Washington Update
Government Funding Update
Another week has passed without any action on preventing a government shutdown ahead of the September 30 deadline. After avoiding a vote last week, the House voted on Speaker Mike Johnson’s initial proposal to pass a continuing resolution (CR) with the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act attached. This package would have been a temporary spending fix through next March to avoid a government shutdown and ensure the integrity and security of federal elections. Unfortunately, the package didn’t garner enough support to pass and advance to the Senate. Now, we’re back to square one, but a CR without the SAVE Act will likely be considered next week.
To be clear, passing a CR is not ideal for national defense or the American public, but it will always be better than a costly, harmful government shutdown. However, we must be realistic. The House, Senate, and White House must all come to an agreement on a CR to avoid a detrimental government shutdown. This is a massive hurdle we have yet to clear, and we have one week left to get it done.
Safeguarding Veterans’ Benefits
Our nation’s veterans deserve and rely on resources from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) budget. The Biden-Harris administration failed to properly budget and account for enrollment growth and staffing costs in its budgetary process, resulting in an unprecedented $15 billion funding shortfall in veteran benefits for the remainder of FY24 and into FY25. Without Congressional action before September 20, this shortfall would result in the Veterans Benefits Administration being unable to process benefits payments scheduled for October 1.
This week, Congress stepped up for millions of veterans where the administration fell woefully short. We passed the Veterans Benefits Continuity and Accountability Supplemental Appropriations Act—a bill I proudly cosponsored—to fully fund the VA’s request and prevent the funding cliff. The legislation also holds the administration accountable, requiring a report to be submitted to Congress no later than 30 days after enactment as to why these budgetary errors took place and ways the VA is addressing its failure to accurately project needs and recurring reports on the status of funds of these accounts moving forward. We must ensure our heroes are never neglected by these failures again.
Stopping Biden’s Rush-to-Green Agenda
The Biden-Harris admin's rush-to-green agenda is handing China the keys to America's energy future, jeopardizing our auto industry, and forcing consumers to buy expensive electric vehicles they don't want and don't need.
That's why House Republicans passed a resolution that I cosponsored this week, which rescinds the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) de facto electric vehicle mandate that requires two-thirds of all new cars in the US to be electric by 2032. I support an all-of-the-above energy approach but forcing this Green New Deal agenda only harms the American people.
Increasing Security for Presidential Candidates
The increased political violence against President Trump demands action. Two assassination attempts on a former president and current candidate is completely unacceptable. That’s why the entire House unanimously voted today to require the Secret Service to apply equal standards when determining the number of agents assigned to protect sitting presidents, vice presidents, and major candidates for president and vice president.
Picture highlights from the week:
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Giving Capitol tours to Third District Arkansans is one of my favorite things to do while I’m in DC. Friends from Bentonville were visiting this week— Melody Martens, Celia Swanson, and Christine Horwart—to see the rich history of our great nation. If you ever are planning a visit to DC, please let my office know and we’d be happy to schedule a tour!
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Cancer tragically takes the lives of too many Americans each year. I have continuously supported cancer research funding throughout my time in Congress. I’m a believer in biomedical research investment because it can be a catalyst for treatment and cure development. Arkansans with the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network came by to discuss legislation that would allow for Medicare coverage for multi-cancer early detection screening tests that are approved by the Food and Drug Administration—a bill I strongly support. Hopefully, providing seniors with access to early detection will catch cancers before a late-stage diagnosis and save lives.
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Folks from Butterball and Cargill were in town this week with the National Turkey Federation to discuss issues important to their industry. A topic of conversation was the Farm Bill, which is a large, multi-year legislative package that governs an array of agriculture and food programs. It’s critical that Congress works to pass this legislation to support our hardworking producers.
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The Biden-Harris admin continues to place burdensome and costly regulations on the auto industry, such as the Vehicle Shopping Rule and the EPA’s electric vehicle mandate. I met with the National Auto Dealers Association to discuss our collaborative efforts to pass critical legislation to push back on this hyper-regulatory agenda.
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Hogs were in town! My colleagues and I in the Arkansas delegation met with members of the University of Arkansas Alumni Association. It’s an honor to have this prestigious university in the Third District, and I look forward to continuing to partner with them to develop and grow their research programs.
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Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy is a cruel disease that impacts about 1 in every 3,500 to 5,000 boys globally. I’ve heard from families who face an unimaginable reality: watching their children grow weaker, knowing that there is no cure, yet continuing to fight for their future. I was humbled to be honored at the annual Dining Away Duchenne event, along with Senator Wicker, for our work to shape policy and provide federal investment that supports efforts to find a cure.
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I led a vital oversight hearing as Chairman of the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Subcommittee on Appropriations. My colleagues and I asked questions to hold HUD, DOT, and Amtrak accountable to the American taxpayer, providing critical insight to fight waste and enhance transparency.
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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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