From The Front...

Welcome to my weekly newsletter

April 24, 2026

Welcome to my weekly newsletter, From the Front, where I provide a quick update on what I've been working on in Washington, D.C., and back home in Arkansas's Third Congressional District.

COMMENT FROM THE CAPITOL

In this week’s edition of Comment from the Capitol (CFTC), I preview next week’s debate over extending Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), in addition to upcoming efforts to advance a new farm bill and surface transportation bill. I also recap my week on Capitol Hill from marking up appropriations bills to a shout‑out from the First Lady and more. Listen HERE or click below.

IN COMMITTEE

The House Appropriations Committee is maintaining its aggressive schedule to advance the twelve Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 appropriations bills.

This week, we marked up two of these bills and advanced them out of the full Appropriations Committee—setting them up for consideration on the House floor and for negotiations with our Senate counterparts.

We unanimously advanced the FY 2027 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies (MilCon–VA) Appropriations bill—a significant demonstration of bipartisanship. This bill fully funds veterans’ health care programs and benefits, as well as maintaining support for mental health and research programs relied on by veterans nationwide. It also provides funding for critical military construction projects in the Indo-Pacific that will strengthen U.S. operations overseas. In addition, I was glad to help pass an amendment furthering access to care for veterans from the Marshall Islands.

The full committee also advanced the FY 2027 Financial Services and General Government (FSGG) Appropriations bill. This bill funds the Department of the Treasury, the Federal Judiciary, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Small Business Administration (SBA), and related agencies.

During the markup, I spoke in support of an amendment to the bill to prevent the FCC from reconfiguring the Lower 900 MHz Band. Disrupting how this band of spectrum operates would negatively impact consumers and affect a wide range of licensed and unlicensed devices across industries. I discuss this further in this week’s CFTC. You can also watch my full remarks in support of the amendment during the markup HERE.

Read more FSGG bill highlights HERE.

ON THE FLOOR

With my support, the House passed multiple pieces of legislation this week to improve access to affordable, fast, and reliable broadband internet for our entire region, including:

The Expediting Federal Broadband Deployment Reviews Act, which would speed up the process that approves broadband projects on federal property—effectively helping communities connect to high speed and dependable broadband quicker than ever before.

The Federal Broadband Deployment Tracking Act, which would require the Department of Commerce to submit a plan to Congress that tracks the progress of broadband deployment across the nation.

The Rural Broadband Protection Act of 2025, which would establish a better vetting process for applicants seeking funding to expand broadband into rural communities and other high-cost areas—protecting these dollars for companies with proven, successful track records.

HAPPENING IN THE DISTRICT

The Flying Razorbacks are growing their footprint! The 188th Wing recently established Detachment 2, 188th Operations Group at Ebbing Air National Guard Base to provide F-35A pilot and instructor training support for the foreign military pilot training center. The new unit will help train international partners under the 85th Fighter Group and is expected to grow to as many as 34 instructor pilots by 2029. Read more from Talk Business HERE.

American aerospace manufacturer Pratt & Whitney is investing $4.7 million to expand its maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility in Springdale. The 7,000 square foot expansion will not only provide additional space for commercial and military engine case repairs, but it will also include new equipment that will reduce repair processing times by more than 60 percent. Read more from Arkansas Business HERE.

CONSTITUENT SPOTLIGHT

This week’s constituent spotlight goes to Staff Sergeant (SSG) Brianna Rodriguez-Munns of Rogers.

I recently connected with her while helping the Fort Smith Chamber of Commerce deliver care packages to some of the Arkansas National Guard Soldiers deployed to D.C.

SSG Rodriguez-Munns attended Rogers Heritage High School and is a University of Central Arkansas graduate, where she studied medical sciences. She enlisted in the Arkansas National Guard in 2018 as a 68W Combat Medic.

She was motivated to join the Guard because it fulfilled a lifelong goal of joining the military, while also providing a path to make a difference in her community and advance her medical sciences education–debt-free.

Since enlisting, SSG Rodriguez-Munns has been on over eight State Active Duty (SAD) missions including one combat deployment to the Middle East. Although she began her career in the Guard as a medic, she now serves as a 46S Public Affairs Specialist.

Today, SSG Rodriguez-Munns is with the 142nd Field Artillery Brigade assigned to Joint Task Force-District of Columbia. While on mission in Washington, she oversees content collection for the mission so it can be reported to the White House and the Secretary of Defense.

Less than a month ago, SSG Rodriguez-Munns put her combat medic training to the test to provide immediate medical attention to an individual involved in a vehicle-versus-scooter accident in D.C. She relayed that her training allowed her to remain calm, speak clearly, and take charge of the scene until local first responders arrived.

It brings me great pride to know that we have such a capable patriot—and a Third District native—working to keep us safe in D.C. and beyond. She represents the Guard with distinction and continues to prove that she is, “Always Ready, Always There!” Thank you, SSG Rodriguez-Munns, for your service.

PHOTO HIGHLIGHTS

I had the pleasure of meeting with Assistant Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), The Honorable Richard Topping, to discuss the Department's budget for FY 2027. In his role as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the VA, Mr. Topping and I discussed the State Home Construction Grant Program (SHCGP), including efforts to build a new VA-state facility in the Rogers area. We also talked about the Care for COFA Veterans Act, which I co-sponsored, and how we are working with the VA to bring health care to veterans from the Marshall Islands.

Admiral Frank Bradley, the Commander of Special Operations Command (SOCOM), stopped by my office to discuss his FY 2027 priorities before providing his testimony in front of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense. Admiral Bradley discussed the current security environment, emerging capabilities, and the need for SOCOM to act quickly and decisively to keep the U.S. and our allies safe. SOCOM operates with less than 2 percent of the defense budget and 3 percent of its personnel, delivering value to the force that far exceeds its cost.

My old friend (and former lieutenant in the Arkansas Army National Guard) Lieutenant General Jonathan Stubbs came by the Capitol to provide me with an update on the incredible work of the Army National Guard. As its Director, LTG Stubbs oversees the readiness and operational capability of the Army National Guard forces in all 54 states and territories. It was great to be able to talk about my old stomping grounds in Arkansas, how well-postured the Army Guard is moving forward, and to discuss our families. I look forward to seeing all the incredible work he continues to do.

I was happy to sit down with Admiral Daryl Caudle, the Chief of Naval Operations, to discuss the priorities of the United States Navy for the upcoming year. Admiral Caudle and I spoke in great detail about the Navy's current and future shipbuilding and munitions efforts, as well as the numerous quality-of-life improvements for Sailors and, in some cases, Marines. The CNO and I agreed that we must ensure the Navy has a capable and robust fleet to project power all over the world. Pictured is also General Eric Smith, the Marine Corps Commandant, who was on the Hill this week. Along with Representative Jake Ellzey, we discussed Marine Corps readiness and priorities for FY 2027.

I had the honor of speaking with leaders from the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce during their D.C. fly-in this week. I talked about the leadership positions each member of the Arkansas Delegation holds and how they benefit our state. On a broader level, I also shared how important it is for both political parties to work together in Congress so we can deliver sturdy, balanced legislation that benefits the American people in the long-term.

I had the privilege of meeting Josh, Anne, and their son Caleb Joly from Rogers this week, and I was delighted to take 10‑year‑old Caleb onto the House Floor during votes. Caleb is an entrepreneur and told me about the business he runs where he takes his neighbors’ trash cans to the curb every week. I gave him my best advice about working hard: No one’s ever drowned from too much sweat. Caleb has a bright future, and I’m glad I was able to give him a better glimpse into our work on Capitol Hill.

I had fun giving a tour of the Capitol to 8th graders from St. Joseph Catholic School in Fayetteville. These students asked excellent questions about what important bills are being considered in Congress right now and how our country can become more unified, but my favorite part of the day was Calling the Hogs on the East Steps of the Capitol.

I had a chance to reconnect with my friend Martín Pérez, who is now a starting pitcher for the Atlanta Braves. He was in town this week to play the Washington Nationals and has proven himself to be a valuable asset of his team.

I met with a group of actors and producers with The Creative Coalition including Iain Armitage, who played Sheldon Cooper in Young Sheldon, and Peri Gilpin, who played Roz Doyle in Fraiser. We discussed federal support for the arts, in addition to how discretionary spending differs from mandatory spending in our federal budget.

WHAT DO YOU THINK

As I outlined above, the House passed several pieces of legislation this week aimed at deploying broadband interest faster and more efficiently nationwide. But I want to hear from you.

Do you believe expanded access to broadband is crucial for the continued growth of our region?