Update from Washington
Congress’ Fundamental Duty
Our most fundamental duty in Congress is ensuring the government is funded and functions well for the country—all while responsibly stewarding taxpayer dollars. As a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, I have a direct role in making this happen each fiscal year. The committee must produce 12 bills to be signed into law for the government to operate and serve our country effectively. Under Chairman Tom Cole, we’ve had an aggressive schedule to get this done in a timely fashion. So far, we’ve passed 6 of the bills out of the committee, with the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs bill already cleared by the House:
- Military Construction and Veterans Affairs: Fully funds veterans’ care, and secures key defense priorities, including additional funding for Ebbing Air National Guard Base projects and robust investments in the Pacific region.
- State and Foreign Operations: Supports key allies, counters adversaries, and promotes global freedom and security.
- Homeland Security: Addresses the crisis at the southern border by supporting our Border Patrol agents, investing in border security technology, and building the wall.
- Defense: Strengthens and modernizes U.S. defense capabilities, includes a 4.5% pay raise for all servicemembers and an additional 15% pay raise for junior enlisted servicemembers, and provides for Arkansas’ Third District priorities.
- Financial Services and General Government: Removes costly and burdensome regulations typical of the Biden Administration’s agenda to spur the economy and support small businesses.
- Legislative Branch: Ensures Congress remains open, safe, and working for the American people and provides the resources necessary for Congress to serve our constituents and conduct oversight responsibilities
Tune in to this week’s Comment from the Capitol to listen to the appropriations state of play from Chairman Cole and myself—click HERE!
Strengthening National Security
Providing for the common defense of our nation is a constitutional imperative, and supporting our troops is our moral and strategic obligation. This week, the House passed the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025. This legislation authorizes funding for our national security, improves the quality of life for our servicemembers and their families, and makes it abundantly clear that America will stand by our allies and defend against adversarial aggression both at home and abroad. It also focuses on Arkansas priorities, such as authorizing funding for Fort Smith’s FMS mission.
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House passage of the NDAA is a step forward, but we must quickly pass full-year appropriations for the Department of Defense and fund the government to complete the mission.
Holding Attorney General Merrick Garland in Contempt of Congress
The House acted to hold AG Garland accountable for his refusal to comply with Congressional subpoenas to fully examine the president’s mental fitness and handling of classified documents. It’s Congress’ responsibility to defend the Constitution and the authority of Congress. The American people deserve transparency, especially when it concerns the leader of our country.
Picture highlights from the week:
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It was special to have my grandson Kaden in Washington with me this week! I'm so proud of the young man he's becoming.
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I welcomed Minister Monique Jones of Fayetteville to my office. Minister Jones talked about the upcoming Farm Bill—legislation critical to supporting America’s agricultural producers with the necessary resources to feed and fuel the nation—as well as support for nutrition programs. Her church, the Historic St. James Missionary Baptist Church, runs a large food pantry in Northwest Arkansas.
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Folks from Arkansas’ Third representing the International Fresh Produce Association came by to discuss the Farm Bill and support for specialty crops and improving nutrition standards in SNAP. I’m grateful to be a partner in their work to advocate for farmers and businesses across America.
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Susan G. Komen is the world’s leading nonprofit for breast cancer, representing millions of people who have been diagnosed with the disease. Sarah and Lauren from Arkansas’ Third spoke about the need for cancer screening and how important it is to detect cancer early. We also discussed the Safe Step Act, legislation I strongly support, which seeks to improve patients’ ability to access the safest, most effective treatment available to them by improving step therapy protocols. Investing in lifesaving research has always been a priority of mine in Congress.
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Too many Americans suffer in silence, and too many tragically fall victim to suicide because of it. I met with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention—with Arkansans—to discuss ways Congress can support suicide prevention. In annual appropriations legislation, I have consistently supported funding for the lifesaving 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
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Since President Biden took office, just about everything has become much more expensive, from groceries to gas and homes. Arkansans with the National Association of Home Builders talked about the real-life, harmful effects of the Biden Administration’s regulations on home builders and how these regulations result in higher prices of homes. I will continue to focus on reining in Biden’s hyper-regulatory agenda that is stifling our economy.
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Lauren Ferguson met with me to share her story as a testament to the incredible work that Arkansas Children’s Hospital is doing. Lauren was diagnosed with a rare cancer at a young age, but she hasn’t let it hold her back. She recently graduated high school and is headed to college in the fall. Because of Arkansas Children’s, she has been able to live a fulfilling life while being treated for cancer.
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Thank you to the Richardson family for coming by and taking a tour of the People’s House!
Happy Father’s Day!
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Wishing a happy Father’s Day weekend to all the great dads in Arkansas’ Third District and across the country. Especially grateful for my father, the Colonel!
I'll be back in Arkansas next week doing what I love most—visiting with the great people and businesses in our community. Have a good 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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