Washington Update
Comment from the Capitol
Congress was running up against yet another government funding deadline this week. If the House and Senate didn’t pass the full-year continuing resolution, we would be heading into a government shutdown when the clock strikes midnight tonight. But both chambers got the job done. The continuing resolution is a temporary funding extension through the end of the fiscal year, September 30, 2025.
Tune into this week’s audio recap to hear more about what was in the legislation and why I supported it: LISTEN HERE
Averting a Government Shutdown
Here’s my statement on my vote for the continuing resolution. If you listened to my Comment from the Capitol, you know I am very much against haphazardly funding the government this way. Congress must get its act together and pass full-year appropriations bills in order to respond to the needs of Third District Arkansans and advance President Trump’s agenda.
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Protecting Veteran Access to Telemedicine Services
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I recently introduced a bill, the Protecting Veteran Access to Telemedicine Services Act, that permanently authorizes VA healthcare professionals to deliver, distribute, and dispense medically necessary controlled substances to veterans via telemedicine. This week, the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Health considered my bill, and I spoke about its importance to our veterans and urged swift passage.
We must ensure our nation’s veterans—whether in cities or rural areas—have access to the healthcare services they need and deserve.
You can watch my remarks here.
House-passed Legislation
In addition to the continuing resolution, the House passed two pieces of legislation, both of which received my support.
- H.R. 1156: Extends the statute of limitations to ten years for fraudulent unemployment claims funded by federal pandemic unemployment programs by amending the CARES Act, allowing federal law enforcement to continue prosecuting fraudsters and criminals and recover billions of taxpayer dollars lost to fraud during COVID-19.
- H.J. Res 25: Overturns Biden’s rule that would require brokers to report gross proceeds from crypto sales and other digital asset transactions, including data about the taxpayers involved, increasing tax filing burdens, stifling innovation, and raising privacy concerns about the sharing of taxpayers’ personal information.
Picture highlights from the week:
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I started my week doing what I love most – showing our bright young minds from Arkansas’ Third the People’s House! I shared with students from Founders Classical Academy in Bentonville how Congress and the federal government works for the American people. I hope visits like these inspire our next generation of leaders!
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I met with executives across the aviation industry to hear directly from them about the importance of adequately funding the Federal Aviation Administration, a responsibility of mine as Chairman of the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Subcommittee on Appropriations. The need for robust investment is great, and I look forward to working with them to ensure the United States remains the gold standard for aviation.
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I caught up with Alex Thomas, the DC Correspondent for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, to inform Arkansans on the continuing resolution and options for permanent solutions to prevent future collisions at Reagan National Airport.
Read the stories here and here.
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It was great to have my friend, Springdale Mayor Doug Sprouse, and city leadership visit my D.C. office. We discussed economic and community development initiatives throughout Springdale. Thanks for the visit!
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A highlight of my week was meeting with cadets from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point to discuss leadership, military service, and my work on the Defense Subcommittee on Appropriations, which is vital to our national defense. As Chairman of the West Point Board of Visitors, I’m committed to developing our future Army leaders. I’m always inspired by the cadets’ love of country and dedication to service.
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I met with a group of superintendents in Arkansas’ Third to discuss issues affecting students and teachers in our local schools. Our schools do important work preparing our young people for success. It was great to hear how they’re working to ensure that all students can empower themselves through education. Thank you to Debbie Jones (Superintendent of Bentonville), Jared Cleveland (Superintendent of Springdale), John Mulford (Superintendent of Fayetteville), and Marty Mahan (Deputy Superintendent of Ft. Smith) for taking the time to visit with me.
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I stopped by the Arkansas Municipal League luncheon to provide an update on what’s happening in Congress, give context around the continuing resolution, and discuss local initiatives. It’s always great to be in a room full of Arkansans!
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Nutritious meals feed and fuel our children for success. I welcomed folks from the Arkansas School Nutrition Association to hear more about the National School Lunch and Breakfast programs and ways we can partner to ensure our nation’s kids are well-fed in school.
Reminder!
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My office is accepting applications for the 2025 Congressional Art Competition! This is a special opportunity to recognize and encourage artistic talent in the nation, as well as in our congressional district. The competition is open to all high school students in the Third District, and the overall winner of our district's competition will be displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol!
For more information on the application process, please visit my website here.
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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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