Washington Update
Comment from the Capitol
In this week’s edition of Comment from the Capitol, I highlight one of the most powerful American government officials, Elizabeth MacDonough, the Parliamentarian of the U.S. Senate. Part of her job involves determining what can and cannot be included under the Senate's budget reconciliation process. This week, MacDonough rejected several provisions in the Senate version of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, forcing Senators to rewrite those sections and slowing down an already arduous process.
Whether the Senate and House can get the final product to President Trump’s desk by the July 4th holiday remains to be seen.
Listen HERE.
Appropriations Update
The House, with my support, passed its first appropriations bill, the fiscal year 2026 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies bill. This bill appropriates $152.091 billion in discretionary funding—an increase of nearly $5 billion over the fiscal year 2025 enacted level. It includes critical investments in military infrastructure that supports readiness and the military families that utilize them.
Read my full statement HERE.
I remain hopeful that the House will continue advancing the remaining eleven funding bills through regular order, as the Appropriations Committee presses forward with our markup work. As I’ve said before, it would be a complete failure if we cannot pass a full fiscal year 2026 budget before government funding runs out in September—and instead resort to another continuing resolution.
On a positive note, we successfully marked up and advanced the appropriations bills for Homeland Security, Agriculture, and the Legislative Branch.
The Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill provides a total discretionary allocation of $25.523 billion. This bill secures funding for research programs at the University of Arkansas and multiple community projects in the Third District. It also increases funding for the Agricultural Research Service and Child Nutrition programs, in addition to setting uniform standards for dog and cat pet food across the country.
The Homeland Security Appropriations Act provides a total discretionary allocation of $66.36 billion. The bill prioritizes border security and enhances resources to detect and counter deadly fentanyl that comes over our southern border and poisons our communities. It also reinforces programs that empower state and local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE in upholding immigration laws. Additionally, the bill includes funding to support the Coast Guard's operations in the Indo-Pacific to counter China and their actions in the region.
The Legislative Branch Appropriations Act provides a total discretionary allocation of $6.7 billion. The bill funds the upkeep and safety of the Capitol complex for staff, members, and visitors like you.
On the House Floor…
Aside from passing the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, the House also passed several other pieces of legislation. Here are a few of them:
H.R. 875, the Jeremy and Angel Seay and Sergeant Brandon Mendoza Protect Our Communities from DUIs Act of 2025, makes driving while intoxicated or impaired grounds for deportation or prohibition of admission into the U.S.
H.Res. 516 condemns the violence committed during the June 2025 riots in Los Angeles, California, where law enforcement officers were assaulted.
H.Res. 519 condemns the targeted shootings of Minnesota state lawmakers Rep. Melissa Hortman and Sen. John Hoffman.
Honoring Razorback Legends Bri Ellis and Wehiwa Aloy
This week, I took to the House floor to recognize newly minted Arkansas Razorback legends Bri Ellis and Wehiwa Aloy who were named this year’s top players in collegiate softball and baseball.
After a phenomenal spring season, Ellis was named both the SEC Softball Player of the Year and USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year. Aloy, who propelled the Razorbacks to the semifinals of the Men’s College World Series, was named SEC Player of the Year and earned the prestigious Golden Spikes Award.
Watch my speech on Bri Ellis HERE. Watch my speech on Wehiwa Aloy HERE.
Photo Highlights
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Last weekend, I had the honor of recognizing the Third District students heading to our nation’s service academies and several recent grads beginning their military careers. I consider nominating these future cadets one of the most important parts of my job. Their commitment to serve reflects true grit, patriotism, and leadership. Earning an academy appointment is no easy feat, and I’m incredibly proud of these young leaders and grateful for their decision to serve our country.
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I had the pleasure of welcoming the Schopmeyer family from Rogers to our D.C. office. Jeff Schopmeyer, who works as a manufacturer of aluminum trailers, joined me for a conversation about the impact of trade policy on their business. He was accompanied by his two children, and we also discussed how young people can engage in the governmental process.
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I also met with Secretary Lindsey Wallace from the Arkansas Department of Corrections. We discussed the importance of reintegration and recovery programs for inmates with substance abuse issues and how this can help with recidivism in Arkansas, as well as issues with inmates illegally smuggling in cellphones and ways to mitigate it.
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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. |