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As soon as Speaker Johnson was sworn in, we got back to work.
Job one was to display our strong support for our ally, Israel, as they defend themselves from ruthless terrorists. We did this by passing H. Res. 771, a resolution I proudly cosponsored. With strong bipartisan support, we condemned the barbaric attacks from Hamas and affirmed our unrelenting support for Israel.
There’s no question that it’s our moral obligation to support Israel. Evil terrorists poured into their nation and gruesomely took the lives of innocent civilians and continue to keep hostages in Gaza. They have every right to fight back in their pursuit for freedom and the eradication of heinous terrorists.
There’s no question that it’s our strategic obligation to support Israel. Reports have shown that other bad actors, led by Iran, have involved themselves in the atrocities against Israel. We must stand together with our allies to deter further aggression that impacts our global security.
I expect we will take up more legislation in the coming weeks to provide vital aid to our friends in Israel.
If you remember, we had passed four of the 12 appropriations bills prior to the ousting of McCarthy. Since we didn't have all 12 passed by September 30, we had to pass continuing resolution, or a short-term spending fix, to keep the government funded through November 17 while we sort out our differences, pass more appropriations bills, and negotiate with our Senate counterparts.
Well, needless to say, we were unable to make progress on that front without a Speaker.
Yesterday we were finally able to turn our focus back to this impending issue. Although appropriations rarely lead cable newscasts, the impacts are profound.
We passed the Energy and Water Development Appropriations bill, which makes responsible investments in our energy resources and waterways.
The benefits of these investments flow directly to the American public. This bill prioritizes funding for agencies and programs that bolster our national security, energy security, and economic competitiveness, with a focus on reining in wasteful spending.
It also rightfully terminates the Biden Administration’s out-of-touch Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule, returning to state control of waterways that historically have not fallen under federal jurisdiction.
Particular to Arkansas’ Third, it funds one of the projects I requested, the White River Basin Water Resource Management Study. This study will provide a comprehensive water resource management strategy that seeks sustainable water resource management while considering flood risk management, environmental protection, water supply, hydropower generation, agricultural practices, and social well-being.
It also includes vital funding for the construction, operations, and maintenance of the McClellan–Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System (MKARNS) system, which allows for the safest, most economical, and fuel-efficient way to move our nation's goods both here in the US and for export. The MKARNS is key for Arkansas’ economy.
All in all, this bill works to ensure the safety and efficiency of America. I’m glad to see it get a stamp of approval from the House.
Picture highlights from the week
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“Principles Before Politics.” These are words I live by when I make my decisions in Congress. It also is the award I had the honor of receiving this week. At the With Honor Action gala, I was surrounded by colleagues from both sides of the aisle on the For Country Caucus, who all share a common background—a dedicated service to our nation. As veterans, we know what it’s like to put country before self when serving in uniform, and we bring this same commitment to our service in Congress. This is what it means to put principles (what is right) over politics (potential consequences or backlash we may face politically). It was truly humbling to be recognized for something that can be hard, but for me, is simple. I will always stand steadfast in my conscious, putting my service to Arkansas’ Third and my country above party. I am accountable to myself, and I am accountable to you. What a great honor. Watch my remarks here.
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At the gala, I also had the chance to sit down with CBS News Anchor Margaret Brennan and my friend Rep. Jason Crow of Colorado for a panel discussion. Bipartisan work was a topic of conversation because we are in tune with reality. The only way to get things done around here is to bridge the partisan gap. Although we disagree often, where we can negotiate and come together is where the magic for our nation happens. Congress is more effective when we unite instead of polarize. There’s no other way around it. Although With Honor Action and the For Country Caucus are newer groups, I have no doubt these organizations will become the genius of this country.
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You may have heard of the Marrs family from their popular HGTV show Fixer to Fabulous—or because they also call Arkansas’ Third home! I’ve known Dave and Jenny Marrs for quite a long time, starting back when I helped them adopt one of their lovely kids. It was a pleasure to catch up with them, welcome them to my office, and show them around the People’s House. What a beautiful family!
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After visiting with some members of the Associated Equipment Distributers back in August in AR-3, it was great to have them visit me while I was in Washington this week. Workforce issues remain top-of-mind for this industry, and career and technical education, something I’ve been very supportive of, can help bridge the gap between employers and qualified employees. Technical and trade programs can cure the workforce plague that impacts industries across Arkansas and the nation.
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Ms. Lorie Huff has dedicated her career to educating our next generation of bright minds and leaders. Coming from Fayetteville, she visited with me about her excitement and high expectations for education in Arkansas. I made sure to thank her for all she does for the children in our community. Teachers’ roles in the lives of our youth cannot be understated. They have the ability to shape the minds of our future, and that is no easy task. I’m grateful for the commitment of our teachers in Arkansas’ Third, like Ms. Huff!
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I had the honor of sharing a bit of Arkansas’ Third with the Ambassador of New Zealand, Bede Corry. We talked about the Compacts of Free Association, which has a big impact on the district because of the Marshallese community that hails from the Pacific region, somewhere our friends of New Zealand are very familiar with! Also, I shared how I had served with members of the New Zealand military while I commanded troops in Sinai in 2002. Over 20 years later, I’m glad the US and New Zealand have kept our relationship strong.
Reminders
Two important applications for AR-3 students are due next Wednesday, November 1!
- Congressional App Challenge: This is an annual competition hosted by the U.S. House of Representatives, encouraging middle and high school 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! I’m always excited to see what our bright minds come up with. Now more than ever, these skills are critically important for our future. For more information and to apply, click here.
- Service Academy Nominations: I encourage students in Arkansas’ Third with a growing passion to serve our great nation to apply. It’s one of my greatest honors as your congressman to nominate the next generation of Service Academy leaders. For more information on the process and to access the applications, please click here.
Looking ahead
Speaker Johnson has put us on an aggressive path to get us back on track, realizing we wasted three precious weeks of potential progress ahead of when the temporary funding fix expires on November 17.
Next week we plan to take up more appropriations bills, such as the Legislative Branch, the Interior and Environment, and the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development bills. I hope we keep on a steady track and get important work done, without getting caught up in more political theatre. I will be sure to keep you updated as we progress.
I hope you have a great weekend ahead! Be sure to check out my website, Twitter, and Instagram pages in the meantime.
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