrat policies at the pump, at the grocery store, and when they look at their energy bills. Families can’t afford the reckless Biden-Pelosi spending agenda—but they are certainly paying a dear price for it.
Inflation has risen 13.5% since President Biden took office in January 2021 and has increased every month since Democrats passed their so-called “Inflation Reduction Act.” I voted against the tax-and-spend bill, which was filled with radical priorities and has further fueled inflation. Real wages are down, prices are up, and the economy has shrunk. Rising interest rates—necessitated to combat the inflation rates we are experiencing—are also putting a strain on credit card balances, making it hard for people to buy a home, and costing taxpayers trillions more in interest payments on the national debt.
My Democrat colleagues are trying to spend their way out of inflation and tax their way out of a recession. It’s bad policy, and it’s certainly no solution. American people should not be asked to foot the bill for more of the same failed policies. We must reverse course. One of the central tenets of the House Republican Commitment to America is “an economy that’s strong” – one where families benefit from increased take-home pay, good-paying jobs, and stability through pro-growth tax and deregulatory policies.
Student Reminders
I invite all Third District middle and high school students to join the Congressional App Challenge.
Congressional App Challenge: The November 1st deadline to enter the 2022 Congressional App Challenge is approaching quickly. Don’t forget to apply! I can’t wait to see our best and brightest minds get creative and leverage their STEM skills again this year. I encourage all local middle and high school students to participate! Click here to learn more about the competition and how to sign up.
The deadline to apply for a U.S. military service academy nomination from my office is November 1st.
Military Service Academies: Our United States Military Service Academies offer a challenging education and opportunity to serve our exceptional nation. For students interested in attending the U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Coast Guard Academy, and U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, the deadline to apply for a nomination through my office is November 1st. More information here.
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. |