Washington Update
Strengthening National Security and Standing Up for Freedom
Although it’s Friday evening, the House has yet to complete its work for the week. Tomorrow, we’re scheduled to vote on four separate bills aimed at bolstering our national security and equipping our allies to defend themselves from evil forces:
Israel Security Supplemental: Provides funding to support Israel in its effort to defend itself against Iran and its proxies and to reimburse U.S. military operations in response to recent attacks.
Ukraine Security Supplemental: This provides funding to address the conflict in Ukraine and assist our regional partners as they counter Russia. $23.2 billion of this funding will be used to replenish U.S. weapons, stocks, and facilities.
Indo-Pacific Security Supplemental: Provides funding to continue efforts to counter communist China and ensure a strong deterrent posture in the region.
21st Century Peace Through Strength Act: Forces the sale of TikTok unless divested from CCP control, authorizes the REPO Act to seize roughly $5 billion of Russian sovereign assets under US jurisdiction and repurposes those funds to Ukraine, and implements sanctions on drug cartels and criminal organizations to hamper fentanyl distribution in the United States.
I want to be crystal clear – preserving the safety, security, and prosperity of my neighbors in Arkansas is why I am in Congress. This package invests in America’s security while providing the resources necessary for our allies to defeat our common enemies. Increasing our strength, and that of our allies, is our source of protection from adversaries like Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea – all of whom want to destroy the freedom and prosperity our nation and our allies enjoy.
An increasingly dangerous world demands America's leadership and strength. This is the time to lead by example and lead from the front.
I will be sure to keep you updated as we progress.
Supporting Israel
In response to Iran’s unprovoked attack on Israel last weekend, the House passed a slew of legislation to deter further aggression from Iran and support our ally. Two of the bills I cosponsor.
Iran is the leading state sponsor of terror, and their ultimate goal to destroy the State of Israel hasn’t changed. Advancing the legislation, which you can read about here, is our strategic and moral obligation to our friend and ally.
Now more than ever, our nation must continue to stand in unwavering support of Israel in their fight to protect their people and rid the world of evil terrorists. You may read more here.
Building a Strong Force
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Developing a strong and ready military force is my top priority in my role as a senior member of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee. This week, we heard from Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General CQ Brown, and the Under Secretary of Defense Michael McCord on the DOD’s Fiscal Year 2025 budget request. Click HERE to hear my questions from the hearing, where I emphasize the importance of regular order in the budget process and enhancing military readiness.
Picture highlights from the week:
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The highlight of my time in DC is always when I have Arkansans come and visit me, particularly the bright young minds eager to learn about our nation’s capital! This morning, I welcomed over 50 students from St. Joseph’s in Fayetteville to my office—which I reminded them is their office, as I am elected to serve the people of the Third District! We then headed to the People’s House for a tour. Visits like this and seeing our youth engaged in civics brings me hope for our next generation of leaders.
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Yesterday, Maryland Governor Wes Moore visited my office to update me on the Key Bridge collapse and ongoing recovery efforts. In my new role as Chairman of the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Subcommittee, I oversee the US Department of Transportation, which provides funds for these efforts. Although we are on different sides of the aisle, I respect Governor Moore and his leadership as he navigates this catastrophic situation in his state.
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Members of the Fort Smith Chamber were in town! It was great to catch up and get an update on things of importance to the Fort Smith region—like the Foreign Military Sales mission at Ebbing Air National Guard Base and the I-49 extension. It’s always beneficial to have them visit DC to meet with me and the other members of the Arkansas delegation. The River Valley is ground zero for exciting opportunity, and our local, state, and federal partnership is important to facilitate the growth.
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I heard from eye doctors in Arkansas about legislation important to their work, including a bill I support that promotes quality care for patients and combats anti-competitive practices. They are also focusing on improving prescription verification and physician pay. I appreciate the visit!
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Pharmacists in rural parts of the Natural State are sometimes the only access to care that folks have. Arkansans who are part of the National Community Pharmacists Association told me about the challenges they are facing and how their closure would leave many people in rural areas without access to care. We discussed a bill that I supported that passed the House in December, the Lower Costs, More Transparency Act, which includes multiple measures to bring more transparency to the healthcare system.
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I’m a supporter of career and technical education programs as an alternative to a typical four-year college or university. The National Roofing Contractors Association came by to discuss state grants for these programs and tax legislation.
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A group of students from the Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine came by to discuss issues related to workplace violence, doctor pay, and protecting patient access to care. I was impressed by their commitment to living a life of service and their dedication to caring for others. These bright young people will one day practice medicine and take care of Arkansans and Americans across the nation.
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Miss USA Noelia Voigt came to visit with me and talk about her work related to anti-bullying and combatting dating violence. This woman is an inspiration for young girls and women across the country, as she makes it her mission to inspire kids to be the best version of themselves. I appreciated the visit and hearing about her work to help our next generation of leaders!
Announcements
Service Academy Day
Tomorrow is Service Academy Day! We use this day to educate and inspire students in Arkansas’ Third district for future military service. We will have representatives from the academies, as well as alumni and current cadets. ROTC commanders from colleges will be there too!
WHEN: Saturday, April 20, 2024, from 1:00PM—3:00PM CT
WHERE: Fayetteville High School
Although I’m sad to miss this year’s event due to the last-minute voting change in Washington, DC, my staff looks forward to hosting high schoolers interested in pursuing a career in service.
Art Competition
From now until noon on April 22, you can vote for your favorite AR-3 2024 Congressional Art Competition piece! The submission with the most votes will receive the People’s Choice Award. Check out this year’s art and support your favorite entry HERE!
Stay tuned – Wednesday evening I will announce the overall winner of the competition. This student will have their work displayed in the U.S. Capitol for a year!
I will be back doing what I love most next week – visiting with the great people of Arkansas’ Third! 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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