Washington Update
Honoring the Service of Third District Arkansans
I honored the retirement of a pillar of the Third District, lifelong Arkansan, and exemplary public servant—Mayor Jackie Crabtree of Pea Ridge.
This week, I spoke on the House floor to honor the careers of Pea Ridge Mayor Jackie Crabtree and Washington County Sheriff Tim Helder. My tributes celebrated their decades of professionalism and dedicated service to the Third District as they both prepare to retire.
As a former Mayor myself, I have high standards for those in the position. And—I can say with certainty—Jackie has been a distinguished leader. Few can remember a time in Pea Ridge when Jackie wasn’t the mayor. To love, to serve, and to promote Pea Ridge have been the pillars of his service. There is no growth project or improvement of consequence that has happened in the last quarter century that doesn’t have the fingerprints of Mayor Crabtree on it. From new sidewalks, parks, and sewer infrastructure to city buildings, walking trails, and water lines, his vision has transformed the city. He also led many firsts. He was the first full-time mayor, brought in the first full-time fire and paramedic departments, and even started the Christmas tree lighting and decorations downtown to name a few. Those examples only scratch the surface of his accomplishments. To me, there is no greater illustration of his success than the thousands of new residents who have flocked to Pea Ridge. It’s a vibrant destination—one where people want to live, work, and raise their families. Jackie, congratulations on a terrific career and a life of serving your community. Your hard work has been instrumental to building a better future. While I know your high school sweetheart, Freida, son Eric, and granddaughters will enjoy the extra time you’ll have for them—know your leadership will be sorely missed. My friend, I welcome you to the former mayors club! Congrats!
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I also recognized a trusted protector and a man I am blessed to know as a friend—Washington County Sheriff Tim Helder.
I also recognized a trusted protector of the people of Arkansas—Washington County Sheriff Tim Helder. For nearly 4 decades, he has nobly worn the badge. His heart for service is core to his character; it could even be argued that it’s in his blood. That point is only further reiterated by the fact that both his father and grandfather also wore the uniform. I know they would be proud. It’s poignant that his law enforcement career is beginning and ending at the Washington County Sheriff’s Office. After starting as a dispatcher, he attended the police academy and went on to work for the Fayetteville Police Department, where he climbed the ranks. After 21 years in Fayetteville, he returned to Washington County and holds the honor of being the longest-serving sheriff in their history. On a personal note, I will miss the Sheriff Breakfasts he would host for the community as a time to catch-up and build trust. I hope that tradition will be carried on by his successor. When reflecting on his career, I could list his many accomplishments or accolades, or the names of the men and women he has helped lead, but I want to read the creed on his challenge coins: “I pledge before God and my community to faithfully perform my duties with integrity, professionalism, respect, and fairness. I will bring a good attitude to work and take responsibility for all of my actions. I will have the courage to do the right thing for the right reasons without exception.” More than just words, that is how Sheriff Helder has lived his life. The Third District is safer and stronger because of his service. Thank you for your principled integrity. I wish you a blessed retirement.
Watch videos of the tributes by clicking the following links: Pea Ridge Mayor Jackie Crabtree (video) and Washington County Sheriff Tim Helder (video).
Preventing a Reckless Government Shutdown
I voted to stop a government shutdown because the American people shouldn't suffer because Congress can't do its job.
The dysfunction of the budget and appropriations process is something you have heard me talk about constantly. As a lawmaker and appropriator, I have a constitutional responsibility to keep the government funded and running. The American people deserve better than the constant cycle of shutdown threats, which is exactly what we witnessed again this week. Congress narrowly averted a crisis as the House and Senate passed a short-term funding extension into next week. 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 worse. In fact, it’s estimated a shutdown would cost taxpayers billions of dollars. 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 legislate. We also need to be duly focused on implementing comprehensive blueprints that bring sanity to our nation’s fiscal trajectory. If we need better outcomes, we need better governance. It’s why I continue to advocate for solutions to move us toward a stable and effective appropriations process. I have previously developed a bipartisan, bicameral package of reforms. Some highlights of the policy changes I put forth included moving to a biennial budget while maintaining annual appropriations and annual reconciliation, ensuring realistic deadlines for Congress to complete its budget and appropriations work, establishing an independent, non-partisan commission on fiscal responsibility and reform, and requiring a joint Budget Committee hearing on the fiscal state of the nation. I call on both parties and chambers to get serious about implementing these common-sense fixes. I will also keep you updated on funding negotiations next week.
Protecting Restaurants and Servers
I introduced legislation to protect tipped workers. With an ailing economy and soaring inflation, the heavy hand of the federal government clawing into the pay of hardworking Americans is the last thing restaurant workers need.
Restaurant operators and their employees work in a demanding business environment, and confusing federal regulations only make that environment more difficult. The Biden Administration recently put forth a new rule, which establishes new reporting requirements related to tips and wages at restaurants. It’s created confusion, great uncertainty, and burdened small business and their staff. The consequences of this misguided Biden initiative include layoffs and cut wages. I have heard directly from Third District Arkansans on the issue. With an ailing economy and soaring inflation, the heavy hand of the federal government clawing into the pay of hardworking Americans is the last thing restaurant workers need. It’s why I introduced legislation to clarify the definition of tipped employee and relieve reporting burdens that are harming the restaurant community. Senator Mike Braun (R-IN) is leading the companion legislation in the Senate. Our bill brings much-needed certainty to servers by protecting their income and job opportunities. Read more about my proposal here.
Arkansas Farm Bureau
I appreciated welcoming the Arkansas Farm Bureau’s Young Farmers and Ranchers to the Capitol.
Arkansas boasts a strong agriculture environment. It's a way of life in the Natural State and vital to our economy. Growing, producing, and supplying food from the land is one of our greatest strengths, and we are blessed to have people who work from before the morning light to after sunset on our farmlands. I appreciated welcoming the Arkansas Farm Bureau’s Young Farmers and Ranchers to D.C. The Arkansas House delegation discussed a range of issues with the group. From the Farm Bill and food security to USDA policies and budget talks, we covered lots of legislative ground and priority issues. My focus remains on supporting policies that help our farmers, ranchers, and producers.
I will be back in D.C. next week as funding talks continue and will keep you updated on the latest news from Washington. Wishing you a great weekend ahead! Be sure to check out my website, Twitter, and Instagram pages in the meantime. |