Weekly Update
It was a great week back in the Third District meeting with constituents and visiting the businesses and organizations that make our community extraordinary. With Republicans in the majority, we are in the Capitol as much as possible to push forward policies that make it easier for you provide for your families.
But being home is always a highlight, and this week I was reminded of the strength and resilience of our communities. This morning, I visited Highfill to survey the damage left by a tornado that impacted several homes. The response from neighbors stepping up to help one another was compelling and heartwarming. Thank you to Julie Brown, executive director of the Northwest Arkansas Chapter of the Red Cross, for leading the charge to assist those impacted.
I also made a trip to Van Buren, where I saw the devastation caused by the June 6 tornado that severely affected units at the Van Buren Housing Authority. I’m grateful to Crawford County Judge Chris Keith and Housing Authority Director Dayna Cochran for showing me around and for their tireless efforts to support displaced families and restore damaged housing.
As these communities rebuild, please know that our office is here to support you in any way we can.
Meanwhile on Capitol Hill…
Next week is shaping up to be another busy one back in the nation’s capital. As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I’ll be focused on marking up the Agriculture, Homeland Security, and Legislative Branch appropriations bills.
Last week, we marked up and passed both the Military Construction (MilCon) and Defense appropriations bills out of committee. The process took longer than usual, as Democrats introduced dozens of amendments.
Switching gears to the reconciliation process: The Senate is still working to pass its own package after the House passed our “One Big Beautiful Bill.” Ideally, the two chambers will resolve our differences, but there’s already trouble in paradise.
Senate Finance Committee Republicans unveiled draft text that retains the current $10,000 cap on the state and local tax (SALT) deduction. That drew swift pushback from GOP lawmakers representing high-tax states like New York, who had secured a $40,000 cap in the House-passed version. With New York Republicans already calling the Senate proposal “dead on arrival” in the House, it’s becoming clear this process may take longer than expected — making it less likely the Senate will pass a package by the July 4th target set by leadership.
I shared more of my insights on the appropriations and reconciliation process in the latest session of Comment from the Capitol. Listen HERE.
In Case You Missed It…
I reintroduced a joint resolution with Senator Steve Daines last week proposing an amendment to the Constitution granting Congress the power to prohibit the physical desecration of the American flag.
Read more about it in my joint op-ed in Daily Caller HERE.
Photo Highlights
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I visited the site where Carroll County is developing a new facility to expand their C4 technical education training program. At this site, folks will learn valuable skills in welding, HVAC, and CDL training for school bus drivers—all critical skills that will help strengthen our workforce.
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I had the opportunity to tour the new Children’s Safety Center of Washington County, where the dedicated staff work to protect our most vulnerable children, helping them overcome trauma and abuse.
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I presented the Arkansas Department of Labor’s Four Million Work Hours Safety Award to MUVIQ’s Springdale facility which has achieved 4 million consecutive safe work hours without a lost-time incident. This impressive achievement is a testament to MUVIQ’s commitment to its 120 employees and to the broader community to ensure a safe workplace.
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I toured Superior Linen Service’s facility in Springdale, where I saw how their team works to support our local restaurants, hospitals, and more. From high-quality linens to apparel for chefs and medical staff, this company provides essential goods while creating jobs and strengthening our community.
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I met with the Arkansas Chapter of the Fulbright Association and this year’s Fulbright scholars from the University of Arkansas. It’s always a pleasure to connect with the next generation of leaders and hear about their goals.
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I toured Entegrity’s new Network Building in Fayetteville—a net-zero development that generates as much energy as it consumes. It was exciting to see new innovation right here in the Third District.
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I had the chance to tour Pleasant Valley Farms in Van Buren—a top 100 U.S. grower. For the past 32 years, this family-owned farm has planted, grown, and shipped plants and flowers for nationwide distribution. Together, we discussed regulations and workforce issues facing today’s agriculture sector.
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It was great to visit Malone’s Mechanical, Inc., in Van Buren and learn how they deliver safe, high-quality mechanical contracting services in our region. Their work ensures community success, one project at a time.
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I had some fun checking out the impressive lineup at Alma Tractor & Equipment Inc. in Crawford County. Dealerships like this are vital to our farming community across Northwest and River Valley Arkansas.
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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. |