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Each member of Congress gets to bring a guest to Joint Meetings of Congress. I chose to bring Dr. Erica Miller, a Holocaust survivor and former member of the Israeli Defense Force. Listen to our recap of the address and more about her life in this week’s edition of Comment from the Capitol here!
Establishing a Task Force to Investigate the Trump Assassination Attempt
The assassination attempt on President Trump was not only a horrific act of violence but an attack on the very principles that define our nation. A security failure of such magnitude should have never happened. The American people deserve answers.
On Monday, the House Oversight Committee held a hearing with Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle to get to the bottom of what happened on that dreadful day. The Secret Service has a no-fail mission—and they failed in that mission to protect President Trump under her leadership. Director Cheatle was unable to answer critical questions at the hearing, further eroding any remaining confidence that she could fulfill the Secret Service’s required duties. Along with many of my colleagues from both parties, I called on her to resign. The following day, she did.
This move was a step in the right direction, but the work to address the immense failure is far from complete. On Wednesday, the House unanimously voted to establish a bipartisan task force to examine security failures and ensure accountability. We must make sure such failures never happen again.
Condemning Vice President Harris’ Refusal to Secure the Border
When the Biden-Harris Administration took office, Vice President Harris was tasked to lead the efforts to secure the border. With over 7.9 million illegal immigrants caught attempting to enter the U.S. at the southern border, including over 350 people on the terrorist watchlist since 2021, it’s clear that she has completely failed in this mission. From the massive flow of drugs to dangerous criminals and potential terrorists, her negligence has cost American lives and put our national security at risk.
With my support, the House passed a measure to condemn the Biden Administration and Border Czar Kamala Harris for their failure to secure the U.S. southern border, resulting in the worst border crisis in American history.
Visiting Future Army Leaders
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As Chairman of the West Point Board of Visitors, each year we travel to the United States Military Academy at West Point to observe cadet summer training, meet with cadets and West Point leadership, and lead the West Point Board of Visitors meeting, all of which I did today. This trip remains one of my highlights each summer—particularly when I get to see cadets from Arkansas’ Third District. Pictured above, I visited with Luke Welcher of Fayetteville and Sydney Rhuda of Bentonville!
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At the Board meeting, we received briefings on West Point’s academic, physical, and military priorities. I focused on the cadets’ developmental experience and ensuring USMA remains the world’s preeminent leadership institute. We then walked around Camp Buckner, had lunch with cadets, and watched their summer training. I’m incredibly proud of the cadets, who commit themselves every day to the values of Duty, Honor, and Country. Go Army!
Picture highlights from the week:
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One of the best parts of my job is spending time with America’s future leaders. This week, I spoke to interns from Arkansas as a part of Senator John Boozman’s Intern Lecture Series. Seeing young people inspired and eager to follow the path of public service gives me great hope for the future. Being immersed in government and policy is a unique experience, and I’m proud these young minds are dedicating their summer to it.
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I was honored to have Arkansas State Senator Bart Hester and his wife come by my office yesterday! Bart is a great friend and effective leader who delivers results for hardworking Arkansans. He understands the needs of the growing Northwest Arkansas community and is a strong advocate for those he represents. Thank you for the visit!
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I was honored to be named a 2024 “Hero of Main Street” by the National Retail Federation this week for my work to advance policies that support our retailers and spur our economy. Retail is an important part of our economy, and I look forward to continuing to promote pro-growth policies to boost our economy, provide jobs, and benefit both retailers and consumers.
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Sgt. Andy Butterworth answered the nation's call to serve and suffered a horrific injury on the battlefield that caused him to lose his right leg. Homes For Our Troops completed a home in Pea Ridge for Sgt. Butterworth and his family, allowing them to create a brighter future. America is indebted to Sgt. Butterworth for his service, and this home is just one way to display our immense gratitude. I was honored to be part of the celebration on Saturday before I began my week in Washington, DC.
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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