Weekly Rundown
Congress is away from Washington during our annual August district work period, which gives me ample time to travel around the district and hear from the folks of Arkansas’ Third.
It also gives me the opportunity for me to share what’s happening in Washington. Read below an in-depth update on where border policy stands now.
Border Security
Borders are essential to a country’s sovereignty, and a sovereign nation has the right to secure its borders. Unfortunately, it is no secret that our southern border is in a state of crisis, with its effect felt across America, including our home state. Even more alarming is the fact that the crisis at our southern border is a manufactured one, shaped by the stroke of President Biden’s pen.
In his first few weeks in office, the President signed several executive orders that halted border wall construction, suspended the Remain in Mexico policy, and reinstated catch-and-release policies. I visited the southern border in April of 2021, not long after the Biden administration enacted these open border policies and saw firsthand the heartbreaking and downright dangerous results that were already unfolding. I also spoke with border patrol agents, participated in a ride-along tour with the National Border Patrol Council, and visited the gaps in our border wall that have facilitated over 5 million illegal border crossings since President Biden took office.
The Biden administration’s failure to secure our southern border is not only a national security crisis, but a humanitarian and public health one. Through criminal cartels, fentanyl and fentanyl-related substances have poured over our southern border and landed in the hands of our young people. In the first nine months of fiscal year 2023 alone, CBP confiscated nearly 22,000 pounds of fentanyl at the border, more than a 50% increase from the last fiscal year. These substance poisonings are now the leading cause of death for people ages 18-45 nationwide. Of the 457 drug overdose deaths that the Arkansas State Crime Lab reported last year, 251 of them involved fentanyl. In Northwest Arkansas, the number of fatal overdoses almost doubled in the past three years.
These statistics are unacceptable. That’s why I cosponsored the HALT Fentanyl Act, which will ensure law enforcement, including CBP, has the tools they need to keep these deadly drugs off our streets.
When Republicans regained control of the House of Representatives, securing our southern border became our top priority. On May 11, the same day that the administration decided to lift Title 42, an effective authority that allowed for the quick expulsion of illegal immigrants, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 2, the Secure the Border Act. This bill requires a restart of border wall construction, supports the Border Patrol by increasing the number of border patrol agents and providing retention bonuses, ends catch-and-release, requires transparency regarding the Department of Homeland, and clarifies and strengthens the asylum process. The bill is awaiting action by the Senate.
In addition to the Secure the Border Act, my colleagues on the House Appropriations Committee and I reported the FY2024 Homeland Security bill which provided over $2 billion for construction of a physical barrier along the southern border and $496 million for 22,000 Border Patrol Agents, the highest level ever funded. The bill also includes provisions requiring Secretary Mayorkas to build physical barriers immediately and prohibit the removal of existing border security barriers.
Securing the southern border has always been and will continue to be a top priority of mine. Rest assured that I will continue to work to reverse the damaging policies of the Biden administration and get the crisis at our southern border under control.
Back-to-School
As summertime for kids across the district is coming to a close, our educators have been working hard to prepare for the upcoming year. I made sure to visit faculty back-to-school events to remind our teachers to never underestimate the tremendous impact they have on the most precious resource in our country—our kids. Our youth are America’s future leaders. I know they are in good hands because of the tremendous teachers we are fortunate to have here in Arkansas’ Third. We put a premium on education, and it shows.
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Before stepping on stage in front of teachers from Bentonville Public Schools, I made a call to Harrison Rooney, a current army ranger and Bentonville High School alum. I asked him what teacher had the biggest influence on his life, and he told me his 11th grade English teacher, Holly Howard. Holly happened to be one of the hundreds of teachers in the audience that day.
The same scenario unfolded at the Springdale Public Schools event, where current USMA cadet Luke Rucker gave a shoutout to his former teacher, Lorie Jennings, for having had a significant impact on his life. Special moments like this illustrate what profound, lasting influence just one teacher can have on the young people they prepare for their futures.
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As former Mayor of Rogers, it’s always special for me to see the folks I know well from Rogers Public Schools. I’m glad to still have the great honor of serving them in my role in Congress.
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The Springdale Public Schools event began with a beautiful ballet performance from Elle Louise High. Impressed by her courage, I invited her back on stage to present her with one of my challenge coins.
I finished the week at Gravette High School. I reminded these educators that outside of faith and family, they are doing the most important thing for our kids. Gravette Public Schools contribute to the exciting growth and development in the community.
I’m eternally grateful to our teachers and have a tremendous amount of respect for their dedication to America’s next generation. I wish our educators the best of luck for the upcoming year!
Around the District
Glad I got to spend time doing more of my favorite thing this week: traveling throughout the district!
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I saw some impressive groups in the River Valley, one being Water Tech Inc. For over three decades, Water Tech has provided full service analytical and technical support for a variety of chemical, biological, and mechanical solutions, and has also supplied rental equipment to their clients. What struck me the most about Water Tech was their distinct culture. These folks know how to roll up their sleeves and get it done with a commitment to excellence. I appreciate Ken Farris and his team for showing me around their expansive facility.
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Umarex USA manufactures and supplies some of the finest airguns, pistols, and rifles right here in Arkansas under the leadership of the CEO, Richard Turner. Of course, I couldn’t pass up a chance to try out the Hammer, a .50 cal. air rifle, for myself. Thanks to Umarex USA for all they do for hunters and recreational shooters across the nation. I’ll be back soon!
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If you own a dog or cat, you’ve probably seen Mars Petcare products as you’ve browsed store shelves. Through advanced technology and skilled people who know how to operate the machinery, the Mars Petcare facility rapidly and efficiently formulates meals for pets across the world. Companies like this, right in the heart of Fort Smith, create hundreds of jobs for Arkansans and boosts our economy. I’m proud to have them here in AR-3 and was excited to see their continued growth.
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Springdale Mayor Doug Sprouse showed me around the brand-new Springdale City Hall. If you look closely, you can see my grandson Kaden was tagging along with me that morning.
Hear my thoughts on this beautiful and functional building for the public here from 40/29.
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I stopped at Vermeer to learn more about their products and meet with a group of Associated Equipment Distributors. We discussed ways to address workforce issues. Great catching up with these guys!
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Quadrivium is a local team of certified IT and cybersecurity professionals that offer Managed Cybersecurity, IT Management, and Data Continuity packages for their clients. They are on the front lines of protecting information, by proactively preventing data breaches and reacting to cybersecurity emergencies. It's always great to see Clinton Bell and his team, and I appreciate them showing me around.
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Local government is the closest to the people. It’s where the rubber meets the road. I had the honor of speaking to the Association of Arkansas Counties to share this sentiment and my appreciation for their work.
Read more about the event and my remarks from the Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette here.
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District periods allow me to get a finger on the pulse of what’s on the minds of the people I proudly represent. This is especially true when I get to interact with groups like the Springdale and Gravette Kiwanis Clubs. I gave a thorough, honest update from Washington, and opened for questions of any kind. Candid conversations like this help me better represent you when I’m back in Washington.
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When I was Mayor, Saving Grace NWA had just opened their first facility in Rogers. Today I toured their beautiful new home, which serves women ages 18-25 who have aged out of foster care or are facing homelessness. They provide remarkable care, safe housing, educational assistance, career guidance, and counseling. These people are doing the Lord's work, and I was glad to see their expansion firsthand.
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America’s veterans dutifully sacrificed and dedicated themselves to the greater good of our nation. I’m honored each time I have the opportunity to offer my sincere gratitude to these brave men and women. The Adult Wellness Center in Rogers hosted a Quilts of Valor event to present quilts to the veterans as a small token of appreciation from our fellow Arkansans.
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I’m grateful for my mother’s work on this special event!
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I ran into Bill Schopp, and he reminded me that 18 years ago to the day of the event, I officiated his wedding to his wife Mary. I wished them many more years of happiness!
Back in DC
Today we said farewell to our summer interns in DC. Sarah, Gwen, and Olivia have been a great help to my staff and me, and I’m thankful these sharp young women dedicated part of their summer to serving Arkansans. They provided excellent constituent service to the people of the Third District. Although they will be missed, but I know they will bring all they've learned in DC to their next endeavor!
PACT Act
Veterans: The PACT Act is a new law that expands VA health care and benefits for Veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances. You now have until Monday, August 14 at 11:59 P.M. to file your PACT Act claim—or submit your intent to file—and be eligible for benefits backdated to August 10, 2022. Learn more and file now here.
I look forward to another week full of district events. I hope you have a great weekend ahead, and I hope to see you around Arkansas! Be sure to check out my website, Twitter, and Instagram pages in the meantime.
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