Weekly Recap
Our Fiscal Reality
The House returns to Washington next week with a stark reality.
We’re currently in a divided government, but instead of standing as a united slim majority in the House, political squabbles rack our party. There are 11 legislative workdays to fund the government, without a clear path forward. We failed to pass a budget and are nowhere near passing all 12 appropriations bills by September 30.
This means we’re looking at a continuing resolution to keep the government funded, or else we’re headed for a government shutdown.
As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, it is my duty to ensure that Congress funds the government in a way that places our country on sure financial footing. Simply put, endless continuing resolutions and government shutdowns are no way to do this. In fact, they skirt us from the responsibility of completing our most fundamental duty in Congress, which is to ensure the government is equipped to respond to the needs of the people.
When Congress enacts a continuing resolution, we kick our funding troubles down the road and leave the stability and credibility of our federal government in question.
A continuing resolution simply funds the government at last year’s levels without any significant policy or spending reform. When my colleagues and I on the Appropriations Committee drafted this year’s appropriations bills, we clawed back billions of dollars in wasteful, unnecessary government spending and secured conservative victories that work in the best interest of the American people.
By enacting a continuing resolution, we miss the chance to institute these much-needed reforms and program funding changes these bills provide while delivering funds for the essential services and programs our communities rely on.
While I believe continuing resolutions are no way to run a government, they are better than a government shutdown.
When the government shuts down, it doesn’t just affect Congress, it affects every single person throughout the country.
What many people don’t realize is that government shutdowns happen at the expense of the taxpayer. The last three government shutdowns cost taxpayers nearly $4 billion. Government shutdowns interrupt many essential services, such as approving loan applications for small businesses, performing product, food, and safety inspections, and processing passports, visas, and tax filings. Further, it undermines the credibility of the United States and puts our national security at risk by signaling to our adversaries that our government is in disarray.
The bottom line is this: Neither of these options fulfills our constitutional duty to responsibly fund the government.
The government is designed to work, and we ought to find a way to make it work again as the framers intended. It’s time to stop exploiting continuing resolutions and government shutdowns as vehicles to point fingers and play my-way-or-the-highway politics. We must come together to find common-sense solutions to the broader issues at play.
We are operating in a divided government, and it doesn’t take sharp logic to realize the solution has to be bipartisan. We must step up to the plate and work together to achieve meaningful outcomes for the American people.
When I go back to Washington next week, job number one is to make sure there is not a lapse in appropriations. As I have said, a continuing resolution is not desirable, but will allow negotiations to continue without a detrimental government shutdown.
I have, and will continue to, advocate for paths forward to get the nation on sure financial footing and provide a brighter future for generations of Americans to come. I will be sure to keep you updated as negotiations progress and the end of the fiscal year looms.
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Tune in to 40/29 News on Sunday at 10:30 A.M. CT for my conversation with Yuna Lee to hear more about our fiscal state and what I expect when the House returns next week!
A Solemn Day in History
Monday, September 11, will be a solemn reminder of a nation changed. It will mark 22 years since radical terrorists targeted our nation because of the freedom we proudly display. We pause to honor the nearly 3,000 innocent American lives lost on one of the most tragic days in our history. No matter how many years pass, the pain will linger. We will never forget the lives lost and the families whose lives were forever changed.
We will also never forget our true American heroes. Those on Flight 93 who stopped terrorists from reaching their intended target, sacrificing their lives to save others. I also think of the bravery of the first responders who rushed toward the destruction in New York City, Arlington, and Shanksville, not knowing if they would return home.
The response from our heroes on that day on is what makes me proud to be an American. Through incredible devastation and tragedy, we banded together in a time of need. We became stronger. Courageous men and women were called to serve to fight and defend America from evil, preserve our freedom, and ensure another horrific event like this never reaches the land of the free again.
Around the District
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AR-3 law enforcement keeps people safe and accountable. From the police department to district court and dispatch, the new public safety facility in Bella Vista houses components and people important to upholding law and order in the region. Thanks to Mayor John Flynn, Captain Tim Cook, and Chief of Police James Graves for showing me around, and as always, I’m grateful for their service to our community.
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A highlight of my week was my stop at ANH Montessori School to see my friend Theo Summers and meet his classmates. Theo is a sharp kid who impresses me more and more each time we visit. As an advocate for children like himself with Type 1 Diabetes, he came to my office in DC in July to share with me ways I can continue to support the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation's cause. He also invited me to visit his school, which I had the chance to do this week!
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Theo introduced me to his classmates, and I talked to the bright young minds about the keys to unlocking success in life. It comes down to a good education, making good decisions, taking care of your health, and giving back to your community. These kids like Theo are in good hands at ANH Montessori!
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Hampton Place Healthcare is more than a skilled nursing facility. The people here make sure the place feels like home to their patients, from the layout to the individualized care. They offer 140 upscale and private long-term care rooms and rehabilitation services. Administrator Quincy Dye and Assistant Nurse and Liaison Kim Richardson shared with me how NWA is becoming a healthcare mecca for Arkansas, bringing quality care with a competitive workforce environment. Hear more about my thoughts on the visit from 40/29 here.
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I got to fire up third and fourth grade Golden Arrows for the school year at Lavaca Elementary School by letting them know they have limitless opportunities to succeed in America. I want our young people to believe in themselves. I want them to know that they’re lucky to live in the land of the free, where they can enjoy the benefits of a good education. An education is something we can never take for granted. It unlocks opportunities that will bring great success in life. I’m grateful for the teachers around AR-3 who emphasize this to our next generation each and every day.
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Our farmers and ranchers are the backbone of our nation. They feed, fuel, and drive the economy. Madeline Taylor and Matt Holland at Belle Point Ranch in Lavaca showed me their family’s livestock farm and shared with me their work in raising and selling Angus cattle, including their innovative Angus breeding program.
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Belle Point Ranch also happens to be home to Arkansas’ famous Budweiser silo! If it happened to be a real beer can, it would hold a whopping 8,734,902 fl. oz!
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Randy and Vicki Arnold of Arnold Family Farm Store are part of what makes AR-3 special. This family owned and operated business offers locally grown produce (mostly grown right at their farm!), breads, meat, and canned goods. With spring already on their minds, in a couple weeks, they will plant 75,000 strawberry plants in their 5-acre strawberry field that will be ready to harvest come March!
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Trade skills are in high demand across the nation, especially in NWA. Today, I caught up with Dr. Jim Rollins, the president of Northwest Technical Institute, to talk about how they’re working to address this demand. The students that come to NWTI are aiming to earn a degree and get to work ASAP. These hardworking students will leave this facility equipped to meet the demands of companies, and in turn, boost the economy and create a successful career.
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My final visit of the August district work period was to see the brand-new Cave Springs Fire Station. Only about two months old, they now have six full time fire fighters. Before, the fire department was only volunteer. This is huge for Cave Springs and the region. These first responders are dedicated to keeping their fellow Arkansans safe from danger, and now they have a facility to help them in this mission. Thank you to Cave Springs Mayor Randy Noblett and Fire Chief Gary Jordan for showing me around!
Passport PSA
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With record-breaking numbers of passport applications being filed this year, there’s a massive backlog. Requests for assistance from Third District Arkansans at my office have skyrocketed as a result.
With holiday travel right around the corner, it’s time to check the date on yours or apply now. Plus, it’s never too early to get ahead on next year's summer travel plans!
My Rogers office stands ready to assist you. Click here for more information and to apply.
Today concludes August recess, where I got to spend 6 weeks doing my favorite thing—traveling around the district and seeing Third District Arkansans at work and hearing what’s on their minds. I will head back to Washington next week for legislative business, taking with me the thoughts and concerns of those I proudly represent. I hope you have a great weekend ahead, and be sure to check out my website, Twitter, and Instagram pages in the meantime.
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