Speaker's Election Update
I have been on the floor and ready to vote each day. We have pressing work ahead of us. With a razor-thin majority, we need to get serious about consensus. We are already behind. We need to be unified behind a strong agenda and solutions now.
The nation's political attention is focused on the ongoing debacle of the election of the Speaker of the House. That's not good for our House majority. The inability to elect a Speaker surely has the discerning electorate asking the question: Are they worthy of the gavel?
It had not happened in a century – the failure of the House to elect a Speaker on Jan. 3. And, after multiple days of voting, the GOPs pick for Speaker, Kevin McCarthy, has slowly moved closer to winning. Twenty members of the majority's right flank were steadfast in their opposition to McCarthy, but progress has been made. As I send this to you, the House is scheduled to come back into session at 10 p.m. ET tonight.
While I am hopeful we will see white smoke from the chimney tonight, hope is never a method. Rest assured, I will be here voting until we get it done.
No matter the outcome tonight, we can all agree this debacle was not a good start to 2023.
I have repeatedly said how we govern early in the 118th Congress will frame our effectiveness over the next two years. With a narrow, four-seat majority, it is essential we hit the ground running and quickly execute our Commitment to America. After several days, House members have still not been sworn in. A chamber full of representatives who have yet to take their oaths of office – it's hard to wrap one's head around it. In the spirit of Oaklawn, when the starting gates opened, the new majority threw its jockey.
Worse yet, even if the swearing-in was today, several key committees can't function because their chairmen have yet to be selected. The Steering Committee, which makes those selections, won't meet until after the Speaker is elected. That means the Ways and Means, Education and Labor, Budget, and Homeland Security committees aren't populated and staff hasn't been hired. It's a mess.
I've always tried to be a rational, practical voice in Washington. Our government is designed to function. As a former mayor, I've never believed shutting it down or defaulting on the full faith and credit obligations of our nation is the right answer. Fundamental to our job is funding the government. It's never easy; in divided government, it's markedly more difficult. Both sides have competing priorities, and reaching compromise is essential.
I saw this storm brewing during the debate over the omnibus funding bill in late December. Against my own party's opposition, I couldn't turn my back on the men and women in our military, the important resources we secured for the Fort Smith F-35 mission, and nearly a dozen other projects benefiting my district.
From Mulberry infrastructure, XNA, and education programs to the Berryville Library, Mill Branch Park, and programs that support our law enforcement's ability to keep dangerous drugs off our streets, important priorities are being directed home and to our rural communities. These even include critical resources and policy impacting the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, where I am chairman of the Board of Visitors and several Third District cadets are proudly on a path to serve our nation.
Looking back, my vote – and the votes of Sens. John Boozman and Tom Cotton – were the right ones. I can only imagine what this place would be like if we had a government shutdown looming on top of electing a Speaker.
I will look on the bright side from this situation: At least we are getting the opportunity to put a name with a face on the new members! You've got to take the victories, no matter how small.
Amid the chaos, I will continue to use each vote to fight for hardworking Arkansas families and the future of freedom and opportunity they want charted forward. Strong policy, superior constituent service, and upholding the Constitution remain my targeted focus.
As things progress tonight, I will be sure to keep you updated.
P.S. I also wanted to share my thoughts on the announcement that Governor-elect Sarah Huckabee Sanders nominated Major General Kendall Penn as the Secretary of the Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs and Brigadier General Jonathan Stubbs as the Adjutant General of the Arkansas National Guard. Major General Kendall Penn and Brigadier General Jonathan Stubbs are proven leaders who have a deep love and understanding of the uniform and Arkansas. With decades of distinguished leadership, MG Penn is well-equipped to ensure our veterans are provided the world-class care and services they’ve earned. BG Stubbs is also an outstanding choice to lead the Arkansas National Guard. I knew early on when I was his battalion commander that he was destined for greatness as a military officer. These nominations are a consequence of their integrity and hard work. I’m grateful for their dedicated service to the Natural State and commend Governor-elect Sanders for these tremendous choices. Congratulations! |