WEEK IN REVIEW
Pro-America Energy Policy
You and I both have felt the impacts of President Biden’s rush-to-green agenda, which touches every aspect of our lives. From pumping gas to paying energy bills, life has become much more expensive. Many families have had to forgo basic expenses, such as medicine or food, to cover these increased costs.
The Biden Administration must be held accountable, so I was proud to join Congressman Dan Newhouse of Washington and other colleagues as an original cosponsor of a resolution denouncing the harmful, anti-American energy policies of the Administration. The resolution points out many of President Biden's pitfalls, such as canceling the Keystone XL pipeline, that have increased energy costs for families and small businesses and compounded our nation’s reliance on foreign adversaries for our energy needs.
President Biden’s latest move to hamper domestic energy production was his de facto ban on U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports to conduct additional “public interest” review. Not only is this unnecessary, but it’s economically and strategically dangerous. The decision jeopardizes the stability and affordability of natural gas domestically, hurts the American economy and jobs, undercuts our allies, and strengthens our adversaries.
This week, I joined more than 150 Republicans in sending a letter to President Biden lambasting him for this shortsighted decision and urging him to reverse it immediately. We set the record straight—under both Democratic and Republican Administrations, the Department of Energy has consistently found that U.S. LNG exports serve the “public interest” because they contribute positive economic benefits and strengthen energy security for the American people, while also having the potential to reduce global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
I believe in an all-of-the-above energy approach. We’re blessed with abundant resources under our own two feet. In America, we can produce the cleanest, most reliable, and most affordable energy to fuel our nation and the world. President Biden just needs to get out of the way.
Unforced errors in Congress
This week, articles of impeachment against Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and an Israel supplemental package came to the floor of the House for a vote. I voted in favor of both measures, but ultimately, too many members of my party voted with Democrats, and neither passed. But the thing is, we saw this coming.
Listen to my Comment from the Capitol to hear how I compare unforced errors in football to what happened in the House this week, HERE.
Picture highlights of the week: Washington, DC
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Miss America Madison Marsh was in Washington! I got to see her for the first time since she won the crown. While she was in town, we caught up about what it’s been like being the first active-duty Miss America and her plans for pancreatic cancer research advocacy. We also went to the United Services Organization event to support their efforts in supporting our nation’s servicemembers worldwide with Congresswomen Stephanie Bice of Oklahoma and Ashley Hinson of Iowa. I’m so proud of this Fort Smith native! From getting to know her during the service academy nomination process while she was in high school to now, it’s been an honor to watch her grow into the incredible young woman she is today! Read more from Alex Thomas with the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette here.
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A highlight of the week was seeing these girls meet Miss America and how much they look up to her! Madison will inspire them to work hard and dream big! I then took them on the House floor during a vote series to show them Congress in action. I never pass up the chance to show our nation’s youth how our government works and how to honor the institution.
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I appreciate Cassandra Caldwell from the Arkansas Waterways Commission for coming to my office to update me on Army Corps projects throughout Arkansas’ Third District. I look forward to continuing our work together to develop and protect the navigable waterways in the Natural State, which are vital to our economic development.
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During my visits to businesses around the district, I typically hear the same issue come up—workforce gaps. The Northwest Arkansas Community College, or NWACC, helps develop a strong and skilled workforce to fill the needs of businesses across the state. I secured a Community Project Funding request for their commercial drivers licensing, or CDL, training program within FY23 appropriations legislation. We discussed the importance of getting FY24 appropriations done so more projects, like the CDL training program, can be funded and make an impact in Third District communities. Schools, businesses, and towns across the district rely on us to do our jobs! Thank you to NWACC for taking the time to visit.
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The American Veterinary Medical Association came by to discuss the Healthy Dog Importation Act, a bill I proudly cosponsored that provides additional tools to monitor and safeguard the health of dogs being imported into the country, preventing the risk of spreading diseases to both dogs and humans. Dr. Kate Williams is a veterinarian in Springdale who also happens to be a former ROTC cadet of mine back when I was the executive officer of the ROTC program at the University of Arkansas! So proud to see Dr. Kate doing wonderful things in our community!
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Cancer research saves lives. Members of Debbie’s Dream Foundation shared with me their stories about stomach cancer—whether they have battled it themselves or have lost a loved one to it. I am a strong supporter of investments in critical research for all cancers. It’s a priority of mine as an appropriator to ensure that research funding is included in our bills each year. Not only, and most importantly, does funding for research save lives, but wise federal investment today can lead to savings down the road. I appreciate these Arkansans, three of which hail from the district, for sharing with me their personal stories.
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General Bryan Fenton the Commanding General of the U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM), met with me to discuss strategic investments in our nation’s military forces. As threats and tensions continue to rise globally, my colleagues in Congress must understand the impacts that SOCOM and the rest of our nation’s forces will face if funding bills fail to pass. America’s safety relies on Congress to fulfill our critical duties.
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It warmed my heart to welcome Special Olympic athletes, teachers, and partners to my office to hear their personal stories on how the Special Olympics have changed their lives. Most of the group came from Fayetteville! I’m incredibly proud of these athletes and will be cheering them on!
Picture highlights of the week: Arkansas’ Third District
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As you may know, Pernod Ricard is one of the world’s largest wine and spirit sellers. They recently invested $22 million in their Fort Smith plant. I toured the new expansion, which includes Pernod Ricard’s first-ever ready-to-drink canning line that’s expected to add 50 jobs. They can bottle up to 250 bottles per minute with this line! The expansion also includes additional warehouse space and storage tanks. It was pretty cool to see it all in action.
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Rheem is a global leader in residential and commercial HVAC and water heating solutions based right here in the district. I visited their Innovation Learning Center (ILC), which is designed to cater to a variety of training needs for Rheem’s Air and Water specialists. Facilities like this will develop skilled workers to grow the country’s manufacturing. I appreciated seeing the ILC firsthand, and the incredible work of companies in Fort Smith that contribute to our economy.
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I had the honor of speaking at the Military Officer Association of America (MOAA) dinner on Thursday. MOAA fosters camaraderie and advocates for the welfare of our servicemen and women, ensuring their voices are heard within the halls of Congress. I spoke a bit about my initiatives in Congress to support our troops, including the Basic Needs Allowance (BNA) Fairness Act, which would provide a tax cut for military families. With reduced financial pressure at home, our troops can better focus on their tasks at hand and the defense of our nation. I also caught up with University of Arkansas Fort Smith ROTC cadets, Sol Ramos and Lila Chapman, and gave them each one of my challenge coins. These impressive young women are training to be future military leaders!
Happy Super Bowl weekend! I’ll be rooting for the 49ers because Dre Greenlaw and Brandon Allen, former Fayetteville Bulldogs, both of whom deserve that ring, are on the team!
I will be back in DC next week for legislative business. I hope you have a great weekend ahead, and I hope to see you around! Be sure to check out my website, Twitter, and Instagram pages in the meantime.
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