{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where party = \"Republican\", state = \"AR\" and year = 2023 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=0446C366-6747-4D27-B0B0-67660DA4DE02", "Boozman Preserves Memories of Arkansas Air Force Veteran", "2023-12-21", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "Senate", "AR", "John Boozman", "B001236", "www.boozman.senate.gov", "boozman", "https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) recognized the service of Harold Beaver in \u2018Salute to Veterans,\u2019 a series highlighting the military service of Arkansans.\n\nBeaver was born on December 12, 1946 and raised in Searcy, Arkansas. He grew up on a farm and attended Pleasant Plains school with only 15 other classmates. After graduation, he attended the University of Arkansas to pursue a degree in civil engineering.\n\nAfter completing a mandatory two years of ROTC, Beaver chose to pursue advanced ROTC.\n\n\u201cEverybody who was looking to have some choices during the Vietnam era rather than being drafted, for the most part, chose to go into the advanced ROTC. That\u2019s part of the reason, I had no idea what my draft number would be. It didn\u2019t make any difference, so I chose to go in that direction.\u201d\n\nJust weeks after marrying his wife, he was assigned to March Air Force Base in Riverside, California for a six-week advanced ROTC summer camp. \u201cIt was an interesting experience,\u201d he said recalling the extensive schedule that kept him very busy.\n\nHe graduated in May 1969 and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force. His first active duty assignment was at Webb Air Force Base in Big Spring, Texas.\n\n\u201cThe interstate wasn\u2019t completed at the time, so we did a lot of country driving to get there,\u201d he said.\n\nHe was selected for pilot training and learned to fly the T-41 \u201cto weed out the folks\u201d who weren\u2019t cut out to be a pilot.\n\nThe next step in training was flying the T-37, which at the time was the first jet an Air Force pilot flew. It was side-by-side training with an instructor for more than four months.\n\n\u201cThe 37\u2019s got a stick so you had to learn that transition,\u201d he said. \u201cIt\u2019s the only plane in the Air Force, at that time, where you practiced spins, so we would go up to 22,500 feet, force it into a stall, create rotation and make it spin. There is only one spin recovery procedure. Nothing else works, other than that one, so you had to do it right once you got into a spin to get out.\"\n\nOne of his fellow students in the program was killed trying to get out of a spin. \u201cIt made me do some soul searching whether I wanted to continue with the program or not,\u201d he recalled.\n\nBeaver said the hardest part of learning to fly was the motion sickness, but he found ways to overcome the challenge.\n\nFollowing training on the T-38 the pilots in the class were able to select their next flying assignment based on the class ranking. Beaver elected to be an instructor on the T-37 and stay at Webb Air Force Base.\n\nHe described the relationships he made with fellow students as the best part of pilot training, and how important that was for him to give those same experiences to new pilots as an instructor.\n\nFlight classes were typically made of 25-30 students with 9-10 instructors.\n\nBeaver and other instructors also trained a lot of foreign pilots. One of his best students was from Norway. While that student spoke English well, others weren't proficient in the language.\n\n\u201cIt was kind of difficult trying to explain to them what to do in the plane while you\u2019re flying.\"\n\nThere is one experience as an instructor that stands out.\n\n\u201cWe were spinning,\u201d Beaver said. He recalled the student tried to recover, but the plane ended up in an inverted spin. \u201cVery uncomfortable situation, and his hands were locked on the stick, and I couldn\u2019t get him to turn loose.\u201d Beaver was beating on the student\u2019s hands to no avail. \u201cI grabbed his oxygen hose, squeezed it, and he couldn\u2019t breathe, so he turned loose the stick to grab his mask and that\u2019s when I got the stick and we recovered and came back immediately.\u201d\n\nBeaver had a five-year commitment to the Air Force, but he was able to get an early out as the Vietnam War was ending.\n\nHe and his wife returned to Arkansas where he spent a long career serving as a civil engineer for the Arkansas Department of Transportation.\n\nBeaver says he hopes he made a difference and shared knowledge that helped his pilots.\n\nHe recommends the ROTC program for those who feel called to serve. \u201cIt is something of an honor to serve your country, especially as a pilot, especially wearing the uniform of this country,\u201d he said.\n\n\u201cHarold Beaver made a tremendous impact on transportation in Arkansas, so I\u2019m especially honored to help preserve these memories of his Air Force service, as well. He is a great example of someone who has found ways to use his talents to serve others throughout his lifetime. His stories are important to our nation\u2019s history and I\u2019m glad future generations will get to learn about the role he and other pilot instructors have had in ensuring the strength of our military,\u201d Boozman said.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:56:20Z"], ["https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=04067563-0C4F-4769-9B7B-2A5FFC065A1C", "Boozman Joins Bipartisan Push to Lower Prescription Drug Costs", "2023-12-20", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "Senate", "AR", "John Boozman", "B001236", "www.boozman.senate.gov", "boozman", "https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2013U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) joined Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-KS), in sending a bipartisan letter urging the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Labor and the Department of the Treasury to lower out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs by enforcing a rule limiting the use of harmful \u201ccopay accumulators.\u201d Copay accumulators prevent copay assistance from counting towards a patient\u2019s deductible or out-of-pocket maximum, which makes it harder for patients to afford their medications.\n\nRegarding a recent court ruling limiting the use of copay accumulators, the members said \u201cThis decision is an important step in the right direction for low-income and other eligible patients who rely on manufacturer and nonprofit copay assistance programs to alleviate affordability and access challenges for their medicines.\u201d\n\nThe lawmakers wrote, \u201cInstead of appealing the court\u2019s ruling, we urge you to adopt policies from the 2020 NBPP [Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters] that strike the right balance of preserving a plan\u2019s ability to control costs while also putting the patient first.\u201d\n\nIn the letter, the senators also advocate for their Help Ensure Lower Patient (HELP) Copays Act to permanently prohibit the use of copay accumulators and require health plans and Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) to count the value of copay assistance towards a patient\u2019s deductible or out-of-pocket maximum.\n\nIn addition to Boozman, Kaine and Marshall, the letter is signed by Senators Joni Ernst (R-IA), Ed Markey (D-MA), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Ted Budd (R-NC), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Chris Coons (D-DE), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Susan Collins (R-ME), Mazie Hirono (D-HI) and Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ).\n\n\u201cMore patients than ever are reaching out to us because they\u2019ve been negatively impacted by these programs,\u201d said Anna Hyde, Vice President of Advocacy and Access for the Arthritis Foundation. \u201cThey are being caught in a financial bind because they can\u2019t pay the full cost of their medications. Biologic medicines are expensive and there are no generic alternatives, so copay assistance is often a vital life line for them.\u201d\n\n\"Far too many of the one million Americans living with multiple sclerosis are unable to afford life-changing medications to reduce the number of relapses, delay the progression of disability, and limit new disease activity. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society is disappointed with the Biden administration\u2019s decision to appeal the court\u2019s September 29th ruling and continue the use of copay accumulators that will negatively impact access to care. We urge the withdrawal of their recently filed appeal,\u201d said Bari Talente, EVP, Advocacy & Healthcare Access, National MS Society.\n\n\u201cThe NPF Patient Navigation Center is constantly fielding calls from people who can\u2019t afford the medicine they have been prescribed because of copay accumulator practices, so we are clearly disappointed in the administration\u2019s move to appeal the decision of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia that would limit their use,\u201d said Leah M. Howard, J.D., President and CEO of the National Psoriasis Foundation.\n\n\u201cWhile serving a million people impacted by cancer each year, we at the Cancer Support Community have witnessed the adverse effects of copay accumulator adjustment programs on patients\u2019 ability to access life-saving medications. CSC strongly opposes the use of AAPs and supports the adoption of the 2020 NBPP policy, protecting affordability and access to care for under-resourced patients who rely on manufacturer copay assistance programs. We are grateful to have leaders that share our commitment to breaking down barriers and improving healthcare for all,\u201d said the Cancer Support Community.\n\nFull text of the letter is available here and below:\n\nDear Secretary Becerra, Acting Secretary Su, and Secretary Yellen:\n\nWe are writing in support of the recent decision from the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia that vacated the 2021 Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters (NBPP) Final Rule provision that permitted the use of copay accumulator adjustment programs (AAPs) and remanded to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to interpret the definition of \u201ccost-sharing.\u201d This decision is an important step in the right direction for low-income and other eligible patients who rely on manufacturer and nonprofit copay assistance programs to alleviate affordability and access challenges for their medicines. We are disappointed in HHS\u2019s decision to file a notice of appeal of the decision and HHS\u2019s articulated intention to not take any enforcement action against health insurance issuers or health plans that fail to count copay assistance toward the patient\u2019s maximum annual limitation on cost-sharing. Instead of appealing the court\u2019s ruling, we urge you to adopt policies from the 2020 NBPP that strike the right balance of preserving a plan\u2019s ability to control costs while also putting the patient first.\n\nPatient assistance programs (PAPs) help low-income and vulnerable patients with complex conditions access life-saving medicine. Historically, these copay assistance programs counted toward the annual limitation on cost-sharing, and the policy was reaffirmed under the Affordable Care Act. The patient protection on cost-sharing provided patients and families with greater predictability and certainty about their maximum out-of-pocket exposure on an annual basis. It also helped improve patient adherence to their medication and overall health outcomes. For example, one study showed that reduced cost-sharing for cardiovascular medicines increased adherence and had a greater impact on reducing the risk of vascular events and medical costs among non-white patients.\n\nIn recent years, health plans, pharmacy benefit managers, and third-party administrators have used AAPs to help to control costs. However, like cost utilization management, AAPs can be used as a profit-seeking tactic. When HHS published the 2021 NBPP final rule, it permitted group health plans and health insurance issuers to use AAPs without limitation. The Administration believed this \u201copen door\u201d would not necessarily lead to an increased uptake of AAPs by PBMs, but they were wrong. These programs proliferated in the intervening years. Nearly two-thirds of individual health plans available on the ACA marketplace included AAPs. It was also estimated that of all commercial markets in 2021, 43% of covered lives were in commercial health plans that had implemented AAPs.\n\nAs a result of this policy change, patients in our home states suffered, facing financial hardship and barriers to their once-accessible life-saving medicine. In many cases, patients or their family members found out about the AAP not counting their assistance at the pharmacy counter. They were left embarrassed, anxious, and without recourse. A recent survey showed that between 25- 36% of respondents discontinued therapy when they received an unexpected high charge of over $1,500 during the plan year as a result of AAPs. For many chronic disease patients, discontinuation of therapy can lead to irreversible and in some cases life-threatening health consequences. Further, six in 10 said they would have extreme difficulty affording their treatments without copay assistance programs being applied to their cost-sharing. Moreover, recent research has shown that non-white patients are 31% more likely to be exposed to an AAP than white patients. It was for these reasons, and more, that patient groups took action against the 2021 NBPP. Patients were not the only stakeholder to respond. State regulators have passed and are in the process of passing legislation. To date, 19 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico have banned or limited the use of AAPs.\n\nAs you consider next steps, we strongly encourage you to support patients by reconsidering your appeal of the court\u2019s ruling and instead adopting the 2020 NBPP policy. It required plans to count manufacturer copay assistance toward the annual limitation on cost-sharing for drugs that do not have a medically appropriate generic equivalent available. In the 2020 rule, HHS reasoned that it would be less likely that the manufacturer\u2019s assistance would disincentivize a lower cost alternative and thereby distort the market. HHS itself acknowledged situations when a patient has been subject to significant out-of-pocket costs because the patient has not progressed through the deductible phase of the health plan due to AAPs not applying the value of the manufacturer-sponsored assistance to the patient\u2019s deductible. HHS further noted that \u201cwhen this happens, the patient may be forced to stop taking the drug, switch to an alternative offered by the plan, or pay the full bill for the non-formulary drug, none of which are patient-friendly, especially for those patients with rare and life-threatening conditions.\u201d\n\nWe also strongly believe that federal legislative action is also needed to restore this vital patient protection. In fact, Congress is currently working on a bipartisan, bicameral basis to advance legislation to ensure copay assistance counts toward the patient\u2019s maximum annual limitation on cost-sharing.\n\nThank you for your consideration of this request. We look forward to your reply and your plan to ensure patients receive cost-sharing protections.\n\nSincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:56:20Z"], ["https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=09A499DF-29BE-4489-BDED-1D2295C743C4", "Boozman Bill Authorizing Permanent Electronic Duck Stamp Signed into Law", "2023-12-20", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "Senate", "AR", "John Boozman", "B001236", "www.boozman.senate.gov", "boozman", "https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Legislation authored by U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) to authorize a permanent electronic duck stamp for the entirety of a waterfowl hunting season was signed into law by President Joe Biden Tuesday.\n\nThe bipartisan Duck Stamp Modernization Act of 2023 will make the Federal Duck Stamp more accessible, decrease barriers to compliance and increase revenue for conservation. It will allow hunters access to an electronic duck stamp via their smart phone to meet the requirement that they purchase a Federal Duck Stamp and carry it while in the field.\n\n\u201cArkansans are rightfully proud of the unique environment that makes our state a world-class duck hunting location. Modernizing the Federal Duck Stamp is great news for waterfowlers who want to take part in this time-honored tradition and share their appreciation for this popular outdoor activity. I\u2019m pleased the president has signed the Duck Stamp Modernization Act of 2023 into law,\u201d said Boozman, a member of the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission, which invests federal funds generated by the Duck Stamp in wetland preservation.\n\nU.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV), Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-KS) and Angus King (I-ME) championed this legislation. It was also cosponsored by Senators Tom Carper (D-DE), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) and Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA).\n\nCompanion legislation was introduced in the House of Representatives by Congressmen Garret Graves (R-LA) and Mike Thompson (D-CA).\n\nThe legislation is backed by a number of leading conservation and wildlife organizations.\n\n\"On behalf of Arkansas's waterfowlers, I would like to thank Senator Boozman for leading the Senate's efforts to modernize the Federal Duck Stamp. This commonsense legislation not only cuts red tape, but makes it easier for Arkansans to enjoy our world class waterfowl opportunity,\" said Director of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Austin Booth.\n\n\u201cThe Duck Stamp Modernization Act is a commonsense effort to simplify the way in which sportsmen and women operate in the 21st century. The Congressional Sportsmen\u2019s Foundation (CSF) is glad to see this legislation signed into law, and thanks the leadership of Congressional Sportsmen\u2019s Caucus (CSC) Co-Chair Senator Boozman, CSC Vice-Chair Representative Graves, and the other members of the CSC who spearheaded this effort,\u201d said CSF President and CEO Jeff Crane.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:56:20Z"], ["https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=8B824E47-02E3-4748-BC98-475A1E26482E", "Boozman, Cotton Applaud Nomination of Gary Grimes to Serve as U.S. Marshal", "2023-12-19", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "Senate", "AR", "John Boozman", "B001236", "www.boozman.senate.gov", "boozman", "https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators John Boozman (R-AR) and Tom Cotton (R-AR) applauded the announcement that Gary Grimes has been nominated by the White House to serve as U.S. Marshal for the Western District of Arkansas.\n\n\u201cGary Grimes is a devoted public servant with a lifetime of dedication to safety and law enforcement. I am confident he will continue to build on his distinguished record serving Arkansas as a U.S. Marshal. I look forward to supporting him on the Senate floor,\u201d Boozman said.\n\n\u201cGary Grimes has faithfully served the people of Arkansas for decades as a law enforcement officer, a sheriff, and in the Governor\u2019s office. I expect that he will do the same as U.S. Marshal for the state\u2019s Western District. I support his nomination and I look forward to his confirmation in the Senate,\u201d Cotton said.\n\nGrimes is the principal owner of Grimes & Associates, LLC, a law enforcement, security and government affairs consultancy, since 2011. Grimes has a served in a number of law enforcement capacities including as Liaison to Law Enforcement and Emergency Management for Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe from 2007 to 2011. Prior to that role Grimes served as a law enforcement officer in Missouri, Oklahoma and Arkansas including as the Sheriff of Sebastian County from 1989 to 1999.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:56:20Z"], ["https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases/crawford-statement-on-acquisition-of-us-steel-by-nippon-steel-corporation", "Crawford Statement on Acquisition of U.S. Steel by Nippon Steel Corporation", "2023-12-18", "2023", "2023-12", "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\nCrawford Statement on Acquisition of U.S. Steel by Nippon Steel Corporation\n\n12/18/2023\n\nWashington \u2014 Today, Representative Rick Crawford (AR-01), Chairman of the Congressional Steel Caucus, released the following statement in response to the acquisition of U.S. Steel by Nippon Steel Corporation.\n\n\"Today's announcement regarding the acquisition of U.S. Steel by Nippon Steel Corporation is another chapter in the growth and maturity of the steel industry within the First District of Arkansas. This pending transaction shows how attractive our region is for companies who want to invest in a robust workforce and utilize our regional, multi-modal transportation network. Like other acquisitions of this scale, vigorous and thorough processes should be followed to ensure America's steel industry remains a leader on the global manufacturing stage.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-crawford-statement-on-passage-of-fy24-ndaa", "Rep. Crawford Statement on Passage of FY24 NDAA", "2023-12-14", "2023", "2023-12", "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 Passage of FY 24 NDAA\n\n12/14/2023\n\nWashington \u2014 Today, Representative Rick Crawford (AR-01) voted to support H.R. 2670, National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2024.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/westerman-votes-bolster-national-defense", "WESTERMAN VOTES TO BOLSTER NATIONAL DEFENSE", "2023-12-14", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "AR", "Bruce Westerman", "W000821", "westerman.house.gov", "westerman", "https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON - Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2024. Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04) released the following statement:\n\n\u201cThis year under Republican House leadership, Congress followed regular order on the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to ensure all members, in both chambers, had the opportunity to participate in the crafting of the legislation and ensure the priorities of their districts and states were met. The NDAA exemplifies bicameral, bipartisan work and will bolster our national defense capabilities, increase our military readiness, and support our servicemen and women, all while remaining within the Fiscal Responsibility Act\u2019s FY 24 defense discretionary spending level. Moreover, the legislation funnels key investments through defense programs in Southwest Arkansas, which is critical to ensure we remain a global defense leader and support Arkansans who work in the national defense industry.\n\n\u201cI advocated for, and am proud to see, provisions included in the NDAA that would give the Department of Defense (DoD) authority to grant funding to the Army-Navy Hospital in Hot Springs for on-site security and fire prevention services. This is the next step in a whole-of-government approach to properly secure the site and put it on a better path forward to a more beneficial use in the future.\n\n\"Through this process, House Republicans successfully fought to push back against the radical woke ideology in our military, which the Senate tried so hard to include. This NDAA bans the teaching, training, and promotion of critical race theory in the military, guts the pay of DEI bureaucrats at the Pentagon, and prohibits the display of any unapproved flags at military institutions - meaning the VA can no longer display pride flags at their facilities. While we fought hard to push back on the woke agenda and this NDAA came out with significant conservative priorities included, our country needs a Republican-controlled House, Senate, and White House to get our military back to where it needs to be to be a true global leader in defense and to fully rid the DoD from these woke ideologies.\u201d\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nThe FY24 National Defense Authorization Act:\n\nAuthorizes the DoD to provide grant funding to the state of Arkansas for increased on-site security and fire prevention services at the former Army-Navy Hospital in Hot Springs, Arkansas.\n\nAuthorizes the procurement for CH-53 and CH-47 helicopters whose parts are manufactured in Magnolia and Hot Springs, AR, bolsters the modernization of our Nuclear Triad, adds additional F-35s, and facilitates manufacturing of guided multiple launch rocket systems (GMLRS), which all have a production footprint in Camden, AR.\n\nFunnels critical investments to the Fourth District and supports hundreds of jobs through investments in missile systems, aircraft, and explosive ordinances that proudly have manufacturing or assembly done in Arkansas\u2019 Fourth District.\n\nEnhances U.S. military readiness and builds and maintains the overmatch needed to counter the aggression of foreign adversaries.\n\nBoosts servicemember pay and benefits and improves the quality of life for military families by supporting the largest pay raise in over 20 years.\n\nProhibits the display of any unapproved flags, including the LGBTQ pride flag, at military institutions.\n\nAuthorizes DoD to reduce out-of-pocket childcare expenses for military families.\n\nImproves military recruitment by increasing the number of JROTC programs, requires schools to allow military recruiters to participate in career fairs, and extends military recruitment bonuses.\n\nThe Former Army-Navy Hospital:\n\nThe site of the former Army-Navy Hospital in Hot Springs, Arkansas, which sits atop the city\u2019s downtown on National Park Service land, is rapidly falling into disrepair. The current major buildings, built by the U.S. Government in the early 1930s, once served as the first general hospital in the country to serve Army and Navy patients. The site was deeded by the Army to the State of Arkansas and became a state-run rehabilitation center in 1960; later being converted into the Arkansas Career Training Institute. In 2019, the State ceased all operations at the site, and since then, the site has been vacant. As many Hot Springs residents know, the buildings and surrounding grounds have been targets of vandalism and unauthorized access in recent years, leading to serious safety and fire concerns.\n\nCongressman Bruce Westerman worked closely with Senator John Boozman (R-AR), Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR), and Congressman Steve Womack (AR-03) to ensure language (Section 2852) was included in the FY24 NDAA to give the DoD authority to provide grant funding to the state of Arkansas for increased security and fire prevention services at the site of the former Army-Navy Hospital.\n\nClick here for a summary of the FY24 NDAA.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=5C5804C1-350D-4172-88C3-07900D64B33F", "Boozman Votes to Strengthen National Defense", "2023-12-14", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "Senate", "AR", "John Boozman", "B001236", "www.boozman.senate.gov", "boozman", "https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2013U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) supported Senate passage of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2024 that invests in our nation\u2019s servicemembers, helps secure our homeland and equips America and our allies to deter threats from adversaries.\n\n\u201cThis legislation is critical to our national security and ensuring we have the capabilities to defend against our enemies. It makes critical investments in modernizing weapons and deterring threats from adversaries like Russia, China and even at our own vulnerable borders. I\u2019m pleased to help improve the quality of life for servicemembers and their families and strengthen Arkansas\u2019s role in our national defense,\u201d Boozman said.\n\nThe FY2024 NDAA includes a number of provisions championed by Boozman including:", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:56:20Z"], ["https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-epa-rule-would-undermine-american-national-security-hurt-domestic-semiconductor-manufacturing", "Cotton: EPA Rule Would Undermine American National Security, Hurt Domestic Semiconductor Manufacturing", "2023-12-14", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "Senate", "AR", "Tom Cotton", "C001095", "www.cotton.senate.gov", "cotton", "https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\n\nContact: Caroline Tabler (202) 224-2353\n\nDecember 14, 2023\n\nCotton: EPA Rule Would Undermine American National Security, Hurt Domestic Semiconductor Manufacturing\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today sent a letter to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Director Michael Regan, expressing concern about a proposed rule that would update chemical regulations. Senator Cotton detailed how the rule would make the United States more dependent on China for critical technology and endanger American semiconductor manufacturing jobs.\n\nIn part, Senator Cotton wrote:\n\n\u201cEven President Biden agrees that our \u2018long-term economic and national security requires a sustainable, competitive domestic [semiconductor] industry.\u2019 This proposed rule would make it nearly impossible to onshore semiconductor manufacturing and would endanger over 277,000 jobs already in the U.S.\u201d\n\nFull text of the letter may be found here and below.\n\nDecember 14, 2023\n\nThe Honorable Michael Regan\n\nAdministrator\n\nEnvironmental Protection Agency\n\n1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW\n\nWashington, D.C. 20004\n\nDear Administrator Regan:\n\nI write regarding the Environmental Protection Agency\u2019s (EPA) proposed rule updating U.S. chemical regulations. The rule, \u201cUpdates to New Chemicals Regulations Under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)\u201d (88 FR 34100), would hurt our nation\u2019s semiconductor industry and our national security.\n\nCurrently, manufacturers can receive low volume exemption (LVE) approvals from the EPA for certain new chemical substances. These approvals are subject to strict health and safety requirements and are critical for U.S. manufacturing. Unfortunately, the proposed rule would make per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) categorically ineligible for LVEs.\n\nIn its comments on the proposed rule, a leading trade association stated that the semiconductor industry relies on more than 200 active LVEs for substances that likely meet the EPA\u2019s proposed PFAS definition. They added that proposed rule would \u201cresult in the semiconductor industry being unable to manufacture devices in the U.S.\u201d\n\nEven President Biden agrees that our \u201clong-term economic and national security requires a sustainable, competitive domestic [semiconductor] industry.\u201d This proposed rule would make it nearly impossible to onshore semiconductor manufacturing and would endanger over 277,000 jobs already in the U.S.\n\nPlease answer the following questions by January 15, 2024:\n\nHas the EPA consulted with the Department of Commerce on this rule and its impact on semiconductor manufacturing? If yes, did Commerce raise concerns about the impact?\n\nHas the EPA consulted with the Department of Defense regarding national security implications?\n\nWhat other critical national security industries could this rule impact? Please describe how the EPA intends to make accommodations for critical national security industries, including semiconductors, that rely on PFAS-containing materials.\n\nThank you for your consideration of this important matter.\n\nSincerely,\n\n________________________", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=4C39C952-9C22-4FD7-8A55-789BEFE57F0A", "Boozman, Cotton, Colleagues Escalate Pressure on Administration to Stop Surge in Mexican Steel Imports", "2023-12-13", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "Senate", "AR", "John Boozman", "B001236", "www.boozman.senate.gov", "boozman", "https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators John Boozman (R-AR), Tom Cotton (R-AR), Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and a bipartisan group of colleagues are pushing the administration to take action to stop an unsustainable increase in Mexican steel imports.\n\nIn a letter to National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, the senators demanded the administration set a clear deadline for Mexico to enforce its 2019 agreement with the United States, and urged the administration to take reciprocal action to counter the increase in Mexican steel imports if the country refuses to comply.\n\nEarlier this year, the senators voiced their deep concerns with the surge in Mexican steel imports and urged the administration to act. Today, the Mexican government is still refusing to comply with the 2019 agreement, and the delay in action by the administration is costing American steel jobs.\n\nSenators J.D. Vance (R-OH), Ted Budd (R-NC), Rick Scott (R-FL), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Tina Smith (D-MN), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Katie Britt (R-AL) and Bob Casey (D-PA) also signed the letter.\n\n\u201cWe write to you regarding the surge of Mexican steel imports into the U.S. market in violation of the 2019 Joint Agreement on Steel and Aluminum. This breach, and the resulting surge, threatens our manufacturing base and American national security, and demands immediate action from the administration,\u201d the senators wrote.\n\nFull text of the letter can be found here and below.\n\nDecember 13, 2023\n\nDear Mr. Sullivan,\n\nWe write to you regarding the surge of Mexican steel imports into the U.S. market in violation of the 2019 Joint Agreement on Steel and Aluminum. This breach, and the resulting surge threatens our manufacturing base and American national security and demands immediate action from the administration. We request additional information on the administration\u2019s plans to address this continued surge and urge you to take immediate action to safeguard U.S. jobs and domestic steel manufacturing.\n\nData from 2022 show that annual iron and steel imports from Mexico have increased by approximately 73 percent over the pre-Section 232 2015-2017 baseline. During the same period, semi-finished steel and long product imports increased 120 percent and steel conduit imports rose 577 percent.\n\nThis steel surge has already resulted in at least one plant closure, the loss of over a thousand new and existing jobs, and the deferment of hundreds of millions of dollars in new investment.\n\nWe are deeply concerned by Mexico\u2019s continued failure to comply with the 2019 Joint Agreement, along with ongoing attempts by Mexican steel companies to further increase their market share in the United States. Wire and rebar producer Deacero, for example, just opened a new Laredo, Texas distribution center to \u201cget a bigger share of the US market.\u201d Grupo Simek bought Republic Steel and is now closing plants in Ohio and New York to move production to a facility east of Mexico City. A Mexican electric conduit producer, Quality Tube S.A., is expanding its distribution enormously in Laredo to further penetrate the U.S. market.\n\nWe commend Ambassador Tai for securing a commitment on September 23, 2023, from Mexican Economic Minister Buenrostro to reinstate export monitoring to guarantee future compliance with the 2019 Joint Agreement. However, we are concerned that the Mexican government is willfully delaying finalization of this agreement and is negotiating in bad faith.\n\nFurthermore, we are concerned that President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has drastically reduced the staff of Mexico\u2019s Economy Ministry by at least a third, putting into question whether Mexico can even enforce an export monitoring agreement. The administration must do more to protect America\u2019s steel industry and prevent the further loss of good-paying American jobs. Failure to conclude an export monitoring agreement due to the unwillingness or inability of the Mexican government is unacceptable. We urge the administration to set a clear deadline for the implementation of an export monitoring agreement. If Mexico fails to meet this deadline or proves unable or unwilling to effectively enforce the 2019 Joint Agreement, we respectfully urge the administration to take aggressive action to counter the increase of Mexican steel imports.\n\nWe ask for an update from your office by December 31, 2023 on the administration\u2019s next steps in driving these post-breach negotiations to conclusion. Thank you for your attention to this important issue.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:56:20Z"], ["https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/12/13/2023/cotton-statement-on-senate-passage-of-ndaa", "Cotton Statement on Senate Passage of NDAA", "2023-12-13", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "Senate", "AR", "Tom Cotton", "C001095", "www.cotton.senate.gov", "cotton", "https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\n\nContact: Caroline Tabler (202) 224-2353\n\nDecember 13, 2023\n\nCotton Statement on Senate Passage of NDAA\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) released the following statement after the Senate voted to pass the annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA):\n\n\u201cOur troops pledge their lives to the defense of the United States, and this bill gives them more support and funding to perform that important mission. I am pleased that this year\u2019s NDAA ensures Arkansas remains a leader in securing our nation\u2019s defense by allocating almost $76 million to build military infrastructure at Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Fort Smith, designating a National Cold War Center in Arkansas, and investing $57 million for the Red River Army Depot. It also includes my bill to prohibit foreign adversaries from benefiting from our military members\u2019 expertise. Additionally, it excludes radical Democratic initiatives by instituting salary caps for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion officials at the Pentagon and establishing a standardized testing requirement at academies.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-brown-colleagues-escalate-pressure-on-administration-to-stop-surge-in-mexican-steel-imports", "Cotton, Brown, Colleagues Escalate Pressure on Administration to Stop Surge in Mexican Steel Imports", "2023-12-13", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "Senate", "AR", "Tom Cotton", "C001095", "www.cotton.senate.gov", "cotton", "https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\n\nContact: Caroline Tabler (202) 224-2353\n\nDecember 13, 2023\n\nCotton, Brown, Colleagues Escalate Pressure on Administration to Stop Surge in Mexican Steel Imports\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Today, U.S. Senators Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) and Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) led a bipartisan group of colleagues in pushing the Administration to take action to stop an unsustainable increase in Mexican steel imports. In a letter to National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, Cotton, Brown, and their colleagues demanded the administration set a clear deadline for Mexico to enforce its 2019 agreement with the United States, and urged the administration to take reciprocal action to counter the increase in Mexican steel imports if the country refuses to comply.\n\nEarlier this year, the senators voiced their deep concerns with the surge in Mexican steel imports and urged the Administration to act. Today, the Mexican government is still refusing to comply with the 2019 agreement, and the delay in action by the administration is costing American steel jobs.\n\nSenators John Boozman (R-Arkansas), J.D. Vance (R-Ohio), Ted Budd (R-North Carolina), Rick Scott (R-Florida), Elizabeth Warren (D-Massachusetts), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisconsin), Tina Smith (D-Minnesota), Thom Tillis (R-North Carolina), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minnesota), Marco Rubio (R-Florida), Katie Britt (R-Alabama) and Bob Casey (D-Pennsylvania) also signed the letter.\n\nIn part, the senators wrote:\n\n\u201cWe write to you regarding the surge of Mexican steel imports into the U.S. market in violation of the 2019 Joint Agreement on Steel and Aluminum. This breach, and the resulting surge, threatens our manufacturing base and American national security, and demands immediate action from the administration.\u201d\n\nFull text of the letter may be found here and below.\n\nDecember 13, 2023\n\nThe Honorable Jake Sullivan\n\nNational Security Advisor\n\nThe White House\n\n1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW\n\nWashington, D.C. 20500\n\nDear Mr. Sullivan,\n\nWe write to you regarding the surge of Mexican steel imports into the U.S. market in violation of the 2019 Joint Agreement on Steel and Aluminum. This breach, and the resulting surge threatens our manufacturing base and American national security and demands immediate action from the administration. We request additional information on the administration\u2019s plans to address this continued surge and urge you to take immediate action to safeguard U.S. jobs and domestic steel manufacturing.\n\nData from 2022 show that annual iron and steel imports from Mexico have increased by approximately 73 percent over the pre-Section 232 2015-2017 baseline. During the same period, semi-finished steel and long product imports increased 120 percent and steel conduit imports rose 577 percent.\n\nThis steel surge has already resulted in at least one plant closure, the loss of over a thousand new and existing jobs, and the deferment of hundreds of millions of dollars in new investment.\n\nWe are deeply concerned by Mexico\u2019s continued failure to comply with the 2019 Joint Agreement, along with ongoing attempts by Mexican steel companies to further increase their market share in the United States. Wire and rebar producer Deacero, for example, just opened a new Laredo, Texas distribution center to \u201cget a bigger share of the US market.\u201d Grupo Simek bought Republic Steel and is now closing plants in Ohio and New York to move production to a facility east of Mexico City. A Mexican electric conduit producer, Quality Tube S.A., is expanding its distribution enormously in Laredo to further penetrate the U.S. market.\n\n?\n\nWe commend Ambassador Tai for securing a commitment on September 23, 2023, from Mexican Economic Minister Buenrostro to reinstate export monitoring to guarantee future compliance with the 2019 Joint Agreement. However, we are concerned that the Mexican government is willfully delaying finalization of this agreement and is negotiating in bad faith.\n\nFurthermore, we are concerned that President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has drastically reduced the staff of Mexico\u2019s Economy Ministry by at least a third, putting into question whether Mexico can even enforce an export monitoring agreement. The administration must do more to protect America\u2019s steel industry and prevent the further loss of good-paying American jobs.??Failure to conclude an export monitoring agreement due to the unwillingness or inability of the Mexican government is unacceptable. We urge the administration to set a clear deadline for the implementation of an export monitoring agreement. If Mexico fails to meet this deadline or proves unable or unwilling to effectively enforce the 2019 Joint Agreement, we respectfully urge the administration to take aggressive action to counter the increase of Mexican steel imports.\n\nWe ask for an update from your office by December 31, 2023 on the administration\u2019s next steps in driving these post-breach negotiations to conclusion. Thank you for your attention to this important issue.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-colleagues-condemn-from-the-river-to-the-sea-slogan-as-an-antisemitic-call-for-the-destruction-of-israel", "Cotton, Colleagues Condemn \u201cFrom the River to the Sea\u201d Slogan as an Antisemitic Call for the Destruction of Israel", "2023-12-13", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "Senate", "AR", "Tom Cotton", "C001095", "www.cotton.senate.gov", "cotton", "https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\n\nContact: Caroline Tabler (202) 224-2353\n\nDecember 13, 2023\n\nCotton, Colleagues Condemn \u201cFrom the River to the Sea\u201d Slogan as an Antisemitic Call for the Destruction of Israel\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas), along with 17 of his colleagues, today introduced a resolution condemning the slogan, \u201cFrom the River to the Sea, Palestine will be free.\u201d The resolution also states that the slogan and its derivations are a call for the genocide of Jewish people and the destruction of the Jewish state.\n\nCo-sponsoring the resolution are Senators Bill Hagerty (R-Tennessee), John Barrasso (R-Wyoming), Katie Britt (R-Alabama), Rick Scott (R-Florida), Pete Ricketts (R-Nebraska), Marco Rubio (R-Florida), John Kennedy (R-Louisiana), John Boozman (R-Arkansas), Ted Budd (R-North Carolina), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tennessee), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Kevin Cramer (R-North Dakota), John Thune (R-South Dakota), Deb Fischer (R-Nebraska), Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina), Tommy Tuberville (R-Alabama), and James Lankford (R-Oklahoma).\n\n\u201cPeople who invoke this disgraceful, antisemitic slogan are calling for the mass murder of Jews, whether they know it or not. On October 7, the world saw the genocidal intent of the phrase, \u2018From the River to the Sea.\u2019 No one who uses this phrase should escape condemnation,\u201d said Senator Cotton.\n\nText of the resolution may be found here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=867E1D02-7AA8-4E20-9267-75C149ABBECC", "Congress Sends Boozman, Manchin, Marshall, King Legislation Authorizing Permanent Electronic Duck Stamp to President\u2019s Desk", "2023-12-12", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "Senate", "AR", "John Boozman", "B001236", "www.boozman.senate.gov", "boozman", "https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Congress is sending President Joe Biden legislation to sign into law championed by U.S. Senators John Boozman (R-AR), Joe Manchin (D-WV), Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-KS) and Angus King (I-ME) authorizing an electronic stamp for use through the entirety of a waterfowl hunting season.\n\nThe House of Representatives on Tuesday passed the bipartisan Duck Stamp Modernization Act of 2023 following Senate passage in July.\n\nThis will allow hunters access to an electronic duck stamp via their smart phone to meet the requirement that they purchase a Federal Duck Stamp and carry it while in the field.\n\n\u201cArkansas is the duck hunting capital of the world. This legislation will improve access for sports enthusiasts who enjoy this outdoor tradition and are committed to preservation of waterfowl habitat. I\u2019m proud Congress has advanced this legislation to the president\u2019s desk to be signed into law,\u201d said Boozman, a member of the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission, which invests federal funds generated by the Duck Stamp in wetland preservation.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m proud Congress has advanced our bipartisan legislation to authorize a convenient, electronic Duck Stamp that hunters in West Virginia and across the country can use for the entire waterfowl season,\u201d said Manchin. \u201cAs Co-Chair of the Congressional Sportsmen\u2019s Caucus and as an avid sportsman myself, I understand how important our hunting and fishing culture is to who we are as West Virginians and Americans. This commonsense step will allow even more people to enjoy duck hunting and the great outdoors and I look forward to seeing it signed into law.\u201d\n\n\u201cSome of my fondest memories include hunting with my dad and now with my own sons back in Kansas. I\u2019m proud Congress advanced this commonsense legislation that makes accessing duck stamps easier and drives more dollars to conservation programs, so that families can continue to experience America\u2019s vast wilderness for years to come,\u201d said Marshall.\n\n\u201cFrom Bean Boots to Old Town Canoes, generations of Maine people have pioneered innovations to make getting outdoors easier. Decades later, this same commitment still drives sportsmen and women across our state and is the guiding principle of the Congressional Sportsmen\u2019s Caucus,\u201d said King. \u201cThe Duck Stamp Modernization Act of 2023 embraces 21st century technology to make the great outdoors more accessible than ever. I\u2019m proud that Congress was able to work together on a bipartisan basis to continue making recreational activities a simpler pursuit for all.\u201d\n\nThe Duck Stamp Modernization Act of 2023 builds off a successful pilot program validating E-Stamps for 45 days and extends use for the entire waterfowl season. Arkansas and 27 other states currently participate in the pilot program.\n\nDuck Stamps will still be available for purchase from the post office and other authorized retailers.\n\nThe legislation is also cosponsored by Senators Tom Carper (D-DE), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) and Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA). Companion legislation was introduced in the House of Representatives by Congressmen Garret Graves (R-LA) and Mike Thompson (D-CA).\n\nThe legislation is backed by a number of leading conservation and wildlife organizations including the Congressional Sportsmen\u2019s Caucus and Ducks Unlimited.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:56:20Z"], ["https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-introduces-woke-endowment-security-tax-act-to-tax-college-endowments", "Cotton Introduces Woke Endowment Security Tax Act to Tax College Endowments", "2023-12-12", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "Senate", "AR", "Tom Cotton", "C001095", "www.cotton.senate.gov", "cotton", "https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\n\nContact: Caroline Tabler (202) 224-2353\n\nDecember 12, 2023\n\nCotton Introduces Woke Endowment Security Tax Act to Tax College Endowments\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today introduced the WEST (Woke Endowment Security Tax) Act, legislation that would institute a 6% excise tax on the endowments of 10 American universities. The revenue from the taxes\u2014$15.47 billion\u2014would act as a source of funding for money going to aid Israel\u2019s war against Hamas, Ukraine\u2019s war against Russia, and to efforts to secure the southern border.\n\n\u201cMany of America\u2019s so-called \u2018top\u2019 universities are failing to condemn antisemitism and violence against Jewish students on their campuses. We should levy this tax on these schools\u2019 endowments. A tax on the billions of dollars these schools have amassed would be more than enough to pay for our aid to Israel or security for the southern border,\u201d said Senator Cotton.\n\nText of the legislation may be found here.\n\nBackground:\n\nThe tax would stablish a one-time, 6% tax on the 2022 value of the endowments of the universities.\n\nThe tax applies to (1) secular institutions with endowments of at least $12.2 billion and (2) secular institutions with endowments of at least $9 billion that also operate a state contract college.\n\nCovered institutions include Harvard, Yale, Stanford, Princeton, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, University of Pennsylvania, Northwestern, Columbia, Washington University, and Cornell\n\nRevenue is estimated at $15.47B\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-colleagues-introduce-legislation-to-ban-chinese-seafood-imports", "Cotton, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Ban Chinese Seafood Imports", "2023-12-06", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "Senate", "AR", "Tom Cotton", "C001095", "www.cotton.senate.gov", "cotton", "https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\n\nContact: Caroline Tabler (202) 224-2353\n\nDecember 6, 2023\n\nCotton, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Ban Chinese Seafood Imports\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today introduced the Ban China\u2019s Forbidden Operations in the Oceanic Domain (C-FOOD) Act, legislation that would ban U.S. imports of Chinese seafood and aquaculture products. The bill would also sanction companies that import Chinese seafood and place tariffs on countries that facilitate the shipment of the seafood.\n\nSenators Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Mississippi) and Rick Scott (R-Florida) are co-sponsors of the legislation.\n\n\u201cFishing and Aquaculture is yet another industry the Chinese Communist Party is weaponizing for their own gain through blatant abuse and slave labor. This legislation will stop imports of this illicit seafood by imposing real costs on the Chinese government and the companies that aid them,\u201d said Senator Cotton.\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s past time we hold China accountable for its persistent violation of sovereign waters and its shameless use of slave labor to dominate the aquaculture market with unsafe, chemical-ridden products. These unfair and unethical practices have disadvantaged Mississippi catfish and shrimp producers for far too long, which is why I support this bill to ban U.S. imports of such tainted products until China changes its ways,\u201d said Senator Hyde-Smith.\n\n\u201cCommunist China, under Xi\u2019s murderous regime, is on a quest for global domination, building economic power in industries like seafood and aquaculture that are known to use slave labor and other illegal, unreported, and unregulated practices that are pushing American businesses out of business in the process. I\u2019m proud to join my colleagues on this legislation to ban the importation of these goods from Communist China and hold any nation attempting to circumvent U.S. trade laws fully accountable,\u201d said Senator Scott.\n\nThe legislation may be found here.\n\nThe Ban C-FOOD Act would:\n\nOne year after enactment of this bill, all Chinese seafood and aquaculture imports shall be prohibited from entering the United States, until such time as 1.) the Secretary of State reports to Congress that neither its fleets nor its aquaculture industry are meaningfully using forced labor and 2.) the Secretary of Commerce reports to Congress that the Chinese government is not subsidizing its fishing fleets beyond international norms and 3.) the Secretary of Defense determines that the Chinese fishing fleet would not be used in an invasion of Taiwan.\n\nInstruct Secretary of Treasury to sanction those companies that are found knowingly participating in the transshipment of Chinese seafood and aquaculture products into the United States.\n\nInstruct the U.S. Trade Representative to apply those duties it deems necessary to prevent and punish nations that accommodate the transshipment of Chinese seafood into the United States.\n\nWithin 90 days, the president shall produce a report detailing all executive branch efforts and spending that is presently allocated to combat China\u2019s illegal fishing and use of forced labor in its fishing fleets and aquaculture industry. This report shall also include requests for additional funding, resources, and authorities that departments and agencies believe are necessary to combat the varying abuses of the Chinese fishing fleets.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-merkley-colleagues-introduce-legislation-commemorating-190th-anniversary-of-relations-with-thailand", "Cotton, Merkley, Colleagues Introduce Legislation Commemorating 190th Anniversary of Relations with Thailand", "2023-12-05", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "Senate", "AR", "Tom Cotton", "C001095", "www.cotton.senate.gov", "cotton", "https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\n\nContact: Caroline Tabler (202) 224-2353\n\nDecember 5, 2023\n\nCotton, Merkley, Colleagues Introduce Legislation Commemorating 190th Anniversary of Relations with Thailand\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas), along with Senators Jeff Merkley (D-Oregon), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), and Tammy Duckworth (D-Illinois), today introduced a resolution commemorating the 190th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the United States and Thailand.\n\nCongresswoman Michelle Steel (California-45) introduced companion legislation in the House.\n\n\u201cThailand has long been a friend of the United States, acting as an important ally in the Indo-Pacific region. I am glad to lead my colleagues in introducing this legislation to honor the 190th anniversary of relations between our two nations,\u201d said Senator Cotton.\n\n\u201cOur relationship with Thailand\u2014now approaching two centuries of diplomatic relations\u2014is pivotal to ensuring regional stability and security, and to tackling shared challenges, including environmental protection and sustainable economic growth among all the countries of the Mekong sub-region,\u201d said Senator Merkley, a member of the Foreign Relations Committee. \u201cThis resolution reaffirms the United States\u2019 commitment to strengthening our partnership and alliance with Thailand to promote the values of democracy, respect for human rights, and a free and open Indo-Pacific region.\u201d\n\n\u201cI\u2019m proud to join my colleagues in introducing our bipartisan resolution honoring the 190th anniversary of U.S. diplomatic relations with Thailand. In an era of increasing authoritarian aggression, Thailand remains a steadfast friend and ally of the United States. I look forward to working with the new Thai government to further US-Thai interests and ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific,\u201d said Senator Sullivan.\n\n\u201cSince establishing our first treaty alliance in the Indo-Pacific region in 1833, the United States and Thailand have helped one another grow and evolve: militarily, diplomatically, economically and culturally,\u201d said Senator Duckworth, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. \u201cI\u2019m an American, but my Thai heritage makes me a living example of the unshakable bond between our two nations. As we celebrate the 190th anniversary of the powerful alliance between our two countries, I\u2019m proud to help introduce this bipartisan resolution to commemorate the long-standing, positive impacts this critical relationship has had on both of our nations.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis historic treaty represents the U.S.\u2019 first agreement with not only Thailand, but any Asian country. Since its establishment, the relationship and cooperation between our two nations has thrived, providing benefit to both of our economies and national security. This bicameral resolution reaffirms our gratitude for our partnership and our continued commitment to building our friendship,\u201d said Congresswoman Steel.\n\nThe resolution may be found here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-to-biden-sanction-russian-company-building-drones-with-iran", "Cotton to Biden: Sanction Russian Company Building Drones with Iran", "2023-12-01", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "Senate", "AR", "Tom Cotton", "C001095", "www.cotton.senate.gov", "cotton", "https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\n\nContact: Caroline Tabler (202) 224-2353\n\nDecember 1, 2023\n\nCotton to Biden: Sanction Russian Company Building Drones with Iran\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today sent a letter to President Joe Biden, urging him to sanction a Russian weapons manufacturer for working with Iran to produce drones to use in the war in Ukraine. The Russian company, JSC Alabuga, is receiving technological assistance from Iran in exchange for Russian military equipment.\n\nIn part, Senator Cotton wrote:\n\n\u201cThe growing Russia-Iran axis poses a major threat to the United States and its partners. Your administration must immediately bolster sanctions against both Russia and Iran and impose a severe cost on this anti-American alliance. Sanctioning the company building Iranian drones on Russian soil is the obvious first step.\u201d\n\nFull text of the letter may be found here and below.\n\nDecember 1, 2023\n\nPresident Joseph R. Biden\n\nThe White House\n\n1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.\n\nWashington, D.C. 20500\n\nDear President Biden,\n\nI write to you regarding the growing defense partnership between Russia and Iran and the need to apply sanctions against the Russian weapons manufacturer JSC Alabuga.\n\nAs you are aware, Tehran has deepened its relationship with Moscow since February 2022, providing Russia with hundreds of drones for use in its war against Ukraine. Recently, we learned that Iran is assisting the Russian company JSC Alabuga to produce its own version of Iran\u2019s Shahed-136 kamikaze drone, known as the Geran-2, on Russian soil.\n\nIf not sanctioned soon, Alabuga will reportedly be able to produce 6,000 Geran-2 drones by September 2025. Russian production of combat drones will not only augment Moscow\u2019s lethality, it could also augment Tehran\u2019s as Russian demand slackens and the ayatollahs can increasingly use its Shahed-136 drones for its own malign purposes. Moscow could also share the Geran-2 or its technology with other adversarial parties that threaten our allies to pressure and test American resolve.\n\nIran did not share its drone technology for free. In exchange for its assistance, Iran is set to receive Russian military equipment including fighter jets and attack helicopters. Such equipment will doubtlessly be used to defend Iran\u2019s nuclear program as it continues its pursuit of the nuclear bomb.\n\nThe growing Russia-Iran axis poses a major threat to the United States and its partners. Your administration must immediately bolster sanctions against both Russia and Iran and impose a severe cost on this anti-American alliance. Sanctioning the company building Iranian drones on Russian soil is the obvious first step.\n\nThank you for your attention to this important matter.\n\nSincerely,\n\n______________________\n\nTom Cotton\n\nUnited States Senator\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-henry-kissinger-dedicated-his-life-to-america", "Cotton: Henry Kissinger Dedicated His Life to America", "2023-11-30", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "Senate", "AR", "Tom Cotton", "C001095", "www.cotton.senate.gov", "cotton", "https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\n\nContact: Caroline Tabler (202) 224-2353\n\nNovember 30, 2023\n\nCotton: Henry Kissinger Dedicated His Life to America\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) released the following statement after the passing of Henry Kissinger:\n\n\u201cHenry Kissinger was a great American. From his valiant service on the front lines of World War II to his unprecedented time as both Secretary of State and National Security Adviser to his role as an informal adviser to elected leaders, Henry Kissinger dedicated his life to America\u2019s national interests. I appreciated our conversations and time together, and I benefited from his counsel and encouragement. Once a historian who chronicled the exploits of men like Metternich, Talleyrand, and Castlereagh, Henry Kissinger now joins their ranks as great statesmen of all the ages.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=B1C0ED32-FA98-41B1-A9F1-7BB48A154DF2", "Boozman, Cotton Introduce Stephen Hacala Poppy Seed Safety Act", "2023-11-29", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "Senate", "AR", "John Boozman", "B001236", "www.boozman.senate.gov", "boozman", "https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators John Boozman (R-AR) and Tom Cotton (R-AR) along with Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) introduced the Stephen Hacala Poppy Seed Safety Act. The legislation would prohibit the sale of poppy seeds that contain a harmful level of opiates and require the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to issue regulations that establish a maximum level of contamination.\n\n\u201cThe sale of unwashed poppy seeds is a threat to the safety of Arkansans and all Americans. This legislation honors Stephen Hacala Jr.\u2019s memory by protecting other consumers from falling victim to dangerous, toxin-laced poppy seeds sold online and families from experiencing the loss of a loved one from similar circumstances,\u201d Boozman said.\n\n\"Stephen Hacala, Jr. died from an opioid overdose because of a dangerous gap in our nation's drug laws. Despite government warnings, unwashed poppy seeds, which can contain lethal doses of morphine, are still available for sale online and entering our food supply. As our country continues to fight the opioid crisis, it's time to end sales of unwashed seeds so that no other families experience the pain the Hacala family has endured,\" said Cotton.\n\nCongressman Steve Womack (R-AR) is leading companion legislation in the House of Representatives.\n\n\u201cStephen Hacala Jr.'s life was cut tragically short because our nation's drug laws haven't kept pace with the current realities and challenges we face. His family has used their grief to advocate for change surrounding the dangers of unwashed poppy seeds, which can be laced with lethal substances. Prohibiting the sale of this harmful product not only ensures the safety of American consumers, but it also prevents another family from experiencing this heartbreaking tragedy,\u201d said Womack.\n\nText of the legislation can be found here.\n\nBackground:\n\nWhile most poppy seeds are harmless, some manufacturers sell seeds laced with morphine at a cost far higher than normal seeds. These seeds can contain more than 20 times the therapeutic dosage of morphine.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:49:58Z"], ["https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=F284EE66-7A86-46B4-81EE-94781EDD2776", "Senate Passes Boozman-Backed Resolution Raising Adoption Awareness", "2023-11-17", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "Senate", "AR", "John Boozman", "B001236", "www.boozman.senate.gov", "boozman", "https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR), a member of the Congressional Coalition on Adoption, supported the Senate-passed resolution marking November as National Adoption Month and November 18 as National Adoption Day - to increase support for adoptive families and raise awareness about adoption.\n\n\u201cAll children deserve a safe and loving home. I am grateful for the tremendous work in Arkansas to support children in need of a permanent home and proud to encourage families to consider opening their hearts to the blessings of adoption,\u201d Boozman said.\n\nThe resolution was led by Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Kevin Cramer (D-ND).\n\nA companion resolution was introduced in the House by Representatives by Congressmen Robert Aderholt (R-AL) and Adam Smith (D-WA), the House co-chairs of the Congressional Coalition on Adoption.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:49:58Z"], ["https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-colleagues-call-on-biden-administration-to-designate-iraq-based-groups-as-foreign-terrorist-organizations", "Cotton, Colleagues Call on Biden Administration to Designate Iraq-Based Groups as Foreign Terrorist Organizations", "2023-11-16", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "Senate", "AR", "Tom Cotton", "C001095", "www.cotton.senate.gov", "cotton", "https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\n\nContact: Caroline Tabler (202) 224-2353\n\nNovember 16, 2023\n\nCotton, Colleagues Call on Biden Administration to Designate Iraq-Based Groups as Foreign Terrorist Organizations\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas), along with Senators Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Bill Hagerty (R-Tennessee), Rick Scott (R-Florida), Marco Rubio (R-Florida), and Roger Wicker (R-Mississippi), yesterday sent a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen. The senators urged the secretaries to hold terrorist groups linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) accountable for attacks on U.S. servicemembers.\n\nIn part, the senators wrote:\n\n\u201cIn recent months, these Iraq-based terror groups reportedly murdered a U.S. citizen in Baghdad, murdered a U.S. contractor and wounded four U.S. service personnel in Syria, and abducted a U.S.-based researcher. Many of these Iraq-based groups participated in the more than two dozen attacks on U.S. troops in the region since October 17. In each such attack, groups responsible have ties to the IRGC but are not currently designated as FTOs under U.S. law.\u201d\n\nFull text of the letter may be found here and below.\n\nNovember 15, 2023\n\nThe Honorable Antony Blinken\n\nSecretary of State\n\nU.S. Department of State\n\n2201 C Street NW ?\n\nWashington, DC 20520??\n\nThe Honorable Janet Yellen?\n\nSecretary?\n\nDepartment of Treasury?\n\n1500 Pennsylvania Ave. NW?\n\nWashington, D.C. 20220\n\nDear Secretaries Blinken and Yellen,\n\nWe write regarding Iraq-based terrorist militias linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in Iran who are responsible for multiple attacks on U.S. servicemembers throughout the Middle East. While some of these groups are designated as foreign terrorist organizations (FTO), they are increasingly rebranding and reforming to evade terrorist designations and sanctions. In addition to a military response to deter these groups, we urge you to extend FTO designations to hold them accountable for their attacks on American citizens.\n\nIran is the world\u2019s leading state sponsor of terrorism. Iran empowers, trains, equips, and funds Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis in Yemen. Iran similarly supports various Shia extremist groups in Iraq. In recent months, these Iraq-based terror groups reportedly murdered a U.S. citizen in Baghdad, murdered a U.S. contractor and wounded four U.S. service personnel in Syria, and abducted a U.S.-based researcher. Many of these Iraq-based groups participated in the more than two dozen attacks on U.S. troops in the region since October 17. In each such attack, groups responsible have ties to the IRGC but are not currently designated as FTOs under U.S. law.\n\nThe United States has an obligation to protect its citizens, which means ensuring that IRGC-linked organizations can\u2019t terrorize them under different names. As Iranian influence expands through regional proxies, those proxies must carry the same terrorist designation as their sponsor. We urge the Department of State to extend the FTO designation to the Iraq-based groups listed in the attachment to this letter and update those designations as needed to ensure they remain effective. We also urge the Department of the Treasury to sanction these groups and their financial networks.\n\nThank you for your attention to this important matter.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-introduces-legislation-to-sanction-iranian-missile-development", "Cotton Introduces Legislation to Sanction Iranian Missile Development", "2023-11-16", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "Senate", "AR", "Tom Cotton", "C001095", "www.cotton.senate.gov", "cotton", "https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\n\nContact: Caroline Tabler (202) 224-2353\n\nNovember 16, 2023\n\nCotton Introduces Legislation to Sanction Iranian Missile Development\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) yesterday introduced the No ICBMs or Drones for Iran Act, legislation that would strengthen sanctions on Iran\u2019s development and transfer of long-range missiles and drones.\n\nCongresswoman Elise Stefanik (New York-21) is introducing companion legislation in the House.\n\nText of the legislation may be found here.\n\n\u201cThe Biden administration seems content not to do anything to stop Iranian proxies from attacking American troops. But what will we do when Iran gets its hands on missiles that can reach America? This legislation will strengthen necessary sanctions on Iran to better protect America and our allies from their current drone attacks and future missile attacks,\u201d said Senator Cotton.\n\n\u201cIran is advancing their pursuit of intercontinental ballistic missiles, arming Hamas and Russia to the teeth with kamikaze drones, and providing its terrorist proxies with weapons that are being used to strike American forces in the Middle East. This must stop. I am proud to join Senator Cotton in leading the No ICBMs or Drones for Iran Act to strengthen sanctions on Iran\u2019s missile and drone programs. Iran\u2019s backing of Hamas and their continuous strikes on U.S. forces make it clear that our current sanctions are not working. To start successfully deterring Iran, we must enhance and enforce sanctions on Tehran and begin investing in our homeland missile defense architecture through the construction of a third missile defense site at Fort Drum,\u201d said Congresswoman Stefanik.\n\nBackground:\n\nUnited Nations\u2019 sanctions that restricted Iran\u2019s missile development expired on October 18th.\n\nThe Biden administration failed to renew the sanctions upon their expiration.\n\nThe legislation would help reestablish the sanctions and prevent Iran from developing missiles.\n\nThe No ICBMs or Drones for Iran Act would:\n\nEstablish the connection between Iran\u2019s space launch vehicles and its pursuit of an ICBM and declares U.S. policy to deny Iran an ICBM capability.\n\nRequire the determination and implementation of sanctions for the IRGC-Aerospace Forces, and a notification to Congress after a missile or space launch vehicle test of the individuals involved.\n\nRequire a report on Iran\u2019s industries contributing to its ICBM program, its cooperation with other countries on its ICBM program, an assessment of steps Iran would need to take to acquire an ICBM, and an assessment of the ability of our homeland missile defense system to intercept an Iranian ICBM.\n\nTighten the language in existing sanction law to clarify the inclusion of Iran\u2019s drones.\n\nRequire a strategy to counter Iranian drone production, transfer to other countries, and to prevent the inclusion of U.S. parts in Iranian drones.\n\nExpand the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996 to include Iran\u2019s space launch vehicles and drones.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-crawford-response-to-house-passage-of-continuing-resolution", "Rep. Crawford Response to House Passage of Continuing Resolution", "2023-11-15", "2023", "2023-11", "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 Response to House Passage of Continuing Resolution\n\n11/15/2023\n\nWashington \u2014 Representative Rick Crawford (AR-01) released the following statement upon House passage of HR 6363, the Further Continuing Appropriations and Other Extensions Act.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=74F64C13-06B8-4035-80B1-9D204D9FB1D5", "Boozman Joins Colleagues Urging UN to Designate Hamas a Terrorist Organization", "2023-11-13", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "Senate", "AR", "John Boozman", "B001236", "www.boozman.senate.gov", "boozman", "https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) joined Senators James Lankford (R-OK) and Jacky Rosen (D-NV), co-chairs and co-founders of the Abraham Accords Caucus and Bipartisan Task Force for Combating Antisemitism, in sending a letter to the United Nations (UN) urging it to designate Iranian-backed Hamas as a terrorist organization following the brutal terrorist attacks on Israel since October 7 with the intent to eradicate Israel and the Jews in Israel.\n\n\u201cRecent events have demonstrated that Hamas\u2019 actions, tactics, and stated goals are in many ways indistinguishable from Al Qaeda, ISIS, and other terrorist organizations the United Nations has sanctioned. Therefore, we write to urge you to bring a resolution to the UN Security Council recognizing and imposing sanctions on Hamas as a terrorist organization,\u201dthe senators wrote.\n\n\u201cSince October 1997, the US Department of Treasury has designated Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) as Foreign Terrorist Organizations. Additionally, these groups have been listed as Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGTs) since October 2001. Numerous other countries and international entities rightfully have designated Hamas as a terrorist organization, including Australia, Canada, the European Union, Japan, Israel, the Organization of American States, Paraguay, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. Switzerland is also actively exploring legal avenues to designate Hamas as a terrorist entity,\u201d they concluded.\n\nJoining Boozman, Lankford and Rosen in sending the letter were Senators Katie Britt (R-AL), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Joni Ernst (R-IA), John Barrasso (R-WY), John Thune (R-SD), Ted Budd (R-NC), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Bill Hagerty (R-TN), John Kennedy (R-LA), Rick Scott (R-FL), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Thom Tills (R-NC), Mike Braun (R-IN), Steve Daines (R-MT), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Susan Collins (R-ME), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Bob Casey (D-PA), Marco Rubio (R-FL), and Alex Padilla (D-CA).\n\nView the full letter HERE or below.\n\nDear Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield:\n\nWe write with our utmost concern regarding the recent terrorist attacks on Israel by Hamas and other terrorist organizations in the region. We commend your unequivocal condemnation of Hamas\u2019 terrorism and your support for Israel\u2019s right to defend its people. Recent events have demonstrated that Hamas\u2019 actions, tactics, and stated goals are in many ways indistinguishable from Al Qaeda, ISIS, and other terrorist organizations the United Nations (UN) has sanctioned. Therefore, we write to urge you to bring a resolution to the UN Security Council recognizing and imposing sanctions on Hamas as a terrorist organization.\n\nAs you know, on October 7, 2023, thousands of Hamas terrorists launched attacks, including on civilian communities, in southern Israel, brutally murdering 1,400 innocent people and wounding 4,500 others. Additionally, Hamas kidnapped over 240 men, women, and children \u2013 ranging from infants to Holocaust survivors. Hamas terrorists have committed and continue to commit abhorrent attacks that not only impact Israelis but also directly impact Americans citizens, with at least 32 Americans killed and countless more held in captive as a result of the terrorist attack on October 7. In fact, Hamas hostages come from 25 countries around the world. Hamas\u2019 reign of terror is not just an Israeli problem, but one that impacts us all.\n\nSince October 1997, the US Department of Treasury has designated Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) as Foreign Terrorist Organizations. Additionally, these groups have been listed as Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGTs) since October 2001. Numerous other countries and international entities rightfully have designated Hamas as a terrorist organization, including Australia, Canada, the European Union, Japan, Israel, the Organization of American States, Paraguay, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. Switzerland is also actively exploring legal avenues to designate Hamas as a terrorist entity.\n\nThere are multiple consequences of the UN not recognizing Hamas as a terrorist organization. First, the lack of a unified voice among the international community risks eroding the UN\u2019s credibility in response to one of the worst terrorist attacks in history. Additionally, as the largest financial contributor to the UN, the US must take urgent action to prevent the flow of funds into the hands of Hamas. The absence of UN sanctions on Hamas is a glaring loophole, circumventing US financial controls, such as the rigorous standards set by the US Department of Treasury, potentially allowing Hamas to evade US. sanctions. Furthermore, the lack of UN sanctions on Hamas enables them to bolster their capabilities by exploiting international financial channels, including accessing financial systems and soliciting donations from charities.\n\nWe are also concerned that a lack of UN sanctions enables Hamas to divert humanitarian aid for malicious intent, which deprives innocent Palestinian civilians of crucial assistance while simultaneously strengthening offensive capabilities used to attack Israel. Hamas continues to divert aid meant for civilians in order to fund its operations by:\n\nImposing \"taxes\" on humanitarian consignments at border checkpoints;\n\nSeizing a segment of donated goods intended for Palestinian civilians and later selling them illicitly for financial gain;\n\nSeizing donated supplies \u2013 as Hamas did on October 16, 2023, when they took fuel meant for Gazan hospitals from a United Nations Relief and Works Agency site; and\n\nDismantling and repurposing humanitarian facilities, like water and sewage components, to create rockets and missiles, some of which misfire and land in Gaza, causing Palestinian civilian casualties and posing threats to aid workers.\n\nWe therefore request you bring forward a UN resolution to recognize and sanction Hamas as a terrorist organization. Thank you for your consideration, and we look forward to your timely response.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:49:58Z"], ["https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-demands-answers-on-journalists-embedded-with-hamas", "Cotton Demands Answers on \u201cJournalists\u201d Embedded with Hamas", "2023-11-10", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "Senate", "AR", "Tom Cotton", "C001095", "www.cotton.senate.gov", "cotton", "https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\n\nContact: Caroline Tabler (202) 224-2353\n\nNovember 10, 2023\n\nCotton Demands Answers on \u201cJournalists\u201d Embedded with Hamas\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) yesterday sent letters to Attorney General Merrick Garland, as well as executives at CNN, the Associated Press, Thomson Reuters, and The New York Times. All the news organizations reportedly had employees embedded with Hamas during the terrorist group\u2019s deadly October 7 attack on Israel.\n\nSenator Cotton demanded that AG Garland open an investigation into the outlets, and he asked that the news organizations provide answers as to their involvement with Hamas.\n\nIn part, Senator Cotton wrote to the news organizations:\n\n\u201cIf your employees, as part of their work, participated in terrorist activities or if your organization or employees provided material support (including any funding) to Hamas, the leadership of your organization may also face criminal penalties under federal law.\u201d\n\nFull text of the letter to AG Garland may be found here and below.\n\nFull text of the letters to the news organizations may be found here and below.\n\nNovember 9, 2023\n\nThe Honorable Merrick Garland\n\nU.S. Department of Justice\n\n950 Pennsylvania Ave, N.W.\n\nWashington, DC 20530\n\nDear Attorney General Garland,\n\nI write regarding reports that so-called \u201cjournalists\u201d employed by the Associated Press, CNN, New York Times, and Reuters accompanied Hamas terrorists into Israel during the October 7 terror attack. These individuals almost certainly knew about the attack in advance, and even participated by accompanying Hamas terrorists during the attack and filming the heinous acts. In at least one case, one of the individuals affiliated with these media outlets even took a selfie while being kissed on the cheek by a Hamas leader who helped mastermind the attack. Providing material support or assistance, including funding, to a terrorist organization such as Hamas is a federal crime. The Department of Justice must immediately open a national security investigation into these four media outlets to determine whether they or their leadership committed federal crimes by supporting Hamas terrorists.\n\nThank you for your attention to this vital matter of national security.\n\nSincerely,\n\n_____________________\n\nTom Cotton\n\nUnited States Senator\n\nNovember 9, 2023\n\nA. G. Sulzberger\n\nThe New York Times\n\n620 Eighth Ave\n\nNew York, NY 10018\n\nDear Mr. Sulzberger,\n\nI write regarding concerning reports that New York Times employees were involved with Hamas\u2019s October 7 attack, in which terrorists massacred more than a thousand innocent Israelis, including women, children, and the elderly. According to reports, members of your staff were embedded with Hamas, knew about the attack, and not only went along with it but accompanied members of Hamas as they carried out the attack. If your employees, as part of their work, participated in terrorist activities or if your organization or employees provided material support (including any funding) to Hamas, the leadership of your organization may also face criminal penalties under federal law. ?Please provide immediate answers to the following questions:\n\nHow many employees of your organization were embedded with Hamas or otherwise present in Gaza and accompanied Hamas terrorists during the October 7 attack? ?\n\nWhen did you discover that members of your company were embedded with Hamas? ?\n\nHow many employees of your organization are embedded with Hamas today? ?\n\nHow much funding, in total, has your outlet given to Hamas and its affiliates in Gaza over the past 5 years? Please provide an itemized list.\n\nThank you for your prompt attention to this matter.\n\nSincerely,\n\n_____________________\n\nTom Cotton\n\nUnited States Senator\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=7FB412FF-C2D2-46DF-B423-8852E2AE56A8", "Boozman, Cortez Masto Team Up to Improve Home Accessibility for Disabled Veterans", "2023-11-09", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "Senate", "AR", "John Boozman", "B001236", "www.boozman.senate.gov", "boozman", "https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR), a senior member of the Senate Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee, joined Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) to help disabled veterans and their families make accessibility and safety improvements to their homes with the introduction of the Autonomy for Disabled Veterans Act.\n\nThe Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Home Improvements and Structural Alterations program (HISA) offers funds to help eligible disabled veterans with service-related medical issues make alterations to their homes including accessible bathrooms, widen their doors, install wheelchair ramps and grab bars and handrails.\n\nThe Autonomy for Disabled Veterans Act would increase funding from its current ceiling of $6,800 to $9,000 for veterans with disabilities.\n\n\u201cWith rising costs of construction materials, it\u2019s necessary to increase funds available for veterans to adapt their homes. This legislation will help enhance their quality of life and help them live more independently. I\u2019m pleased to champion improvements to services and benefits for the men and women who served in our nation\u2019s uniform,\u201d Boozman said.\n\n\u201cNevada veterans have sacrificed so much for our country, and we must ensure they can access the necessary resources to have more freedom in their homes,\u201d said Cortez Masto. \u201cThis bipartisan legislation will help them afford the home improvements they need to enhance their accessibility and safety. I will continue working across the aisle to stand up for our veterans and their families.\u201d\n\nThe Autonomy for Disabled Veterans Act is endorsed by Wounded Warrior Project, The Disabled American Veterans and Paralyzed Veterans of America.\n\n\u201cVA\u2019s Home Improvements and Structural Alterations grant program provides medically necessary improvements and structural alterations to a veteran or service member\u2019s primary residence. However, years of inattention have diminished the effectiveness of this program, and it is long past time to update grant rates to realistic levels. We appreciate the efforts of Senator Cortez Masto and Senator Boozman to correct that by increasing grant rates and tying them to a formula, so they remain current for years to come,\u201d said Heather Ansley, Chief Policy Officer of Paralyzed Veterans of America.\n\nCompanion legislation was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Congressmen Don Bacon (R-NE) and Chris Pappas (D-NH).", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:49:58Z"], ["https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=EBF2328B-F4DB-462C-B930-1E1CA94A0F67", "Boozman Shares Service Memories of Arkansas Air Force Veteran", "2023-11-09", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "Senate", "AR", "John Boozman", "B001236", "www.boozman.senate.gov", "boozman", "https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON - As we approach Veterans Day, U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) recognized the service of Mark Linkous in \u2018Salute to Veterans,\u2019 a series highlighting the military service of Arkansans.\n\nLinkous was sworn in to the U.S. Air Force on October 26, 1950 and the next day he traveled to San Antonio, Texas for basic training at Lackland Air Force Base. \u201cIt was a tremendous transition,\u201d Linkous said.\n\nHe joined the Air Force two years after it became an independent military branch, recalling how basic training was very similar to the Army due to that newly minted status. When he was issued his first uniform, they didn\u2019t have \u201call the blues,\u201d they gave him one pair of brown boots and pair of black boots - but by the end of basic they all had their blue uniforms.\n\nAfter completing basic training, his first assigned job was as a math instructor. \u201cYou could be teaching multiplication one hour and trigonometry the next. They kept it that way intentionally to keep the instructors on our toes. We all had to have our lesson plans.\u201d\n\nFor Linkous, the most difficult part of service was adjusting to different people and their varying opinions. The easiest was the physical aspect since he grew up on a farm, hunted and had worked on an oil rig.\n\nTwo years before his enlistment was up, the Air Force had started constructing housing in preparation for welcoming women into the service. He was assigned as the Non-Commissioned Officer in charge of the academic training for the women at Lackland because of his aptitude in mathematics. He likened his role to being a school principal.\n\n\u201cI had input into, while I was there, of the math program, you know for the men and the women but their math course was exactly the same as the men\u2019s,\u201d he said.\n\nLinkous credits his master sergeant for his initial encounter with his future wife, Ann.\n\n\u201cHe invited me to their home one weekend, and we had a real good time. I think his wife and little boy seemed to like me ok, then she started telling me about this niece she had that lived up in east Texas,\u201d said Linkous \u201cI could never have, in my wildest dreams, ever found any one like her. She and I had a great life together.\u201d\n\nAnn was diagnosed with Alzheimer\u2019s in 2014. Linkous says the real journey was the eight years together after herdiagnosis. The experience led him to become active in advocacy for Alzheimer\u2019s research and treatment, and he continues to be a champion for policies to support patients, families and caregivers.\n\nLinkous believes military service is good for high school graduates who are unsure of what they want to do in life. Service allowed him to fulfill the \u201cpatriotic responsibility\u201d he felt growing up with multiple family members in the military.\n\n\u201cWe need more people to take more pride and responsibility, we need more patriotism in this country,\u201d he said.\n\n\u201cI am grateful for Mark Linkous\u2019 dedication and service to our nation. He honorably served our country. His memories of his military service are an important part of our history and I am pleased to be able to collect and preserve his stories for future generations,\u201d Boozman said.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:49:58Z"], ["https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-kaine-introduce-bill-to-study-effects-of-cellphones-in-schools", "Cotton, Kaine Introduce Bill to Study Effects of Cellphones in Schools", "2023-11-09", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "Senate", "AR", "Tom Cotton", "C001095", "www.cotton.senate.gov", "cotton", "https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "Contact: Caroline Tabler or James Arnold (202) 224-2353\n\nNovember 9, 2023\n\nCotton, Kaine Introduce Bill to Study Effects of Cellphones in Schools\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) and Senator Tim Kaine (D-Virginia) today introduced the Focus on Learning Act, legislation that would require the U.S. Department of Education to complete a study on the effects of cellphone use in K-12 classrooms on students\u2019 mental health and academic performance.\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 Cotton.\n\n\u201cWe\u2019ve made a lot of progress in our recovery from the depths of the pandemic. But there\u2019s much more work to be done to help students overcome learning loss and excel in the classroom. That includes looking into how cellphone use in schools is impacting students\u2019 mental health and their ability to learn. This bill would help us do that, by gathering information and providing it to schools as they grapple with students\u2019 use of cellphones in class and how to best set them up for success,\u201d said Senator Kaine, who serves on the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee.\n\nText of the legislation may be found here.\n\nBackground:\n\nThe study would include insights from a pilot program, also established by the legislation, to provide schools with secure containers for students to store phones during school hours.\n\nThe bill authorizes $5 million annually for the next five years for that pilot program.\n\nIn the selection of pilot programs, ED will gather input from parents, students, and educators.\n\nThe pilot program will allow exceptions for students with health conditions, disabilities, and non-English speakers.\n\nSchools participating in the pilot program will have a communication system in place that allows teachers, administrators, and staff to communicate with local emergency responders.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=BBAE4076-4BB8-4B0D-8B61-B6A66B6CB47B", "Boozman Presses DHS Secretary on Border Failures", "2023-11-08", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "Senate", "AR", "John Boozman", "B001236", "www.boozman.senate.gov", "boozman", "https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) pressed the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas on the administration\u2019s failure to secure the border.\n\n\u201cBy every metric the border is a disaster. Despite the rhetoric of the administration the numbers reported by the Border Patrol of caught and known gotaways are off the chart. Our border states and our communities have been overrun, and now many of our major cities, most of them [run by Democrats], are saying literally that you\u2019re in the process of destroying their cities,\u201d Boozman said in a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing examining additional funds for the border.\n\nThe administration has requested nearly $14 billion to support its efforts at the border. Boozman has rejected the plan.\n\nThe senator demanded changes to the open door policy instead of funneling more taxpayer dollars to process asylum claims of illegal immigrants.\n\n\u201cWhat you\u2019re proposing, at best, just maintains the status quo,\u201d Boozman said.\n\nSince President Biden took office, the number of illegal immigrants apprehended at the southern border has grown each year. In Fiscal Year 2023, the U.S. Border Patrol reported a record 2.5 million encounters at the southern border, and apprehended 169 individuals on the terrorist watchlist trying to cross illegally \u2013 more than in the previous six years combined.\n\nBoozman also questioned the secretary\u2019s characterization of the department\u2019s seizure of fentanyl at the border. He highlighted the devastating impact the illegal drug is having in Arkansas as the number one cause of overdose deaths.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:49:58Z"], ["https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-colleagues-to-cardona-take-immediate-action-to-protect-jewish-students", "Cotton, Colleagues to Cardona: Take Immediate Action to Protect Jewish Students", "2023-11-08", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "Senate", "AR", "Tom Cotton", "C001095", "www.cotton.senate.gov", "cotton", "https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\n\nContact: Caroline Tabler or James Arnold (202) 224-2353\n\nNovember 8, 2023\n\nCotton, Colleagues to Cardona: Take Immediate Action to Protect Jewish Students\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas), along with Senators Ted Budd (R-North Carolina) and Marco Rubio (R-Florida), today sent a letter to Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. The senators requested that Secretary Cardona provide information on the Department of Education\u2019s plans to protect Jewish students who are facing anti-Semitic violence and harassment in the wake of Hamas\u2019s attack on Israel.\n\nIn part, the senators wrote:\n\n\u201cSchool administrators, at institutions of all levels, have a duty to protect their students from these kinds of threats. Schools that, by their inaction, enable threats and harassment against Jewish students are subject to losing their access to federal funds.\u201d\n\nFull text of the letter may be found here and below.\n\nNovember 8, 2023\n\nThe Honorable Miguel Cardona\n\nSecretary of Education?\n\nU.S. Department of Education\n\n400 Maryland Avenue SW\n\nWashington, DC 20202\n\nDear Secretary Cardona:\n\nI write regarding the explosion of anti-Semitic threats against and attacks on Jewish students at institutes of higher education and K-12 schools.\n\nAnti-Semitism on college campuses has sharply escalated after Hamas\u2019s murderous attack on Israel on October 7. Jewish students in the United States are facing extreme anti-Semitic violence and harassment, while school instructors look the other way or even praise Hamas\u2019s terrorist attack. This is true on both college campuses and in K-12 schools. In at least one high school, students reportedly marched through the halls while chanting a call for the destruction of Israel.\n\nTitle VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 is clear that no person shall be subjected to discrimination based on race, color, or national origin in federally funded schools, and that protection extends to students who experience harassment based on shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics. School administrators, at institutions of all levels, have a duty to protect their students from these kinds of threats. Schools that, by their inaction, enable threats and harassment against Jewish students are subject to losing their access to federal funds.\n\nThe Department of Education must take immediate action to protect Jewish students. Please provide a briefing as soon as practicable regarding your plans to protect Jewish students and hold accountable those who attempt to foment anti-Semitic violence in our schools.\n\nSincerely,\n\n______________ ______________\n\nTom Cotton Ted Budd\n\nUnited States Senator United States Senator\n\n_______________\n\nMarco Rubio\n\nUnited States Senator\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-demands-doj-take-immediate-action-against-pro-hamas-mobs", "Cotton Demands DOJ Take Immediate Action Against Pro-Hamas Mobs", "2023-11-08", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "Senate", "AR", "Tom Cotton", "C001095", "www.cotton.senate.gov", "cotton", "https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\n\nContact: Caroline Tabler or James Arnold (202) 224-2353\n\nNovember 8, 2023\n\nCotton Demands DOJ Take Immediate Action Against Pro-Hamas Mobs\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) yesterday sent a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland, urging him to direct the Department of Justice to investigate members of pro-Hamas mobs that attempted to obstruct U.S. military ships from delivering aid to Israel. Senator Cotton noted that trespassing on or damaging military property breaks several federal laws, and those who do so should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.\n\nIn part, Senator Cotton wrote:\n\n\u201cThe Department of Justice must take immediate action against these criminals; otherwise, it will send a dangerous message that radical activists can undermine our Armed Forces with impunity.\u201d\n\nFull text of the letter may be found here and below.\n\nNovember 7, 2023\n\nThe Honorable Merrick Garland\n\nU.S. Department of Justice\n\n950 Pennsylvania Ave, N.W.\n\nWashington, DC 20530\n\nDear Attorney General Garland,\n\nI write to urge immediate action against radical, pro-Hamas mobs who are committing crimes to impede the delivery of U.S. security aid to Israel.\n\nYesterday, hundreds of pro-Hamas extremists shut down the Port of Tacoma to obstruct what they believed to be a military ship transporting military aid to Israel. A few days earlier, many of these same saboteurs reportedly blocked the entrance to a port in Oakland, tampered with a military ship\u2019s mooring lines, and attempted to scale the ship with a rope ladder. Any attempt to impede and interfere with U.S. military movements, like attempting to trespass on or damage military property, breaks several federal laws. Each person involved in these schemes should be arrested promptly and prosecuted to the full extent of the law.\n\nFurther, two left-wing extremist groups, the Bay Area Arab Resource and Organizing Center (AROC) and the Tacoma Democratic Socialists of America, coordinated and organized these criminal mobs, for instance, by operating shuttle services to transport the saboteurs. The members and leaders of those groups should also be investigated and prosecuted, including for criminal conspiracy.\n\nThe Department of Justice must take immediate action against these criminals; otherwise, it will send a dangerous message that radical activists can undermine our Armed Forces with impunity.\n\nThank you for your attention to this vital matter of national security.\n\nSincerely,\n\n_____________\n\nTom Cotton\n\nUnited States Senator\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/westeman-announces-mobile-office-hours", "WESTEMAN ANNOUNCES MOBILE OFFICE HOURS", "2023-11-07", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "House", "AR", "Bruce Westerman", "W000821", "westerman.house.gov", "westerman", "https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "HOT SPRINGS - Today, the office of Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04) announced mobile office hours for November 13-16. Staff will be available to assist constituents with casework matters related to passports, Social Security, Veterans Affairs, Internal Revenue Service, and other federal agency related issues. More mobile office hours for 2024 will be announced at a later date. For questions, please call 501-609-9796 or visit Westerman.house.gov/contact.\n\nMore details below:\n\nDALLAS COUNTY MOBILE OFFICE HOURS:\n\nDallas County Courthouse, November 13th\n\n10:00 am \u2013 12:00 pm\n\n206 W 3rd St. Fordyce, AR\n\nCLEVELAND COUNTY MOBILE OFFICE HOURS:\n\nCleveland County Courthouse, November 13th\n\n2:00 pm \u2013 4:00 pm\n\n20 Magnolia St. Rison, AR\n\nJEFFERSON COUNTY MOBILE OFFICE HOURS:\n\nJefferson County Courthouse, November 14th\n\n10:00 pm \u2013 12:00 pm\n\n101 E Barraque St. Pine Bluff, AR\n\nWhite Hall City Hall, November 14th\n\n2:00 pm \u2013 4:00 pm\n\n101 Parkway Dr. White Hall, AR\n\nBRADLEY COUNTY MOBILE OFFICE HOURS:\n\nBradley County Courthouse, November 15th\n\n10:00 am \u2013 12:00 pm\n\n101 E Cedar St. Warren, AR\n\nHermitage City Hall, November 15th\n\n2:00 pm to 4:00 pm\n\n186 US 63 Hermitage, AR\n\nJOHNSON COUNTY MOBILE OFFICE HOURS:\n\nJohnson County Court House, November 15th\n\n10:00 am \u2013 12:00 pm\n\n215 W. Main St. Clarksville, AR\n\nLamar City Hall, November 15th\n\n1:30 pm \u2013 3:30 pm\n\n437 W. Main St. Lamar, AR", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/westerman-opposes-use-us-airports-house-illegal-migrants", "WESTERMAN OPPOSES THE USE OF U.S. AIRPORTS TO HOUSE ILLEGAL MIGRANTS", "2023-11-07", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "House", "AR", "Bruce Westerman", "W000821", "westerman.house.gov", "westerman", "https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04) joined House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Sam Graves and 68 House Republicans in a letter to Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg demanding answers for the Biden Administration\u2019s encouragement of the use of U.S. airports as shelters for illegal migrants.\n\nIn part, the members wrote:\n\n\u201cAs you are aware, our Nation\u2019s southern border is an uncontrolled and unmitigated disaster. Untold numbers of illegal immigrants have entered the United States and been apprehended under President Biden\u2019s failed leadership.Many are then released into the United States, some of whom will presumably never be seen again.The Biden-Harris Administration\u2019s abject failure to protect our border or support policies that will keep America secure is an unconscionable dereliction of the most fundamental duty the Federal Government has to the citizens of this country.\u201d\n\nCongressman Bruce Westerman released the following statement:\n\n\u201cThe historic crisis at the southern border isn\u2019t just at the border anymore. It\u2019s in our own backyards. Rather than implementing policies to stop the flow of illegal immigration and drug trafficking at the border, the Biden Administration shortcut NEPA to build housing for illegal migrants on National Park Service Land, and now reports are showing they are encouraging U.S. airports to house them too. The Biden Administration\u2019s failure to work with House Republicans and secure the southern border is compromising the integrity of our National Parks and airports, and the safety of our communities. I will continue working with my colleagues to hold the Biden Administration accountable for their broken border policies.\u201d\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nOn September 27, Congressman Bruce Westerman chaired a House Natural Resources Committee hearing to condemn the Biden Administration\u2019s use of National Park Service (NPS) lands for illegal migrant housing.\n\nThe Biden Administration failed to send any witnesses to testify and defend their decision to turn units of NPS into migrant camps.\n\nWesterman visited the NPS Gateway National Recreation Area in September, specifically Floyd Bennett Field, a site where New York City signed a lease agreement to permit the construction of a migrant encampment.\n\nIn the November 7 letter to Secretary Buttigieg, the Members cited reports that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) proposed housing for 60,000 migrants at four public airports and other facilities in New York and New Jersey, as has been done at Chicago O\u2019Hare International Airport.\n\nSince President Biden took office, there have been over 6.2 million illegal crossings at our southern border alone.\n\nIn Fiscal Year 2023 alone, border patrol seized over 27,000 pounds of fentanyl, and more than 169 people whose names appeared on the terror watchlist were stopped trying to cross the border \u2013 an all time record.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=CF86DD91-1792-4D8B-ADCD-5829B0EAA31C", "Boozman, Graham, Coons Introduce New Solution to Global Food Security Crisis", "2023-11-06", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "Senate", "AR", "John Boozman", "B001236", "www.boozman.senate.gov", "boozman", "https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators John Boozman (R-AR), Lindsey Graham (R-RS) and Chris Coons (D-DE) introduced legislation to combat the global food security crisis. The current band-aid approach to food security challenges is both insufficient and unsustainable. The Foundation for International Food Security Act would be a new model to tackle this growing global challenge by leveraging private sector dollars to improve food systems. The Foundation will bring to the forefront innovative solutions from the private sector and help breakdown institutional barriers.\n\n\u201cEscalating conflicts, food inaccessibility and increased prices are fueling a global hunger crisis. This is a humanitarian emergency that needs an innovative approach to deliver help to children and families most in need. I\u2019m pleased to support the Foundation for International Food Security Act to leverage private funding so we help modernize food supply systems around the world which will ultimately foster stability and prevent the weaponization of food,\u201d Boozman said.\n\n\u201cToday, according to the World Food Program, there are more than 345 million people facing acute hunger. That is an increase of almost 200 million since early 2020,\u201d said Graham. \u201cOur legislation will focus on helping people in the developing world produce their own food so they aren\u2019t forced to migrate. The American farming community is the gold standard and this will help us bring the best science and technology to the developing world. Our goal is to help teach people how to feed themselves using American ingenuity and technology.\u201d\n\n\u201cHundreds of millions of people are facing famine due to rising food prices, climate change, conflict, and Russia\u2019s invasion of Ukraine,\u201d said Coons. \u201cAs Chairman of the State and Foreign Operations Appropriations Subcommittee, I\u2019m proud to steer the United States\u2019 continuing leadership role in combatting global food insecurity. Giving a helping hand to those who need it the most has been a longstanding value of our nation, and this legislation will help promote sustainable, agriculture-led economic growth and build resilient food systems to put an end to hunger across the world.\u201d\n\nThe Foundation for International Food Security Act:\n\nEstablishes a nonprofit, independent foundation to fund a focused group of countries by leveraging the private sector to bring additional capital and resources to projects that address food security systems.\n\nProjects will be funded based on a list of predetermined criteria including the ability to hit performance metrics, increase agricultural production, mitigate against food shocks, and remain sustainable.\n\nThe Foundation will complement existing programs, but is charged with not duplicating existing US government funded programs\n\nBackground on the current food security crisis.\n\nMore than 345 million people face acute hunger in 2023 \u2013 more than double the number in 2020.\n\nUp to 50 million people are on the brink of famine and over 13 million children suffer from severe malnutrition, also known as wasting.\n\nThe number of acutely hungry people continues to increase at a pace that?funding is unlikely to match, while the cost of delivering food assistance is at an all-time high.\n\nThe Foundation for International Food Security Act is endorsed by The Nature Conservancy, Farm Journal and One Acre Fund.\n\n\u201cOne Acre Fund is thrilled with the introduction of the Foundation for International Food Security bill, which will drive more resources into impactful programs that equip smallholder farmers with the tools they need to feed their families and communities. In an era of increasing global hunger, we are excited about this new Foundation's focus on measurable and sustainable results, and its unique governance structure that will build more support to help our sector get back on track to achieving SDG2, a zero-hunger world,\u201d said Matthew Forti, One Acre Fund Managing Director.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:49:58Z"], ["https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=80AA6C55-96E4-486D-8FB7-E37E1D2CEAAA", "Boozman, Hyde-Smith Call for Extended Comment Time for Major Ag Worker Program Reforms", "2023-11-03", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "Senate", "AR", "John Boozman", "B001236", "www.boozman.senate.gov", "boozman", "https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR), Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, joined Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS) in leading a bipartisan group of senators calling for additional time for farmers and ranchers to review and comment on significant reforms to the H-2A temporary agricultural workers program.\n\nIn letters to Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and acting Labor Secretary Julie Su, the senators request a 60-day public comment extension for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) proposed rulemaking, \u201cModernizing H-2 Program Requirements, Oversight, and Worker Protections, 88 FR 65040,\u201d and the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) proposed rulemaking, \u201cImproving Protections for Workers in Temporary Agricultural Employment in the United States, 88 FR 63750.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe United States takes pride in producing the world\u2019s safest, most abundant, and most affordable food supply. Our nation\u2019s ability to do so is entirely contingent on the strength of our agricultural workforce. The H-2A program provides a critical labor pool without which many producers in our states would struggle or be entirely unable to operate,\u201d the senators wrote.\n\n\u201cAny proposed regulatory changes to the H-2A program have potential ramifications for the entire American agricultural supply chain and food security. Therefore, it is of the utmost importance that our constituents be provided adequate time to thoroughly analyze this proposed rule and its effects on their operations. Moreover, this comment period is occurring while many producers in our states will be occupied with fall harvest and unable to dedicate time to developing meaningful comments,\u201d the lawmakers wrote.\n\nThe letters were also signed by Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), Mike Crapo (R-ID), John Thune (R-SD), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), James Risch (R-ID), John Hoeven (R-ND), Tim Scott (R-SC), Angus King, Jr. (I-ME), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), James Lankford (R-OK), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Joni Ernst (R-IA), John Kennedy (R-LA), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Mike Braun (R-IN), Rick Scott (R-FL), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-KS), Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), Ted Budd (R-NC), Katie Britt (R-AL) and Pete Ricketts (R-NE).\n\nThe request was prompted by farmers, ranchers and other agricultural stakeholders who are increasingly concerned that DHS and DOL will finalize the rules before they can fully assess and comment on the new federal mandates on agricultural employers. Senators noted that four other regulatory actions of interest to these stakeholders have comment periods ending at the same time.\n\nThe Agriculture Workforce Coalition sent similar letters to the departments. The coalition is comprised of agriculture organizations from across the country including the American Farm Bureau Federation, Arkansas Farm Bureau, Arkansas Rice Federation, USA Rice, U.S. Rice Producers Association, National Council of Agricultural Employers and National Council of Farmer Cooperatives.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:49:58Z"], ["https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/westerman-stands-israel", "WESTERMAN STANDS WITH ISRAEL", "2023-11-02", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "House", "AR", "Bruce Westerman", "W000821", "westerman.house.gov", "westerman", "https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON - Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, cosponsored by Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04), to provide fully offset emergency supplemental appropriations for military assistance to Israel and ensure the safe return of American citizens impacted by the attacks on Israel by Hamas terrorists. Westerman released the following statement:\n\n\"The brutal attacks by the Hamas terrorists on innocent Israelis can only be described as cruel, fueled by hatred, and purely evil. The barbaric Hamas terrorists have stolen too many innocent Israeli and American lives. Israel is one of our strongest allies in the Middle East, and they need our support now more than ever. Today, House Republicans reaffirmed Congress' unwavering support for our ally by passing fully offset legislation (paid for by funds rescinded from Biden's IRA, commonly referred to as the Green New Deal) to bolster Israel's defense capabilities, protect U.S. personnel at the Embassy, and evacuate U.S. citizens caught in the line of fire. I was proud to cosponsor and support this bill, and I am proud to stand with Israel.\"\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nOn October 7, 2023, Hamas terrorists carried out an unprovoked attack on innocent Israelis. Families were shot and killed at their dinner tables, women and girls were raped in the streets, and civilians were beheaded and slaughtered in broad daylight. Additional funding is necessary to support Israel's right to defend its freedom.\n\nThe U.S. House of Representatives passed the Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act to:\n\nBolster Israel's defense capabilities and stockpiles of munitions critical to continued defense efforts, many of which will be produced in Camden, Arkansas.\n\nEnsure American military readiness by providing $4.4 billion to replenish domestic defense stockpiles.\n\nSupport U.S. personnel and citizens by providing $150 million for enhanced security at the U.S. Embassy and $50 million for evacuating U.S. citizens.\n\nEnsure accountability by requiring the U.S. Secretary of Defense and Secretary of State to provide written reports to Congress detailing U.S. security assistance to Israel.\n\nThe funding in the Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act is fully offset (paid for) by recessions from President Biden's Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), specifically Section 10301, which appropriated enhanced funding for the bloated Internal Revenue Service (IRS).", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=03142A6E-2004-47FC-A4B7-3D16789AF4B2", "Boozman, Thune, Scott, Barrasso Urge the Biden Administration to Abandon Unrealistic, Costly Energy Efficiency Standards", "2023-11-02", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "Senate", "AR", "John Boozman", "B001236", "www.boozman.senate.gov", "boozman", "https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2014 U.S. Sens. John Boozman (R-AR), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, joined John Thune (R-SD), Tim Scott (R-SC), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs, John Barrasso (R-WY), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Recourses; in leading a letter urging the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Department of Agriculture to abandon their proposal that would require new single and multifamily homes that are insured or guaranteed by the agencies to be subject to newly implemented, unrealistic and overly burdensome energy efficiency standards. The proposal would reduce the supply of new housing, increase costs on residential contractors, and significantly impact low-income households.\n\n\u201cOver the last few years, the Biden administration has demonstrated a reckless commitment to forcing its unrealistic environmental agenda onto various aspects of the economy via its push toward electrification, regulating household appliances, and the stifling of conventional American energy production,\u201d wrote the senators. \u201cSo, it is not at all surprising that the administration is now forcing its agenda onto families purchasing or renting a home, all while admitting that \u2018lower-income households . . . may be challenged in their ability to address first costs.\u2019 To that end, we request that you abandon this effort and conduct an honest evaluation as to how adoption of the revised international energy conservation code (IECC) and American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) standards would increase costs and give special attention to the affect adoption would have on lower-income families.\u201d\n\nThe letter was also signed by Sens. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Mike Braun (R-IN), Katie Britt (R-AL), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Deb Fischer (R-NE), John Hoeven (R-ND), James Lankford (R-OK), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Jim Risch (R-ID), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Roger Wicker (R-MS) and J.D. Vance (R-OH).\n\nFull letter below:\n\nDear Secretary Fudge and Secretary Vilsack:\n\nWe write to raise significant concerns with your proposed adoption of revised energy standards for newly constructed and rehabilitated homes insured or guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) or the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). We urge you to change course, as adoption of these standards would impose significant costs on American households, particularly low and moderate-income families, and put undue pressure on an already constrained housing supply.\n\nAs you know, the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (P.L. 110-140) requires HUD and USDA to adopt revised energy standards if, after the U.S. Department of Energy determines that the revised standards would improve energy efficiency, the agencies \u201cmake a determination that the revised codes do not negatively affect the availability or affordability\u201d of newly constructed or rehabilitated homes insured or guaranteed by HUD or USDA. Though you preliminarily determined that revised energy standards would not adversely impact the availability or affordability of housing, we disagree as evidence exists to the contrary.\n\nHUD and USDA incorrectly conclude that the availability or affordability of housing will not be negatively impacted by adoption of the revised standards. The agencies, for example, ignore costs that will be placed on single-family borrowers by relying on a Pacific Northwest National Laboratory study to estimate savings that optimistically presume a mortgage interest rate of three percent, disregarding the fact that mortgage rates are currently more than double this estimate. The agencies also admit that \u201cnew construction for federal housing administration borrowers would decline\u201d if revised standards are adopted and naively declare that \u201cborrowers could adapt to the supply constraints by seeking a conventional loan or by purchasing an existing home with similar qualities.\u201d Moreover, the agencies cite research finding energy efficiency programs have a lower net benefit for low-income households than expected, and unequivocally conclude that \u201cenergy efficiency requires an additional cost and one that lower-income households may not have the disposable income to accommodate.\u201d\n\nIt is no secret that the cost of purchasing and renting a home has surged over the last few years, and the problems are more pronounced for lower-income families, making adoption of the revised IECC and ASHRAE standards all the more ill-timed. In recent years, construction of smaller and typically less-expensive, single-family homes represents a small fraction of all new, single-family construction. On the multifamily front, though construction has increased, rental units are increasingly becoming unaffordable for lower-income households partially because permitting activity is overwhelmingly concentrated in large metro areas where the bulk of new construction has been driven by properties with 20 or more units, presumably being built in higher-cost urban centers. Moreover, the supply of lower-cost rentals is consistently declining.\n\nOver the last few years, the Biden administration has demonstrated a reckless commitment to forcing its unrealistic environmental agenda onto various aspects of the economy via its push toward electrification, regulating household appliances, and the stifling of conventional American energy production. So, it is not at all surprising that the administration is now forcing its agenda onto families purchasing or renting a home, all while admitting that \u201clower-income households . . . may be challenged in their ability to address first costs.\u201d\n\nTo that end, we request that you abandon this effort and conduct an honest evaluation as to how adoption of the revised IECC and ASHRAE standards would increase costs and give special attention to the affect adoption would have on lower-income families.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:49:58Z"], ["https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=C2EBC460-E7F1-4803-9AA9-EC2F0861C70B", "Senate Approves Boozman Bill to Fund Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Programs", "2023-11-02", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "Senate", "AR", "John Boozman", "B001236", "www.boozman.senate.gov", "boozman", "https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 The U.S. Senate on Wednesday approved a trio of funding bills in a package that included legislation crafted by U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) to secure $83 million for the future pilot training center in Fort Smith and deliver care and benefits veterans and their families have earned.\n\n\u201cInvestments in military infrastructure are critical to protecting our national security. This legislation enhances Arkansas\u2019s defense capabilities and continues our commitment to ensure Ebbing Air National Guard Base has the resources to support the needs of allied pilots who will soon be training here. I\u2019m proud to improve health care and services for veterans so we can live up to our obligation to care for the men and women who served in our nation\u2019s uniform,\u201d said Boozman, Ranking Member of the Senate Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations subcommittee.\n\nBoozman also successfully fought for the inclusion of an amendment based on his VA Emergency Transportation Access Act to protect rural veterans\u2019 access to life-saving emergency medical transportation.\n\nAdditionally, the Senate-passed package included the Agriculture, Rural Development, and Food and Drug Administration and Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies appropriations bills.\n\nBoozman also secured funding for additional Arkansas priorities including:\n\nTransportation Infrastructure\n\n$67 million for the construction of I-49 near Fort Smith.\n\n$11.5 million to increase freight rail capacity at the Port of Little Rock.\n\n$4 million to construct a covered canopy at Clinton National Airport in Little Rock.\n\n$2.5 million for upgraded traffic infrastructure to improve security access at Ebbing Air National Guard Base.\n\nTransportation education, research and improved safety and fuel efficiency.\n\nNatural State-based Agriculture Research\n\n$77.4 million for the Food and Drug Administration\u2019s research promoting and protecting public health conducted at the National Center for Toxicological Research in Jefferson.\n\n$1.08 billion to support agricultural research conducted and funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, including increases for Cooperative Extension, and university research.\n\n$110 million for human nutrition research that will support healthy child development, including the valuable work conducted at Arkansas Children\u2019s Hospital.\n\nFunds the National Feral Swine Damage Management Program to reduce adverse ecological and economic impacts caused by feral swine across Arkansas and the nation.\n\nRural Development and Public Safety\n\n$1 million for the University of Arkansas Medical Sciences Arkansas Digital Interventions for Care and Education telemedicine mental health program.\n\n$1.5 million for a Fire and Public Safety Center in Wilson.\n\nPassage of this legislative package is a critical step in the process to fully fund the government for Fiscal Year 2024. Next, the Senate and the House of Representatives must agree to the same language and each chamber must approve the compromised bills and be signed into law by the president.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:49:58Z"], ["https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/westerman-announces-mobile-office-hours-0", "WESTERMAN ANNOUNCES MOBILE OFFICE HOURS", "2023-11-01", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "House", "AR", "Bruce Westerman", "W000821", "westerman.house.gov", "westerman", "https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "HOT SPRINGS - Today, the office of Congressman Bruce Westerman announced mobile office hours for November 1-9. Staff will be available to assist constituents with casework matters related to passports, Social Security, Veterans Affairs, Social Security, Internal Revenue Service, and other federal agency issues.\n\nMore dates and locations will be announced soon. For questions, please call 501-609-9796 or visit Westerman.House.Gov/Contact\n\nMore details below:\n\nGRANT COUNTY MOBILE OFFICE HOURS:\n\nPrattsville City Hall, November 1st\n\n9:30 am \u2013 11:30 am\n\n9251 US-270 Prattsville, AR\n\nSheridan County Courthouse, November 1st\n\n1:00 pm \u2013 3:00 pm\n\n101 W. Center St. Sheridan, AR\n\nPOLK COUNTY MOBILE OFFICE HOURS:\n\nPolk County Courthouse, November 1st\n\n10:30 am \u2013 12:00 pm\n\n507 Church Ave. Mena, AR\n\nCove City Hall, November 1st\n\n1:30 pm \u2013 3:00 pm\n\n5568 US HWY 71 Cove, AR\n\nMILLER COUNTY MOBILE OFFICE HOURS:\n\nMiller County Courthouse, November 2nd\n\n10:00 am \u2013 12:00 pm\n\n400 Laurel St. Texarkana, AR\n\nMONTGOMERY COUNTY MOBILE OFFICE HOURS:\n\nMontgomery County Courthouse, November 2nd\n\n1:00 pm \u2013 3:00 pm\n\n105 US-260 Mt. Ida, AR\n\nYELL COUNTY MOBILE OFFICE HOURS:\n\nYell County Courthouse, November 3rd\n\n9:30 am \u2013 11:00 am\n\n106 Union St. Dardanelle, AR\n\nDanville Courthouse, November 3rd\n\n1:00 pm \u2013 3:00 pm\n\n101 E. 5th St. Danville, AR\n\nSEVIER COUNTY MOBILE OFFICE HOURS:\n\nSevier County Courthouse, November 6th\n\n10:00 am \u2013 12:00 pm\n\n115 N. Third St. De Queen, AR\n\nHoratio City Hall, November 6th\n\n2:00 pm \u2013 4:00 pm\n\n111 W. Main St., Horatio, AR\n\nASHLEY COUNTY MOBILE OFFICE HOURS:\n\nHamburg City Hall, November 6th\n\n9:00 am \u2013 12:00 pm\n\n305 E. Adams St. Hamburg, AR\n\nCrossett City Hall, November 6th\n\n1:00 pm \u2013 4:00 pm\n\n201 Main St. Crossett, AR\n\nOUACHITA COUNTY MOBILE OFFICE HOURS:\n\nOuachita County Courthouse, November 7th\n\n9:00 am \u2013 12:00 pm\n\n145 Jefferson St. SW Camden, AR\n\nEast Camden City Hall, November 7th\n\n1:00 pm \u2013 4:00 pm\n\n100 N. Womble Ave. East Camden, AR\n\nNEVADA COUNTY MOBILE OFFICE HOURS:\n\nPrescott City Hall, November 7th\n\n10:30 am \u2013 12:30 pm\n\n421 Main St. Prescott, AR\n\nRosston City Hall, November 7th\n\n2:00 pm \u2013 4:00 pm\n\n1045 Nevada 17 Rosston, AR\n\nUNION COUNTY MOBILE OFFICE HOURS:\n\nUnion County Courthouse, November 8th\n\n9:00 am \u2013 12:00 pm\n\n101 N. Washington, El Dorado, AR\n\nSmackover City Hall, November 8th\n\n1:00 pm \u2013 4:00 pm\n\n807 Broadway, Smackover, AR\n\nCALHOUN COUNTY MOBILE OFFICE HOURS:\n\nCalhoun County Courthouse, November 9th\n\n9:00 am \u2013 12:00 pm\n\n309 W. Main, Hampton, AR\n\nHOT SPRING COUNTY MOBILE OFFICE HOURS:\n\nMalvern City Conference Room, November 9th\n\n10:00 am \u2013 12:00 pm\n\n120B W. 3rd St. Malvern, AR", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=40A62041-9CBE-4F66-AA2C-06ABBCCF97ED", "Boozman Highlights Camden, Arkansas as Backbone of Arsenal of Democracy in Senate Hearing", "2023-11-01", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "Senate", "AR", "John Boozman", "B001236", "www.boozman.senate.gov", "boozman", "https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR), a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, highlighted the capacity of southeast Arkansas to support the industrial base in a hearing Tuesday with Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin II.\n\n\u201cCamden, Arkansas is a major player [in munition production] and they\u2019re working very hard. The people of Arkansas, the people of Camden have really stepped up,\u201d Boozman said.\n\nThe defense industry has invested in the community making it home to production of some of the most effective weapon systems and munitions in the world. The missiles and rockets serve as the backbone to the arsenal of democracy. Camden serves a vital role in fulfilling our national security needs now and in the future.\n\nBoozman has helped secure investments for major defense production operations in Camden and continues to promote the city and workforce. Last week RTX announced it is investing $33 million in a new manufacturing facility in the community to build a modern air defense capability for the U.S. Marine Corps and expand production capacity for Israel\u2019s long-term air defense.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:49:58Z"], ["https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=9F6F9E06-F810-4F7D-BD2E-9C4427577AA6", "Senators Boozman, Scott Combat Antisemitism on College Campuses", "2023-10-31", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "AR", "John Boozman", "B001236", "www.boozman.senate.gov", "boozman", "https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) joined Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) to introduce the Antisemitism Awareness Act, which directs the U.S. Department of Education to use of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance\u2019s (IHRA) definition of antisemitism when investigating antisemitic acts on college campuses. Currently, the department lacks a clear definition of antisemitism when determining whether an antisemitic or anti-Israel incident on campus crosses the line from free speech into harassing, unlawful or discriminatory conduct.\n\nAccording to the Anti-Defamation League, violent language and threats against the Jewish community and Israel increased 488 percent in the first 18 hours after Hamas\u2019 terror attacks on October 7, 2023.\n\n\u201cColleges across the country must protect students against the increasing incidents of hate,\u201d said Boozman. \u201cAs antisemitism increases on campuses nationwide, we must ensure intolerance has no place in educational institutions. I\u2019m proud to support this commonsense legislation and promote a safe environment for learning.\u201d\n\n\u201cOur nation\u2019s institutions of higher learning have become hotbeds of antisemitism, especially in the wake of the brutal Hamas terror attacks against Israel and innocent civilians,\u201d said Scott. \u201cIt\u2019s critical the Department of Education has the tools and resources it needs to investigate antisemitism and root out this vile hatred wherever it rears its ugly head.\u201d\n\nThe IHRA definition of antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews, often expressed as hatred, which includes:\n\nCalling for, aiding or justifying the killing or harming of Jews;\n\nMaking dehumanizing, demonizing or stereotypical allegations about Jews or the power of Jews as a collective, such as the myth of a Jewish conspiracy or Jews controlling the media, economy, government or other societal institutions;\n\nHolocaust denialism;\n\nAccusing Jewish citizens of being more loyal to Israel than to the interests of their own nation;\n\nDenying the Jewish people, the right to self-determination. For example, claiming the existence of a State of Israel is a racist endeavor (anti-Zionism); and\n\nDrawing comparisons of contemporary Israeli policy to that of the Nazis.\n\nThe Antisemitism Awareness Act is endorsed by the Republican Jewish Coalition, Jewish Federations of North America, Orthodox Union, Zionist Organization of America, American Jewish Committee, Israeli-American Council, Anti-Defamation League, Christians United for Israel, Endowment for Middle East Truth, Hadassah; and Council of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations.\n\nIn addition to Boozman, cosponsors of the Antisemitism Awareness Act include Senators Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Katie Britt (R-AL), Josh Hawley (R-MO) and Rick Scott (R-FL).", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:43:12Z"], ["https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=0DCB5E02-C96C-478C-AC51-6C96C51B9485", "Boozman Welcomes New Arkansas Congressional Youth Cabinet", "2023-10-30", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "AR", "John Boozman", "B001236", "www.boozman.senate.gov", "boozman", "https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) launched the seventh year of his Congressional Youth Cabinet on Friday at the Statehouse Museum in Little Rock. The meeting brought together 100 high school juniors who were selected from public, private, charter and homeschool students across the state for their involvement and leadership in their communities.\n\n\u201cI am pleased to welcome these young leaders who are interested in getting involved and making a difference in their schools and communities,\u201d Boozman said. \u201cIt\u2019s great to see the enthusiasm for the program and the passion students have for learning about public service and crafting policies to shape the future of Arkansas and our country.\u201d\n\nSenator Boozman speaks to Congressional Youth Cabinet participants in Little Rock.\n\nThe Congressional Youth Cabinet is a non-partisan program that gives students insight and experience in the legislative process. The students will attend meetings throughout the year and work in teams to research national issues they select and propose policy solutions. In April, the students will present their recommendations to the senator.\n\nThe following students were selected to participate in the Congressional Youth Cabinet for the 2023-2024 school year:\n\n1st Congressional District\n\nAngela Abbott \u2013 Austin\n\nAnna Caroline Wehrum \u2013 Marion\n\nAvery Hill \u2013 Cabot\n\nBrayden A. Derrick \u2013 Tyronza\n\nBrooke Wattingney \u2013 Monette\n\nCache Tucker \u2013 Cabot\n\nCali Davis \u2013 Tyronza\n\nCarli Chester \u2013 Pocahontas\n\nCharleigh Patterson \u2013 Des Arc\n\nChasity Lotfield \u2013 Marion\n\nConrad Punzalan \u2013 Jacksonville\n\nEbony Jade Robertson \u2013 Cabot\n\nElizabeth Esteban \u2013 Cabot\n\nGabriel Taylor \u2013 West Memphis\n\nGiovanni Echavarria \u2013 Leachville\n\nGloria Edings \u2013 Joiner\n\nHayden Mittlestat \u2013 Cabot\n\nIsaac Henry \u2013 Jonesboro\n\nJackson Haught \u2013 Blytheville\n\nJohn Bray \u2013 Harrison\n\nKaitlyn Spencer \u2013 Cabot\n\nKaydence Tanner \u2013 Austin\n\nLauren Duke - Cabot\n\nMadison Porter \u2013 West Memphis\n\nMadison Rivera \u2013 Cabot\n\nMariska Haddock - Cabot\n\nMary Rose Youngblood - Cabot\n\nMatthew Littell \u2013 Cabot\n\nPayton Flynn \u2013 Cabot\n\nRiley Parker \u2013 Monette\n\nTaniyah Bailey - Marion\n\nVincent Rodriguez \u2013 Lonoke\n\nWhitley Jadynn Hawkins \u2013 Monette\n\n2nd Congressional District\n\nAddison Glaze \u2013 Benton\n\nAlicia Guisbiers \u2013 Benton\n\nCaitlin Cooper \u2013 Romance\n\nChristian McGill - Mayflower\n\nDavid Ortiz \u2013 Maumelle\n\nElli Eaton \u2013 North Little Rock\n\nEmily Mays \u2013 Hot Springs\n\nEvelyn Marie \u2013 Ellis \u2013 Little Rock\n\nGabrielle Poole \u2013 Sherwood\n\nJenna Page \u2013 Redfield\n\nJohn Mackey Weber \u2013 Benton\n\nKartik Joshi \u2013 Little Rock\n\nLandon Queen \u2013 Little Rock\n\nMax Bergeron \u2013 Hensley\n\nRyan Belote \u2013 Little Rock\n\nSydney Bergeron \u2013 Hensley\n\n3rd Congressional District\n\nAlexander Byars \u2013 Barling\n\nCaden Andrew McDonald \u2013 Lavaca\n\nCadence Wewers \u2013 Bentonville\n\nClancey Wood - Rogers\n\nDean Deckinger \u2013 Springdale\n\nDrew Newton \u2013 Rogers\n\nIsaac Pohlmeier \u2013 Fayetteville\n\nJames Tanski \u2013 Springdale\n\nJosephine Patitz \u2013 Fayetteville\n\nJude Sabatini \u2013 Springdale\n\nJulia Owen \u2013 Lavaca\n\nKamaria Flake \u2013 Fayetteville\n\nLauren Powell \u2013 Lowell\n\nLauryn Thomas \u2013 Rogers\n\nLeah Katherine Drummonds \u2013 Rogers\n\nLillian Samuels \u2013 Huntsville\n\nMadison Bussell - Fayetteville\n\nMicaiah Gurel - Bentonville\n\nNivriti Deshpande - Bentonville\n\nOmar Ghalayini - Springdale\n\nPeyton Engelman \u2013 Rogers\n\nPhillip Mills \u2013 Rogers\n\nPrathami Panabakam \u2013 Rogers\n\nPrerana Kodakandla - Bentonville\n\nSamuel Baxton Myers \u2013 Springdale\n\nSrikar Chittemsetty \u2013 Centerton\n\nTyler James Stevens \u2013 Fort Smith\n\nVivi Garton \u2013 Fayetteville\n\nWarren Li \u2013 Bentonville\n\nWilliam Perry Bollinger \u2013 Bentonville\n\nZeke Surface - Gravette\n\n4th Congressional District\n\nAddison Thomas \u2013 Mena\n\nAllison Frazier \u2013 Russellville\n\nAlyndria Stinson \u2013 White Hall\n\nDrayton Makepeace \u2013 Clarksville\n\nElle James Hodges \u2013 Russellville\n\nEster Carranza \u2013 De Queen\n\nJack Krauss \u2013 Hot Springs\n\nJonathan Sykes \u2013 Dardanelle\n\nKaitlin Guthrie \u2013 Hot Springs\n\nKarabeth Wade \u2013 Russellville\n\nKiley Moss \u2013 Russellville\n\nLayton Cordell \u2013 Hot Springs\n\nMakenzie Funderburk \u2013 White Hall\n\nMarlevion Winston \u2013 Pine Bluff\n\nMianna Wood - Russellville\n\nNelson Orellana - Pearcy\n\nRylie Bentley \u2013 Mena\n\nSaad Alam \u2013 Ozark\n\nSamantha Duran - Dardanelle\n\nSherlyn Alcocer \u2013 Danville\n\nTessa Freeman - Russellville", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:43:12Z"], ["https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-retaliation-against-expendable-proxies-only-validates-iran", "Cotton: Retaliation Against Expendable Proxies Only Validates Iran", "2023-10-27", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "AR", "Tom Cotton", "C001095", "www.cotton.senate.gov", "cotton", "https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\n\nContact: Caroline Tabler or James Arnold (202) 224-2353\n\nOctober 27, 2023\n\nCotton: Retaliation Against Expendable Proxies Only Validates Iran\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) released the following statement after the U.S. conducted strikes on two facilities in eastern Syria used by Iran and its proxies. The strikes were in response to attacks on American forces in Iraq and Syria:\n\n\u201cRetaliation against expendable proxies\u2014especially unoccupied proxy warehouses\u2014merely validates Iran\u2019s strategy to use proxies to attack Americans. They are laughing at us in Tehran. Iran will continue to target Americans until President Biden gets serious about imposing severe costs on Iran.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:49:26Z"], ["https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=1674ACBB-C283-4263-94DD-78DD86E11036", "Anti-Childhood Hunger Organization Honors Boozman for Modernizing Summer Meals Program", "2023-10-26", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "AR", "John Boozman", "B001236", "www.boozman.senate.gov", "boozman", "https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014U.S. Senator John Boozman, ranking member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, was recognized today by a leading anti-childhood hunger advocacy organization for championing efforts to reach more children in need of nutrition assistance during the summer months.\n\nShare Our Strength\u2019s Dine for No Kid Hungry Advisory Board honored Boozman and Senate Agriculture Committee Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) for their work to modernize the outdated summer meals program. The two senators successfully included a provision in the last year\u2019s omnibus appropriations bill to help the program reach more food-insecure children, in both rural and urban communities, during the months when they are not in school. Their efforts amounted to the first substantial reform to the summer meals program in over sixty years\n\n\u201cSenator Boozman\u2019s leadership has been indispensable in the fight to end child hunger nationwide. Millions of children will now have access to meals when school is out thanks to his steadfast commitment to kids and to closing the summer meals gap,\u201d Anne Filipic, CEO, Share Our Strength said.\n\nBoozman and Stabenow speak at Share Our Strength\u2019s breakfast reception after receiving awards from the organization for their work to improve the summer meals program.\n\nThe change in the law secured by the senators increases the reach of the summer meals program beyond traditional congregate feeding sites by permanently allowing states to offer non-congregate meal options, such as grab-and-go or home delivery, and by authorizing a nationwide summer electronic benefit (EBT) program to eligible children.\n\n\u201cI was very proud to partner with Chairwoman Stabenow to help ensure our neediest children have access to nutritious meals in the summer. As a former public school board member, I know firsthand that proper nutrition is vital to a child\u2019s ability to learn,\u201d Boozman said. \u201cThe summer meals program was in desperate need of an update. I had long championed these commonsense modernizations, and I am very pleased that the non-congregate option and summer EBT are now a reality.\u201d\n\nBoozman, a co-chair of the Senate Hunger Caucus, had long sought to fill the gap children face when the school year ends. The reforms included in last year\u2019s omnibus appropriations bill were based largely on the Hunger-Free Summer for Kids Act, which Boozman authored and introduced during the 117th Congress, and many past Congresses.\n\nAlong with the summer meals reforms, the leaders of the Senate Agriculture Committee have joined together to address the infant formula crisis and ease the supply chain difficulties school meal professionals faced last year.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:43:12Z"], ["https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=3A7AE542-0C21-43E6-8CEA-FFA0B0AD0C81", "Boozman, Carper Lead Recycling Roundtable on Improving Textile Circularity", "2023-10-26", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "AR", "John Boozman", "B001236", "www.boozman.senate.gov", "boozman", "https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2014 U.S. Senators John Boozman (R-AR) and Tom Carper (D-DE), co-chairs of the Senate Recycling Caucus, held a roundtable discussion with stakeholders to explore ways to improve pathways for textile recycling, resale, repair and reuse in the United States.\n\nAttendees included U.S. Representative Chellie Pingree (D-ME), Dacie Meng, Policy and Institutions Senior Manager for North America at the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, Alon Rotem, Chief Legal Officer at thredUP, Randi Marshall, Head of Government and Public Affairs for the Americas at the H&M Group, Alex Schenck, Director of Public Policy for Environment and Sustainability at Walmart and Molly Hemstreet, Co-Executive Director of The Industrial Commons.\n\n\u201cHaving input from companies leading sustainable solutions and implementing new and innovative ways to reuse textiles is important to enhancing strategies for a more circular market,\u201d said Boozman. \u201cI look forward to working with my colleagues on the Senate Recycling Caucus and these stakeholders to turn ideas into policies to improve the industry and the environment.\u201d\n\n\u201cEvery second, a dump truck of textiles ends up in a landfill, and the fashion industry is responsible for nearly ten percent of all global greenhouse gas emissions \u2014 more than the aviation sector and maritime shipping combined,\u201d said Carper. \u201cAddressing the challenges of reducing textile waste requires private and public entities to work together, and that\u2019s exactly what we are doing. Our roundtable discussion shed light on opportunities to improve textile recycling, and I thank Senator Boozman, Congresswoman Pingree and all of our stakeholders for their participation.\u201d\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nAccording to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), an estimated 14.7 percent of discarded clothing and textile products are collected for reuse and recycling annually. The United States has some infrastructure to collect, sort, grade, and recycle textile products; however, the majority of the nearly 15 percent of articles collected in the United States are sold to low-income regions around the world for resale. Only one percent of textile waste collected for new end markets goes to fiber-to-fiber recycling. This represents not only a loss of economically valuable material but also has negative social and environmental impacts.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:43:12Z"], ["https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-crawford-statement-on-house-electing-speaker", "Rep. Crawford Statement on House Electing Speaker", "2023-10-25", "2023", "2023-10", "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 Electing Speaker\n\n10/25/2023\n\nWashington \u2014 Congressman Rick Crawford (AR-01) released the following statement upon Rep. Mike Johnson (LA-04) winning the election for House Speaker.\n\n\"I was pleased to join my colleagues today in electing Mike Johnson as Speaker of the House of Representatives so that we can resume work on addressing the illegal immigration crisis at our southern border, a looming government shutdown in November, and the troubling destabilization in the Middle East that is unfolding following the brutal terrorist attacks against Israel. Solving these difficult problems will require far greater unity in Congress than we have seen recently. But unity is one of our national founding principles and the strength of our nation, indeed, any nation, rests upon this principle.\"\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:49:26Z"], ["https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/westerman-cosponsors-21st-century-dyslexia-act", "WESTERMAN COSPONSORS 21st CENTURY DYSLEXIA ACT", "2023-10-25", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "House", "AR", "Bruce Westerman", "W000821", "westerman.house.gov", "westerman", "https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Reps. Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.), Julia Brownley (D-Calif) and Erin Houchin (R-Ind.) introduced the 21st Century Dyslexia Act. This legislation works to incorporate the modern, scientific understanding of dyslexia into federal statute and prevent the harm unidentified dyslexia can inflict on young students.\n\n\u201cFor far too long, students with dyslexia have faced a mountain of obstacles to learn in a way that\u2019s best suited to them,\u201d Westerman said. \u201cEducators weren\u2019t properly trained and parents often felt powerless to help their children who struggled with dyslexia. I\u2019ve been honored to meet many of these students and parents during my time as the co-chair of the Congressional Dyslexia Caucus, and I know that their futures are bright when we equip them with the tools they need for success. I\u2019m proud to once again lead this important legislation alongside Congresswoman Houchin and Dyslexia Caucus Co-Chair Brownley, and I hope it serves as a roadmap for raising dyslexia awareness and giving schools across the country the right resources to educate the next generation.\u201d\n\n\u201cI\u2019ve been continually disappointed in how students with Dyslexia are left to fend for themselves in our education system,\u201d Houchin said. \u201cI remember the years of sleepless nights and wrong information that delayed my own son\u2019s diagnosis, and ultimately delayed his ability to receive appropriate accommodations. Our family\u2019s story isn\u2019t unique, which is why the 21st Century Dyslexia Act is necessary.\u201d\n\n\u201cStudents with dyslexia face unique challenges and should have access to the resources and supportive learning environments they need to live up to their fullest potential,\u201d said Brownley. \u201cBy reclassifying dyslexia as its own category within the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, this legislation raises the much-needed awareness of the most common learning disability among American students and provides the proper accommodations and services for these students. As the mother of a child who struggled with dyslexia when she was in school, I know the importance of this issue all too well. That is why I am committed to continuing to work with my colleagues of the Congressional Dyslexia Caucus to ensure that all individuals living with dyslexia can thrive and succeed.\u201d\n\nU.S. Sens. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) and John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.) introduced the companion legislation in the U.S. Senate.\n\n\u201cWe know how to teach a student with dyslexia and help them reach their full potential,\u201d Cassidy said. \u201cUnfortunately, a student is often not screened for dyslexia until after they have already fallen behind, if at all. This legislation brings a 21st century approach to dyslexia based on science that allows children with dyslexia to achieve their God given potential.\u201d\n\nBackground\n\nCurrently, dyslexia is included as one of many neurocognitive differences under \u201cSpecific Learning Disabilities\u201d (SLD) in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Despite dyslexia being the most prevalent neurocognitive difference within SLD, students are rarely tested. This prevents them from getting the services and accommodations necessary to assist dyslexic students learning to read. When children are not identified with dyslexia, evidence shows lifelong harm can occur, including lower career wages, reduced graduation rates, and increased rates of incarceration.\n\nThis legislation helps students by pulling dyslexia out of the overly broad definition of SLD and including it in the list of disabilities that define a \u201cchild with a disability,\u201d thus classifying dyslexia as its own category within IDEA.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:49:26Z"], ["https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/westerman-introduces-bipartisan-resolution-recognize-october-national", "WESTERMAN INTRODUCES BIPARTISAN RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE OCTOBER AS NATIONAL DYSLEXIA AWARENESS MONTH", "2023-10-25", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "House", "AR", "Bruce Westerman", "W000821", "westerman.house.gov", "westerman", "https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Reps. Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.), Julia Brownley (D-Calif.) and Erin Houchin (R-Ind.) introduced a resolution recognizing October 2023 as National Dyslexia Awareness Month. Alongside this resolution, Westerman also joined Reps. Houchin and Brownley to introduce the 21st Century Dyslexia Act, legislation that works to incorporate the modern, scientific understanding of dyslexia into federal statute and prevent the harm unidentified dyslexia can inflict on young students.\n\n\u201cMillions of students have faced social stigmas and learning challenges due to dyslexia for far too long,\u201d Westerman said. \u201cThis important resolution brings congressional awareness to a critical issue and urges support for proper resources so that students impacted by dyslexia can learn and succeed. No student should be held back from success simply because they learn differently. I am honored to support this resolution, and I want to thank Senator Cassidy and my fellow Dyslexia Caucus Co-Chair, Representative Brownley, for making it a bicameral and bipartisan issue.\u201d\n\n\u201cI began my career in public service to ensure that individuals with dyslexia, like my daughter, would have the resources and learning environments to live up to their fullest potential,\u201d Brownley said. \u201cIn recognizing October as Dyslexia Awareness Month, we are bringing much needed attention to the challenges people with dyslexia face and, more importantly, reaffirming the support they need to thrive. As Co-Chair of the Congressional Dyslexia Caucus, I am committed to continuing to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to raise awareness and help all those with dyslexia to succeed.\u201d\n\n\u201cDyslexia is the most common learning disability, but it often goes unnoticed or misdiagnosed for years,\u201d Houchin said. \u201cI know this firsthand as my own son struggled in school without answers. It\u2019s our job to provide tools to help identify dyslexia and to show students that their dyslexia diagnosis is impacted by their accommodations, not their intelligence. As I work to address dyslexia and other literacy related issues on the Education and Workforce Committee, I\u2019m proud to introduce a resolution to mark October as National Dyslexia Awareness Month and continue working towards legislative solutions.\u201d\n\nU.S. Sens. John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Angus King (I-Maine), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.V.) and Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) introduced the companion resolution in the U.S. Senate.\n\n\u201cDyslexia doesn\u2019t affect intelligence, but impacts an individual\u2019s ability to read,\u201d Cassidy said. \u201cResearch shows it impacts 1 in 5 Americans. This National Dyslexia Awareness Month, we work to educate the nation on dyslexia, and ensure these bright children have the resources to achieve their dreams just like any other student.\u201d\n\nBackground:\n\nDespite the prevalence of dyslexia, students are rarely tested. This prevents them from getting the services and accommodations necessary to assist dyslexic students learning to read. When children are not identified with dyslexia, evidence shows lifelong harm can occur, including lower career wages, reduced graduation rates, and even increased rates of incarceration.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:49:26Z"], ["https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=FA13C74A-9BC4-4480-91C0-7851DC209DFD", "Boozman Joins Westerman & Colleagues in Introducing Resolution Recognizing October as National Dyslexia Awareness Month", "2023-10-25", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "AR", "John Boozman", "B001236", "www.boozman.senate.gov", "boozman", "https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) joined Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), ranking member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee in introducing a U.S. Senate resolution recognizing October 2023 as National Dyslexia Awareness Month. A companion resolution was introduced in the House of Representatives by Congressman Bruce Westerman (R-AR).\n\n\u201cEarly detection and treatment of dyslexia is important to ensuring students have the resources they need to succeed. I\u2019m proud to cosponsor this resolution raising awareness about dyslexia so we can help young learners overcome the challenges they experience as a result of this learning disability,\u201dsaid Boozman.\n\n\u201cDyslexia doesn\u2019t affect intelligence but impacts an individual\u2019s ability to read. Research shows it impacts 1 in 5 Americans,\u201d said Cassidy. \u201cThis National Dyslexia Awareness Month, we work to educate the nation on dyslexia and ensure these bright children have the resources to achieve their dreams just like any other student.\u201d\n\nThe Senate resolution was also cosponsored by Senators Angus King (I-ME), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Chris Murphy (D-CT), John Hickenlooper (D-CO) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA).\n\n\u201cMillions of students have faced social stigmas and learning challenges due to dyslexia for far too long,\u201d said Westerman. \u201cThis important resolution brings congressional awareness to a critical issue and urges support for proper resources so that students impacted by dyslexia can learn and succeed. No student should be held back from success simply because they learn differently. I am honored to support this resolution, and I want to thank Senator Cassidy and my fellow Dyslexia Caucus Co-Chair, Representative Brownley, for making it a bicameral and bipartisan issue.\u201d\n\nDespite the prevalence of dyslexia, students are rarely tested. This prevents them from getting the services and accommodations necessary to assist dyslexic students learning to read. When children are not identified with dyslexia, evidence shows lifelong harm can occur, including lower career wages, reduced graduation rates, and even increased rates of incarceration.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:43:12Z"], ["https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-statement-on-40th-anniversary-of-beirut-bombing", "Cotton Statement on 40th Anniversary of Beirut Bombing", "2023-10-23", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "AR", "Tom Cotton", "C001095", "www.cotton.senate.gov", "cotton", "https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\n\nContact: Caroline Tabler or James Arnold (202) 224-2353\n\nOctober 23, 2023\n\nCotton Statement on 40th Anniversary of Beirut Bombing\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) released the following statement on the 40th anniversary of the terrorist attack on the Marine barracks in Beirut, Lebanon, which claimed the lives of 241 American service members:\n\n\u201c40 years ago, Iran\u2019s terrorist proxy Hezbollah launched an attack against American troops. It was the deadliest day for U.S. Marines since Iwo Jima. Today is a reminder to not only honor those troops who paid the ultimate sacrifice for America, but to never forget that there are forces which will harm and kill Americans at any opportunity.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:49:26Z"], ["https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=7E7A2468-5AD7-4546-B0FA-3F15778412D6", "Boozman Fights Radical Electric Vehicle Mandate", "2023-10-20", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "AR", "John Boozman", "B001236", "www.boozman.senate.gov", "boozman", "https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) joined Senators Mike Crapo (R-ID) and Pete Ricketts (R-NE) in introducing the Choice in Automobile Retail Sales (CARS) Act to counter the Biden administration\u2019s radical environmental agenda and executive overreach by preventing the implementation of a proposed rule and other regulations that seek to limit consumer vehicle choice.\n\nOn April 12, 2023, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a draft rule titled \u201cMulti-Pollutant Emissions Standards for Model Year 2027 and Later Light-Duty and Medium-Duty Vehicles,\u201d which sets stringent emissions standards for criteria pollutants and greenhouse gasses for certain vehicles. This measure is the most aggressive tailpipe emissions proposal ever crafted and a de facto mandate for mass production of electric vehicles (EVs). The EPA has projected that, if finalized, over two-thirds of all new vehicles could be electric by 2032.\n\n\u201cArkansans are paying more for food, energy and every day essentials. These new restrictions add fuel to the fire and will drive the cost of vehicles even higher. The CARS Act will rein in this overreaching policy and protect affordability and consumer choice,\u201d said Boozman.\n\n\u201cOnce again, the Biden administration\u2019s rule-making process is being used to push a radical green agenda and pick winners and losers,\u201d said Crapo. \u201cAmericans deserve to have access to affordable, reliable vehicles fueled by American-made energy products. However, the Biden EPA\u2019s rule change would hurt everyday Americans while simultaneously helping China. Consequences of rules and regulations such as these restrict consumer choice and raise costs for the average American family.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe EPA cannot continue to pick winners and losers,\u201d said Ricketts. \u201cThis legislation ensures the Biden administration can\u2019t prioritize their radical left agenda over affordable and reliable internal combustion engines. I\u2019ll always fight to protect Nebraskans\u2019 ability to choose what is best for them and their families.\u201d\n\nThe legislation was also cosponsored by Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Joe Manchin (D-WV), Jim Risch (R-ID), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Katie Britt (R-AL), Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-KS), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Rick Scott (R-FL), Ted Budd (R-NC), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), Mike Lee (R-UT), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Roger Wicker (R-MS), John Barrasso (R-WY), Steve Daines (R-MT), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Tom Cotton (R-AR), Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), John Kennedy (R-LA), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Tim Scott (R-SC), John Hoeven (R-ND), Mike Braun (R-IN) and Ted Cruz (R-TX).\n\nThe average price of an EV is over $17,000 more than the average price of a gas-powered vehicle, according to data from Kelley Blue Book. The administration\u2019s continued push for EVs threatens to hurt everyday Americans and costs auto workers their jobs while simultaneously helping China, given that China continues to dominate the EV supply chain.\n\nThe Choice in Automobile Retail Sales (CARS) Act:\n\nWould prohibit the EPA from finalizing, implementing or enforcing its proposed emissions rule;\n\nWould prohibit the use of authority under the Clean Air Act to issue regulations that mandate the use of any specific technology or that limit the availability of new motor vehicles based on that vehicle\u2019s engine type. This includes any regulation prescribed on or after January 1, 2021;\n\nWould require the EPA to update any regulations since January 1, 2021, that result in the limited availability of new vehicles based on that vehicle\u2019s engine within two years; and\n\nWould end the EPA\u2019s radical agenda, which is driving up costs for people and handing the keys of America\u2019s auto industry to China.\n\nThe bill is supported by the American Petroleum Institute, American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers, National Propane Gas Association, National Association of Convenience Stores, National Association of Truck Stop Operators, SIGMA: America\u2019s Leading Fuel Marketers, Idaho Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Store Association, Energy Marketers of America, American Exploration and Production Council, American Energy Alliance, Western Energy Alliance, National Taxpayers Union, National Association of Small Trucking Companies, Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, Idaho Farm Bureau, American Farm Bureau, National Corn Growers Association, National Automobile Dealers Association, Idaho Automobile Dealers Association, Texas Automobile Dealers Association, Montana Automobile Dealers Association, Specialty Equipment Market Association, Heritage Action and Americans for Prosperity.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:43:12Z"], ["https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=805BED94-F731-4EA0-B0B6-80774FF6CA85", "Boozman, Colleagues Urge Biden to Do Everything in His Power to Rescue American Hostages", "2023-10-20", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "AR", "John Boozman", "B001236", "www.boozman.senate.gov", "boozman", "https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) joined Senators Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Cory Booker (D-NJ), co-chairs of the Abraham Accords Caucus, in urging President Biden to continue putting his full attention on freeing American hostages who were taken by Hamas during the terrorist organization\u2019s October 7th attacks on Israel and supporting Israel\u2019s efforts to dismantle the threat of Hamas.\n\nIn the letter, the lawmakers wrote: \u201cWe appreciate that you have sent the U.S. Deputy Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs to Israel to assist in the recovery of the hostages, and we urge you to do everything in your power to secure their safe release.\n\n\u201cHamas has already killed 30 Americans and likely injured many more\u2026The terrorists responsible for these atrocities hide behind human shields while they threaten to livestream the execution of hostages. Hamas has also reportedly demanded the mass release of prisoners in exchange for freeing its hostages and could use the hostages to push for a ceasefire. With several U.S. citizens still missing in the aftermath of the terror group\u2019s brutal attack, we urge you to continue putting your full attention on the freeing of American hostages. Every day must be treated with a sense of urgency.\n\n\u201cAs a result, we urge the United States to continue supporting Israel\u2019s urgent efforts to dismantle the threat of Hamas, provide the necessary resources for Israel\u2019s defense, and continue offering whatever support necessary to immediately and safely rescue kidnapped Americans, with particular attention to those who require urgent medical care.\n\n\u201cWe urge you to encourage our allies and partners in the region to place pressure on Hamas to allow the International Committee of the Red Cross to have access to the hostages while the United States and Israel work to secure their release.\u201d\n\nThe letter was also signed by Senators Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Katie Britt (R-AL), John Barrasso (R-WY), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), Rick Scott (R-FL), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Bob Casey (D-PA), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Chris Coons (D-DE), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Jon Tester (D-MT), Tina Smith (D-MN), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Bill Hagerty (R-TN), John Hoeven (R-ND), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Steve Daines (R-MT), Jim Risch (R-ID), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), John Cornyn (R-TX), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), James Lankford (R-OK), Mark Warner (D-VA), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Ted Budd (R-NC) and Representatives Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) and Darrell Issa (R-CA).", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:43:12Z"], ["https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-biden-supplemental-spending-proposal-is-dead-on-arrival", "Cotton: Biden Supplemental Spending Proposal is Dead on Arrival", "2023-10-20", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "AR", "Tom Cotton", "C001095", "www.cotton.senate.gov", "cotton", "https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\n\nContact: Caroline Tabler or James Arnold (202) 224-2353\n\nOctober 20, 2023\n\nCotton: Biden Supplemental Spending Proposal is Dead on Arrival\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) released the following statement after President Biden released his proposed supplemental spending bill:\n\n\u201cPresident Biden\u2019s slush fund proposal is dead on arrival, just like his budgets. We will not spend, for example, $3.5 billion to address the \u2018potential needs of Gazans,\u2019 essentially functioning as a resupply line for Hamas terrorists.\n\n\u201cWe will also not spend $11.8 billion to fund the Ukrainian government\u2019s own non-war spending, such as funding retirement pensions for Ukrainian government employees. Nor will we spend $4.7 billion for housing, transportation, and \u2018services\u2019 for illegal aliens in the United States rather than deporting them.\n\n\u201cThe Biden proposal is going nowhere, and Senate Republicans will take the lead on crafting a funding bill that protects Americans and their interests.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:49:26Z"], ["https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-to-blinken-what-are-state-dept-plans-to-protect-americans-abroad", "Cotton to Blinken: What Are State Dept. Plans to Protect Americans Abroad?", "2023-10-20", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "AR", "Tom Cotton", "C001095", "www.cotton.senate.gov", "cotton", "https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\n\nContact: Caroline Tabler or James Arnold (202) 224-2353\n\nOctober 20, 2023\n\nCotton to Blinken: What Are State Dept. Plans to Protect Americans Abroad?\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today sent a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken and requested a classified briefing on the State Department\u2019s planning to ensure the safety of Americans who might be in areas where conflict will escalate.\n\nFull text of the letter may be found here and below.\n\nOctober 20, 2023\n\nThe Honorable Antony Blinken\n\nSecretary\n\nU.S. Department of State\n\n2201 C Street, N.W.\n\nWashington, D.C. 20520\n\nDear Secretary Blinken,\n\nYesterday, the State Department issued a notice for United States citizens in the Middle East, recommending \u201cworldwide caution\u201d and planning due to \u201cincreased tensions in various locations around the world, [and] the potential for terrorist attacks, demonstrations or violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests.\u201d Ensuring the safety and security of Americans abroad is a critical duty of the United States government. Accordingly, please provide Congress with a classified briefing as soon as practicable, but in any event not later than Thursday, October 26, on the State Department\u2019s planning to support and, if needed, rapidly evacuate Americans from areas where conflict might escalate.\n\nThank you for your prompt attention to this important matter.\n\nSincerely,\n\n_________________\n\nTom Cotton\n\nUnited States Senator\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:49:26Z"], ["https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=A50979C0-CB15-44A1-A59D-118F9987C608", "Arkansas Organization Nominated by Boozman Selected as National Angels in Adoption Honoree", "2023-10-19", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "AR", "John Boozman", "B001236", "www.boozman.senate.gov", "boozman", "https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) recognized Arkansas True Vision Children\u2019s Homes as a 2023 Angels in Adoption honoree for the organization\u2019s tireless commitment to helping foster children and promoting adoption in Arkansas.\n\nArkansas True Vision Children\u2019s Homes operates facilities in the state to address a variety of critical needs \u2013 helping children in dire situations, supporting foster children who need special care, and keeping sibling groups together. Across its facilities, the nonprofit organization supports 40-50 kids per day and is a licensed service provider for the Arkansas Department of Children and Family Services.\n\n\u201cEvery child deserves love and support, and Arkansas True Vision continues working tirelessly to provide better outcomes for children in foster care. I am grateful for the tremendous work of this organization, its leadership and the direct care staff who are dedicated to creating a brighter future for so many Natural State children,\u201d Boozman said.\n\nBoozman also submitted a statement to the Congressional Record celebrating True Vision\u2019s advocacy.\n\nIn addition to its mission of caring for kids in emergencies and long-term foster care, True Vision has also assisted in 60 adoptions since 2015. The organization currently has three locations:\n\nThe Young Children\u2019s Home in Fort Smith where three special houses provide foster care for sibling groups on a neighborhood-style campus.\n\nThe Maggie House in Charleston provides long-term residential care to foster children, many with complex cases.\n\nThe Florence Crittenton Home in Little Rock with a residential group home providing emergency shelter services and long-term residential care for children and adolescents in need of a safe and secure environment.\n\nThe Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute (CCAI) coordinates the Angels in Adoption program and raises awareness about the tens of thousands of orphans and foster children in the United States and the millions of orphans around the world in need of permanent homes.\n\n\u201cCCAI is proud to work alongside the Adoption Caucus over the past 25 years on the annual Angels in Adoption\u00ae Program to recognize the extraordinary work and impact of our Angel honorees towards a world in which every child knows the love and support of a permanent family,\u201d said CCAI\u2019s Executive Director, Kate McLean. \u201cOur Angels are adoptees, former foster youth, foster parents, adoptive parents, judges, social workers, scholars, lawyers, volunteers, nonprofit leaders, and fierce advocates \u2013 all champions in their communities across the United States. CCAI is honored to help give a platform to these champions on Capitol Hill.\u201d\n\nBoozman annually nominates an Arkansan or Arkansas organization that is making an extraordinary contribution on behalf of children in need of safe and loving homes as an Angel in Adoption.\n\nSenator Boozman celebrates Arkansas True Vision Children\u2019s Homes Angels in Adoption honor with executive administrator Bob Moody and his wife Mona.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:43:12Z"], ["https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-collapse-of-iran-sanctions-undermines-biden-visit-to-israel", "Cotton: Collapse of Iran Sanctions Undermines Biden Visit to Israel", "2023-10-18", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "AR", "Tom Cotton", "C001095", "www.cotton.senate.gov", "cotton", "https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\n\nContact: Caroline Tabler orJames Arnold (202) 224-2353\n\nOctober 18, 2023\n\nCotton: Collapse of Iran Sanctions Undermines Biden Visit to Israel\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) released the following statement after sanctions on Iran\u2019s missile program expired. The sanctions were imposed in 2015 and were designed to limit Iran\u2019s ability to buy and sell ballistic missiles and missile technology:\n\n\u201cPresident Biden\u2019s visit to Israel today coincides with the expiration of multilateral sanctions on Iran\u2019s missile program under the failed Iran nuclear deal. This dangerous mistake, along with continued concessions like paying the $6 billion hostage ransom, emboldens Iran at the expense of American and Israeli security. Actions speak louder than words.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:49:26Z"], ["https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=7017EC34-BB67-4D74-98D0-87061DA1F9FE", "Boozman Challenges EPA Restrictions", "2023-10-17", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "AR", "John Boozman", "B001236", "www.boozman.senate.gov", "boozman", "https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2013 U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) joined Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS) in challenging Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) efforts to restrict the use of rodenticides, claiming the proposed mitigation measures could endanger the nation\u2019s food supply, public health, and property.\n\nIn a letter to EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan, the Senators encouraged him to work with rodenticide producers and users to develop science-based policies that would allow continued use of 11 rodent control products. In November 2022, the EPA proposed mitigation measures for rodenticides.\n\n\u201cAny new measures should be based on sound science and must recognize the significant benefits that the products provide,\u201d the Senators wrote Regan.\n\n\u201cThe proposed mitigation measures would place severe restrictions on the use of rodenticides, hampering the ability of growers, consumers, pest control operators, restaurants, other food handling establishments, schools, health care facilities, and businesses to control rats, mice, and other rodents,\u201d the Senators continued. \u201cThey would also complicate compliance with food safety regulations that require rodent control. Rather than protecting the environment, limiting access to vital rodenticides would harm the American food supply, public health, animal health and welfare, and infrastructure.\u201d\n\nThe Senators\u2019 concerns about the proposed mitigation measures are based on the fact they would, among other things: classify most of the products as restricted use pesticides; require that users become licensed, state-certified applicators; prohibit current surface (non-bait station) application methods used to protect many crops; and require growers to conduct carcass searches for two weeks after application.\n\nRodents are responsible for millions of dollars in damages to field crops, stored grain, and farm equipment annually, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The pest can also spread over 60 diseases to humans, companion animals, and livestock.\n\nIn addition to Boozman and Hyde-Smith, the letter was signed by Senators John Barrasso (R-WY), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Ted Budd (R-NC), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Bill Hagerty (R-TN), James Risch (R-ID), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Katie Britt (R-AL), Deb Fischer (R-NE), James Lankford (R-OK), Joni Ernst (R-IA), John Thune (R-SD), and Roger Wicker (R-MS).", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:43:12Z"], ["https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=3871C33F-96C8-4BFC-82EC-EA1E310FE0C2", "On World Food Day Boozman Reaffirms U.S. Commitment to Fighting Food Insecurity", "2023-10-16", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "AR", "John Boozman", "B001236", "www.boozman.senate.gov", "boozman", "https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR), a leader in efforts to combat hunger in the United States and across the world, joined Senators Chris Coons (D-DE), Jerry Moran (R-KS) and Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) to introduce a resolution designating October 16, 2023 and 2024 World Food Day and recommitting to fighting hunger in the face of rising food insecurity around the world.\n\nIn 2022, an estimated 783 million people across the world experienced hunger. Of that 783 million, 2.3 million were severely food insecure Americans. The World Food Day resolution recognizes the important role that the United States plays in combating hunger worldwide and promotes further action to help people suffering from hunger and malnutrition.\n\n\u201cMalnutrition and food insecurity impact millions in the United States and around the world, representing not only a threat to individuals but also to global stability when weaponized, as Russian President Vladimir Putin has amid an unjustified, brutal war against Ukraine,\u201d saidBoozman. \u201cAmerica\u2019s farmers and ranchers, as well as countless humanitarian organizations, work incredibly hard to close the gap and make our international leadership in combating hunger possible. World Food Day serves as a reminder to us and our allies that we must be united in this cause and double down on efforts to make our food supply more resilient and robust.\u201d\n\n\u201cAt a time when climate change, conflict, and economic volatility affect food systems globally, it is crucial that the United States reaffirms our commitment to fighting food insecurity,\u201d said Coons. \u201cIn addition to providing lifesaving food assistance, we must also work to build a more resilient, sustainable, and inclusive global agri-food system that protects vulnerable people at home and abroad.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe most fundamental human need we can meet is providing food for the hungry,\u201d said Moran. \u201cThe war in Ukraine highlighted the ongoing global hunger crisis and reinvigorated our responsibility to provide greater food security both at home and around the world. The call to feed the world has been answered by many Kansans, who are taught at a young age that it is our duty to help those in need. As the Co-Chair of the Senate Hunger Caucus, I believe that combating hunger is not only the morally right thing to do; it is also the smart thing to do both for Kansas producers and for global security.\"\n\n\u201cIt is unacceptable that anyone should experience hunger,\u201d said Stabenow. \u201cThe climate crisis, armed conflicts, and the residual economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have increased the urgency to address the hunger crisis that has touched so many families worldwide. Now more than ever, it is imperative that we continue to invest in resilient and sustainable food systems.\u201d\n\nU.S. Representatives Chellie Pingree (D-ME), Mar\u00eda Elvira Salazar (R-FL), and Jim McGovern (D-MA) introduced a companion resolution in the House of Representatives.\n\nAs Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, Boozman has authored and advanced policies to strengthen food security including legislation to providing funding and flexibility for children to access healthy meals year-round. Boozman also serves as co-chair of the Senate Hunger Caucus. He has been recognized for his leadership to combat hunger as the recipient of the Congressional Hunger Center\u2019s Bill Emerson & Mickey Leland Hunger Leadership Award.\n\nEach year, the United States joins more than 130 countries and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in celebrating World Food Day to promote global awareness and action for all who suffer from malnutrition. This year\u2019s World Food Day theme is \u201cWater is Life, Water is Food. Leave No One Behind.\u201d World Food Day also commemorates the founding of the FAO.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:43:12Z"], ["https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-to-mayorkas-deport-any-foreign-national-supporting-hamas", "Cotton to Mayorkas: Deport Any Foreign National Supporting Hamas", "2023-10-16", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "AR", "Tom Cotton", "C001095", "www.cotton.senate.gov", "cotton", "https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\n\nContact: Caroline Tabler or James Arnold (202) 224-2353\n\nOctober 16, 2023\n\nCotton to Mayorkas: Deport Any Foreign National Supporting Hamas\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today sent a letter to Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas, urging him to deport any foreign national who has expressed support for Hamas. According to the Immigration and Nationality Act, any foreign national who endorses or espouses terrorist activity should be deported.\n\nIn part, Senator Cotton wrote:\n\n\u201cThe appalling explosion of anti-Semitism in the United States over the past few weeks should disturb anyone who shares American values. While American citizens may have a First Amendment right to speak disgusting vitriol if they so choose, no foreign national has a right to advocate for terrorism in the United States.\u201d\n\nFull text of the letter may be found here and below.\n\nOctober 16, 2023\n\nThe Honorable Alejandro Mayorkas\n\nSecretary\n\nDepartment of Homeland Security\n\nWashington, D.C. 20528\n\nDear Secretary Mayorkas,\n\nI write to urge you to immediately deport any foreign national\u2014including and especially any alien on a student visa\u2014that has expressed support for Hamas and its murderous attacks on Israel. These fifth-columnists have no place in the United States.\n\nFederal law is clear that any alien who \u201cendorses or espouses terrorist activity or persuades others to endorse or espouse terrorist activity or support a terrorist organization\u201d is inadmissible and must be deported. Swiftly removing and permanently barring from future reentry any foreign student who signed onto or shared approvingly the anti-Semitic letter from the Harvard Palestine Solidarity Committee on October 7 would be a good place to start.\n\nThe appalling explosion of anti-Semitism in the United States over the past few weeks should disturb anyone who shares American values. While American citizens may have a First Amendment right to speak disgusting vitriol if they so choose, no foreign national has a right to advocate for terrorism in the United States.\n\nThank you for your prompt attention to this important matter.\n\nSincerely,\n\n______________\n\nTom Cotton\n\nUnited States Senator\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:49:26Z"], ["https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-to-biden-austin-authorize-special-forces-to-rescue-american-hostages", "Cotton to Biden, Austin: Authorize Special Forces to Rescue American Hostages", "2023-10-12", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "AR", "Tom Cotton", "C001095", "www.cotton.senate.gov", "cotton", "https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\n\nContact: Caroline Tabler or James Arnold (202) 224-2353\n\nOctober 12, 2023\n\nCotton to Biden, Austin: Authorize Special Forces to Rescue American Hostages\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today sent a letter to President Joe Biden and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, urging them to authorize U.S. special operations forces to rescue the Americans held hostage by Hamas. The letter notes that National Security Council Spokesman John Kirby has said there are at least 14 American citizens unaccounted for after Hamas attacked Israel last weekend.\n\nIn part, Senator Cotton wrote:\n\n\u201cWe have a duty to act, including with the use of force if necessary to save our fellow Americans. Now is the time for bold and audacious action, not timid half measures or bureaucratic constraints. I\u2019m confident the American people will support its government in all actions necessary to rescue these Americans from the savages in Gaza.\u201d\n\nFull text of the letter may be found here and below.\n\nOctober 12, 2023\n\nPresident Joseph R. Biden\n\nThe White House\n\n1600 Pennsylvania Ave, N.W.\n\nWashington, DC 20500\n\nSecretary Lloyd J. Austin\n\nDepartment of Defense\n\n1000 Defense Pentagon\n\nWashington, DC 22202\n\nDear Mr. President and Secretary Austin,\n\nNational Security Council spokesman John Kirby said today that at least 14 American citizens are unaccounted for after Hamas attacked Israel last weekend. Some of these missing Americans are presumed to be hostages of the Hamas terrorists.\n\nThe United States has special-operations forces specially trained in hostage rescue, and these forces are already in Israel to assist with intelligence and planning efforts. I urge you to use these elite warriors in a hands-on role to rescue the American hostages. Nothing can be taken for chance. Israel is our closest partner, but the safety of American citizens is the responsibility of the United States government.\n\nWe have a duty to act, including with the use of force if necessary to save our fellow Americans. Now is the time for bold and audacious action, not timid half measures or bureaucratic constraints. I\u2019m confident the American people will support its government in all actions necessary to rescue these Americans from the savages in Gaza.\n\nSincerely,\n\n_____________________\n\nTom Cotton\n\nUnited States Senator\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:49:26Z"], ["https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/westerman-we-need-plan-more-person", "WESTERMAN: WE NEED A PLAN MORE THAN A PERSON", "2023-10-11", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "House", "AR", "Bruce Westerman", "W000821", "westerman.house.gov", "westerman", "https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON - Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04) released the following statement:\n\n\"Without a strategic plan to govern moving forward to get our country back on track, it won't matter who the Speaker is. The U.S. House is at a serious inflection point, and our actions this week will have massive implications forthe future of our nation. Inflation is crippling hardworking Americans, thousands of pounds of fentanyl and millions of illegal immigrants are flowing over our southern border, and one of our closest allies needs our support as they face a historically gruesome war. The reality is that regardless of who the Speaker is, without 218 Republican votes, there's very little that we can do.\n\n\"For the sake of our country, no matter how challenging, we must stay unified. If we don't, the situation we are in could result in a shift of power to the Democrats in the form of a coalition government, debilitating Republicans\u2019 modest ability to direct our nation toward fiscal sanity.\n\n\"My message is simple: we need a plan more than a person. I'm committed to working with my colleagues to realistically assess where we are, and developing a strategic plan to get our country back on the right track. I've had conversations with many other members about a plan that would set forth an agreed upon approach to the major decisions facing us, one that would give the Speaker a roadmap to follow and provide a basis for accountability moving forward. Once we unify behind a plan, we can unify behind the best person to execute it.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:49:26Z"], ["https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-and-mcconnell-to-introduce-legislation-to-freeze-6-billion-payment-to-iran-immediately", "Cotton and McConnell to Introduce Legislation to Freeze $6 Billion Payment to Iran Immediately", "2023-10-11", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "AR", "Tom Cotton", "C001095", "www.cotton.senate.gov", "cotton", "https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\n\nContact: Caroline Tabler or James Arnold (202) 224-2353\n\nOctober 11, 2023\n\nCotton and McConnell to Introduce Legislation to Freeze $6 Billion Payment to Iran Immediately\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) and Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky) today announced they will introduce and seek unanimous consent to pass legislation to block Iran from accessing the $6 billion in funds that the Biden administration released in August.\n\n\u201cIran is the world\u2019s worst state sponsor of terrorism. In addition to funding Hamas\u2019s devastating terrorist attacks against Israel, the regime\u2019s proxies have attacked dozens of American targets in the region in recent years. The Biden administration\u2019s decision to let Iran access the $6 billion immediately freed up other money for the regime to fund its attacks in Israel. The Biden administration should immediately re-freeze the funds,\u201d said Senator Cotton.\n\n\u201cThe path of resources, training, and lethal weapons from Tehran to terrorists throughout the Middle East is crystal clear. On Saturday, it enabled cold-blooded killers like Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad to perpetrate the deadliest day of violence against Jews in decades,\u201d said Leader McConnell. \u201cThe civilized world must re-impose serious consequences on the regime that aids and abets murderous evil against innocent Israelis. The United States must lead that effort by our example, and freezing Iranian assets is an important first step.\u201d\n\nText of the bill may be found here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:49:26Z"], ["https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-statement-on-israel", "Cotton Statement on Israel", "2023-10-07", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "AR", "Tom Cotton", "C001095", "www.cotton.senate.gov", "cotton", "https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\n\nContact: Caroline Tabler or James Arnold (202) 224-2353\n\nOctober 7, 2023\n\nCotton Statement on Israel\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) released the following statement after Hamas terrorists launched attacks against Israel:\n\n\u201cI join Arkansans in condemning the brazen attack on Israel by Iran\u2019s proxy, Hamas. This war is a transparent attempt by Iran to derail the peace talks between Israel and Saudi Arabia. The United States should provide Israel the military and diplomatic support it needs to destroy Hamas. And the Biden administration should cease all engagement with Iran.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:49:26Z"], ["https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=40FC40ED-AB93-4F54-9105-E6BC8B6FFA09", "Boozman, Thune, Colleagues Warn FCC Against Another Internet Takeover Attempt", "2023-10-06", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "AR", "John Boozman", "B001236", "www.boozman.senate.gov", "boozman", "https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators John Boozman (R-AR) and John Thune (R-SD) led more than 40 of their colleagues in urging Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel to abandon her proposal to reinstate failed, heavy-handed Obama-era regulations on the internet. The senators noted in a letter to Rosenworcel that, following the repeal of the Obama-era rules in 2017, all of Democrats\u2019 fearmongering claims \u2013 most notably that Americans would get the internet one word at a time \u2013 were debunked and proven to be completely false.\n\n\u201cRe-imposing heavy-handed, public-utility regulations on the internet would threaten the progress our country has made since 2017, and it would steer our country out of the fast lane and into a world of less competition, less choice, less investment, slower speeds, and higher prices,\u201d wrote the senators. \u201cFurther, the FCC lacks this statutory authority over broadband internet access. Any attempt by the FCC to reinstate net neutrality regulations and the onerous rules of Title II on internet service providers will not survive judicial review. The FCC has pushed net neutrality and already lost in court \u2013 more than once \u2013 and two of President Obama\u2019s former solicitors general have warned that reclassification by the FCC cannot survive the major questions doctrine.\u201d\n\nIn addition to Boozman and Thune, the letter was also signed by Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and U.S. Sens. John Barrasso (R-WY), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Katie Britt (R-AL), Ted Budd (R-NC), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), John Cornyn (R-TX), Tom Cotton (R-AR), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Steve Daines (R-MT), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Bill Hagerty (R-TN), John Hoeven (R-ND), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Ron Johnson (R-WI), James Lankford (R-OK), Mike Lee (R-UT), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-KS), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), Rand Paul (R-KY), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Jim Risch (R-ID), Mitt Romney (R-UT), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Eric Schmitt (R-MO), Rick Scott (R-FL), Tim Scott (R-SC), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Roger Wicker (R-MS) and Todd Young (R-IN).\n\nRead the full letter below:\n\nThe Honorable Jessica Rosenworcel\n\nChairwoman\n\nFederal Communications Commission\n\nWe write regarding our strong opposition to the Federal Communication Commission\u2019s (FCC\u2019s) proposal to reinstate the heavy-handed, public-utility regulations of Title II of the Communications Act on the internet. Doing so would be an historic mistake.\n\nWhen the FCC rescinded the Obama-era Title II order almost six years ago, partisans argued that it was the \u201cend of the internet as we know it,\u201d that \u201cyou\u2019ll get the internet one word at a time,\u201d that consumers would have to pay by the tweet, and that online access would slow to a crawl. All such hyperbolic claims have proven false, as even FCC Democrat commissioners have admitted.\n\nThe growth of the internet continues to be a great American success story. Broadband investment has increased, deployment has increased, speeds have increased, and high-speed internet access has become more affordable than ever. American networks, freed from obtrusive regulations, easily handled the surge in demand during the COVID-19 pandemic. In contrast, Europe\u2019s heavily regulated internet providers were forced to actively slow down speeds to maintain connectivity. Indeed, America is now a leader in adopting next-generation telecommunications services like 5G and Wi-Fi 6e while Europe struggles to keep pace.\n\nRe-imposing heavy-handed, public-utility regulations on the internet would threaten the progress our country has made since 2017, and it would steer our country out of the fast lane and into a world of less competition, less choice, less investment, slower speeds, and higher prices.\n\nFurther, the FCC lacks this statutory authority over broadband internet access. Any attempt by the FCC to reinstate net neutrality regulations and the onerous rules of Title II on internet service providers will not survive judicial review. The FCC has pushed net neutrality and already lost in court \u2013 more than once \u2013 and two of President Obama\u2019s former solicitors general have warned that reclassification by the FCC cannot survive the major questions doctrine.\n\nGiven the lack of any policy or legal rationale for moving forward with such a proposal, the FCC should not pursue a hyper-partisan, politicized rulemaking.\n\nOur country faces real challenges. A lack of public-utility regulations for the internet is not one of them. Instead, the FCC and the Biden administration should be focusing on bipartisan efforts to address real problems, such as addressing rampant waste, fraud, and abuse in the federal government\u2019s broadband subsidy programs, and regulatory and permitting obstacles to broadband deployment, both of which divert funds and resources from the goal of connecting unserved Americans.\n\nWe urge you to end this charade and shelve this fifth attempt to adopt so-called \u201cnet neutrality\u201d regulations.\n\nSincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:43:12Z"], ["https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-demands-answers-about-possible-biden-deals-with-maduro-regime", "Cotton Demands Answers About Possible Biden Deals with Maduro Regime", "2023-10-06", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "AR", "Tom Cotton", "C001095", "www.cotton.senate.gov", "cotton", "https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\n\nContact: Caroline Tabler orJames Arnold (202) 224-2353\n\nOctober 6, 2023\n\nCotton Demands Answers About Possible Biden Deals with Maduro Regime\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today sent a letter to President Joe Biden requesting information about his decision to deport an unknown number of illegal aliens to Venezuela. The letter notes that the Biden administration\u2019s policies encouraged the Venezuelans to attempt to enter the United States in the first place.\n\nAdditionally, Senator Cotton asked for any information about a deal President Biden may have made with Venezuelan President Nicol\u00e1s Maduro in exchange for accepting the Venezuelans back.\n\nIn part, Senator Cotton wrote:\n\n\u201cMigrants are rushing to the United States because you invited them, both by refusing to enforce the law and by literal invitation through your abuse of immigration \u201cparole,\u201d and a few repatriation flights will do little to repair the damage, especially while you continue allowing illegal aliens to flood into the country. Further, there is little reason to believe Venezuela agreed to your repatriation flights without getting something in return.\u201d\n\nText of the letter may be found here and below.\n\nOctober 6, 2023\n\nPresident Joseph R. Biden\n\nThe White House\n\n1600 Pennsylvania Ave, N.W.\n\nWashington, DC 20500\n\nDear President Biden:\n\nI write regarding reports that your administration has reached an agreement with Venezuela\u2019s government to deport back to Venezuela select numbers of illegal aliens at our southern border.\n\nMigrants are rushing to the United States because you invited them, both by refusing to enforce the law and by literal invitation through your abuse of immigration \u201cparole,\u201d and a few repatriation flights will do little to repair the damage, especially while you continue allowing illegal aliens to flood into the country. Further, there is little reason to believe Venezuela agreed to your repatriation flights without getting something in return.\n\nPlease answer the following questions as soon as practicable, and make senior administration officials available to brief Congress no later than Friday, October 13:\n\nWhat are the terms of your repatriation agreement with Venezuela?\n\nWhat side deals or other agreements involving Venezuela have you made in the past 90 days?\n\nHow many Venezuelans enter the United States illegally every month, both across our southern border and through your administration\u2019s \u201cparole\u201d program? How many illegal aliens will be deported to Venezuela each month under your plan?\n\nThank you for your prompt attention to this important matter.\n\nSincerely,\n\n______________________\n\nTom Cotton\n\nUnited States Senator", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:49:26Z"], ["https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/westerman-announces-mobile-office-hours", "WESTERMAN ANNOUNCES MOBILE OFFICE HOURS", "2023-10-05", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "House", "AR", "Bruce Westerman", "W000821", "westerman.house.gov", "westerman", "https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "HOT SPRINGS - Today, the office of Congressman Bruce Westerman announced mobile office hours for the month of October. Staff will be available to assist constituents with casework matters related to passports, Veterans Affairs, Social Security, Internal Revenue Service, and other federal agency issues. More details below:\n\nLOGAN COUNTY MOBILE OFFICE HOURS:\n\nNorth Logan County Courthouse, October 12th\n\nState Representative Jon Eubanks Attending\n\n9:00 am \u2013 11:00 am\n\n25 W. Walnut St. Paris, AR\n\nSouth Logan County Courthouse, October 12th\n\nState Representative Jon Eubanks Attending\n\n1:00 pm \u2013 3:00 pm\n\n366 N. Broadway Ave. Booneville, AR\n\nLITTLE RIVER COUNTY MOBILE OFFICE HOURS:\n\nLittle River County Courthouse, October 19th\n\n10:00 am \u2013 12:00 pm\n\n351 N 2nd St. Ashdown, AR\n\nForeman Public Library, October 19th\n\n1:00 pm \u2013 3:00 pm\n\n216 Schuman St. Foreman, AR\n\nLAFAYETTE COUNTY MOBILE OFFICE HOURS:\n\nLafayette County Courthouse, October 25th\n\n9:30 am \u2013 11:00 am\n\n1 Courthouse Square Lewisville, AR\n\nBradley City Hall, October 25th\n\n2:00 pm \u2013 4:00 pm\n\n410 Pullman St. Bradley, AR", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:49:26Z"], ["https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=F0F1A244-365E-4402-A420-08658E224E6A", "Boozman, Lankford, Tester Urge Biden Administration to Halt Unworkable Nursing Home Staffing Rule", "2023-10-05", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "AR", "John Boozman", "B001236", "www.boozman.senate.gov", "boozman", "https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators John Boozman (R-AR), James Lankford (R-OK) and Jon Tester (D-MT) led a bipartisan group of their colleagues to urge the Biden administration to rescind its proposed rule that would set minimum staffing requirements for nursing homes.\n\nIn a letter to Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure, the senators argued that with the ongoing severe workforce shortage issues in the health care sector, now is the worst possible time to create a federal staffing mandate, citing how the overly burdensome directive would lead to additional nursing home facility closures and hurt seniors adults, their families and their communities, especially rural communities where access to care is already scarce.\n\n\u201cWe understand the importance of ensuring beneficiaries of federal health care programs have access to safe and high-quality nursing care. In fact, we share your intended goal of improving the quality of care for seniors. However, a one-size-fits-all staffing mandate significantly undermines access to care for patients, particularly in rural communities. Instead, CMS should work with Congress and stakeholders on policy alternatives that address the severe workforce challenges in our states\u2019 underserved areas,\u201d the senators wrote.\n\nSenators Susan Collins (R-ME), Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-KS), Tom Cotton (R-AR), Joe Manchin (D-WV), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Jim Risch (R-ID), Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ), Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Steve Daines (R-MT), Angus King (I-ME), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Bill Hagerty (R-TN), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Mike Lee (R-UT), Marco Rubio (R-FL), John Hoeven (R-ND), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Thom Tillis (R-NC), John Thune (R-SD), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Mike Rounds (R-SD) and Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) joined Boozman, Lankford and Tester in sending the letter.\n\nRead the full letter and below:\n\nDear Administrator Brooks-LaSure:\n\nWe write to express concerns regarding the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services\u2019 (CMS) recent proposed rule establishing staffing mandates for nursing homes. In many parts of the country, America\u2019s long-term care facilities are facing severe workforce shortage issues that are harming access to critical care for our nation\u2019s seniors. With this is mind, we are deeply concerned that now is the worst possible time for the United States to establish the nation\u2019s first federal staffing mandate for long-term care facilities. We believe the rule as proposed is overly burdensome and will result in additional closures and decreased access to care for our nation\u2019s seniors. We urge you to rescind CMS\u2019 proposed rule and instead commit to working with Congress on the large number of alternate solutions to quality of care in skilled nursing facilities.\n\nWe understand the importance of ensuring beneficiaries of federal health care programs have access to safe and high-quality nursing care. In fact, we share your intended goal of improving the quality of care for seniors. However, a one-size-fits-all staffing mandate significantly undermines access to care for patients, particularly in rural communities. Instead, CMS should work with Congress and stakeholders on policy alternatives that address the severe workforce challenges in our states\u2019 underserved areas.\n\nCMS\u2019 own \u201cNursing Home Staffing Study Comprehensive Report\u201d released in June of this year highlights the disparities between different facilities in different parts of the country as well as the difficulty to implement burdensome national requirements, further emphasizing our concerns over CMS\u2019 federal mandate. This report also notes that current literature \u201cdoes not provide a clear evidence basis for setting a minimum staffing level.\u201d While the proposed rule does attempt to address some of these disparities, we believe it falls short. For example, we are concerned by the requirement to have a Registered Nurse (RN) on site at all times being omitted from the hardship exemption and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) being omitted from counting them with RNs in the staffing ratio formula.\n\nMore broadly, establishing federal blanket staffing standards do not provide the flexibility necessary to nursing homes in light of well-known and long-standing direct care workforce challenges, especially in rural and underserved areas. This issue is exacerbated by the fact that the health care sector is projected to have a shortage of nurses, 10 to 20 percent based on a spring 2022 estimate, in the coming years. If large, urban, multistate hospital corporations are having trouble hiring nurses, there is no doubt that this struggle will only be amplified for small rural nursing home providers. Many of these facilities are already expending significant effort and resources to recruit and retain clinical staff, including those facilities in the 38 states and the District of Columbia that have their own localized staff ratio requirements.\n\nWe recognize CMS as a crucial partner in identifying, mitigating, and preventing future health and safety problems in nursing homes. We stand ready to work with your agency on proposals to improve long-term care for patients. The best way to accomplish this goal is working with Congress and stakeholders to ensure any future actions do not further exacerbate the serious challenges already facing facilities across the county.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:43:12Z"], ["https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=1201D516-E2B6-4FD5-8B25-5CE3777C88F5", "Boozman, Braun, Ossoff Colleagues Call on National Archives to Get Veterans Their Essential Military Records", "2023-10-04", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "AR", "John Boozman", "B001236", "www.boozman.senate.gov", "boozman", "https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR), a senior member of the Senate Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee, along with Senators Mike Braun (R-IN), Jon Ossoff (D-GA) and 17 other colleagues are seeking answers on the backlog of veterans\u2019 record requests from the National Archives of the United States (NARA). Service records are often required to access critical government benefits and services, so ensuring requests are completed expeditiously is of utmost importance.\n\n\u201cWe write to express our concern regarding reports of ongoing delays in constituents receiving their military service records from the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC). As part of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (P.L. 117-263), Congress passed the Access for Veterans to Records Act. This authorized $60 million for the National Archives and Records Administration to address the records backlog and improve response times for requests from veterans for their military service records,\u201d wrote the senators to Archivist of the United States Colleen Shogan.\n\n\u201cWhile we recognize and commend NARA for the significant strides it has made to address this backlog, we must ensure all incoming requests are still met with a timely response and that this does not occur again in the future,\u201d the senators continued.\n\nThe letter was cosigned by VA Committee Chairman Jon Tester (D-MT) and Ranking Member Jerry Moran (R-KS) in addition to Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), John Thune (R-SD), John Cornyn (R-TX), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Todd Young (R-IN), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Ben Ray Luj\u00e1n (D-NM), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Katie Britt (R-AL) and Rick Scott (R-FL).\n\nRead the full letter below:\n\nDear Ms. Shogan:\n\nWe write to express our concern regarding reports of ongoing delays in constituents receiving their military service records from the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC). As part of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (P.L. 117-263), Congress passed the Access for Veterans to Records Act. This authorized $60 million for the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) to address the records backlog and improve response times for requests from Veterans for their military service records.\n\nWhile we recognize and commend NARA for the significant strides it has made to address this backlog, we must ensure all incoming requests are still met with a timely response and that this does not occur again in the future. For the sake of our constituents, we kindly request NARA respond to the following questions by Monday, October 16, 2023.\n\n1. What is the current total number of unanswered requests for military service records?\n\n2. What is the current total number of overdue requests and how old is oldest request?\n\n3. What is the makeup of the current overdue backlog? (i.e. DD214s, records other than DD214s, etc.)\n\n4. What is the current average response time for a military service records request?\n\n5. In February, NARA projected the backlog would be reduced to 84,500 cases by October 2023. Has NARA met this benchmark? Is NARA still on track to have fully eliminated the backlog by December 2, 2023?\n\n6. How many military service records have been digitized since January 1, 2023? What percentage of records are left to be digitized?\n\n7. What is the current expected timeline for completing the digitization of military service records?\n\n8. What percentage of military service record requests have been received through eVetRecs since January 1, 2023? Of those, how many have been fully processed electronically?\n\n9. How does the Robotic Process Automation (RPA) solutions expedite responses to requests for separation documents? Is RPA currently being employed by NARA?\n\n10. What is the status of the Case Management Reporting System (CMRS) modernization effort? Please provide the implementation timeline.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:43:12Z"], ["https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-statement-on-speaker-kevin-mccarthy", "Cotton Statement on Speaker Kevin McCarthy", "2023-10-03", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "AR", "Tom Cotton", "C001095", "www.cotton.senate.gov", "cotton", "https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\n\nContact: Caroline Tabler or James Arnold (202) 224-2353\n\nOctober 3, 2023\n\nCotton Statement on Speaker Kevin McCarthy\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) released the following statement on the tenure of Speaker Kevin McCarthy:\n\n\u201cI thank Kevin McCarthy for his service to our nation and the people of California. He helped win two separate Republican majorities in the House of Representatives and used those majorities to advance important conservative priorities. Kevin was the first congressman I met in my long-shot House campaign and I\u2019m grateful for his friendship and support ever since. While I regret the foolish decision of a few Republicans to collude with Democrats to remove him from the speakership, I look forward to many more years of friendship and cooperation on behalf of the causes and the country to which Kevin has devoted his life.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:49:26Z"], ["https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=710DF85E-6211-4FB8-99E8-00D8B17791F1", "Boozman Recognized by Veteran Service Organizations  for Advocacy", "2023-10-02", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "AR", "John Boozman", "B001236", "www.boozman.senate.gov", "boozman", "https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR), a leading voice in shaping veterans\u2019 health care and benefits policies, was recently honored for his advocacy by a pair of Veteran Service Organizations.\n\nThe Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) awarded Boozman its Congressional Leadership Award for his advocacy to strengthen earned support for the families of fallen servicemembers and veterans.\n\n\u201cSenator John Boozman has been a longtime champion for Gold Star Families both in his home state of Arkansas and within the Halls of Congress. As a senior member of the Senate Committee on Veterans\u2019 Affairs, Senator Boozman joined Chairman Tester to re-introduce the Caring for Survivors Act of 2023. He continues to urge his Senate colleagues to pass this important legislation that will strengthen and expand DIC benefits for surviving spouses, and provide long overdue parity with other federal programs. We are proud to present Senator Boozman with the 2023 TAPS Congressional Leadership Award,\u201d said Candace Wheeler, TAPS Director of Government and Legislative Affairs.\n\nThe Blinded American Veterans Foundation also recognized Boozman for his leadership safeguarding veterans filing benefit claims with its George \"Buck\" Gillispie Congressional Award, honoring Members of Congress who have made significant contributions toward improving sensory-disabled veterans\u2019 quality of life through public policy.\n\n\u201cSenator Boozman\u2019s bipartisan leadership efforts to safeguard veterans filing benefits with the GUARD VA Benefits Act will ensure that some of the nation\u2019s most vulnerable veterans will have a trusted ally while filing for the benefits they have earned,\u201d said BAV member Brian Donarski, Army (Ret).\n\n\u201cAs the son of a WWII veteran who served 23 years in the Air Force, I understand that military service is a family affair. We made a promise to veterans and their families and I\u2019m proud to support policies to fulfill our nation\u2019s commitment to these heroes. I look forward to continuing working with my colleagues and organizations veterans trust to advance legislation that strengthens the benefits servicemembers and their loved ones earned,\u201d Boozman said.\n\nIn addition to serving on the Senate Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee, Boozman is the lead Republican on the appropriations subcommittee responsible for funding veterans benefits and services. This Congress he is also championing legislation to increase survivor benefits, support a comprehensive approach to address the veteran suicide crisis and strengthen oversight and quality of care at Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers.\n\nBoozman speaks to TAPS members upon receiving Congressional Leadership Award.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:43:12Z"], ["https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-crawford-statement-on-house-passage-of-continuing-resolution", "Rep. Crawford Statement on House Passage of Continuing Resolution", "2023-09-30", "2023", "2023-09", "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 Passage of Continuing Resolution\n\n9/30/2023\n\nWashington \u2014 Today, Congressman Rick Crawford (AR-01) released the following statement upon House passage of H.R. 5860, the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2024 and Other Extensions Act.\n\n\"I voted to keep the government open today because shutting down cost more in the long run and shifts the focus away from Bidenflation and the president's disastrous open border policy, which is growing unpopular even in urban areas where wild-haired liberal ideas normally thrive. This temporary funding bill maintains spending at current levels, allowing us to complete work on full-year appropriation bills to lower spending while also keeping the focus on President Biden's decision to dramatically increase illegal immigration.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:37:48Z"], ["https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/westerman-statement-continuing-appropriations-act-2024-and-other", "WESTERMAN STATEMENT ON THE CONTINUING APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2024 AND OTHER APPROPRIATIONS ACT", "2023-09-30", "2023", "2023-09", "Republican", "House", "AR", "Bruce Westerman", "W000821", "westerman.house.gov", "westerman", "https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON - Today, Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04) released the following statement on the passage of H.R. 5860, the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2024 and Other Appropriations Act:\n\n\"With just hours before a lapse in appropriations and a government shutdown, the House voted on a temporary spending bill to allow Congress 45 days to pass the remaining appropriations bills to fund our government through Fiscal Year 24.\n\n\"However, we had an opportunity on Friday to do the same thing, while also securing the border, cutting reckless government spending, and establishing a bicameral Fiscal Commission. Every single Democrat, and unfortunately, 21 Republicans voted against it. My priorities are very clear: I would rather secure the border than shut down the government.\n\n\"With the rejection of the conservative temporary spending and border security bill, Chuck Schumer began pushing a continuing resolution through the Senate that would not only have kept the government open, but would have given Biden $6 billion more Ukraine funding with no additional oversight.\n\n\"We have canceled our October district work period to remain in DC to debate and pass the appropriations bills in regular order. This will give us an opportunity to put conservative spending bills on the floor for a vote.\"\n\nH.R. 5860 extends government funding for 45 days and:\n\nProvides $16 billion in supplemental funding for disaster relief.\n\nDoes not include $6 billion in supplemental funding for Ukraine.\n\nExtends key authorities and operations for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) through December 31, 2023.\n\nExtends the authorization and borrowing authority of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) through November 17, 2023.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:37:48Z"], ["https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-crawford-and-higgins-introduce-the-prioritizing-offensive-agriculture-disputes-and-enforcement-act", "Rep. Crawford and Higgins Introduce the Prioritizing Offensive Agriculture Disputes and Enforcement Act", "2023-09-29", "2023", "2023-09", "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 and Higgins Introduce the Prioritizing Offensive Agriculture Disputes and Enforcement Act\n\n9/28/2023\n\nWashington \u2014 Today, Congressmen Rick Crawford (AR-01) and Clay Higgins (LA-03) introduced the Prioritizing Offensive Agricultural Disputes and Enforcement Act. The bill establishes a joint task force on agricultural trade enforcement between the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, signaling more engagement with Congress and the private sector on the development of agricultural dispute priorities. The bill also emphasizes the need for an agricultural dispute settlement case at the World Trade Organization (WTO) against India's trade distorting farm subsidies, which could include rice, wheat, pulses, peanuts, cotton, and other commodities.\n\n\"This bill helps get us to a point where our government is going to coordinate and strategize to get more wins for agriculture on the board, and there's no better place to start than with India. This bill is a win for all of U.S. agriculture because what our trading partners and our export competition are doing has an effect on us, so we need to use all of our tools available to resolve the tipping of the scales we're seeing,\" said Rep. Crawford.\n\n\"American farmers are the most competitive in the world and when they're put on a level playing field they will consistently succeed, however, we have not been in a position in recent years where we play offense and proactively get wins for agriculture at the WTO. This task force would also be responsible for identifying wins against other bad actors out there, including China, where we consistently see a lack of compliance with WTO commitments,\" said Rep. Higgins.\n\n\"It is a relief to see Congressman Crawford, Senator Boozman, and others introduce this bill. As a farmer I spend a lot of time frustrated with the lack of enforcement in these markets that are clearly violating the rules,\" said Dow Brantley, who farms rice, soybean, corn, and cotton near England, Arkansas, and is vice chair of the USA Rice International Trade Policy Committee. \"We work hard to keep our cost of production as low as possible yet get beat out in the marketplace by commodities that are produced inefficiently because of the staggering levels of subsidies provided by their governments.\"\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:37:48Z"], ["https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=7278C77E-4C2C-45B9-A206-547CADF9484B", "Boozman Shares Service Memories of Arkansas WWII Veteran on 100th Birthday", "2023-09-29", "2023", "2023-09", "Republican", "Senate", "AR", "John Boozman", "B001236", "www.boozman.senate.gov", "boozman", "https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON- U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) recognized the service of Robert \u201cBob\u201d Beaty in \u2018Salute to Veterans,\u2019 a series highlighting the military service of Arkansans, as Beaty celebrates his 100th birthday.\n\nBeaty was born on September 29, 1923 and raised in Kansas City, Missouri. He grew up in a busy home with seven brothers and one sister. After graduating high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy on June 2, 1941, following in the footsteps of three of his brothers who were also serving in the military. Beaty said he chose the Navy so he could travel.\n\nHe rode on a train from Kansas City to Great Lakes, Illinois for basic training where he stayed for three weeks before additional training at the naval armory in Toledo, Ohio. It was there he learned morse code and flag signaling. \u201cFor visual training,\u201d he said. \u201cLearning how to visually communicate between ships.\u201d While at the naval armory, Beaty contracted scarlet fever and was quarantined on a hospital ship for three weeks.\n\nHe completed his training in Chicago and said the Navy let him choose whether he wanted to be stationed on the West Coast or the East Coast. He selected the West Coast so he could see his family on the way to his duty station, Treasure Island, San Francisco.\n\nAlthough he had never been so far from home, Beaty said the ocean and Navy life suited him well. \u201cI just liked the ocean,\u201d he said about his adjustment to the new environment.\n\nHis first trip was as a signalman on the U.S.S. Calmar which carried mostly Coast Guard personnel and three total Navy members. \u201cIt was a Merchant Marine ship,\u201d he said. \u201cThey were hauling war supplies to different parts of the world.\u201d\n\nThe Calmar took him all over the world, from Australia to New York. He was at sea and in foreign ports for months at a time, but in between assignments would take 30 days of leave to see his family.\n\nBeaty said the ships he was assigned to usually traveled without military escort, even though they might be carrying weapons or bombs. \u201cI never really thought about it, traveling with 6,000 tons of explosives,\u201d he recounted.\n\nBeaty said at one point he joined the crew of a modern ship that delivered supplies to locations including New Caledonia, an island in the South Pacific.\n\nOn that trip the ship ran aground on a submerged reef and the crew was forced to abandon ship. Within a few days a battleship arrived to pull it off of the reef, but the crew had to stay on the island until another ship could pick them up. The journey finally ended in San Francisco where he was assigned to yet another ship transporting unrefined salt to Australia, Egypt and Sudan.\n\nBeaty said he really enjoyed visiting different countries, finding unique souvenirs and eating the local foods. He recalled one stop when a shipmate wanted to find ivory. While they never found any, they traded a pocket knife for a different luxury. An islander \u201cstopped at a banana tree, cut us off a bunch of bananas and told us \u2018Take these back to the ship, sprinkle a little salt at the end where you cut \u2019em off and it\u2019ll ripen faster.\u2019 And I didn\u2019t have anything to give him, so I gave the boy my pocket knife.\u201d\n\nBeaty maintains traveling was the best part of his service. He was discharged on October 30, 1945, and went home to Kansas City. He was married the following July to his wife Rosie, who had been his pen pal during the war.\n\nAfter his service, Beaty used the GI Bill to study chemistry at the University of Missouri in Kansas City for two years. He recalls the university being very crowded with other veterans taking advantage of their education benefits as well. From there, he used his chemistry knowledge to work for several different companies throughout his career, including one doing contract work for the Atomic Energy Commission.\n\nLooking back on his service, Beaty says he was so young at the time that he didn\u2019t fully appreciate the opportunities he had, but he believes military service is good for most young people because it \u201cwill help them grow up.\u201d\n\nToday, Beaty calls Bella Vista home.\n\n\u201cRobert Beaty served his county honorably. I am proud to be recognizing him on his 100th birthday for his selfless dedication. Preserving his memories of service for future generations to learn about his sacrifice is a great way to honor him,\u201d Boozman said.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:35:26Z"], ["https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases/arkansas-california-lawmakers-lead-efforts-recognizing-rice-stewardship-partnership-milestone", "Arkansas, California Lawmakers Lead Efforts Recognizing Rice Stewardship Partnership Milestone", "2023-09-28", "2023", "2023-09", "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\nArkansas, California Lawmakers Lead Efforts Recognizing Rice Stewardship Partnership Milestone\n\n9/27/2023\n\nWASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators John Boozman (R-AR) and Alex Padilla (D-CA) and Representatives Rick Crawford (R-AR) and Mike Thompson (D-CA) are celebrating the 10-year anniversary of the Rice Stewardship Partnership with the introduction of resolutions in their respective chambers.\n\n\"The Rice Stewardship Partnership supports critical research and development of innovative techniques and practices to improve production, conservation and sustainability measures. This collaboration between USA Rice and Ducks Unlimited will help Arkansas rice producers continue to provide a safe, reliable food source to help feed they world and support practices to shape waterfowl habitat so our state continues to be a destination for duck hunters and other outdoor enthusiasts,\" Boozman said.\n\n\"As the second-largest rice producing state, California relies on strong conservation partnerships like the USA Rice-Ducks Unlimited Rice Stewardship Partnership to address water quality and wildlife habitat on working ricelands,\" said Padilla. \"I am proud to lead this bipartisan resolution with Senator Boozman and Representatives Thompson and Crawford to celebrate 10 years of conservation planning and collaboration between rice producers, wildlife conservation organizations, and the USDA.\"\n\n\"During the winter, harvested rice fields are flooded to prevent soil erosion \u2013 creating the perfect habitat for migrating ducks who enjoy any leftover grain,\" said Crawford. \"The Rice Stewardship Partnership demonstrates this strong connection between agriculture and conservation. The work of Ducks Unlimited and USA Rice has helped our rice farmers carry out responsible land management and protect these important ecosystems.\"\n\n\"10 years ago, our country formed a partnership with Ducks Unlimited to serve as stewards and conservationists of rice lands across our nation,\" said Thompson. \"Proud to introduce a resolution commemorating this anniversary with Rep. Crawford and Senators Padilla and Boozman. I am focused on ensuring that the over 800,000 acres of rice and rice rotation lands are conserved for future generations of American rice farmers.\"\n\nArkansas and California are two of the country's leading rice-producing states.\n\nSince 2013, the Rice Stewardship Partnership has beneficially impacted more than 800,000 acres of rice and rice rotation lands on more than 1,000 farms which has led to positive conservation outcomes for migratory shorebirds and waterfowl.\n\n\"U.S. rice farms are located primarily throughout the Mississippi Alluvial Valley, Texas' and Louisiana's Gulf Coast, and California's Central Valley, which are critical landscapes and habitat for migratory waterfowl and shorebirds,\" said Betsy Ward, USA Rice President & CEO. \"The work of the Rice Stewardship Partnership is essential, and USA Rice is extremely proud of our partnership with Ducks Unlimited, because as in all things, we're more effective working together. We look forward to continuing to build on our great conservation and sustainability accomplishments and thank Senators John Boozman and Alex Padilla and Reps. Rick Crawford and Mike Thompson for this recognition.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:37:48Z"], ["https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=CD4F781E-752E-4EC2-B213-3AEDD1D5CB5C", "Boozman, Booker Lead Measure to Enhance Suicide Prevention Efforts for College Athletes", "2023-09-28", "2023", "2023-09", "Republican", "Senate", "AR", "John Boozman", "B001236", "www.boozman.senate.gov", "boozman", "https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators John Boozman (R-AR) and Cory Booker (D-NJ) are championing enhancements to mental health services for college athletes by introducing legislation that would expand access to a federal grant aimed at campus suicide prevention.\n\nThe Targeting Emotional And Mental Stability (TEAMS) Act would allow school-based initiatives supporting the mental health needs of college athletes to be eligible for the Garrett Lee Smith (GLS) Campus Suicide Prevention Grant Program. This grant targets mental health services at college students, including those at risk for suicide, depression, serious mental illness/serious emotional disturbances and/or substance use disorders that can lead to school failure.\n\n\u201cCollegiate athletics are incredibly demanding on student-athletes and create a unique pressure unfamiliar to most of their classmates. The TEAMS Act will improve access to resources and support their mental health needs as they navigate school, sports and other aspects of life. I\u2019m proud to lead this initiative so we can help these competitors succeed on and off the field,\u201d Boozman said.\n\n\u201cAs a former college athlete, I know the immense stress and demands our college athletes face to excel both in sports and academics,\u201d said Booker. \u201cIt is crucial that our college athletes have the mental health resources and care they need to succeed in all aspects of their lives on and off the field. This legislation will provide more access to mental health resources to provide the necessary support our college athletes need for their health and well-being.\u201d\n\nThere is a growing need for innovative mental health programming and services for college athletes. A National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) survey found that student-athletes continue to report elevated levels of mental health concerns, with increased rates of mental exhaustion, anxiety and feelings of being depressed. Its research also discovered that less than half of student-athletes felt comfortable seeking mental health support from professionals on campus.\n\nBoozman and Booker are both former college football players at the University of Arkansas and Stanford University, respectively.\n\nThe TEAMS Act would allow for GLS Grant Program funding to be used in the creation of school-based mental health programs such as:\n\nMental health care services\n\nPeer-to-peer counseling\n\n24/7 crisis lines\n\nTraining for students and staff on how to respond to students exhibiting signs of mental distress\n\nCampus-wide measures to address the stigma associated with seeking help\n\nSchools awarded funds under the grant program would be required to include a letter of support from athletic departments to ensure they are involved in the application process and the proposed activities benefit the athletes.\n\nThe legislation is cosponsored by Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Roger Wicker (R-MS).\n\nThe TEAMS Act is endorsed by the following organizations: Colton Underwood Legacy Foundation, National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), the Southeastern Conference (SEC), Morgan\u2019s Message, National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), Arkansas Hospital Association, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), Mental Health America (MHA), American Psychiatric Association (APA), American Psychological Association (APA), RADical Hope, Athletes For Hope, Katie\u2019s Save, Sarah Shulze Foundation, Hilinski's Hope and Madison Holleran Foundation.\n\n\u201cAs a former college athlete, I saw firsthand the immense pressure college athletes feel to perform \u2013 across both men\u2019s and women\u2019s athletics. Despite struggling with anxiety and depression, it took me years to seek help,\u201d said Colton Underwood, former NFL player and founder of the Colton Underwood Legacy Foundation. \u201cIn many cases, national attention adds to the stress of balancing life as a full-time student and athlete, and colleges and universities must have a game plan for supporting the mental health needs of this population. The Legacy Foundation is grateful for Senators Boozman and Booker\u2019s partnership in supporting the TEAMS Act. We are excited to continue working with our congressional champions to get this critical legislation across the finish line.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe applaud Senators Boozman and Booker for taking this much-needed bipartisan step forward for a safer mental health environment for athletes on college campuses,\u201d said Dona F. Rodgers, co-founder and chairperson of Morgan's Message, a mental health non-profit organization established in the aftermath of her daughter's tragic death by suicide in July 2019. \u201cWith the support of school administrators, the NCAA and leading mental health organizations around the country, this legislation will help to ensure mental health programs and services are readily available to students when they are most needed.\u201d\n\n\u201cOur youth are in a mental health crisis, and we see this impact our student-athletes far too often. We have to do more. The TEAMS Act will help ensure that these students receive the mental health support they need, when they need it,\u201d said Hannah Wesolowski, Chief Advocacy Officer of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). \u201cNAMI is proud to support the TEAMS Act and grateful to Senators Boozman and Booker for leading efforts to improve student-athlete mental health.\u201d\n\n\u201cYoung people today face overwhelming threats to their mental health, and college athletes face additional stresses,\u201d said Mental Health America Chief Public Policy Officer Mary Giliberti. \u201cThe increased pressures from peers, college communities, family, and social media can affect mental health despite the benefits of being a student-athlete. Mental Health America commends the TEAMS Act, which will take a comprehensive approach to reducing stigma and providing help through services including peer-to-peer counseling.\u201d\n\n\u201cStudent and college athletes face unique challenges to their mental health as they balance the demands of academic studies and the high pressures of their sports,\u201d said Laurel Stine, J.D., M.A., Executive Vice President and Chief Policy Officer at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. \u201cAccording to a recent NCAA survey, student-athletes have been reporting high levels of mental exhaustion, anxiety, and feelings of depression since 2020. The TEAMS Act would ensure that grant funding is available for colleges and universities to create and implement innovative school-based programs to address the specific mental health needs of these athletes. AFSP is grateful to Senator Boozman and Senator Booker for leading this important legislation.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe American Psychological Association commends Senators Boozman and Booker for their work on introducing the Targeting Emotional and Mental Stability (TEAMS) Act, which recognizes the unique pressures faced by college student-athletes that can often lead to mental health conditions, such as stress, anxiety, depression, or suicidality,\u201d said Arthur C. Evans Jr., PhD, CEO of the American Psychological Association. \u201cBy ensuring that the Garrett Lee Smith Campus Suicide Prevention Grant\u2014the only federal program dedicated to addressing college student mental health\u2014specifically applies to student-athletes, this bipartisan legislation will help colleges and universities meet the mental health needs of athletes on their campuses.\u201d\n\n\u201cCollege athletes face unique mental health challenges as they balance the demands of a postsecondary course load and competitive sports schedule,\u201d said American Psychiatric Association CEO and Medical Director Saul Levin, M.D., M.P.A. \u201cWe applaud Senators Boozman and Booker for introducing the TEAMS Act, which would provide much needed targeted mental health programs and resources, including suicide prevention and behavioral health treatment, to college athletes.\u201d\n\n\u201cThere are over half a million student-athletes on college campuses across the country. We commend the leadership of Senators Boozman and Booker for recognizing our responsibility to support the mental as well as physical health of these young adults\u201d said Liz Feld, CEO of RADical Hope. \u201cStudent-athletes express feelings of isolation and \u2018silent suffering,\u2019 fueled by an apprehension to show weakness or sadness. Through our program work, we know the power of peer-to-peer support in strengthening connections and building resilience. This legislation promotes resources and programs that can improve and save lives now.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:35:26Z"], ["https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=5E0D9467-7066-4B9E-BDF8-25B44709EF93", "Arkansas, California Lawmakers Lead Efforts Recognizing Rice Stewardship Partnership Milestone", "2023-09-27", "2023", "2023-09", "Republican", "Senate", "AR", "John Boozman", "B001236", "www.boozman.senate.gov", "boozman", "https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators John Boozman (R-AR) and Alex Padilla (D-CA) and Representatives Rick Crawford (R-AR) and Mike Thompson (D-CA) are celebrating the 10-year anniversary of the Rice Stewardship Partnership with the introduction of resolutions in their respective chambers.\n\n\u201cThe Rice Stewardship Partnership supports critical research and development of innovative techniques and practices to improve production, conservation and sustainability measures. This collaboration between USA Rice and Ducks Unlimited will help Arkansas rice producers continue to provide a safe, reliable food source to help feed the world and support practices to shape waterfowl habitat so our state continues to be a destination for duck hunters and other outdoor enthusiasts,\u201d Boozman said.\n\n\u201cAs the second-largest rice producing state, California relies on strong conservation partnerships like the USA Rice-Ducks Unlimited Rice Stewardship Partnership to address water quality and wildlife habitat on working ricelands,\u201d said Padilla. \u201cI am proud to lead this bipartisan resolution with Senator Boozman and Representatives Thompson and Crawford to celebrate 10 years of conservation planning and collaboration between rice producers, wildlife conservation organizations, and the USDA.\u201d\n\n\u201cDuring the winter, harvested rice fields are flooded to prevent soil erosion \u2013 creating the perfect habitat for migrating ducks who enjoy any leftover grain,\u201d said Crawford. \u201cThe Rice Stewardship Partnership demonstrates this strong connection between agriculture and conservation. The work of Ducks Unlimited and USA Rice has helped our rice farmers carry out responsible land management and protect these important ecosystems.\u201d\n\n\u201c10 years ago, our country formed a partnership with Ducks Unlimited to serve as stewards and conservationists of rice lands across our nation,\u201d said Thompson. \u201cProud to introduce a resolution commemorating this anniversary with Rep. Crawford and Senators Padilla and Boozman. I am focused on ensuring that the over 800,000 acres of rice and rice rotation lands are conserved for future generations of American rice farmers.\u201d\n\nArkansas and California are two of the country\u2019s leading rice-producing states.\n\nSince 2013, the Rice Stewardship Partnership has beneficially impacted more than 800,000 acres of rice and rice rotation lands on more than 1,000 farms which has led to positive conservation outcomes for migratory shorebirds and waterfowl.\n\n\"U.S. rice farms are located primarily throughout the Mississippi Alluvial Valley, Texas' and Louisiana's Gulf Coast, and California's Central Valley, which are critical landscapes and habitat for migratory waterfowl and shorebirds,\u201d said Betsy Ward, USA Rice President & CEO. \u201cThe work of the Rice Stewardship Partnership is essential, and USA Rice is extremely proud of our partnership with Ducks Unlimited, because as in all things, we\u2019re more effective working together. We look forward to continuing to build on our great conservation and sustainability accomplishments and thank Senators John Boozman and Alex Padilla and Reps. Rick Crawford and Mike Thompson for this recognition.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:35:26Z"], ["https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=C2476568-DE4A-428F-B754-87454A172E44", "Boozman Welcomes Arkansan to Testify on Foreign Investment in U.S. Agriculture", "2023-09-27", "2023", "2023-09", "Republican", "Senate", "AR", "John Boozman", "B001236", "www.boozman.senate.gov", "boozman", "https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014Ranking Member John Boozman (R-AR) welcomed Harrison Pittman, director of the National Agricultural Law Center to the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry where he shared his insight on the extent of foreign investment in U.S. agriculture during a hearing on the topic.\n\nThe National Agricultural Law Center, a unit of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, is the only agricultural and food law research and information center that is independent, national in scope, and directly connected to the national agricultural information network.\n\nPittman received his Juris Doctor and LLM from the University of Arkansas Law Schools in Little Rock and Fayetteville, respectively, and has worked at the center since 2001. He is an active member of the American Agricultural Law Association and is a frequent presenter on a range of topics, including the farm bill, water law and environmental law.\n\n\u201cMany food, environment and agriculture stakeholders depend on Harrison and his team\u2019s work to provide accessible, dependable, and objective legal analysis. We\u2019re all proud of the work they do,\u201d Boozman said while introducing Pittman.\n\nIn his testimony, Pittman stressed that a lot has changed since Congress passed the Agriculture Foreign Investment Disclosure Act, which gave the U.S. Department of Agriculture authority over the issue, in 1978.\n\n\u201cAgriculture in the United States, and the world around it, has changed considerably\u2014just in the last few years, but certainly in the last three or four decades. Land transactions have typically become more complicated. They\u2019ve become bigger. The world of ag innovation and ag research have changed in ways that are beyond our imagination back in the late 70s. Along that thread, our national economy has become a lot more interdependent with trading partners,\u201d Pittman said in his testimony.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:35:26Z"], ["https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-passes-westerman-cosponsored-bill-protect-outdoor-education", "HOUSE PASSES WESTERMAN COSPONSORED BILL TO PROTECT OUTDOOR EDUCATION", "2023-09-26", "2023", "2023-09", "Republican", "House", "AR", "Bruce Westerman", "W000821", "westerman.house.gov", "westerman", "https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON - Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 5110, the Protecting Hunting Heritage and Education Act. Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04) released the following statement:\n\n\u201cAs an avid outdoorsman, I was outraged to hear of the Biden Administration\u2019s misinterpretation of the BSCA to stop funding for archery, hunting, target shooting, and other outdoor recreation classes and programs in schools. These classes and programs not only teach safe and legal handling of shooting sports equipment, but they provide unique experiences for students to learn responsibility, improve mental health, be a part of a team, and develop a passion for a sport,\" said Congressman Bruce Westerman.\n\n\"I was proud to cosponsor this bill to ensure that the Biden Administration cannot misinterpret the BSCA to block funding for these time-honored programs. I thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for joining me in protecting these enriching programs for students to enjoy and learn from for years to come.\u201d\n\nBackground:\n\nOn July 31st, the U.S. Department of Education confirmed that through misinterpretation of language in the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA), schools with hunting and archery programs will not receive funding previously earmarked under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA).\n\nThe misinterpretation of the legislative intent of the BSCA would negatively impact millions of students across the country who participate in archery programs, hunter education classes, wilderness and outdoor classes, and school-sponsored target shooting teams. The misinterpretation would also undermine opportunities for hunter education courses that have been accredited with reducing fatalities related to hunting by over 80% since 1959.\n\nOn August 4th, Congressman Westerman sent a letter, led by Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (NY-21) and other House Republicans condemning U.S. Department of Education (ED) Secretary Miguel Cardona and requesting a reversal of the action to withhold funds from hunting and archery education programs nationwide.\n\nOn August 22nd, Congressman Westerman led a follow up letter with leaders of the Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus to ED Secretary Miguel Cardona requesting that the Department revisit the legislative intent of the BSCA and reissue guidance before millions of students would be negatively impacted.\n\nH.R. 5110, the Protecting Hunting Heritage and Education Act, blocks the Biden Administration from misinterpreting the BSCA to stop funding for hunting, archery, and other outdoor recreation courses in schools.\n\nH.R. 5110 also amends the ESEA to clarify school's programs educating students in archery, hunting, and related courses are eligible for funding.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:37:48Z"], ["https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=E20AE724-F090-4DDF-AF15-EA4840355F62", "Boozman Submits Arkansas Veterans\u2019 Memories of Service in Uniform for Preservation at Library of Congress", "2023-09-26", "2023", "2023-09", "Republican", "Senate", "AR", "John Boozman", "B001236", "www.boozman.senate.gov", "boozman", "https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR), a longtime advocate of the Library of Congress Veterans History Project (VHP), hand-delivered interviews of Arkansas veterans for preservation in the collection to VHP Director Monica Mohindra.\n\nBoozman submitted 14 interviews conducted by his staff with veterans of WWII, Korean and Vietnam wars as well as Operations Desert Storm and Desert Shield.\n\n\u201cThe Veterans History Project is a unique collection that celebrates the service and sacrifice of the men and women who wore our nation\u2019s uniform. We need to remember our history, and getting firsthand accounts is one of the best ways to help do that. My dad, who was a waist gunner on B-17s in World War II and served 23 years in the Air Force, didn\u2019t often talk of his experiences during the war and I wish I had asked more about that time in his life. My office is working to make sure that other families don\u2019t have this same regret. I\u2019m proud to support this endeavor and submit the interviews of Arkansas veterans for the benefit of future generations,\u201d Boozman said.\n\nIn 2000, Congress established the VHP to collect and retain the oral histories of our nation\u2019s veterans.\n\nBoozman\u2019s staff has conducted dozens of interviews and trained more than 1,200 Arkansans to participate and spread awareness about this initiative. The senator regularly highlights the conversations in \u2018Salute to Veterans,\u2019 a series highlighting the memories of their time in uniform.\n\nVeterans History Project Director Monica Mohindra and Senator Boozman.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:35:26Z"], ["https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=C1D36BC5-5189-4B98-ADE4-A83C6322F684", "Boozman Leads Legislation to Address Air Traffic Controller Shortage", "2023-09-25", "2023", "2023-09", "Republican", "Senate", "AR", "John Boozman", "B001236", "www.boozman.senate.gov", "boozman", "https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) joined Sen. Mike Braun (R-IN) to introduce legislation maximizing air traffic controller hiring with the introduction of the Air Traffic Controllers Hiring Act of 2023.\n\nThe legislation would require the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to conduct maximum hiring of air traffic controllers (ATC) at the FAA Academy. The maximum hiring of ATCs is equivalent to approximately 1,800 individuals at the academy per year. Additionally, the bill text clarifies that max hiring is subject to the availability of appropriations and does not authorize specific funding levels.\n\n\u201cThe FAA must elevate its hiring practices to alleviate the shortfall of air traffic controllers. This legislation will strengthen the pipeline of FAA\u2019s workforce and support the vibrant airline industry so passengers can reliably reach their destinations in a timely manner,\u201d Boozman said.\n\n\u201cAir traffic controllers work around the clock to ensure that America\u2019s aircrafts are taking off and landing safely and on time. At a time when air traffic controller workforce is below national standards, Congress needs to do its part to help alleviate employment shortages and make sure United States aviation operations are living up to America\u2019s gold standard for air travel,\u201d Braun said.\n\nThe bipartisan legislation is cosponsored by Senators Roger Marshall (R-KS), Ben Ray Luj\u00e1n (D-NM), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN).\n\nThe Air Traffic Controllers Hiring Act of 2023 is endorsed by the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, Association of Flight Attendants, Transportation Workers Union, Air Line Pilots Association, Airlines for America, Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, International Association of Machinists, the National Business Aviation Association, the National Safety Council and U.S. Travel Association.\n\n\u201cThis bipartisan bill, which also was included in the version of FAA reauthorization which has passed through the U.S. House of Representatives, would put us on path to fixing staffing shortages so that we can continue to operate the safest, most efficient aviation system in the world,\u201d saidNATCA President Rich Santa.\n\nThe FAA must maintain more than 14,000 controllers to meet demand compared to the threshold of 12,000 it is targeting under its current model and the approximately 10,600 controllers that are presently employed according to an FAA working group report.\n\nIn June, the Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General released a report that found the FAA \u201chas made limited efforts to ensure adequate controller staffing\u201d and determined that 77 percent of critical ATC facilities are staffed below the FAA\u2019s 85 percent threshold.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:35:26Z"], ["https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-shaheen-laud-unanimous-senate-passage-of-national-warrior-call-day", "Cotton, Shaheen Laud Unanimous Senate Passage of National Warrior Call Day", "2023-09-25", "2023", "2023-09", "Republican", "Senate", "AR", "Tom Cotton", "C001095", "www.cotton.senate.gov", "cotton", "https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\n\nContact: Caroline Tabler or James Arnold (202) 224-2353\n\nSeptember 25, 2023\n\nCotton, Shaheen Laud Unanimous Senate Passage of National Warrior Call Day\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) and Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-New Hampshire) announced their resolution to designate November 12, 2023, as \u201cNational Warrior Call Day\u201d passed the Senate unanimously.\n\nThe lawmakers want to emphasize forming meaningful relationships with both those currently serving and veterans. Such relationships can help fight against mental illness and the epidemic of suicide among military members.\n\n\u201cAmericans can never fully pay back those who serve in defense of America. We can, however, make sure that active military members and veterans have access to the support they need after serving to lead active and healthy lives. This bipartisan resolution will raise awareness on the importance of building relationships with those who defend our freedom,\u201d said Senator Cotton.\n\n\u201cThose who have taken the oath to defend our country deserve our appreciation and support long after their service ends. I\u2019m glad the Senate passed my bipartisan resolution that, if signed into law, would designate a National Warrior Call Day to help raise awareness and strengthen the relationship between veterans and civilians,\u201d said Senator Shaheen.\n\nText of the resolution may be found here.\n\nCosponsors of the legislation were Senators John Boozman (R-Arkansas), Bob Casey (D-Pennsylvania), Elizabeth Warren (D-Massachusetts), Peter Welch (D-Vermont), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minnesota), John Thune (R-South Dakota), Mark Kelly (D-Arizona), John Hickenlooper (D-Colorado), John Fetterman (D-Pennsylvania), John Tester (D-Montana), Jackie Rosen (D-Nevada), James Risch (R-Idaho), John Hoeven (R-North Dakota), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Mississippi), Rick Scott (R-Florida), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Shelley Moore Capito (R-West Virginia), Eric Schmitt (R-Missouri), Kevin Cramer (R-North Dakota), Richard Blumenthal (D-Connecticut), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-Rhode Island), Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Marco Rubio (R-Florida), Michael Bennet (D-Colorado), Angus King (I-Maine), Raphael Warnock (D-Georgia), Joe Manchin (D-West Virginia), Tim Kaine (D-Virginia), Pete Ricketts (R-Nebraska), Bill Cassidy (R-Louisiana), Mark Warner (D-Virginia), Chris Van Hollen (D-Maryland), Jon Ossoff (D-Georgia) and Ed Markey (D-Massachusetts).\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:37:48Z"], ["https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/westerman-and-higgins-introduce-legislation-protect-american-tire", "Westerman and Higgins Introduce Legislation to Protect American Tire Manufacturers", "2023-09-22", "2023", "2023-09", "Republican", "House", "AR", "Bruce Westerman", "W000821", "westerman.house.gov", "westerman", "https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON - Today, Reps. Bruce Westerman (AR-04) and Brian Higgins (NY-26) announced the introduction of the Protect American Tire Workers Act (H.R. 5593). The bipartisan bill makes critical updates to the Generalized System Preference (GSP) trade program to protect American tire producers like Sumitomo, Goodyear, Yokohama, Bridgestone, Titan Tire, and Kumho by excluding certain tire products from the program, to prevent imports from flooding the domestic market.\n\n\u201cThe GSP is the largest and oldest U.S. trade preference program. Unfortunately, some countries have chosen to abuse the program to illegally dump their tire products on the market. I\u2019m proud to introduce this common-sense legislation alongside Congressman Brian Higgins to correct this disparity and exempt certain tire products from the GSP, ensuring a more level playing field in the domestic market for our local manufacturers, like the Texarkana Goodyear facility in the 4th District,\u201d said Congressman Westerman.\n\n\u201cGSP was put in place to promote economic growth in developing countries, while supporting trade priorities that benefit our own economy, but outdated rules are putting American tire manufacturers at risk,\u201d said Congressman Higgins. \u201cHowever, it is in desperate need of an update, as some countries in this long-standing trade preference program are saturating the market with tire products, which hurts local manufacturers like Sumitomo in Western New York. I am proud to join Congressman Westerman in introducing this bipartisan bill. It is an important step in protecting union workers and strengthening our trade programs in a way that helps our economy continue to grow.\u201d\n\nBackground:", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:37:48Z"], ["https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=B596AEFD-50DC-4E47-A354-9FA04971534A", "Boozman Presses VA Officials on Implementation of Suicide Prevention Program Senator Championed", "2023-09-21", "2023", "2023-09", "Republican", "Senate", "AR", "John Boozman", "B001236", "www.boozman.senate.gov", "boozman", "https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR), a senior member of the Senate Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee, is overseeing the implementation and execution of a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) program he championed to prevent and reduce veteran suicides.\n\nBoozman authored the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program, which was included in comprehensive veterans mental health legislation that was signed into law in 2020. The VA grant program leverages and supports veteran-serving nonprofits and other community networks in order to reduce and prevent veteran suicides. The first grants were awarded in September 2022.\n\n\u201cWe all know that suicide is really complex. It\u2019s a complicated crisis. There is no single solution. We also know that if people are in the VA system, they\u2019re less likely to commit suicide,\u201d Boozman said in the committee hearing Wednesday. \u201cOne of the things that we\u2019ve worked on is to make it such to capture those folks that are outside of the system, get them some help in the community and then ultimately bring them into the VA where they can get additional help.\u201d\n\nVA officials recommended updating the way grantees ask questions to veterans so that they may have the most flexibility possible to serve those who come to their organizations for help.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:35:26Z"], ["https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=BFB26963-6D72-476D-9064-55288841C46F", "Boozman, Cotton, Colleagues Urge EPA to Rescind Unattainable Air Pollution Standard", "2023-09-21", "2023", "2023-09", "Republican", "Senate", "AR", "John Boozman", "B001236", "www.boozman.senate.gov", "boozman", "https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators John Boozman (R-AR) and Tom Cotton (R-AR) joined Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee (EPW) Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) and other senators in urging the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to rescind its proposed particulate matter (PM2.5) national ambient air quality standard (NAAQS).\n\nIn part, the senators wrote to EPA Administrator Michael Regan:\n\n\u201cThe EPA\u2019s proposal fails to consider several important factors that will make implementation of a lower annual standard extremely difficult, or in some cases impossible, to no measurable benefits to public health, the environment, or the economy. The EPA should not finalize a discretionary reconsideration of a PM2.5 NAAQS that is unattainable and will likely lack an accompanying, detailed implementation plan.\u201d\n\nFull text of the letter may be found here and below.\n\nSeptember 20, 2023\n\nDear Administrator Regan:\n\nOn December 18, 2020, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) completed its comprehensive review and published a final decision to retain the Obama Administration\u2019s 2013 National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for particulate matter (PM). Thirty-three days later, the Biden Administration issued an executive order directing the EPA to undertake a reconsideration of that decision. On January 27, 2023, the EPA published a discretionary proposal to revise the primary annual fine particulate matter (PM2.5) standard by lowering the level from 12 \u00b5g/m3 to between 9-10 \u00b5g/m3, an up to 25-percent reduction. Additionally, the EPA sought comment on an alternative standard as low as 8 \u00b5g/m3 \u2013 as much as 33 percent lower than the current standard.\n\nAccording to the World Health Organization our nation enjoys some of the cleanest air in the world. The EPA\u2019s own figures report that direct emissions of PM2.5 are down 40 percent from 1990 levels and annual ambient PM2.5 concentrations have decreased 43 percent between 2000 and 2019. Considering this progress in improving our air quality and the limited percentage of PM emissions from stationary point sources subject to the relevant regulation, the EPA should heed the advice of experts that it is neither necessary nor advisable to revise the primary annual PM2.5 standard and rescind the proposed reconsideration.\n\nEstablishing a lower NAAQS does not directly limit emissions. Rather, it establishes a level of ambient pollution that the Administrator determines is \u201crequisite to protect the public health\u201d with \u201can adequate margin of safety\u201d and it falls to the states to implement procedures and pollution controls to attain and maintain the standards.\n\nHowever, as the PM2.5 standard is approaching natural background levels, there are fewer sources available to regulate in order to achieve compliance. According to the Association of Air Pollution Control Agencies, wildfires and miscellaneous sources accounted for over 70 percent of domestic PM2.5 emissions in 2022. The EPA\u2019s Policy Assessment for the PM NAAQS reconsideration estimated that only 16 percent of PM2.5 emissions come from power plants and industrial sources, while the vast majority of the emissions are from non-point sources, such as wildfires, construction, road dust, and international transport.\n\nMany of these non-point sources are exceedingly onerous or impossible to control, or like wildfires, are beyond the scope of the Clean Air Act\u2019s regulatory authorities. In light of this, sharply lowering the current PM2.5 annual standard would increase nonattainment levels across the country. This would increase permitting and regulatory burden on manufacturers, energy producers and several other key industries to our economy without a feasible path to attainment given the high costs and diminishing returns of additional control technologies.\n\nThis would result in Americans inheriting all of the negative consequences of nonattainment: offshoring of our domestic manufacturing, job loss, electric reliability concerns, higher prices, reliance on China, energy insecurity, and slow economic growth. At the same time, it would produce little to no measurable public health or environmental benefits. This proposal, particularly with its confounding inclusion of a request for comments on a standard as low as 8 \u00b5g/m3 that the EPA attests it is not even considering, is already causing uncertainty in the business community. This uncertainty is negatively impacting investments that would create good-paying jobs, including in the renewable energy sector the Biden Administration professes to support.\n\nThe EPA\u2019s proposal fails to consider several important factors that will make implementation of a lower annual standard extremely difficult, or in some cases impossible, to no measurable benefits to public health, the environment, or the economy. The EPA should not finalize a discretionary reconsideration of a PM2.5 NAAQS that is unattainable and will likely lack an accompanying, detailed implementation plan. With that, I urge the EPA to rescind its proposed reconsideration of the PM2.5 NAAQS, and review the NAAQS under the Clean Air Act\u2019s regular five-year review schedule. At that time, the EPA must set standards that follow the science and operate within the bounds of what is technologically and economically feasible.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:35:26Z"], ["https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-boozman-colleagues-urge-epa-to-rescind-unattainable-air-pollution-standard", "Cotton, Boozman, Colleagues Urge EPA to Rescind Unattainable Air Pollution Standard", "2023-09-21", "2023", "2023-09", "Republican", "Senate", "AR", "Tom Cotton", "C001095", "www.cotton.senate.gov", "cotton", "https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\n\nContact: Caroline Tabler or James Arnold (202) 224-2353\n\nSeptember 21, 2023\n\nCotton, Boozman, Colleagues Urge EPA to Rescind Unattainable Air Pollution Standard\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Senators Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) and John Boozman (R-Arkansas), along with 21 of their senate colleagues, sent a letter to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael Regan. The senators urged Regan to rescind the EPA\u2019s proposed particulate matter (PM 2.5) national ambient air quality standard (NAAQS).\n\nIn part, the senators wrote:\n\n\u201cThe EPA\u2019s proposal fails to consider several important factors that will make implementation of a lower annual standard extremely difficult, or in some cases impossible, to no measurable benefits to public health, the environment, or the economy. The EPA should not finalize a discretionary reconsideration of a PM2.5 NAAQS that is unattainable and will likely lack an accompanying, detailed implementation plan.\u201d\n\nFull text of the letter may be found here and below.\n\nSeptember 20, 2023\n\nThe Honorable Michael S. Regan\n\nAdministrator\n\nUS Environmental Protection Agency\n\n1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW\n\nWashington, DC 20004\n\nDear Administrator Regan:\n\nOn December 18, 2020, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) completed its comprehensive review and published a final decision to retain the Obama Administration\u2019s 2013 National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for particulate matter (PM). Thirty-three days later, the Biden Administration issued an executive order directing the EPA to undertake a reconsideration of that decision. On January 27, 2023, the EPA published a discretionary proposal to revise the primary annual fine particulate matter (PM2.5) standard by lowering the level from 12 \u00b5g/m3 to between 9-10 \u00b5g/m3, an up to 25-percent reduction. Additionally, the EPA sought comment on an alternative standard as low as 8 \u00b5g/m3 \u2013 as much as 33 percent lower than the current standard.\n\nAccording to the World Health Organization our nation enjoys some of the cleanest air in the world. The EPA\u2019s own figures report that direct emissions of PM2.5 are down 40 percent from 1990 levels and annual ambient PM2.5 concentrations have decreased 43 percent between 2000 and 2019. Considering this progress in improving our air quality and the limited percentage of PM emissions from stationary point sources subject to the relevant regulation, the EPA should heed the advice of experts that it is neither necessary nor advisable to revise the primary annual PM2.5 standard and rescind the proposed reconsideration.\n\nEstablishing a lower NAAQS does not directly limit emissions. Rather, it establishes a level of ambient pollution that the Administrator determines is \u201crequisite to protect the public health\u201d with \u201can adequate margin of safety\u201d and it falls to the states to implement procedures and pollution controls to attain and maintain the standards.\n\nHowever, as the PM2.5 standard is approaching natural background levels, there are fewer sources available to regulate in order to achieve compliance. According to the Association of Air Pollution Control Agencies, wildfires and miscellaneous sources accounted for over 70 percent of domestic PM2.5 emissions in 2022. The EPA\u2019s Policy Assessment for the PM NAAQS reconsideration estimated that only 16 percent of PM2.5 emissions come from power plants and industrial sources, while the vast majority of the emissions are from non-point sources, such as wildfires, construction, road dust, and international transport.\n\nMany of these non-point sources are exceedingly onerous or impossible to control, or like wildfires, are beyond the scope of the Clean Air Act\u2019s regulatory authorities. In light of this, sharply lowering the current PM2.5 annual standard would increase nonattainment levels across the country. This would increase permitting and regulatory burden on manufacturers, energy producers and several other key industries to our economy without a feasible path to attainment given the high costs and diminishing returns of additional control technologies.\n\nThis would result in Americans inheriting all of the negative consequences of nonattainment: offshoring of our domestic manufacturing, job loss, electric reliability concerns, higher prices, reliance on China, energy insecurity, and slow economic growth. At the same time, it would produce little to no measurable public health or environmental benefits. This proposal, particularly with its confounding inclusion of a request for comments on a standard as low as 8 \u00b5g/m3 that the EPA attests it is not even considering, is already causing uncertainty in the business community. This uncertainty is negatively impacting investments that would create good-paying jobs, including in the renewable energy sector the Biden Administration professes to support.\n\nThe EPA\u2019s proposal fails to consider several important factors that will make implementation of a lower annual standard extremely difficult, or in some cases impossible, to no measurable benefits to public health, the environment, or the economy. The EPA should not finalize a discretionary reconsideration of a PM2.5 NAAQS that is unattainable and will likely lack an accompanying, detailed implementation plan. With that, I urge the EPA to rescind its proposed reconsideration of the PM2.5 NAAQS, and review the NAAQS under the Clean Air Act\u2019s regular five-year review schedule. At that time, the EPA must set standards that follow the science and operate within the bounds of what is technologically and economically feasible.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:37:48Z"], ["https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=4A2A3283-BEC5-4BB7-9D2B-50B10BDFAB68", "Boozman, Booker Team Up to Improve Prostate Cancer Detection", "2023-09-20", "2023", "2023-09", "Republican", "Senate", "AR", "John Boozman", "B001236", "www.boozman.senate.gov", "boozman", "https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators John Boozman (R-AR) and Cory Booker (D-NJ) introduced legislation to expand insurance coverage for prostate cancer screenings.\n\nThe bipartisan Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Screening for High-risk Insured Men (HIM) Act would require private health insurance plans to cover preventive prostate cancer screenings without imposing any cost sharing requirements for men who are at high risk of developing prostate cancer.\n\n\u201cDiagnosing prostate cancer early is imperative to successful treatment. I know from personal experience in my own family the impact this disease has on patients and their loved ones. Increasing access to early screening for at-risk men will save lives. I am proud to be a voice in Congress for all those affected, because together we can help keep prostate cancer treatable and raise needed awareness,\u201d said Boozman.\n\n\u201cCosts shouldn\u2019t impose a barrier between people and lifesaving health screening services,\u201d said Booker. \u201cProstate cancer is a serious health concern, especially for African-American men and men with family history of this disease as they are more likely to face diagnosis and mortality. This bipartisan legislation would make prostate cancer screenings more accessible to all high-risk men, so we can reduce health disparities and increase early detection to save lives.\u201d\n\nProstate cancer affects one in eight American men in their lifetime. Individuals who have at least one close family member diagnosed with the disease are at least twice as likely to be diagnosed themselves. The risk increases with each additional family member affected.\n\nProstate cancer disproportionately affects African-American men as they are 1.8 times more likely to be diagnosed with the disease and 2.2 times more likely to die from it.\n\nCurrently, the Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test is the most effective tool for detection. When detected in Stage 1 it\u2019s almost 100 percent survivable.\n\n\u201cEvery step towards eliminating financial barriers to prostate cancer screening is a win for men and their families, particularly those at the highest risk for the disease, and the PSA for HIM Act is a significant step forward. We appreciate the leadership of Senator Booker and Senator Boozman and their efforts to make prostate cancer screening accessible to all,\u201d said Courtney Bugler, President and CEO of ZERO Prostate Cancer. \u201cBy ensuring that every individual has the opportunity for early detection and timely intervention, we are advancing significant progress to safeguard the health of our communities.\u201d\n\n\u201cIncreasing the rate of prostate cancer early detection screening for Black men is vital to reducing the death rate disparity, which is the largest for any of the major cancers. The PSA Screening for HIM Act will be a strong catalyst to increase screening by removing the financial barrier that is faced by many. PHEN emphatically supports this legislation that will save countless lives and lead the way in addressing the prostate cancer racial disparity,\u201d said Thomas A. Farrington, Prostate Health Education Network (PHEN) President and Founder.\n\n\u201cThe introduction of the Senate companion to the PSA for HIM Act is a tremendous win for prostate cancer patients,\u201d said Eugene Rhee, MD, MBA, chair of the American Urological Association\u2019s Public Policy Council. \u201cThis legislation will ensure that people who are at a higher risk of being diagnosed with prostate cancer are able to access screenings without cost-sharing barriers. Receiving regular PSA screenings can be the difference between catching this cancer early and being diagnosed with metastatic disease.\u201d\n\n\u201cScreening can help detect prostate cancer at an early stage before the disease becomes more advanced and more difficult to treat; however out-of-pocket costs such as co-pays can be a barrier to accessing early detection,\u201d said Lisa A. Lacasse, president of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network. \u201cThe PSA Screening for HIM Act would remove a significant barrier that prevents far too many at high risk for prostate cancer, including those in the Black community, from getting screened. We thank Sens. Booker and Boozman for introducing this bill and look forward to working with them to get it passed.\u201d\n\nOn Tuesday, Arkansans participating in the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network Lobby Day thanked Boozman for his leadership to expand access to prostate screenings.\n\nThe legislation endorsed by the following organizations: Active Surveillance Patients International, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, Inc., American Urological Association (AUA), Cancer & Careers, Cancer ABC's, Cancer Support Community, CancerCare, FORCE (Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered), National Alliance of State Prostate Cancer Coalitions, Patient Empowerment Network, Prostate Cancer Foundation, Prostate Cancer Research Institute, Prostate Conditions Education Council, Prostate Health Education Network, RetireSafe, Seattle Children's Foundation, Sexual Medicine Society of North America, Society for Basic Urologic Research, Society of Urologic Nurses and Associates, Society of Urologic Oncology, Society of Women in Urology, Stand Up To Cancer, Triage Cancer, UsTOO Support Programs, ZERO Urology Care Foundation, Veterans Prostate Cancer Awareness Inc. and ZERO Prostate Cancer.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:35:26Z"], ["https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=F5D63FBE-6A31-465A-9C5D-E36C6AFAF9AC", "Boozman Secures Conservation Funds for Waterfowl Habitat in St. Francis and Lee Counties", "2023-09-19", "2023", "2023-09", "Republican", "Senate", "AR", "John Boozman", "B001236", "www.boozman.senate.gov", "boozman", "https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 The Migratory Bird Conservation Commission approved a $3 million North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) grant for the conservation and preservation of more than 2,000 acres of waterfowl habitat in St. Francis and Lee counties.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m proud to be a member of the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission and champion for Arkansas\u2019s wetlands. Duck hunting is a way of life and an economic driver in our state so we must continue making investments to preserve the unique habitat that continues attracting sportsmen from all over the world,\u201d said Senator John Boozman (R-AR).\n\n\u201cDuck hunting is an important part of Arkansas\u2019s culture and economy. This grant will help make sure future generations of Arkansans and hunters from all over America can enjoy and benefit from our state\u2019s wetlands,\u201d said Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR).\n\n\u201cIn Arkansas, duck hunting isn\u2019t just a well-respected sport that families often enjoy together, but a vital piece of our economy and tourism revenue. Preserving this waterfowl habitat will ensure that folks will continue to enjoy duck hunting in eastern Arkansas for generations to come,\u201d said Representative Rick Crawford (R-AR-01).\n\n\u201cSince its inception in 1989, NAWCA has seen unrivaled success in restoring North America\u2019s threatened migratory bird habitats,\u201d said Ducks Unlimited CEO Adam Putnam. \u201cThese projects not only support natural places, but they are also good for local economies, support outdoor recreation, improve our water quality, reduce erosion and protect against flooding. We thank our friends in Congress for supporting this vital program and look forward to getting this project underway in eastern Arkansas.\u201d\n\nThe Migratory Bird Conservation Commission is responsible for directing funds raised by the sale of the Duck Stamp to waterfowl habitat and hunter conservation. The commission recently approved more than $50 million in grants to support the conservation and restoration of more than 160,000 acres of wetlands and waterfowl habitat nationwide.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:35:26Z"], ["https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=58FDAE89-1C00-43C0-870F-CFC39C745725", "Boozman Honored by Wounded Warrior Project as Legislator of the Year", "2023-09-18", "2023", "2023-09", "Republican", "Senate", "AR", "John Boozman", "B001236", "www.boozman.senate.gov", "boozman", "https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2014Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) honored U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) with its 2023 Legislator of the Year award in recognition of his steadfast commitment to America\u2019s veterans and championing legislation to improve their benefits and services.\n\n\u201cSenator Boozman has always been there, ready to meet with veterans and address their most pressing needs,\u201d said Jose Ramos, vice president of government and community relations for WWP. \u201cHe is an outstanding champion of wounded warriors and the entire veteran community, and we\u2019re so honored to be able to recognize him with our Legislator of the Year award for 2023.\u201d\n\n\u201cWounded Warrior Project has been a tireless advocate for veterans and their families, and it has been an honor to work together to strengthen benefits and services these heroes earned. I\u2019m proud of what we\u2019ve been able to accomplish. I look forward to continuing our productive collaboration to ensure our nation fulfills the promise made to those who have worn America\u2019s uniform,\u201d Boozman said.\n\nIn addition to recognizing Boozman\u2019s advocacy for passing legislation enhancing breast cancer screenings for at-risk former servicemembers, making it easier for veterans with service-related conditions to receive the clothing allowance benefit they earned as well as enhancing support for survivors of military sexual trauma, WWP applauded the senator\u2019s leadership in successfully delivering landmark legislation expanding care and benefits for toxic-exposed veterans and their families to the president\u2019s desk.\n\n\u201cThe PACT Act has been one of WWP\u2019s key legislative priorities for years, and the bill faced significant hurdles in the Senate,\u201d Ramos said. \u201cSenator Boozman was with the veteran community every step of the way, and he deserves so much credit for the bill being signed into law.\u201d\n\nWWP CEO Mike Linnington and Jose Ramos, Vice President of Government and Community Relations, presented Sen. Boozman with the Legislator of the Year award Thursday, September 14.\n\nAs a senior member of the Senate Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee and Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee responsible for Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) funding, Boozman has been a leader in delivering additional resources to support the needs of veterans and their families.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:35:26Z"], ["https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=E3137C33-DF2F-4A83-93F2-0CE650156E3C", "Boozman, Colleagues Call on VA to Protect Veterans Filing Benefits Claims", "2023-09-18", "2023", "2023-09", "Republican", "Senate", "AR", "John Boozman", "B001236", "www.boozman.senate.gov", "boozman", "https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR), a senior member of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, joined Chairman Jon Tester (D-MT) and Sens. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Reps. Chris Pappas (D-NH) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) in calling on the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to enforce all existing protections for veterans filing initial claims for disability benefits and request any additional tools it needs to hold bad actors accountable for scamming veterans.\n\n\u201cWith the PACT Actproviding the largest expansion of veterans\u2019 benefits in decades, veterans are increasingly becoming the targets of predatory, quasi-legal claims consultants,\u201d lawmakers wrote in a letter to VA Secretary Denis McDonough.\u201cThe department must exercise every enforcement tool at its disposal and request those it needs to better protect veterans from bad actors looking to take advantage of them.\u201d\n\nCurrent law prohibits individuals and businesses from assisting a veteran in the preparation, presentation or prosecution of a VA claim unless they are accredited through VA. Additionally, fees for assistance may only be charged after VA makes a decision on an initial claim and all fees can only be calculated based on a veteran\u2019s retroactive benefits. However, VA and other federal agencies are limited in their ability to enforce the law because criminal penalties were eliminated from the statute nearly 20 years ago. The VA has asked Congress to reinstate criminal penalties.\n\nThe Boozman-authored GUARD VA Benefits Act would reinstate those criminal penalties for unaccredited claim representatives charging veterans unauthorized fees while helping file their VA claims.\n\n\u201cOur mission is to protect veterans and ensure they are not paying unqualified individuals to receive their benefits. As co-sponsors of theGUARD VA Benefits Actto reinstate criminal penalties, we believe VA must enforce the law and protect veterans from unaccredited individuals looking at veterans as a payday. Veterans shouldn\u2019t have to turn to outside consultants to work through the initial claims process,\u201d members wrote.\n\nThe lawmakers pressed VA to look into what the department can do, besides reinstate criminal penalties, to help protect veterans and their earned benefits, and asked it to inform Congress of its efforts to ensure veterans are not overwhelmed with filing an initial claim in the first place.\n\nThe letter was also signed by GUARD VA Benefits Act cosponsors House Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee Ranking Member Mark Takano (D-CA), Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Mike Crapo (R-ID), John Fetterman (D-PA), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Angus King (I-ME), Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM), Jack Reed (D-RI), James Risch (R-ID), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Reps. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Debbie Dingell (D-MI) and Andre Carson (D-IN).", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:35:26Z"], ["https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-no-iranian-agent-released-in-ransom-deal-should-stay-in-america", "Cotton: No Iranian Agent Released in Ransom Deal Should Stay in America", "2023-09-18", "2023", "2023-09", "Republican", "Senate", "AR", "Tom Cotton", "C001095", "www.cotton.senate.gov", "cotton", "https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\n\nContact: Caroline Tabler or James Arnold (202) 224-2353\n\nSeptember 18, 2023\n\nCotton: No Iranian Agent Released in Ransom Deal Should Stay in America\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) sent a letter today to Secretary of State Antony Blinken requesting information about the Biden administration\u2019s $6 billion payment to Iran, as well as the release of five Iranian agents.\n\nThe letter notes that at least two of the Iranian agents reportedly plan to stay in the United States and urges Secretary Blinken to reverse the deal. Failing that, the secretary should ensure no Iranian agents remain in America.\n\nText of the letter may be found here and below.\n\nSeptember 18, 2023\n\nThe Honorable Antony Blinken\n\nSecretary\n\nU.S. Department of State\n\n2201 C Street, NW\n\nWashington, DC 20520\n\nDear Secretary Blinken,\n\nOn the 22nd anniversary of the September 11 attacks, you approved a $6 billion ransom payment to Iran, as well as the release of five Iranian agents.\n\nAccording to public news reports, your deal will also allow at least two of those Iranian agents to remain in the United States. One of them, Kaveh Afrasiabi, had been arrested for his work as an unregistered Iranian government operative and lobbied American officials on issues as sensitive as nuclear policy. It seems clear where his loyalties lie.\n\nYou should reverse your September 11 deal, which encourages Iran to take more hostages and gifts the regime billions of dollars. If the deal isn\u2019t reversed, you should at a minimum remove all Iranian agents from American soil.\n\nPlease answer the following questions no later than 5:00PM on Friday, September 22, 2023:\n\n(1) Please provide the full details of the Biden administration\u2019s September 11 agreement with Iran relating to prisoners, including any side-deals or related agreements.\n\n(2) Are the Iranian agents reportedly planning to remain in the United States deportable under our immigration laws? Why or why not?\n\n(3) What plan does the Biden administration have in place to monitor the activities and communications of the Iranian agents that it has agreed to release?\n\nThank you for your prompt attention to this important matter.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:37:48Z"], ["https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-wicker-collins-graham-not-sending-atacms-to-ukraine-will-only-prolong-the-war", "Cotton, Wicker, Collins, Graham: Not Sending ATACMS to Ukraine Will Only Prolong the War", "2023-09-16", "2023", "2023-09", "Republican", "Senate", "AR", "Tom Cotton", "C001095", "www.cotton.senate.gov", "cotton", "https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\n\nContact: Caroline Tabler orJames Arnold (202) 224-2353\n\nSeptember 16, 2023\n\nCotton, Wicker, Collins, Graham: Not Sending ATACMS to Ukraine Will Only Prolong the War\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas), along with Senators Roger Wicker (R-Mississippi), Susan Collins (R-Maine), and Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina), sent a letter today to President Joe Biden, urging him to send MGM-140 Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) to the Ukrainian military to use in its war against Russia.\n\nUkrainian officials have long expressed their military\u2019s need for the missile systems. The letter also notes that the Senate Armed Services Committee unanimously approved the Department of Defense sending long-range missiles to Ukraine.\n\nIn part, the senators wrote:\n\n\u201cThe U.S. is fully capable of providing these weapons without any appreciable risk to its own combat capability. Ukraine has significantly degraded Russian combat power and only requires a small portion of our stockpiled ATACMS. Further, the U.S. has the capability to produce hundreds of ATACMS and Precision Strike Missiles a year and replenish its inventory in the near term.\u201d\n\nFull letter of the text may be found here and below.\n\nSeptember 16, 2023\n\nPresident Joseph R. Biden\n\nThe White House\n\n1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW\n\nWashington, D.C. 20500\n\nDear President Biden:\n\nWe write to urge you to immediately send MGM-140 Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) to Ukraine. Additional delay will only further undermine U.S. national security interests and extend this conflict.\n\nFor many months, Ukrainian officials have stated the need for ATACMS to fill a critical gap in long-range fires capability. Providing ATACMS would enable Ukraine to strike key Russian logistics and communications targets as well as cruise missile and drone launch sites within Russian-occupied Ukraine. In particular, the longer-range unitary warhead variant of ATACMS should be sent without delay. The recent Ukrainian strike on Sevastopol naval port using the British Storm Shadow long-range weapon demonstrated the battlefield effectiveness of such weapons. Providing these weapons to Ukraine would maximize the likelihood of success in its current counteroffensive and follow-on operations. ATACMS could also augment Ukraine\u2019s ability to destroy Russian defensive formations.\n\nThe Ukrainian military has achieved some breakthroughs in Russian-occupied territory. However, there are reportedly as few as 30 days left before the end of the typical fighting season. It is essential that the United States immediately provide ATACMS so Ukraine can achieve vital objectives before winter and deny Russia the ability to fortify its positions.\n\nThe U.S. is fully capable of providing these weapons without any appreciable risk to its own combat capability. Ukraine has significantly degraded Russian combat power and only requires a small portion of our stockpiled ATACMS. Further, the U.S. has the capability to produce hundreds of ATACMS and Precision Strike Missiles a year and replenish its inventory in the near term.\n\nThe Senate Armed Services Committee unanimously approved an amendment to the 2024 National Defense Authorization Act urging the Department of Defense to consider sending long-range missiles to Ukraine. Delay will only cost more lives and prolong the conflict. We urge you to authorize the immediate shipment of ATACMS to Ukraine.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:37:48Z"], ["https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=519E3534-39C8-43F5-B84D-BF1DE0F71C86", "Boozman, Padilla Partner to Push Creation of Disaster Recovery and Resilience Office", "2023-09-15", "2023", "2023-09", "Republican", "Senate", "AR", "John Boozman", "B001236", "www.boozman.senate.gov", "boozman", "https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators John Boozman (R-AR) and Alex Padilla (D-CA) introduced legislation to formalize the Economic Development Administration\u2019s (EDA) role in economic recovery efforts within communities impacted by natural disasters.\n\nThe Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience Act would create an entity to expedite deployment of resources and improve service delivery to affected communities.\n\n\u201cArkansans are unfortunately very familiar with the devastation caused by natural disasters. The EDA\u2019s leadership is crucial to the recovery and resilience of communities during these challenging circumstances. Clearly defining the EDA\u2019s role will help improve the federal response and long-term economic outcome,\u201d Boozman said.\n\n\u201cEconomic recovery and revitalization are crucial elements of post-disaster assistance,\u201d said Padilla. \u201cEven with federal assistance to rebuild damaged roads, bridges, and homes, communities can remain impacted for decades after a natural disaster. As extreme weather events become more frequent across the country, disaster recovery activities are increasingly critical to EDA\u2019s mission of promoting more resilient economies. We must formalize EDA\u2019s role in post-disaster assistance to better help communities prepare for, mitigate, and recover from the negative economic impacts of natural disasters.\u201d\n\nThe legislation is endorsed by the National Association of Development Organizations, the National Association of Counties, and the International Economic Development Council.\n\n\u201cThe creation of an Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience within the U.S. Economic Development Administration would not only help strengthen communities\u2019 disaster readiness planning efforts, but would also help enhance the impacts of EDA\u2019s disaster mitigation investments. This exciting legislation will help bolster the important role that EDA plays in supporting long-term community economic recovery,\u201d said Joe McKinney, Executive Director, National Association of Development Organizations.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:35:26Z"], ["https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=CC304523-C026-4E69-B910-D98715334C8B", "Boozman, Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Leaders Fight to Preserve Rural Veterans\u2019 Access to Lifesaving Emergency Medical Transportation", "2023-09-14", "2023", "2023-09", "Republican", "Senate", "AR", "John Boozman", "B001236", "www.boozman.senate.gov", "boozman", "https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) joined Senate Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee Chairman Jon Tester (D-MT), Ranking Member Jerry Moran (R-KS) and Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) in introducing legislation to protect rural veterans\u2019 access to quality, lifesaving emergency medical care and transport.\n\nThe VA Emergency Transportation Access Act would prevent the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) from reducing rates of pay and reimbursement for special mode transportation providers, including ground and air ambulances, unless VA meets certain requirements that ensure rate changes will not reduce veterans\u2019 access to this essential service. Rate reductions below the actual cost of these emergency transports, without proper safeguards in place, would have catastrophic impacts if providers are forced to reduce services and even close access points due to an inability to absorb those costs.\n\n\u201cThe VA must take into account the consequences its reimbursement proposal for emergency transports will have on veterans\u2019 access to health care,\u201d said Boozman. \u201cOur bipartisan bill would protect access to emergency services for these heroes no matter where they live, ensuring this critical resource continues operating. I\u2019m proud to champion this effort to help fulfill the promise made to America\u2019s men and women who served in uniform.\u201d\n\n\u201cIn rural states like Montana, emergency air and ground transportation is a lifeline for veterans who can easily find themselves a long way from a hospital when a medical emergency happens,\u201d said Tester. \u201cOur bipartisan bill will ensure veterans can continue to access the timely, lifesaving emergency services they have earned, and that local emergency transportation providers are fairly reimbursed for their service to these heroes.\u201d\n\n\u201cIt is critical that VA continues to provide fair reimbursements for emergency transportation services so veterans, particularly those in rural areas, have no barriers standing between them and the health care they need,\u201d said Moran. \u201cVA\u2019s recent rule making threatens to upend access to care for veterans and all Americans by disrupting the air and ground ambulance industry from coast to coast. This legislation would put a stop to that by establishing commonsense parameters for VA to follow when setting air ambulance reimbursement rates to make certain veterans across the nation receive lifesaving care when they need it most.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis proposed rule needs to be carefully considered before implementation, to prevent any negative consequences to timely health care and emergency services, especially for veterans in rural areas,\u201d said Murray. \u201cBefore VA moves forward with this rule, they need to take a serious look at what its implementation would mean for those who rely on VA and ensure that any changes will not result in more limited access to emergency services. Congress must take seriously our responsibility to make sure veterans have the best possible access to the high-quality health care they deserve, and this legislation gives the Department time to fully consider whether this proposed rule keeps our promise.\u201d\n\nVeterans living in rural or hard-to-reach areas rely on emergency medical care and transports to access urgent, lifesaving medical care. In February, VA finalized a proposed rule change for special mode transportation service rates that would bring rates far below the actual costs of these services that would go into effect February 2024, despite significant opposition from Congress, providers and Veteran Service Organizations.\n\nRate reductions could cause emergency transportation providers to severely reduce services, close bases or even bill veterans for the balance of their costs in order to shoulder the financial impacts of this change. The department\u2019s plan to reduce this negative impact through contracted rates above the base rates proposed in the rule is months behind and many aspects of the contracting plans are still not confirmed.\n\nThe VA Emergency Transportation Access Act would require the department to complete the following requirements before pursuing a change that would reduce reimbursement rates for Special Modes of Transportation:\n\nConduct a thorough review of the impact a change in rates would have on veterans\u2019 access to care;\n\nConsult industry experts, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, appropriate VA subject matter experts and Veterans Service Organizations when conducting the review;\n\nDevelop a formal process of updating the rates that protects or expands veterans\u2019 current access to emergency transportation; and\n\nEnsure the new rates reflect the actual costs of transportation.\n\nThe legislation is supported by Wounded Warrior Project, Paralyzed Veterans of America, The American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Arkansas emergency medical service leaders also applauded the bipartisan effort to make certain VA maintains fair emergency transportation rates.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:35:26Z"], ["https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases/crawford-leads-ti-colleagues-in-highlighting-concerns-over-dot-s-lack-of-cybersecurity-requirements-for-ev-network", "Crawford Leads T&I Colleagues in Highlighting Concerns Over DOT\u2019s Lack of Cybersecurity Requirements for EV Network", "2023-09-13", "2023", "2023-09", "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\nCrawford Leads T&I Colleagues in Highlighting Concerns Over DOT's Lack of Cybersecurity Requirements for EV Network\n\n9/13/2023\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2013 Highways and Transit Subcommittee Chairman Rick Crawford (R-AR) and 13 Members of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee today sent a letter to U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Pete Buttigieg expressing concerns over the lack of effective cybersecurity requirements in the Biden Administration's National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program, which was established under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).\n\n\"By connecting our electric and transportation infrastructure, which includes the electric grid, electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, EVs, and personal mobile phones, the program will significantly increase the Nation's cybersecurity attack surface. Cyberattacks on EV charging stations could harm electric grid safety and performance, disable chargers, and potentially strand motorists, as well as expose personal identifiable information to cyber exploits,\" Crawford and other Members wrote. \"Without adequate cybersecurity requirements and safeguards, communities across the country will be vulnerable to the real-world consequences of malicious cyber acts that harm the electric grid, transportation, public safety, and privacy.\"\n\nOne of their specific concerns is the Administration's willingness to leave the development of NEVI cybersecurity protections up to the states without any substantial or uniform guidance, potentially leading to a patchwork system of up to 50 different approaches, in addition to security gaps.\n\nThe Members' letter added, \"This effort should leverage existing cybersecurity best practices and commercially available cybersecurity solutions. Ensuring the electric grid's cybersecurity is just one of the many challenges stemming from the Biden Administration's push for the widespread deployment of EVs and their requisite charging infrastructure. As the Department continues its deployment of the NEVI program, we strongly urge you to provide guidance and move quickly to address these potential vulnerabilities to protect the security of Americans and our Nation's grid.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:37:48Z"], ["https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=930F8415-678B-470A-8ECF-1B9186859F31", "Boozman, Peters Lead Legislation to Strengthen Oversight and Quality of Care at VA", "2023-09-13", "2023", "2023-09", "Republican", "Senate", "AR", "John Boozman", "B001236", "www.boozman.senate.gov", "boozman", "https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR), a senior member of the Senate Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee, continues to push for improvements to oversight and accountability practices at Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Centers.\n\nBoozman and Senator Gary Peters (D-MI) introduced the VA Peer Review Neutrality Act to ensure neutrality and accountability of the VA\u2019s peer review process and guarantee medical centers have the senior leadership in place to provide oversight veterans deserve.\n\n\u201cVeterans have earned access to high quality health care. Our bipartisan bill is an important step to strengthening oversight at VA medical centers and ensuring the delivery of care meets the standards they deserve. I will continue advocating measures that guarantee leadership at these facilities is in place to sufficiently supervise and direct their work so we can assure veterans they will not be victims of negligence or malfeasance,\u201d Boozman said.\n\n\u201cI was appalled to learn of the misconduct and blatant failure from leadership at the Detroit VA Medical Center. Our nation\u2019s veterans deserve nothing but the best quality health care and support,\u201d said Peters. \u201cI\u2019m leading this bipartisan bill to make sure something like this never, ever happens again by putting in place commonsense measures to ensure VA peer reviews are conducted impartially and by the book.\u201d\n\nThis legislation would require peer reviewers to withdraw from the case where they have direct involvement or a conflict of interest and have a Peer Review Committee at another VA facility evaluate the findings.\n\nThe legislation also incorporates Boozman\u2019s VACANT Act to prevent the prolonged absence of an active VA medical center director by requiring the VA Secretary to ensure a plan is in place to fill vacant positions within 180 days of a director\u2019s detailing to a different position within the department.\n\nThe Fayetteville VA Medical Center had been without a permanent director for nearly two years until a new director was hired in January 2023.\n\nThe VA Peer Review Neutrality Act is supported by the American Legion, Vietnam Veterans of America, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America and Disabled American Veterans.\n\n\u201cA strong, viable veterans\u2019 health care system is part of keeping our promise to those who served,\u201dsaid Disabled American Veterans National Legislative Director Joy Ilem. \u201cIt is critical for the VA to eliminate conflicts of interest when conducting quality management and administrative investigations and limit the detail of directors at its medical centers. DAV thanks Sens. Gary Peters and John Boozman for introducing the Veterans Affairs Peer Review Neutrality Act of 2023 and supports this legislation, which ensures that systems are put in place to maintain timely, high-quality service delivery of veterans\u2019 health care.\u201d\n\nThe legislation is also cosponsored by Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI).", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:35:26Z"], ["https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-romney-colleagues-introduce-bill-to-raise-minimum-wage-and-stop-employment-of-illegal-immigrants", "Cotton, Romney, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Raise Minimum Wage and Stop Employment of Illegal Immigrants", "2023-09-13", "2023", "2023-09", "Republican", "Senate", "AR", "Tom Cotton", "C001095", "www.cotton.senate.gov", "cotton", "https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\n\nContact: Caroline Tabler or James Arnold (202) 224-2353\n\nSeptember 13, 2023\n\nCotton, Romney, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Raise Minimum Wage and Stop Employment of Illegal Immigrants\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Senators Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) and Mitt Romney (R-Utah) today introduced the Higher Wages for American Workers Act, a bill that would gradually raise the federal minimum wage to $11 by 2028 and mandate E-Verify to ensure the wage increase only goes to legal workers.\n\nThe bill will also index future minimum wage increases to inflation and includes protections for small businesses. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-West Virginia), Bill Cassidy (R-Louisiana), Susan Collins (R-Maine), and J.D. Vance (R-Ohio) are co-sponsors of the legislation.\n\nBill text may be found here.\n\n\u201cAmerican workers today compete against millions of illegal immigrants for too few jobs with wages that are too low\u2014that\u2019s unfair. Ending the black market for illegal labor will open up jobs for Americans. Raising the minimum wage will allow Americans filling those jobs to better support their families. Our bill does both,\u201d said Senator Cotton.\n\n\u201cDespite rising costs of living, the federal minimum wage has not been increased in more than a decade, which has left millions of Americans struggling to make ends meet. Our proposal would raise wages for millions of workers without risking jobs, and tether the wage to inflation to ensure it keeps up with rising costs. Additionally, requiring employers to use E-Verify would ensure that the wage increase goes to legal workers, which would protect American jobs and eliminate a key driver of illegal immigration,\u201d said Senator Romney.\n\nBackground:\n\nGradually raises the federal minimum wage to $11 over four years, and then indexes it to inflation every two years moving forward.\n\nCreates a slower phase-in for small businesses with fewer than 20 employees.\n\nMandates E-Verify for all employers, phasing in implementation over 18 months to allow small businesses additional time to comply.\n\nRaises civil and criminal penalties on employers that hire unauthorized aliens and/or violate I-9 paperwork requirements.\n\nPrevents fraud by requiring workers 18 and older to provide a photo ID to their employer for verification, which will be cross-referenced if a photo is available through the E-Verify system.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:37:48Z"], ["https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/westerman-letter-biden-administration-criticizing-listing-rio-grande", "WESTERMAN LETTER TO BIDEN ADMINISTRATION CRITICIZING THE LISTING OF RIO GRANDE MUSSELS AS AN ENDANGERED SPECIES", "2023-09-12", "2023", "2023-09", "Republican", "House", "AR", "Bruce Westerman", "W000821", "westerman.house.gov", "westerman", "https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON - House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman (AR-04), House Budget Committee Chairman Jodey Arrington (TX-19), House Homeland Security Chairman Mark E. Green, M.D. (TN-07), and Border Security Caucus Co-Chairs Rep. Brian Babin (TX-36) and Rep. Andy Biggs (AZ-05) led a letter to President Biden and Secretary of the Department of the Interior Haaland inquiring about the July 25, 2023 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposed rule to list the Salina mucket and the Mexican fawnsfoot mussels as endangered and designate a critical habitat for the species.\n\nThe Service has proposed nearly 300 river miles of critical habitat for the mussels along the border, an action which would impede Texas\u2019 ability to protect the border and its citizens and prevent U.S. Border Patrol from accomplishing its mission of protecting the American people and safeguarding our borders.\n\n\u201cIf the Biden Administration is so concerned with the well-being of these mussel species, they should use their authority to combat the illegal crossings impacting the habitats of the species, rather than blocking the Governor of Texas\u2019 efforts. I\u2019m proud to lead this effort with Chairman Arrington to seek answers about the Administration\u2019s latest politically motivated rule that only fuels the ongoing ecological, humanitarian, and national security crisis at the border,\u201d said Chairman Westerman.\n\n\u201cWhile Biden has failed to use federal powers to secure the border, he has no problem weaponizing the government to prevent states from doing so in his absence. Where was Biden's U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service\u2019s concerns when millions of migrants trampled the mussel\u2019s \u201ccritical habitat\u201d while illegally crossing the Rio Grande? Clearly, Biden is more concerned about disrupting the habitat of the Mexican mussels than disrupting the operations of Mexican cartels who are destroying the lives of Americans and migrants alike. Governor Abbott has the constitutional authority to secure the border and protect his citizens. He should pay no attention to Biden\u2019s shell game,\u201d said Chairman Arrington.\n\n\u201cTexas has been forced to protect and defend itself because President Biden and Secretary Mayorkas won\u2019t secure the border. The Biden administration is spending more time and effort trying to keep Texas from defending its ranchers, farmers, and others living in border communities than it is trying to fix the problem. The fact that Biden is now using the existence of mussels in the Rio Grande as a reason to block Texas from keeping its river barrier system in place is utter horse hockey. What\u2019s next, moss? The situation at the border has reached critical levels\u2014these political games impede the ability to carry out vital border security. I\u2019m proud to join Chairman Arrington in shedding light on this ridiculous action by the Biden administration,\u201d said Chairman Green.\n\n\u201cThe Biden administration\u2019s convenient declaration of an environmental hazard in response to Governor Abbott\u2019s floating barrier is undoubtedly political,\u201d said Rep. Babin. \u201cIf the White House genuinely cared about the mussels growing in the Rio Grande, it would secure the border and stop the hundreds of thousands of illegals from trampling across the river \u2013 or maybe clean up the tons of trash illegal immigrants and smugglers leave behind each year. Instead of prioritizing our national security, the president has once again acted to further open our southern border and erode our sovereignty.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Biden Administration\u2019s proposed rule to designate new critical habitat and endangered species in the Rio Grande Sector to halt border barrier construction is a brazen attempt to further unsecure our nation\u2019s southern border. The timing of this rule amid the creation of a new floating border barrier in Texas confirms the rule is politically motivated and likely legally dubious,\u201d said Rep. Biggs. \u201cI applaud Congressman Arrington\u2019s latest efforts to help better secure our southern border and require the Biden Administration to answer Congress.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:37:48Z"], ["https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-condemns-bidens-ransom-payment-to-iran", "Cotton Condemns Biden\u2019s \u201cRansom Payment\u201d to Iran", "2023-09-11", "2023", "2023-09", "Republican", "Senate", "AR", "Tom Cotton", "C001095", "www.cotton.senate.gov", "cotton", "https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\n\nContact: Caroline Tabler or James Arnold (202) 224-2353\n\nSeptember 11, 2023\n\nCotton Condemns Biden\u2019s \u201cRansom Payment\u201d to Iran\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) released the following statement after the Biden administration approved the transfer of $6 billion to Iran in exchange for the release of five American citizens:\n\n\u201cFirst Joe Biden used 9/11 as an excuse to flee Afghanistan. Now he desecrates this day by paying ransom to the world\u2019s worst state sponsor of terrorism. Shameful.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:35:26Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 396, "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 \"party\" = :p0 and \"state\" = :p1 and \"year\" = :p2 order by date desc limit 101", "params": {"p0": "Republican", "p1": "AR", "p2": "2023"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=AR&year=2023", "results": [{"value": "Republican", "label": "Republican", "count": 396, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=AR&year=2023", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=AR&year=2023", "results": [{"value": "Senate", "label": "Senate", "count": 300, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=AR&year=2023&chamber=Senate", "selected": false}, {"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 96, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=AR&year=2023&chamber=House", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=AR&year=2023", "results": [{"value": "AR", "label": "AR", "count": 396, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&year=2023", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=AR&year=2023", "results": [{"value": "2023", "label": "2023", "count": 396, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=AR", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2023-09-11,https~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Ecotton~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fnews~2Fpress-releases~2Fcotton-condemns-bidens-ransom-payment-to-iran", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=AR&year=2023&_next=2023-09-11%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Ecotton~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fnews~2Fpress-releases~2Fcotton-condemns-bidens-ransom-payment-to-iran&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 136.14160008728504, "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"}