Weekly Update
While the news is full of reporting about important international issues like Ukraine, China, and Iran; there is one lesser-known foreign affairs issue that is extremely important to our very own district: the Compacts of Free Association (COFA). Read more below!
Breaking down COFA
The Compacts of Free Association are unique bilateral agreements between the United States and three Pacific Island Nations: The Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), the Republic of Palau, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI). Sometimes referred to as the Freely Associated States (FAS), these nations have a long history of partnership with the United States.
In the 1980s, the first Compacts of Free Association between the United States and the FAS were signed. Under the original agreements, the United States agreed to provide economic assistance to the FAS for 20 years. The economic provisions were renewed for another 20 years in 2003 and the agreements with the Marshall Islands and Micronesia are set to expire in just a few weeks on September 30, 2023.
The next round of economic assistance has been negotiated and awaits Congressional approval. The new agreements total $7.1 billion over 20 years, or $355 million per year. I want to assure you, however, that this is an investment, not a handout. In exchange for economic assistance, the United States is granted defense exclusivity and strategic denial rights. That means that the US has the authority to establish military facilities and conduct training throughout the FAS without any other approvals. The US also has the authority to deny any other country access to the islands. Due to these countries’ geographic positions, that means that the US can effectively deny our adversaries access to millions of square miles of ocean. That goes a long way to maintaining a free and open Pacific. Considering the strategic importance of these countries, $355 million per year is an excellent investment.
While these agreements have enormous strategic value, there is also a direct Arkansas connection.
As you know, Arkansas is home to one of the largest groups of Marshallese people outside of the Marshall Islands. The strong Marshallese community in Northwest Arkansas is a direct reflection of this important relationship between our two nations. The Marshallese are an integral part of our schools, economy, and culture in the Natural State. We are extremely proud to be a part of the Marshallese story, and I work to support them just like I do for all my constituents.
This Congress, I am the lead Republican proponent of the Compact Impact Fairness Act which would restore access to a range of federal benefits for citizens of the FAS living in the US. These benefits are the same as those afforded to Lawful Permanent Residents. I am also a cosponsor of the Care of Compacts of Free Association (COFA) Veterans Act that would authorize the Department of Veterans Affairs to care for FAS citizens that served in the United States military, which they do at the highest per capita rate of any ethnic group.
However, the Compacts’ economic provisions are expiring this month. Unfortunately, Congress and the Marshall Islands may not be ready to renew the provisions before they expire. I am very concerned about what that will mean for our Marshallese community. I recently met with the Chief Compact Negotiator from the RMI, the RMI Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the leader of the RMI legislature to discuss my concerns about this possible delay. I also have met with the lead US negotiator to encourage a swift resolution.
Rest assured, I remain committed to the renewal of this COFA Agreement and the Marshallese people and will do everything I can to make sure the approval of the new Compacts is a priority for Congress.
Legislative Update
As we begin the month of September, we’re reminded of one of the most horrific days in American history, September 11, 2001. Terrorists attacked our nation because of the freedom and ideals that generations have fought to embody in America. Nearly 3,000 American heroes—sons, daughters, mothers, fathers, and first responders—were lost on that fateful day.
Almost 22 years later, our nation still mourns. Justice for the families impacted remains long overdue. Yet, recently, the Biden Administration proposed a plea deal that would devastate these families further by sparing the terrorist mastermind, Khalid Shaikh Mohammed, and four other terrorist defendants from the death penalty.
These terrorists are alive. Innocent Americans are dead at their hands. This potential plea deal is an insult to the victims, their families, and our nation.
The evil people responsible for the murders of thousands of Americans deserve the most severe consequence for their horrific actions. I sent a letter along with 34 of my colleagues to the Biden Administration urging them to abandon this unconscionable potential plea deal.
We said in the letter: “As a nation, we have said that we will never forget September 11th, and we must never cease fighting on behalf of those we’ve lost. We owe it to the victims and their families to deliver justice - and that should mean the death penalty for these murderers.”
Read the full letter here.
August Wrap Up
It was a busy month doing my favorite thing – traveling around Arkansas’ Third and meeting with the folks I proudly serve. Here’s a recap of what we were up to in August, with some pictures that haven’t been featured before.
Investing in our Next Generation
It brought me joy to visit eight schools around the district in August, with a few more visits planned for next week. I make it a priority to share my gratitude for educators and give some of my two cents to the young people of Arkansas’ Third.
Our next generation is growing right before us. Our teachers have the power to shape our future leaders and leave a lasting impression on our students that they will carry for a lifetime. I’m eternally grateful for their dedication to our young people, who will mold the future of Arkansas and our nation!
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Thank you to educators across AR-3, like Superintendent Jon Laffoon, Principal Teri Morris, and Assistant Principal Greg Pair from Farmington School District, for all you do for our youth!
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On my visit to Haas Hall Academy in Fort Smith last week, I was challenged with one of my coins by a scholar, my friend Leonardo. We both had coins on us, which led to us doing push-ups together. I couldn’t let the challenge pass without a laugh, or a lesson learned. Instead of doing five like we agreed on, I kept going to ten, and Leonardo joined me. This shows the importance of exceeding expectations, which will take these young bright minds far in life!
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Kindergarten through 12th grade are foundational years. Decisions and habits made young, the good and the bad, linger through life. That’s why I told students at Kingston School, if you do these four things, you will enjoy success in life: Prioritize your education, make good decisions and behavioral choices, take care of yourself through good health practices, and engage in a spirit of charity and service. I know whatever challenges may come their way, Arkansas’ Third students are developing the skills now to overcome them.
Getting a Pulse
I take advantage of my time in the district to hear directly from you. Engaging in candid conversation with those who sent me to Washington helps me be a better representative. Although the truth may be hard to hear sometimes, my fellow Arkansans deserve to hear it straight.
A few times over the course of August we checked our political baggage at the door and had open conversation, where I spoke on pressing issues in Washington and around our community. I then opened the conversation to questions of any kind and listened to what’s on the minds of Third District Arkansans. It’s my greatest honor to serve you, and I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to travel to all ends of the district to meet with a variety of engaging groups of Arkansans.
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Issues related to military readiness, Ukraine funding, and a possible government shutdown were on the minds of some of the OG&E linemen I visited with recently. I also received a die cast replica of an OG&E bucket truck, which I’m excited to put on display in my office!
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It was a privilege to have a deep discussion with the Springdale Kiwanis Club. We shared a meal and talked about the drivers of our national debt and how to confront our dire fiscal situation. Congress has a lot of work to do when we return to Washington the week after next.
Seeing AR-3’s Growth and Innovation Firsthand
Arkansas’ Third is a hub for innovation and growth. The people here are passionate about their roots and work hard to preserve and grow our community. As a former mayor, I share that passion in seeing how our collaboration can generate business and grow our economy. It was exciting to attend many openings and announcements, as well as tour the many businesses and facilities owned by hardworking Arkansans.
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The first week of August, I went to the grand reopening of the Pea Ridge National Military Park. Places like this – one of the best-preserved Civil War battlefields in the U.S. – are places to learn our history, remember those who came before us, and recall the hardships and horrors conflict brings. Telling our story, the good, the bad, and the ugly, is more important today than ever before. It was great to celebrate the new and improved Park and thank everyone who contributed to its future success!
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Water Tech Inc. was one of the many impressive Arkansas-owned and operated businesses I visited in August. They demonstrated how they mix the chemicals to turn dirty farm water into clean drinking water, something my team and I found to be pretty neat. Although what they do is fascinating, I was even more impressed by their culture and how they roll up their sleeves and get it done with a commitment to excellence for over three decades. I presented them each with one of my challenge coins at the end of my visit!
Reminders!
Reminder to spread the word to Arkansas’ Third middle and high school students to enter the 2023 Congressional App Challenge!
The Congressional App Challenge is an annual competition hosted by the U.S. House of Representatives, encouraging students from each of our districts to submit original apps for a chance to win and have their app displayed in the Capitol for one year. The goal of this challenge is to inspire our young people to pursue careers in computer science.
For more information and to apply, click here.
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As your Congressman, my office is here to break down the bureaucratic red tape and assist with issues you may face with federal agencies, like the IRS, VA, or Social Security Administration. My staff is coming to you and will host mobile office hours in September in Berryville and Cedarville. No appointment necessary.
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My Rogers and Fort Smith offices are accepting interns for Spring 2024!
A congressional internship is a rewarding experience for highly motivated college students interested in political science, government, public policy, and business. Interns will learn about the issues affecting Arkansas and citizens nationwide by corresponding with constituents, researching legislation, handling casework, and observing the legislative process firsthand.
For more information and to apply, click here.
Celebrating Hardworking Arkansans
On Labor Day, we celebrate the hard work, determination, and spirit of innovation that drives American workers and our economy. I’m proud of Arkansas’ Third’s strong workforce, which—both past and present—is a critical part of our growth and success. It’s been great to see firsthand during the August district work period. Thank you for your contribution to our community. I wish everyone a great Labor Day weekend ahead, and good luck to the Hogs on their first game of the season! WPS!
Next week is my final week in Arkansas before returning to Washington for legislative business. 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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