{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where chamber = \"House\", state = \"AR\" and year = 2025 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/westerman-announces-winners-2025-congressional-app-challenge", "WESTERMAN ANNOUNCES WINNERS OF THE 2025 CONGRESSIONAL APP CHALLENGE", "2025-12-10", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "House", "AR", "Bruce Westerman", "W000821", "westerman.house.gov", "westerman", "https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04) announced the winners for the Fourth District\u2019s 2025 Congressional App Challenge on Monday evening in Hot Springs.\n\nThe Congressional App Challenge encourages high school students across the country to showcase their STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) skills and knowledge by creating their own apps. The winning app, \u201cVeriTask,\u201d was created by Zaynab Al-Shami from Arkansas Connections Academy. This app is designed to help diagnose younger kids who might be suffering from disorders but struggle to get a diagnosis or medical help due to their young age. The app provides games based on what disorder is being tested for and a directory of doctors in the area. Congressman Bruce Westerman released the following statement:\n\n\u201cThe Congressional App Challenge creates an opportunity for Arkansas students to learn more about computer science and technology, and it is a great privilege to celebrate the ingenuity and skill displayed in our youth each year,\u201d said Congressman Westerman. This year\u2019s competition was no exception, and I\u2019m grateful for the determination and creativity displayed by each participating team that shines a bright light on the exciting future that lies ahead for the Natural State.\u201d\n\nThe \u201cVeriTask\u201d app will be on digital display in the U.S. Capitol in Washington D.C., along with winning apps from other congressional districts.\n\nThis year, the Fourth District received 9 submissions from 21 students, and the winners were announced on Monday evening during a reception held in Hot Springs.\n\nThe winners were chosen by a panel of 2 judges.\n\nThe 2025 Fourth District top three teams are:\n\nFirst Place: Zaynab Al-Shami from Arkansas Connections Academy \u2013 \u201cVeriTask\u201d App.\n\nSecond Place: Mohammed Alroobi and Nasif Ahmed from Magnolia High School \u2013 \u201cARCA Smart Saver\u201d App.\n\nThird Place: Lindsey Hollis, Elizabeth Brewer, and Sara Benitez from Dardanelle High School \u2013 \u201cEarly Discovery\u201d App.", 1, "2026-04-30T06:05:15Z", "2026-04-30T06:07:09Z"], ["https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/westerman-votes-pass-fy2026-ndaa", "WESTERMAN VOTES TO PASS FY2026 NDAA", "2025-12-10", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "House", "AR", "Bruce Westerman", "W000821", "westerman.house.gov", "westerman", "https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, the House of Representatives passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026. Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04) released the following statement:\n\n\u201cToday\u2019s bill exemplifies bicameral, bipartisan work to bolster our national defense capabilities, support our servicemembers, and increase our military readiness. By passing the NDAA for Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26), House Republicans are ensuring our military receives the necessary funding and equipment crucial to supporting our servicemembers as they defend our freedom. While Russia, China, and other bad actors continue to threaten democracy around the world, the United States must remain the global leader in defense,\u201d said Congressman Westerman.\n\n\u201cThe NDAA is a cornerstone of our national security and, as it does every year, the FY26 NDAA continues to strongly invest in the defense programs housed right here in the Fourth District in East Camden. This support is vital for our local economy and provides employment opportunities for countless Arkansans. I am always proud to support any legislation that is good for Arkansas and defends America. This bill certainly achieves both goals.\u201d\n\nThe 2026 NDAA supports Arkansas and American defense by:\n\n\u2022 Authorizing $900.6 billion to improve service member quality of life, secure our borders, and bolster our nation\u2019s defense systems and equipment.\n\n\u2022 Supporting organic industrial base sites in the Fourth District like Pine Bluff Arsenal through adding additional production lines and modernization initiatives.\n\n\u2022 Supporting the Camden community through the evaluation of U.S. stockpiles of critical munitions that are widely produced by major defense contractors located in Camden.\n\n\u2022 Expanding vital telehealth and mail order pharmacy benefits for veterans and active duty servicemembers.\n\n\u2022 Including a 3.8% pay raise for servicemembers.\n\n\u2022 Supporting military housing and education initiatives for military families.\n\n\u2022 Supporting the rapid expansion of our nation\u2019s defense industrial base, including munitions and readiness restoration efforts.\n\n\u2022 Authorizing key portions of the Golden Dome defense system that majorly impacts our homeland security.\n\n\u2022 Supporting the facilitation of counternarcotics operations training for our Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and Mexican military personnel.\n\n\u2022 Improving military recruitment by increasing required JROTC units, increasing recruiter access to public schools, and establishing a National Week of Military Recruitment.", 1, "2026-06-04T06:38:12Z", "2026-06-04T06:39:44Z"], ["https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases/veteran-lawmakers-introduce-resolution-condemning-lawmakers-reckless-call-for-military-disobedience", "Veteran Lawmakers Introduce Resolution Condemning Lawmakers\u2019 Reckless Call for Military Disobedience", "2025-12-04", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "House", "AR", "Eric A. \"Rick\" Crawford", "C001087", "crawford.house.gov", "crawford", "https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congressman Rick Crawford (AR-01), former U.S. Army Sergeant, and Congressman Ryan Zinke (MT-01), former Navy SEAL Commander, along with 16 other veteran lawmakers introduced a resolution condemning Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) and Representatives Jason Crow (CO-06), Christopher Deluzio (PA-17), Margaret Goodlander (NH-01), and Christina Houlahan (PA-06) for publicly urging members of the United States military and intelligence community to independently judge and refuse orders from the Commander in Chief, an action that risks violating the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) and undermining national security.\n\nOn November 18, 2025, the six Members of Congress released a video accusing the Trump Administration of \"pitting\" the military and intelligence community against American citizens. They urged servicemembers and intelligence professionals to independently judge the legality of presidential orders and pledged to \"have their backs\" if they refuse to follow directives they personally deem \"illegal.\" When later pressed for evidence of any unlawful orders, Senator Slotkin admitted she was \"not aware of things [orders] that are illegal,\" and others offered no proof to support their claims.\n\nThe resolution states: Denouncing dangerous and seditious rhetoric by Members of Congress and expressing condemnation of Senator Mark Kelly, Senator Elissa Slotkin, Representative Jason Crow, Representative Christopher Deluzio, Representative Maggie Goodlander, and Representative Chrissy Houlahan for attempting to sow disallegiance amongst members of the United States military and intelligence community and encouraging them to act against the Commander in Chief and President of the United States and violate the Uniform Code of Military Justice.\n\nIt continues: Whereas Congress, which holds the power to declare war, was so concerned that the chain of command could be undermined by individuals encouraging disloyalty by members of the military that it made it a Federal crime to advise, counsel, urge, or in any manner cause or attempt to cause insubordination, disloyalty, mutiny, or refusal of duty by any member of the military; Whereas, in a video posted on November 18, 2025, and widely disseminated across social media and the news, the aforementioned Members of Congress urged the military and intelligence communities to defy \u2018\u2018illegal'' orders, insinuating, without evidence, that the administration has been issuing these types of orders; Whereas UCMJ case law has held that orders are presumed lawful, outside of those obviously unlawful, and are \u2018\u2018disobeyed at the peril of the subordinate'', without consideration to the \u2018\u2018person's conscience, religion, or personal philosophy'';\n\nIf adopted, the House of Representatives would hold that it\u2026 \"\u2026denounces the dangerous and seditious rhetoric spewing from these six Members of Congress that has led to an environment placing troops and their loved ones at risk of harm, compromising and undermining the national security of the United States and the peaceful coexistence and respect deserved by our brave men and women serving in the military and the intelligence community.\"\n\nThe resolution is co-sponsored by veteran lawmakers Rick Crawford (AR-01), Abraham Hamadeh (AZ-08), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01), Scott Franklin (FL-18), John McGuire (VA-05), Andrew Clyde (GA-09), Derrick Van Orden (WI-03), Jack Bergman (MI-01), Ronny Jackson (TX-13), Sheri Biggs (SC-03), Keith Self (TX-03), Eli Crane (AZ-02), Clay Higgins (LA-03), Warren Davidson (OH-08), Jim Baird (IN-04), Barry Moore (AL-01), as well as Claudia Tenney (NY-24), Buddy Carter (GA-01), Doug LaMalfa (CA-01), Dan Newhouse (WA-04), Mark Messmer (IN-08), Randy Fine (FL-06), Mike Collins (GA-10), Rick Allen (GA-12), Lloyd Smucker (PA-11), Pete Sessions (TX-17), and John H Rutherford (FL-05).\n\nRead the full resolution here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-05-20T06:27:31Z", "2026-05-20T06:28:54Z"], ["https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/westerman-votes-reopen-government-support-servicemembers-and-ag", "WESTERMAN VOTES TO REOPEN GOVERNMENT, SUPPORT SERVICEMEMBERS AND AG COMMUNITY", "2025-11-12", "2025", "2025-11", "Republican", "House", "AR", "Bruce Westerman", "W000821", "westerman.house.gov", "westerman", "https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, the House of Representatives passed the Senate\u2019s Continuing Resolution which included appropriations legislation for agriculture, the legislative branch, and Military Construction and Veterans Affairs. Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04) released the following statement:\n\n\u201cAfter more than 40 days of leaving American taxpayers to shoulder the burden of political theatre that created needless hardship on families, workers, and communities across the Fourth District, House Republicans have passed a measure to reopen the government,\u201d said Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04).\n\n\u201cI\u2019m proud to have cast my vote not only to get Washington working again, but to pass legislation that supports our military heroes who have served our country, our hardworking farmers and agriculture community, and government operations for constituents across the Fourth District. I am eager to hit the ground running to continue the work we\u2019re doing to create commonsense, conservative legislation that delivers on the promise House Republicans made to the American people.\u201d\n\nBackground\n\nToday\u2019s vote included legislation which addresses the following issues:\n\nAgriculture\n\n\u2022 Invests in MAHA food safety, USDA, and FDA \u2014 keeping America\u2019s food and drug supply secure.\n\n\u2022 Strengthens tracking of foreign land purchased to protect U.S. farmland.\n\n\u2022 Funds land-grant universities to keep U.S. agriculture competitive against China.\n\n\u2022 Fully funds nutrition programs \u2014 SNAP, WIC, Child Nutrition.\n\nLegislative Branch\n\n\u2022 Ensures continued operations and services for constituents.\n\n\u2022 Supports governance and work advancing President Trump\u2019s legislative priorities.\n\n\u2022 Prevents federal dollars from going to Chinese-made tech or drones.\n\n\u2022 Requires unused MRA funds to go towards reducing the debt.\n\n\u2022 Eliminates wasteful, liberal mandates, including \u201clow-emission\u201d vehicle requirements.", 1, "2026-04-24T05:51:25Z", "2026-04-24T05:53:00Z"], ["https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/westerman-colleagues-introduce-bipartisan-resolution-recognizing", "WESTERMAN, COLLEAGUES INTRODUCE BIPARTISAN RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING OCTOBER 2025 AS NATIONAL DYSLEXIA AWARENESS MONTH", "2025-10-17", "2025", "2025-10", "Republican", "House", "AR", "Bruce Westerman", "W000821", "westerman.house.gov", "westerman", "https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, Congressional Dyslexia Caucus Co-Chairs Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04) and Congresswoman Julia Brownley (CA-26) introduced a resolution recognizing October 2025 as National Dyslexia Awareness Month.\n\nSenators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), Chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee and John Hickenlooper (D-CO) introduced the companion resolution in the U.S. Senate.\n\n\u201cThis resolution, which I am proud to introduce, raises awareness of the social stigmas and learning challenges our students with dyslexia face every day and underscores the need to equip them with the best tools and resources to reach their full potential,\u201d said Congressman Bruce Westerman. \u201cAlthough millions of students experience the hurdles of this learning disability, dyslexia remains woefully misunderstood. By gaining a deeper understanding, we can foster a more inclusive and supportive environment for all learners. I would also like to extend my thanks to Senator Cassidy and my fellow Dyslexia Caucus Co-Chair, Congresswoman Brownley, for making this a bicameral and bipartisan issue.\u201d\n\n\u201cI began my career in public service to ensure that all children, including those with dyslexia like my daughter, have the resources and supportive learning environments they need to reach their fullest potential,\u201d said Congresswoman Julia Brownley. \u201cBy recognizing October as Dyslexia Awareness Month, we are shining a light on the barriers individuals with dyslexia face and reaffirming our commitment to providing them with the tools and support they need to thrive. As co-chair of the Congressional Dyslexia Caucus, I will continue working to raise awareness and expand opportunities for every person with dyslexia to succeed.\u201d\n\n\u201cDespite dyslexia impacting one in five Americans, students are rarely tested,\u201d said Dr. Cassidy. \u201cThis resolution brings awareness to dyslexia, promoting early screening so students receive the resources they need to reach their full potential.\u201d\n\n\u201cBetter early screening, modern tools, and more awareness through month-long campaigns like this will help make sure kids with dyslexia are diagnosed early and get the resources they need. I know \u2013 I lived it,\u201d said Senator Hickenlooper.\n\nRead the full text of the resolution here.", 1, "2026-04-22T05:46:42Z", "2026-04-22T05:48:06Z"], ["https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-crawford-letlow-introduce-legislation-to-bridge-the-gap-by-providing-more-immediate-relief-for-us-farmers", "Reps. Crawford, Letlow Introduce Legislation to Bridge the Gap by Providing More Immediate Relief for U.S. Farmers", "2025-10-10", "2025", "2025-10", "Republican", "House", "AR", "Eric A. \"Rick\" Crawford", "C001087", "crawford.house.gov", "crawford", "https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "JONESBORO, A.R. - Congressman Rick Crawford (AR-01) and Congresswoman Julia Letlow (LA-05) introduced the Bridge the Gap for Rural Communities Act (H.R. 5710). This legislation helps farmers bridge the safety net gap until the updated farm provisions in the Working Families Tax Cut Act take full effect next year. The legislation suspends the payment limitation for the Price Loss Coverage (PLC) program and the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) program for the 2025 crop year and provides farmers the option to elect by December 1 if they want a 50% partial payment by the end of the year instead of waiting until October 2026.\n\n\"Sadly, we have already lost farmers, and without action we are on the precipice of losing many more,\" said Rep. Crawford. \"This bill is not a silver bullet, but it will give farmers and agriculture lenders breathing room as they work through operating loans for next season. Anything we can do to keep farmers in the field for at least one more year to bridge the gap to the full benefits of the Working Families Tax Cut Act must be done. I appreciate Rep. Letlow co-leading this effort with me as we champion the needs of farmers in Washington.\"\n\n\"Our commodity producers need more timely support at a time of increasing pressure on the farm economy,\" said Rep. Letlow. \"Our bill will provide much needed flexibility to Louisiana growers, easing cash flow concerns and putting them in a stronger position for the next planting season.\"\n\nFarmers and rural communities are at a crisis point. Years of high input costs and low commodity prices continue to punish the farm economy. According to the USDA, between 2020 and today, seed expenses have increased 18%, fuel and oil expenses increased 32%, fertilizer expenses increased 37%, labor costs increased 47%, and interest expenses increased by a staggering 73%. Sadly, commodity prices have not kept pace. In 2025, major row crops are expected to suffer substantial losses including projections of per acre losses of $114.15 for soybeans, $111.64 for wheat, $169.31 for corn, $154.53 for rice, $379.00 for cotton, $159.95 for sorghum, and $173.39 for peanuts.\n\nThe Working Families Tax Cut Act made substantial investments to modernize the farm safety net. This law updates statutory reference prices in PLC for all covered commodities ranging from 10% - 21%. This includes an increase of 19% for soybeans, 15% for wheat, 11% for corn, 21% for rice, 19% for lentils, 14% for seed-cotton, 11% for sorghum and 18% for peanuts. The law also increases the effective reference price escalator from 85% of the olympic average to 88% and beginning in 2031 automatically adjusts the statutory references prices annually by 0.5% to a maximum of 113% of the original numbers. Additionally, the ARC program saw a boost with the revenue guarantee increased from 86% to 90% and the maximum payment going up from 10% to 12% of benchmark revenue.\n\nUnfortunately, these historic investments do not kick in until October 2026 leaving a safety net gap at a time when farmers need help the most. That is where the Bridge the Gap for Rural Communities Act comes in. While this legislation will not fix the farm economy it stands alongside other efforts, including the push for emergency relief payments by Chairman Thompson, Chairman Boozman, and President Trump, to give farmers some space to make it to the next year and save some on interest expense. It also allows agriculture lenders who have unfortunately had to carry over farm loans from year-to-year an opportunity to put something more concrete on their balance sheet as they look at what to do for next season's operating loans.", 1, "2026-05-01T06:06:26Z", "2026-05-01T06:08:22Z"], ["https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-crawford-carter-higgins-introduce-the-prioritizing-offensive-agriculture-disputes-and-enforcement-act", "Reps. Crawford, Carter, Higgins Introduce the Prioritizing Offensive Agriculture Disputes and Enforcement Act", "2025-10-03", "2025", "2025-10", "Republican", "House", "AR", "Eric A. \"Rick\" Crawford", "C001087", "crawford.house.gov", "crawford", "https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "JONESBORO, A.R. -This week, Congressman Rick Crawford (AR-01), Congressman Troy Carter (LA-02), and Congressman Clay Higgins (LA-03) introduced the Prioritizing Offensive Agricultural Disputes and Enforcement Act (H.R. 5620). This legislation establishes an Agricultural Trade Enforcement Task Force made up of appointees from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), and other federal agencies that will:\n\nIdentify foreign trade barriers to U.S. agricultural product exports that are potentially vulnerable to World Trade Organization (WTO) dispute settlement or other trade agreements.\n\nDevelop and implement a strategy for enforcing violations of trade agreements related to these trade barriers.\n\nConsult with the private sector, government agencies, and trading partners on best practices to achieve a positive outcome for U.S. agricultural exports.\n\nSubmit a quarterly report to Congress on progress towards resolving cases or filing disputes.\n\nIndia continues to egregiously violate price support commitments of the 165 WTO member countries to limit subsidies for developing countries to 10% of the value of production.\n\nThe WTO has pegged India's price supports as based on the value of production at the following levels:\n\nRice \u2013 87.9%\n\nWheat \u2013 67.5%\n\nCotton \u2013 67.9%\n\nChickpeas \u2013 31.7%\n\nLentils \u2013 41%\n\nPulses - 47.4%\n\nSince India is over-subsidizing, the country's farmers are massively outproducing domestic demand and have the capacity to flood the international market with cheap products, something they have done with agricultural products like rice and shrimp. U.S. farmers are already struggling enough, so this bill will help protect them from further hardship due to unfair practices.\n\nThe Senate companion bill, S. 743 - Ag Disputes Act, was introduced by Senators Bill Cassidy (R-LA), John Boozman (R-AR), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Joni Ernst (R-IA), and Tommy Tuberville (R-AL).\n\n\"The U.S. needs to be serious about going after violators at the WTO that hurt our farmers. It is not fair for the U.S., and by extension our producers, to play by one set of rules if other countries play by another. International markets that buy our agricultural products play a vital role in the sustainability of the industry. Therefore, I appreciate my colleagues Representative Troy Carter and Representative Clay Higgins joining me to protect our local farmers, ranchers, and agribusinesses from unfair, non-market-based practices,\" said Rep. Crawford.\n\n\"For too long, America's farmers have been forced to compete on an uneven global playing field, held back by a lack of enforcement of foreign subsidies that violate trade agreements. I'm proud to cosponsor this important bill, which represents a crucial step in putting U.S. agriculture back on offense. This bipartisan measure provides a dedicated task force to identify systemic trade violations and hold bad actors accountable. American farmers feed the world; we know that better than anyone in Louisiana, and they deserve a fair shot in the global marketplace,\" said Rep. Carter.\n\n\"America's farmers are the best in the world, and when given a fair playing field, they will succeed. Unfortunately, countries like India have abused fair trade practices and failed to comply with WTO commitments. The task force established in our legislation will hold bad actors accountable, identify trade barriers, and help protect U.S. farmers,\" said Rep. Higgins.\n\n\"USA Rice applauds Representative Rick Crawford, Clay Higgins, and Troy Carter for being champions on these critical issues in Congress, not only for the U.S. rice industry, but for all of U.S. agriculture being treated unfairly by bad actors in the market,\" said Bobby Hanks, CEO of Supreme Rice in Crowley, Louisiana, and chair of the USA Rice International Trade Policy Committee. \"A WTO dispute against India's subsidies is long overdue. Absent from any meaningful bilateral policy negotiations with India in the last decade, a WTO dispute would drive the long-term policy changes needed in India that would help make U.S. rice farmers, and farmers all around the world, more competitive.\"\n\nRead the full bill text here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-04-29T06:03:53Z", "2026-04-29T06:05:09Z"], ["https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases/crawford-with-congressional-colleagues-introduces-the-bipartisan-drive-safe-act", "Crawford with Congressional Colleagues Introduces the Bipartisan DRIVE Safe Act", "2025-09-26", "2025", "2025-09", "Republican", "House", "AR", "Eric A. \"Rick\" Crawford", "C001087", "crawford.house.gov", "crawford", "https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "JONESBORO, A.R. - Today, Congressman Rick Crawford (R-AR-01), Congressman Jared Golden (D-ME-02), Congressman Bruce Westerman (R-AR-04), Congressman Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24), Congressman Darin LaHood (R-IL-16), and Congresswoman Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-WA-3) introduced H.R 5563, the Developing Responsible Individuals for a Vibrant Economy (DRIVE) Safe Act, which would help train a new generation of commercial truck drivers and get our commercial economy delivering again.\n\nThe DRIVE Safe Act simplifies a federal apprenticeship pilot program that allows an individual under the age of 21 who holds a state-issued commercial driver's license (CDL) to operate a commercial motor vehicle across state lines once the apprentice completes the program. The apprenticeship requires a 120-hour probationary period, including 280 hours of on-duty time, of which 160 hours must be drive time in a commercial motor vehicle. During this program, the apprentice will be accompanied by an experienced driver who is at least 26 years old and has a minimum of 2 years of commercial driving experience.\n\nThis legislation aims to address truck driver shortages, reduce supply chain disruptions, and enhance safety and job opportunities for young drivers. Currently, 49 states and the District of Columbia allow individuals 18 years or older to obtain a CDL for the exclusive use of intrastate commerce trucking; however, federal law prohibits individuals under 21 years old from transporting goods across state lines.\n\n\"Today, an 18-year-old truck driver can legally transport goods from West Memphis to Texarkana \u2013 a 270-mile route \u2013 so long as the trip remains within Arkansas,\" said Congressman Crawford. \"However, the same driver is prohibited by federal law from driving just 7 miles across the state line into Memphis, Tennessee. Allowing qualified 18-to-20-year-olds to operate a commercial vehicle across state lines, just as they already do within their home states, is a commonsense step toward addressing workforce shortages and improving supply chain efficiency.\"\n\n\"From rural Maine to America's busiest cities, truckers are essential for communities to get access to the goods they need,\" said Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02). \"Federal rules should make it easier, not harder, for young people to get a start in the industry. This bill is a simple, pragmatic way to encourage more careers in trucking so families, small businesses, and communities can get the goods they need, when they need them.\"\n\n\"Our nation's trucking industry is the backbone of our economy, employing millions of drivers who transport tons of goods and resources across the country every day,\" said Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04). \"The current shortage of truck drivers has resulted in higher shipping costs and increased delivery delays \u2013 putting a great deal of strain on our economy. The DRIVE Safe Act is a commonsense piece of legislation that creates career paths for our young American workers by aligning federal law with the 49 states that already allow 18-to 21-year-olds to transport goods interstate. I am proud to cosponsor this bipartisan legislation that will create greater employment opportunities, strengthen our supply chain, and promote a stronger economy.\"\n\n\"Our country's supply chains are only as strong as the workforce that keeps them moving,\" said Rep. Carbajal. \"The DRIVE Safe Act is a bipartisan, commonsense solution that not only helps address the truck driver shortage but also provides new opportunities for young Americans eager to enter the workforce.\"\n\n\"The commercial trucking industry is a vital economic driver that impacts critical industries in Illinois and across the country,\" said Rep. LaHood. \"As I travel across my district, I hear about the persistent shortage of drivers and difficulties retaining personnel. This bipartisan legislation will expand the pool of applicants while maintaining high safety standards. I commend Chairman Crawford for introducing this commonsense bill that will help businesses of all sizes to grow and strengthen our supply chains.\"\n\n\"My four-year-old has better spatial and kinetic intelligence than a lot of 40-year-olds I've met. For folks like us who live near a state boundary, regulations based on state borders just don't make sense. Young people who are gifted with spatial and kinetic intelligence deserve the opportunity to build a rewarding career and achieve the American dream,\" said Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez. \"When I held a round table with log truck drivers they pointed to this exact issue, and I was excited to see that Rep. Crawford's office had already been working towards addressing it. Federal policy works best when we Members of Congress bring our local perspective and the voices of our community to the table, rather than an allegiance to a generic policy written without the nuance that only comes from listening and advocating for our communities.\"\n\n\"This legislation will help create a pipeline of well-equipped professional drivers to safely and efficiently deliver ingredients and supplies to more than 1 million professional kitchens that serve America's communities every day,\" said Mala Parker, Senior Vice President of Government and Public Affairs at the International Foodservice Distributors Association. \"IFDA thanks Rep. Crawford and the bipartisan champions of the DRIVE Safe Act for their leadership in addressing this issue, and we look forward to working with Congress to develop the transportation workforce of the future.\"\n\n\"Building a 21st century supply chain requires building a workforce to power the trucking industry,\" said Henry Hanscom, American Trucking Associations SVP of Legislative Affairs. \"The DRIVE Safe Act meets that challenge by providing career pathways into interstate trucking for qualified 18- to 20-year-olds while promoting enhanced safety and training standards that will benefit all road users. This common-sense proposal, which would stand on the firm foundation created by the Safe Driver Apprenticeship Pilot Program, will open additional opportunities for young drivers, giving them access to a well-paying profession without the debt burden associated with other pathways. The American Trucking Associations applauds Representatives Crawford, Golden, Westerman, Carbajal, LaHood and Gluesenkamp Perez for their support.\"\n\n\"We applaud Congressman Crawford for reintroducing the DRIVE Safe Act. This legislation provides young people a bridge between the traditional education timeline and the opportunity to start a career in the trucking industry, all while keeping safety at the heart of the profession.\" Said Arkansas Trucking Association President Shannon Samples Newton.\n\n###", 1, "2026-04-24T05:51:25Z", "2026-04-24T05:53:00Z"], ["https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-rick-crawford-announces-2025-congressional-app-challenge", "Congressman Rick Crawford Announces 2025 Congressional App Challenge", "2025-09-05", "2025", "2025-09", "Republican", "House", "AR", "Eric A. \"Rick\" Crawford", "C001087", "crawford.house.gov", "crawford", "https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "JONESBORO, A.R. - Congressman Rick Crawford (AR-01) announced that the annual Congressional App Challenge, a competition designed to encourage student participation in computer science and coding, has officially opened. Students are encouraged to register online and submit their app to the Congressional App Challenge here by October 30, 2025.\n\nThis competition allows students to compete with their peers across the country by creating an application, also known as an \"app\", for any computer or electronic device. The Congressional App Challenge is open to all high school students in Arkansas's First Congressional District.\n\nThe winner from the First District will receive Amazon Web Services credits and an invitation to the House of Code reception this coming April in Washington, D.C., where winning teams from across the nation will be honored. The winning apps will be showcased on the U.S. House of Representatives and Congressional App Challenge websites and displayed in an exhibit at the U.S. Capitol Building.\n\nFor more information, please visit the Congressional App Challenge website or contact Constituent Services Representative Elijah Fisher at elijah.fisher@mail.house.gov.\n\n###", 1, "2026-04-22T05:46:42Z", "2026-04-22T05:48:06Z"], ["https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/westerman-applauds-house-passage-energy-and-water-appropriations", "WESTERMAN APPLAUDS HOUSE PASSAGE OF ENERGY AND WATER APPROPRIATIONS PACKAGE", "2025-09-04", "2025", "2025-09", "Republican", "House", "AR", "Bruce Westerman", "W000821", "westerman.house.gov", "westerman", "https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "After the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies appropriations (E&W) bills were successfully passed out of the House of Representatives, Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04) released the following statement:\n\n\u201cToday\u2019s vote was a vote to strengthen the infrastructure and waterways that are vital to Arkansas and our state\u2019s economy. Crucial infrastructure projects managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), like the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System (MKARNS), are responsible for creating thousands of jobs and transporting our nation\u2019s goods and resources to every corner of the country and world. That\u2019s why the USACE must receive the funding necessary to maintain our aging infrastructure, support our state\u2019s economic development, and build a better, safer Arkansas.\u201d\n\nClick here to read the full bill text.", 1, "2026-04-17T05:47:03Z", "2026-04-17T05:48:33Z"], ["https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/westerman-honors-life-arkansas-state-senator-gary-stubblefield", "WESTERMAN HONORS THE LIFE OF ARKANSAS STATE SENATOR GARY STUBBLEFIELD", "2025-09-02", "2025", "2025-09", "Republican", "House", "AR", "Bruce Westerman", "W000821", "westerman.house.gov", "westerman", "https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04) released the following statement regarding the passing of Arkansas State Senator Gary Stubblefield:\n\n\u201cGary and I began our service together in the Arkansas Legislature, and from the day I met him, I felt a kindred spirit. Not only did we share a similar college experience at the University of Arkansas, with both of us being former Razorback football players, but we also shared a common faith and a common worldview on the roles of the God-ordained institutions of government, commerce, family, marriage, and the church.\u201d\n\n\u201cGary was full of grit and relentless in standing up for his constituents and speaking out for right versus wrong. My most sincere condolences go out to all as we mourn the loss of a husband, father, grandfather, friend, champion for the state of Arkansas, and brother in Christ.\u201d", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/westerman-honors-life-legacy-cleveland-county-judge-jimmy-cummings", "WESTERMAN HONORS LIFE, LEGACY OF CLEVELAND COUNTY JUDGE JIMMY CUMMINGS", "2025-08-29", "2025", "2025-08", "Republican", "House", "AR", "Bruce Westerman", "W000821", "westerman.house.gov", "westerman", "https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04) released the following statement regarding the passing of Cleveland County Judge Jimmy Cummings:\n\n\"I was deeply saddened to learn of the untimely passing of Cleveland County Judge Jimmy Cummings on August 28, 2025. Judge Cummings was serving his first term as county judge, proving to be a dedicated leader and committed public servant who left an indelible mark on the Cleveland County community.\n\n\"Judge Cummings was not only an exceptional public official but also a proud veteran who answered the call to serve his country with honor. His exemplary military service underscores his committed dedication to others, whether on the battlefield or in the halls of local government. Through his leadership, Judge Cummings embodied the values of integrity, courage, and selflessness.\n\n\"Our prayers are with his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. Cleveland County has lost a steadfast leader whose legacy of service remains an example to all. May God bless and comfort his loved ones during this difficult time.\"", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/westerman-attends-maurice-batthouse-restoration-groundbreaking-hot", "WESTERMAN ATTENDS MAURICE BATTHOUSE RESTORATION GROUNDBREAKING IN HOT SPRINGS", "2025-08-19", "2025", "2025-08", "Republican", "House", "AR", "Bruce Westerman", "W000821", "westerman.house.gov", "westerman", "https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, the National Park Service broke ground on the Maurice Bathhouse restoration project in Hot Springs. This project underscores the National Park Service\u2019s dedication to restoring Hot Springs National Park historic bathhouses under the Great American Outdoors Act\u2019s Legacy Restoration Fund. Congressman Bruce Westerman was in attendance for this celebratory event and released the following statement:\n\n\u201cWith this groundbreaking, we celebrate not just the restoration of a historic bathhouse, but also the restoration of Hot Springs\u2019 legacy,\u201d said Congressman Bruce Westerman. \u201cDeeply woven into the story of the Natural State is the heritage of our beloved thermal springs and the economic opportunities they brought to the surrounding areas in the early days of our state\u2019s history. I am grateful to the National Park Service for their tremendous efforts in revitalizing such a crucial area of Hot Springs National Park, as well as the National Park Foundation for highlighting successes of the Great American Outdoors Act both in Arkansas and across the nation. I look forward to seeing the lasting impacts of this enriching project for generations to come.\u201d\n\nPresident & CEO of the National Park Foundation, Jeff Reinbold, and Superintendent of Hot Springs National Park, Laura Miller, were also in attendance.\n\n\"The restoration of the Maurice Bathhouse represents what's possible when we work together,\" said Jeff Reinbold, President & CEO of the National Park Foundation. \"By revitalizing this iconic structure in Hot Springs, the National Park Service is using a successful public-private partnership model that benefits the local economy, enhances the experience for visitors, and preserves our treasured places. Thanks to the Legacy Restoration Fund, this project marks a long-term investment in the vitality of the Hot Springs community and its surrounding natural landscape.\"\n\n\u201cThis project is about more than bricks and mortar\u2014it\u2019s about preserving the stories, architecture, and spirit of Hot Springs\u2019 legacy,\u201d said Superintendent Laura Miller. \u201cWe\u2019re grateful for the support of our partners and the public as we take this next step in revitalizing Bathhouse Row.\u201d\n\nThe Maurice Bathhouse is the final historic bathhouse on Bathhouse Row to undergo restoration. Originally opened for business in 1912, the bathhouse served as a recreation and relaxation facility for decades before its closure in 1974. According to the National Park Service, this restoration project will focus on critical safety updates and the restoration of iconic historic features in order to open its doors once again to the Hot Springs community for commercial use.", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases/steel-caucus-leaders-statement-on-explosion-at-us-steel-clairton", "Steel Caucus Leaders Statement on Explosion at U.S. Steel Clairton", "2025-08-11", "2025", "2025-08", "Republican", "House", "AR", "Eric A. \"Rick\" Crawford", "C001087", "crawford.house.gov", "crawford", "https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2013 Today, Rep. Rick Crawford (AR-01), Co-Chairman of the Congressional Steel Caucus, along with Rep. Frank J. Mrvan, Vice Chairman of the Congressional Steel Caucus, issued the following statement in response to the explosion at U.S. Steel Clairton Coke Works located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.\n\n\"We are deeply saddened by the tragic incident today at the U.S. Steel Clarion Coke Works plant in Pennsylvania. Our hearts and prayers are with the affected workers and their families, and we are grateful for the first responders, local authorities, and emergency personnel responding to the scene. As leaders of the Congressional Steel Caucus, one of our top priorities is the health and safety of steelworkers. We will continue to stay in contact with USW and US Steel as more details on this incident come to light.\"\n\n###\n\nThe Congressional Steel Caucus is a bipartisan group of over 100 Members of Congress dedicated to supporting the health and strength of the American steel industry and its workforce.", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases/crawford-khanna-introduce-legislation-to-safeguard-us-transportation", "Crawford & Khanna Introduce Legislation to Safeguard U.S. Transportation", "2025-07-15", "2025", "2025-07", "Republican", "House", "AR", "Eric A. \"Rick\" Crawford", "C001087", "crawford.house.gov", "crawford", "https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014 Today, Congressman Rick Crawford (R-AR-01) and Congressman Ro Khanna (D-CA-17) introduced H.R. 4361, the Safeguarding Transit Operations to Prohibit (STOP) China Act, which would shield American manufacturers and supply chains from Chinese influence in our transit systems. This legislation ensures that no federal assistance awards granted by the Department of Transportation (DOT) may be used to purchase \"rolling stock\" vehicles or powertrain components from companies under China's influence.\n\nThis legislation builds upon the Transportation Infrastructure Vehicle Security Act (TIVSA), a 2019 law prohibiting certain companies with ties to the Chinese government from participating in projects funded by the Federal Transit Administration. Subsequent legislation, the Airport Infrastructure Vehicle Security Act (AIVSA), passed in the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, extends a similar restriction to airport improvement programs.\n\n\"For far too long, China and companies with ties to the Chinese Communist Party have manipulated our economy by exploiting loopholes to access taxpayer funding that should be going towards U.S.-owned companies,\" said Congressman Rick Crawford. \"China is actively working to infiltrate and control American markets, including our transit infrastructure, posing significant risks to American manufacturers and national security. I am proud to join my colleague, Congressman Ro Khanna, and the Senate in the introduction of the STOP China Act.\"\n\n\"20th-century deindustrialization policy sold out American manufacturing power, hollowed out manufacturing communities, and jeopardized our national security. I'm proud to join my colleague Rep. Rick Crawford in introducing the Safeguarding Transit Operations to Prohibit (STOP) China Act to protect federal investments for American companies and strengthen our national security,\" said Rep. Ro Khanna.\n\nRead the bill text here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases/crawford-introduces-legislation-to-fix-long-overdue-hhs-testing-delay", "Crawford Introduces Legislation to Fix Long-Overdue HHS Testing Delay", "2025-07-14", "2025", "2025-07", "Republican", "House", "AR", "Eric A. \"Rick\" Crawford", "C001087", "crawford.house.gov", "crawford", "https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014 Today, Congressman Rick Crawford (AR-01) introduced H.R. 4320, The Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse Public Safety Improvement Act, which would direct the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to add a positive hair test result to its current definition of an employer's \u2018actual knowledge' of a truck driver's drug use.\n\nThis long-overdue legislation strengthens Public Law 114-19, the Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act of 2015, by recognizing hair testing as an acceptable alternative to urine testing in conducting pre-employment drug testing of commercial motor vehicle operators. In 2015, Congress directed the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to issue, within one year of the Act's enactment, the scientific and technical guidelines for hair drug testing. In more than nine years, HHS has yet to meet this statutory requirement.\n\n\"Arkansas's trucking industry relies on safe and efficient policies that keep our roads safe for all users of the road. Allowing U.S. motor carriers to use positive hair test results as actual knowledge for pre-employment purposes not only creates a more reliable way for drug testing but also creates a more equitable process for hiring truck drivers,\" said Congressman Crawford. \"This legislation enables employers to know if a licensed commercial truck driver job applicant has previously failed a hair test for illegal drug use. Removing known controlled substance users from behind the wheel of commercial motor vehicles will make our nation's roads safer for everyone.\"\n\nCongressman Crawford worked with a strong coalition of transportation industry stakeholders to ensure that this legislation functions as intended and holds HHS accountable for what Congress tasked the department with over nine years ago.\n\n\"The trucking industry is committed to keeping commercial drivers who fail drug tests off the road,\" said Arkansas Trucking Association President & CEO Shannon Newton. \"For 14 years, Congressman Crawford has been a steadfast leader on this issue\u2014identifying loopholes and advancing solutions to close them. We appreciate his continued leadership in pressing HHS and FMCSA to finally recognize positive hair test results in the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse, a critical step toward safer highways.\"\n\n\"A hair test is the most reliable way to know if a truck driver has an illegal drug habit,\" said Steve Williams, Chairman and CEO of Maverick Transportation in Little Rock, Arkansas. \"Congressman Crawford is a crusader for highway safety and his legislation will make sure that truck drivers who fail a hair drug test must get rehabilitation before getting behind the wheel.\"\n\n\"The Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) would like to applaud Congressman Crawford for his continued support of our industry by introducing the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse Public Safety Improvement Act of 2025, a bill that would require employers to submit positive hair follicle test results to FMCSA's Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse,\" said TCA President, Jim Ward. \"As a top priority for our members, this bill reflects the importance of hair follicle testing as the most effective method of drug testing for pre-employment screenings and would allow for our members and industry as a whole, to further our efforts to reduce drug use by professional truck drivers who operate on our highways in the safety-sensitive nature that is interstate commerce. We look forward to supporting this effort and are thrilled to be working with the Congressman and his staff in making certain that this important legislation comes to fruition.\"\n\n\"For nearly two decades, J.B. Hunt has utilized hair testing in our driver screening process as one of many proactive steps we utilize to protect the safety of our people and the motoring public,\" said Greer Woodruff, executive vice president of safety, sustainability and maintenance at J.B. Hunt. \"This commonsense legislation will require positive hair test results to be submitted to the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse, so other carriers will also have access to this information when making the important decision about who they entrust to operate commercial motor vehicles.\"\n\n\"To ensure that only the highest quality drivers are behind the wheel, many fleets exceed federal drug testing requirements by using hair testing, a proven drug screening method that is more thorough than a standard urinalysis,\" said American Trucking Associations SVP of Legislative Affairs Henry Hanscom. \"Unfortunately, a serious loophole exists for drivers looking to shirk safety standards. Positive hair tests are neither accepted by nor recorded in the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse, which means unsafe drivers can circumvent this critical safety check and continue operating commercial motor vehicles. The trucking industry commends Congressman Crawford for introducing this bill that will support our efforts to keep roadways safe.\"\n\nRead the full bill text here.\n\nRead the one-pager on H.R. 4320 here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases/crawford-votes-to-deliver-historic-tax-cuts-for-middle-class-working-americans", "Crawford Votes to Deliver Historic Tax Cuts for Middle-Class & Working Americans", "2025-07-03", "2025", "2025-07", "Republican", "House", "AR", "Eric A. \"Rick\" Crawford", "C001087", "crawford.house.gov", "crawford", "https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014 Today, Congressman Rick Crawford (AR-01) released the following statement on his vote to deliver the One Big Beautiful Bill Act to President Trump's desk and keep the promises President Trump and Republicans made to Americans.\n\n\"While I am not thrilled with every change the Senate made to the House-passed version of the One Big Beautiful Bill, it still delivers on many of the promises President Trump and Republicans made to Americans. Today, I proudly voted to preserve the largest tax cut in history for working and middle-class Americans, bolster border security, and make a significant investment in U.S. national security. As the threat landscape facing the United States grows more dynamic, it is imperative that our men and women in uniform, both our armed forces and law enforcement, have the resources they need to detect, neutralize, and deter these threats. Additionally, our investment in our nation's agriculture industry will provide much-needed relief for Arkansas farmers and set them on a path to long-term success. Bottom line: this legislation puts Americans in a safer and more prosperous position than they were before.\"\n\nHow the One Big Beautiful Bill Benefits Arkansans:\n\nThe average taxpayer in Arkansas's 1st District would have seen a 24% increase in their federal taxes if Congress had not passed this legislation.\n\nThe One Big Beautiful Bill delivers on the President's promise to halt illegal immigration and secure our country's border by allocating $46 billion toward finishing Trump's border wall and increasing funding to hire and train more U.S. Border Patrol agents.\n\nThis bill includes the first meaningful investment in the farm safety net programs, such as ARC and PLC, since 2012. To further support our Arkansas farmers, the bill includes up to a 20% increase in the statutory reference prices for all covered commodities and encourages access to commercial export markets for agricultural producers.\n\n###", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/westerman-applauds-final-passage-one-big-beautiful-bill", "WESTERMAN APPLAUDS FINAL PASSAGE OF THE ONE BIG, BEAUTIFUL BILL", "2025-07-03", "2025", "2025-07", "Republican", "House", "AR", "Bruce Westerman", "W000821", "westerman.house.gov", "westerman", "https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, the House of Representatives passed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, sending the final version of the reconciliation package to the President\u2019s desk to be signed into law. Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04) released the following statement:\n\n\u201cIn November, the American people voted to put America first. Today, Congress delivered on that promise. After months of tireless work, bicameral conversations, and late-night committee markups, House and Senate Republicans have passed a reconciliation package that unleashes American energy, provides lower tax rates for all Americans, secures our borders, strengthens our nation\u2019s military capabilities, and roots out government waste, fraud, and abuse.\u201d\n\n\u201cEffective policymaking focuses on real dinner-table issues that concern everyday Americans: gas prices, grocery bills, job opportunities, and children\u2019s futures. In the Natural State, workers, family farms, and small businesses are critical for our state\u2019s economic prosperity. This reconciliation package delivers historic tax breaks to ensure that these individuals and families can afford to keep food on their table, invest in their children\u2019s future, and keep the legacy of their family alive for years to come. House and Senate Republicans have secured a monumental win and delivered on their promise to the American people. I look forward to seeing this piece of legislation make its way to the President\u2019s desk to be signed into law.\u201d\n\nBackground on the One Big Beautiful Bill Act:\n\nProvides tax relief and economic growth:\n\nSaves taxpayers billions by eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse, eradicating wasteful programs, and cutting obstructive federal red tape that has held back building American progress.\n\nMakes the 2017 Trump tax cuts permanent \u2013 protecting the average taxpayer from a 22 percent tax hike.\n\nSaves the average Arkansas family $1,280 \u2013 the equivalent of seven weeks of groceries.\n\nDelivers on President Trump\u2019s priorities of no tax on tips, overtime pay, and car loan interest, and provides additional tax relief for seniors.\n\nExpands and makes permanent the 199A small business deduction to 20 percent\u2013 creating over one million new Main Street small business jobs and generating billions in economic growth for American small businesses.\n\nEnds Biden-era tax breaks and special interest giveaways to the wealthy, big corporations, and China.\n\nUnleashes American energy:\n\nUnleashes American energy dominance by ensuring affordable energy and creating jobs in energy sectors across the country.\n\nIncreases domestic mining activities and decreases American dependence on China for critical minerals and rare earth elements.\n\nSaves the American taxpayer billions of dollars in future wildfire suppression, disaster response, and deferred maintenance costs by stewarding our public lands and water.\n\nReverses policies that stifled economic development, locked up American resources, and granted unprecedented power to federal bureaucrats.\n\nPrevents federal waste, fraud, and abuse:\n\nStrengthens taxpayer-funded programs to enforce work requirements and eliminates access to these programs for non-citizens.\n\nCreates Medicaid accountability by requiring able-bodied adults to work and requires cost-sharing for those above the federal poverty line.\n\nProtects Medicaid for vulnerable Americans for whom the program was designed.\n\nInvests in our military:\n\nAllocates funds to enhance U.S. munitions production and replenish stocks.\n\nAllocates funds for upgrading and modernizing military aircraft.\n\nAllocates funds to enhance U.S. military readiness and infrastructure.\n\nAllocates for funding which is aimed at improving servicemember quality of life.\n\nSecures the border:\n\nExpands border security through completion of the primary wall across the southern border and river barriers.\n\nAllocates funds to hire additional Border Patrol agents.\n\nModernizes border security technology heavily relied upon by Border Patrol agents.", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/westerman-attends-weyerhaeuser-groundbreaking-event-monticello", "WESTERMAN ATTENDS WEYERHAEUSER GROUNDBREAKING EVENT IN MONTICELLO", "2025-06-18", "2025", "2025-06", "Republican", "House", "AR", "Bruce Westerman", "W000821", "westerman.house.gov", "westerman", "https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04) attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the Weyerhaeuser future TimberStrand Facility near Monticello, Arkansas. The Congressman released the following statement:\n\n\u201cMills and processing facilities across Arkansas play a vital role in sustainable forest management practices for our state and provide increasing opportunity for economic growth. I was proud to be in attendance for today\u2019s groundbreaking event of Weyerhaeuser\u2019s newest mill housed right here in the Fourth District. This TimberStrand project will undoubtedly provide numerous job opportunities for Arkansans and continue the important role of stewarding our state\u2019s natural resources. I\u2019m thrilled to see more growth and opportunity make its way to Arkansas through the forest products industry and to see Weyerhaeuser, a company long established in Arkansas, continue to make such a substantial investment in the Natural State.\u201d", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-crawford-co-leads-100-members-of-congress-in-bipartisan-effort-to-save-family-farms-enact-h-2a-wage-freeze", "Congressman Crawford Co-Leads 100+ Members of Congress in Bipartisan Effort to Save Family Farms, Enact H-2A Wage Freeze", "2025-06-02", "2025", "2025-06", "Republican", "House", "AR", "Eric A. \"Rick\" Crawford", "C001087", "crawford.house.gov", "crawford", "https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Rick Crawford (R-AR), joined by over 100 of his colleagues, co-led a letter to the leadership of the House Appropriations Committee requesting an H-2A visa guestworker wage freeze in upcoming appropriations legislation. This simple policy fix would lower input costs for the agricultural community and save family farms across the nation.\n\nLast Congress, Crawford served on the House Agriculture Committee's bipartisan Agricultural Labor Working Group, focused on addressing the workforce issues facing the nation's agricultural producers. He was instrumental in the Agricultural Labor Working Group's Final Report, which outlined various policy recommendations aimed at improving the H-2A program for the betterment of farmers, workers, and producers.\n\n\"A robust agriculture industry starts with a strong and healthy workforce. However, due to a labor shortage, American farmers are increasingly turning to overseas workers to fill positions on the farm. Unfortunately, the H-2A guestworker program has not been working for farmers because of the overly complex process and the skyrocketing federally mandated wage rate. A permanent solution is needed to address this pressing issue and support Arkansas' farmers in ensuring national food security and feeding families across our nation,\" said Crawford.\n\nA signed copy of the letter can be found here.", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/westerman-cotton-and-boozman-driscoll-army-must-analyze-pine-bluffs", "WESTERMAN, COTTON, AND BOOZMAN TO DRISCOLL: ARMY MUST ANALYZE PINE BLUFF'S POTENTIAL TO ADDRESS OUR MUNITIONS SHORTAGE", "2025-05-28", "2025", "2025-05", "Republican", "House", "AR", "Bruce Westerman", "W000821", "westerman.house.gov", "westerman", "https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04) and Senators Tom Cotton (R-AR) and John Boozman (R-AR) today sent a letter to Army Secretary Dan Driscoll, asking for the detailed plan for the future of Pine Bluff Arsenal as a critical element of the defense industrial base. The lawmakers also urged prompt delivery of a Congressionally-mandated report outlining a plan to address issues facing America\u2019s domestic munitions production and supply chain chokepoints, as well as a course of action for the future of Pine Bluff Arsenal. This letter follows another sent earlier this month about the Army\u2019s intent to downsize Pine Bluff Arsenal that is at odds with President Trump\u2019s agenda of accelerating munitions manufacturing in America.\n\nIn part, the lawmakers wrote:\n\n\u201cWe remain committed to ensuring, in line with President Trump\u2019s directive to the department, that the military has the munitions it needs to fight and win decisively. Fortunately, Pine Bluff Arsenal can help the Army solve the munitions crisis, hence we\u2019re not willing to allow its capabilities to wither on the vine.\u201d\n\nFull text of the letter may be found here and below.\n\nThe Honorable Dan P. Driscoll\n\nSecretary of the Army\n\n101 Army Pentagon\n\nWashington, DC 20310-0101\n\nSecretary Driscoll,\n\nWe write to establish next steps regarding the future of Pine Bluff Arsenal and to secure its crucial role in the defense industrial base. Please provide answers to the following inquiries no later than June 6, 2025.\n\nAs we discussed, we believe the Army\u2019s organic industrial base has an irreplaceable role to play in addressing this nation\u2019s munitions crisis. Our delegation has worked for years to persuade the Army to take steps to improve its arsenals, ammunition plants, and depots, including by re-orienting production at Pine Bluff Arsenal to address urgent military-munitions requirements.\n\nTo that end, we passed language in the FY2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) Joint Explanatory Statement that directed the Secretary of the Army to provide a plan to \u201cestablish secondary domestic production sources at existing arsenals, depots, and ammunition plants of the U.S. Army to address munition supply chain chokepoints\u201d no later than June 1, 2025. We expect the Army to produce this report in accordance with the law and provide a thorough, well-considered set of plans that explains how it should use Pine Bluff Arsenal and the other facilities within the Army\u2019s organic industrial base to meet urgent operational needs.\n\nFurthermore, we are justifiably concerned that Army is attempting to circumvent the law by slowing operations at the arsenal before the FY26 NDAA and appropriations season, thus presenting Congress with a virtual fait accompli and limiting our ability to perform our constitutional oversight and budgetary responsibilities. Title 10 USC \u00a7 2687, base closures and realignments, specifies the Army may not close any military installation of more than 300 civilians or reduce its personnel by more than 50 percent without notifying Congress and presenting it with detailed strategic and economic evaluations of the impact of such a downsizing or closure. Title 10 USC \u00a7 4532, the Arsenal Act, requires the Secretary of the Army to procure supplies in government-owned factories or arsenals if possible \u201con an economical basis.\u201d We expect, and insist, that the Army will comply with current statute when producing a path forward at Pine Bluff Arsenal.\n\nPlease note that we\u2019re particularly interested to understand your cost assumptions regarding your compliance with the Arsenal Act. As we have explained on multiple occasions, we believe ample evidence indicates that Pine Bluff Arsenal is more economical than most commercial options. Thus, we want to assess what assumptions the Army is using to argue otherwise.\n\nIn addition to the required report, we now request the following additional information:\n\n1. The Army\u2019s planned actions over the next 30 to 90 days at Pine Bluff Arsenal, to include proposed or enacted changes to staffing and production schedules. If no changes to Pine Bluff operations or personnel will occur, please definitively state that.\n\n2. The courses of actions the Army is developing for Pine Bluff Arsenal\u2019s future, with at least the following information:\n\nHow each course of action complies with both 10 USC \u00a7 2687 and 10 USC \u00a7 4532, to include detailed cost data analysis.\n\nAt least one course of action explaining how the Army could use the arsenal to produce materials such as nitrocellulose, RDX, or TNT to address supply chain chokepoints.\n\nDetailed estimates of the costs that will be incurred if Army moves the white phosphorus ammunition mission away from Pine Bluff Arsenal, including the cost and time associated with acquiring the necessary environmental permits.", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-crawford-on-passage-of-the-one-big-beautiful-bill-act", "Congressman Crawford on Passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act", "2025-05-22", "2025", "2025-05", "Republican", "House", "AR", "Eric A. \"Rick\" Crawford", "C001087", "crawford.house.gov", "crawford", "https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014 Today Congressman Rick Crawford (AR-01) released the following statement on the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act by the House of Representatives.\n\n\"Last November, Americans delivered a very clear message when they elected President Donald Trump to a second term. They called for historic change. The ball was then in Congress' court to codify the President's agenda, which he quickly moved to implement on day one. Today, House Republicans are putting Americans' hard-earned money back into their pockets, making safety net programs better serve those who really need them, strengthening border security, reviving energy dominance, and injecting life back into the economy\u2014all in a fiscally responsible manner. Legislating fundamental change was never meant to be easy. That was not the intention of our Founding Fathers when they crafted our legislative process. It is intended to be deliberative, and that's how House Republicans approached this effort. Today is historic and about delivering on President Trump's promises to the American people.\"", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/westerman-votes-put-americans-first-one-big-beautiful-bill", "WESTERMAN VOTES TO PUT AMERICANS FIRST IN ONE BIG BEAUTIFUL BILL", "2025-05-22", "2025", "2025-05", "Republican", "House", "AR", "Bruce Westerman", "W000821", "westerman.house.gov", "westerman", "https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "May 22, 2025\n\nToday, the House of Representatives passed the historic \"One Big Beautiful Bill Act.\" Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04) released the following statement:\n\n\u201cAfter months of hard work and long hours, House Republicans have delivered historic reforms through the one big, beautiful reconciliation bill that will deliver on the promises Republicans made to the American people. In this bill, House Republicans are delivering resources to secure the border, investing in America\u2019s defense, unleashing American energy, lowering costs, creating jobs, securing historic tax relief for working Americans, and ridding burdened systems of waste, fraud, and abuse, so they can work for the individuals they were designed to help. It\u2019s time for Congress to put America first, and I am proud to have played a role in this process to deliver on our promise to the American people. I look forward to continuing in our work to implement commonsense, conservative legislation that prioritizes our taxpayers, our borders, and our abundant natural resources.\u201d\n\nBackground:\n\nSaves taxpayers billions by eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse, eradicating wasteful programs, and cutting obstructive federal red tape that has held back building American progress.\n\nMakes the 2017 Trump tax cuts permanent \u2013 protecting the average taxpayer from a 22 percent tax hike.\n\nSaves the average Arkansas family $1,280 \u2013 the equivalent of seven weeks of groceries.\n\nDelivers on President Trump\u2019s priorities of no tax on tips, overtime pay, and car loan interest, and provides additional tax relief for seniors.\n\nExpands and makes permanent the 199A small business deduction to 23 percent\u2013 creating over one million new Main Street small business jobs and generating $750 billion in economic growth at American small businesses.\n\nEnds $500 billion in Biden-era tax breaks and special interest giveaways to the wealthy, big corporations, and China.\n\nDelivers resources for an effective border wall system.\n\nCreates additional frontline personnel including additional Border Patrol agents, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers, and Air and Marine operations personnel.\n\nImplements technology to close exploitable gaps in our border protection and enhance interceptions of deadly illicit drugs, such as fentanyl, at ports of entry.\n\nUnleashes American energy dominance by ensuring affordable energy and creating jobs in energy sectors across the country.\n\nIncreases domestic mining activities and decreases American dependence on China for critical minerals and rare earth elements.\n\nSaves the American taxpayer billions of dollars in future wildfire suppression, disaster response, and deferred maintenance costs by stewarding our public lands and water.\n\nReverses policies that stifled economic development, locked up American resources, and granted unprecedented power to federal bureaucrats.", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/westerman-announces-casework-specific-district-office-hours-month-may", "WESTERMAN ANNOUNCES CASEWORK-SPECIFIC DISTRICT OFFICE HOURS FOR THE MONTH OF MAY", "2025-04-29", "2025", "2025-04", "Republican", "House", "AR", "Bruce Westerman", "W000821", "westerman.house.gov", "westerman", "https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04) announced casework-specific office hours in district office locations across the Fourth District for the month of May, to assist with issues for constituents addressing Veterans\u2019 Affairs, Social Security, Medicare, IRS, USCIS, and passports.\n\nFor casework specifically related to Veterans\u2019 Affairs, the following dates and locations are available:\n\nRussellville\n\n500 W. Main St. Suite 110, Russellville, AR\n\n9:00 AM - 4:00 PM\n\nMay 1, 2025\n\nPine Bluff\n\n211 W 3rd Ave. Suite 245, Pine Bluff, AR\n\n9:00 AM - 4:00 PM\n\nMay 15, 2025\n\nEl Dorado\n\n101 N. Washington Ave. Suite 406, El Dorado, AR\n\n9:00 AM - 4:00 PM\n\nMay 22, 2025\n\nTexarkana\n\nMiller County Courthouse: 400 Laurel St., Texarkana, AR\n\n9:00 AM - 4:00 PM\n\nMay 29, 2025\n\nFor casework specifically related to Social Security, Medicare, IRS, USCIS, and passports, the following dates and locations are available:\n\nRussellville\n\n500 W. Main St. Suite 110, Russellville, AR\n\n9:00 AM - 4:00 PM\n\nMay 6, 2025\n\nHot Springs\n\n101 Reserve St. Suite 200, Hot Springs, AR\n\n9:00 AM - 4:00 PM\n\nMay 13, 2025\n\nEl Dorado\n\n101 N. Washington Ave. Suite 406, El Dorado, AR\n\n9:00 AM - 4:00 PM\n\nMay 20, 2025\n\nTexarkana\n\nMiller County Courthouse: 400 Laurel St., Texarkana, AR\n\n9:00 AM - 4:00 PM\n\nMay 27, 2025\n\n###", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/westerman-announces-winners-2025-congressional-art-competition", "WESTERMAN ANNOUNCES WINNERS OF THE 2025 CONGRESSIONAL ART COMPETITION", "2025-04-25", "2025", "2025-04", "Republican", "House", "AR", "Bruce Westerman", "W000821", "westerman.house.gov", "westerman", "https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "This week, Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04) announced the Fourth District\u2019s winners of the 2025 Congressional Art Competition. First place winner Olivia Busby\u2019s piece, titled \"County Fair\" will be displayed in the main hallway between the Cannon House Office Building and the U.S. Capitol for the upcoming year.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m grateful to each student who participated in this year\u2019s Congressional Art Competition. Their dedication to creativity and art were clear through each entry my office received, and each student should be immensely proud of their work. I would like to extend my most sincere congratulations to first place and fourth place winner, Olivia Busby, on her exceptional winning artwork, and to each student who worked tirelessly to create a piece of art for this competition. I am proud to represent a district teeming with great potential and talent among our youth and look forward to having a little piece of the Fourth District for staff and visitors alike to look upon as they travel to and from the U.S. Capitol.\u201d\n\nEach spring, a nationwide high school art competition is sponsored by members of the U.S. House of Representatives. This highly anticipated contest is an opportunity to recognize and encourage the artistic talent of our nation's youth, including those in the Fourth Congressional District.\n\nWinners were chosen by a panel of three judges from the following categories: design/composition, skill/technique, and overall execution.\n\nThe 2025 winners are:\n\n1st Place: \u201cCounty Fair\u201d by Olivia Busby of Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts.\n\n2nd Place: \u201cHysteria\u201d by Nicole Beaty of South Pike County High School\n\n3rd Place: \u201cHoney and Grumps\u201d by Layken Stone of South Pike County High School\n\n4th Place: \u201cLined Bricks\u201d by Olivia Busby of South Pike County High School\n\n5th Place: \u201cDown the Rabbit Hole\u201d by Adeline Robertson of Jessieville High School", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases/crawford-carbajal-introduce-legislation-to-make-transporting-dry-goods-more-efficient", "Crawford & Carbajal Introduce Legislation to Make Transporting Dry Goods More Efficient", "2025-04-17", "2025", "2025-04", "Republican", "House", "AR", "Eric A. \"Rick\" Crawford", "C001087", "crawford.house.gov", "crawford", "https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, Congressman Rick Crawford (R-AR-01) and Congressman Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24) introduced H.R. 2920, the VARIANCE Act, which allows for a 10 percent shift in weight variance along the axles of tank trucks carrying dry goods, without any increase in the overall federal gross vehicle weight (GVW) limit.\n\nUnder current law, when stopped at a weigh station, a truck's weight must be \"evenly\" distributed among each of the axles. However, with dry bulk goods, even when packed properly, the material often moves around in the tank causing the weight on each axle of the vehicle to be different. The VARIANCE Act allows for a shift in variance, as long as the overall weight of the tank truck does not exceed 80,000 pounds. This will ensure trucks don't have to unnecessarily reduce their loads.\n\n\"Arkansas's agriculture industry relies on the timely transport of goods to their end destination,\" said Congressman Crawford. \"These dry goods will inevitably shift in the transport process and current law must account for the unique characteristics of the goods being transported. This legislation is a commonsense solution for truckers transporting dry bulk by giving more flexibility. I appreciate Congressman Carbajal joining me to lead this effort to create more efficiency in transporting our nation's key dry goods.\"\n\n\"Providing this variance standard will give trucks more flexibility to transport critical products while ensuring they are still meeting safe weight limits,\" said Rep. Carbajal. \"The VARIANCE Act is a bipartisan solution that will go a long way toward lowering costs for consumers and reducing congestion on our highways.\"\n\n\"The National Tank Truck Carriers would like to thank Representative Crawford and Representative Carbajal for their leadership in introducing the VARIANCE Act in the U.S. House of Representatives,\" stated Ryan Streblow, President and CEO of National Tank Truck Carriers. \"NTTC applauds their efforts to authorize a 10% axle variance for dry bulk goods, which has been an important legislative priority for NTTC. This simple, commonsense solution that allows carriers to maximize payloads of materials such as grains, feeds, and plastics, without raising the federal maximum laden weight or disrupting the bridge formula. By accounting for product shift during transit, this legislation acknowledges the operational realities of dry bulk carriers and represents a significant step toward a more efficient transportation network. It will help reduce stress on the supply chain, alleviate highway congestion, and enhance safety and efficiency. We are grateful for the strong support from Representative Crawford and Representative Carbajal and for their commitment to addressing this critical issue for the North American tank truck industry.\"\n\nRead the bill text here.", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/westerman-applauds-executive-action-updating-permitting-technology-21st", "WESTERMAN APPLAUDS EXECUTIVE ACTION FOR UPDATING PERMITTING TECHNOLOGY FOR THE 21st CENTURY", "2025-04-16", "2025", "2025-04", "Republican", "House", "AR", "Bruce Westerman", "W000821", "westerman.house.gov", "westerman", "https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Yesterday, President Donald Trump released an executive action directing executive departments and agencies to make maximum use of technology in environmental review and permitting processes for infrastructure projects of all kinds. Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04) released the following statement in response:\n\n\"The current federal permitting process hamstrings every corner of American life. Everything from gravel road repairs to simple agricultural maintenance and large scale industrial projects are smothered under the weight of this cumbersome process. The needlessly complex and painstakingly bureaucratic process makes it more difficult for the United States to compete with our adversaries and produce innovative, modern resources to meet the growing demands of a 21st century society. As a longtime advocate and supporter of permitting reform, I applaud the Trump administration for their efforts to update permitting technology for the 21st Century \u2013 a step that will properly leverage technology to evaluate environmental permits which cause inordinate delays to delivering on important infrastructure projects. There is still a long road ahead, but yesterday's executive action is an excellent first step to use modern day technology and interagency communication to expedite a process that currently shackles our nation\u2019s economic growth to antiquated and obsolete systems.\"", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases/crawford-statement-on-house-passage-of-the-budget-resolution", "Crawford Statement on House Passage of the Budget Resolution", "2025-04-10", "2025", "2025-04", "Republican", "House", "AR", "Eric A. \"Rick\" Crawford", "C001087", "crawford.house.gov", "crawford", "https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C\u2014 Congressman Rick Crawford (AR-01) released the following statement on his vote in support of the House budget resolution.\n\n\"I'm proud to support a fiscally responsible budget framework that requires the House of Representatives to find at least $1.5 trillion in taxpayer savings. By supporting this resolution, the House will be able to extend the successful Tax Cuts and Jobs Act from 2017 that lowered taxes for hard-working American families and small businesses. A vote against this bill was a vote in favor of raising taxes on nearly every American family. While I wish that the Senate had formally committed itself to more spending cuts, I trust in our leadership's and in President Trump's ability to convince reticent Senators that cutting wasteful and unnecessary federal spending is part of the mandate the American people have given us.\"\n\n###", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/westerman-votes-protect-election-integrity", "WESTERMAN VOTES TO PROTECT ELECTION INTEGRITY", "2025-04-10", "2025", "2025-04", "Republican", "House", "AR", "Bruce Westerman", "W000821", "westerman.house.gov", "westerman", "https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, The House of Representatives passed H.R. 22, the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, a bill that requires individuals to provide documentary proof of U.S. citizenship when registering to vote in federal elections. Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04) released the following statement:\n\n\u201cFree and fair elections are an integral piece to our system of government,\" said Congressman Westerman. \"It\u2019s commonsense that only American citizens should be allowed to vote in American elections. However, lax voter registration laws have allowed noncitizens to vote in our elections, which is why I am proud to have cosponsored and voted for the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act. Elections determine the future of our democracy, and it is vital that Congress protect its integrity. House Republicans remain dedicated to fighting for fair elections and placing the power back into the hands of the American people, and I\u2019m proud to have seen the passage of this important legislation today.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T00:33:40Z"], ["https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases/crawford-congratulates-former-arkansas-governor-mike-huckabee-on-confirmation-as-us-ambassador-to-israel", "Crawford Congratulates Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee on Confirmation as U.S. Ambassador to Israel", "2025-04-09", "2025", "2025-04", "Republican", "House", "AR", "Eric A. \"Rick\" Crawford", "C001087", "crawford.house.gov", "crawford", "https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014 Congressman Rick Crawford (AR-01) released the following statement after the United States Senate confirmed Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee as the next U.S. Ambassador to the State of Israel.\n\n\"Today is a momentous day for the long-standing relationship between the U.S. and Israel. There is no stronger advocate and friend of Israel than Governor Huckabee. For decades, he has been a staunch defender of Israel's right to exist and protect its people. I could not think of a more qualified leader to serve in this critical role. As the 44th Governor of Arkansas, Governor Huckabee led our state to great heights and cultivated a sense of leadership that has continued to flourish long after his final day in office. At a time when one of our greatest allies needs our support more than ever, there is no doubt Governor Huckabee will masterfully navigate our two nations through these tense times. I offer Governor Huckabee my most sincere congratulations.\"\n\n###", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases/representative-rick-crawford-announces-2025-congressional-art-competition", "Representative Rick Crawford announces 2025 Congressional Art Competition", "2025-04-04", "2025", "2025-04", "Republican", "House", "AR", "Eric A. \"Rick\" Crawford", "C001087", "crawford.house.gov", "crawford", "https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "JONESBORO- A detailed watercolor depicting two prehistoric creatures, a digital creation reflecting on humanity's role in the polluting of our oceans, and an ink print depicting a bird completed using the dry point method of printmaking, all pieces of art that won first place in their medium categories in last year's Congressional Art Competition.\n\nCrawford is encouraging student artists, grades 9-12, to enter his annual Congressional Art Competition for a chance to represent the district in a nationwide visual arts competition sponsored by the Congressional Institute.\n\nAny student residing in the First District of Arkansas can submit their artwork in one of the competition's seven categories: collage, drawing, digital design, mixed media, painting, photography, and print. Winners will be chosen from each category, and there will be an overall winner of the competition.\n\nThe overall winner's artwork will have the honor of representing Arkansas's First District in the impressive national winner's display at the U.S. Capitol for a year. In addition, they will receive round-trip airfare for two to attend the Congressional Art Competition's annual awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. where all the winners from around the country will be recognized. The submission deadline for the Congressman's competition is April 14th.\n\n\"The level of imagination and creativity the students in my district possess is amazing,\" said Crawford. \"Judging over 200 entries and choosing one winner to represent our district is a challenging task but something I look forward to each year.\"\n\nCrawford said he is proud to have the district winner displayed at the Capitol, but he also takes time to recognize all the first-place category winners for their talents. \"They are all winners in my book, and that is why I like to host a reception where I can meet each of the artists, their families, and instructors, and hear the inspirations behind their artwork,\" said Crawford. He also arranges for the winning artwork pieces to be displayed at the Jonesboro Municipal Building so the community can enjoy their accomplishments.\n\nCrawford said last year's competition received over 250 student entries representing 28 schools. The mixed media piece entitled \"Flowers for You,\" created by Amara Miles from Highland High School was selected as the overall winner. Her artwork, depicting a bouquet made of flowers and sheets of music, is currently on display in the Cannon Tunnel in Washington D.C.\n\nMore information on the competition's guidelines and how to submit artwork can be found on the congressman's website /congressional-art-competition. Any additional questions can be directed to his Jonesboro office at 870-203-0540 or the email AR01.art@mail.house.gov.\n\n#", 1, "2026-06-27T20:01:11Z", "2026-06-27T22:30:51Z"], ["https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/bipartisan-resolution-introduced-declaring-april-second-chance-month", "BIPARTISAN RESOLUTION INTRODUCED DECLARING APRIL AS SECOND CHANCE MONTH", "2025-04-01", "2025", "2025-04", "Republican", "House", "AR", "Bruce Westerman", "W000821", "westerman.house.gov", "westerman", "https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, U.S. Representatives Bruce Westerman (R-AR), Lucy McBath (D-GA), Don Bacon (R-NE), Danny K. Davis (D-IL), Barry Moore (R-AL), Carol Miller (R-WV), and LaMonica McIver (D-NJ) alongside U.S Senators Kevin Cramer (R-ND) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) reintroduced the bicameral Second Chance Month Resolution. The members released the following statements:\n\n\u201cRecognizing April as Second Chance Month is an excellent opportunity to raise awareness on the importance of creating pathways for the millions of Americans previously and currently incarcerated, who have paid their debt to society, and experience the innumerable barriers to re-entering their communities,\u201d said Rep. Westerman. \u201cEach of these Americans have an intrinsic value and are worthy of the dignity that comes with establishing hard-earned jobs and gaining sought-after respect. Everyone deserves a second chance, and Congress must work to break down the stigmas attached to incarceration and reducing recidivism rates. I\u2019m honored to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle on this resolution to restore the dignity of these reformed individuals.\u201d\n\n\u201cHard-working Americans should be compensated fairly for the work they do,\u201d said Rep. McBath. \u201cDeclaring April as Second Chance Month highlights the importance of opening opportunities to formerly incarcerated workers and reducing obstacles to gainful employment so that we all have safer communities and our country is made stronger by a thriving workforce.\"\n\n\u201cSecond Chance Month is a representation to all of us about the power of forgiveness and the Second Chance programs are key in that,\u201d said Rep. Bacon. \u201cThey have helped reintegrate people back into society, heal families, and give much-needed mental health services. With the help of these support systems, individuals can become productive members of society, restoring dignity and respect to those who have served their time and want to contribute back to their communities and families.\u201d\n\n\u201cThere are millions of individuals in our country who have civil and criminal records that serve as barriers to obtaining education, technical skills, training, jobs, and government benefits,\u201d said Rep. Davis. \u201cSecond chances - and especially the Second Chance Act \u2013 help to reduce and remove these barriers. Therefore, I am proud to join my colleagues in recognizing Second Chance Month. Second Chance Month honors the work of non-profit organizations, faith-based entities, communities, governments, employers, and individuals that help those with records gain the skills, education, and employment needed to thrive, thereby strengthening individuals, rebuilding families, and growing our economy.\u201d\n\n\u201cIn Alabama, I have seen firsthand how giving someone who is incarcerated hope by training them with a new skill can significantly impact the recidivism rates,\u201d said Rep. Moore. \u201cThe Lord shows us grace daily, and we should extend that same grace to individuals who have proven they are committed to rectifying their mistakes. This bipartisan resolution highlights the barriers that still exist for those with criminal records trying to reintegrate into their communities.\u201d\n\n\u201cIn West Virginia, we know how important it is to provide everyone with opportunities to succeed. Recognizing April as Second Chance Month gives hope to those who are reentering the workforce after serving their time incarcerated. When we invest in our communities and put in place resources and support for people released from prisons and jails, we build stronger and safer communities,\u201d said Rep. Miller. \u201cThis resolution will bring more visibility to Second Chance programs that are instrumental in helping people across the nation get back on the right path as they reenter their communities.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis country was founded on the promise of a new beginning,\u201d said Rep. McIver. \u201cThis bipartisan resolution to recognize April as \u2018Second Chance Month\u2019 will raise awareness for the barriers faced by previously incarcerated people and promote opportunities for them to create a new beginning for themselves.\u201d\n\n\u201cAmerica is a nation of second chances,\u201d said Senator Cramer. \u201cYet too often our criminal justice system focuses on punishment over redemption. I joined Senator Klobuchar in introducing a bipartisan resolution to designate April as Second Chance Month, recognizing those who have paid their debt to society and have earned a second chance to rebuild their lives, reclaim their futures, and positively contribute to their community.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs a former prosecutor, I have seen firsthand the challenges facing those who have been formerly incarcerated,\u201d said Senator Klobuchar. \u201cPeople are capable of change and many deserve a second chance. This bipartisan resolution to recognize \u2018Second Chance Month\u2019 will bring awareness to these barriers and promote opportunities for those who have served their time to access stable jobs, continue their education, and become productive members of society again.\u201d\n\nBackground", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T00:33:40Z"], ["https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-crawford-is-seeking-gold-star-family-member-for-position-in-cabot-office", "Congressman Crawford is Seeking Gold Star Family Member for Position in Cabot Office", "2025-03-31", "2025", "2025-03", "Republican", "House", "AR", "Eric A. \"Rick\" Crawford", "C001087", "crawford.house.gov", "crawford", "https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Congressman Rick Crawford (AR-01) announced he is looking for a veteran or a Gold Star family member for a position in his Cabot district office.\n\nThe candidate in this role will work with the military and veteran constituents to handle veterans-related casework and act as a facilitator between constituents and federal, state, and local agencies.\n\nThe Green & Gold Congressional Aide Program was established by the House of Representatives to provide employment opportunities for veterans and Gold Star Families within member offices.\n\nThe program is limited to veterans and Gold Star Families who meet all of the following requirements: Veterans must be Honorably discharged, released from active duty within the last six years, terminal pay grades at or below E-5,O-3,or W-2. Veterans promoted to the pay grades of E-6, O-4, and W-3 within 6-months of separation from active duty are eligible, granted they meet ALL other eligibility requirements. Veterans who are in receipt of a 20-year or Temporary Early Retirement Authorization (TERA) retirement are not eligible for the program. Gold Star applicants must be the spouse, parent, sibling, child or step-child of a service member who died in the line of duty, or died from a service connected disability within four years of separation from the service.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T00:15:27Z"], ["https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases/chairman-crawford-votes-to-keep-the-government-open", "Chairman Crawford Votes to Keep the Government Open", "2025-03-11", "2025", "2025-03", "Republican", "House", "AR", "Eric A. \"Rick\" Crawford", "C001087", "crawford.house.gov", "crawford", "https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Congressman Rick Crawford (AR-01), Chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, issued the following statement on his vote to fund the federal government.\n\n\"Today I voted in favor of funding the federal government and avoiding a shutdown. While a Continuing Resolution is far from the most responsible method of funding the government, this clean measure ensures President Trump can maintain strong momentum as he delivers on his promises to the American people. In today's dynamic threat environment, we must be acutely aware of the signal a government shutdown sends to our adversaries around the world. Speaker Johnson and House Republicans have carefully crafted this funding measure to stop Democrats in their attempt to derail President Trump's agenda to secure our nation and champion the renewal of the American dream.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T00:15:27Z"], ["https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases/arkansas-congressional-delegation-celebrates-historic-achievement", "Arkansas Congressional Delegation Celebrates Historic Achievement", "2025-03-06", "2025", "2025-03", "Republican", "House", "AR", "Eric A. \"Rick\" Crawford", "C001087", "crawford.house.gov", "crawford", "https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "This week, Chairman Rick Crawford and the rest of the Arkansas Congressional delegation came together to celebrate their rare achievement. Arkansas is the only state in which every member of the delegation can be called \"Chairman.\"\n\n\"Our state is blessed with decades of legislative experience in Washington, D.C., which has led Arkansans to lead critically important committees in the House and Senate that support our farmers, our national security, our natural resources, our financial markets, and our transportation infrastructure funding. It is the honor of a lifetime to serve alongside my fellow Arkansas Chairmen on Agriculture, Intelligence, THUD Appropriations, Financial Services, and Natural Resources as we work for America,\" said Chairman Crawford.\n\nsites/evo-subsites/crawford.house.gov/files/migrated/uploads/2025/03/Gavel-Pic-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3085\"/>Arkansas Delegation Chairman\n\nFrom Left to Right:\n\nRepresentative Bruce Westerman (AR-04) \u2013 House Natural Resources Committee Chairman\n\nRepresentative Steve Womack (AR-03) \u2013 House Appropriations Committee, Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Chairman\n\nSenator Tom Cotton \u2013 Senate Select Committee on Intelligence Chairman\n\nSenator John Boozman \u2013 Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee Chairman", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T00:15:27Z"], ["https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/arkansas-congressional-delegation-gathers-gavel-photograph", "ARKANSAS CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION GATHERS FOR GAVEL PHOTOGRAPH", "2025-03-06", "2025", "2025-03", "Republican", "House", "AR", "Bruce Westerman", "W000821", "westerman.house.gov", "westerman", "https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "In a unique moment for Arkansas, each Member of Congress in the Senate and House of Representatives serving across the Natural State proudly hold a gavel in the 119th Congress. This positions Arkansas well to be a frontrunner in policy making decisions that greatly impact Arkansans and Americans alike. Earlier this week, each member of the Arkansas delegation gathered for a photograph in the U.S. Capitol to commemorate this exciting achievement.\n\nSenator John Boozman \u2013 Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee Chairman\n\nSenator Tom Cotton \u2013 Senate Select Committee on Intelligence Chairman\n\nRepresentative Rick Crawford (AR-01) \u2013 House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence Chairman\n\nRepresentative French Hill (AR-02) \u2013 House Financial Services Committee Chairman\n\nRepresentative Steve Womack (AR-03) \u2013 House Appropriations Committee, Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Chairman\n\nRepresentative Bruce Westerman (AR-04) \u2013 House Natural Resources Committee Chairman", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T00:15:27Z"], ["https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/westerman-statement-president-trumps-joint-address", "WESTERMAN STATEMENT ON PRESIDENT TRUMP'S JOINT ADDRESS", "2025-03-04", "2025", "2025-03", "Republican", "House", "AR", "Bruce Westerman", "W000821", "westerman.house.gov", "westerman", "https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "In response to President Donald Trump\u2019s Joint Address, Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04) released the following statement:\n\n\u201cTonight, we heard firsthand the President\u2019s America First agenda aimed at lowering costs, securing our communities through strict border security, unleashing American energy, and saving billions of American taxpayer dollars,\u201d said Congressman Bruce Westerman. \u201cI look forward to working with my Republican colleagues to deliver on these promises, and will continue to work toward implementing commonsense, conservative legislation that delivers much needed relief for my constituents in the Fourth District of Arkansas.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T00:15:27Z"], ["https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/westerman-announces-casework-specific-district-office-hours-march", "WESTERMAN ANNOUNCES CASEWORK-SPECIFIC DISTRICT OFFICE HOURS FOR MARCH", "2025-02-25", "2025", "2025-02", "Republican", "House", "AR", "Bruce Westerman", "W000821", "westerman.house.gov", "westerman", "https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04) announced casework-specific office hours in district office locations across the Fourth District for the month of March, to assist with issues for constituents specifically addressing Social Security, Medicare, IRS, USCIS, and passports.\n\nFor casework specifically related to Social Security, Medicare, IRS, USCIS, and passports, the following dates and locations are available:\n\nRussellville\n\n9:00 AM - 4:00 PM\n\nMarch 4, 2025\n\n500 W. Main St. Suite 110, Russellville, AR\n\nHot Springs\n\n9:00 AM - 4:00 PM\n\nMarch 11, 2025\n\n101 Reserve St. Suite 200, Hot Springs, AR\n\nEl Dorado\n\n9:00 AM - 4:00 PM\n\nMarch 18, 2025\n\n101 N. Washington Ave. Suite 406, El Dorado, AR\n\nTexarkana\n\n9:00 AM - 4:00 PM\n\nMarch 25, 2025\n\nMiller County Courthouse: 400 Laurel St., Texarkana, AR", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T23:42:11Z"], ["https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/westerman-attends-l3harris-groundbreaking-east-camden", "WESTERMAN ATTENDS L3HARRIS GROUNDBREAKING IN EAST CAMDEN", "2025-02-21", "2025", "2025-02", "Republican", "House", "AR", "Bruce Westerman", "W000821", "westerman.house.gov", "westerman", "https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Yesterday, Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04) attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the new L3Harris extension in East Camden.\n\nL3Harris Technologies began construction of four new modern and streamlined solid rocket motor production facilities in East Camden as a result of a $215.6 million agreement between the Department of Defense and L3Harris to address increased demands for domestic rocket propulsion manufacturing.\n\n\u201cI take great pride in the fact that the Fourth District of Arkansas is home to such an integral contributor to our national defense,\u201d said Congressman Bruce Westerman. \u201cOur national security has never been more important, and this expansion in Camden will continue to solidify the Natural State\u2019s mark on defense manufacturing, support many hardworking Arkansans, and maintain our nation\u2019s position as a global leader in aerospace and defense. Congratulations to L3Harris for this exciting new expansion.\u201d\n\n\"L3Harris is proud to be a part of the Camden community, where our talented team has produced critical defense propulsion for more than four decades,\" said Ken Bedingfield, President, Aerojet Rocketdyne, L3Harris. \u201cWe\u2019ve enjoyed tremendous growth in the Natural State, thanks in part to our strong partnerships with Arkansas leaders, including Congressman Westerman, and we look forward to expanding our work here to power national defense.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T23:42:11Z"], ["https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases/promises-made-promises-kept-marc-fogel-returns-home-to-the-united-states", "Promises Made, Promises Kept: Marc Fogel Returns Home to the United States", "2025-02-13", "2025", "2025-02", "Republican", "House", "AR", "Eric A. \"Rick\" Crawford", "C001087", "crawford.house.gov", "crawford", "https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "On February 11, 2025, Chairman Rick Crawford joined President Donald Trump and several other U.S. Senators and Congressmen in welcoming Marc Fogel home to the United States.\n\n\"It was an honor and a privilege to meet Marc Fogel at the White House last night. Mr. Fogel was wrongfully detained in Russia in 2021, and was treated as a pawn in a larger game of political chess. I am so proud of the work President Trump, Special Envoy for the Middle East Steve Witkoff, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and their teams did to bring home an American citizen whose plight had been largely ignored by the Biden Administration since his detention began.\n\nOn the campaign trail, President Trump promised the Fogel family that he would bring Marc home to them, and within his first month after taking office, he has fulfilled that solemn promise. I have no doubt that this is just the beginning of a resurgence in America's standing in the world. Our strength is returning, and I have complete faith the President's team will be able to bring home more wrongfully detained Americans from Russia in the future.\n\nAs I watched Mr. Fogel arrive at the White House, I couldn't help but say a prayer of thanks to God for his safe return. Seeing a man who had been sentenced to 14 years smile, wave, and cling to our flag reminded me that when tested, America will always rise to the challenge,\" said Chairman Crawford.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T23:42:11Z"], ["https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/westerman-colleagues-reintroduce-focus-learning-act", "WESTERMAN, COLLEAGUES REINTRODUCE FOCUS ON LEARNING ACT", "2025-02-12", "2025", "2025-02", "Republican", "House", "AR", "Bruce Westerman", "W000821", "westerman.house.gov", "westerman", "https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, Rep. Bruce Westerman (AR-04), Rep. Jason Crow (CO-06), Rep. Kelly Morrison (MN-03), and Rep. Pete Stauber (MN-08) reintroduced the Focus on Learning Act, bipartisan legislation requiring the U.S. Surgeon General to complete a study that considers the effects of cell phone use among students aged K-12 and how it impacts their mental health and academic performance. Congressman Westerman released the following statement:\n\n\u201cFor too long, we\u2019ve seen how technology has continued to develop, meanwhile leaving our teachers, school administrators, and students behind to fend for themselves. Educators across the country will be the first to tell you how cell phone use causes major disruptions in the development of young people\u2019s minds and creates barriers to an effective educational experience. Students across the country are suffering under the weight of social media algorithms specifically created to become addictive \u2013 and they are working. Students are our future,\u201d said Congressman Bruce Westerman, \u201cand it\u2019s time for Congress to put our nation\u2019s young people first and cultivate the healthiest and best possible learning environment for our students. The Focus on Learning Act is an excellent first step to address this important issue.\u201d\n\n\"As a dad, I know that cell phone use in school is harming our kids' mental health and undermining their academic success,\" said Congressman Jason Crow. \"That\u2019s why I\u2019m introducing the Focus on Learning Act so that we can better understand how increased phone use is impacting learning and give our kids the best opportunity to succeed.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe reality is that cell phone use is up, test scores are down, and our nation is facing a youth mental health crisis,\u201d said Congresswoman Kelly Morrison. \u201cCell phone use in schools needs to be examined as we work to address these concerning issues facing our kids. We must be guided by the science and the facts, and the Focus on Learning Act is an important step toward ensuring that our students are receiving world-class education and we are creating learning environments where they can thrive.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs a father, I know that cell phone use in our schools is taking a negative toll on young Americans. We must do all we can to ensure our kids are successful, which is why I\u2019m proud to join my colleagues in introducing the Focus on Learning Act,\u201d said Congressman Pete Stauber.\n\n\u201cWidespread use of cell phones in schools are at best a distraction for young Americans; at worst, they expose schoolchildren to content that is harmful and addictive. Our legislation will make schools remain centers of learning,\u201d said Senator Tom Cotton.\n\nBackground:\n\n\u2022 Since 2012, test scores have steeply declined nationwide, presumably correlated with the increased presence of cell phones in schools.\n\n\u2022 Recent studies show that three-quarters of U.S. teens feel more happy/peaceful when they are away from their phones.\n\n\u2022 As research is being conducted in scholarly settings, there\u2019s a gap in data on the real-time effects of cell phone usage in classrooms and its impact on the learning and mental health of students.\n\nFocus on Learning Summary:", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T23:42:11Z"], ["https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-crawford-announces-2024-congressional-app-challenge-winners", "Rep. Crawford Announces 2024 Congressional App Challenge Winners", "2025-02-04", "2025", "2025-02", "Republican", "House", "AR", "Eric A. \"Rick\" Crawford", "C001087", "crawford.house.gov", "crawford", "https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "A group of students at the NEA Career Tech Center (NEACTC) has created a software application (app) called Sprout to help students track their required community service hours for high school graduation. The students developed this app to participate in Representative Rick Crawford's annual Congressional App Challenge, a nationwide event for high school students.\n\nThe NEACTC team, consisting of Lilly Yocum, Liberty Bell, Aydan Elmore, and Victor Osorio, under the guidance of instructor Chase Smith, secured first place in the Congressman's 2024 competition. Not only does Sprout help students track their hours, but it allows nonprofits to post their available volunteer opportunities for students. Sprout connects our community by highlighting needs and finding folks to fill those needs.\n\nDuring a reception at the NEACTC on Thursday, Crawford encouraged NEACTC instructors and the Jonesboro High School administration to encourage the team to continue refining Sprout so it can be available to more students and community nonprofits. \"The Sprout app is an innovative concept that I believe students around the state will want to use to document their service hours,\" said Rep. Crawford. \"These students haven't just created an app; they've created an opportunity for community-wide service. They are servant-leaders, and the First District is so proud of what they've accomplished.\"\n\nThe first-place winners will receive Amazon Web Services credits and an invitation to the House of Code reception in April in Washington, D.C., where winning teams from across the nation will be honored. The winning apps will be showcased on the U.S. House of Representatives and Congressional App Challenge websites and displayed in an exhibit at the U.S. Capitol Building.\n\nCharles Kelly and Hazim Ragab, students at Valley View High School, claimed second place for their app, Jonesboro 411. This app was created as part of the Mayor's Achievement Youth Council project and aims to streamline the city's website by providing essential information for residents, including tourism, employment opportunities, city business meetings, bill payment options, schools, sports, parking information, and more.\n\nThe 2024 competition was judged by Garrett Barnes, Assistant Director of the NEA Career and Technical Center; Leon Brown, Technology Coordinator for Crowley's Ridge Educational Service Cooperative; and Michael Graham, Dean of Secondary Programs at Arkansas Northeastern College.\n\nsites/evo-subsites/crawford.house.gov/files/migrated/uploads/2025/02/NEACTC-2024-App-Challenge-Winners.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3044\"/>\n\nCongressman Crawford's 2024 Congressional App Challenge winners from NEACTC.\n\nPictured from left to right: Liberty Bell, Lilly Yocum, Congressman Rick Crawford, Aydan Elmore, Victor Osorio, and instructor, Chase Smith.\n\nsites/evo-subsites/crawford.house.gov/files/migrated/uploads/2025/02/Valley-View-HS-2024-App-Challenge-2nd-Place.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3045\"/>\n\nCongressman Crawford's 2024 Congressional App Challenge Second-Place Team from Valley View High School.\n\nPictured from left to right: Jonesboro Mayor Harold Copenhaver, Charles Kelly, Congressman Rick Crawford, and Hazim Ragab.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T23:42:11Z"], ["https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/westerman-announces-february-casework-specific-district-office-hours", "WESTERMAN ANNOUNCES FEBRUARY CASEWORK-SPECIFIC DISTRICT OFFICE HOURS", "2025-01-31", "2025", "2025-01", "Republican", "House", "AR", "Bruce Westerman", "W000821", "westerman.house.gov", "westerman", "https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04) announced casework-specific office hours in district office locations across the Fourth District for the month of February, to assist with issues for constituents specifically addressing Social Security, Medicare, IRS, USCIS, and passports.\n\nFor casework specifically related to Social Security, Medicare, IRS, USCIS, and passports, the following dates and locations are available:\n\nRussellville\n\n9:00 AM - 4:00 PM\n\nFebruary 4, 2025\n\n500 W. Main St. Suite 110, Russellville, AR\n\nHot Springs\n\n9:00 AM - 4:00 PM\n\nFebruary 11, 2025\n\n101 Reserve St. Suite 200, Hot Springs, AR\n\nEl Dorado\n\n9:00 AM - 4:00 PM\n\nFebruary 18, 2025\n\n101 N. Washington Ave. Suite 406, El Dorado, AR\n\nTexarkana\n\n9:00 AM - 4:00 PM\n\nFebruary 25, 2025\n\nMiller County Courthouse: 400 Laurel St., Texarkana, AR", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T17:10:36Z"], ["https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-crawford-statement-on-house-intelligence-committee-chairmanship", "Rep. Crawford Statement on House Intelligence Committee Chairmanship", "2025-01-16", "2025", "2025-01", "Republican", "House", "AR", "Eric A. \"Rick\" Crawford", "C001087", "crawford.house.gov", "crawford", "https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\n\nContact: Sara Robertson (Sara.Robertson2@mail.house.gov)\n\nRep. Crawford Statement on House Intelligence Committee Chairmanship\n\n1/16/2025\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Representative Rick Crawford (AR-01) released the following statement regarding his appointment as Chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.\n\n\"I am truly honored to be selected to lead the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. I look forward to working with Speaker Johnson and the incoming Trump administration team to advance priorities that are important to Americans.\n\n\"Since joining the Committee in 2017, I have witnessed firsthand that abuse within our nation's security apparatus has eroded trust in our institutions and compromised America's ability to gather intelligence. As Chairman, I will aggressively uphold our mandate to provide credible and robust oversight of the Intelligence Community's funding and activities. Without aggressive oversight and vigorous protection of Americans' Fourth Amendment rights, the IC is prone to give in to mission creep and skirt U.S. laws. In all our work, I pledge to preserve Americans' constitutional rights even as we work to support the IC in doing everything required to collect indispensable information from our foreign adversaries.\n\n\"This Congress has an opportunity to course-correct from the Biden administration's failures, promote common-sense peace through strength, and re-focus our nation's intelligence and counterintelligence community against our adversaries. Right now, terrorists, rogue regimes, and foreign state-actors are rapidly developing new ways to exploit and harm America's national interests, and it's our responsibility to ensure intelligence agencies remain three steps ahead of our enemies. And now, more than ever, leaks and indiscretions by misguided intelligence staff can endanger Americans and hinder our ability to predict and prevent attacks. Everyone on the Committee and within the IC must be devoted to secrecy regarding the material we review. The lives of our covert agents in the field, and the security of our homeland, depend on it.\n\n\"The Committee has a unique opportunity to work toward rebuilding our intelligence apparatus so that our IC is focused on the challenges of today and is prepared for the threats of tomorrow. It is our aim to rebuild relationships with our partners in the Western Hemisphere, address issues with the development of IC assessments, determine which intelligence tools are needed to protect Americans, and provide our brave men and women in the U.S. intelligence services with the support they need. In our age of increasing threats from abroad and bloated bureaucracy at home, the Committee will be committed to preventing enemies' attacks and upholding the privacy rights of all American citizens.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T17:10:36Z"], ["https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/westerman-colleagues-introduce-fix-our-forests-act", "WESTERMAN, COLLEAGUES INTRODUCE THE FIX OUR FORESTS ACT", "2025-01-16", "2025", "2025-01", "Republican", "House", "AR", "Bruce Westerman", "W000821", "westerman.house.gov", "westerman", "https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Bruce Westerman (AR-04) and Congressman Scott Peters (D-CA-50) introduced the Fix Our Forests Act, bipartisan legislation to restore forest health, increase resiliency to devastating wildfires, and protect at-risk communities. Congressman Westerman released the following statement:\n\n\u201cAs Chairman of the House Natural Resources committee, I am proud of the work that is done within the committee to restore forest health, hold accountable those who insufficiently manage our forests, and create a better path forward for stewarding our land in a way that not only keeps the American people safe from the devastating effects of wildfires, but safeguards our nation\u2019s land for generations to come. Arkansas is one of the nation\u2019s top producers of timber. Because of this, and my background as a licensed forester, I am committed to crafting legislation that truly benefits Arkansas\u2019 forestry and ensures that they are managed properly and with future thinking in mind.\u201d\n\n\u201cI am proud to have the support of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to introduce a piece of legislation that is vastly important for better forest management across the country. After seeing the devastating loss and damage wrought by the relentless wildfires in California over the past weeks, it is clear that the time for better forest management practice is now. Congress must work for the men and women across our country who live in wildfire-prone communities and are in desperate need of help and resources to not only prevent these wildfires but create solutions for rebuilding and providing aid in the wake of these natural disasters.\u201d\n\nMore information on the Fix Our Forests Act, here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T17:10:36Z"], ["https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-crawford-congratulates-speaker-johnson-on-being-re-elected-speaker-of-the-house", "Rep. Crawford Congratulates Speaker Johnson on being Re-elected Speaker of the House", "2025-01-03", "2025", "2025-01", "Republican", "House", "AR", "Eric A. \"Rick\" Crawford", "C001087", "crawford.house.gov", "crawford", "https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\n\nContact: Sara Robertson (Sara.Robertson2@mail.house.gov)\n\nRep. Crawford Congratulates Speaker Johnson on being Re-elected Speaker of the House\n\n1/3/2025\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Representative Rick Crawford (AR-01) released the following statement after Speaker Mike Johnson (LA-04) was elected Speaker of the House for the 119th Congress.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T17:10:36Z"], ["https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/westerman-announces-casework-specific-office-hours-district-offices", "WESTERMAN ANNOUNCES CASEWORK-SPECIFIC OFFICE HOURS AT DISTRICT OFFICES FOR JANUARY", "2025-01-02", "2025", "2025-01", "Republican", "House", "AR", "Bruce Westerman", "W000821", "westerman.house.gov", "westerman", "https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04) announced casework-specific office hours in district office locations across the Fourth District for the month of January, to assist with issues for constituents addressing Veterans\u2019 affairs, Social Security, Medicare, IRS, USCIS, and passports.\n\nFor casework specifically related to Veterans\u2019 affairs, the following dates and locations are available:\n\nRussellville\n\n500 W. Main St. Suite 110, Russellville, AR\n\n9:00 AM - 4:00 PM\n\nJanuary 9, 2025\n\nPine Bluff\n\n211 W 3rd Ave. Suite 245, Pine Bluff, AR\n\n9:00 AM - 4:00 PM\n\nJanuary 16, 2025\n\nEl Dorado\n\n101 N. Washington Ave. Suite 406, El Dorado, AR\n\n9:00 AM - 4:00 PM\n\nJanuary 23, 2025\n\nTexarkana\n\nMiller County Courthouse: 400 Laurel St., Texarkana, AR\n\n9:00 AM - 4:00 PM\n\nJanuary 30, 2025\n\nFor casework specifically related to Social Security, Medicare, IRS, USCIS, and passports, the following dates and locations are available:", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T17:10:36Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 47, "expanded_columns": [], "expandable_columns": [], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "units": {}, "query": {"sql": "select url, title, date, year, month, party, chamber, state, member_name, bioguide_id, domain, scraper, source, date_source, text, has_text, collected_at, updated_at from releases where \"chamber\" = :p0 and \"state\" = :p1 and \"year\" = :p2 order by date desc limit 101", "params": {"p0": "House", "p1": "AR", "p2": "2025"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=AR&year=2025", "results": [{"value": "Republican", "label": "Republican", "count": 47, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=AR&year=2025&party=Republican", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=AR&year=2025", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 47, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=AR&year=2025", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=AR&year=2025", "results": [{"value": "AR", "label": "AR", "count": 47, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&year=2025", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=AR&year=2025", "results": [{"value": "2025", "label": "2025", "count": 47, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=AR", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": null, "next_url": null, "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 175.5938590504229, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}