Update from Washington
Comment from the Capitol
In this week’s audio recap, I gave a play-by-play of the House budget resolution vote on Tuesday night and a preview of what’s to come, including the fight to avoid a government shutdown.
Listen here!
House-passed Legislation
This week, the House passed our version of the budget resolution and energy-related legislation to roll back costly and burdensome regulations.
Budget Resolution
- Passing the budget resolution—the blueprint and procedural avenue to unlock the reconciliation process—is only step one of a very long process. The House-passed version lays the foundation for investment in border security, national defense, and energy production while providing a pathway to extend President Trump’s tax cuts and responsibly raise the debt ceiling.
- Next, House and Senate leadership must compare notes and compromise on one version. As I discussed in my Comment from the Capitol, advancing one resolution through both chambers is necessary to make these policies a reality. I will be sure to keep you posted on this process.
Reversing Burdensome Biden Rules
- H.J. Res. 35: Removes the Biden Administration’s Waste Emissions Charge, which imposes a fee on oil and natural gas facilities that's ultimately passed down to consumers, raising energy prices for hardworking Americans. I will continue to support ways to unleash domestic energy production and lower energy costs for American families.
- H.J. Res. 20: Removes the Biden Administration’s “Energy Conservation Standards for Consumer Gas-fired Instantaneous Water Heaters” rule that effectively bans certain natural gas water heaters from the market, placing financial burdens on consumers, particularly seniors and low-income households, and threatening consumer choice.
Picture highlights from the week:
|
I started my week with folks from the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture to discuss the current state of play in Congress. My fellow members of the Arkansas Delegation joined me in giving updates on where we are on appropriations, budget reconciliation, and Farm Bill negotiations.
|
Aviation safety has been at the top of many people's minds since the recent tragedy at Reagan National Airport. I met with the Federal Aviation Administration’s Acting Administrator, Chris Rocheleau, to talk about ensuring the safety of our airspace and investing in air traffic control operations and FAA facilities and equipment. Conversations like this are important to my work as Chairman of the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Subcommittee on Appropriations.
|
I was honored to welcome Arkansans from the America Legion Department of Arkansas to my office to discuss our shared priority— caring for those who’ve worn America’s uniform. Topics included transitioning to the civilian workforce, improving the quality of life of servicemembers, ensuring veterans can access the benefits they’ve earned, and giving Congress the authority to protect our nation’s flag – an effort I am proud to lead!
|
The United States must continue to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our greatest ally in the Middle East, Israel. I met with Arkansans from AIPAC to discuss ongoing threats to Israel, the unfolding hostage ceasefire agreement, US security assistance to Israel, and the need to counter Iran.
|
It was great to sit down with the University of Arkansas (UA) System President Jay Silveria to visit about the UA System’s impact on the Natural State. The University System is an economic driver, research institution, and helps prepare the next generation of professionals in Arkansas and nation’s workforce.
|
Arkansans from the National Arkansas Association of Benefits and Insurance Professionals came by to discuss how they assist individuals, employers, and seniors select health insurance plans. I’m grateful for the important work they do in our community!
|
Thank you to the folks from the American Institute of Architects for stopping by to talk about housing resiliency, particularly after the devastating tornadoes from last May, and the need to extend certain small business and research and development tax policies that support architects’ businesses.
|
Arkansas’ philanthropic foundations do remarkable work in our great state. I appreciated hearing more about the Women’s Foundation of Arkansas’ work to empower young girls in STEAM fields and women small business owners.
|
Today, I was back home in Arkansas’ Third and spoke at the Springdale Chamber Annual Meeting. I gave an honest update from Washington and emphasized the importance of passing full-year appropriations rather than continuing to kick the can down the road with continuing resolutions. The impacts are real and will affect Springdale, as funding for important projects in the communities are in the appropriations bills.
Reminder
|
_(1)gfd.png "District_Internship_(Instagram_Post)_(1)gfd.png")
College students and recent graduates have one week left to apply for my DC summer internship—applications are due by 5 p.m. CT on March 7. Learn more and apply here!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|