Week in Washington
Backing Border Security Bills
What’s on my mind, and I’m sure on yours, too, is the out-of-control crisis at the southern border.
U.S. Border Patrol data shows that in December, 302,034 illegal immigrants attempted to cross into our country. That’s the highest month ever recorded in Department of Homeland Security history. To put this number into perspective, that is enough people to fill Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium and Bud Walton Arena more than three times over!
Due to the open border policies of the Biden Administration, criminals, drug smugglers, and potential terrorists have flooded the border, putting American lives at grave risk. It’s clear to me that without operational control, we’re looking at a full-blown national security and public safety crisis.
While President Biden continues to deflect blame and ignore his manufactured crisis, my House Republican colleagues and I have taken action to secure the border. We’ve passed many border security measures, including the strongest border security package ever to pass the House, H.R. 2, the Secure the Border Act. This week, we tackled four more strong bills to protect Americans from the threats of an open border.
- R. 6976, the Protect Our Communities from DUIs Act, makes aliens who have been convicted of driving while impaired, inadmissible and deportable. Currently, aliens who are convicted of a DUI are free to stay in the U.S., despite putting Americans’ lives in jeopardy.
- R. 5585, the Agent Raul Gonzalez Officer Safety Act, imposes federal penalties on criminals who evade U.S. Border Patrol agents or other law enforcement officers assisting Border Patrol agents. If an alien is found guilty or admits to doing this, they will be deported and won’t be eligible for immigration benefits, like asylum.
- R. 6678, the Consequences for Social Security Fraud Act, creates a new rule: if an alien is convicted of, or admits to committing social security fraud or identification document fraud they will no longer be eligible for immigration benefits or asylum, and will be deported.
- R. 6679, the No Immigration Benefits for Hamas Terrorists Act, creates a ground of inadmissibility and removability for aliens who participated in the October 7, 2023, terror attacks on Israel and members and officials of Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad. The bill would also make such aliens ineligible for immigration relief.
This week, the House Homeland Security Committee also released two articles of impeachment against Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas for high crimes and misdemeanors—Willful and Systemic Refusal to Comply with the Law and Breach of Public Trust.
The House will likely vote to impeach Secretary Mayorkas next week. I’ll be sure to keep you updated on our efforts to secure our border while preserving the precious American dream.
Supporting Pro-Growth Policy
The House passed a bipartisan tax package this week—H.R. 7024, the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act of 2024.
This bill contains conservative, pro-growth policies to support Main Street businesses, create jobs, and bolster our competitive position on the world stage. Substantive tax reform like this boosts America’s economy and competitiveness.
After years of record inflation and shrinking wallets under the Biden Administration, these policies will help America’s workers and families recover while opening doors for economic opportunity.
I break down what’s in this bill in this week’s edition of Comment from the Capitol. Listen here.
Picture highlights from the week:
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Last weekend, I joined the city of Tontitown in celebrating the grand opening of the brand-new, state-of-the-art, 12,547-square-foot fire station. The great people of Tontitown have responded to the needs of this bustling and growing town with this top-tier facility, which will take care of our courageous firefighters so they can do their job protecting us. It was built to accommodate overnight shifts, a 24-hour, 365-day-a-year service, and full-time staff. I gave a special congratulations to Fire Chief Krug on his official new role, and a big thank you to our firefighters who, day in and day out, answer the call to serve our community to keep us safe.
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It’s always a highlight of my week to welcome folks from Arkansas’ Third to our nation’s capital! I showed representatives from the Community Anti-Drugs Coalitions of America, including some Haas Hall Academy Fayetteville students, all around the People’s House! We also met in my office to hear about their important work in substance use prevention. Their efforts save lives. I really appreciated their visit!
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The Arkansas Prosecuting Attorneys Association came by to discuss the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA), which provides states with federal support from the Crime Victims Fund (CVF) for local programs that serve victims of crime, including state-formula assistance grants. VOCA is financed by fines and penalties paid by convicted federal offenders, but there was a sharp decline in funds in Arkansas. Because of this, I voted for the VOCA Fix Act in March of 2021, which is now public law, that deposited penalties and fines from non-prosecution and deferred prosecution agreements into the CVF to ensure funding. It was great to catch up and hear about how much of an impact this legislation has had on the district! I took them on a spontaneous trip to the Speaker’s balcony for a quick photo!
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Part of the group was Dan Shue, Sebastian County's Prosecuting Attorney. Dan and I secured funding for the Twelfth Judicial District Drug Task Force. This project funds narcotic testing, detection equipment, and safety equipment for officers to be prosecuted from exposure to fentanyl and other harmful drugs. I’m glad to hear the positive impact this technology has had in our community!
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I had the great honor of speaking at the Marshallese Islands Wreath Laying Ceremony to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of the Battle of Kwajalein. We were reminded of the victory of this key World War II battle and honored those who bravely fought for our shared freedoms. The Marshall Islands and the United States are key partners—Marshallese and Americans fought side by side in our armed forces and they continue to do so today. This partnership is vital in our continued fight against the Chinese Communist Party. The Marshallese are also an important and vibrant part of our community in Arkansas, with the highest concentration of Marshallese in the continental US located in Arkansas’ Third. I will continue to be an advocate for the Marshallese community in Congress.
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I had the pleasure of hosting the Spiritual Heritage Tour on Wednesday night. This is a night tour of the Capitol through the religious lens—something that’s done each year the night before the National Prayer Breakfast. As you can see, my colleague and fellow Arkansan Congressman Bruce Westerman helped me lead the House floor portion of the tour! Read more about this special evening from the Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette here.
Calling all future interns!
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Are you or someone you know looking for a fun and enriching summer in either DC, Rogers, or Fort Smith? Come intern for me!
All my offices are in search of highly motivated college students and recent graduates who are interested in learning more about the federal government and the inner workings of Congress.
As an intern, you will learn about the issues affecting Arkansans and citizens across the nation by corresponding with constituents, assisting my legislative team in researching bills, handling casework, and observing the legislative process firsthand.
Click here to learn more and apply!
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Have a great weekend ahead, and I hope to see you around soon! Be sure to check out my website, Twitter, and Instagram pages in the meantime!
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