Washington Update
Combatting Antisemitism on College Campuses
It’s been deeply upsetting to turn on the TV and see the chaos occurring at college campuses across our country—a feeling I’m sure is felt by many of you reading this. It infuriates me to see people cloaking themselves in our constitution while demeaning it with their actions. Let me be clear—pro-terror, antisemitic mobs have no place in this country. Yet we have seen the leadership at American universities cede to these radical mobs rather than honor their responsibility to ensure the safety and educational opportunities for students. This is utterly unacceptable.
This week, the House of Representatives passed a bill as a step forward in combatting antisemitism on our college campuses and holding those who participate in political violence accountable. The legislation, called the Antisemitism Awareness Act, requires the Department of Education to utilize the 2016 International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of antisemitism and its contemporary examples when reviewing, investigating, or determining whether discrimination has occurred. It further expresses the sense of Congress that discrimination against Jews may violate Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 when it is based on race, color, or national origin, which can include discrimination based on actual or perceived shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics.
As disturbing as it’s been to witness these mobs upending important class work and threatening their peers, I commend the students who’ve courageously stood up for American values and principles. My colleagues and I will continue to hold the universities accountable and ensure the protection of students.
Surveying Key Bridge and Port Recovery Response Firsthand
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Understanding the challenges facing our country stemming from the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse is my duty as Chairman of the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Subcommittee on Appropriations. To that end, yesterday, my friend Chairman Tom Cole and I led a group of fellow House Appropriators to receive an update on the recovery of the channel, efforts to restore the Port of Baltimore, and plans to rebuild the bridge. Maryland Governor Wes Moore hosted us.
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We first received a briefing from the Unified Command (Army Corps of Engineers, Coast Guard, and Maryland State Police), Governor Wes Moore, Office of Management and Budget Director Shalanda Young, the Federal Highway Administration, and the Department of Transportation's Office of Multimodal Freight Infrastructure. This mission is a true team effort!
We then departed to see the wreckage up-close to fully understand the magnitude of this tragic disaster. It was unlike anything I had ever seen before.
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I made sure to thank the first responders and all of who are helping recovery efforts. The tireless effort and teamwork I saw is the American standard. Our nation bands together in a time of need and tackles challenges head-on—the response to this disaster is no exception. I’m grateful for my friend Governor Moore’s leadership and for the dedication of the team taking on this task. My colleagues and I on the Appropriations Committee are committed to working together to address this catastrophic situation.
Tune in to this week's edition of Comment from the Capitol to hear my firsthand report from the Port of Baltimore with my friend Gov. Moore as we overlooked recovery and rehabilitation efforts. Click HERE to listen!
Protecting America’s Lands
The Biden Administration has continued to push its failed, anti-American energy agenda by restricting access to America’s public lands and waters through a series of reckless policy decisions. In turn, we’ve abandoned America’s abundant resources and turned to foreign adversaries for our energy needs.
House Republicans passed a slate of legislation this week to combat the Administration’s egregious agenda which has shortchanged Americans and put our national security at risk. I was proud to vote in favor of each one. You may read about the bills, here.
I remain focused on ensuring Americans are always able to access these lands while also utilizing the abundant resources under our own two feet. In America, we can develop our domestic energy supply safely, reliably, and affordably while being mindful of conserving our environment. The Biden Administration just needs to get out of the way.
Picture highlights from the week:
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Mayor McGill of Fort Smith and the Fort Smith Board of Directors along with the City Administration came to Washington this week! We matched notes and had great conversation about what’s happening in the River Valley. I want folks in the region to know that these personal visits by leadership pay huge dividends for the community. As always, I love to have Arkansas' Third in DC!
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I joined the Fort Smith group after attending a House Appropriations Committee hearing with the Air Force. I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to have them meet the Secretary of the Air Force, Frank Kendall, and the Chief of Staff of the Air Force, General David Allvin! Having them connect on the exciting Foreign Military Sales mission coming to Ebbing Air National Guard Base was very special!
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As my colleagues and I begin our work on the FY25 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) appropriations bill, it is imperative that we hear directly from Secretary Buttigieg. I held this hearing on Tuesday. The Department of Transportation is responsible for the safety of our skies, roads, and railroads, as well as investments in our nation’s most vital transportation systems. As former mayors, Secretary Buttigieg and I understand the impact efficient transportation systems have on the development and prosperity of our communities. Focusing DOT programs on safety and transformational investments instead of non-core mission areas will be my priority as chairman of this subcommittee.
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I also held a hearing with the Housing and Urban Development Acting Secretary Todman this week. My focus for this section of the THUD bill will be to right-size these programs to effectively respond to the housing needs of Arkansans and Americans while addressing housing inflation that is pinching the wallets of people across the country.
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Auto dealers fuel our nation’s economy. I spoke at the National Auto Dealers Association meeting with a table-full of auto dealers from across the country to discuss the things I’m doing in Congress to help their businesses. This includes getting rid of the Biden Administration’s burdensome rules and regulations that hinder their ability to do their job and grow their business.
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It was great to speak to the Community Bankers with my fellow Arkansas members! We met with representatives from across the state to discuss issues facing bankers and how we can help address them.
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I was honored to receive the Fiscal Hero Award from the Committee for a Responsible Budget for my efforts to improve the nation's fiscal situation and fix the budget process. With our debt skyrocketing, interest costs surging, and inflation soaring, now more than ever I am committed to righting our fiscal ship.
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Congratulations to the House of Webster on 90 years in business! They are an icon and staple in this community. I spoke about my longstanding connection with House of Webster, from my broadcasting years when I interviewed Roy Webster to now sharing their delicious products with my colleagues in Washington, DC. I was honored to be a part of the celebration today!
Congressional App Challenge
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I’m pleased to announce the 2024 Congressional App Challenge! This is an annual competition designed to encourage middle and high school students across our country to learn how to code and leverage computer science to create their own apps. STEM education develops skills important to the jobs of the future!
Applications will be accepted from now through October 24 at noon CT. Please visit my website HERE for more information and to apply!
I will be back in Washington, DC, next week for legislative business. 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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