Weekly Update
Let Freedom Ring
Happy Fourth of July weekend to the folks of Arkansas’ Third! As we all enjoy spending time with family and friends and watching fireworks fill the sky with red, white, and blue, it’s important to remind ourselves of the freedom that we as Americans are fortunate enough to enjoy.
Independence Day marks the birth of the United States of America, when the Continental Congress adopted the first formal statement by a nation’s people asserting their right to choose their own government – the Declaration of Independence. Our founding fathers later crafted the framework of our nation, the Constitution, which I proudly took an oath to protect in Congress. The first true American patriots fought hard against Britian to establish the very freedom we share today, hundreds of years later.
Protecting our sacred freedom has come with great sacrifice. America wouldn’t be what it is today, a nation founded on opportunity for all, without the courageous men and women who gave their lives for the greater good. We must never take our earned liberties, God-given rights, and this great nation for granted.
Our differences make our nation unique, and challenges are expected, but we will always have in common that we are “One Nation Under God.”
I wish you a blessed Fourth of July.
Around the District
After 7 straight weeks of legislative work in Washington, I took full advantage of a district work week. Arkansas’ Third is ground zero for some exciting projects that will greatly benefit the district, the Natural State, and far beyond. Read more below about some of my recent stops around our great community!
Growing our Community
I’m proud to represent a bustling, growing district, rich with pride and opportunity. These characteristics were on display during this weeks’ visits.
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After many years of work, the United States Marshals Museum (USMM) will open to the public tomorrow. Let me tell you – you will be wowed. The magnificent puzzle pieces have come together to beautifully honor our U.S. Marshals and make Fort Smith home of this landmark destination.
I had the honor and privilege of being there for the opening ceremony Thursday morning to express my excitement, which really began in the early years of my Congressional career. Senator Boozman and I pushed the U.S. Marshals Service 225th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Act through Congress, which kickstarted funding for the museum.
This place has a special place in my heart. I'm proud of the hard work and dedication that led us to this monumental opening—it’s been a true team effort. I’m eager to see the tremendous impact it will have on the people of Fort Smith and the rest of our great state.
At the ceremony, I joked that the weatherman said it was going to be hot in Fort Smith, and he was right – between the USMM and the FMS mission at Ebbing, Fort Smith sure is a hot place to be!
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I was honored to attend the “Topping Out” event for the new innovation center at the University of Arkansas, called the Institute for Integrative and Innovative Research. This building will bring in the ideas of businesses and industry partners with a purpose to rapidly apply real solutions to the market. The University of Arkansas represents so much of what is good in our state, and this new research and innovation hub will add serious economic value to our community.
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When Fayetteville Mayor Lioneld Jordan and Steve Clark shared their idea for the SLS Community, I was immediately sold on their mission. This week, we celebrated the groundbreaking of this remarkable project where residential, vocational, health and wellness, community, and clinical resources will be accessible and affordable for neurodiverse adults. Projects like this, driven by visionary people with personal passion, are incredibly special to me.
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I saw the progress of Specialized Real Estate Group's latest Fayetteville development, South Yard, which will be a mix of residential, commercial, and hospitality spaces. I'm proud to see the remarkable growth in Arkansas’ Third.
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Northwest Arkansas’ Colliers Intl. Real Estate team gave me a rundown of the commercial real estate landscape. Since the population is rapidly growing, we discussed the importance of keeping up with infrastructure, housing, commercial spaces, and medical facilities.
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I started my week by touring Compass Cold Storage's brand new 70,000-square-foot facility, which features cutting-edge refrigeration and freezing technology. The new complex offers cold storage opportunities important to food wholesalers, retailers, and food manufacturing customers in central and northwest Arkansas.
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I joined the National Business Aviation Association’s board meeting to give an update on the work Congress is doing to improve our nation’s aviation system through appropriations and reauthorization of the Federal Aviation Administration, as well as the distinctive impact the aviation industry has on Northwest Arkansas.
Investing in our Youth
Anything that helps young people be better prepared for life’s challenges and helps set them up for success is good for the district, good for our state, and good for our country. They are our next generation of leaders.
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I visited the Boys & Girls Club of Benton County and took the opportunity to share some words of wisdom to the youth of our community. I try to share with these bright young minds that though challenges come their way, there’s nothing they can’t accomplish through hard work, dedication, making smart decisions, and giving back to their community.
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The Stepping Stone School provides educational training, speech therapy, behavioral management, and family case management and training for young people with developmental disabilities and their families. It brought me joy to see how the program continues to positively impact the region.
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I learned about Mulberry Community Food Pantry’s supplemental meal initiative called Summer SMILE, which offers meal boxes with for over 200 children for 10 weeks. With school out for the summer, families that rely on school meals benefit greatly from this initiative. I’m proud to see the ways the great people of AR-3 step up to take care of one another.
I wish you a great Independence Day weekend ahead! I hope to see you around Arkansas’ Third next week. Be sure to check out my website, Twitter, and Instagram pages in the meantime.
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