Washington Update
My duty to the Third District is a tremendous honor and responsibility. With this oath of office comes a new Congress faced with immense challenge and consequence.
We’ve had some big updates since our last correspondence. After a grueling start, the U.S. House of Representatives is in full swing. Congressman Kevin McCarthy was elected Speaker of the House, and the 118th Congress was sworn in! My duty to the Third District is a tremendous honor and responsibility. With this oath of office comes a new Congress faced with immense challenge and consequence. I will use each vote to fight for hardworking Arkansas families and advance a future of freedom and opportunity. Strong policy and national defense, superior constituent service, and upholding the Constitution remain my targeted focus. I am forever grateful to have the confidence of Arkansans and will ensure their voices and values are heard in Washington.
We hit the ground running—and I was proud to be the first person to preside over the House floor as legislative business got underway. I’ll note, it was great to see the chamber full, as proxy voting has ended. It's a system I never utilized. You entrusted me to represent your voice, and it’s a solemn duty I take extremely seriously. I have never missed a vote—and I don’t plan on starting now.
This week, the Republican House majority immediately began delivering on our Commitment to America by advancing bills to:
Stop Biden’s Supercharged IRS Scheme
I voted to pass the Family and Small Business Taxpayer Protection Act. The legislation rescinds the Biden Administration’s intention to supercharge the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to target middle-class families and small businesses. We are delivering on the demands of the nation. Repealing the Democrat scheme to supercharge the IRS is a top priority. With historically high inflation continuing to thin paychecks, the last thing working families and small businesses need to be targeted with are ramped-up audits. Resources should be focused on serving taxpayers—not going after them. This bill is a needed step forward in ensuring agency accountability and reversing the drastic growth of government under the Biden Administration.
The bill:
- Rescinds tens of billions of dollars Democrats advanced to bloat the IRS
- Reduces predatory tax audits on working families and small business owners
- Ensures the IRS focuses on improving its basic customer service operations
Uphold the Sanctity of Life
Life is sacred. I supported the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Act and H.Con.Res.3, legislation I cosponsored to uphold the sanctity of life. These bills are about protecting some of the most vulnerable among us. From babies needing essential care after beating all odds to women seeking support, ethical treatment and safe havens of protection should always be the standard. It’s a measure of humanity and compassion of our society.
The Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act gives all babies a fighting chance at life by requiring healthcare practitioners to provide medical care to any infant that survives an abortion or attempted abortion. It imposes strong criminal penalties for medical professionals who fail to provide such care and makes clear that no mother will be held liable or prosecuted.
H.Con.Res.3 condemns the nationwide wave of violence, property damage, threats, trespassing, and intimidation against pro-life organizations in 2022 by pro-abortion activists in the wake of the Supreme Court opinion overturning Roe v. Wade. Political violence is abhorrent and unacceptable in all forms and should be treated as such under the law.
Counter the Chinese Communist Party
I joined the House in taking concrete action to counter the national security threat the Chinese Communist Party poses to the United States. I voted to create a Select Committee on the CCP, which will be laser-focused on defending our nation against the predatory actions of China. The bipartisan initiative will investigate the CCP’s strategy to undermine our leadership and identify policy to counter malign behavior. From deceptive trade practices and supply chain vulnerabilities to the acquisition of farmland and stealing propriety technology—there is much to be addressed. I also acted to protect our Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) from this competitor. Energy security is national security. I helped pass the Protecting America’s Strategic Petroleum Reserve from China Act. The legislation prohibits the Secretary of Energy from sending petroleum products from the SPR to China or any entity that intends to export it to China. President Biden raided the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to try and disguise the consequences of his anti-American energy agenda. Our emergency stockpile is at lows not seen since the ‘80s because of it. National security—not approval ratings—should always be the priority. This bill stops the White House from further draining the SPR and selling barrels of oil to China, which now boasts the largest government-controlled stockpile. We shouldn’t be ceding U.S. leadership to our adversaries.
Protect Americans from Government Abuses
Oversight is a direct responsibility of Congress. There has been growing evidence and concerns regarding the politicization of federal agencies and potential abuses of power against Americans. We moved this week to create a select subcommittee on the House Judiciary Committee to investigate the weaponization of the federal government against everyday citizens. Transparency, accountability, and protecting the constitutional rights of people are the sole objectives of this panel.
Some other notes and news from around D.C. and the Third District:
The future Berryville Library will be an essential resource for local Arkansans. It was such a blessing to be with the community celebrating the project moving forward. Having a hand in making this resource a reality has been a privilege.
I was proud to help secure $1 million to help build a new public library in Berryville. The planned space will serve residents from several rural communities in the region. More than just a place for books, the facility will provide spaces for learning, innovation, e-resources, and more. This funding is in addition to the local investment made in the project, which has exemplified the importance of the facility and real sweat equity from the town. I surprised the town with a visit today!
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Did you know the Third District is critical to supporting the sound of freedom in our skies? We have superb airmen and women defending our nation in the Natural State, and the members of the Security Forces Squadron of the 188th Wing Arkansas Air National Guard are a prime example. It was my honor to take Nathan Sosebee (Fort Smith), Phillip Coleman (Fort Smith), and Timothy Holland (Alma) around the Capitol for a tour. We also discussed the upcoming changes to Ebbing Air Guard Base, as Fort Smith prepares to welcome a critical FMS mission to our community.
I had a great time showing Nathan Sosebee (Fort Smith), Phillip Coleman (Fort Smith), and Timothy Holland (Alma) some of my challenge coin collection in my office after making sure they received one of my coins! I salute their service!
As Chairman of the West Point Board of Visitors, I am always thrilled to meet cadets who will one day join the Long Gray Line. I had that opportunity when Rep. Dan Meuser introduced me to Cadet Aidan Carr from his district! Cadet Carr of Pottsville, PA has always wanted to serve and knows many of our Arkansas cadets!
World-class work and education are happening in the Third District! University of Arkansas Engineering Professors Michelle Lee Barry and Cameron Murray were in the Capitol talking about the research being done to support the Army and both defense and industrial construction capabilities. I secured funding to support their efforts and appreciate their time and dedication to innovation and educating the next generation of leaders!
Growing threats around the globe reiterate the importance of strong, prepared, and lethal fighters. I met with Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro to discuss strategies for readiness, strengthening relationships and reforming processes, and enhancing military capabilities. I thank him for his service and dedication to our men and women in uniform.
It’s good to be back! I had the privilege of presiding over the House floor. Whether in the Speaker's Chair, with my voting card, in hearings, or back at home, I will always be an advocate for the Third District.
P.S. Don’t forget the People’s House is officially open under the new Republican majority. If you have any questions about tours or other sights to explore, please don’t hesitate to contact my Washington office or visit my website here. If you would like to request a tour of the Capitol, White House, or other sights around D.C., please fill out this linked form. Tickets are free and provided on a first-come, first-served basis. We hope to welcome you soon!
P.P.S. This week, we swore in the first woman to head our state government. Congratulations to Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders as she leads Arkansas. She will make the Natural State proud. I have absolute confidence in her ability to move Arkansas forward. Her vision and commitment to our shared values will serve her well as she embarks on this new journey. Best wishes on your inauguration, and I look forward to our shared work to ensure the future of our great state remains bright for generations to come. I also want to thank Governor Asa Hutchinson for his years of service and the strong foundation he’s left to build on.
Wishing you a great weekend ahead! Be sure to check out my website, Twitter, and Instagram pages to stay up-to-date with the latest news from my office. |