From The Front...

Welcome to my weekly newsletter

June 19, 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.

TOP OF MIND

I am extremely proud to have secured and voted to advance more than $105 million in Community Project Funding (CPF) for 19 projects in the Third District of Arkansas.

From highway expansion to bridge repairs and water system improvements, these projects address our region’s greatest needs as we rapidly grow and welcome more residents than ever to Northwest Arkansas and the River Valley.

For those unfamiliar, the CPF process allows members of Congress to advocate for funding to go to specific projects in their district that are worthy of federal investment. Without the CPF process, these dollars would be allocated by government bureaucrats in Washington who oftentimes do not know or fully understand the needs of a region like those who live there.

As a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee and Chairman of the Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD), and Related Agencies, I’m able to play a role in funding these projects in the THUD bill, and I take pride in the impact made by these dollars.

The funding for all 19 projects has been approved by the House Appropriations Committee and now awaits consideration on the House Floor.

Read what stakeholders are saying about these efforts and the impact that the funding will have on the community HERE.

HAPPENING IN THE DISTRICT

It’s always a pleasure to spend time in the Third District meeting with constituents, and this week was no exception. I had the opportunity to meet with community leaders involved in three projects that received or are set to receive federal funding that I secured through the CPF process.

At the Huntsville Water Department’s recently remodeled office, I heard from Huntsville Mayor Travis Dotson, Commissioner Jared Rogers, Water Director Sean Davis, Water Manager Tye Rudolph, and others about the progress of water system improvements made possible by the $3 million in federal funding included in my Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 THUD appropriations bill. This investment will ensure that Huntsville residents and emergency responders have the reliable water supply and pressure they need.

It was exciting to get a sneak peek of the soon-to-be-open Berryville Public Library from Library Director Julie Hall and Joe Scott, Library Advisory Board and Building Committee Chair. I was particularly pleased to hear how the new children’s section will provide our young readers with a place to learn and grow in knowledge. In FY 2023, I secured $1 million dollars to help construct this library, and I am looking forward to the impact it will make in Carroll County.

I had a great lunch at Pizza Den in Mountainburg with Mayor Susan Wilson and Charlie Crook, owner of Meat Hunter Fishing Rods, to discuss how the $4.4 million in federal funding allocated in my FY 2026 THUD bill will improve the water system in Northern Crawford County. There are over 300 residents in this region without access to safe drinking water, and this funding will help change that.

Scroll down to photo highlights to see who else I met with this week.

CONSTITUENT SPOTLIGHT

This week’s constituent spotlight goes to the Huntsville Fire Department Swift Water Rescue team.

Late in the afternoon on June 9, Huntsville Fire Chief Kevin Shinn received notice that 17-year-old Chazlyn Walden had been pulled under by a powerful river current and needed help escaping. The Swift Water Rescue team rushed to the scene as quickly as they could, but they had a long drive to get to Elkins. Thankfully, they used all this time to discuss the best course of action and potential scenarios of what they’d see on the scene.

When they arrived, Captain Kristyn Shinn Clark instructed her team to perform equipment checks and assess the incident. After coming up with a game plan, the operation was quickly executed, and Chazlyn was safely returned to land. Captain Shinn Clark largely attributes the success of the rescue to the professional demeanor of the team and the reliable equipment the fire department had on hand.

There were four incredible Huntsville Fire Department Swift Water Rescue team members onsite for the rescue operation: Captain Kristyn Shinn Clark, Engineer Joey McConnell, Driver/Operator Steve McGourty, and Firefighter George Loera. There was also a crew with Madison County EMS and deputies from the Madison County Sheriff’s Department onsite for support.

Thank you to the Huntsville Fire Department—and all first responders on the scene—for your bravery and willingness to take action when it’s needed most. I’m grateful that the Third District has well-equipped and courageous people like these who serve our community and keep us safe.

Read more from The Madison County Record HERE.

PHOTO HIGHLIGHTS

I had the honor of speaking with student leaders from Huntsville High School who serve on the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council. These young people are the leaders of tomorrow and play a key role in advising local officials on how to strengthen the city for the next generation. While I was there, I also had the chance to meet the new Superintendent of Huntsville School District, Jay Chalk.

I was proud to help kick off this week’s cattle sale at the Farmers Regional Sale Barn in Hindsville. Owner and manager Ruth Jones and her husband Jim started their operation with the goal of creating a better selling and buying experience for farmers with livestock, and I’d say they are doing a great job.

I appreciated the chance to catch up with Rob Boaz, President and CEO of Carroll Electric Cooperative Corporation, along with Vice Presidents Joey Magnini and Cory Smith. Together, we discussed the energy resources that power Carroll County and strategies to deliver more affordable, reliable power.

A big thanks to Berryville Rotary Club President Dustin Walker for inviting me to speak at this week’s meeting. The work we’re doing in Washington has a direct impact back home, and it was valuable to discuss this and more with the Berryville Rotarians.

In Van Buren, I toured Time Striping’s new office and headquarters with Company President Cindy Williams and Lance Smith, Elissa Bailey, Ryan Atwell, Grant Smith, and Austin Wheelis. This family-owned company is responsible for many of the pavement markings, guardrails, and signage along our region’s roadways. Their work helps keep us safe on the road and is critical as we expand our transportation infrastructure.

The Bryant family started canning jams and preserves in 1947 and have been at it ever since. This week, I had the chance to see how Alma’s Bryant Preserving Company produces high-quality pickled foods for major retailers across the country. Thanks to Phillip Bryant and Eric Gordon for showing me around.

I enjoyed spending time with the Sheep Dog Impact Assistance team at their Hamburgers for Heroes event. This national nonprofit is based in Rogers and supports our “Sheep Dogs” or veterans, law enforcement, fire & rescue, and EMS personnel. I am grateful for this organization’s work in our community to help our heroes live their best lives.

With Bentonville Chamber President Brandom Gengelbach, I discussed my path to becoming a Congressman, my work on the House Appropriations Committee, and what business leaders need to know. Be on the lookout for our conversation on the Bentonville Beacon podcast, coming soon.

I had the opportunity to recognize one of my longtime friends, Randy Massanelli, at a celebration for his retirement after a long and successful career at the University of Arkansas. I was honored to share a few words about Randy and his incredible work at the U of A. Congratulations, Randy, on closing this chapter and beginning a new one!

In case you missed it, the Arkansas Razorback men’s track and field team took home both the 2026 NCAA Indoor and Outdoor National Championships. Congratulations to Head Coach Doug Case on a remarkable first season leading the team. It was a pleasure to congratulate him in person this week.

WHAT DO YOU THINK

President Trump has designated this week as National Flag Week—a time to celebrate our nation’s most sacred symbol and the freedom it represents.

I believe that the decision to protect our flag and ban its desecration should belong to the American people and their elected representatives in Congress, but that isn’t currently the case. That’s why I reintroduced a joint resolution to return power back to the American people, empowering them to give the flag the protection it deserves.

Learn more about my resolution by watching my speech on the House Floor HERE or reading my latest op-ed HERE.

I want to hear from you.

Do you believe Congress should have the power to ban flag burning?