Press releases
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1,030 rows where party = "Republican", state = "AR" and year = 2020 sorted by date descending
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| url | title | date ▲ | year | month | party | chamber | state | member_name | bioguide_id | domain | scraper | source | date_source | text | has_text | collected_at | updated_at |
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| https://hill.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=8184 | Congressional Oversight Commission Publishes Eighth Report | 2020-12-31 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | House | AR | French Hill | H001072 | hill.house.gov | legacy | Congressional Oversight Commission Publishes Eighth Report f t # e Washington, December 31, 2020 WASHINGTON D.C. The members of the bipartisan Congressional Oversight Commission have published their eighth report.It is available for review here. The Commission's seven previous reports are also available for review at theCongressional Oversight Commission's website. The Congressional Oversight Commission is a five-person panel that was established by the CARES Act. The Commission is focused specifically on the economic stabilization efforts of the Treasury Department and the Federal Reserve. The members of the commission are Senator Pat Toomey (R-Pa.), Congresswoman Donna Shalala (D-Fla.), and Congressman French Hill (R-Ark.) Commissioner Bharat Ramamurti recently announced he would be joining President-Elect Biden's Administration as the Deputy Director of the National Economic Council and stepped down from his role on the Commission. The Commission's chairperson has not been appointed yet. f t # e | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://hill.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=8182 | Hill Votes to Support Military Families and Stand Up to the Communist Chinese Party | 2020-12-28 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | House | AR | French Hill | H001072 | hill.house.gov | legacy | Hill Votes to Support Military Families and Stand Up to the Communist Chinese Party f t # e Washington, December 28, 2020 WASHINGTON D.C. Today, Rep. French Hill (AR-02) issued the following statement after voting to override President Trump's veto of the National Defense Authorization Act. This year's National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) supports our brave men and women in uniform and their families and sends a strong message to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) that we will go to great lengths to protect America and our allies. China poses the greatest threat to America today and the greatest threat to democracy and freedom worldwide since World War II. While I share the president's and many in Congress's concern about social media companies being protected from legal scrutiny by way of the Communications Decency Act in Section 230 and its exploitation by Big Tech, I believe Congress must assess exactly what the corrective step is and how it best fits with the other ongoing investigations of "Big Tech" and the social media platforms on and off the Hill. Despite the president's criticism of this measure, I voted to override his veto because we need to fund the military and this legislation, contrary to some views, is tough on China. This year's NDAA includes 43 policy recommendations from the China Task Force report, including a new Pacific Deterrence Initiative, which aims to establish a regionwide approach to countering China. It also beefs up the U.S. Government's oversight tools to address the CCP's human rights abuses and support for Taiwan. I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to ensure that our nation is secure and has the resources it needs to keep the American people safe. f t # e | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://hill.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=8183 | Hill: “We must focus our resources to assist families, individuals, small businesses, and working Arkansans” | 2020-12-28 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | House | AR | French Hill | H001072 | hill.house.gov | legacy | Hill: We must focus our resources to assist families, individuals, small businesses, and working Arkansans f t # e Washington, December 28, 2020 WASHINGTON D.C. Today, Rep. French Hill (AR-02) issued the following statement after voting against amending the Consolidated Appropriations Act to increase Economic Impact Payments (EIPs) to $2,000 per individual: We must focus our resources to assist families, individuals, small businesses, and working Arkansans and Americans in the most effective way possible. Increasing EIPs to $2,000 per individual will not serve to benefit our economy in the long-run. It is not the most optimal form of relief for the American people, who need immediate support. Without this amendment, the bipartisan Consolidated Appropriations Act includes much-needed rental assistance. It extends the Paycheck Protection Program, which will keep more small business employees earning wages. It increases unemployment benefits for those struggling to find work as a result of the pandemic. It provides $2,400 of EIPs to a family of four. Finally, it will give our governors the flexibility to spend unused CARES Act funds. Although I voted in favor of the Consolidated Appropriations Act in order to provide relief to the people of Arkansas in a timely manner, the $600 EIPs should have been better targeted to Americans who are truly suffering from the negative impact of the pandemic. f t # e | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://womack.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=404286 | Congressman Womack Supports Troops, U.S. National Security | 2020-12-28 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | AR | Steve Womack | W000809 | womack.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Womack Supports Troops, U.S. National Security f t # e Washington, December 28, 2020 Washington, DCDecember 28, 2020.Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) released the below statement after supporting our troops and national security by voting to override the executive veto of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2021. The legislation, which contains several Womack-supported provisions, authorizes $740.5 billion for national defense initiatives. It includes resources to equip our troops, support military families, enhance defense capabilities, strengthen military readiness, and modernize the force: The NDAA is vital to the security of our nation and supports the men and women in uniform who stand watch over freedom. This year's legislation contains raises for our troops, bolsters cybersecurity defenses, confronts emerging threats from China and Russia, and invests in Arkansas's military installations. It enhances the safety and defense of our homeland and ensures our armed forces remain the most superior fighting force in the world. I agree that we need to reform Section 230 policy provisions, but opposing this legislation is not the right way to address it. We can't deprive our military of the resources needed to secure our country and put us on a stronger path forward. Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) has represented Arkansas's Third Congressional District since 2011. He serves as the Ranking Member of the House Committee on the Budget and is a member of the House Appropriations Committee. womack.house.gov ### f t # e | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2020/12/navigating-the-changing-landscape-to-deliver-help | Navigating the Changing Landscape to Deliver Help | 2020-12-28 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | AR | John Boozman | B001236 | www.boozman.senate.gov | legacy | This year brought incredible challenges. COVID-19 protocols required many of us to change the way we live and work and that meant finding a way for my staff and I to continue deliver critical help and provide answers to questions about federal agencies. Constituent service is alwaysmy toppriority but there was an increased sense of urgency to solve problems Arkansans faced as a result of this crisis. Last spring, my staff fielded thousands of calls from people who were desperate for information about their Economic Impact Payment. The volume of calls and emails was so heavy that we couldn't record them all. Out of all of the calls for help, 355 of them resulted in direct inquires with the IRS to track down lost payments and tax returns. The outreach we did on behalf of Arkansans with the agency increased 706 percent from last year. More Arkansans asked for assistance with the Department of State. In 2020, we received 230 requests for help, an increase of137 percent from 2019.Many of those cases were citizens who were stuck overseas after borders were closed in order to stop the spread of COVID-19. Repatriation efforts dominated the State Department's work for many months and we helped Arkansans return home from all over the world. Other troubles Arkansans have experienced has required congressional action. For example, many veterans are required to complete a compensation and pension (C&P) exam to verify their medical condition when applying for Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits. Because the VA paused in-person exams for a period of time, the backlog has grown and it's delayed benefits. I introduced a bill to increase the number of health care providers who are allowed to conduct these health assessments. Congress passed it and it's headed to the President's desk to be signed into law. Veterans have also experienced delays in getting their service records from the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC). My staff relies on this office to get veterans' records that are needed when filing for a … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2020/12/boozman-statement-on-death-of-loyd-phillips | Boozman Statement on Death of Loyd Phillips | 2020-12-27 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | AR | John Boozman | B001236 | www.boozman.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) released the following statement on the death of Loyd Phillips: There's such a loss at the passing of one of the greatest Arkansas athletes, Loyd Phillips. More importantly, Loyd was as equally gifted as a school administrator who influenced countless young people in such a positive way. Loyd was my boyhood hero as a ferocious football player, and he remained a great example for us all through his work with youth. I truly valued his friendship and will always remember this remarkable unassuming person who accomplished so much. My thoughts and prayers are with Betsy and the rest of his family as we mourn his loss. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/weekly-columns/reflecting-2020 | Reflecting on 2020 | 2020-12-25 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | AR | Bruce Westerman | W000821 | westerman.house.gov | legacy | None of us could have foreseen what 2020 held. It's been a difficult year, filled with unexpected challenges. Yet through it all, I've been so impressed by the resilience of Arkansans and the ways we've come together and supported our communities. That is the beauty of America, and I believe it's why we have reasons to be grateful even after a hard few months. Any attempt to recap this year must first start with a thank you to all our essential workers. Health care professionals, first responders, grocery store clerks, farmers, truck drivers, mail carriers, processing plant workers, and many others you all saved lives, kept our shelves stocked, protected our neighborhoods, and kept showing up for your jobs day after day. Thank you for your faithful service to millions of people throughout the year. Even though the pandemic limited in-person visits, I was still able to meet and visit with many of you via Zoom or other online platforms. It's a blessing to have this technology to still keep us connected! I also traveled around the district over the summer to thank some of the everyday heroes who kept us going during the shutdowns, and I got to hold my annual farm tour where I visited with some of our incredible agriculture workers. Back in D.C., I got to work on some important legislation that directly impacts Arkansas. The Trillion Trees Act, which I introduced in March, will incentivize the use of wood products as carbon sequestration devices, as well as plant 1 trillion trees globally by 2050. The Fair Care Act is another significant piece of legislation that I've been working on for several years, and I introduced the second version of the bill in October. It draws on conversations that I've had with many of you, and would give Americans greater choice in their health care decisions at a lower cost. U.S. Sen. Mike Braun (R-Ind.) introduced the same bill in the Senate. As we look forward to 2021, I'm grateful for the promise of a vaccine and hope on the horizon. I hope you have a blessed Christmas season with fr… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2020/12/nwa-adg-editorial-giving-it-a-shot | NWA ADG: EDITORIAL: Giving it a shot | 2020-12-23 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | AR | John Boozman | B001236 | www.boozman.senate.gov | legacy | U.S. Sen. John Boozman rolled up his sleeve Saturday and did his best imitation of a pin cushion: He got stuck with a needle carrying the vaccine that will eventually give him immunity from covid-19. The state's senior senator praised the "American ingenuity and investment" that led to vaccines that will, soon, give us all a chance to return some normalcy -- whatever that looks like -- to our lives. "As our state begins to distribute doses," the former ophthalmologist said through Twitter, "I encourage Arkansans to follow the advice of our health care professionals, who have overwhelmingly expressed confidence in the vaccine. I firmly believe we can put our trust in it." Full story (subscription required):https://www.nwaonline.com/news/2020/dec/23/nwa-editorial-giving-it-a-shot/ | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2020/12/what-they-are-saying-covid-19-response | On the Record: COVID-19 Response | 2020-12-23 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | AR | John Boozman | B001236 | www.boozman.senate.gov | legacy | Here's a round-up of some of my public comments about the new coronavirus (COVID-19), including how my colleagues in the Senate and I are responding to this crisis. U.S. Sen. John Boozman rolled up his sleeve Saturday and did his best imitation of a pin cushion: He got stuck with a needle carrying the vaccine that will eventually give him immunity from covid-19. The state's senior senator praised the "American ingenuity and investment" that led to vaccines that will, soon, give us all a chance to return some normalcy -- whatever that looks like -- to our lives. "As our state begins to distribute doses," the former ophthalmologist said through Twitter, "I encourage Arkansans to follow the advice of our health care professionals, who have overwhelmingly expressed confidence in the vaccine. I firmly believe we can put our trust in it." A U.S. senator from Arkansas announced Saturday morning that he got the vaccine to protect against COVID-19. In a post on Senator John Boozman's Facebook page, he said he decided to get it following the recommendation of the Office of the Attending Physician. He added that this puts us on the path to normalcy.We can all be proud of the American ingenuity and investment that has resulted in this lifesaving vaccine, Boozman said. He then urged Arkansans to follow the advice of health care professionals on the overwhelmingly expressed confidence they have in the vaccine.I firmly believe we can put our trust in it, he said. Boozman said he recognizes that some people have doubts about the vaccine. As a health care professional -- Boozman has been an optometrist for decades -- he said he has confidence in the medical experts who have created the vaccine and approved its use. "I would really encourage my fellow Arkansans to get the vaccine. This is the path that we can take to get back to normalcy," he said. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted emergency use authorization on Dec. 11 for the Pfizer vaccine; developers say it is 95% effective. The company is scheduled … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2020/12/boozman-secures-funding-for-arkansas-priorities | Boozman Secures Funding for Arkansas Priorities | 2020-12-22 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | AR | John Boozman | B001236 | www.boozman.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON-U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR), chairman of theSenate Appropriations Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies (MilCon-VA) subcommittee, secured provisions in the omnibus that stand to deliver benefits to the Natural State. Congress has an obligation to fund the government.Passing the appropriations bills ensures we are investing in programs that support the needs of Americans. I'm proud to craft legislation that fullyfunds theVA MISSION Act and electronic health record modernization programs while supporting new initiatives to reduce and prevent veteran suicide,Boozman said.I'm pleased Congress approved resources for programs important to Arkansas. Boozman authored the section of the bill that fundsmilitary construction and veterans affairs. Healso secured resources for several Arkansas-related priorities: Air Force Training:$8 million to support training at Razorback Range. Pine Bluff Arsenal:Over $30 million for munitions manufacturing. Fort Chaffee:$15 million for the construction of the Arkansas National Guard Readiness Training Center which will provide greater support for training exercises and help ensure Arkansas guardsmen continue to be some of the best. 188thWing:$2.6 million for the Energy Resilience and Conservation Investment Programrenewable energy project. National Center for Toxicological Research:$66.7 million to support the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) research to promote and protect public health conducted at the National Center for Toxicological Research. This facility is located in Jefferson County. Rural Broadband:$635 million to help close the digital divide and invest in rural broadband through the U.S. Department of Agriculture's ReConnect Program. Rural Development:Expanding business development and job training opportunities in rural areas, including $2.8 million for the Appropriate Technology Transfer for Rural Access (ATTRA) program which connects Arkansas agricultural producers to information that helps them improve their operati… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2020/12/boozman-votes-to-support-additional-covid-19-relief | Boozman Votes to Support Additional COVID-19 Relief | 2020-12-22 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | AR | John Boozman | B001236 | www.boozman.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTONU.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) voted for nearly $900 billion in additional COVID-19 relief for struggling Americans and hard-hit small businesses, along with additional funding to safely open schools and strengthen efforts to defeat the virus so we can reopen America. The legislation passed the Senate by a vote of 92-6. It had already been approved by the House of Representatives and has been sent to President Trump to be signed into law. This overdue lifeline will help struggling Americans, keep small businesses from shuttering and help to get our kids safely back in school. It will strengthen our efforts to defeat the virus by dramatically increasing efforts to purchase and distribute lifesaving vaccines, Boozman said. The coronavirus doesn't care if you are a Republican or a Democrat, so relief for Americans impacted by the COVID-19 public health and economic crisis should not have been subjected to political posturing that delayed crucial assistance until the eleventh hour. It is necessary that we are unified in order to deliver relief in a more timely manner. Boozmanwho is slated to serve as the top-ranking Republican on the Senate Agriculture Committee during the 117thCongressworked to ensure that programs helping America's agriculture producers received $13 billion in funding. Things are certainly tough in farm country right now. Commodity prices have been down, input costs up. Farmers have weathered trade wars and inclement weather. COVID-19 was one more huge complication for our agricultural producers. I am pleased that we were able to direct ample funding to programs that specifically help our farmers and ranchers navigate these challenging times, Boozman said. Additionally, Boozman successfully led efforts to include language preventing Medicare payment cuts to physicians. The provision is based on legislation he recently introduced, theHolding Providers Harmless from Medicare Cuts During COVID-19 Act of 2020, that ensures payments to physicians are maintained at current levels. Cutti… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-secures-key-priorities-in-pandemic-relief-package | Cotton Secures Key Priorities in Pandemic Relief Package | 2020-12-22 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | AR | Tom Cotton | C001095 | www.cotton.senate.gov | cotton | https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Caroline Tabler orJames Arnold (202) 734-0430 December 22, 2020 Cotton Secures Key Priorities in Pandemic Relief Package Washington, D.C. — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) announced that the following provisions were included in the latest Covid-19 relief package. “After months of Democratic stalling, Congress finally passed updated relief for Arkansans and Americans around the country. I’m pleased that many provisions helping Arkansans recover and get back to work were included in the final bill,” said Cotton. Vaccine Support: $20 billion to purchase vaccines that will be available at no charge to anyone who needs it. $8 billion for vaccine distribution. $20 billion to assist states with testing. Paycheck Protection Program (PPP): 2nd round of PPP loans for small businesses that have suffered losses caused by the pandemic. Simplifies loan forgiveness applications for PPP loans of $150,000 or less. Expenses paid with PPP loans are tax deductible. Mandates the eligibility of religious institutions and includes small broadcasters as eligible businesses. Planned Parenthood is barred from receiving PPP second-draw loans. Senator Cotton led 27 other senators in urging the Department of Justice to investigate Planned Parenthood after it improperly received PPP loans through the CARES Act earlier this year. Poultry and Timber Payments: Poultry growers under contract will be eligible for payments. Provides $200 million in assistance to timber harvesting and hauling businesses that suffered losses greater than 10 percent as a result of the pandemic. Livestock Dealer Trust: Ensures that cattle sellers receive payment if a livestock dealer becomes insolvent. Comprehensive Immunosuppressive Drug Coverage for Kidney Transplant Patients Act: Extends Medicare coverage of immunosuppressive drugs for kidney transplant recipients who do not have other coverage. Medicaid Access for Marshallese Arkansans: Extends Medicaid eligibility to citizens of Freely Associated States livin… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-whitehouse-applaud-signing-of-als-disability-insurance-access-act | Cotton, Whitehouse Applaud Signing of ALS Disability Insurance Access Act | 2020-12-22 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | AR | Tom Cotton | C001095 | www.cotton.senate.gov | cotton | https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Washington, D.C. — Washington, DC – U.S. Senators Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-Rhode Island) tonight applauded the signing into law of the ALS Disability Insurance Access Act, bipartisan legislation that eliminates the five-month waiting period before ALS patients can receive the Social Security Disability Insurance benefits they earned by contributing to Social Security. The legislation builds on previous steps by Congress and the Social Security Administration to accommodate the difficult prognosis for those diagnosed with ALS. The bill passed the Senate by a vote of 96-1 and cleared the House unanimously. “Americans suffering from ALS shouldn’t have to wait for assistance, especially given their tragically short life expectancy—and now they won’t have to,” said Cotton. “By waiving the statutory disability benefits waiting period, our bill makes support available to those suffering from this terrible disease much faster. I’m grateful to my colleagues in Congress and the president for helping bring relief to Americans living with ALS.” “This represents a simple act of humanity for Americans battling a disease that often moves too quickly for the current system,” said Whitehouse. “Allowing patients and their families to immediately access the benefits they’ve earned will offer comfort as they confront a difficult diagnosis. Thank you to the tireless advocates and allies all over the country who joined our fight to get this done.” Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, commonly known as ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a neurodegenerative disease affecting the ability of the brain to control muscle movements. Individuals with ALS progressively lose the ability to speak, walk, and breathe. The intended purpose of a five-month waiting period is to allow temporary conditions to reverse. However, there is currently no cure or treatment to halt or undo the effects of ALS, and some ALS patients lose their fight with the disease before ever receiving benefits. The ALS Disability Insurance Access Act would … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| https://hill.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=8174 | Hill Votes to Pass Bipartisan COVID-19 Relief and Fund the Government | 2020-12-21 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | House | AR | French Hill | H001072 | hill.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON D.C. Today, the House of Representatives passed the Consolidated Appropriations Act, which provides targeted COVID-19 relief of approximately $900 billion, which is composed of new appropriated funds of approximately $325 billion after rescinding $429 billion in Federal Reserve 13(3) authority and repurposing unused PPP funds. Further, the Consolidated Appropriations Act provides $1.4 trillion to fully fund the government through the next fiscal year. After the vote, Rep. French Hill (AR-02) issued the following statement: This long-awaited package is the result of a substantial bipartisan effort by my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to provide the people of Arkansas with much-needed relief. While Speaker Pelosi could have accepted a very similar bill from House and Senate Republicans in July, passing this relief package shows a bipartisan desire to support American families and small businesses and give them assurances and confidence before the end of the year. Together, we face an unprecedented and invisible enemy. Every steppingstone to defeat this virus is crucial, and this bill is a key component of our victory. I thank my colleagues for coming together to prevent a government shutdown and for finally producing relief to help carry Arkansas families, workers, small businesses, and educational institutions through this pandemic. In response to the challenges created by COVID-19, this legislation will: Bolster the Economy: $325 billion for small businesses, including $284 billion for first and second forgivable PPP loans, dedicated set-asides for very small businesses and lending through community-based lenders like Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), and expanded PPP eligibility for 501(c)(6) nonprofits, including destination marketing organizations, and local newspapers, TV and radio broadcasters. $20 billion for new EIDL Grants for businesses in low-income communities. $15 billion in funding for entertainment venues, movie theaters, and museums t… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-passes-covid-19-relief-federal-funding | House Passes COVID-19 Relief, Federal Funding | 2020-12-21 | 2020 | 2020-12 | 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 Consolidated Appropriations Act, year-end legislation that funds annual federal government operations and allocates COVID-19 relief. U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) released the following statement: "It's been a long negotiating process, but I believe we've got a winning end product. In addition to the overdue and much-needed COVID-19 relief, the appropriations bills fund our military and the border wall, reinstate the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), don't remove any pro-life protections, and much more while still coming in under the budget caps we'd set, something that hasn't happened in several years. It's an imperfect process – these bills should've been passed months ago – but it's the best we've got under the current situation. I voted for them and hope to see them signed into law soon." Background The funding breakdown for COVID-19 relief includes: $600 stimulus checks per individual/child, capped at $75,000 gross adjusted income per individual ($150,000 for married couples). These payments will be based on 2019 tax returns. $280 billion to reopen and strengthen the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Businesses with fewer than 300 employees and that have had a 25 percent reduction in revenue are eligible for a second round of payments. $20 billion for the production of vaccines and therapeutics, covering the cost for everyone who needs it. $45 billion in transportation assistance, including $15 billion for passenger air carriers to retain employees. $300 million for the broadband deployment program to support rural broadband infrastructure, and $250 million to the FCC to carry out the temporary telehealth pilot program authorized under the CARES Act. $13 billion in support to farmers, ranchers and the agriculture sector. The funding breakdown for the annual appropriations bills includes: | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| https://womack.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=404284 | Womack Statement on Appropriations and Coronavirus Relief Package | 2020-12-21 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | AR | Steve Womack | W000809 | womack.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DCDecember 21, 2020....Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) released the below statement following the passage of Fiscal Year 2021 appropriations and coronavirus relief legislation that keeps the government open, fully funds critical priorities, and provides further resources to defeat the coronavirus and support the American people: Congressman Womacksaid, Tonight, the House finally completed its appropriations duty and delivered enhanced resources to combat the coronavirus. This package secures wins for Arkansas and the nation by investing in vaccine distribution, assisting families and small businesses, supporting rural hospitals, and boosting our military readiness. However, Congress deserves no praise. The bill before us should have been voted on months ago. I realize - as do the American people - that this is not the ideal way to go about funding the government and providing pandemic relief. No one in this chamber disputes that fact. I've called for changes to our budget and appropriations process that could very well add efficiency and dignity to Congress. Our constituents deserve better than the constant cycle of political games, partisan obstruction, and missed deadlines. Package highlights that support Arkansas and the nation include provisions that: Provide nearly $20 billion for the production of COVID-19 vaccines, covering the cost for everyone who needs it; Help small businesses by providing an additional $284 billion in Paycheck Protection Program funds and simplifying the loan forgiveness process; Increase resources for further coronavirus testing capabilities; Deploy funding for schools and childcare providers to assist with safe operations; Ban surprise medical billing to increase pricing transparency and protections for patients; Give additional financial support to families, as well as farmers, ranchers, and producers impacted by the pandemic; Improve healthcare for rural communities by supporting hospitals and providers; Bolster teleheal… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2020/12/victory-for-women-veterans | Victory for Women Veterans | 2020-12-21 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | AR | John Boozman | B001236 | www.boozman.senate.gov | legacy | Women have served in our nation's uniform since the Revolutionary War. Today, this population is the fastest growing in the veteran community. We have a responsibility to ensure the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is meeting their needs. With the historic passage of theDeborah Sampson Actwe are one step closer to fulfilling our promise to women veterans. The landmark legislation, headed to the President's desk to be signed into law, will eliminate barriers to care and services that many women face when accessingVA benefits. Named after aRevolutionary War veteran who disguised herself as a man to help fight for her country, we are honoring her legacy in the legislation that addressesthe gender disparities at the VA. A majority of women veterans are hesitant to turn to the VA for help. More than 50 percent of women veterans believe they are not entitled to or eligible for VA care. We need to create a culture at the VA that welcomes women veterans and makes them feel like they belong. It's long overdue that we update the belief that when a woman seeks care at the VA it's not because her husband is the veteran. Arkansas women shared with me some of their experiences at the VA. Some required referrals to community care because the services provided at the VA didn't accommodate all their medical needs. Others were about the lack of privacy in exam rooms and the length of time to schedule appointments with medical professionals who specialize in women's health. Senate VA Committee Ranking Member Jon Tester (D-MT) and I first introduced theDeborah Sampson Actnearly four years ago to correct these inequities. We crafted the legislation based on the recommendations we heard from veterans. We knew our colleagues understood the necessity of updating the VA's approach to serving women and we worked with them, the VA and Veteran Service Organizations to make our bill better. That's one reason it received unanimous support in the Senate and the House of Representatives. We were helped along the way by Arkansas members… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2020/12/boozman-cardin-call-for-identifying-global-crisis-in-education-due-to-covid-19 | KFSM: The Deborah Sampson Act sponsored by Senator Boozman passes through congress | 2020-12-20 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | AR | John Boozman | B001236 | www.boozman.senate.gov | legacy | This week a bill sponsored by Senator Boozman was passed by Congress and is now being sent to President Trump to sign into law. The Deborah Sampson Act is aimed to improve medical services for women veterans. All of this really came from the ground up, talking to our women veterans...They said there was a discrepancy here, they didn't feel welcome, that they needed additional funding and resources, says Boozman. Barbara Aguirre, an Air Force Veteran, says many women are uncomfortable walking into the VA Clinic and says women are not treated the same as men. She says many services are geared towards men, and there is a need for more female doctors. "I might not have done anything special during my service, but I served, just like millions of other women did. I check with other women veterans, and some won't even go into the VA. It's really hard to talk to someone when they are patting you on the head instead of trying to help you with your problem, says Aguirre. These concerns were brought to Boozman, and after three years in the works, the act will become law before the end of the 116th Congress. Full story (w/video)https://www.5newsonline.com/article/news/local/this-week-a-bill-sponsored-by-senator-boozman-was-passed-by-congress-and-is-now-being-sent-to-president-trump-to-sign-into-law/527-cf832b88-9114-461b-b0a0-b7280b1619d2 | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://hill.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=8158 | Hill Votes to Fund Government to Pass COVID-19 Relief | 2020-12-18 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | House | AR | French Hill | H001072 | hill.house.gov | legacy | Hill Votes to Fund Government to Pass COVID-19 Relief f t # e Washington, December 18, 2020 WASHINGTON D.C. Today, Rep. French Hill (AR-02) voted to extend the federal government through December 20th in order to finalize a COVID-19 relief bill. Rep. Hill issued the following statement after the passage of the continuing resolution:I am encouraged by the significant bipartisan effort, from both Congress and the Trump Administration, to sit down and come to a thorough agreement on COVID-19 relief. As we continue to deliberate on the most supportive and effective bill for American families, small businesses, and workers, I am pleased that both parties have agreed to extend the federal government as we head towards a deal." f t # e | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/weekly-columns/covid-19-vaccine-here-what-does-mean | A COVID-19 Vaccine Is Here. What Does That Mean? | 2020-12-18 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | AR | Bruce Westerman | W000821 | westerman.house.gov | legacy | In an incredible testament to American innovation and ingenuity, we now have a vaccine for COVID-19 that is headed to every state. President Trump and the administration's Operation Warp Speed backed our brightest scientists, and they developed, tested and produced a safe and effective vaccine in record time. It's encouraging to see some light at the end of a very long year. Of course, there's a lot that needs to happen before the vaccine is widely accessible to every American. I know a lot of you have questions about what the process entails, the vaccine's safety and when it will be available for everyone. The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) has already proposed a phased approach to vaccine distribution, although it's important to note that this is always subject to change based on vaccine supply. The current plan is broken down into three phases. Phase 1 (limited vaccine availability) will target high-priority groups. Phase 1-A (December 2020) will focus on health care workers in high-exposure settings and long-term care residents, Phase 1-B (January-February 2021) will focus on essential workers, and Phase 1-C (February-March 2021) will focus on folks with increased risk of severe disease and those who reside in congregate settings. Phase 2 (increased vaccine availability) will begin distributing the vaccine to the general population. Phase 3 (widespread vaccine availability) will complete the distribution to all persons needing vaccination. The vaccine will be free and available to everyone, whether or not you are insured. Hospitals and local pharmacies will be administering the vaccine during the initial distribution phases. Other pharmacies such as CVS, Walgreens and Walmart will assist in later phases. As a reminder, these first-available vaccines will require two doses, three to four weeks apart. It's been a difficult few months for many Americans, but the vaccine is remarkable progress. I encourage you to continue learning more about it through ADH's website or by calling my office at (501) 609-9796.… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://womack.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=404282 | Womack Statement on Confirmation of Gregory Tabor as U.S. Marshal | 2020-12-17 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | AR | Steve Womack | W000809 | womack.house.gov | legacy | Womack Statement on Confirmation of Gregory Tabor as U.S. Marshal f t # e Washington, December 17, 2020 Washington, DCDecember 17, 2020....Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) released the following statement on the Senate confirmation of Gregory Tabor to serve as U.S. Marshal for the Western District of Arkansas: Greg Tabor has committed his life and career to the safety and security of our communities. With more than three decades of experience in law enforcement and exceptional leadership skills, he is prepared to lead the U.S. Marshals Service for the Western District of Arkansas with honor and integrity. I'm grateful for his continued service to the Natural State and commend my colleagues in the Senate for confirming this dedicated public servant. Greg Tabor has a long and distinguished law enforcement career in the Natural State. He previously was the Chief of Police at the Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA), served the Fayetteville Police Department for 34 years where he retired as Chief of Police in 2019, and was Chairman of the Board for the Fourth Judicial District Drug Task Force. He earned his Police Officer Certificate from the Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy. Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) has represented Arkansas's Third Congressional District since 2011. He serves as the Ranking Member of the House Committee on the Budget and is a member of the House Appropriations Committee. womack.house.gov ### f t # e | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2020/12/bill-designating-national-cold-war-center-in-blytheville-introduced-in-senate | Bill Designating National Cold War Center in Blytheville Introduced in Senate | 2020-12-17 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | AR | John Boozman | B001236 | www.boozman.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTONArkansas Senators John Boozman and Tom Cottonintroduced a bill that would designate themuseumat Eaker Air Force Base in Blytheville, AR as the National Cold War Center. The Blytheville Air Force Base exhibition is dedicated to sharing the stories and educating the public about the community's role in our national security. I'm proud to honor the accomplishments of the men and women who served at Eaker Air Force Baseby recognizing the museum as the National Cold War Center so we can pay tribute to their contributions to our defense,Boozmansaid. Eaker Air Force Base played a key role in the defense of our nation during the Cold Warwe ought to preserve its legacy and encourage the continued education of future generations. Our bill will officially recognize the museum in Blytheville as the nation's National Cold War Center, which will help preserve this important history and be a boon to local tourism, saidCotton. Background: The world's largest and most comprehensive museum about the Cold War is in production in Blytheville, Arkansas. Eaker Air Force Base, the site of the museum, was home to approximately 300,000 men and women from 1942-1992 and is America's best-preserved Strategic Air Command Alert Aircrew Facility and Nuclear Weapons Storage Area. The bill text can be foundhere. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2020/12/boozman-cotton-applaud-confirmation-of-gregory-tabor-to-serve-as-u-s-marshal | Boozman, Cotton Applaud Confirmation of Gregory Tabor to Serve as U.S. Marshal | 2020-12-17 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | AR | John Boozman | B001236 | www.boozman.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTONU.S. Senators John Boozman (R-AR) and Tom Cotton (R-AR) applauded Senate confirmation of Gregory Tabor to serve as U.S. Marshal for the Western District of Arkansas. Greg Tabor will serve the people of Arkansas the same way that he served the citizens of Fayettevillewith honor and distinction. Greg has developed a wealth of experience through decades of law enforcement service that will enable him to excel in this new role. His leadership skills and expertise will make him an asset to the U.S. Marshal Service. We congratulate Greg and look forward to working with him, the senators said. Tabor previously served as the Chief of Police at the Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA). Prior to taking the job at XNA, he served for 34 years with the City of Fayetteville, Arkansas Police Department, beginning in 1985 until he retired as the Chief of Police in 2019. In addition to serving in the police department, Tabor was the Chairman of the Board for the Fourth Judicial District Drug Task Force. He earned his Police Officer Certificate from the Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-boozman-bill-to-designate-national-cold-war-center-in-blytheville | Cotton, Boozman Bill to Designate National Cold War Center in Blytheville | 2020-12-17 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | AR | Tom Cotton | C001095 | www.cotton.senate.gov | cotton | https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Caroline Tabler orJames Arnold (202) 734-0430 December 17, 2020 Cotton, Boozman Bill to Designate National Cold War Center in Blytheville Washington, D.C. — Senators Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) and John Boozman (R-Arkansas) introduced a bill that would designate the museum at Eaker Air Force Base in Blytheville, AR as the National Cold War Center. Bill text may be found here. “Eaker Air Force Base played a key role in the defense of our nation during the Cold War—we ought to preserve its legacy and encourage the continued education of future generations. Our bill will officially recognize the museum in Blytheville as the nation’s National Cold War Center, which will help preserve this important history and be a boon to local tourism,” said Cotton. “The Blytheville Air Force Base exhibition is dedicated to sharing the stories and educating the public about the community’s role in our national security. I’m proud to honor the accomplishments of the men and women who served at Eaker Air Force Base by recognizing the museum as the National Cold War Center so we can pay tribute to their contributions to our defense,” Boozman said. Background: The world’s largest and most comprehensive museum about the Cold War is in production in Blytheville, Arkansas. Eaker Air Force Base, the site of the museum, was home to approximately 300,000 men and women from 1942-1992 and is America’s best preserved Strategic Air Command Alert Aircrew Facility and Nuclear Weapons Storage Area. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| https://bit.ly/38br0Wr | Congress Sends Boozman Initiative Enhancing Benefits for Women Veterans to President | 2020-12-16 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | AR | John Boozman | B001236 | bit.ly | legacy | WASHINGTON— Congress is sending President Donald Trump legislation to sign into law championed by U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) that will enhance Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) care and services for women veterans. The Senate and the House of Representatives passed the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvements Act of 2020, a package of veterans’ health care and benefits improvement. It includes the Deborah Sampson Act, legislation that will eliminate barriers to better support the needs of women who answer the call to serving their nation in uniform. “We need to create a culture at the VA that welcomes women veterans and makes them feel like they belong. It’s long overdue that we update the belief that when a woman seeks care at the VA it’s because her husband is the veteran,” Boozman said on the Senate floor. The bipartisan legislation was introduced by Boozman and Senate Veterans’ Affairs Ranking Member Jon Tester (D-MT). Their bill garnered support from leading Veteran Service Organizations including the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA). “Women veterans comprise approximately 10 percent of the veteran population and are the fastest growing cohort within the veteran community. The VFW applauds Senator Boozman for his perseverance to ensure the Deborah Sampson Actbecomes law. The Deborah Sampson Act would require VA to address privacy concerns and improve access, expand the amount of time new mothers are given to find health care coverage for their newborns, increase staff cultural competency, eliminate harassment and assault, and make other much-needed improvements to women veterans health care. The VFW believes that VA can provide the highest quality of care to women veterans to guide and assist them during their seasons of life,” said Tammy Barlet, VFW Associate Director of National Legislative Services. “As the fastest growing veteran cohort, it is past time that women veterans receive care that is equal… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z | ||
| https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/westerman-announces-senior-staff-change | Westerman Announces Senior Staff Change | 2020-12-16 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | House | AR | Bruce Westerman | W000821 | westerman.house.gov | westerman | https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) announced that his chief of staff, Vivian Moeglein, will be leaving his personal office to join the House Committee on Natural Resources as its first female Republican staff director. Westerman will become the committee's ranking member in January 2021. Sarah Slocum Collins, a Fourth District native and senior manager of federal government relations for Tyson Foods Inc., will replace Moeglein as chief of staff. Westerman issued the following statement: "Over the past five years, Vivian has been an invaluable resource to our team. She brought a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table, and I've been so blessed to benefit from her leadership and political savvy in D.C. I know she will be an exceptional leader on the committee. I'm also thrilled to welcome Sarah to Capitol Hill as she takes on this new role. As an Arkansan, a proud University of Arkansas Law School alumna and an experienced legal consultant, Sarah is very familiar with both state and federal policy and will lead our office well. I'm so grateful to both of them for their service to the Fourth District of Arkansas. We have many exciting years ahead!" Background Moeglein took on the chief of staff position for Westerman in 2015, where she oversaw all staff operations, policy negotiations, long-term legislative plans and more. Prior to joining Westerman's office, Moeglein was the senior advisor for transportation programs at the American Council of Engineering Companies. She also worked in legislative roles for U.S. Sen. John Boozman (R-Ark.) and Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson while they were both serving as congressmen in the U.S. House of Representatives. Collins grew up in Sheridan, Ark., received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of Central Arkansas, and received her Juris Doctor degree from the University of Arkansas School of Law. She worked in Northwest Arkansas for the Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce and in Little Rock for Roberts Law Firm b… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-smith-suozzi-introduce-bill-to-stop-chinese-forced-organ-harvesting | Cotton, Smith, Suozzi Introduce Bill to Stop Chinese Forced Organ Harvesting | 2020-12-16 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | AR | Tom Cotton | C001095 | www.cotton.senate.gov | cotton | https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Caroline Tabler orJames Arnold (202) 734-0430 December 16, 2020 Cotton, Smith, Suozzi Introduce Bill to Stop Chinese Forced Organ Harvesting Washington, D.C. — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) and Congressmen Chris Smith (R-New Jersey) and Tom Suozzi (D-New York) today announced the Stop Forced Organ Harvesting Act, which aims to prevent the Chinese Communist Party from harvesting organs from prisoners of conscience. According to an international tribunal in London, Chinese doctors harvest organs from detainees in Chinese prison camps—sometimes while patients are still alive—for sale in a market worth $1 billion a year. Bill text may be found here. “There is growing evidence that the Chinese Communist Party has and continues to harvest organs from prisoners and members of Chinese religious groups. This bill will identify and punish CCP members involved in forced organ harvesting. It’s past time to hold Beijing accountable for these heinous acts,” said Cotton. “Organ harvesting is a barbaric, inhumane and egregious act of global significance as transnational human trafficking gangs, terrorist organizations, profiteers and even governments – China’s Communist regime in particular – kill innocent people and sell their organs for profit,” said Smith. “A global problem requires a global response. Under our bill, organ harvesters and traffickers, who often prey on vulnerable populations like political prisoners or minorities, will be identified and exposed by the State Department with the goal of punishing perpetrators and promoting effective sanctions and restrictions on travel. The bill will help shed more light on these horrific activities, enable the naming of names of the vicious perpetrators and ultimately help put an end this gruesome human rights abuse.” "For years, the Chinese Communist Party has continued to take advantage of prisoners and members of ethnic minority and religious groups. Today, we are still witnessing them take further advantage of these groups through or… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| https://hill.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=8133 | Hill Continues to Push for Community Banking Relief | 2020-12-15 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | House | AR | French Hill | H001072 | hill.house.gov | legacy | Hill Continues to Push for Community Banking Relief f t # e Little Rock, December 15, 2020 Little Rock, Ark. Today, Rep. French Hill (AR-02) issued the following statement after the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. voted to finalize a regulation that narrows the scope of companies that are considered deposit brokers:I appreciate the work the FDIC has done to modernize the way banks access deposits and the benefits they provide for their customers. FDIC's release of this final rule shows their commitment to advancement in technology and the importance of allowing banks to be able to take advantage of these changes. Unfortunately, though, the rule doesn't go quite far enough. I have long advocated that custodial deposits should not be considered brokered-deposits as evidenced by H.R. 4383, the Community Bank Deposit Access Act which I introduced with Rep. Charlie Crist. Unfortunately, this FDIC rule still does not make this clear. Custodial deposits empower community banks to attract the deposit funding needed to retain valuable local customer relationships with loans that serve the needs of communities like mine in central Arkansas. I urge the FDIC to make this clarification. f t # e | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/westerman-announces-nominations-military-academies-0 | Westerman Announces Nominations to Military Academies | 2020-12-15 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | House | AR | Bruce Westerman | W000821 | westerman.house.gov | westerman | https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) announced the Fourth District's student nominations to military academies. Westerman issued the following statement: "I'd like to encourage all Fourth District students interested in serving their country to consider attending a military academy. America's freedom and values depend on the courage of young people who put on a uniform and fight to protect liberty. U.S. military academies offer unparalleled opportunities to serve while obtaining a fully-funded, top-notch education." Background To attend a U.S. service academy, students must be nominated by either the vice president, their senator or their representative. All interested candidates are seniors in high school or currently attending an Academy Preparatory School, and they fill out a packet and submit it through their elected representative's office. The nomination deadline was Nov. 1, 2020. Below are the students Westerman nominated to military academies: Harrison Brownlee from Hot Springs, nominated to the U.S. Military Academy David Carter from Hot Springs, nominated to the Merchant Marine Academy and Naval Academy Samuel Bell from Norman, nominated to the Air Force Academy, U.S. Military Academy and Naval Academy Daniel Stuckey from Rison, nominated to the Air Force Academy Adrian Post from Altus, nominated to the Air Force Academy Cody Lambert from Redfield, nominated to the Air Force Academy Angie Saldana from Magnolia, nominated to the Air Force Academy | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2020/12/kait-u-s-senators-pay-tribute-to-fallen-helena-west-helena-police-officer | KAIT: U.S. senators pay tribute to fallen Helena-West Helena police officer | 2020-12-15 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | AR | John Boozman | B001236 | www.boozman.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON (KAIT) - On the floor of the U.S. Senate, Sen. John Boozman and Sen. Tom Cotton, of Arkansas, remembered Helena-West Helena Police Officer Travis Wallace who was killed in the line of duty back onNov. 12, 2020. Officer Travis Wallace was shot and killed while trying to apprehend a suspect in a shooting that happened on Sunday, Nov. 8. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2020/12/senators-boozman-cotton-pay-tribute-to-fallen-helen-west-helena-officer | Senators Boozman & Cotton Pay Tribute to Fallen Helen-West Helena Officer | 2020-12-15 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | AR | John Boozman | B001236 | www.boozman.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTONArkansas Senators John Boozman and Tom Cotton paid tribute tothe service and sacrifice of Helena-West Helena Police Department Officer Travis Wallace who was killed in the line of duty on November 12, 2020. Officer Wallace served with professionalism and dedication,Boozman said during remarks on the Senate floor.He demonstrated his passion and commitment for helping those in need. We celebrate his life and example of courageous selfless public service. OfficerWallacedid his job and his duty with honor. Now his watch has ended, but we will always remember the great sacrifice he made to keep his community and our state safe. May he rest in peace,Cotton said. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2020/12/safeguarding-against-scams-this-holiday-season | Avoid Scams This Holiday Season | 2020-12-14 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | AR | John Boozman | B001236 | www.boozman.senate.gov | legacy | Like much of 2020, this holiday season will look different, but for one group of individuals, not much has changed. Thieves who prey on vulnerable Americans seek an opening to strike. The holiday season, and all its added stresses, always makes for a perfect opportunity. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has been highlighting holiday-related scams in a rather creative way this year. On its website, the agency has been promoting the 12 Days of Consumer Protection in an effort to raise public awareness of common scams making the rounds. Here are three big hoaxes to guard against. Phishing scams: Package shipments always spike during holidays. This year, as more families opt out of traveling, and gatherings shrink in size, more Christmas gifts will be delivered to homes across the country. Scammers are highly aware of this and seek to capitalize by disguising their phishing attempts as shipping alerts. These emails or text messages appear to be from the U.S. Postal Serviceor other well-known shipping companies like UPS or FedExand have all the hallmarks of a legitimate notification. In reality, they are phishing emails that seek to infect your device with a virus or malware that steals your identity and passwords. Protect yourself from falling victim by avoiding links or attachments for any unexpected sender. Be sure to carefully inspect any incoming message that asks for action like this. Additionally, make sure you keep your software and operating system up to date so your device has the latest security updates. Gift card scams:Gift cards, always a popular item this time of the year, are likely to be even more in demand since they are easy items to mail to friends and family. The issue here is that thieves may have gotten to that gift card before you even brought it to the cashier to purchase. Here's how to avoid having that happen: Buy gift cards from trusted sources to avoid getting fake or stolen cards. Inspect gift cards before you buy to ensure it hasn't been physically compromised. Keep the rece… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/weekly-columns/giving-back-our-community | Giving Back to Our Community | 2020-12-11 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | AR | Bruce Westerman | W000821 | westerman.house.gov | legacy | This is the season of giving, and many of us have an opportunity to personally give back to those recovering from COVID-19. Blood donations have plummeted during the pandemic, and the Arkansas Blood Institute (ABI) is in desperate need of donations, especially convalescent plasma to save the lives of those in critical condition due to COVID-19. If you've tested positive for COVID-19, your blood contains convalescent plasma, which carries antibodies for the virus. A single donation can provide potentially lifesaving plasma for up to four patients fighting the virus. When I learned over the summer that I had the COVID-19 antibodies, I signed up to donate my plasma to help others during the pandemic. It's a simple, quick process that could save lives of others in your community. Even if you haven't had COVID-19, I'd still encouraged you to donate blood, as every donation is potentially lifesaving. Thankfully, COVID-19 is not a blood-borne disease and you are unlikely to contract the virus from giving blood if you follow appropriate personal hygiene guidelines such as wearing a face covering, frequently washing your hands and maintaining social distancing when possible. To donate plasma through the ABI, visit their website or call (888) 308-3924. To find a blood drive near you, please visit the AABB or Red Cross's website, or call (800) RED-CROSS. If you cannot donate now, please consider donating in the future and encouraging those in your community to donate. The vaccine for COVID-19 is right around the corner, but until it's widely available, everyone will need to continue doing their part to care for the most vulnerable among us. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2020/12/boozman-colleagues-introduce-legislation-to-stop-medicare-physician-payment-cuts | Boozman, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Stop Medicare Physician Payment Cuts | 2020-12-11 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | AR | John Boozman | B001236 | www.boozman.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTONU.S. Senators John Boozman (R-AR), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Tom Cotton (R-AR) and Susan Collins (R-ME) introduced legislation to prevent the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' (CMS) planned physician payment cuts scheduled to begin January 1, 2021. TheHolding Providers Harmless from Medicare Cuts During COVID-19 Act of 2020would ensure payments to medical physicians are maintained at current levels for the next two years. Cutting physician payments is the last thing CMS should be doing when we're in the middle of a pandemic. Patients deserve access to quality and affordable health care. This legislation is necessary to achieve this,Boozman said. If our heroes this year are people who wear scrubs, then it is unconscionable to hit them with Medicare cuts as a New Year's gift,Hyde-Smith said.This legislation needs to be passed before the holidays to provide relief to the very healthcare professionals who bear the burden of fighting this pandemic. Health care providers in North Dakota and across the country face significant financial strain caused by COVID-19. They can't afford these cuts, and we can't afford to lose their services,said Cramer. Our bill helps ensure these providers can continue the admirable service they've displayed throughout the pandemic without having another reason to worry about their bottom line. Many frontline health care providers face substantial Medicare reimbursement cutsbeginning on January 1st.Our health care system is already under tremendous strain due to the pandemic. Our bill stops these cuts from taking effect and imposing any further burden on our providers during this public health emergency,Cotton said. These reimbursement cuts primarily fall on the backs of health care providers across non-primary care specialties from radiology to physical therapy to orthopaedic surgery. If these ill-timed payment cuts go into effect, they could have a devastating effect on providers, health care practices, and, most important, patient access to c… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2020/12/boozman-ndaa-makes-critical-investments-to-defend-our-country-against-evolving-threats | Boozman: NDAA makes critical investments to defend our country against evolving threats | 2020-12-11 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | AR | John Boozman | B001236 | www.boozman.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) will vote to support the Fiscal Year 2021National Defense Authorization Act(NDAA) that includes defense priorities he championed to improve military readiness, expand services for military families and invest in Arkansas's role in our national defense. Congress has a responsibility to bolster our national security and ensure the men and women in uniform have the resources, tools and training necessary to help them carry out their missions. The NDAA makes critical investments to defend our country against evolving threats posed by adversaries likeChina while supporting our troops with a three percent pay raise and improving the housing and child care needs of military families.While the bill may not be perfect, it will modernize our military and ensure service members have the capabilities to defend our interests, Boozman said. Arkansas-related provisions championed by Boozman are highlighted below: Authorizes a new Arkansas National Guard Readiness Training Center at Fort Chaffee. Boozman secured funding to construct the center which will provide greater support for training exercises and help ensure Arkansas guardsmen continue to be some of the best. Increases funding for the 188thWing renewable energy project. Maintains the Air Force'sC-130 fleet which will strengthen the Little Rock Air Force Base mission. Improves child care assistance for military families who are assigned to around-the-clock, stateside rotations unitslike the 188thWing in Fort Smith. The provisiondirects the Department of Defense to research, report and provide recommendations to Congress on how to provide 24-hour child care to military families. Authorizes funding supporting the deployment of the Iron Dome short-range protection system to the U.S. Army. Earlier this year,Boozman encouraged the Army to incorporate the protection system into the force andcalled on then-Secretary of Defense Mark Esper to deploy capabilitiesto safeguard U.S. and coalition members in the Middle East.A porti… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://hill.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=8115 | Hill Hails Supreme Court Ruling to Support Community Pharmacies, Lower Health Care Costs | 2020-12-10 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | House | AR | French Hill | H001072 | hill.house.gov | legacy | Hill Hails Supreme Court Ruling to Support Community Pharmacies, Lower Health Care Costs f t # e Washington, December 10, 2020 WASHINGTON D.C. Today, after the United State Supreme Court rules unanimously to reinstate an Arkansas law to allow the state ensure pharmacy benefit managers (PBM) do not pay less than wholesale rates to community pharmacies, Rep. French Hill (AR-02) released the following statement: I am pleased with the Supreme Court's ruling to support the commonsense approach of Arkansas and the 45 states that joined our state. This is a major victory for Arkansas consumers who deserve access to lower health care prices and independent pharmacists because it will help ensure they are fairly reimbursed and will help keep the doors open at these community facilities that provide to the community so much more than prescriptions." PBMs process prescription drug claims and then reimburse the pharmacies. The Arkansas legislature passed this law because they noted that often community and independent pharmacies were receiving low reimbursement rates for generic drugs, causing many independent, rural pharmacies to close. This case, led by Arkansas, and in partnership with 45 other states, the District of Columbia, and the Trump Administration, is a significant step towards lowering prescription drug prices and supporting independent pharmacies. f t # e | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://hill.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=8118 | Hill Demands Answers for American Taxpayer at Congressional Oversight Commission Hearing | 2020-12-10 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | House | AR | French Hill | H001072 | hill.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON D.C. Today, the Congressional Oversight Commission held its third public hearing to examinethe funds authorized by the CARES Act that provide up to $17 billion for loans and loan guarantees to businesses critical to maintaining national security.U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin was the sole witness at the hearing. At the hearing, and after conducting thorough oversight of these loans, Rep. French Hill (AR02) expressed particular concerns with the loan provided to YRC Worldwide by the Treasury, stating that he believes it might have been a misstep by the federal government. He used the hearing to raise these concerns and get answers for the American taxpayer. At today's hearing, I voiced my concerns to the Treasury Secretary about the loan made to YRC Worldwide, said Rep. Hill. YRC Worldwide has been hanging on by a thread since the global financial crisis and has survived only because of government bailouts and financial assistance from the private equity industry. After analyzing the data and reviewing YRC's collateral, I would not have given this company a loan. Watch Rep. French Hill's opening remarks and questions from the hearing HERE or by clicking on the image below. Rep. Hill's key questions for Secretary Mnuchin are copied below: Rep. Hill: When you were reviewing this credit application, were you aware of this debt-for-equity swap and trouble YRC had at the end of the financial crisis? Secretary Mnuchin: I believe the team was. I was not specifically aware of that. Rep. Hill: So, in addition to the valuation questions on the collateral pool I talked about, I wondered if the team had had conversations with the other senior creditors for tranche A on a different sharing arrangement before you agreed to the terms. Secretary Mnuchin: Well, I can tell you we obviously had discussions with other creditors because we needed intercreditor agreements on other issues. I personally don't recall any of those conversations. Adam Lerrick who led the team was here and can follow up with yo… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2020/12/senate-passes-boozman-bill-to-bolster-va-care-and-services-for-women-veterans | Senate Passes Boozman Bill to Bolster VA Care and Services for Women Veterans | 2020-12-10 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | AR | John Boozman | B001236 | www.boozman.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTONTheSenate passed a package of veterans' health care and benefits improvements that incorporates a number of U.S. Senator John Boozman's (R-AR) legislative priorities, including enhancing Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) care and services for women veterans. TheDeborah Sampson Act,bipartisan legislation introduced by Boozman and Sen. Jon Tester (D-MT), was included in the comprehensive veterans package. The Boozman-Tester language will eliminate barriers to care and services that many women veterans face and help ensure the VA can address the needs of women veterans who are more likely to face homelessness, unemployment and go without needed health care. VA facilities need to be updated to accommodate the growing number of women veterans so we can meet their needs. Ensuring the VA has the capability to providemore equitable care and services is key to fulfilling our promise.Passage of this bill will enable us to better support women who answer the call to serve their nation in uniform,Boozman said. This is a groundbreaking moment as we push VA to provide better access to care and services for thenearly two million livingwomen veterans across the country,said Ranking Member Tester.Women have served in uniform since the American Revolution and are now the fastest growing population of veterans in the country. It's our responsibility to make sure VA health care and benefits are tailored to meet their needs and are accessible to them and their families. Unanimous passage of ourDeborah Sampson Actsends a clear message to women veteransand the American publicthat Congress is willing to come together to do what's necessary and follow through on this sacred duty. There are 19,000 women veterans in Arkansas. According to VA data, women comprise 10 percent of the veteran population. That number is expected to increase to more than 16 percent within the next 25 years. The senators first introduced the legislation in 2017. Their bill garnered support from leading Veteran Service Organizations includingthe Ve… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-introduces-bill-to-increase-child-support-payments- | Cotton Introduces Bill to Increase Child Support Payments | 2020-12-10 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | AR | Tom Cotton | C001095 | www.cotton.senate.gov | cotton | https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Caroline Tabler orJames Arnold (202) 734-0430 December 10, 2020 Cotton Introduces Bill to Increase Child Support Payments Washington, D.C. — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) introduced the Child Support Works Act, a bill that would increase child-support payments to custodial parents and children. The Child Support Works Act would allow state child-support agencies to be reimbursed for operating mandatory work programs for non-custodial parents. These programs have proven effective at helping non-custodial parents develop positive work ethics and fulfill the requirements of their child-support orders. Bill text may be found here. This bill is supported by the National Child-Support Enforcement Association. “Fathers have an obligation to care for their children. Child-support orders can help parents fulfill this obligation by requiring them to work. This bill would provide additional resources to state child-support agencies so they can help parents get back on their feet and provide for their family,” said Cotton. Background: Child-support enforcement is one of the most effective anti-poverty programs in the country, lifting more than one million families over the poverty line each year. However, approximately one-quarter of child-support cases aren’t paid, often because the non-custodial parent doesn’t have a job. At least 30 states and the District of Columbia operate some form of program to help or require non-custodial parents to find work if they are underemployed, unemployed, or delinquent on their child-support order. These programs have proven effective at increasing child-support payments and employment among non-custodial parents. Court-ordered programs have proven especially effective. The federal government partially reimburses states for expenses they incur through their child-support enforcement programs, but currently child-support work programs are not eligible for reimbursement. The Child Support Works Act would allow states to be reimbursed at the normal, … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-statement-on-agreement-between-israel-and-morocco | Cotton Statement on Agreement Between Israel and Morocco | 2020-12-10 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | AR | Tom Cotton | C001095 | www.cotton.senate.gov | cotton | https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Caroline Tabler orJames Arnold (202) 734-0430 December 10, 2020 Cotton Statement on Agreement Between Israel and Morocco Washington, D.C. — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) released the following statement on the normalization of diplomatic relations between Israel and Morocco: “I commend our friend and partner, the Kingdom of Morocco, for establishing diplomatic relations with Israel. Morocco’s decision is another vital step towards peace in the Middle East and Africa. This achievement further advances the promise of The Abraham Accords and was reached thanks to the vision of the president and his team.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases/virtual-congressional-delegation-brings-together-us-and-mexican-businesses | VIRTUAL CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION BRINGS TOGETHER US AND MEXICAN BUSINESSES | 2020-12-09 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | House | AR | Eric A. "Rick" Crawford | C001087 | crawford.house.gov | crawford | https://crawford.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Congressman Rick Crawford of Arkansas led a first of its kind virtual delegation, hosted by the Council of the Americas, that brought some 40 representatives of American and Mexican companies together to discuss trade and investment between the two countries. Congressman Crawford was joined by Texas Congressmen Jodey Arrington and Vicente Gonzalez. "I appreciate the efforts of the Council of the Americas to bring together my colleagues in Congress and representatives of the U.S. and Mexican business communities to discuss business and trade opportunities, especially as we continue to cope with the impact of COVID-19. Our two countries have a strong economic relationship, as exemplified by recent trade figures and the implementation of USMCA. It is important that we continue to explore ways to expand market access and supply chains that are mutually beneficial to our communities on both sides of the border," said Congressman Crawford. Congressman Arrington stated, "The U.S.- Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) was one of the biggest accomplishments of the 116th Congress. This historic trade deal has been a major win for our farmers, ranchers, and energy producers who feed, fuel, and clothe the world. I look forward to my discussion with the CODEL participants and continuing to improve and grow our mutually beneficial trade relationship with Mexico." "There are many challenges that Mexico and the United States must face together. The virtual delegation put together by the Council of Americas was an important medium to discuss the issues critical to South Texas and the Rio Grande Valley. Businesses on both side of the border depend on trade and tourism and are struggling as a result of the pandemic. It is vital to South Texas' and Mexico's economic interests that we continue to promote a business environment that is both safe and fair for workers and investors. I look forward to future discussions and improving the economic and diplomatic relationship between our two countries with the help of the incoming Biden admi… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| https://crawford.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399402 | VIRTUAL CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION BRINGS TOGETHER US AND MEXICAN BUSINESSES | 2020-12-09 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | AR | Rick Crawford | C001087 | crawford.house.gov | legacy | VIRTUAL CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION BRINGS TOGETHER US AND MEXICAN BUSINESSES Congressman Rick Crawford of Arkansas led a first of its kind virtual delegation, hosted by the Council of the Americas, that brought some 40 representatives of American and Mexican companies together to discuss trade and investment between the two countries. Congressman Crawford was joined by Texas Congressmen Jodey Arrington and Vicente Gonzalez. I appreciate the efforts of the Council of the Americas to bring together my colleagues in Congress and representatives of the U.S. and Mexican business communities to discuss business and trade opportunities, especially as we continue to cope with the impact of COVID-19. Our two countries have a strong economic relationship, as exemplified by recent trade figures and the implementation of USMCA. It is important that we continue to explore ways to expand market access and supply chains that are mutually beneficial to our communities on both sides of the border, said Congressman Crawford. Congressman Arrington stated, The U.S.- Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) was one of the biggest accomplishments of the 116th Congress. This historic trade deal has been a major win for our farmers, ranchers, and energy producers who feed, fuel, and clothe the world. I look forward to my discussion with the CODEL participants and continuing to improve and grow our mutually beneficial trade relationship with Mexico. There are many challenges that Mexico and the United States must face together. The virtual delegation put together by the Council of Americas was an important medium to discuss the issues critical to South Texas and the Rio Grande Valley. Businesses on both side of the border depend on trade and tourism and are struggling as a result of the pandemic. It is vital to South Texas' and Mexico's economic interests that we continue to promote a business environment that is both safe and fair for workers and investors. I look forward to future discussions and improving the economic and diplomatic relation… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://hill.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=8110 | Hill Announces Hiring of New Press Assistant | 2020-12-09 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | House | AR | French Hill | H001072 | hill.house.gov | legacy | Hill Announces Hiring of New Press Assistant f t # e Washington, December 9, 2020 WASHINGTON D.C. Today, Congressman French Hill (AR-02) announced that Preston Mizell joined his staff to serve as Press Assistant. Preston graduated with a degree in Economics from Florida State University and started his career on Capitol Hill in the office of Congressman Adam Kinzinger (IL-16) before becoming Press Assistant and Legislative Correspondent for retiring Congressman Francis Rooney (FL-19).I look forward to Preston bringing new energy, enthusiasm, and ideas to my office and communications team,said Rep. Hill.Preston will provide effective and authentic communication as he corresponds with the hard-working men and women of Arkansas. f t # e | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://hill.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=8119 | Hill Supports Short-Term Spending, Calls on Democrats to Prioritize COVID-19 Relief | 2020-12-09 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | House | AR | French Hill | H001072 | hill.house.gov | legacy | Hill Supports Short-Term Spending, Calls on Democrats to Prioritize COVID-19 Relief f t # e Washington, December 9, 2020 WASHINGTON D.C. Today, after voting for a short-term government funding bill to fund the federal government while the House and Senate finalize the long-term spending package, Rep. French Hill (AR-02) issued the following statement:Democrats and Republicans have agreed to continue vital discussions on the final 2021 appropriations and critically needed targeted relief from the ravages of COVID-19. Let's get the job done. f t # e | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2020/12/times-dispatch-sen-boozman-meets-with-wbu-trustees | TIMES-DISPATCH: Sen. Boozman meets with WBU Trustees | 2020-12-09 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | AR | John Boozman | B001236 | www.boozman.senate.gov | legacy | The Board of Trustees at Williams Baptist University welcomed U.S. Sen. John Boozman to their regularly scheduled meeting on Friday. Boozman joined the trustees for lunch and heard an update on recent developments at WBU in general and on the Williams Works program in particular. The senator also shared news from Washington with those gathered. We were honored to have Sen. Boozman back on the Williams campus and to hear firsthand about important issues facing our nation and our region, said Dr. Stan Norman, president of WBU. We were also grateful to have the opportunity to share with him the exciting things happening at WBU, especially about the new initiatives we recently launched as part of our Williams Works initiative. WBU launched the Williams Works initiative this fall. Students selected for the program work 16 hours per week throughout the fall and spring semesters, and in exchange their tuition and fees are covered. Students who work full time through the summer can also have their room and board expenses paid, giving them the chance to graduate debt-free. Dr. Norman explained to Boozman and others gathered for the luncheon that part of the inspiration for developing the work-college model was a conversation with a student who had completed her associates degree and was transferring to a different school to complete her studies. I asked her why she was leaving and she told me that after two years, she had $62,000 in debt, Norman said. She told me, I can't sustain this,' and I thought there has to be a better way of doing this. Full story:https://www.jonesborosun.com/times_dispatch/news/sen-boozman-meets-with-wbu-trustees/article_88c79be3-a35e-522a-88cf-c71cb3bbcc4a.html | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://hill.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=8109 | Hill’s National Security Priorities Included in Annual Defense Bill | 2020-12-08 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | House | AR | French Hill | H001072 | hill.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON D.C. Following approval of the conference report to accompany H.R. 6395, the William M. Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) by a bipartisan vote of 335-78, Rep. French Hill (AR-02) released the following statement: It is up to Congress to determine how best to utilize the dollars from hard-working American taxpayers for our national defense and security priorities, and as a part of this year's funding, I am pleased to see a pay raise for the servicemen and servicewomen who defend our nation in the annual defense bill. This year's bill also supports our local mission at the Little Rock Air Force Base (LRAFB) by allocating funds to upgrade our nation's C-130 fleet, enabling LRAFB to maintain its crucial role in our military's airlift capabilities for years to come. Following shooting at Naval Air StationPensacola, the NDAA requires a more thorough process for vetting foreign nationals on our lands and their access to military bases. This is key as pilots and crews from other countries routinely train at LRAFB. This bill also supports our service members and military families by initiating mental healthcare reforms to prevent suicide, improves military family housing, and includes additional reforms designed to prevent sexual assault and harassment. "This year's NDAA also includes two of my important national security policies, both of which have passed the House of Representatives with bipartisan approval. With the continued expansion of the Chinese Community Party's (CCP) Belt and Road' initiative, and the country's increasing role as an international creditor, there is an urgent need for greater transparency of lending terms to ensure that the CCP does not take advantage of developing nations and economies. My legislation, the Ensuring Chinese Debt Transparency Act, will ensure transparency in lending terms developing countries receive from the CCP and international financial institutions (IFIs) such as the IMF and World Bank. Another bill I introduced, the Cooperate with Law E… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://womack.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=404273 | Womack Supports Final WRDA Bill, Secures Wins for Arkansas | 2020-12-08 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | AR | Steve Womack | W000809 | womack.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DCDecember 8, 2020.Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) today supported the passage of theWater Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2020, which includes Third District priorities and will help strengthen ports and harbors, inland waterway navigation, flood and storm protection, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers programs, and other water infrastructure. The legislation includes several Womack-supported provisions that will greatly benefit Arkansas, including the advancement of the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System (MKARNS) channel deepening project. Congressman Womack said, This year's WRDA makes great investments in the Natural State's water infrastructure. I was proud to work alongside the Arkansas delegation to help secure advancement of the MKARNS channel deepening project and ongoing levee modernization following last year's severe storms. By increasing capacity of one of the region's greatest economic assets and enhancing flooding resiliency, we are ensuring the longevity and protection of our navigational systems and communities. Womack-supported WRDA policies include provisions that: Advance the MKARNS 12-foot channel deepening project, a key priority that Womack has advocated for and helped secure. The completed project is expected to allow for an additional 630 tons per barge to be transported and estimated to save more than $43 million in annual shipping costs; Adjust the cost share for Inland Waterways System projects to help expedite the completion of ongoing and future projects; Increase flood resiliency by streamlining U.S. Army Corps of Engineers construction authority for communities that experience continual flood loss; and Strengthen opportunities for the Corps to provide needed projects and feasibility studies in rural communities. With nearly 80 percent of traded goods that Americans rely on being moved through our nation's ports, harbors, and inland waterways,WRDAis essential legislation that focuses on strengthening America's water infrastructure … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://womack.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=404278 | Womack, House Pass NDAA Conference Report | 2020-12-08 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | AR | Steve Womack | W000809 | womack.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DCDecember 8, 2020.Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) today voted to pass the conference report to theWilliam M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)for Fiscal Year 2021. The legislation, which includes several Womack-supported provisions, authorizes $740.5 billion for national defense activities, including resources to equip our troops, support military families, enhance defense capabilities, strengthen military readiness, and modernize the force. Congressman Womack said, We have a constitutional obligation to protect the homeland and support the men and women who stand watch over freedom. The NDAA is fundamental to that duty, and this bill provides our troops with a well-deserved pay raise and the resources, training, and equipment needed to remain the most capable and superior fighting force in the world. It also prioritizes a Fort Chaffee infrastructure project, invests in Arkansas's military installations, and confronts emerging threats from authoritarian adversaries like China and Russia. While some disagreements on partisan provisions remain, the legislation overwhelmingly includes the elements necessary for a strong defense. My vote today is for our heroes in uniform who keep us safe and secure. Provisions of the bill that Womack strongly supports include authorizations that will: Provide our courageous troops with a pay raise; Allow for an Ebbing Air National Guard Base energy project; Improve infrastructure at Ft. Chaffee to enhance its readiness center's capabilities; Include sanctions to stop the construction of Russia's Nord Stream 2 pipeline, an initiative Womack hascosponsoredto protect U.S. and European security; Enhance resources, including diagnostic equipment, testing capabilities, and PPE, to protect our armed forces from COVID-19; Support the Multinational Force and Observers' mission in Sinai, which is where the Gunslingers of the 2nd Battalion, 153rd Infantry Regiment, Arkansas Army National Guard deployed to following the Se… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-colleagues-introduce-bill-to-study-transfer-of-israel-from-eucom-to-centcom | Cotton, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Study Transfer of Israel from EUCOM to CENTCOM | 2020-12-08 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | AR | Tom Cotton | C001095 | www.cotton.senate.gov | cotton | https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Caroline Tabler orJames Arnold (202) 734-0430 December 8, 2020 Cotton, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Study Transfer of Israel from EUCOM to CENTCOM Washington, D.C. — Senators Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tennessee), Kevin Cramer (R-North Dakota), Thom Tillis (R-North Carolina), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Josh Hawley (R-Missouri), and Roger Wicker (R-Mississippi) today introduced the Israel CENTCOM Reclassification Act (ICRA), a bill which would require the Department of Defense to conduct a study, in consultation with the Israeli government, on transferring Israel from the United States European Command (EUCOM) area of responsibility to the Central Command (CENTCOM) area of responsibility. The bill text may be found here. “Tasking CENTCOM to serve as the primary U.S. defense coordinator with Israel instead of EUCOM would acknowledge the new political reality of the Middle East under the Abraham Accords. Our bill requires a study of the potential transition, which could increase U.S.—Israel military cooperation with regional partners and help better secure the Middle East against threats like Iran,” said Cotton. “Moving Israel under CENTCOM’s responsibility has the potential to be a win-win for U.S. servicemembers and our ally, Israel. Through this study, the Pentagon will see the benefits of streamlining our chain of command and help bolster our military partnerships in the Middle East against threats around the globe,” said Ernst. “Israel continues to be one of America’s closest allies in the Middle East, and we must ensure we maintain our military partnership with the changing dynamics in the region,” said Tillis. “I am proud to co-sponsor this legislation that will study whether transferring Israel from European Command to Central Command is in the best interest of our respective countries.” “Transferring Israel from EUCOM to CENTCOM would be an acknowledgement of the new dynamics in the Middle East, reflecting the newfound peace and stability made possible by t… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2020/12/accounting-for-our-heroes | Accounting for our Heroes | 2020-12-07 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | AR | John Boozman | B001236 | www.boozman.senate.gov | legacy | The last time Emily Utterback saw her big brother Samuel Cyrus Steiner was in 1940 when he left home to join the Navy. Because he'd be away for her birthday, he gave her his pocket knife as an early present. During his assignment in Hawaii, he also sent her a handkerchief. It is still one of Emily's prized possessions because it's her connection to her brother who went missing in action when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. The Little River County, Arkansas native was among the 429 crewmen assigned to the USS Oklahoma who went down with the ship. Steiner's remains were identified earlier this year and returned to his family last month. This homecoming was made possible by the relentless pursuit of the individuals at theDefense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) who are tasked with finding and identifying the remains of men and women who served in uniform. More than 81,000 Department of Defense (DoD) personnel who served from WWII through Operation Iraqi Freedom remain unaccounted for. Leveraging innovative techniques, the agency works to account for those missing using the largest and most diverse skeletal identification laboratory in the world. By partnering with non-governmental organizations and government agencies to conduct research and extensive excavations, it has been able to account for service members in all corners of the globe and bring hope to families. Several times each year,DoD provides families with information about the ongoing activities and efforts to account for their missing loved ones.In November, the agency hosted a Family Member Update in Little Rock and shared updates with individuals representing 149 personnel. DPAA planned to have an in-person meeting, but launched its inaugural virtual event to comply with public health requirements due to COVID-19. The pandemic hascreated new hurdles for the agency. Fortunately, the team has been able to continue its forensic analyses that has resulted in the identification of 120 unaccounted personnel in Fiscal Year 2020 inc… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2020/12/boozman-calls-for-funding-of-public-lands-payments-to-support-rural-communities | Boozman Calls for Funding of Public Lands Payments to Support Rural Communities | 2020-12-07 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | AR | John Boozman | B001236 | www.boozman.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTONU.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) pressed congressional leaders to fund programs in the Fiscal Year 2021 appropriations bill that provide resources for essential services for rural counties. In abipartisan letter, Boozman and his colleagues call for robust funding for the Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) program and the reauthorization of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act (SRS). PILTprovides federal payments to nearly 1,900 local governments across 49 states to help offset losses in property taxes because of nontaxable federal land.In Arkansas, 67 counties received more than $7.6 million in PILT Funding for Fiscal Year 2020. SRS was enacted to financially assist counties with public, tax-exempt forestlands.In the most recent SRS Payment Report, Arkansas received more than $6 million in funding for Fiscal Year 2019. Boozman has supported efforts to provide long-term certainty for these programs so they can better assist rural counties with large tracts of federal lands. SRS and PILT serve as a lifeline to rural America's local governments and now, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the budgets of these rural counties have taken a hit, senators wrote in the letter. With additional demands on their resources as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, rural communities and counties are stretched thinner than ever. The letter was authored by Senators Mike Crapo (R-ID) and Ron Wyden (D-OR). Full text of theletteris below. Dear Leader McConnell, Speaker Pelosi, Leader Schumer and Leader McCarthy: We write to share our steadfast support for the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act (SRS) and the Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) program.Specifically, we urge you to include a reauthorization of SRS and maintain robust PILT funding as part of the appropriations process. SRS and PILT serve as a lifeline to rural America's local governments and now, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the budgets of these rural counties have taken a hit.These two programs fu… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2020/12/boozman-colleagues-push-to-prevent-looming-cms-cuts-to-medicare-payments | Boozman, Colleagues Push to Prevent Looming CMS Cuts to Medicare Payments | 2020-12-07 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | AR | John Boozman | B001236 | www.boozman.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON U.S. Senators John Boozman (R-AR), Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Steve Daines (R-MR) and Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) along with 46 Senate colleagues, called on Senate leaders to ensure that any year-end legislative package address theCenters for Medicare & Medicaid Services'(CMS) dangerous decision to severely cut physician payments beginning January 1, 2021. Health care professionals across the spectrum are reeling from the effects of the COVID-19 emergency as they continue to serve patients during this global pandemic,the senators wrote to Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Minority Leader Chuck Schumer.The payment cuts finalized by CMS would pose a threat to providers and their patients under any circumstances, but during a pandemic the impact is even more profound. Text of the letter is below and signed letter is here. Dear Leaders McConnell and Schumer: We write to express our support for addressing upcoming physician payment cuts in ongoing legislative negotiations. We believe these cuts will further strain our health care system, which is already stressed by the COVID-19 pandemic, and jeopardize patient access to medically necessary services over the long-term. On December 1, 2020, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services finalized the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule for 2021. The fee schedule includes several positive attributes, including improvements for maternity care and much-needed payment increases for physicians delivering primary and other essential outpatient and office-based care to some of our nation's most vulnerable patients. These changes should take effect on January 1, 2021, as planned. However, a statutory budget neutrality rule requires that any increases in Medicare payments for these office visits, also known as evaluation and management (E/M) services, must be offset by corresponding decreases. As a result, many practitioners including surgeons, specialists, therapists and others face substantial cuts beginning on January 1, 2021, if Congress does not take action to pr… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2020/12/progressive-farmer-ag-and-the-next-congress-top-republican-on-senate-agriculture-committee-points-to-opportunities-ahead | PROGRESSIVE FARMER: Ag and the Next Congress; Top Republican on Senate Agriculture Committee Points to Opportunities Ahead | 2020-12-07 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | AR | John Boozman | B001236 | www.boozman.senate.gov | legacy | Arkansas Sen. John Boozman is looking forward to the opportunity to take the lead for Republicans on the Senate Agriculture Committee in the next Congress. With Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Pat Roberts, R-Kan., retiring from Congress, Boozman is in line to become either the chairman or ranking member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, depending on the outcome of the Georgia Senate runoff elections on Jan. 5. At the moment, Boozman and other senators are waiting to see how congressional leaders and the White House negotiate a possible coronavirus aid package. At least some lawmakers have coalesced around a $908 billion package that is viewed as a starting point for final negotiations. That package includes $26 billion for nutrition and agriculture. "I hope that, you know, in the next day or two, we can come up with a good compromise that helps," Boozman told DTN in a phone interview. "Certainly, our schools or businesses, particularly small businesses, making sure that our health care providers have all of the resources that they need to fight the virus that's going on as we speak. But also to make sure that, as far as vaccination delivery, all of those kind of things are adequately funded. And I feel sure that they will be, but it's something that we need to come to an agreement." Looking at agriculture and farm income, Boozman noted farmers appreciate the aid they have received over the past couple of years, especially in 2020 with government payments looking to account for just under 40% overall net farm income. But Boozman said such high payments cannot last. "That's good in the sense of getting them by, but that's not sustainable long term," Boozman said. "I understand that, and the Agriculture Committee understands it. And our farm community understands it." As a result, Boozman said senators are focused on ensuring China meets its Phase One Agreement obligations to buy more agricultural products. Lawmakers expect China will uphold its end of the agreement even after President Donald Trump l… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-loeffler-introduce-resolution-urging-european-union-to-protect-children-from-online-sexual-exploitation | Cotton, Loeffler Introduce Resolution Urging European Union to Protect Children from Online Sexual Exploitation | 2020-12-07 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | AR | Tom Cotton | C001095 | www.cotton.senate.gov | cotton | https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Caroline Tabler orJames Arnold (202) 734-0430 December 7, 2020 Cotton, Loeffler Introduce Resolution Urging European Union to Protect Children from Online Sexual Exploitation Washington, D.C. – Senators Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) and Kelly Loeffler (R-Georgia) today introduced a resolution urging the European Union to amend its ePrivacy Directive to assure tech companies may continue to use technology that identifies and combats child exploitation online. In its current form, the ePrivacy Directive outlaws critical tools used to combat the sexual exploitation of children. The bill text may be found here. “A world that turns a blind eye to child sexual exploitation has lost its way. This Directive, as written, will allow undetected proliferation of online child exploitation at alarming rates. But the EU can still fix it. My resolution urges the European Parliament to pass critical changes that prioritize our children’s safety. Closing our eyes to child exploitation doesn’t mean it stops—we must fight this evil together,” said Cotton. “Child exploitation is vile and does incalculable harm to children,” Loeffler said. “I strongly urge the European Union to fix the current ePrivacy Directive to protect children at home and around the world. We must do everything possible to root out child exploitation on and off-line.” Background: Several tech companies voluntarily use certain technologies—including hashing, PhotoDNA, and anti-grooming tools—to detect child sexual abuse material and grooming behavior on their platforms. These technologies identify millions of instances of child exploitation online, which are then reported to the CyberTipline, a global hotline for online child exploitation operated by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. In 2019 alone, the CyberTipline received reports of 69 million images, videos, and files related to child sexual abuse, and more than 3 million of these images and videos originated from offenders in the EU. The ePrivacy Direct… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| https://hill.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=8103 | Hill Legislation Commemorating Arkansas Civil Rights Champion, Scipio Jones, Signed into Law | 2020-12-04 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | House | AR | French Hill | H001072 | hill.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON D.C.Today, Rep. French Hill (AR-02) announced that his bill, H.R. 3317, the Scipio Jones Post Office Portrait Act, was signed into law. Rep. Hill's bill honors Arkansas civil rights champion and lawyer, Scipio Jones, by allowing his portrait to be displayed in the Little Rock post office that bears Jones's name. This achievement is the result of inspiration by Little Rock attorney John Gill and collaboration with Gill and historian Dr. Brian Mitchell of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Here in Arkansas, we are deeply proud of Scipio Jones and his important contributions to our state, and to our nation, as a civil rights icon and lawyer. In the wake of the Elaine Race Massacre in 1919, Mr. Jones bravely and successfully defended twelve African American sharecroppers who had been wrongfully charged in connection to a crime they didn't commit and placed on death row,said Rep. Hill. I am pleased that my bill, the Scipio Jones Post Office Portrait Act, finally has been signed into law to allow current and future generations to appreciate fully Mr. Jones's critical role inshaping Arkansas's history and the fight for equality. I am grateful to Sen. Boozman and Sen. Cotton for their partnership on the Senate version of this bill, my colleagues in the House and Senate for supporting this legislation, and President Trump for signing this bill into law. I also thank John Gill and Dr. Brian Mitchell for the many hours they spent helping with this project. I extend my thanks to Rep. Hill for his efforts to introduce and pass this legislation recognizing Scipio Africanus Jones and his fight for racial equality. Though born a slave, Scipio Jones dedicated himself to public service and became an attorney in Little Rock. I was proud to work with Rep. Hill to honor this Arkansas civil rights champion with a portrait in the Little Rock Post Office names in his honor,saidDr. Brian Mitchell, Assistant Professor of History at the University of Arkansas at L… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://hill.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=8104 | Hill Votes Against MORE Act; Pelosi Priorities “Insulting” | 2020-12-04 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | House | AR | French Hill | H001072 | hill.house.gov | legacy | Hill Votes Against MORE Act; Pelosi Priorities Insulting f t # e Washington, December 4, 2020 WASHINGTON D.C. Today, Rep. French Hill (AR-02) voted with his Republican colleagues against H.R. 3884, the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement (MORE) Act. This legislation would decriminalize marijuana by removing it from the Controlled Substances Act and eliminating criminal penalties for any person who manufactures, distributes, or possesses marijuana.Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, which has significantly hurt American workers, families, and small businesses, Speaker Pelosi once again has put the wants of special interests against the needs of the American people, said Rep. Hill. Instead of working with House Republicans to finalize a COVID-19 relief deal and give states critical flexibility to spend unused CARES Act funds, the Speaker has brought to brought the House back to Washington to vote on a bill to fund recreational marijuana use and that is insulting. f t # e | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/what-they-are-saying-ranking-member-elect-bruce-westerman | What They Are Saying: Ranking Member-Elect Bruce Westerman | 2020-12-04 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | House | AR | Bruce Westerman | W000821 | westerman.house.gov | westerman | https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – This week, the Republican Conference ratified the Republican Steering Committee's recommendation for U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) to be the next ranking member of the House Committee on Natural Resources. "Bruce Westerman exemplifies the results-oriented leadership we need to secure wins for Republican resource management and conservation policies. I've traveled across the country with Bruce – from Alaska and Arizona to Montana, Nevada, and Texas – and he consistently demonstrates an earnest commitment to solving the resource challenges facing our nation. As the only forester in Congress, he has a uniquely advantageous understanding of our nation's land, water, and environment, and I believe our Conference would be remiss not to capitalize on his expertise. Through my work with Bruce on the Natural Resources Committee and as fellow Members of the Congressional Western Caucus, I have witnessed his strong, principled, conservative leadership. I am proud to endorse him for the Republican leader of the House Natural Resources Committee." – Dan Newhouse, Chairman-Elect, Congressional Western Caucus "I want to congratulate my friend, Bruce Westerman, on being elected Republican Leader of the Natural Resources Committee! Bruce has a passion for our country, forestry, and for ensuring that conservation and energy exploration go hand-in-hand. I look forward to working with him!" – Don Young, Natural Resources Committee Chairman Emeritus and Dean of the House "Very excited for Representative Westerman. Nobody knows these issues better than Bruce. This is great news for Arkansas and I look forward to helping him on this side of the Capitol." – U.S. Sen. John Boozman (R-Ark.) "In the four years I've worked with Bruce on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I've known him to be a team player and a committed leader. With his leadership as the Ranking Member on the Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee this Congress, our committee passed the bipartisan Water Resources Development Act th… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/weekly-columns/putting-conservatives-back-conservation | Putting Conservatives Back Into Conservation | 2020-12-04 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | AR | Bruce Westerman | W000821 | westerman.house.gov | legacy | I'm so pleased to let you know that on December 3, my Republican colleagues in the House of Representatives selected me as the next Ranking Member of the Committee on Natural Resources. All my life, I've been passionate about natural resources. From learning to hunt and fish as a child, to using my engineering skills to design natural resources manufacturing facilities, to serving as the only licensed forester in Congress, to working on the Natural Resources Committee my whole tenure, I believe my life experience has uniquely equipped me for this role. These are issues that are deeply personal to me and affect every American, no matter where you live. I'm incredibly honored and humbled at the prospect of stepping into the lead Republican role on the committee. Conservatives have a rich history of leading in conservation, and this committee is a battleground for energy and environmental issues. I believe Arkansas will continue to be a great example for natural resources issues, showing the world how we can have a strong economy and a healthy environment at the same time. I can't wait to get started. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://womack.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=404265 | Womack Statement on House Democrat Marijuana Bill | 2020-12-04 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | AR | Steve Womack | W000809 | womack.house.gov | legacy | Womack Statement on House Democrat Marijuana Bill f t # e Washington, December 4, 2020 Washington, DCDecember 4, 2020....Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) released the below statement after voting against H.R. 3884, House Democrat legislation that legalizes marijuana. Womack voted against the bill, which does nothing to address the current health and economic issues faced by families and businesses during the ongoing pandemic: Speaker Pelosi and her shrinking Democrat majority ignored the plight of the American people dealing with the impact of COVID-19. Instead, they used the time to promote the legalization of cannabis among other issues not of any pressing urgency. It's as if they're tone-deaf. Americans are hurting. Jobs are being lost. Families are struggling. And their priority is marijuana? The people deserve better. Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) has represented Arkansas's Third Congressional District since 2011. He serves as the Ranking Member of the House Committee on the Budget and is a member of the House Appropriations Committee. womack.house.gov ### f t # e | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2020/12/boozman-joins-bipartisan-bicameral-call-for-permanent-expansion-of-telehealth-coverage-in-end-of-year-legislation | Boozman Pushes for Permanent Expansion of Telehealth Coverage in End of Year Legislation | 2020-12-04 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | AR | John Boozman | B001236 | www.boozman.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTONU.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) joined with 48 other lawmakers, from both the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives, to call for the expansion of access to telehealth services during the COVID-19 pandemic to be made permanent. In a bipartisan letter addressed to Senate and House leadership, the lawmakers called for continuing the authorities that have allowed Medicare beneficiaries to utilize telehealth services, as well as more types of health care providers to provide telehealth during the pandemic. These authorities were included in previous COVID-19 legislation but will expire unless congressional leaders act to make those measures permanent. Telehealth has been a critical tool during the COVID-19 pandemic in ensuring that patients can continue to receive the health care services that they need while minimizing the spread of the virus and keeping health care providers and patients healthy and safe,the lawmakers wrote in their letter to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA).We continue to hear from our constituents and health care providers that the uncertainty about the long-term future of Medicare telehealth coverage is a barrier to organizations investing fully in telehealth.Congress needs to act now to better serve patients and health care providers during the pandemic, and to ensure that telehealth remains an option after the pandemic is over. The letter highlights the growing use and benefits of telehealth during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, as patients seek to avoid traveling to hospitals and other providers and instead receive care at home. New data shows that the number of Medicare beneficiaries using telehealth services increased by nearly 13,000 percent in just a month and a half during the pandemic. The letter was led by Sen. Brian Schatz (D-HI). Along with Boozman, it was also signed by Sens. Roger Wicker (R-MS), Ben Cardin (D-MD),… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2020/12/senator-boozman-visits-hospital-to-discuss-covid-19-vaccine-insurance-and-finances | KAIT: Senator Boozman visits hospital to discuss COVID-19 vaccine, insurance, and finances | 2020-12-04 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | AR | John Boozman | B001236 | www.boozman.senate.gov | legacy | Whatever problems the hospital has is intervening on their behalf. The one thing I can do is have people take those phone calls, discuss it, and the good news is the hospital's in the right, Boozman said when asked about his plans for the issue. Full story (w/video)https://www.kait8.com/2020/12/04/senator-boozman-visits-hospital-discuss-covid-vaccine-insurance-finances/ | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/westerman-selected-republican-leader-committee-natural-resources | Westerman Selected as Republican Leader for Committee on Natural Resources | 2020-12-03 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | House | AR | Bruce Westerman | W000821 | westerman.house.gov | westerman | https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – Today, the Republican Conference ratified the House Republican Steering Committee's ranking member recommendations for the 117th Congress. U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) will be the next Republican leader for the House Committee on Natural Resources. Westerman issued the following statement in response: "I'm incredibly honored and humbled that my colleagues chose me to be the next lead Republican on the House Natural Resources Committee.All my life, I've been passionate about natural resources. From learning to hunt and fish as a child, to using my engineering skills to design natural resources manufacturing facilities, to serving as the only licensed forester in Congress, to working on the Natural Resources Committee my whole tenure, I believe my life experience has uniquely equipped me for the role of ranking member. Conservatives have a rich history of leading in conservation, and this committee will continue to be a battleground for energy and environmental issues. I believe we can lead the way on showing the world how market-based conservation allows our economy and environment to thrive simultaneously. I can't wait to get started." | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2020/12/boozman-supports-legislation-to-stop-doxing-of-government-workers | Boozman Supports Legislation to Stop Doxing of Government Workers | 2020-12-03 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | AR | John Boozman | B001236 | www.boozman.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTONU.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) joined Republican colleagues to introduce thePublic Servant Protection Act, a bill designed to protect government workers, officials and appointees from being targeted at their homes. Specifically, the bill gives all government employees, elected officials, and appointees at all levels (Federal, State, Local, and Tribal) the right to have their home addresses and phone numbersor the home addresses and phone numbers of their immediate family membersremoved from any publicly-displayedwebsite. The bill also makes it a criminal offense to post a government official's (or their immediate family members') home address or phone number with the intent to cause them physical harm. Penalties would include a fine and up to a year in prison or, if injury or death results, up to life in prison. Bill text can be foundhere. The legislation was introduced by Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR). In addition to Boozman, it's cosponsored by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Kelly Loeffler (R-GA), David Perdue (R-GA), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Rick Scott (R-FL). Anyone who maliciously publishes personal information of government officialsincluding judges and police officersputs innocent lives at risk. Tactics like this have led to tragic outcomes that should have never happened. This bill puts safeguards in place that will help end this trend. Public servants should not have to live in fear of aggressive activists who want to see them harmed,Boozmansaid. No public servant should be endangered or subject to harassment for doing their job. But as activist mobs increasingly target elected officials and police officers, additional protection is warranted. Our bill will help shield government workers and officials by increasing penalties on malicious actors and protecting workers' personal information, saidCotton. Law enforcement officers, prosecutors, and judges already serve the public at tremendous risk. They should not be forced to live with the added fear of having their personal… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-announces-resolution-urging-european-union-to-protect-children-from-online-sexual-exploitation | Cotton Announces Resolution Urging European Union to Protect Children from Online Sexual Exploitation | 2020-12-03 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | AR | Tom Cotton | C001095 | www.cotton.senate.gov | cotton | https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Caroline Tabler orJames Arnold (202) 734-0430 December 3, 2020 Cotton Announces Resolution Urging European Union to Protect Children from Online Sexual Exploitation Washington, D.C. – Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today announced he will introduce a resolution urging the European Union to amend its ePrivacy Directive to assure tech companies may continue to use technology that identifies and combats child exploitation online. In its current form, the ePrivacy Directive outlaws critical tools used to combat the sexual exploitation of children. “A world that turns a blind eye to child sexual exploitation has lost its way. This Directive, as written, will allow undetected proliferation of online child exploitation at alarming rates. But the EU can still fix it. My resolution will urge the European Parliament to pass critical changes that prioritize our children’s safety. Closing our eyes to child exploitation doesn’t mean it stops—we must fight this evil together,” said Cotton. Background: Several tech companies voluntarily use certain technologies—including hashing, PhotoDNA, and anti-grooming tools—to detect child sexual abuse material and grooming behavior on their platforms. These technologies identify millions of instances of child exploitation online, which are then reported to the CyberTipline, a global hotline for online child exploitation operated by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. In 2019 alone, the CyberTipline received reports of 69 million images, videos, and files related to child sexual abuse, and more than 3 million of these images and videos originated from offenders in the EU. The ePrivacy Directive, set to take effect just before Christmas, would make it illegal for tech companies to use this technology in the EU. In its current form, this Directive threatens our ability to protect children from online exploitation—not just in the EU, but globally. The European Commission recently noted that the EU “has become the largest host of c… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-colleagues-introduce-bill-to-stop-doxing-of-government-workers | Cotton, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Stop “Doxing” of Government Workers | 2020-12-03 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | AR | Tom Cotton | C001095 | www.cotton.senate.gov | cotton | https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Caroline Tabler orJames Arnold (202) 734-0430 December 3, 2020 Cotton, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Stop “Doxing” of Government Workers Washington, D.C. — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas), along with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky), Kelly Loeffler (R-Georgia), David Perdue (R-Georgia), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tennessee), John Boozman (R-Arkansas), and Rick Scott (R-Florida) introduced the Public Servant Protection Act, a bill designed to protect government workers, officials, and appointees from being targeted at their homes. Specifically, the bill gives all government employees, elected officials, and appointees at all levels (Federal, State, Local, and Tribal) the right to have their home addresses and phone numbers—or the home addresses and phone numbers of their immediate family members—removed from any publicly-displayed website. The bill also makes it a criminal offense to post a government official's (or their immediate family members’) home address or phone number with the intent to cause them physical harm. Penalties would include a fine and up to a year in prison or, if injury or death results, up to life in prison. Bill text may be found here. “No public servant should be endangered or subject to harassment for doing their job. But as activist mobs increasingly target elected officials and police officers, additional protection is warranted. Our bill will help shield government workers and officials by increasing penalties on malicious actors and protecting workers’ personal information,” said Cotton. “Law enforcement officers, prosecutors, and judges already serve the public at tremendous risk. They should not be forced to live with the added fear of having their personal home information widely available on the internet for use by violent criminals. Empowering these officials to keep their personal information private will help protect our protectors and their families," said Blackburn. “Now more than ever, the law enforcement community needs our… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senate-approves-cotton-whitehouse-als-disability-insurance-access-act- | Senate Approves Cotton-Whitehouse ALS Disability Insurance Access Act | 2020-12-02 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | AR | Tom Cotton | C001095 | www.cotton.senate.gov | cotton | https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Caroline Tabler orJames Arnold (202) 734-0430 December 2, 2020 Senate Approves Cotton-Whitehouse ALS Disability Insurance Access Act Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators and Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-Rhode Island) applauded Senate passage of the ALS Disability Insurance Access Act, their bipartisan legislation to eliminate the five-month waiting period before ALS patients can receive Social Security Disability Insurance benefits. The legislation would build on previous steps by Congress and the Social Security Administration to accommodate the difficult prognosis for those diagnosed with ALS. Whitehouse and Cotton first introduced the ALS Disability Insurance Act in 2016. The legislation awaits approval in the House, where it is sponsored by Congressmen Seth Moulton (D-MA) and Peter King (R-NY). “Americans suffering from ALS shouldn’t have to wait for assistance, especially given their tragically short life expectancy—and now they won’t have to,” said Cotton. “By waiving the statutory disability benefits waiting period, our bill makes support available to those suffering from this terrible disease much faster. I’m grateful to my Senate colleagues for supporting this important legislation, and I strongly urge the House to do the same.” “Allowing Americans who face this difficult diagnosis to immediately receive the benefits they have earned is a simple act of humanity that will make life easier for ALS patients and their families,” said Whitehouse. “I hope the House will act quickly so we can finally eliminate this bureaucratic obstacle.” “ALS is a cruel disease that progresses fast, currently without a cure. Help can’t come soon enough once someone is diagnosed and this bill recognizes that. It takes courage to be a true champion for patients and we are grateful to Senators Whitehouse and Cotton for introducing this legislation,” I AM ALS CEO Danielle Carnival said. “To the thousands of advocates who drove this bill forward, you are our hope. You are chan… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| https://hill.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=8102 | Congressional Oversight Commission Publishes Seventh Report | 2020-12-01 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | House | AR | French Hill | H001072 | hill.house.gov | legacy | Congressional Oversight Commission Publishes Seventh Report f t # e Washington, December 1, 2020 WASHINGTON D.C. The members of the bipartisan Congressional Oversight Commission have published their seventh report. It is available for review here.The Commission's six previous reports are also available for review at the Congressional Oversight Commission's website. The Congressional Oversight Commission is a five-person panel that was established by the CARES Act. The Commission is focused specifically on the economic stabilization efforts of the Treasury Department and the Federal Reserve. The members of the commission are Senator Pat Toomey (R-Pa.), Congresswoman Donna Shalala (D-Fla.), Congressman French Hill (R-Ark.), and Bharat Ramamurti. The Commission's chairperson has not been appointed yet. f t # e | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://hill.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=8078 | Hill Statement on Janet Yellen’s Nomination to Serve as Secretary of the Treasury Department | 2020-11-30 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Republican | House | AR | French Hill | H001072 | hill.house.gov | legacy | Little Rock, Ark. Today, Rep. French Hill (AR-02) issued the following statement about former Federal Reserve Chairwoman Janet Yellen's nomination to lead the Treasury Department by Vice President Joe Biden:By way of public policy leadership and experience, Janet Yellen is well qualified to be nominated as Treasury Secretary. In her final two years as Federal Reserve chair, I found her forthright and focused. In office, she will confront a global economic crisis brought about by COVID-19. If confirmed, she must be a voice for policies that ensure that the American economy continues its return to pre-pandemic strength. Large tax burden increases on hard working taxpayers, businesses, and entrepreneurs will slow the recovery, as will a growing tangle of new Washington mandates and regulations. Her second significant challenge will be the insatiable appetite of those left of center policy makers to demand that only the federal government can solve all social and economic problems by spending ever more taxpayer money. As she must lead on growth, Dr. Yellen must also lead the administration's return to responsible post-pandemic federal budgets. Finally, as a former chair of the Federal Reserve, hers can be a voice of constraint from the calls for the Fed to abandon its focused dual mandate of price stability and full employment, and instead, lend money directly to states and municipalities, become a sort of climate police' or find no limit to the government debt it can acquire. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2020/11/vaccine-advancements-offer-hope | Vaccine Advancements Offer Hope | 2020-11-30 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Republican | Senate | AR | John Boozman | B001236 | www.boozman.senate.gov | legacy | The holiday season is officially upon us. This year, however, it feels uniquely different as we remain in the midst of a deadly pandemic that is showing no sign of slowing down. Despite that reality, there is reason for optimism. We have learned a great deal about COVID-19 over the past several months. Weunderstand more about how the virus istransmitted, the effects it has on the human body and the ways in which therapeutic treatments can aid recovery. We also know how we can protect ourselves, and others, from contracting it. That means following the three w'swearing a mask in public settings, washinghands and watchingourdistanceto help stem the spread.If we heed and act upon the advice of our medical experts, we can make a safer environment forour neighborsand our loved ones as we celebrate the holidays. While the concern for increased transmission is understandably high as we enter the cold weather season, there is promising news on the horizon. Multiple COVID-19 vaccines are in the final stagesof clinical development and may soon be available. Pharmaceutical maker Pfizer recently announced that preliminary data from late-stage clinical trials show its COVID-19 vaccineis95 percent effective.A vaccine developed jointly by the drug companyModernaandthe National Institutes of Health has shown in early trials to be more than 94 percent effective. A third company, AstraZeneca,alsoreportedthat late-stagetrials showed its coronavirus vaccine was up to 90 percent effective.Its breakthrough is a big developmentthatwould be less expensive and easier to distribute than others that require cold storage. Researchers continue to explore additional options. Some of that work is being done right here in Arkansas. Woodland International Research Group located in Little Rock is among the research firms coordinating clinical trials for potential vaccines. The incredible medical advancements we are witnessingwill help save lives around the world.These accomplishments are a testament to American ingenuity, resolve and our pro… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/weekly-columns/honoring-hometown-hero | Honoring a Hometown Hero | 2020-11-27 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Republican | Senate | AR | Bruce Westerman | W000821 | westerman.house.gov | legacy | One of the things I love most about serving in public office is the ability to honor incredible heroes who live and work in our communities. Just a few weeks ago, I learned that one of these people, Mr. Fred Randle, was a long-time Hot Springs resident who was part of Merrill's Marauders during WWII. Merrill's Marauders were U.S. soldiers who fought in the Pacific Theater, using jungle warfare techniques to penetrate deep behind enemy lines. In just five months of combat, the Marauders had advanced 720 miles through some of the harshest jungle terrain in the world. Upon return, each man in the unit was awarded a Bronze Star. Earlier this year, I supported the Merrill's Marauders Congressional Gold Medal Act, which would give each living Marauder a gold medal in the Smithsonian. President Trump signed the bill into law in October, but at the time I didn't realize that one of these men was still living in Arkansas. Through the efforts of a liaison officer, Mr. Randle was found and added to the list of only nine living Merrill's Marauders in the United States. He had written a book, Hell on Land, Disaster at Sea - the Story of Merrill's Marauders and the Sinking of the Rhona. Mr. Randle witnessed the sinking of this ship in 1943, and was one of a handful of men with the Marauders who had been sworn to secrecy about the sinking for 57 years since it was caused by the world's first guided missile. Mr. Randle passed away at the age of 97 on Nov. 23, 2020, but before he did, we were able to contact him and his family and let them know about the Congressional Gold Medal that will be placed in the Smithsonian. In the words of his family, He loved the Lord and the United States flag. In this season of thanksgiving, I'm grateful for our heroes who fight and have fought to defend our freedom. We will never forget. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2020/11/boozman-encourages-support-for-local-retailers | Boozman Encourages Support for Local Retailers | 2020-11-27 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Republican | Senate | AR | John Boozman | B001236 | www.boozman.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTONU.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) released the following statement encouraging Arkansans to support small businesses in their communities Saturday, November 28 as part of Small Business Saturday: Many small businesses continue to experience hardships as a result of COVID-19. Their success depends upon customers willing to support them. We can help make their holidays brighter by boosting sales for our local, independently-owned businesses. Small Business Saturday is a great time to show our appreciation for the entrepreneurs in Arkansas, Boozman said. In 2019, shoppers spent a record high $19.6 billion at independent retailers and restaurants on Small Business Saturday. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/11/25/2020/cotton-statement-on-thanksgiving | Cotton Statement on Thanksgiving | 2020-11-25 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Republican | Senate | AR | Tom Cotton | C001095 | www.cotton.senate.gov | cotton | https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact:Caroline TablerorJames Arnold(202) 734-0430 November 25, 2020 Cotton Statement on Thanksgiving Washington, D.C.—Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) released the following statement on Thanksgiving: “This Thanksgiving, we owe a special debt of gratitude to our Pilgrim Fathers, who endured great hardships to come to America 400 years ago in order to freely practice their faith. May we give thanks for the abundant blessings we’ve received from God, including the privilege of living in a great and free land. On behalf of the Cotton family, I extend my best wishes to every American in the hope they will enjoy a Thanksgiving as happy and peaceful as the First Thanksgiving.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:39:51Z |
| https://hill.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=8101 | Hill Statement on COVID-19 Emergency Lending Funds | 2020-11-24 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Republican | House | AR | French Hill | H001072 | hill.house.gov | legacy | Hill Statement on COVID-19 Emergency Lending Funds f t # e Little Rock, November 24, 2020 Little Rock, Ark. Rep. French Hill (AR-02) issued the following statement about Secretary Mnuchin's proposed idea that small businesses receive direct support from the Treasury Department:I applaud the Federal Reserve's quick response in providing emergency market liquidity in March; and their collaboration with the U.S. Treasury to structure the facilities authorized under section 13(3) of the Federal Reserve Act that served as a critical backstop for our financial markets, local governments and businesses up and down Main Street. Over the last eight difficult months, our country has adapted and learned to cope with COVID-19 at home, at school and in operating our businesses in the midst of a global pandemic. The current economic rebound and the resilient capital markets are evidence of that. The additional 13(3) facilities set up as a result of the CARES Act funding operated as they were designed. As those facilities wind down and the funding is potentially reallocated by Congress to support targeted needs, I am certain that existing core exchange stabilization funds (ESF) are available to provide market liquidity. Congress stands ready to act on additional ESF funding and authority for the Treasury as economic conditions warrant. f t # e | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2020/11/supporting-nutrition-needs-of-arkansas-students | Supporting Nutrition Needs of Arkansas Students | 2020-11-24 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Republican | Senate | AR | John Boozman | B001236 | www.boozman.senate.gov | legacy | COVID-19 has exposed a number of issues that policymakers are recognizing can no longer wait to be addressedcombating hunger is chief among them. We've seen how schools had to quickly adapt to continue providing meals while students were learning virtually. U.S. Senator John Boozman, a senior memberof theSenateAgriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committeerecently spent some time with school administrators and the dedicated individuals who make healthy school lunches across Arkansas to thank them for their efforts in the fight against hunger. We are grateful for their commitment to ensure that no child goes hungry during these challenging times. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://hill.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=8069 | French Hill Op-Ed: Dems Should Work With GOP to Expand Apprenticeship | 2020-11-23 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Republican | House | AR | French Hill | H001072 | hill.house.gov | legacy | French Hill Op-Ed: Dems Should Work With GOP to Expand Apprenticeship f t # e Washington, November 23, 2020 French Hill Op-Ed: Dems Should Work With GOP to Expand Apprenticeship 11/23/2020 RealClear MarketsThere are millions of jobs in the United States that remain unfilled because employers struggle to find applicants with the skills required for certain positions. Apprenticeships and other forms of work-based learning are tailored to help shrink the jobs gap in the U.S. because they offer American workers the opportunity to succeed without being tied to large sums of student debt. [Read Full Article] f t # e | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://womack.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=404262 | Womack Urges NPRC to Resume Processing Military Personnel | 2020-11-23 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Republican | Senate | AR | Steve Womack | W000809 | womack.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DCNovember 23, 2020....Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) today joined Rep. Van Taylor (R-TX-3), Rep. Jimmy Panetta (D-CA-20), and a bipartisan group of more than 230 members in sending a letter urging the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) to implement new policies so that they may resume processing military personnel, health, and medical records requests and address the growing backlog of requests due to the closure of the facility amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. The letter also underscores that all agency policy changes should continue to consider the health and safety of NPRC's workforce. In part, the members stated, We write to voice our growing concern with the rising number of unprocessed requests for military personnel, health, and medical records from the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) amidst the current pandemic. Except for a limited number of emergency requests, since March of this year, our constituents' requests for military personnel records from NPRC have largely been unfulfilled. Moreover, there remains no definitive timeline in which our constituent veterans can expect to have their requests processed. As you know, personnel records are needed for veterans and their dependents to qualify for a range of benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, NPRC reduced on-site operations on March 23, 2020, only processing emergency requests. Since that time, the facility has remained in this operational status with no definitive timeline for addressing the backlog or improving processing times. These personnel records are needed for veterans, military members, and their dependents to qualify for a range of benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense. The bipartisan letter was signed by 233 Members of Congress, including 111 Republicans and 122 Democrats. The full text of the letter can be found below or here: Director Scott Levins National Personnel Records … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2020/11/giving-thanks-for-arkansas-adoption-advocates | Giving Thanks for Arkansas Adoption Advocates | 2020-11-23 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Republican | Senate | AR | John Boozman | B001236 | www.boozman.senate.gov | legacy | Danny and Dawn Curtis always wanted a large family. They already had two sons when they saw a photo album of Arkansas children in foster care waiting to be adopted. They fell in love with the picture of a young girl and learned that she had three brothers. After much discussion and prayer, they adopted the sibling group and turned their family of four into a family of eight. The Curtis family eventually adopted a total of 10 children and became valuable advocates for foster children in Arkansas, through their professional lives and personal example. I was privileged to visit with Dawn recently and congratulate her as she and her late husbandwere honored by the Congressional Adoption Coalition as 2020 Angels in Adoption. Fortunately, other families are also demonstrating their commitment to change the lives of children through adoption. Thousands of families make room in their homes and their hearts each year. It is inspiring to see the love and commitment Arkansas families and organizations have to helping children in need. As willing families work with government agencies, courts and non-profit organizations throughout the state, you can see their common purpose to give every child the best life possible. As a member of the Congressional Coalition on Adoption,I am pleased, once again, to support a U.S. Senate resolution recognizing November as National Adoption Month and November 21, 2020 as National Adoption Day. There are approximately 424,000 children in the foster care system in the U.S. and half of them are waiting for adoption. The average foster child spends 20 months in that system and 65 percent of them are 10 years old or younger. This year, the COVID-19 health crisis has created even more challenges for the foster care system, prospective adoptive parents and the children who are praying for a permanent home. There has been a lot of discussion in recent years about the high number of Arkansas children in foster care. I am heartened to see the dedicated response to this crisis from organizations li… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cotton.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=1451 | Cotton Statement on Passing of Joe Morgan | 2020-11-22 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Republican | Senate | AR | Tom Cotton | C001095 | www.cotton.senate.gov | legacy | November 22, 2020 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact:Caroline TablerorJames Arnold(202) 734-0430 November 22, 2020 Cotton Statement on Passing of Joe Morgan Washington, D.C.Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) released the statement below after Joe Morgan, a prominent member of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, died on Saturday. Joe Morgan was a fierce advocate for his friends and Arkansas's outdoor heritage. We will miss him, and I hope that God will bring comfort to his family. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-statement-on-passing-of-joe-morgan | Cotton Statement on Passing of Joe Morgan | 2020-11-22 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Republican | Senate | AR | Tom Cotton | C001095 | www.cotton.senate.gov | cotton | https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Caroline Tabler orJames Arnold (202) 734-0430 November 22, 2020 Cotton Statement on Passing of Joe Morgan Washington, D.C. — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) released the statement below after Joe Morgan, a prominent member of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, died on Saturday. “Joe Morgan was a fierce advocate for his friends and Arkansas’s outdoor heritage. We will miss him, and I hope that God will bring comfort to his family.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:39:51Z |
| https://hill.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=8051 | ICYMI: Rep. Hill Op-Ed in Washington Examiner: Democrats should work with, not against, Republicans to expand apprenticeship programs | 2020-11-20 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Republican | House | AR | French Hill | H001072 | hill.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Ahead of the vote regarding H.R. 8294, the National Apprenticeship Act, Rep. French Hill (AR-02) spoke out in theWashington Examiner, highlighting in an op-ed how the legislation fails to include House Republicans' push for employer-driven innovation and new models for apprenticeship programs.The full op-ed is copied below. Democrats should work with, not against, Republicans to expand apprenticeship programs Washington Examiner By: Congressman French Hill November 20, 2020There are millions of jobs in the United States that remain unfilled because employers struggle to find applicants with the skills required for certain positions. Apprenticeships and other forms of work-based learning are tailored to help shrink the jobs gap in the U.S. because they offer American workers the opportunity to succeed without being tied to large sums of student debt. As a former community banker and former chairman of the Little Rock Regional Chamber of Commerce, I understand that business owners and entrepreneurs know best what skills their employees need to excel in the workplace. Five years ago, I started the bipartisan Congressional Skilled American Workforce Caucus with Rep. Brenda Lawrence of Detroit to promote increased skilled workforce training. Rather than modernizing the apprenticeship system, House Democrats rejected an offer from Republicans that would embrace employer-led innovation and new models for apprenticeship programs. As written, the National Apprenticeship Act closes pathways for students and job seekers by making the existing apprenticeship system, which was created during the Great Depression, the only option. In Fiscal Year 2019, 252,000 individuals entered apprenticeships, and only 81,000 graduated from the registered system. Clearly, there is room to improve the existing system, make space for employer-led innovation, and get more Americans back to work. During committee consideration of this bill, Republicans proposed a su… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://hill.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=8055 | Hill Votes Against Limits on Job Opportunities for Arkansans | 2020-11-20 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Republican | House | AR | French Hill | H001072 | hill.house.gov | legacy | Hill Votes Against Limits on Job Opportunities for Arkansans f t # e Washington, November 20, 2020 WASHINGTON D.C.Today, Rep. French Hill (AR-02) joined his Republican colleagues in voting againstH.R. 8294, the National Apprenticeship Act of 2020. While this legislation would expand the national apprenticeship system to include apprenticeships, youth apprenticeships, and pre-apprenticeship programs registered under the National Apprenticeship Act, it fails to include House Republicans' push for employer-driven innovation and new models for apprenticeship programs.In its current form, the National Apprenticeship Act limits job growth by imposing bureaucratic hurdles into the apprenticeship process. While both Democrats and Republicans agree that we need to provide good jobs to the American people, Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Democratic Leadership have refused to consider common-sense reforms to the registered apprenticeship program, and this type of partisan showmanship has greatly limited the momentum towards a solution with Arkansas families are paying the price,said Rep. Hill.While this system has historically driven workforce development, it requires modernization with a focus on innovation and flexibility to best serve the current and future needs of our citizens. To address the flaws of the current system, Republicans built on the framework of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act and have proposed new, dynamic programs that promote employer-driven innovation. I urge my Democratic colleagues to reconsider their partisan stance and embrace this opportunity to provide lasting benefits to all Americans. Earlier today, theWashington Examinerpublishedan op-ed from Rep. Hilldetailing the flaws in the House Democrats' proposed legislation. f t # e | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/weekly-columns/free-entrance-national-parks-our-veterans | Free Entrance to National Parks for Our Veterans | 2020-11-20 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Republican | Senate | AR | Bruce Westerman | W000821 | westerman.house.gov | legacy | I am pleased to inform you that starting this Veterans Day on Nov. 11, and lasting indefinitely, the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) has granted military veterans and Gold Star families free access to national parks and wildlife refuges, as well as lands and waters managed by the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. We will never be able to repay servicemen and women for their sacrifice,but this program is a way to thank America's veterans and Gold Star families for their sacrifice for our country and to encourage them to explore the recreational opportunities on our public lands and waters. Arkansas' natural beauty is on full display at our national parks and national forests. Several of these are already free, such as the natural springs in Hot Springs National Park or the bluff-lined Buffalo National River. However, the parks that do charge entrance fees, such as the Fort Smith National Historic Site and Pea Ridge National Military Park, will be more accessible through this program. To receive free entrance to national parks and wildlife refuges, veterans will need to present their Department of Defense ID Card (CAC Card), Veteran Health ID Card (VHIC), Veteran ID Card, or their veteran designation on a driver's license. And Gold Star family members will need to download and print the voucher located on the National Park Service (NPS) website. I encourage you to visit the NPS website at nps.gov to learn more about this program. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://womack.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=404259 | Womack Unanimously Re-Elected to Influential House Steering Committee for 117th Congress | 2020-11-20 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Republican | Senate | AR | Steve Womack | W000809 | womack.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DC November 20, 2020.Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) released the following statement after being unanimously re-elected to serve on the House Republican Steering Committee for the 117th Congress. The Steering Committee recommends members of the U.S. House of Representatives for committee assignments and chairmanships after analyzing a range of factors, including member background, expertise on issues, and level of seniority. This is Womack's fourth term on the Republican Steering Committee, where he represents members from Arkansas, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Puerto Rico: It's an honor to have the continued support of my colleagues to serve on the House Republican Steering Committee. With many challenges ahead of us during the 117th Congress, it is critical that members are positioned to use their leadership in a way that best serves their districts and the American people. Our conference is united behind fighting for hardworking families and building a stronger nation based on pro-growth principles and I know that representatives from Arkansas, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Puerto Rico are ready to advance this agenda. I'm committed to ensuring that lawmakers' voices are heard as important committee assignments are decided. Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) has represented Arkansas's Third Congressional District since 2011. He serves as the Ranking Member of the House Committee on the Budget and is a member of the House Appropriations Committee. womack.house.gov ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2020/11/boozman-awarded-for-commitment-to-small-business | Boozman Awarded for Commitment to Small Business | 2020-11-20 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Republican | Senate | AR | John Boozman | B001236 | www.boozman.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) was awarded the Guardian of Small Business' award from the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), the nation's leading small business association. Boozman received this honor for his outstanding voting record in support of small business owners and employees. Small business owners are facing extraordinary challenges as a result of the COVID-19 economic downturn. I'm proud to support policies that will help provide certainty and economic relief so these job creators can survive and continue to employ Arkansans. I appreciate this recognition and remain committed to advocating for the success of our state's small businesses,Boozman said. This award goes to members of Congress who support small businesses, and Senator Boozmanstands up for small business owners and employees in Arkansas and throughout the country,NFIB Arkansas State Director Sylvester Smith said. NFIB'spolicy positions are driven by its members, and we reportNFIBKey Votes back to our membership,NFIBVice President of Federal Government Relations KevinKuhlmansaid. We are proud to recognize the elected officials like SenatorBoozmanwho earned this distinction in the 116th Congress by taking pro-small business votes supporting financial assistance programs and tax relief and opposing increased labor costs. NFIB State Director Sylvester Smith presented Boozman with the Guardian of Small Business award at McLehaney Equipment Co. LLC in Benton. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://hill.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=8048 | Hill Legislation Honoring Civil Rights Icon, Scipio Jones, Passes Senate | 2020-11-19 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Republican | House | AR | French Hill | H001072 | hill.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON D.C. Rep. French Hill (AR-02) released the following statement after the U.S. Senate passed the Scipio Jones Post Office Portrait Act, which allows a portrait of civil rights champion Scipio Jones to be displayed in the Little Rock post office bearing his name. "I am proud to announce that, last night, the Scipio Jones Post Office Portrait Act passed the Senate and is headed to the president's desk to becomelaw. I introduced this bill because it became evident to me that it was going to take a literal act of Congress' to direct that a portrait of one of Arkansas's and the nation's most important civil rights champions to hang in the post office bearing his name. I am proud of this accomplishment on behalf of the people of central Arkansas, and I am grateful to my Arkansas colleagues in the House for their support in attaining unanimous approval of this bill in the House. And; I appreciate the work of Senators Boozman and Cotton for partnering with me to introduce the companion bill in the Senate. I know that generations of Arkansans will enjoy the visual reminder of Scipio Jones' important role in American history." About Scipio Jones Scipio Africanus Jones, who was born to an enslaved person in 1863, attended Walden Seminary (now Philander Smith College) and then attended Bethel Institute (now Shorter College), earning his bachelor's degree in 1885. In 1889, Jones passed the bar and was admitted to practice before theSupreme Court of Arkansasin 1900 and by the U.S. Supreme Court in 1905. After the horrific massacre of Black Americans in Elaine, Arkansas, in 1919, he defended 12 wrongly-accused Black men who had been charged with murder and condemned by all-white juries. Despite its being described as a "race riot," most of the victims were Black and most of the aggressors were white. With his clients already facing execution, Jones fought their convictions in both state and federal courts. An appeal was filed with the U.S. Supreme Court arguing that the accused had been denied due process of law.… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2020/11/covid-19-current-visitation-status-of-washington-dc-sites | UPDATED: Current Visitation Status of Washington, DC Sites | 2020-11-19 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Republican | Senate | AR | John Boozman | B001236 | www.boozman.senate.gov | legacy | When Arkansans visit Washington, D.C., I strive to make their trips enjoyable and memorable. However, due to growing health and safety concerns relative to the evolving COVID-19 coronavirus, it is important to note thatpublic visits and tours of many of the popular sites in Washington have been suspended.Please consult the list below for the current visitation status of sites. If you have additional questions, please call my Washington, D.C. office at (202) 224-4843. Please read the latest COVID-19 requirements for traveling to Washington, D.C. U.S. Capitol BuildingStatus:Closed to the public until further notice. Check for updates:https://www.visitthecapitol.gov/plan-visit/book-tour-capitol White House Status: The White House has resumed public tours, on an extremely limited basis, at a dramatically scaled down level. Tours will be hosted two days a week instead of five, only on Friday and Saturday, from 8:00AM to 11:00AM. The number of individuals allowed in for tours will be held at under twenty percent of normal tour capacity. Requests must be submitted at least one month in advance. Please note that our office can only submit a request to the White House for your tour. All decisions about tour dates and times are made by the White House and subject to last minute rescheduling or cancellation. Confirmed tour guests will be notified by White House email approximately two weeks in advance and will receive detailed information on additional health and safety precautions in place at that time. All guests (ages 2 years and over) are required to wear a face covering and practice social distancing during their visit to the White House complex. Check for updates: Call my Washington, DC office at 202-224-4843 U.S. Supreme CourtStatus:Closed to the public until further notice. Check for updates:https://www.supremecourt.gov/announcements/COVID-19.aspx PentagonStatus:Public tours suspended until further notice. Check for updates:https://pentagontours.osd.mil/Tours/ Arlington CemeteryStatus:Closed to visitors;… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cotton.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=1450 | Cotton Praises Change Allowing Labeling of Israeli Goods | 2020-11-19 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Republican | Senate | AR | Tom Cotton | C001095 | www.cotton.senate.gov | legacy | November 19, 2020 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact:Caroline TablerorJames Arnold(202) 734-0430 November 19, 2020 Cotton Praises Change Allowing Labeling of Israeli Goods Washington, D.C.Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) released the statement below after the administrationannouncedthat all producers within areas where Israel exercises the relevant authorities most notably Area C under the Oslo Accords will be required to mark goods as 'Israel', 'Product of Israel', or Made in Israel' when exporting to the United States. Yesterday, Senator Cotton sent aletterwith Senate colleagues urging the change in U.S. customs policy. Anti-Israel demagogues like the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions gang have long weaponized country-of-origin rules in their efforts to delegitimize Israel and discriminate against its goods. I commend the administration for heeding my call to end the discriminatory treatment of Israeli goods produced in Judea and Samaria, so they may be labeled properly, Made in Israel.' ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-praises-change-allowing-labeling-of-israeli-goods | Cotton Praises Change Allowing Labeling of Israeli Goods | 2020-11-19 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Republican | Senate | AR | Tom Cotton | C001095 | www.cotton.senate.gov | cotton | https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Caroline Tabler orJames Arnold (202) 734-0430 November 19, 2020 Cotton Praises Change Allowing Labeling of Israeli Goods Washington, D.C. — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) released the statement below after the administration announced that “all producers within areas where Israel exercises the relevant authorities – most notably? Area C ?under the Oslo Accords ?–? will be required to ?mark ?goods as ?’Israel’, ?’Product of Israel’, or ‘Made in Israel’ ?when exporting to the United States.” Yesterday, Senator Cotton sent a letter with Senate colleagues urging the change in U.S. customs policy. “Anti-Israel demagogues like the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions gang have long weaponized country-of-origin rules in their efforts to delegitimize Israel and discriminate against its goods. I commend the administration for heeding my call to end the discriminatory treatment of Israeli goods produced in Judea and Samaria, so they may be labeled properly, ‘Made in Israel.’” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:39:51Z |
| https://www.cotton.senate.gov/?p=blog&id=1449 | Our Pilgrim Fathers | 2020-11-18 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Republican | Senate | AR | Tom Cotton | C001095 | www.cotton.senate.gov | legacy | November 18, 2020 A great American anniversary is upon us. Four hundred years ago this Saturday, a battered old ship called the Mayflower arrived in the waters off Cape Cod. The passengers aboard the Mayflower are, in many ways, our first founders. Daniel Webster called them Our Pilgrim Fathers on the two hundredth anniversary of this occasion. Regrettably, we haven't heard much about this anniversary of the Mayflower; I suppose the Pilgrims have fallen out of favor in fashionable circles these days. I'd therefore like to take a few minutes to reflect on the Pilgrim story and its living legacy for our nation. By 1620, the Pilgrims were already practiced at living in a strange land. They had fled England for Holland twelve years earlier, seeking freedom to practice their faith. But life was hard in Holland and the Stuart monarchy, intolerant of dissent from the Church of England, gradually extended its oppressive reach across the Channel. So the Pilgrims fled the Old World for the New. In seeking safe harbor for their religion, the Pilgrims differed from those settlers who preceded them in the previous century, up to and including the Jamestown settlement just thirteen years earlier. As John Quincy Adams put it in a speech celebrating the Pilgrims' anniversary, those earlier settlers were all instigated by personal interests, motivated by avarice and ambition and selfish passions. The Pilgrims, by contrast, braved the seas under the single inspiration of conscience and out of a sense of religious obligation. Not to say all aboard the Mayflower felt the same. About half of the 102 passengers were known as Strangers to the Pilgrims. The Strangers were craftsmen, traders, indentured servants, and others added to the manifest by the ship's financial backers for business reasons. The Strangers did not share the Pilgrims' faith, suffice it to say. Winston Churchill in his History of the English-Speaking Peoples, wryly observ… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cotton.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=1448 | Cotton, Colleagues Urge Administration to Change Israeli Goods Labeling Policy | 2020-11-18 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Republican | Senate | AR | Tom Cotton | C001095 | www.cotton.senate.gov | legacy | November 18, 2020 Washington, D.C. - On Monday, Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas), along with Senators Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Kelly Loeffler (R-Georgia), and Marco Rubio (R-Florida), sent a letter to President Donald Trump urging the administration to change U.S. customs policy and guidelines to allow Israeli goods produced in Judea and Samaria to be labeled "Made in Israel." "Your administration should continue its string of pro-Israel policy changes by undoing these misguided Clinton-era guidelines, thereby allowing Israeli goods produced in Judea and Samaria to be labeled as Made in Israel.' This decision would be yet another achievement by your administration that would support Israel and would push back against anti-Semitism and the BDS movement," the Senators write. The full text of the letter can be found by clicking here. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-colleagues-urge-administration-to-change-israeli-goods-labeling-policy | Cotton, Colleagues Urge Administration to Change Israeli Goods Labeling Policy | 2020-11-18 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Republican | Senate | AR | Tom Cotton | C001095 | www.cotton.senate.gov | cotton | https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Washington, D.C. - On Monday, Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas), along with Senators Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Kelly Loeffler (R-Georgia), and Marco Rubio (R-Florida), sent a letter to President Donald Trump urging the administration to change U.S. customs policy and guidelines to allow Israeli goods produced in Judea and Samaria to be labeled "Made in Israel." "Your administration should continue its string of pro-Israel policy changes by undoing these misguided Clinton-era guidelines, thereby allowing Israeli goods produced in Judea and Samaria to be labeled as ‘Made in Israel.' This decision would be yet another achievement by your administration that would support Israel and would push back against anti-Semitism and the BDS movement," the Senators write. The full text of the letter can be found by clicking here. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:39:51Z |
| https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2020/11/senators-introduce-resolution-honoring-the-world-food-program-for-receiving-nobel-peace-prize | Senators Introduce Resolution Honoring the World Food Program for Receiving Nobel Peace Prize | 2020-11-17 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Republican | Senate | AR | John Boozman | B001236 | www.boozman.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTONThe Senate Hunger Caucus has unveiled an effort to honor the United Nations World Food Program (WFP) for receiving the 2020 Nobel Peace Prize. The caucus co-chairsSens. John Boozman (R-AR), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Bob Casey (D-PA), Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Jerry Moran (R-KS)have introducedS.Res.774that congratulates the WFP for being awarded the 2020 Nobel Peace Prize, affirms the organization's mission and expresses support for the leadership of WFP Executive Director David Beasley. Additionally, the resolution reiterates the Senate's commitment to the goal of working with the international community to end hunger, achieve food security and improve nutrition through the work of the WFP. Eliminating hunger at home and abroad takes an all-hands-on-deck approach. It requires leaders with visionary solutions and supporting team members who are willing to put in the hard work to bring about meaningful change. David Beasley and his team at the WFP embody these principles. I congratulate them and offer my continued support as we work together toward a world where hunger is no longer an issue,saidBoozman. For nearly 60 years, the World Food Program has been on the front lines fighting hunger, preventing famines and responding to humanitarian crises across the world,said Brown.The WFP is a worthy recipient of the 2020 Nobel Peace Prize and I congratulate the women and men of the WFP who have worked so hard to make the world a better place. I am honored to join my colleagues on the Senate Hunger Caucus to recognize the outstanding work of the WFP. World Food Program staff and volunteers are on the front lines fighting famine, hunger and malnutrition in the world's most difficult to reach regions. Awarding WFP with the 2020 Nobel Peace Prize is not only commendation of the incredible work WFP does, but also a recognition that food security is essential to fighting poverty and achieving a more just and equitable world. As the world deals with an unprecedented pandemic, conflict and displacement, we must not forge… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/weekly-columns/conservation-depends-outdoor-recreation | Conservation Depends on Outdoor Recreation | 2020-11-13 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Republican | Senate | AR | Bruce Westerman | W000821 | westerman.house.gov | legacy | Ever since I was elected to Congress, I've served on the House Committee on Natural Resources. This committee oversees public land management, water resources, critical minerals and more. It also has jurisdiction over wildlife management, something that I am particularly interested in as an avid sportsman. When I get on a flight home to Hot Springs from D.C., I'm usually looking forward to fishing in Lake Ouachita or hunting in the woods, depending on the season. I've been to all 50 U.S. states and territories and I still don't think there's a better place for outdoor activities than Arkansas. What you may not realize is that hunters and outdoor sportsmen and women are often the most committed conservationists. These are people whose passions and interests are dependent on the health and long-term sustainability of wildlife populations and habitats. For example, hunting seasons and bag limits, as determined by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, ensure the state's wildlife populations do not exceed their natural carrying capacity and ensure we live side-by-side with nature. Now more than ever, I believe Arkansas can lead the way in showing the world what healthy stewardship of our resources looks like. It doesn't mean we lock up millions of acres and prohibit recreation opportunities; on the contrary, it means we incentivize hunting and land usage in a way that leaves the environment in better condition than we inherited it. I'm proud to be a sportsman and advocate for these issues in Congress. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://womack.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=404256 | Womack Honors Winner of the 2020 Congressional App Challenge | 2020-11-13 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Republican | Senate | AR | Steve Womack | W000809 | womack.house.gov | legacy | 7th grader from Fayetteville wins the 2020 Congressional App Challenge after developing an app that will help agriculture producers track soil moisture Pictured: Rep. Womack (right) with Congressional App Challenge Winner Veera Unnam (left) Bentonville, AR November 13, 2020.Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) today honored Veera Sai Joshik Unnam, a 7th grader at Haas Hall Academy in Bentonville and resident of Fayetteville, for winning the 2020 Congressional App Challenge. The annual and nationwide coding competition for middle school and high school students aims to encourage our nation's youth to pursue Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) education and computer science careers. Congressman Womacksaid, The future is bright with Arkansas's next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs using this competition to leverage their science, technology, engineering, and math skills. A big congratulations to Veera on this incredible achievement! His app which is purposed in helping our farmers and agriculture industry shows how young minds are utilizing coding to find creative solutions to the problems we face. Dr. Rod Wittenberg, Headmaster at Haas Hall Bentonville, said, We are incredibly proud of Veera. As a 7th grader, he used his technological savvyto create a user-friendly app with tremendous real-world utility. As a scholar at Haas Hall Academy Bentonville, I feel that Veera has unlimited potential. Thank you, Congressman Womack, for advocating for the youth of Arkansas and promoting STEM activities. Jeff Amerine, Founder and Managing Director of Startup Junkie, said All of the competitors in this year's Congressional App Challenge created compelling solutions. The process of choosing the winner was very difficult as a result. The winner exhibited an understanding of a meaningful problem in agriculture, technical prowess in both hardware and software development, and the ability to tell the story. Candidly, it was amazing for a student in the 7th grade. Overall, thecompetingstudents reinfo… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2020/11/legislative-win-for-conservation | Legislative Win for Conservation | 2020-11-13 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Republican | Senate | AR | John Boozman | B001236 | www.boozman.senate.gov | legacy | Arkansas is blessed with a wonderful landscape and incredible wildlife that people from all across the country come to our state to enjoy. Preserving and protecting our environment is vital to enabling future generations of Americans to participate in popular outdoor activities. This Congress, we'vetakensignificantactionto improvefederal conservation programs, most recently with the enactment ofAmerica's Conservation Enhancement (ACE) Act. This bipartisan conservation law advances and expands programs to safeguard wildlife and ecosystems. It will enable us tobetter implement collaborative strategies to protect and restorewetlandhabitatby reauthorizing critical programs that have a track record of success like the North American Wetlands ConservationAct(NAWCA). This program has resulted in the restoration of thousands of acres of wildlife habitat in Arkansas and more than 30 million acres nationwide. Our state has also benefited from theNational Fish Habitat Partnership (NFHP), a programArkansas Game and FishCommission assistant chief of fisheries, Jason Olive, says has recently helped projects on Lake Poinsett and Lake Ouachita. This law codifies the NFHP and increases federal support for its efforts to improve fish habitat and the jobs and businesses that depend on a healthy and robust fish population. This law also helps maintain a healthy wildlife population. Arkansas hunters are facing new challenges and emerging threats to the safety of the deer population as a result of chronic wasting disease (CWD).Since it was first detected in the state four years ago, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission has taken strategic actions to prevent the spread of this degenerative disease in deer, elk and moose by implementing innovative ways to address this problem. TheACE Actestablishes a CWD task force within the U.S. Department of the Interior so we can expand federal assistance to better collaborate with state and local officials to fight this disease. As an avid outdoorsman, I'm proud to advocateand supportfederal p… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cotton.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=1447 | Cotton Statement on Shooting of Helena Officer | 2020-11-13 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Republican | Senate | AR | Tom Cotton | C001095 | www.cotton.senate.gov | legacy | November 13, 2020 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact:Caroline TablerorJames Arnold(202) 734-0430 November 13, 2020 Cotton Statement on Shooting of Helena Officer Washington, D.C.Following the arrest of two suspects in the murder of Helena-West Helena Police Officer Travis Wallace, Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) released the following statement: Officer Travis Wallace tragically lost his life protecting his fellow citizens from dangerous criminals. Although he was taken too early from this earth in a despicable act of cowardice, we will all forever remember his brave service. Pray for his family, his fellow officers, and the community of Helena-West Helena. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cotton-statement-on-shooting-of-helena-officer | Cotton Statement on Shooting of Helena Officer | 2020-11-13 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Republican | Senate | AR | Tom Cotton | C001095 | www.cotton.senate.gov | cotton | https://www.cotton.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Caroline Tabler orJames Arnold (202) 734-0430 November 13, 2020 Cotton Statement on Shooting of Helena Officer Washington, D.C. — Following the arrest of two suspects in the murder of Helena-West Helena Police Officer Travis Wallace, Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) released the following statement: “Officer Travis Wallace tragically lost his life protecting his fellow citizens from dangerous criminals. Although he was taken too early from this earth in a despicable act of cowardice, we will all forever remember his brave service. Pray for his family, his fellow officers, and the community of Helena-West Helena.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:39:51Z |
| https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/westerman-announces-2020-congressional-app-challenge-winners | Westerman Announces 2020 Congressional App Challenge Winners | 2020-11-12 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Republican | House | AR | Bruce Westerman | W000821 | westerman.house.gov | westerman | https://westerman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) hosted a virtual reception announcing the winners of the Congressional App Challenge. Westerman issued the following statement: "I look forward to the Congressional App Challenge every year as a way to showcase the incredible talent of Fourth District students. Unfortunately I didn't get to meet with them in person this year due to COVID-19, but I'm glad we still got to hold the reception virtually so I could congratulate them on all their hard work. It's always difficult to pick a winner!" Background The Congressional App Challenge is an annual event in which middle and high school students across the country design and code their own original apps. The winning team from each congressional district is honored at an event in Washington, D.C., where they present their apps to attendees. This year, the Fourth District received 14 submissions from students, and the winners were announced this evening during a virtual event held on Zoom. The 2020 Fourth District top five teams are: First Place: Jacob Heffington, from Hot Springs High School, with his app, "Hot Springs District COVID-19 Screening." Second Place (tie): Claire Green, Shawn Chen, Eric Fluke and Yibling Hu, from Arkansas School of Mathematics, Sciences and the Arts (ASMSA), with their app, "Capstone Coach." Second Place (tie): Elle Stokes, from Dardanelle High School, with her app, "everyBODY." Third Place: Alexandra Flores, Mikey Gatica, Allisandro Perez and Arielis Rodriguez, from Dardanelle High School, with their app, "AR4U." Fourth Place: David Clark, Soumya Chauhan, Pierce Hickey and Steven Lynch, from ASMSA, with their app, "Terra-Aid." | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:39:51Z |
| https://www.cotton.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=1445 | Cotton Statement on Veterans Day | 2020-11-11 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Republican | Senate | AR | Tom Cotton | C001095 | www.cotton.senate.gov | legacy | November 11, 2020 Washington, D.C. - Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) released the following statement in observance of Veterans Day: "Veterans Day is a fitting time for Americans to celebrate the brave few who have accepted great hardship and danger to defend our nation, from the beaches of Europe and jungles of Asia to the deserts of the Middle East. Today, let us praise and remember all our heroes and the family members who faithfully supported them during their trials. May we never forget the great cause for which they fought, which is the cause of freedom." | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cotton.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=1446 | Cotton Praises Passage of Bill Allowing Medal of Honor for SFC Cashe | 2020-11-11 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Republican | Senate | AR | Tom Cotton | C001095 | www.cotton.senate.gov | legacy | November 11, 2020 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact:Caroline TablerorJames Arnold(202) 734-0430 November 11, 2020 Cotton Praises Passage of Bill Allowing Medal of Honor for SFC Cashe Washington, D.C.Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) released the following statement after unanimous Senate passage of his bill that allows the awarding of the Medal of Honor toSergeant First Class (SFC) Alwyn Cashe. The bill passed the House of Representatives earlier this year. Alwyn Cashe's incredible bravery on the battlefield in service of his fellow Americans is worthy of the Medal of Honor. Now, Mr. Cashe's ultimate sacrifice can be formally recognized by the president and appreciated by our grateful nation, saidCotton. Background: SFC Cashe exemplified the finest traditions of military heroism when he disregarded his own safety andsaved the livesof six fellow soldiers despite his serious injuries during Operation Iraqi Freedom in October of 2005. Cashe later died from his wounds, which included severe burns over 70% of his body. The bill text may be foundhere. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z |
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