Week in Review
Appropriations Wins for Arkansas’ Third
Last week I mentioned the kickoff of appropriations season, where my colleagues and I marked up the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs bill, as well as the Agriculture, Rural Development, and Food and Drug Administration bill. This week we tackled four more appropriations bills with two long days of debate and discussion.
We started with the Homeland Security bill. From increased Chinese aggression to an open southern border ignored by President Biden and his Administration, our national security is at grave risk. Luckily this bill takes crucial steps to protect the homeland, like providing funding for construction of physical wall and nearly $500 million for hardworking Border Patrol Agents—the highest level ever funded. It also counters China and bolsters our national security by providing $335 million to procure four additional Coast Guard Fast Response Cutters to operate in the Indo-Pacific.
The Legislative Branch Bill ensures Congress is effective and efficient for the American people. If things operate well in Washington, we can better deliver results to our communities.
Maintaining and investing in our waterways and energy supply will boost economic competitiveness. The Energy and Water Development Bill provides the funding to do just that. These effects are felt right back at home in Arkansas’ Third, from the water you drink to the products you purchase.
The Defense bill commits us to a lethal, effective, and ready force. The investments made in this bill ensure our military is postured to deter our adversaries and, if necessary, fight and win our nation's battles. Particularly of interest to Arkansas’ Third, it provides funds for Ebbing Air National Guard Base infrastructure and equipment to keep the critical FMS project on schedule.
The last two weeks have wrapped with six bills down and six more to go. My goal is to continue to secure conservative priorities while keeping the American taxpayer and Arkansas’ Third front of mind. I look forward to keeping you updated on how the appropriations season progresses.
My First Markup as Chairman
I held my first markup as Chairman of the Financial Services and General Government Subcommittee of the Appropriations Committee this week. This year’s bill claws back wasteful Washington spending by rejecting nearly $6.232 billion of President Biden’s bloated budget request and rescinding funding for his supercharged army of 85,000 IRS agents. By stopping heavy-handed bureaucratic regulations, we can support our small businesses and ensure the government works for the American people, not against them. This bill is a step in the right direction of responsibly addressing our fiscal trajectory America. The next step will be marking up with the full Appropriations Committee.
Comment from the Capitol
Comment from the Capitol, or CFTC, is an audio segment I produce on weeks I’m in Washington, where I give a firsthand breakdown of the latest news. Whether that’s a policy battle or breakdown on committee work, the goal is to share information and give an inside scoop on timely issues that affect Arkansas’ Third.
Click here to listen to this week’s edition and hear more about the Military Construction and Defense funding headed to Fort Smith, as well as the grand opening of the U.S. Marshals Museum on July 1.
Adam Schiff Censure Update
If you read last week’s From the Front, you’ll remember I gave a breakdown of my vote to table the resolution to censure Rep. Adam Schiff. I also talked about it in last week’s Comment from the Capitol, which you can listen to here.
This week I followed through on my word. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna brought the resolution back to the House floor without the concerning language and it passed with my support. The previous resolution suggesting a $16 million fine was at a minimum prejudicial, if not outright unconstitutional. I am pleased we were able to remove that language and publicly denounce Mr. Schiff’s actions. He misrepresented facts important in the Mueller probe and should be held accountable.
Some picture highlights from the week:
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My grandson Kaden spent the week with me in Washington. He tagged along to the House floor, sat in on meetings and hearings, greeted guests in my office, you name it! My DC team had no problem putting him to work. I look forward to celebrating his 10th birthday next week!
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My office belongs to the people of #AR3. As their representative, it’s always a pleasure to show visitors around the People’s House and share the rich history of our nation.
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My friend Michael Colbert stopped by on Tuesday. He is the Executive Producer of two of television’s longest-running and multi-award-winning programs that commemorate America’s freedom and independence, live from the U.S. Capitol, both for the 4th of July and Memorial Day. I’ve gotten to know him well over the years through hosting the Memorial Day Concert post reception.
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Forging strong relationships with our allies is a continuous focus of mine. I met with the Ambassador of Estonia to discuss NATO, the war in Ukraine, the Baltic Security Initiative, and the strong bilateral relations that Estonia and America enjoy.
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It was pretty cool to meet Theodore Roosevelt IV! He’s working on a new Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library.
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The American Optometric Association came by to discuss issues affecting access to optometric care including ensuring seniors access to care, contact lens safety, and lowering patient costs and increase choice. I appreciate their time and dedication to advocating for America’s health.
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I had the pleasure of meeting with two Medal of Honor recipients this week to talk through a bill I cosponsor, which would authorize the future Medal of Honor Monument to be placed within 1000 feet of the Lincoln Memorial. We expressed our shared interest in honoring those who served this great country.
Passport PSA
My office is still experiencing a tremendous number of requests for passport assistance from Arkansas’ Third.
For those who are merely considering international travel this year, please submit your application now, or check your expiration dates – don’t wait!
My Rogers office can help with contacting passport services to try to expedite the process. You may give my team a call at 479-464-0446 for assistance.
After 7 straight weeks of legislative business in Washington, I’m glad to be back in Arkansas for the next two weeks. I hope to see you around, and I wish you a great weekend ahead. Be sure to check out my website, Twitter, and Instagram pages in the meantime.
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