Weekly Update
Comment from the Capitol
In this week’s edition of Comment from the Capitol (CFTC), I discuss my vote on the stop-gap government funding measure and the importance of full-year appropriations.
Listen HERE.
Appropriations Update
Last week, the House Appropriations Committee completed its work marking up the remainder of the 12 bills that fund the government. Three of these bills have made their way across the House floor. However, the end of the fiscal year, September 30th, is fast approaching.
This week, the House passed a continuing resolution (CR) to extend government funding at current levels through November 21, 2025, by a vote of 217-212. I reluctantly voted in support of the measure with the understanding that Congress will move forward with full-year funding bills before the CR’s expiration.
Let me be frank, I am not a fan of another CR. Although it’s not as bad as a costly government shutdown, the consistent use of CRs is hurtful to America, particularly regarding national security. CRs fund obsolete priorities at obsolete levels, creating vulnerabilities for our men and women in uniform.
I’m encouraged by the work to conference the first three bill package. I look forward to continued action in the next seven weeks as Congress fulfills its Article I responsibility by passing full-year appropriations.
Protecting Veteran’s Access to Telemedicine
America is indebted to our veterans for their service and sacrifice to our country, and it’s our duty to ensure they have access to health care regardless of where they live. This week, the House of Representatives took an important step in ensuring veteran’s access to care by preventing unnecessary roadblocks and passing my bill, the Protecting Veteran Access to Telemedicine Services Act.
Veterans in rural areas don’t enjoy the same proximity to VA clinics as those in more urban or suburban areas, which can lead to poorer long-term health outcomes. Millions of veterans, particularly those in rural communities, have benefited from telehealth flexibility which has reduced the burden of travel and facilitated timely medical intervention.
My bill would permanently authorize a temporary exemption that allows healthcare professionals employed by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to prescribe medically necessary controlled substances to veterans via telemedicine under certain conditions regardless of whether that healthcare professional has conducted an in-person medical examination. The exemption is set to expire at the end of the year and will result in restricted veteran access to necessary medications.
As the Trump Administration works to improve the accessibility, and efficiency of our national veteran health care system, this bill will make a positive impact on our service members and their families. I am proud that the House passed this legislation and look forward to my Senate colleagues considering it.
Read more about this important legislation HERE.
Watch my floor remarks HERE.
On the House Floor…
In addition to my Protecting Veteran Access to Telemedicine Services Act, the House considered other important pieces of legislation this week to address crime in our nation’s capital and lower energy prices.
Also, the House passed a resolution honoring the life of Charlie Kirk in the wake of his horrific assassination. Disagreement should never devolve into extreme political violence. It pulls on my heart even more that it has left a wife without a husband and two kids without their father. I cosponsored this resolution, and my prayers continue to be with Charlie Kirk’s family.
Photo Highlights
The Springdale Chamber of Commerce was in Washington this week. I enjoyed engaging with local business leaders and sharing an update on the current lay of the land in Congress. Staff from the Department of Transportation joined the chamber in a discussion on infrastructure needs. As Chairman of the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee, I understand that leveraging federal dollars, like the $59 million I secured for the Springdale Northern Bypass, will help promote economic development in Northwest Arkansas.
I met with Butterball CEO, Jay Jandrain, to discuss the importance of ensuring the U.S. Department of Agriculture can equip producers with the necessary tools to fight animal diseases. We also discussed breaking into new export markets and promoting U.S. turkey abroad.
As I visit with different industries and businesses across Arkansas’ Third District, I constantly hear about workforce needs. The Crawford County Adult Education Center (CCAEC) is working to equip their students with the knowledge and skills to be able to fill workforce gaps in our region. I met with CCAEC to discuss how they remove barriers for individuals and employer demand.
This week, I met with Arkansans from American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons to discuss some of the most pressing issues affecting our healthcare providers including physician reimbursement and the importance of biomedical research. Supporting investments in medical research has long been a priority of mine as it pays dividends in healthier outcomes for patients.
The population and economic growth across Arkansas are evident by the demand for construction. I visited with Arkansans from Associated General Contractors of America about the needs for investments in career and technical education (CTE). CTE programs bolster our local construction industry which, in turn, fosters the development of our overall local economy.
Unfortunately, chances are that most of us know a family member, friend, or loved one who has been affected by cancer. Advocates from the American Cancer Society Action Network shared their stories and discussed the importance for research and legislation that I strongly support that would allow coverage for multi-cancer early detection testing.
I met with Dr. Keith McDaniel, Superintendent of Shiloh Christian School, to learn about what is going on in education in Northwest Arkansas and discuss how Congress can improve the educational outcomes of our future generations.
As Northwest Arkansas’s population continues to grow, housing is top of mind. I met with John McCurdy, the Director of Community Development for the City of Rogers, to discuss the American Planning Association’s housing priorities. We discussed how Northwest Arkansas can be a model of economic development for the rest of our state and nation.
Throughout my time in public service, from the Arkansas Army National Guard to Mayor of Rogers, to a Member of Congress, I’ve had first-hand experience with leadership. Programs like the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture’s LeadAR help empower the next generation of Arkansas leaders. I shared my leadership journey and philosophy with the group, encouraging them to leverage their skills and influence to improve their communities.
Protecting our natural resources and promoting the outdoors will always be a priority of mine. Jim Taylor, a River Valley native, has a deep passion for hunting and fishing. After 22 years, Jim sold his business and has focused his energy on advocating for public lands protection with the Backcountry Hunters and Anglers. We discussed protecting the Land and Water Conservation Fund and encouraging the next generation of outdoorsmen in the Natural State.
Reminders!
America’s 250th anniversary is nearly upon us, and as a member of the Congressional America250 Caucus, I am excited to share once-in-a-generation opportunities to celebrate our nation’s milestone birthday.
This fall, America250’s Our American Story tour will be making stops across the great state of Arkansas, and you are invited to participate. This national storytelling project is gathering thousands of interviews from Americans in every corner of the country, with select stories ultimately archived at the Library of Congress for generations to come.
Tour stops in Arkansas:
Oct. 6: Bentonville, AR
Oct. 7: Bentonville, AR
Oct. 8: Little Rock, AR
Each stop will include community events, media opportunities, and chances for Arkansans to share their stories. This is a unique opportunity for our state to take part in America’s 250th anniversary and ensure that our voices are represented in this historic effort.
You can learn more about Our American Story and view upcoming tour stops across the nation 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.
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