Policy Update
Advancing a Pro-Growth Agenda
Yesterday, the House voted 216-214 to pass the Senate-amended version of H. Con. Res. 14 – the Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Resolution. This is the second necessary step in advancing President Trump’s agenda. The resolution contains reconciliation instructions for House and Senate committees to produce legislation that advances a responsible, pro-growth agenda. I look forward to a final product that extends President Trump’s tax cuts, invests in our national and border security, and responsibly tackles some of our mandatory spending problems.
In this week’s audio recap, I share my thoughts on the passage of this resolution and what the rest of the reconciliation process could look like. LISTEN HERE.
Protecting the Integrity of U.S. Elections
This week, the House passed the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act, or the SAVE Act, with my support. The bedrock of our democracy exists in American citizens, and only American citizens, choosing our elected officials. This bill bans noncitizens from voting in our federal elections by requiring in-person proof of citizenship to register to vote. This legislation, which I cosponsored, ensures only Americans vote in American elections.
I want to clear up a rumor that I’ve heard circulating, saying this bill prevents married women from voting in our elections. This is NOT true. Under the SAVE Act, if married women provide updated documentation, such as a Real ID, passport, or government-issued identification, no action is needed. However, for the small portion of women who have not yet updated their identification documents, this bill explicitly directs states to establish a process for those discrepancies. This ensures all married women who are United States citizens can cast their ballots and have their voices heard.
Preventing Rogue Judicial Rulings and Restoring Constitutional Balance
Since President Trump took office, federal judges have issued blatantly partisan nationwide injunctions against his executive actions. In response, the House passed the No Rogue Rulings Act, or NORRA, which bans single district court judges from issuing nationwide injunctions on executive orders. Instead, the judge can only issue an injunction on the plaintiff who filed the lawsuit. However, if two states’ attorneys general in different federal circuits filed a lawsuit against an executive action, a three-judge panel would be created and could file a nationwide injunction.
By restoring constitutional limits on judicial authority, NORRA ensures the policies Americans voted for are not held hostage by individual, unelected judges. This bill will return policy decisions to the democratically elected branches of government, Congress and the President, fostering a government that works for the people and preserves original intent of the Constitution. I am proud to have voted in support of this bill to end these rogue judges’ rulings.
Picture highlights from the week:
This week, I met with representatives from the Arkansas Delegation of the American Coalition for Ukraine to discuss continued bipartisan support for Ukraine amid Russia’s ongoing invasion. The group highlighted the impact of aid on Ukraine’s battlefield resilience, democratic stability, and global food and energy security.
I sat down with members of Arkansas Access to Justice this week to discuss the importance of the Legal Services Corporation. We spoke about funding for this program and how the appropriations process will play out as we move forward with Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations.
Members from the Estonian Embassy and the Commander of the Estonian Defense Forces visited me this week to discuss regional security dynamics in the Baltic region amid Russia’s ongoing war with Ukraine. They highlighted their commitment to supporting Ukraine and the future of a ceasefire between the two countries. Key to the discussion was an update about the HIMARS rocket systems built in Camden, AR that Estonia will deliver this summer.
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As Chairman of the Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development (THUD) Subcommittee on Appropriations, it’s my job to ensure that our appropriations bill not only serves the Third District of Arkansas but also provides for the needs of every American. That’s why I invited all members of Congress to testify before the committee about the provisions in this bill that matter most to them. I’m excited to work with these members as we draft the Fiscal Year 2026 THUD appropriations bill.
Woo Pig Sooie! I got to do one of my favorite things this week – talk Razorback athletics! The University of Arkansas Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics, Hunter Yurachek, visited my office to talk about name, image, and likeness (NIL) legislation and other issues affecting college athletics and student athletes.
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This week, I met with Brandon Sawalich and Michael Scholl from Starkey Hearing to discuss their work under the Department of Defense and Department of Veteran Affairs hearing conservation programs. We discussed the new advances in technology to assist veterans affected by hearing loss during their service and addressing key programs within each service to preserve hearing.
Our local schools are instrumental in preparing and educating the next generation of leaders. The Arkansas School Boards Association was in DC this week to highlight key educational issues impacting schools, teachers, and students across the Natural State. My colleagues in the Arkansas delegation and I visited with them to discuss annual appropriations and how we can support their work to ensure the best education for our Arkansas students.
This week I was honored to receive the Family Research Council’s One Hundred Percent Award. This award is given to members of Congress who display an unwavering commitment to and support of faith, family, and freedom. These three ideals have and will continue to guide me as I represent the Third District.
Reminders!
Are you a Third District high schooler interested in military service? Come to my 2025 Academy Day! I look forward to hosting high schoolers interested in pursuing Service Academies or ROTC.
My office is accepting applications for the 2025 Congressional Art Competition! This is a unique 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.
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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