Reason for the Season
I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving filled with good food and good company! As we’ve officially entered the holiday season, we’re able to pause, reflect, and be reminded of our blessings.
I’m grateful that I get to wake up in the land of freedom and opportunity each day—all because of the sacrifices that generations of Americans made before us to create, protect, and advance this great nation. I’m also incredibly grateful to serve you in Congress. It’s a duty I cherish and will never take for granted.
As we count our blessings, let us also be mindful of those who may be alone, grieving a loved one, or facing challenges this holiday season. We also thank our military members and first responders who have selflessly sacrificed, putting their fellow Americans above themselves.
Thanksgiving is one of our keystone American traditions. It’s a beautiful time that leads us into celebrating the birth of the Christ child and into the new year, where we reflect on the old and welcome the new.
I wish you a great Thanksgiving weekend and a happy holiday season ahead!
America’s Future Business Leaders
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This week, I joined Dr. Brent Williams’, Dean of the Sam Walton College of Business, honors symposium class to discuss my leadership experience and offer advice. It was an honor to be surrounded by aspiring leaders, and it gives me great hope for the future of our country. These brilliant minds at the University of Arkansas no doubt have a bright future ahead!
Tomorrow: Small Business Saturday
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Small businesses are the bedrock of our nation’s economy. As you shop for Christmas, remember to shop small and support the local businesses that make our corner of the Natural State special! Whether it's providing jobs and opportunity, growing our economy, or investing in our communities, small businesses are critical to creating an innovative and prosperous America.
Looking Ahead
Members of the House and Senate will return to Washington, DC, next week to round out the end-of-year obligations. Some of the items we expect to consider:
- FY25 Appropriations: The deadline to pass fiscal year 2025 appropriations bills, legislation critical to government operations to serve the American people, was the end of the fiscal year, September 30. But Congress passed a short-term spending extension, or a continuing resolution (CR), to punt the deadline to December 20, which is fast approaching. If we don’t come to an agreement by then, Congress will have to punt the deadline again into the new year with another CR. Let me remind you that a CR is never ideal—it does NOT allow new, necessary defense programs to begin or include district-specific funding for projects I’ve advocated for throughout AR-3. However, CRs will always be better than the alternative, which is a detrimental government shutdown.
- National Defense Authorization Act: This annual, must-pass legislation is essential to bolstering U.S. military capabilities, deterring pacing threats from our adversaries, and supporting our men and women wearing America’s uniform.
- Farm Bill: This comprehensive, multiyear package governs an array of farm and food programs that are critical to the success of our nation’s agriculture producers. America’s food security depends on strong agricultural policy that provides stability and opportunity for farmers, ranchers, and producers across Arkansas and the nation.
- Disaster Relief: Last week, President Biden requested funding for disaster relief in response to Hurricanes Helene and Milton and recovery efforts in Northwest Arkansas after the Memorial Day weekend tornadoes. My colleagues on the House Appropriations Committee and I are closely working to address the president’s request and provide the much-needed relief for impacted Arkansans and Americans.
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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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