Washington Update
Running the floor with ruthless efficiency was my mission this week!
The People’s House is back! And I am not just talking about the chamber being in session.
We have had some major changes to rules on the floor.
The end of proxy voting was the first step in ensuring lawmakers were showing up for work. It’s a system I never utilized. The Third District entrusted me to represent their voices, and it’s a solemn duty I take extremely seriously. Having every member present in person to vote is how this chamber is supposed to function.
The Republican majority has also taken steps to empower members. For the first time since 2016, members have been allotted access to a tool that will help them better represent the needs of their constituents. Legislation is allowed to be considered under a modified open rule. This allows any member with an idea on how to amend a bill a chance to offer it and get a vote. The process applies to all House lawmakers and is not limited by party affiliation.
It's another action to strengthen representative governance. Enhancing the ability of lawmakers to influence legislation and openly debate policy issues brings more transparency and accountability. It also adds a lot of votes to the roll because each amendment must be considered!
It was my distinct honor to preside over the floor as we kicked off the use of these new rules.
We got work done! The House did something that hasn’t been done in a long time. We instituted 2-minute votes—and I made sure we stuck to those deadlines. Ruthless efficiency was my mission.
We wrapped up a series of 24 votes in under 90 minutes. For context, under Democrat leadership, that would take at least five hours. Forcing lawmakers to quickly do their jobs earned me the designation of “Gavel Master” from Politico. I will take it.
It’s not the only new title I am excited about.
As you may recall, I was recently appointed as Chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government (FSGG). In addition to this role, it was also announced today that I will sit on the Subcommittee on Defense and Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) during the 118th Congress.
The power of the purse is a fundamental duty of Congress. My service on these subcommittees positions me to strengthen America’s economic, defense, and infrastructure standing. I don’t take the responsibility lightly. Scrutiny of agency allocations, holding hearings, and reforming policies will be in my purview. My continued objectives remain fighting for fiscal sanity and the needs of the Third District. I am ready to hit the ground running alongside Chairwoman Granger and my other colleagues on these important priorities.
To learn more about the jurisdiction of each subcommittee, click the below links:
In some more good news, three of my cosponsored bills passed the House this week!
The NOTAM Improvement Act advances essential upgrades for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) computer system known as the Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM), which recently crashed and halted all U.S. flights for a period. A systemwide crash is not merely a "glitch." It should only be described as unacceptable. The NOTAM failure stressed an urgent need to overhaul a technology imperative to America’s critical transportation infrastructure. Taking immediate steps to correct and prevent future problems is necessary. People and businesses rely on these systems, and keeping passengers and goods moving safely in our skies is a requirement.
Additionally, following President Biden’s actions to drain America’s Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) to historic lows, I took action and voted to pass the Strategic Production Response Act. The bill is focused on restoring U.S. energy independence by preventing abuse of the SPR and requiring the White House to put forth a plan to increase domestic production. The Strategic Petroleum Reserve exists for emergency situations—not disastrous Democrat policies. President Biden depleted our stockpile for political purposes, making us less safe and more reliant on adversaries. This bill reverses that dangerous trend and restores an all-of-the-above resource strategy. Our nation is safer and stronger when we are energy independent.
My supported resolution commending the bravery, courage, and resolve of the women and men of Iran who are demonstrating against the Iranian regime for its human rights abuses also moved forward with bipartisan backing.
I will be back in D.C. next week 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.
Some picture highlights from the week:
It’s always good to preside over the floor! We get some work done.
I loved giving the Cunningham family a tour of the Capitol and talking about the history of the building!
We also got access to the famed Speaker’s Balcony – one of the best views in Washington. If you are a constituent planning on visiting D.C., be sure to reach out to our office to schedule a tour and learn more about sites to tour!
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It was great to have the Third District strongly represented in D.C.! Arkansans part of Head Start from Fayetteville, Lincoln, and Huntsville stopped by to discuss their work to help children in our communities. I appreciated hearing that one constituent remembered me acting as a crossing guard during my Mayor days.
I spoke to CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky about a range of issues, including my deep concerns related to the politicization of the agency. It’s important that the value and work of our health organizations stick to those critical missions.
I sat down with chiropractors from Bentonville and Russellville to discuss medical care, Medicare, and our healthcare system. Thanks to Dr. Pearl and Dr. Notto for their work! |