Washington Update
Comment from the Capitol
This week, Congressional committees have been hard at work advancing their portions of the broader budget reconciliation package. As a reminder, the budget resolution we passed before Easter set the overall targets for cost savings, and now it’s up to the committees of jurisdiction to identify substantial cuts to meet those goals. I break this all down and more in this week’s Comment from the Capitol.
LISTEN HERE!
On the House Floor...
In the House this week, we voted on and passed a few pieces of key legislation that I am excited to tell you about.
Ensuring Price Transparency
With my support, the House passed two important bills, the TICKET Act and the Hotel Fees Transparency Act of 2025, aimed at eliminating deceptive pricing practices and hidden fees for hotel reservations and concert tickets that harm and frustrate consumers.
The TICKET Act requires ticket sellers for concerts, performances, sporting events, and similar activities to clearly and prominently disclose the total ticket price for the event at the time the ticket is first displayed to an individual.
The Hotel Fees Transparency Act of 2025 requires providers of short-term lodging, such as hotels, short-term rentals, and third-party online sellers, to include certain price information when displaying, advertising, or marketing reservations for lodging.
Eliminating Harmful Mandates
My colleagues and I in the House passed three resolutions to nullify harmful electric vehicle (EV) mandates implemented by the Biden-Harris Administration. These regulations have nationwide consequences, threatening to drive up costs and restrict consumer choice.
Honoring the ‘Miracle on Ice’ Team
The House also passed a bill, which I proudly cosponsored, to award the Congressional Gold Medal to the 1980 U.S. Olympic Men's Ice Hockey Team who inspired millions with their extraordinary 'Miracle on Ice' victory against the Soviet Union at the Lake Placid Winter Olympic Games.
Third District Students Compete at the National Science Bowl
On Monday, I congratulated students of Fayetteville High School and Haas Hall Academy in Rogers for advancing to the finals of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science’s 2025 National Science Bowl in Washington, D.C. These two teams earned their spots in the finals after months of participating in regional elimination tournaments. Read more HERE.
Leveling the Playing Field for American Whiskey Producers
In case you missed it, I introduced the Duty Drawback Clarification Act that aims to ensure American whiskey distillers can participate in the duty drawback program. This highly effective program refunds duties and fees paid by importers when they export equivalent amounts of the same product. While beer, wine, and other spirit producers in the United States already benefit from this program, American whiskey makers have been excluded because of its unique and unfair categorization in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
American whiskey producers—including those manufacturing right here in the Third District of Arkansas—should be able to benefit from this program that strengthens our economy and supports American jobs by incentivizing exports. Read more HERE.
A Tribute to House Photographer Phi Nguyen
On Wednesday, I had the honor of recognizing a remarkable individual and his inspiring American Dream story: House Photographer Phi Nguyen.
Phi and his family fled Vietnam just days before the fall of Saigon in 1975, seeking the promise of a better future in the U.S. They found it — and now, Phi marks 50 years in the U.S and nearly four decades of service to Congress capturing moments only a photo can. Watch the full speech HERE.
Photo Highlights
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It was a pleasure to meet the brilliant students from Bentonville West High School who earned national recognition for creating a free mobile app that can diagnose oral cancer — an achievement that secured them a spot as national finalists in this year's Solve for Tomorrow STEM competition
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I had the privilege of meeting with General David Allvin, Chief of Staff of the Air Force, for a crucial discussion on key programs and initiatives ahead of FY26. We discussed the impressive stand-up of the Ebbing Air National Guard Base mission and how that mission will continue to grow in the future. Our conversation also covered the broader priorities of the United States Air Force to enhance operational readiness and deter emerging threats worldwide.
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I had a productive discussion with electrical contractors from Fort Smith and other parts of Arkansas about the challenges facing their industry. Tax provisions and permitting reform were top of mind, particularly the need to extend certain provisions from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. These pro-growth tax policies have allowed businesses to invest in their employees and expand their operations, strengthening the industry and our economy.
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In my meeting with the Ambassador of Azerbaijan Khazar Ibrahim, we discussed the current geopolitical landscape and ways to strengthen the U.S.- Azerbaijan bilateral relationship.
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Similarly, my meeting with Romanian Ambassador Andrei Muraru centered on U.S.-Romania security and defense cooperation. We also discussed Romania’s role in supporting Ukraine’s reconstruction efforts and the broader ways in which the U.S. and Romania can continue to assist our friend Ukraine.
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It was a pleasure to sit down with Arkansas Independent Insurance Agents, many of whom are close friends and constituents, to talk about the reconciliation process. Our discussion specifically focused on tax policies affecting insurance agents in the Third District, and I appreciated the opportunity to hear their concerns firsthand.
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Additionally, I met with the Susan G. Komen Advocates to discuss the critical importance of early screening and detection for breast cancer. These conversations reinforce my strong belief in biomedical research which is an investment that doesn’t just save dollars but saves lives.
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Reminders!
Attention all young coders and tech wizards: The Congressional App Challenge is now open to middle and high school students in Arkansas's Third District. This exciting opportunity encourages students to leverage their computer science and coding skills to create innovative applications that showcase their potential.
Don't miss your chance to compete. Register now and submit your app by October 30, 2025. Learn more HERE.
Have a great weekend ahead, and I hope to see you around! Be sure to check out my website, X, and Instagram pages in the meantime. |