Weekly Update
Read below about my final week in Washington before I’m back in Arkansas for a month-long district work period.
Legislative Update
You may recall that the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs (MilCon/VA) bill passed out of the House Appropriations Committee back in June. This week, this very important bill overcame the next test by passing the House, crafted with wins for both Arkansans and veterans across the nation, by:
- Fully funding the President’s Budget Request for the VA.
- Fully funding veterans’ healthcare programs.
- Fully funding veterans’ benefits and VA programs, including the electronic health record modernization initiative.
- Providing nearly $800 million above the President’s Budget Request for military construction, focusing investments in the Pacific theater, barracks, and other quality of-life projects.
- Maintaining two provisions prohibiting the closure or realignment of Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
- And particularly exciting for Arkansas’ Third: Providing $75.5 million for three Ebbing Air National Guard Base projects.
This legislation reaffirms my commitment to strengthening our national security presence in Fort Smith and my unwavering support for the brave men and women who served this great nation. It also disproves the lies the left spread about Republicans “cutting” veterans spending. That dangerous rhetoric couldn’t be further from the truth. House Republicans have been clear about cutting wasteful spending in other federal agencies, but we’ve ALWAYS promised to fully fund our veterans. This bill delivers on our promise.
But it didn’t pass without controversy, and it won’t be smooth sailing ahead. Typically, the MilCon/VA bill is overwhelmingly bipartisan, but this time, not a single Democrat voted in support. This is very telling of the deeply concerning current state of Congress, where we are failing on our primary duty of funding the government.
Click here for this week’s Comment from the Capitol to get my take on the pressing challenges facing our nation as the end of the fiscal year looms.
Honoring Arkansas Treasurer Mark Lowery
I’d be remiss to not mention the loss of a true leader and dedicated public servant this week—Mark Lowery. Click the link here to hear my House floor remarks honoring his life and legacy, alongside my fellow Arkansas Representatives Bruce Westerman and Rick Crawford.
Duty, Honor, Country
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It was a great week filled with Army activities. I started in West Point, New York at the United States Military Academy to observe cadet summer training, meet with cadets and West Point leadership, and lead the West Point Board of Visitors meeting.
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From left to right, here I am with Carlee Casteel (Rogers), Ethan Carlson (Bentonville), and Josiah McCullough (Lowell). All three cadets are from AR-3 and are starting their first year at USMA. I wished them luck as they embark on this journey!
West Point commissions young officers of character dedicated to the values of Duty, Honor, and Country. They could be doing any number of things this summer, but instead, they’ve chosen the path of rigorous training and ruthless dedication to Army service. I’m inspired by their remarkable determination and commitment to the greater good at such a young age. I am committed to these cadets and ensuring USMA remains the world’s preeminent leadership institute.
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Another highlight of my week was welcoming junior and sophomore cadets to my office. I loved hearing about each of their personal journeys and what drew them to West Point. I shared with them my own life journey and my duties in Congress and sent each of them off with one of my challenge coins and my gratitude for their desire to serve. Meeting with our future Army leaders, armed with character and determination, gives me great confidence in our future defense capabilities.
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I also had the great honor of speaking at a House Army Caucus event, which showcased the Army’s impressive modernization efforts essential to our national security. I browsed some of the new technology, including improved Meals Ready-to-Eat and the Next Generation Squad Weapons. With remarkable innovation, the U.S. Army stands ready to deter the would-be adversaries in the decades and generations to come.
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To round out the week, Nick Runkel, my Legislative Director, graduated from the Army War College and earned a Master of Strategic Studies. Smart as a whip, Nick is a bright young man dedicated to enhancing his military education. I’m very proud of his great accomplishment and grateful to have him on my team. Congratulations, Nick!
Celebrating America’s Pastime
My colleagues and I celebrated our nation's pastime at a Major League Baseball event, featuring All-Stars and owners from the league. As a big baseball fan, it was pretty cool to talk with some of the best who've played the sport! See if you recognize some of the famous faces below:
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Ken Griffey, Jr., Hall of Fame
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Texas Rangers owner Ray Davis and COO Neil Leibman
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Jake Peavy, All-Star
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Harold Reynolds
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St. Louis Cardinals owner Bill and Kathy Dewitt
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Rob Manfred, MLB Commissioner
More picture highlights from the week
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Kevin Flores hales from Springdale as a proud Arkansan from the Third Congressional District. Kevin is currently serving as a White House Fellow for the Small Business Administration, and he shared with me all the great work he’s been doing to provide support to entrepreneurs and small business owners across the country. I was excited to hear about his future plans and discuss our mutual appreciation for the hardworking people of AR-3. Thanks for stopping by Kevin!
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Holly Howard, a passionate teacher from Bentonville High School, came to speak with me about the needs of teachers in Arkansas. Teachers like Holly have a great impact on the young bright minds of AR-3, and it’s a priority of mine to ensure our educators have the resources needed to prepare our next generation of leaders.
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Lacie Bray stopped by my office this week and we discussed the craft brewery business. Representing Arkansas Brewers Guild and Ozark Beer Co., Lacie discussed the challenges they’ve faced getting their product to consumers, their facility, and the agriculture and artistic aspects of brewing beer. I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to ask what they have on draft!
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Some of my family visited Washington this week! I was so glad to show my niece Melissa Tillman, her husband Jaymi, and her daughter Addison, around the People’s House. My family is near and dear to my heart, and it always brings me joy to have them visit while I’m away from home.
The week ahead
Today marks the start of what we call “August recess,” where Members of Congress leave Washington and come back home for an extended period. I will use my time to visit Arkansas’ troops in Germany who are training Ukrainians, and then spend time in Arkansas traveling my district to get a finger on the pulse of what my constituents are thinking so I can better serve them when I return to Washington.
Stay safe during this heat wave, and I hope to see you around AR-3 soon! Be sure to check out my website, Twitter, and Instagram pages in the meantime.
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